Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah on Monday ordered to provide citizens with $4 billion and free food for a period of 14 months in celebration of Kuwait’s 50th anniversary of independence, 20th anniversary of liberation from Iraqi occupation and the fifth anniversary of the emir's ascendance to power, KUNA reported.

Each of the 1.12 million native citizens will get $ 3,572 in cash, as well as free essential food items until 31 March, 2012, KUNA said, citing Rudhan Al Rudhan, the state minister for cabinet affairs.

Kuwait's 2.4 million foreign residents are excluded from the free food and grants.

In Kuwait, annual inflation rate hit 5.9 per cent in November, reaching a 20-month peak, on the back of high food prices, which increased by 12.3 per cent.