Under Kuwait's Personal Status Law, an engagement is not a binding marriage contract, and either party may withdraw from it (Article 3). However, what happens to gifts and the dowry depends on who ended the engagement and why.
If you (the groom) called off the engagement without a valid reason, you are generally entitled to reclaim the dowry (mahr) you paid, or its value at the time it was received if the original cannot be returned (Article 4). However, gifts you gave voluntarily cannot be recovered if you ended the engagement without justification (Article 5a). If the bride called it off without justification, you may recover both the dowry and any gifts that are still in existence (Article 5b).
Importantly, gifts that no longer exist — for example, consumables, food, or items that have been used up — cannot be recovered in any case (Article 7). If the engagement ends due to death or an unforeseen circumstance, gifts are generally not returned (Article 6b). Always keep records of major financial exchanges during an engagement period, as these details will matter if a dispute goes before a Kuwaiti court.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Kuwait.