Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has rolled out new nationwide regulations tightening hygiene and operational standards across salons, spas, and beauty parlours. The decision, issued by Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi under Resolution No. 194/2025 and published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm, requires all establishments to comply with a comprehensive health-requirements guide aimed at protecting public health and professional integrity within the wellness sector. According to data compiled by Rentech Digital, Kuwait is home to roughly 1,200 beauty salons and 551 gyms as of May 2025, underscoring the scale of the industry affected by the new rules. Though approximate, these figures highlight how widespread the impact will be once enforcement begins.
New health standards and implementation
The updated regulations apply to all health institutions, salons, and personal-care establishments operating in Kuwait. They require facilities to adopt stricter hygiene measures, ensure staff training, and maintain approved standards of cleanliness and ventilation. Dr Al-Awadhi said the ministry will work closely with relevant authorities to guarantee full compliance. Establishments must now align their operations with the new guide to maintain safe environments for clients and employees alike.
Deadline and enforcement
Businesses have until 1 March 2026 to meet the new health and safety requirements. During this transition period, salon owners are expected to audit their facilities, retrain staff, and upgrade cleaning and waste-management systems. Non-compliant salons risk penalties, temporary suspension, or closure, with the Ministry warning that rigorous inspections will begin well before the deadline.
Key areas of focus
Under the new guide, beauty and wellness centres must demonstrate improvements in several key areas:
- Enhanced sanitation: frequent disinfection, waste management, and sterilisation of tools after each use.
- Staff competency: mandatory hygiene and safety training for all employees.
- Customer protection: infection-control procedures for every treatment.
- Air quality: improved ventilation systems meeting health standards.
- Licensing and inspection: up-to-date permits and regular health audit.
The guidelines aim to safeguard both customers and professionals while elevating service quality across Kuwait’s rapidly growing beauty industry.
Strengthening public health standards
The initiative forms part of Kuwait’s broader public-health strategy to align its hygiene and safety framework with international best practices. By enforcing these new standards, authorities seek to reinforce consumer confidence and encourage responsible business conduct across the personal-care sector. Salon and spa operators are being urged to begin compliance efforts immediately to avoid last-minute complications and ensure certification ahead of the 2026 deadline.
