Public Affairs

The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at AUK hosted an informative academic session titled “Understanding Taxes in Kuwait: Pillar Two and Transfer Pricing,” presented by KPMG Tax specialists Zulaiha Hassen and Hakim Abde Ali. The event was organized by AUK Accounting Professor, Dr. Kameleddine Benamer.
 
The workshop offered students a clear and structured overview of Kuwait’s rapidly evolving tax landscape, with a particular focus on the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT) under OECD Pillar Two rules and the growing significance of Transfer Pricing documentation and compliance. More than just a lecture, the session invited active participation, with students raising thoughtful questions and engaging deeply with the real-world scenarios presented by the experts.
 
Throughout the session, students explored Kuwait’s current tax framework, including the country’s longstanding exemption of personal income tax and limited corporate taxation, as well as the introduction of DMTT, effective January 1, 2025. The presenters explained how the new rules ensure multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in Kuwait meet a minimum effective tax rate of 15%, applicable to groups with global consolidated revenues of at least EUR 750 million in two of the previous four fiscal years.
 
Participants also gained clarity on the mechanisms of Pillar Two implementation, including the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (QDMTT), Safe Harbor provisions, and required registration timelines for in-scope entities. A dedicated portion of the session addressed Transfer Pricing, emphasizing the Arm’s Length Principle for related-party transactions, acceptable pricing methodologies, and the importance of maintaining both Master File and Local File documentation in line with OECD BEPS Action 13.
 
By the end of the event, students had strengthened their understanding of global tax compliance, the strategic impact of Transfer Pricing on effective tax rates, and the essential role of accurate reporting in multinational operations. The workshop underscored AUK’s commitment to enriching academic learning through exposure to industry expertise, preparing students to navigate complex financial and regulatory environments with confidence.
 
This session forms part of CBE’s ongoing efforts to integrate professional insight into the curriculum, fostering meaningful collaboration between academia and leading international firms such as KPMG.