Kuwait in a Week- Thursday, December 18, 2025

Social Reform Society Wins Golden Shield in Kuwait Qur’an Competition for the Second Year

The Social Reform Society achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Golden Shield for the second consecutive year in the 28th Kuwait Grand Qur’an Memorization and Recitation Competition, organized by the Public Authority for Awqaf under the slogan “The Noble and Righteous.” The results were announced during a press conference attended by representatives of participating institutions, highlighting the broad participation witnessed this year.

The Society secured nine first place positions across various categories, including Qur’anic readings, the general competition, youth and adolescents, the Majd competition, and the Goodness and Blessing competition. Additionally, 19 participants from the Society earned second and third places, reflecting the strong Qur’anic foundation built through years of dedicated work. Sheikh Salem Al Shuwai‘, Director of the Qur’an Secretariat, also won first place in the category of memorizing thirty juz’ within the Seven Readings competition.

Secretary General Hamad Al Ali expressed pride in this achievement, attributing it to the efforts of the Society’s staff and the support of the state. He praised the patronage of His Highness the Amir and the excellent organization by the Public Authority for Awqaf, emphasizing that the competition serves as a safety valve for society by nurturing a righteous, value driven generation.

This year’s competition included 3,417 participants, with 311 winners securing first place positions. The winning institutions were: Al Maher Society (Overall Excellence Shield), Social Reform Society (Golden Shield), Bayader Al Salam Women’s Association (Silver Shield), and Tartil Society (Bronze Shield). This achievement extends the Society’s ongoing legacy of Qur’anic distinction.

“Islamic Affairs” Announces 5 Practices in Preparation for Ramadan

As part of its preparations for the blessed month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced five practices on Sunday morning in the official gazette Kuwait Today. The first, numbered 17 2026/2025, concerns the supply of juice and water for the month of Ramadan 1447 AH for the Mosques Sector, the Grand Mosque Administration, and the Rehabilitation and Reform Administration.

Practice 18 2026/2025 relates to preparing, supplying, and distributing buffets, iftar and suhoor meals, and hospitality services for the Mosques Sector and the Grand Mosque during Ramadan 1447 AH.

The ministry also announced Practice 19 2026/2025, concerning the provision of cooling dispensers and mobile refrigerators during Ramadan and Eid al Fitr for the year 1447 AH. Additionally, Practice 20 2026/2025 pertains to providing tents and the necessary equipment at the Grand Mosque during the last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan 1447 AH.

Finally, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced Practice 21 2026/2025, regarding the provision of hospitality goods and supplies for the Mosques Sector and the Grand Mosque Administration for the last ten days of Ramadan 1447 AH.

 Kuwait Participates in Annual Charity Bazaar in Kazakhstan

Kuwait took part in an annual bazaar in Kazakhstan, with all proceeds dedicated to charitable causes—an initiative that reflects Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to supporting humanitarian work.

In a statement issued the day before yesterday, the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Kazakhstan said that its participation in the 16th annual bazaar, organized by the accredited diplomatic corps and international organizations in Kazakhstan, comes as part of efforts to promote charitable activities.

The Embassy noted that Kuwait’s pavilion attracted significant interest from visitors and participants, showcasing a selection of products that highlight the country’s cultural heritage and distinctive identity.

“Al Osar Al Mutaaffifa” Supports Debtors’ Relief Campaign with 71,000 KD

Building on its long standing humanitarian role, the Kuwait Society for Needy Families continues to support indebted Kuwaiti citizens through its sustainable programs. As part of its commitment to strengthening humanitarian work within Kuwait and easing the financial burdens on citizens, the Society provided 71,000 Kuwaiti dinars in support of this honorable and deserving group. The initiative was carried out under the patronage of the Ministry of Social Affairs, with direct supervision from Undersecretary Dr. Khaled Amer Al Ajmi, and in the presence of members of the Society’s Board of Directors.

In this context, Eng. Bader Hamad Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Society, stated that such initiatives reinforce solidarity and unity among members of the community—values deeply rooted in Kuwaiti society for many years.

Al Mubarak added that the Kuwait Society for Needy Families will continue to lead in providing support to all groups within Kuwait, ensuring the enhancement of social security. This is achieved through coordination with various state ministries, which continue to simplify administrative procedures to achieve social impact efficiently and ensure optimal benefit without unexpected obstacles.

He concluded by affirming that the Society is making significant efforts to translate government directives and the high level guidance of the country’s leadership regarding social security into its policies when implementing future programs—considering these directives a roadmap for its work in serving Kuwaiti society.

Kuwait Renews Its Voluntary Contribution to the Central Emergency Response Fund for 2026

The State of Kuwait announced on Wednesday the renewal of its voluntary contribution to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for the coming year, with an amount of one million US dollars, reaffirming its steadfast humanitarian commitment and belief in the vital and rapid role played by the Fund.

This came in a statement delivered by Faisal Al Enzi, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations, during the high level pledging event for the 2026 CERF held at the UN headquarters.

Al Enzi noted that the rapid spread of armed conflicts, along with the growing impact of climate related disasters, has led to a massive increase in global humanitarian needs, citing that more than 300 million people worldwide—in the past year alone—required some form of humanitarian assistance.

He emphasized the importance of CERF as a leading and effective model for life saving rapid response.

Al Enzi expressed Kuwait’s sincere appreciation to UN Secretary General António Guterres and Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher for their continued leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting the international humanitarian system and strengthening the UN’s capacity to deliver swift and effective crisis responses.

He concluded by stressing that achieving the goal of mobilizing one billion US dollars annually for the Fund has become an urgent and essential necessity, especially amid slowing humanitarian funding and rising global needs.

Al Enzi reaffirmed that Kuwait will continue supporting international humanitarian efforts and will remain a reliable and active partner in alleviating human suffering and upholding the values of human solidarity.

49th GCC Coordination Meeting Praises Kuwait’s Contributions to Social Development

Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al Huwaila chaired Kuwait’s delegation today (Wednesday) at the 49th Coordination Meeting of GCC Ministers of Social and Development Affairs, held in the Jordanian capital, Amman.

The participants commended Kuwait’s outstanding efforts during its previous presidency of the session, highlighting its effective contributions to strengthening joint Gulf social action and advancing coordination and integration among GCC states—efforts that positively impacted the development of priority social policies and programs.

The ministers also affirmed their full support for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presidency of the current session, wishing it success in building on past achievements and further enhancing Gulf cooperation in ways that serve shared social and developmental issues and meet the aspirations of the peoples of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

 Kuwait Awqaf Authority Announces Results of 28th Qur’an Competition

The Public Authority for Awqaf announced the winners of the 28th Kuwait Grand Qur’an Memorization and Recitation Competition, reaffirming its role as a leading national initiative in promoting Qur’anic education. Acting Secretary General Jenan Al Zamel highlighted the competition’s impact in graduating thousands of skilled memorizers who represent Kuwait internationally.

This year saw 3,417 participants, with 311 winners earning top positions. The top ranking institutions were:

•           Al Maher Society (Overall Excellence Shield)

•           Social Reform Society (Golden Shield)

•           Bayader Al Salam Women’s Association (Silver Shield)

•           Tartil Society (Bronze Shield)

Al Zamel expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership and praised the organizational teams, emphasizing that carrying the Qur’an is the true honor.

Deputy Committee Chairman Abdulrahman Al Hashash noted key highlights: participation of nearly 50,000 contestants since 1996, 54 institutions joining this year, a finals attendance rate of 83.11%, and notable achievements by participants from correctional institutions and people with disabilities. The youngest contestant was four years old, reflecting strong early engagement in Qur’anic learning.

Guides Launched for Major Waqf Terminology and Literature Projects

The Public Authority for Awqaf has released guides for its two major projects, “Maknaz of Waqf Sciences” and “Indexes of Waqf Literature,” aimed at standardizing waqf terminology and organizing its scholarly output. Lina Al Mutawa, Director of Studies and Documentation, stated that the guides will help researchers access unified and accurate reference tools, noting that Maknaz provides a standardized terminology framework, while the Indexes document all global publications related to waqf.

She emphasized that both projects fall under Kuwait’s role as the coordinating state for waqf efforts in the Islamic world, a mandate granted in 1997. Maknaz is the first Arabic-designed thesaurus for waqf sciences, and the Indexes project compiles manuscripts, books, theses, and articles in multiple languages.

Al Mutawa affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to advancing these documentation projects and strengthening its position as a global reference in waqf studies.

Namaa Charity: Strong National Partnerships to Enhance Social Responsibility and Build an Aware Generation

Abdulaziz Al Kandari, Deputy CEO of Namaa Charity at the Social Reform Society, affirmed that the conclusion of the “This Is Your Role” volunteer campaign marks an important milestone in the organization’s commitment to strengthening community partnerships with various state entities. He noted that Namaa’s recognition during the event reflects its active role in developmental work aimed at building a conscious and responsible generation.

In a press statement, Al Kandari said that Namaa’s participation in the “This Is Your Role” campaign stems from a firm belief that youth are the nation’s true wealth, and that investing in their awareness and volunteer behavior is an investment in Kuwait’s future. He explained that the campaign aimed to support students and motivate them to use their time in ways that serve their country, strengthen their sense of belonging and loyalty, and instill a culture of responsibility toward their environment and community.

He added that the campaign was not merely a cleaning activity, but rather a deep educational and developmental message designed to engage students in serving their community and reinforcing the concept of protecting the environment and public facilities as a national duty. He emphasized that Namaa believes that partnership with government entities is a key pillar in developing community work and embedding the value of giving in younger generations.

Al Kandari stated that Namaa Charity places great importance on supporting school and youth volunteer activities as part of its social responsibility. “At Namaa, we work to empower young people, guide their energy toward meaningful initiatives, and enhance their participation in national programs that contribute to building a generation capable of leading development and creating sustainable positive impact,” he said.

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family and Childhood Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Governorate of Ahmadi, the Governor of Mubarak Al Kabeer, and all participating entities for their pioneering role in supporting volunteer work. He affirmed that Namaa Charity will continue its national partnerships to build an aware and thriving society and to instill values of goodness and giving in future generations.

Kuwait Records 340 Domestic Violence Cases in Three Months; Government Announces New Protection Measures

The Supreme Council for Family Affairs has reported 340 domestic violence and child abuse cases recorded in the last quarter of the current year, underscoring the urgency of strengthening national protection systems. The newly released statistics include 143 domestic violence reports, 197 cases of child abuse—mostly by relatives, and 11 shelter cases handled according to approved procedures.

Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al Huwaila affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to regular monitoring of domestic and child violence cases, describing the issue as a national priority that directly affects social security and stability. She emphasized that state institutions operate within an integrated framework focused on prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive protection for victims.

Dr. Al Huwaila revealed the introduction of a new internal regulation governing domestic violence protection centers, aimed at improving service quality and ensuring a unified, culturally appropriate operational framework. She noted that the regulation enhances the efficiency of handling cases and forms part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to strengthen social protection for families and children.

The minister also highlighted the recent formation of the Board of Directors of the Domestic Violence Victims Care Fund, marking a pivotal step in implementing the Domestic Violence Protection Law (Law No. 16/2020). She explained that although the law mandated the fund’s creation, its activation had been delayed for several years. The newly formed board has begun outlining mechanisms for receiving donations and determining disbursement procedures to ensure support reaches eligible beneficiaries.

In parallel with protection efforts, the Guidance Development and Rehabilitation Department conducted 56 counseling sessions, along with 54 phone consultations, as part of a comprehensive system designed to support victims and promote family stability.

Dr. Al Huwaila added that coordination has already begun with charitable organizations to direct part of community donations toward supporting victims inside Kuwait. She emphasized that Kuwait’s shelter experience, though relatively new, has benefited from regional models with similar cultural contexts, enabling the development of services that respect both social and family dimensions.

She further noted that administrative and technical stability within the Supreme Council—following the adoption of a new organizational structure and the appointment of a permanent Secretary General—has accelerated progress in implementing the council’s legal responsibilities. The new regulation now governs the operation of protection centers, including shelters for women and their minor children, as well as child protection facilities.

On the Gulf level, Dr. Al Huwaila announced that Kuwait has submitted a proposal to the GCC Women’s Committee to establish an annual Gulf Day celebrating the achievements of Gulf women. The proposal is currently under review.

She concluded by confirming that all departments have begun applying the new regulation and documenting observations to address any gaps before final approval. The Supreme Council is also preparing cooperation protocols with NGOs and government agencies to benefit from civil society expertise, develop national awareness strategies, and provide legal and training programs for shelter beneficiaries.

 Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs: Kuwait Stands with Sudan

Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al Huwaila, affirmed on Wednesday that Kuwait stands firmly beside brotherly Sudan—its government and people—amid the difficult humanitarian circumstances the country is facing, rooted in the deep and longstanding ties between the two nations.

Her remarks came in a statement to KUNA following her meeting with Sudan’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare, Mutasim Saleh, on the sidelines of the 45th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, held in Amman, Jordan.

Al Huwaila noted that Kuwait was among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance to Sudan through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society. She reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing its humanitarian support and strengthening joint cooperation through charitable organizations and civil society institutions, with the backing and coordination of the Kuwaiti government, in a manner that serves the interests of the Sudanese people.

During the meeting, the Sudanese minister outlined the scale of the humanitarian challenges facing his country as a result of the ongoing conflict, which has caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, including medical and court records. He stated that the crisis has led to the displacement of more than 16 million people, many of whom are living in extremely difficult conditions, in addition to over 3 million displaced individuals who are currently outside the health insurance system.

Minister of Health: Accelerating Work to Complete the Addiction Rehabilitation Center

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al Awadhi emphasized the importance of accelerating progress on the Addiction Rehabilitation Center to complete the project according to the highest standards, stressing the need to intensify efforts to ensure the center’s readiness as soon as possible.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, Al Awadhi said during his visit to the project site that the center is being developed in line with the directives of the country’s leadership. He described it as one of the key implementation pillars of modern national legislation, “embodying the transition from a legal framework to practical application through specialized therapeutic and rehabilitation services that support sustainable recovery, protect individuals and society, and enhance health and social security.”

The ministry’s statement followed a field visit by the minister to the project located at the Sulaibiya Youth Center building, accompanied by Assistant Undersecretary for Engineering Affairs and Projects Ibrahim Al Naham, as part of direct oversight of the project’s implementation stages and on site progress. Al Awadhi stressed the need to overcome any obstacles that could affect the pace of execution.

During the visit, the minister reviewed the project’s components and facilities, including its therapeutic, rehabilitation, and service sections. He also examined the center’s master plan and targeted operational capacity to ensure the creation of an integrated treatment environment that meets the highest health, medical, and security standards.

He listened to a detailed briefing from the engineering and technical teams on the current implementation phases, completion rates, existing technical and construction challenges, and mechanisms for addressing them, ensuring adherence to approved timelines and maintaining execution quality.

Calm Start to First Term Exams Across Kuwait Schools

The Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education, Hamad Al Hamad, described the atmosphere of the first term final exams for intermediate students and 10th and 11th graders as calm and orderly. He noted that they were held “in an appropriate environment” that reflects the strong organization and readiness of schools to ensure students sit for their exams under optimal conditions.

His remarks came in a statement to KUNA during an inspection tour at Saleh Al Shehab Secondary School in the Hawalli Educational District, where he monitored the progress of exams that began today (Wednesday) and are being taken by more than 191,000 students.

Al Hamad affirmed that the Ministry of Education is closely monitoring the examination process, fully committed to providing the best possible conditions for students. He highlighted the preparation of exam committees and the provision of all necessary requirements to ensure fair and well organized testing for everyone. He also stressed the importance of adhering to approved health and educational procedures to safeguard students’ rights and maintain a balanced exam environment.

The Director of Educational Affairs in the Hawalli District added that learning resources and question banks are available through the “Ma’a Salem & Abeer” and “Ma’a Hamad Chat” applications, which include nearly 100,000 questions, reflecting the ministry’s efforts to provide educational tools that help students prepare effectively for their exams.

Minister of Education: Ensuring a Safe Learning Environment to Achieve the Highest Academic Outcomes

Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al Tabtabaei stressed on Tuesday the importance of mobilizing all available resources to provide a safe and engaging educational environment that supports the highest levels of academic achievement. He emphasized that all decisions and organizational procedures must prioritize the learner’s best interest while taking both educational and psychological aspects into account.

The remarks came in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Education following a broad meeting chaired by the minister with educational and administrative leaders to assess school needs, monitor ongoing preparations, and address challenges—particularly with the upcoming intermediate and secondary examinations.

Al Tabtabaei explained that the primary role of Directors of Educational Affairs is to conduct precise field monitoring to ensure proper implementation of decisions and guidelines, and to create a supportive school environment by reinforcing adherence to regulations, identifying obstacles, and resolving them swiftly and effectively to achieve the desired educational impact and enhance performance quality.

He also highlighted the essential role of stage supervisors, describing them as the “main backbone” in implementing ministry policies, ensuring compliance with regulations on the ground, and serving as a vital link between the ministry and the educational field—thereby improving responsiveness and supporting the quality of educational performance.

The minister underscored the importance of considering students’ psychological and educational needs, creating suitable conditions within schools, enforcing regulations fairly and firmly, and ensuring exam procedures are applied consistently to maintain order and protect the rights of all parties. Such measures, he said, help provide a stable environment that enables students to take their exams with focus and confidence.

Regarding the rotation of school principals during exam periods for intermediate and secondary levels, Al Tabtabaei stressed the importance of sound administrative organization and fair task distribution to ensure institutional continuity and smooth exam operations, while benefiting from available expertise and promoting knowledge exchange.

He called for adopting an open door policy, strengthening direct communication with teaching and administrative staff, listening to feedback from the field, and increasing regular field visits by educational leaders to monitor the learning process—especially during exam periods—and address actual needs without bureaucratic delays.

Al Tabtabaei also instructed the reinforcement of professional values, responsibility, and institutional belonging within the educational field, along with strict application of regulations. He noted that the coming phase requires careful monitoring of challenges and proposing solutions based on priorities to ensure performance quality and sustainable development.

He concluded by affirming the ministry’s ongoing efforts to identify the needs of school administrations, teachers, and students, and to remove any obstacles that may hinder the educational process—ensuring a stable and motivating learning environment across all educational stages.

Minister of Education: Embedding Environmental Sustainability in Schools

Minister of Education Jalal Al Tabtabaei affirmed that the “Omnia – Your School Initiative” reflects the ministry’s commitment to instilling environmental sustainability in students and transforming concepts into practical actions within schools.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025–2026 competition—organized in cooperation with the Environment Public Authority and the Public Authority for Youth—Al Tabtabaei praised the strong participation of students, schools, teachers, and parents, as well as the support of the private sector.

The ministry noted that 156 schools took part in the competition, which focused on collecting and sorting plastic waste to promote environmental awareness, teamwork, and responsible behavior.

The initiative’s sponsor, Omnia Company, announced that students collected 264 tons of plastic in six weeks, highlighting growing environmental awareness among youth.

Winning schools included Uhud Kindergarten, Abdulaziz Yassin Al Gharballi School, Mu’athah Al Adawiya School, Ramlah Umm Al Mu’minin School, and Al Yarmouk Secondary School for Girls, which collected 23 tons of plastic.

Social Affairs Ministry: 36,000 Aid Files and 54,000 Beneficiaries of Elderly Services

A recent report from the Ministry of Social Affairs revealed the number of beneficiaries of its various programs and services. According to the statistics, 36,268 social aid files are currently registered, while 36,712 individuals hold the ministry’s priority card. The report also showed that 54,652 senior citizens benefit from the services provided to the elderly as part of the ministry’s comprehensive social care system.

Regarding the cooperative sector, the data indicated that Kuwait has 74 cooperative societies with 528,103 shareholders, representing about 34% of the total Kuwaiti population of 1,550,574 citizens.

The statistics further showed that the number of public benefit associations, including charitable and civil organizations, has reached 274 associations. These figures reflect the scale of social and organizational services overseen by the Ministry of Social Affairs across its various areas of responsibility.

 Kuwait Deepens Regional Human Rights Cooperation at OIC Meeting

Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al Sabah, discussed today (Sunday) ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of human rights with Ambassador Dr. Arwa Al Sayed, Director of the Human Rights Directorate at Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The meeting took place on the sidelines of Sheikha Jawaher’s chairing of Kuwait’s delegation to the 26th regular session of the IPHRC, which began yesterday at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah.

The two sides also reviewed recent developments in the human rights field and agreed to continue enhancing joint cooperation at both the bilateral and international levels.

For her part, Ambassador Arwa Al Sayed praised Kuwait’s efforts in presiding over the 45th GCC Summit and its role in organizing and coordinating human rights related meetings across various international forums.

In a separate meeting, Sheikha Jawaher Al Sabah also discussed human rights cooperation and recent developments with Forouzanedeh Vadiati, Director General for Women and Human Rights Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fellow member of the OIC’s IPHRC.

The Kuwaiti delegation to the 26th session also includes Kuwait’s Consul General in Jeddah and Permanent Representative to the OIC, Yousef Al Tunaib, advisor Turki Al Dihani, and diplomatic attaché Zainab Mansouri from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Social Affairs Ministry: 92% Drop in Financial Irregularities Over Four Years

The Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Financial, Administrative, and Cooperative Affairs Sector and Director General of Planning and Administrative Development at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dr. Sayed Issa, announced a major improvement in the ministry’s financial discipline, marked by a sharp reduction in recorded financial observations and the complete elimination of “withheld” transactions issued by financial auditors due to regulatory violations. This progress covers the period from fiscal year 2022–2023 to 2025–2026.

Dr. Issa stated that the number of financial observations dropped from 2,515 in 2022–2023 to just 210 in 2025–2026, representing a 92% decrease over four consecutive fiscal years. Meanwhile, the number of withheld transactions fell from 87 cases to zero, maintaining a “zero” level for the past two years—reflecting full compliance with state financial regulations.

He explained that the General Department of Financial and Administrative Affairs, in close cooperation with financial auditors, succeeded in reducing observations and eliminating all withheld cases. A withholding occurs when a payment request violates financial rules, prompting the auditor to block the transaction—one that only the minister can override, which would then be recorded as a violation against the ministry.

Dr. Issa emphasized that the absence of any withholding cases in recent years is concrete evidence of the ministry’s full adherence to financial laws and regulations, achieved through strong partnership between the ministry’s financial departments and financial auditors.

The data shows a steady corrective trend:

•           2,515 observations in 2022–2023

•           1,904 observations in 2023–2024 (24% decrease)

•           746 observations in 2024–2025 (61% decrease)

•           210 observations in 2025–2026 (72% decrease from the previous year)

As for withheld transactions, cases dropped from 87 in 2022–2023 to 50 in 2023–2024 (a 43% decrease), before disappearing entirely in 2024–2025 and 2025–2026—achieving a 100% reduction.

Dr. Issa noted that these indicators reflect a shift from correcting errors after they occur to preventing violations proactively by reviewing and refining procedures before they reach financial auditors.

Regarding the remaining observations, he clarified that most are not substantive violations but relate to delays in procedures, missing documents, or slow processing, which are expected given the ministry’s large workload and complex financial responsibilities.

He concluded that the key is not the mere presence of observations, but the ability of teams to address them quickly—something the ministry’s financial and administrative departments work on daily through continuous coordination with various sectors and clear communication of requirements for each transaction.

Three Kuwaiti Innovators Showcase Their Creative Engineering Projects in Spain

Kuwaiti innovators in the engineering field presented their creative projects in Spain before a distinguished audience of specialists and investment entities in entrepreneurship during the “Adventure Day” event hosted by IE University and supported by the Sabah Al Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity.

The Kuwaiti delegation achieved a notable milestone as engineer Fatima Al Enzi won the 2025 Adventure Day Award in the International Projects category, recognizing the excellence of her innovation—an achievement that reflects the high caliber of Kuwaiti projects and their ability to compete globally.

The delegation was led by Hamad Al Aftan, Director of Scientific Innovation at the Sabah Al Ahmad Center, and included three innovators: Engineer Dar’a Al Jumaa, Engineer Ahmed Salmeen, and Engineer Fatima Al Enzi. Their selection to represent Kuwait internationally came after excelling in the Engineering Ideas Incubation Program, launched by the center in partnership with IE University to support and empower Kuwaiti innovators and transform their ideas into practical, scalable prototypes.

Speaking to KUNA, the participating engineers expressed pride in representing Kuwait and raising its profile abroad, noting that the program provided them with a rich experience that helped develop their ideas into real world projects.

Al Enzi dedicated her award to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad and to the Kuwaiti people, explaining that her innovation is an educational device that helps blind and visually impaired primary school students learn curricula through tactile technology.

Engineer Dar’a Al Jumaa highlighted her innovation, SPX, an AI powered platform designed to enable professionals in design, contracting, and manufacturing to efficiently manage furniture supply chains.

Engineer Ahmed Salmeen explained that his platform, LIVE, uses artificial intelligence to help architects, designers, and individuals create healthy and aesthetically pleasing spaces within minutes.

Officials at IE University praised the Kuwaiti participation, expressing pride in the projects presented and affirming their desire to continue collaborating with Kuwait and its promising young talents.

Kuwait University: 6,380 Students Sit for Academic Aptitude Tests

Kuwait University held its third round Academic Aptitude Tests today (Saturday) across the colleges of Sabah Al Salem University City.

A total of 6,380 male and female students took part in the exams, which covered Arabic, English, and Mathematics, offered in both paper based and electronic formats.

The university affirmed that organizing the aptitude tests is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its assessment and admissions system by providing a well structured environment that ensures smooth procedures and high quality performance. It highlighted the effective work and coordination of committees and administrative teams at the testing sites, which contributed significantly to maintaining orderly exam flow and achieving high levels of accuracy and discipline.

Social Affairs Undersecretary: Community Initiatives Are a National and Moral Duty

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr. Khaled Al Ajmi affirmed that supporting community initiatives and charitable work is a national and moral responsibility, highlighting Kuwait’s long standing humanitarian legacy. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Baghli Award for the Dutiful Son, he praised Kuwait’s culture of giving and the leadership’s commitment to honoring senior citizens and strengthening social cohesion.

Al Ajmi emphasized that the award reflects values passed across generations—loyalty, gratitude, and service to society. Representatives of the Baghli Foundation and award winners echoed these sentiments, stressing the award’s role in promoting family values and inspiring youth to contribute to their community.

Kuwait Reaffirms Commitment to Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction

During her chairing of the session “Towards Comprehensive Social Inclusion and Poverty Eradication” at the Arab High Level Conference on Social Development, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al Huwaila emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to advancing social protection programs for vulnerable groups. She highlighted national efforts to empower persons with disabilities, support low income families, and strengthen inclusion across education, employment, and community participation.

Al Huwaila noted Kuwait’s comprehensive policies for empowering women, children, and the elderly, reinforcing social justice and sustainable development.

Separately, she reaffirmed Kuwait’s solidarity with Sudan, stressing continued humanitarian support and cooperation through charitable organizations and civil society.

Kuwait Strongly Condemns Israeli Approval of 19 New Settlements in the West Bank

Kuwait on Tuesday expressed its strongest condemnation of the Israeli occupation government’s approval to establish 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the move a blatant violation of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions, particularly those of the UN Security Council.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need for the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and compel the occupying authorities to halt all illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The ministry reaffirmed Kuwait’s firm and principled stance on the Palestinian cause and its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to establish an independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Governor of the Capital: “Saqia Al Ghad” Aligns with National Efforts to Promote Sustainability

Under the patronage of Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al Ali, the national initiative “Saqia Al Ghad” concluded its activities honoring the creative projects of high school students in Kuwait’s Capital Governorate. The month long initiative aimed to raise awareness about water conservation and encourage students to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for future generations.

The governor praised the initiative’s alignment with national sustainability efforts and commended students’ diverse contributions—from technical innovations to awareness campaigns and scientific projects—which reflected strong environmental awareness and creativity.

The ceremony concluded with honoring participating schools, the top three winning projects, and the judging committee for their professionalism and support of student excellence.

Baghli Award Honors 2025 Winners; Al Ajmi: Kuwaiti Society Is Giving and Dutiful

The Baghli Award honored the winners of its 2025 competitions during a ceremony held under the patronage of Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al Huwaila, with the attendance of prominent social figures and families of the honorees.

Social Affairs Undersecretary Dr. Khaled Al Ajmi affirmed the ministry’s support for community initiatives and charitable work, describing such support as a national and moral duty. He praised Kuwait’s long standing humanitarian spirit and the generosity of its people.

Al Ajmi commended the contributions of Ibrahim Taher Al Baghli, noting that the award has become a solid platform for promoting values of filial piety across generations.

Vice Chairman Raed Ibrahim Al Baghli highlighted the award’s role in strengthening respect for parents, honoring the elderly, and instilling national values.