Kuwait in a Week- Oct.30-Nov. 6- 2025

Kuwait promotes humanitarian work

 Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi emphasized that humanitarian work in Kuwait is a core national value and a well-established approach, reflecting the country's commitment to giving that transcends borders. His comments came during a dialogue session, "Leading Change in Humanitarian Work," organized by the Kuwait Association for Needy Families, which focused on sustainable strategies and global partnerships to enhance charitable efforts.

The session, attended by a delegation from the UAE's Sustainable Development Goals (DIHAD) organization, highlighted Kuwait's long-standing tradition of institutionalizing giving. Dr. Al-Ajmi noted that the Ministry of Social Affairs recently launched a modern regulatory framework to improve transparency and governance, including the central aid system. These measures align with Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to reinforce Kuwait’s position as a regional and international humanitarian hub.

Al-Ajmi stressed that the effectiveness of humanitarian work is measured by its sustainability and societal impact, not solely by the volume of aid. He underscored the importance of global partnerships that unite governments and the private sector, citing the depth of Gulf cooperation with the UAE as an example. Chairman of the Kuwait Association for Needy Families, Bader Al-Mubarak, confirmed that strategic partnerships are essential, noting the association's recent agreement with DIHAD to enhance cooperation. Furthermore, DIHAD President Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Madani praised Kuwait's pioneering role and exemplary charitable societies for their diverse initiatives and commitment to developing sustainable humanitarian mechanisms.  — KUNA

 Namaa Charity launches first phase of Gaza shelter project

Kuwait’s Namaa Charity launched the first phase of its "For Gaza" relief project, installing over 100 fully equipped tents to provide urgent, safe shelter for displaced families in northern Gaza. The initiative responds to the massive humanitarian crisis in which over 1.9 million people, or about 85% of Gaza’s population, have been forcibly displaced, with many lacking adequate protection.

Namaa Charity CEO Saad Al-Otaibi highlighted the destruction of over 60% of residential facilities, making dignified shelter a critical need. The installed tents are equipped with heat- and moisture-insulating materials, along with essential supplies like blankets and hygiene kits, offering minimum safety and privacy. This shelter project is part of Namaa Charity's broader, integrated humanitarian vision that includes water, food, and health programs to strengthen community resilience.

Al-Otaibi stressed that the project was implemented according to high relief standards through effective partnerships with local institutions accredited by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring transparency and maximum impact. He praised the seamless collaboration between governmental and civil society efforts as a model for effective humanitarian work, reaffirming Kuwait’s enduring role as a global center of giving. Namaa Charity aims to expand the project to southern Gaza in future phases. This initiative reflects Kuwait’s ongoing dedication to humanitarian causes, a tradition recognized globally, as noted in the search results that mention Kuwait as a "Humanitarian Superpower".  — KUNA

Kuwait cuts drugs trafficking by 90%, eyes death penalty

   Kuwait has successfully cut drug trafficking by an estimated 90 percent over the past year, according to First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. The minister, who characterized the operation as a "real war against trafficking of drugs," noted that the success is reflected in the market, where the price of narcotic pills has soared by seven to eight times due to scarcity.

The crackdown has led to numerous large drug busts, seizing vast quantities of narcotics and resulting in a high number of arrests. To strengthen these efforts, the government is preparing to introduce a new anti-drugs law. This tough new legislation will expand the scope of the death penalty to include senior officials who exploit their positions to facilitate drug trafficking and individuals who traffic drugs while in jail.

The new law is also expected to stipulate random drug testing for all servicemen and women in the Interior Ministry, the military, and related agencies. Furthermore, the government is focusing on rehabilitation, contemplating ways to help treated addicts return to their jobs. Sheikh Fahad thanked the General Department for Drug Control for its success in dismantling drug dealing networks and highlighted the state’s commitment to treatment, referencing the newly opened facility and Kuwait's receipt of two Arab awards for its anti-drug efforts. The comprehensive strategy integrates security and health institutions to safeguard the community.

 Ancient Dilmun Temples Discovered on Failaka Island  

The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) announced the significant discovery of a Bronze Age temple dating back nearly 4,000 years to the Dilmun Civilization on Failaka Island, Kuwait. The find was made during the 2025 archaeological excavation season in collaboration with a joint Kuwaiti-Danish team from Moesgaard Museum.

NCCAL’s Mohammad bin Redha confirmed that the team uncovered the complete layout of a Dilmun temple situated beneath a second temple announced during the previous season. This means two superimposed temples from the same era, dating to about 1900–1800 B.C., were found at the Tell F6 site.

Significance of the Discovery

Dr. Stefan Larsen, Head of the Danish mission, noted that the discovery of the older temple's foundations, along with artifacts like seals and pottery vessels, confirms the continuity of the Dilmun Civilization on the island. The temples provide crucial insight into the religious practices of the Dilmun people.

Kuwait University's Dr. Hassan Ashkanani highlighted that this discovery is a unique achievement, bringing the total number of known Dilmun temples in the southwestern region of Failaka to four adjacent temples from the same era. This reinforces the area's importance as a major administrative and religious center during the Bronze Age and reflects the flourishing Kingdom of Dilmun on Failaka.

Dr. Olle Herschland, a supervisor of the excavations, explained that current research focuses on the architectural analysis of the temples and the daily activities carried out within them, as they were key cultural and political institutions in the island’s history. NCCAL continues to support these missions to highlight and preserve Kuwait's ancient heritage.

   - KUNA

Kuwait’s hosting of over 20 UN agencies reflects decades of support, partnership

Kuwait’s foreign minister reaffirms commitment to UN charter on its 80th anniversary

 Kuwait's decades-long partnership with the United Nations (UN) was celebrated at an event marking the organization’s 80th anniversary, with Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya highlighting the UN House—a hub for over 20 UN agencies—as a concrete symbol of this commitment. Al-Yahya praised the UN as a solid foundation for international order built on justice, peace, and cooperation.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ghada Hatim Eltahir, detailed Kuwait’s active role over the past year, which included hosting the High-Level Conference on Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation under the Dushanbe Process and organizing the Sixth Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Kuwait and the UN have collaborated on initiatives ranging from the Human Development Report and the national anti-corruption strategy to labor mobility frameworks, counter-trafficking measures, and sustainable finance. Through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Kuwait continues its role as a global humanitarian center, extending support to refugees and displaced persons worldwide.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Strategic Cooperation Framework will align joint efforts with the final decade of Kuwait Vision 2035 and the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Eltahir acknowledged global challenges, including conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, and stressed the importance of addressing climate change as a core focus of Kuwait’s future strategy. Since joining in 1963, Kuwait has remained dedicated to the UN's three pillars: international peace and security, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and human rights.

Kuwait Health Minister: special attention to boosting medical programs

 Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed the ministry’s particular concern for boosting inclusive medical prevention and educational programs at the local level. The minister was speaking at the inaugural session of the Second Kuwait Dental Implants and Periodontics Symposium, organized by the Kuwait Dental Association.

Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized that treating mouth and gum diseases is not a cosmetic issue, but a critical condition linked to other systemic illnesses like diabetes, cardiac illnesses, and the health of the heart and arteries. He also highlighted the state's adoption of state-of-the-art inventions, including digital printing and 3-D imaging, for treating these conditions.

The two-day symposium, which features lectures and workshops from elite Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti specialists, is a testament to years of cooperation in the field, as noted by the association's president, Dr. Bsais Al-Ajmi. The Ministry of Health's focus on prevention is evident in its various public health programs and services, which aim to improve the quality of health for all residents.

 — KUNA 

 Kuwait Sounds Alarm on Global Radiation Threat

Kuwait, represented by Second Secretary Abdulrahman Mohammad Al-Ajmi at the UN General Assembly, issued a warning about the alarming global rise in radiation exposure levels, calling for intensified international monitoring and proactive measures. Kuwait stressed the shared responsibility to ensure radioactive materials are used only for peaceful purposes, especially in areas like medicine, clean energy, agriculture, and scientific research.

Kuwait plays a significant regional role, closely cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The country hosts four regional service and cooperation centers for the IAEA, focusing on medicine, marine environment, and radiation protection, a recognition of its advanced scientific expertise. Notably, the Environmental and Life Sciences Research Center at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) was recently re-accredited as an IAEA Cooperation Center for monitoring marine radioactive contamination.

Al-Ajmi highlighted joint projects with the IAEA on combating cancer and monitoring marine pollution from microplastics, reflecting Kuwait's role as an effective regional hub for nuclear science applications. He also confirmed that Kuwait's nuclear security efforts are guided by an Integrated National Nuclear Security Plan, which focuses on enhancing institutional, human, and technical capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to potential radiological threats, in full alignment with international standards.

— KUNA

Kuwait and Indonesia strengthen ties, mark 57th anniversary

   The Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait hosted a reception marking the 80th anniversary of its Independence Day and 57 years of diplomatic relations with Kuwait. Indonesian Ambassador Lena Maryana noted encouraging progress in bilateral cooperation, with a focus on expanding ties beyond energy to include renewable energy, food security, and investment. Indonesia, which holds 3,700 gigawatts of potential renewable energy, encourages two-way investment in strategic sectors like agriculture and energy to boost sustainable development and economic resilience.

Kuwait is home to over 6,000 Indonesian citizens, and the Ambassador praised Kuwait’s continued cooperation under the 1996 Memorandum of Understanding on Manpower, which protects their welfare. The Ambassador also reiterated Indonesia’s steadfast commitment to global peace and justice, citing President Prabowo Subianto's participation in the Gaza Peace Summit. Reflecting the nation's long-term vision of "Golden Indonesia 2045," the country’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (2025–2029) focuses on poverty reduction and human resource development, further strengthening its international partnerships. The event was attended by Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan as Guest of Honor.

 Kuwait Hosts Gulf Red Crescent AI Conference to Inject Humanity in Digital Age

At the Gulf Red Crescent First Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Kuwait, ICRC head of delegation Mamadou Sow warned that humanity must not be lost behind algorithms as conflicts enter the digital sphere. He stressed that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) must apply online, citing cyberattacks on hospitals and the spread of misinformation as humanitarian consequences of the digital age. Sow insisted that for autonomous weapon systems, "there will always be a human behind the decisions to take life."

Assistant Foreign Minister Aziz Al-Daihani reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance humanitarian response and realize New Kuwait 2035. Hosting the event reflects Kuwait's leadership in promoting humanitarian values and GCC cooperation, with a strategic focus on investing innovation in the service of humanity.

The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), through its Chairman Ambassador Khaled Al-Miqamis, confirmed it is already integrating AI for improved data management, needs assessments, and accelerating relief efforts, ensuring smart tools reinforce their humanitarian values. Sow also highlighted the ICRC’s efforts to create a digital emblem—a virtual protective sign for humanitarian systems operating online—as a digital shield for the 21st century. Furthermore, the Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society praised the conference's focus on technology and ethics, noting that digitization is now essential for improving efficiency and transparency in charitable work. 

Turkiye and Kuwait: Honoring the Republic, advancing shared future

 On October 29, 2025, the Republic of Turkiye proudly celebrated its 102nd Anniversary, reflecting on a century of resilience since its founding in 1923 under Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Guided by the principle of "peace at home, peace in the world," Turkiye has evolved into a key regional and global player committed to humanitarian values and principled diplomacy.

This milestone also highlights the strengthening ties under the "Century of Turkiye" vision, which aims to reinforce regional security and institutional relations. A critical component of this vision is the success story of Turkiye's defense industry. With over 1,380 projects and a turnover exceeding $20 billion, Turkish-made equipment now constitutes over 80% of its inventory and is exported to 185 countries.

The anniversary carries special weight for Turkiye-Kuwait relations. The historic visit of His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Turkiye in May 2024, followed by President Erdogan's reciprocal visit on October 21, 2025, has cemented a strategic partnership. These high-level meetings saw the signing of historic agreements in energy, investment, maritime, and transportation, setting the stage for deeper collaboration that supports Kuwait's Vision 2035.

Turkiye also reaffirmed its commitment to international humanitarian efforts, particularly in the context of the Gaza conflict, working to ensure a ceasefire, prevent the spread of the conflict, and secure the uninterrupted delivery of aid. The nation expressed its sincere gratitude to the people and Government of Kuwait for their unwavering humanitarian support for Gaza, an enduring symbol of regional solidarity. 

Kuwait Reaffirms Commitment to SDGs and "Right to Development"

Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by Diplomatic Attache Hanan Al-Sultan, reiterated the country's steadfast commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking at the 12th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development in Geneva, Al-Sultan stressed that development is a comprehensive process—not just an economic goal—that must encompass economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions to enhance human dignity and social justice.

Al-Sultan affirmed that Kuwait is driving its development agenda through national policies that ensure the active participation of all citizens based on equality and non-discrimination. This approach is aligned with the New Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to solidify the country's role as a leading financial, commercial, and cultural hub in the Gulf. She specifically highlighted the growing role and vital contributions of Kuwaiti women and youth in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.

Kuwait also renewed its pledge to fulfill its commitments as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2024–2026 and its international human rights obligations. Demonstrating its dedication to global security and stability, Al-Sultan cited the key role of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, established in 1961, which has financed projects in 107 countries. This active support for international development reflects Kuwait’s deep-rooted belief in solidarity and humanitarian cooperation.  - KUNA