Kuwait General Fire Force Law

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Introduction

Kuwait Law No. 13/2020 On the General Fire Force reorganised the Kuwait Fire Authority and renamed it the Kuwait General Fire Force (KFF), and set a unified legal basis for prevention, licensing, inspection, and emergency response. Kuwait Law No. 13/2020 replaces Kuwait Law No. 36/1982 On Fire Force and is now the core reference for fire-safety governance across public and private sectors.

Background and legal basis

  • Primary statute: Kuwait Law No. 13/2020 which replaces Kuwait Law No. 36/1982.

  • Executive regulations: Kuwait Decision No. 44/2020 On the Implementing Regulation of Kuwait Law No. 13/2020 On the General Fire Force, issued in the official gazette on 3 December 2020. Kuwait Decision No. 44/2020 operationalises licensing, technical approvals, and enforcement procedures.

  • Policy objective: Protect life and property, standardise prevention rules, and modernise the KFF structure, including training and specialised facilities.

Scope and definitions

Kuwait Law No. 13/2020 covers the following:

  • Preventive safety for buildings and activities.

  • Firefighting, rescue, and hazardous-materials response.

  • Permitting and technical approvals for design, construction, occupancy, and modifications.

  • Administrative violations and penalties.

Institutional roles