On The First Anniversary, Kuwait Shines Under Sheikh Meshal’s Leadership
Monday marked the first anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s proclamation as the Amir of Kuwait. On December 16, 2023, following the passing of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Cabinet announced Sheikh Meshal’s appointment as Amir in accordance with the Constitution and Article 4 of the Succession Law. Sheikh Meshal formally took the constitutional oath on December 20, 2023, becoming Kuwait’s 17th Amir.
Career of leadership and service
Born in 1940, Sheikh Meshal is the seventh son of the late Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s 10th ruler. He was educated from an early age within the House of Al-Sabah, where his family played a pivotal role in shaping his early education. His parents and other senior family members took part in teaching him the basics of reading and writing before he went on to attend Al-Mubarakiya School, Kuwait’s first school. This strong foundation in education, fostered by his family’s guidance, set the stage for his future achievements.
Sheikh Meshal continued his studies in the United Kingdom, where he graduated from Hendon Police College in 1960. Upon returning to Kuwait, he joined the newly-established Ministry of the Interior, rising through the ranks and becoming a key figure in developing Kuwait’s security infrastructure. In 1987, he was appointed to the Public Inspection Department, where he served in various leadership roles for nearly 20 years.
In 2004, Sheikh Meshal was appointed Deputy Chief of the National Guard, overseeing major reforms to enhance Kuwait’s national security. In 2020, he was appointed Crown Prince, and on December 16, 2023, he succeeded Sheikh Nawaf as Amir.
Key achievements
Over the past year, Sheikh Meshal’s leadership has focused on both domestic development and regional cooperation. In May 2024, Sheikh Meshal made the historic decision to dissolve parliament and temporarily suspend certain articles of the constitution to reassess the country’s democratic process. Locally, he has championed several initiatives, including the inauguration of Abdullah Al-Salem University and Sabah Al-Salem University City. He also attended several award ceremonies, honoring researchers and teachers, including the KFAS awards ceremony held in December.
In his efforts to strengthen regional ties, Sheikh Meshal has led official visits to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. Under his leadership, Kuwait hosted the 45th GCC Summit on December 1, 2024, reinforcing cooperation among Gulf nations and addressing critical regional challenges. His advocacy for regional unity is also reflected in his support for the Palestinian cause and his commitment to protecting Arab sovereignty.
Sheikh Meshal’s international diplomacy has been marked by visits to Turkey, where he signed six agreements, and meetings with global leaders such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres and European Council President Charles Michel. These visits underscore his efforts to promote Kuwait’s global presence and work towards peaceful resolutions to international issues.
As Kuwait celebrates His Highness Sheikh Meshal’s first anniversary as Amir, the nation remains on a path of growth and development. His Highness’s leadership has ensured that Kuwait continues to thrive regionally and internationally, building on the legacy of past rulers while shaping a prosperous future for the people of Kuwait. — KUNA
Social Reform Society awarded the Golden Shield in the Grand Kuwait Quran Memorization and Recitation Competition
Dr. Al-Mathkor said: "Thank God we have won both competitions."
The Social Reform Society achieved a commendable accomplishment by winning the Golden Shield in the Grand Kuwait Quran Memorization and Recitation Competition in its twenty-seventh edition, organized by the General Secretariat of Awqaf under the slogan "Good Provision."
In this context, Dr. Khaled Al-Mathkor, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Social Reform Association, received a call from the General Secretariat of Awqaf, during which he was informed of the association's achievement.
In a statement to "Al-Mujtamaa," Dr. Khaled Al-Mathkor expressed his happiness with this accomplishment, saying: "Thanks to God first, and then to the efforts of our brothers in the Quranic Secretariat of the association, and the youth who are eager to memorize and recite the Book of God, we were able to achieve this victory."
Dr. Al-Mathkor added: "The association has secured the third place in the competition for several years, but thanks to God and the efforts of the Quranic Secretariat, we were able this year to attain the Golden Shield. Additionally, one of our youth, Sheikh Mohammed Hamad Al-Ali, won first place in the International Kuwait Competition for Quran Memorization and Recitation in the category of the ten readings."
Dr. Al-Mathkor encouraged parents to register their children in the association, stating: "The ultimate goal is to win the pleasure of God Almighty and memorize His Book, while the awards are a recognition of this blessed effort."
A ceremony to honor the winners
Dr. Al-Mathkor announced that the Social Reform Association will hold a ceremony next Tuesday to honor its member Sheikh Mohammed Hamad Al-Ali, the first-place winner in the International Kuwait Competition, and to celebrate the association's receipt of the Golden Shield from the General Secretariat of Awqaf in the Grand Kuwait Competition.
He clarified that Kuwait hosts two main Quran competitions; the first is international, organized by the Ministry of Awqaf under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, while the second is local, organized by the General Secretariat of Awqaf.
It is worth mentioning that Sheikh Mohammed Hamad Al-Ali, the Executive Director of the Quranic Secretariat in the Social Reform Association and Director of the "Tabsera" Center, won first place in the International Kuwait Competition for Quran Memorization and Recitation in its thirteenth edition held last November, in the category of the ten readings.
Nama Charity Organizes a Training Course on Artificial Intelligence
Al-Kandari: We are Committed to Enhancing Digital Skills and Utilizing Modern Technologies in Serving Charitable Work
As part of strengthening the joint cooperation between the Nama Charity Foundation of the Social Reform Association and the Arab Open University, the university's training center organized a specialized training program titled "Using Artificial Intelligence Technology in Developing the Work of Charitable Organizations" over three consecutive days, with the participation of 10 humanitarian associations and institutions.
The program aims to highlight the uses and practical applications of artificial intelligence technologies while enhancing the participants' abilities to deal with the requirements of digital transformation and keeping pace with modern developments in this field.
The program witnessed positive interaction from the participants and was graciously sponsored by the acting university director, Dr. Salah Al-Hamadi, along with the director of the training center, Mohammed Al-Ajmi, and the president of the Federation of Charitable Associations and Institutions, who is the Executive Director of Nama Charity at the Social Reform Association, Saad Marzouk Al-Otaibi. At the conclusion of the program, they greeted the participants and honored them in appreciation of their interaction and efforts.
The program was presented by the specialized expert, Engineer Rolan Abi Najm, who shared his extensive knowledge on how to integrate artificial intelligence in enhancing the performance of charitable institutions and achieving the desired digital efficiency.
In this context, the director of public relations and media, Walid Al-Kandari, stated: "We are proud of this fruitful cooperation between the Nama Charity Foundation and the Arab Open University, which reflects our commitment to enhancing digital skills and utilizing modern technologies to serve charitable work."
Al-Kandari noted that these qualitative initiatives not only contribute to developing professional competencies but also enhance the institutions' ability to face digital transformation challenges efficiently and effectively.
He added: "We always strive to provide training programs that meet the needs of institutions and open new horizons for innovation and creativity in the field of charitable work."
Both parties praised the importance of such quality programs that contribute to the development of the charitable sector and enhance its capabilities using the latest technologies, reaffirming their continued joint cooperation to achieve more future successes.
Digitization in Namaa Charitable Organization: AI Redefines Humanitarian Work
In a world dominated by smart data and digital networks, charitable giving has evolved from simply extending a hand to offer help into a smart contribution driven by artificial intelligence and modern technologies.
Namaa Charitable Organization is leading the digital transformation in humanitarian work, where barcodes, smart applications, artificial intelligence, and automatic tracking technologies have become essential tools in its charitable projects.
From its offices in Kuwait to remote villages around the world, charitable aid moves along a well-organized digital pathway that relies on data analysis and intelligent decision-making in real time.
This transformation has made Namaa Charitable Organization a global model in governance and transparency, where every donation, every project, and every orphan is monitored by intelligent technology that never overlooks.
Namaa Charitable Organization has transcended traditional methods, relying on advanced digital tools, making its systems resemble digital neural networks that connect donors and beneficiaries through smart tracking technologies and artificial intelligence, thus creating a technological revolution in charitable work.
Artificial Intelligence in the Cycle of Charitable Projects
Namaa Charitable Organization follows an integrated cycle for managing charitable projects, where artificial intelligence is the driving force in all its stages, from assessing needs abroad to implementing projects and tracking their impact.
Smart Needs Assessment
The journey begins through systems that sense the needs of communities in need. Reports are electronically submitted through platforms that use artificial intelligence to analyze data sent from the field. This technology allows for highly accurate identification of needs, which contributes to speeding up responses and reducing waste.
Project Planning and Automatic Marketing
Once needs are identified, artificial intelligence algorithms are employed to design the optimal project plans, providing recommendations based on analysis of previous data and best practices. Projects are then marketed through digital channels, targeting the right donors at the right time, with personalized marketing messages.
Project Implementation and Smart Sponsorship Management
During implementation, workflow is monitored using digital project management platforms, where execution reports are transformed into interactive dashboards. This enables the team to track progress and address any deviations along the way.
Regarding sponsorship projects, management is conducted through smart systems that monitor the status of orphans and beneficiaries through automatically updated reports displayed to the team and funders in real time.
Digitization in Food Basket Distribution
Smart Giving Programming:
The distribution of food baskets in Kuwait has not been far from digital innovation, as Namaa Charitable Organization has developed a digital system based on barcodes and interactive text messages, making charity easier, faster, and safer.
Smart Messages for Beneficiaries
The process begins with sending SMS messages to beneficiaries containing a registration link. Once the beneficiary enters the link, they input their basic information on a secure digital platform, where data accuracy is verified automatically.
Activation of Personal Barcodes
Upon completing their registration, beneficiaries receive a unique barcode sent directly to their phone, serving as a digital key that enables them to easily collect their food basket.
Smart Distribution System
At the distribution center, beneficiaries present their digital barcode to the relevant staff member, who uses smart barcode scanners connected to a central database system to display all relevant details about the beneficiary, including the type of designated basket and the beneficiary's needs, thereby enhancing transparency and preventing double dipping.
Orphan Care Application: Smart Management in Your Pocket
The Orphan Care application, launched by Nama Charity, is the first of its kind in the Arab world, allowing for the management of orphanages and monitoring of orphans remotely, transforming geographical and legal barriers into mere clicks on a screen.
Remote Management of Orphans
The application enables real-time monitoring of orphans in care homes, providing a database that includes:
- Photos and names of the orphans.
- Health and educational records.
- Their memorization status of the Holy Quran.
- Their attendance and exit records at the care home.
Smart Interfaces of the Application
The application features three main interfaces:
- Admin Interface: Allows the management team to access all comprehensive data.
- Supervisor Interface: Displays the status of orphans to the supervisors in charge of the care home.
- Mother’s Interface: This enables mothers to check on the status of their children and track their details.
Soon, a donor interface will be launched, allowing donors to view the status of the orphans they sponsor while maintaining strict privacy policies.
Innovative Digital Solutions
Overcoming Geographical Barriers
The management can monitor orphans in inaccessible areas, such as Gaza, thanks to remote digital follow-up.
**Solutions for Legal Obstacles**: The application has helped overcome issues related to access to legally restricted areas, such as refugee camps, through live digital monitoring.
**Reducing Daily Pressure**: The application allows the management team to conduct daily follow-ups without the need for physical presence.
University Student Support Project: A Comprehensive Digital Educational Journey
In the journey of supporting university students, Nama Charity launched a smart initiative based on comprehensive digitization for registration, assessment, and funding, making the path to higher education easier and less complicated thanks to advanced digital infrastructure.
Comprehensive Electronic Registration:
The process begins with the launch of an electronic link via social media platforms and SMS, allowing students to apply through an integrated electronic portal that simplifies data entry and document uploads. This step eliminates traditional paperwork, saving time and effort.
Automated Data Verification
Once data is entered, documents enter a digital verification phase, where machine learning algorithms are applied to verify document validity and the fulfillment of required criteria. This step reduces human intervention and speeds up the decision-making process.
Interactive Messaging System
If the student meets the criteria, an immediate SMS is sent to inform them of the acceptance of their application, providing immediate reassurance. If the criteria are not met, they receive a notification explaining the next steps.
Digital Financial Transfer
Once the application is accepted, the data is electronically submitted to the Ministry of Affairs platform for obtaining official approvals. After completing the processes, financial support is directly transferred to the guardian's account via electronic payment systems.
Nama Charity has transformed from a traditional charity organization into a digital humanitarian platform that relies on artificial intelligence in project implementation, barcode technology in distribution, and smart electronic portals in educational support, as well as secure transfer systems in foreign aid.
This digital leap has not merely been a regular upgrade, but a qualitative jump that places Nama Charity among the leaders of digital humanitarian work globally.
As Nama Charity continues its digital journey, it proves to the world that giving in the digital age is smarter, faster, and more transparent.
"Rahma International Society" launches "Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in Charity Work" Forum
Under the generous sponsorship of Dr. Amsal Hadi Al-Hawaila, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, the Global Mercy Association is organizing the "Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in Charity Work" forum, which will be held on December 22, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Al-Hashemi Hall.
In a statement, Dr. Adnan Al-Haddad, the Deputy Director-General for Communications, Marketing, and Information Technology at the Global Mercy Association, confirmed that the forum aims to highlight the pioneering role of Kuwaiti charity work in utilizing modern technology and its applications, focusing on enhancing digital transformation in charitable institutions in Kuwait.
He added that this forum represents an important platform for exchanging experiences between local and international charitable organizations, as well as for raising digital awareness among participants about how these organizations can benefit from innovative technological solutions to improve their performance and increase their operational efficiency.
Dr. Al-Haddad: The forum contributes to empowering Kuwaiti charitable organizations to keep pace with technological advancements
Dr. Al-Haddad explained that the forum will showcase the best digital practices and experiences that have been successfully implemented in the charitable sector, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to accelerate digital evolution.
He stated: "Digital transformation will save a lot of time and effort for charitable institutions, whether in performing tasks or communicating with employees, volunteers, and supporters; enabling these institutions to operate more efficiently and effectively."
Dr. Al-Haddad added that the forum will address various topics in the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in charitable work, which include:
- E-marketing in charitable work.
- Investing in artificial intelligence applications in charity work.
- Tools and requirements for digital transformation in the charitable sector.
The forum will also include sessions and workshops covering topics such as:
- Government digital platforms to support charitable work.
- Digital transformation in charitable institutions.
- Artificial intelligence and the future of charitable work.
- Experiences of digital transformation in charitable organizations.
Dr. Al-Haddad emphasized that the aim of the forum is to improve the operational efficiency of charitable institutions by streamlining administrative and financial processes, enhancing communication with beneficiaries, increasing transparency, and fostering cooperation with other institutions.
He added: “Through digital transformation, we will be able to collect and analyze data more effectively; allowing organizations to allocate resources more accurately and efficiently, and enhancing their ability to measure impact and evaluate the effectiveness of charitable programs.”
In conclusion, Dr. Al-Haddad stressed the importance of this initiative in enabling charitable institutions to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, ensuring the sustainability of charitable efforts and enhancing their ability to serve the community more effectively.
