Kuwait is a signatory of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention), which was ratified by Kuwait on 28 April 1978 (through Kuwait Decree-Law No. 10/1978). The Convention has been in force since 27 July 1978. Kuwaiti courts will apply the New York Convention only with respect to awards rendered within other Convention member states.

Kuwait is also party to the Washington Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States of 1965 (ICSID). Kuwait ratified the same through Kuwait Decree-Law No. 1/1979.

Kuwait is also party to two regional conventions relating to judicial cooperation and enforcement of judgments rendered by state courts (i.e., the Riyadh Convention on Judicial Cooperation between the States of the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council Convention for the Execution of Judgments, Delegations and Judicial Notifications). While not specifically related to arbitration, the two conventions also regulate the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.