Kuwait’s total agricultural production reached approximately 285.3 thousand tons in 2025, valued at around 32.57 million Kuwaiti dinars, according to data released by the Central Statistical Administration. The output included nearly 79 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens.

The data indicated that production volumes increased by 12.5 percent compared with 253.7 thousand tons in 2024. However, the total value of production recorded a slight decline of about 1.3 percent, down from 33 million dinars in 2024, reflecting lower prices for some crops despite higher output.

During the first half of 2025, Kuwait produced about 220.7 thousand tons of agricultural products worth 23.9 million dinars. The fourth quarter alone contributed approximately 64.6 thousand tons valued at 8.66 million dinars, reports Al-Rai daily

Major Crops

Tomatoes topped the list of the most produced crops in 2025, reaching 77.3 thousand tons with a value of about 7.97 million dinars, compared with 81.6 thousand tons in 2024. Cucumbers ranked second with 46.8 thousand tons valued at 7.88 million dinars, down from 53.5 thousand tons in the previous year.

Other key crops included:

• Eggplant: about 22.9 thousand tons worth 3.26 million dinars
• Peppers: about 14.3 thousand tons valued at 3.72 million dinars
• Potatoes: about 14 thousand tons worth 1.73 million dinars

These five crops — tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes — accounted for nearly 75 percent of the total value of agricultural production, indicating the sector’s continued reliance on a limited number of primary crops.

Secondary Crops

Production of several secondary crops also remained steady. Lettuce production reached about 14,200 tons valued at 1.3 million dinars, compared with 14,480 tons in 2024. Butternut squash recorded 8,190 tons worth 838,000 dinars, while cauliflower reached 5,790 tons valued at 744,000 dinars.

Other crops included:

• Zucchini: 3,790 tons worth 685,000 dinars
• Okra: 1,470 tons worth 659,000 dinars

Leafy Greens and Legumes

Leafy greens and legumes accounted for smaller production volumes. Output included 1,960 tons of coriander valued at 247,000 dinars and 2,690 tons of parsley worth 326,000 dinars.

Among legumes and grains:

• Beans: 1,330 tons worth 411,000 dinars
• Cowpeas: 995 tons worth 430,000 dinars
• Corn: about 3,000 tons valued at 509,000 dinars

Sector Challenges

Despite the growth in production volumes, the agricultural sector continues to face several challenges. These include oversupply of seasonal crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers, which contributes to price declines, as well as rising production costs linked to energy, fertilizers, and labor.

The data also highlights limited crop diversification relative to local market demand.

Food Security Efforts

Nevertheless, the increase in production reflects the continued expansion of local agriculture, supported by the use of greenhouses and modern farming technologies, as part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to strengthen food security.

Quarterly Production in 2025

• First quarter: 74.6 thousand tons valued at 10.35 million dinars
• Second quarter: 118.6 thousand tons worth 9.06 million dinars
• Third quarter: 27.5 thousand tons worth 4.9 million dinars
• Fourth quarter: 64.6 thousand tons valued at 8.66 million dinars

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive disorders worldwide, affecting millions of people with symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. While nutrition plays a central role in managing IBS, a powerful nutrient often misunderstood is fiber in the diet.

In fact, there are two main types: Soluble and insoluble fiber and each interacts with the gut differently. For people with IBS, understanding these differences can mean the difference between calm digestion and a flare-up. Let us look at the differences between these two fibers.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like texture in the digestive tract. This slows down digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes a regular bowel rhythm. For IBS sufferers, soluble fiber is often considered the gentler option.

Examples of soluble fiber foods include oats and oat bran, psyllium husk (a common supplement for IBS); apples, pears, and citrus fruits (with their peels); carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.

Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, does not dissolve in water. Instead, it adds bulk to stools and speeds up movement through the intestines. This can be too harsh for IBS patients, often worsening symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.

Examples of insoluble fiber foods include, wWheat bran and whole wheat products, nuts and seeds, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, dark leafy greens (kale, spinach), corn and popcorn

People with IBS often receive the advice to eat more fiber, but without distinguishing between the two types. Research consistently shows that increasing insoluble fiber may worsen symptoms, while increasing soluble fiber often provides relief

A few practical tips for IBS patients:

• Start with soluble fiber: Introduce gentle, soluble-rich foods first, such as oatmeal or chia seeds.
• Go slow: Adding fiber too quickly can cause gas and bloating. Increase gradually and monitor symptoms.
• Mind portion sizes: Balance is key.
• Hydration is essential: Fiber needs water to work properly. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if taking fiber supplements.

Fiber is not the enemy in IBS. It is a powerful tool when understood and used correctly. Soluble fiber, in particular, is often a friend to the sensitive gut, helping to ease both constipation and diarrhea. Insoluble fiber, while beneficial for general gut health, should be approached with more caution in IBS management.

By paying attention to the type of fiber consumed, IBS patients can shift from fear and frustration to greater control and comfort in their daily lives.

Since 1 June 2025, the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) has introduced the need for private sector employees (Article 18 residency holders) to obtain an electronic ‘Exit Permit’ approved by their sponsor prior to their departure from Kuwait.

The need for expatriates employed in the public sector to obtain departmental permission for travel has been in place for long. Over the past nine months the online system, which works through the unified government application for electronic services (Sahel) or the Ashal portal of the PAM, has streamlined the process of requesting and obtaining exit permits.

According to the authorities, since the start of the process, tens of thousands of expatriates employed in the private sector have departed Kuwait without any hassle using the exit permits. Only very few cases of delays in obtaining exit permits have been recorded, mostly due to non-approval of exit permits by sponsors. All of these cases were through timely intervention of PAM  and other regulatory authorities.

Amid the prevailing extraordinary circumstances there has been a surge in demand for exit permits. So what are the actions that an expatriate can follow if the sponsor delays or denies a request for an exit permit during this period.

What to do if exit permit denied by employer:

• If your sponsor (employer) does not approve your request for an exit permit, the first step should be to contact the employer in person and attempt to resolve it amicably, as exit permit approvals are mandatory, unless specific legal and financial reasons are valid.
• If the sponsor still refuses to heed your request and unreasonably withholds or delays it, you have the option to file a complaint with the PAM to intervene and ensure approval.
• You can also visit the Labor Relations Unit in the area that corresponds to your company’s file, to lodge a formal complaint.
• However, prior to filing a formal complaint or approaching PAM, ensure that there are no outstanding issues like unpaid fines, expired residency, court cases, or bank dues.which might cause an automatic rejection.
• Also, keep a record of your application in the Sahel app and any communication that you hold with your employer.

Exit permits are required for:

The need for an exit permit applies to all private-sector expat workers (Article 18 residency holders) and is required for both temporary exits, such as vacations or in emergencies, and permanent departures from Kuwait.

The process for obtaining an exit permit has been designed to be primarily online and accessible 24/7. Multiple-trip exit-permit options are also now available

Domestic workers (Article 20 residency holders) and dependents of Article 18 workers are exempt from the requirement for an exit permit.

If you are unable to use the app, your employer is required to apply on your behalf.

The process is designed to be quick, often approved instantly or within hours.

How to apply for an exit permit:

• Private sector expat workers can submit an electronic exit permit request using their Civil ID number and personal information via the unified government application for electronic services (Sahel) or the Ashal portal of the manpower authority. Workers have the right to choose the start and end dates of the permit upon submitting the application, and importantly, the permit does not entail any commitment to a specific return date.
• The application is then automatically sent to the employer for approval. Employers must use the Sahel-Business app or PAM’s Ashal portal. The system will automatically verify the employer-employee match before the permit is issued. Authorised individuals within a company can approve these requests automatically.
• Once approved by the employer, the permit is issued instantly, without additional formalities, and is linked online to the Ports Authority at all land, sea and air ports thus facilitating immediate online travel permission verification at these sites.

Authorities maintain that the exit permit process is intended to strengthen oversight of the labor market, ensure a balance between the rights of workers and that of employers, prevent illegal departures, and ensure workers settle their dues and fulfill financial and contractual obligations. A significant motive for introducing exit permits is to help curb illicit visa trading and other irregularities within the labor market.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Paramita Tripathi held a virtual meeting with representatives of Indian air carriers operating in Kuwait to review the current operational status of flights in light of the temporary closure of Kuwaiti airspace.

During the interaction, the ambassador discussed the status of flights to and from Kuwait following the government’s decision to suspend air traffic from February 28, 2026 due to the ongoing regional security situation.

The Indian envoy stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination between the embassy and the airlines to ensure timely assistance for Indian nationals in Kuwait, particularly those who require emergency travel to India.

She reaffirmed that the safety, security, and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait remain the embassy’s highest priority.

The meeting included representatives from major Indian carriers such as Akasa Air, IndiGo, and Air India Express.

The initiative comes as the embassy continues to coordinate with relevant authorities and airlines to support Indian citizens during the current regional developments.

The India national cricket team etched its name in cricket history after defeating New Zealand national cricket team by a commanding 96 runs to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, sealing one of the most emphatic victories ever seen in a title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad today (Sunday)..

The victory was not just another trophy for India — it marked a historic milestone for Indian cricket. With this triumph, India became the only nation to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title, proving its dominance in the shortest format of the game.

The win also made India the only country to lift the T20 World Cup trophy three times (2007, 2024, 2026), cementing its legacy as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

Adding further glory to the achievement, India also became the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, delighting millions of passionate fans across the country who celebrated the historic moment with immense pride.

India’s performance throughout the tournament reflected a perfect blend of aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding. In the final, the Indian batsmen produced a powerful display to post a massive total, putting New Zealand under immediate pressure. The bowlers then delivered a clinical performance, dismantling the Kiwi batting lineup and sealing a comprehensive victory.

The triumph represents a golden chapter for Indian cricket and reinforces the nation’s status as a global powerhouse in the sport. From packed stadiums to celebrations across cities and villages, the victory sparked nationwide jubilation, as fans hailed the team’s remarkable achievement.

With three titles, a successful title defence, and a historic win at home, the India national cricket team has set a new benchmark in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, writing a memorable story that will be remembered for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions for Indian Citizens in Kuwait

This guide is mainly for: Private-sector employees registered under the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM).

Important: Payroll rules and complaint routes can differ for government employees and domestic workers (who are governed under separate regulations). Always follow the exact category shown in your official employment records.

How the Sahel Salary Notification Works

PAM’s electronic wage monitoring process is designed to reduce “silent” underpayment in the private sector. In simple terms:

1. Your employer deposits salary into your local bank account (as required under the wage deposit framework).
2. PAM’s monitoring system detects whether the deposit reflects a shortage that needs explanation.
3. If a shortage is detected, you may receive an alert through the Sahel (سهل) app to view the reason and related status.

Why this is a big deal: the worker gets visibility, and the employer is pushed to document and justify any shortage using official channels.

What Details You’ll See in the Notification

When a salary shortage is flagged, the Sahel notification typically aims to show:

• The deposited salary amount (and the shortage compared to the expected wage record)
• The “reason” recorded for the shortage (as entered by the employer, if entered)
• Company file status (whether the case is pending clarification / compliance action)

Note: Exact labels can vary as Sahel services are frequently updated.

What Counts as a “Shortage” (Common Reasons)

Not every alert means wrongdoing. Shortages can appear for valid reasons—but they must be properly recorded and supported.

Common valid reasons (if documented properly)

• Unpaid leave (approved leave without pay)
• Absence days (unauthorized absence affecting salary)
• Disciplinary deductions (must follow written procedures and limits)
• Court-ordered deductions (e.g., alimony within limits)

Common “false alarm” situations

• Salary paid in two separate transfers (part now, part later)
• Late deposit (deposit happens after the due window)
• Employer payroll mapped incorrectly (wrong month / wrong employee record)

Your Legal Rights (Kuwait Labour Law Basics)

These are the core wage rules employees should know (private sector):

• Payment frequency & timing: Monthly employees must be paid at least once a month, and wages should not be delayed beyond the 7th day after the due date.
• Bank deposit requirement: Employers must deposit wages into the worker’s account at a local financial institution (wage deposit framework).
• Limits on disciplinary deductions: Deductions as a penalty cannot exceed five days’ wage per month (with any excess carried forward).
• Limits on debt/loan deductions: For employer debts/loans, deductions are capped (commonly cited as 10%), with separate rules for other debts such as alimony within specified limits.

Practical takeaway: Even when deductions are legal, they must be justified, documented, and within legal limits.

Penalties & Company File Suspension (What Happens to Employers)

Under the current enforcement approach reported in Kuwait in 2026, when wage shortages are detected and not clarified properly, PAM can apply administrative actions such as:

• Suspension / temporary closure of the company file
• Blocking certain transactions until the wage issue is clarified and resolved

This pressure mechanism is meant to ensure employers address underpayment quickly and compensate affected workers where required.

Employer Responsibility: Ashal/AS’HAL Salary Shortage Documentation

Employers are expected to use the Ashal (أسهل) / AS’HAL company system to record any salary shortage and provide the legal reason. Good compliance practice includes:

• Entering the shortage against the correct employee/month
• Choosing the appropriate legal reason (leave, absence, disciplinary action, etc.)
• Attaching supporting documentation where required (approvals, warning letters, absence reports)

Why this protects workers: it creates an official record that can be reviewed in disputes.

What Employees Should Do If They Receive a Deduction Alert

Step-by-step checklist (do this same day)

1. Take a screenshot of the Sahel notification (date/time + amount + reason).
2. Check your bank statement to confirm the deposited amount and date.
3. Ask HR in writing for the exact justification and supporting documents (leave approval / disciplinary memo / court order).
4. Verify if it’s a split payment: Ask whether a second transfer is scheduled.
5. If unresolved, use PAM worker e-services to submit an inquiry/complaint and attach your proof (Sahel screenshot + bank statement).

How This Helps Employees AND Companies

How it helps employees

• Transparency: Workers are alerted when a shortage is detected instead of discovering it months later.
• Evidence: Sahel notifications support workers when raising disputes and complaints.
• Faster resolution: Many issues are fixed quickly once the employer is forced to justify the shortage.

How it helps companies (especially compliant employers)

• Fewer misunderstandings: Clear recorded reasons reduce disputes and rumors.
• Early error detection: Payroll mapping or bank transfer mistakes can be corrected before becoming formal cases.
• Compliance protection: Proper documentation helps the company avoid escalating penalties and file suspension.

Pediatric and developmental psychology experts have raised concerns over excessive screen exposure among young children, particularly those under the age of three, warning that it not only weakens language and social skills but also deprives children of essential sensory, motor, and cognitive experiences that form the foundation of healthy development.

Specialists stress that replacing real-world play with virtual engagement denies the developing brain the rich and complex stimulation it needs. Recent studies link prolonged screen time in early childhood to speech delays, reduced attention and concentration, and difficulties in emotional regulation.

According to experts, the issue is not limited to the type of content viewed, but also the nature of the medium itself. While screens appear interactive, they are largely passive, limiting the development of “reciprocal interaction” — the back-and-forth social engagement through which children learn to read facial expressions, interpret tone of voice, and respond appropriately.

Researchers emphasize that the early years of life represent a critical period for brain development, when neural connections are formed at a rapid pace in response to real-world experiences.

Key areas affected include:

• Fine motor skills: Activities such as holding a physical book or stacking blocks activate important brain regions.
• Sensory development: Children learn by tasting, smelling, touching, and listening to their environment.
• Socio-emotional growth: Imaginative play with peers and adults helps children develop “theory of mind,” or the ability to understand that others have different thoughts and feelings.
• Problem-solving skills: Unstructured play allows children to face real challenges, encouraging patience, creativity, and resilience.

Despite these concerns, experts acknowledge that screens are now an unavoidable part of modern life. Rather than fostering parental guilt, they recommend practical strategies: setting firm time limits, choosing high-quality interactive content, co-viewing with children, and ensuring that screen-free time is filled with free play, reading, and direct social interaction.

If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, you might try meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can help restore your calm and inner peace.

Anyone can practice meditation. It's simple and doesn't cost much. And you don't need any special equipment.

You can practice meditation wherever you are. You can meditate when you're out for a walk, riding the bus, waiting at the doctor's office or even in the middle of a business meeting.

Understanding meditation

Meditation has been around for thousands of years. Early meditation was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is most often used to relax and lower stress.

Meditation is a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation can help you relax deeply and calm your mind.

During meditation, you focus on one thing. You get rid of the stream of thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process can lead to better physical and emotional well-being.

Benefits of meditation

Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit your emotional well-being and your overall health. You also can use it to relax and cope with stress by focusing on something that calms you. Meditation can help you learn to stay centered and keep inner peace.

These benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help take you more calmly through your day. And meditation may help you manage symptoms of some medical conditions.

Meditation and emotional and physical well-being

When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.

The emotional and physical benefits of meditation can include:

Giving you a new way to look at things that cause stress.

Building skills to manage your stress.

Making you more self-aware.

Focusing on the present.

Reducing negative feelings.

Helping you be more creative.

Helping you be more patient.

Lowering resting heart rate.

Lowering resting blood pressure.

Helping you sleep better.

Meditation and illness

Meditation also might help if you have a medical condition. This is most often true if you have a condition that stress makes worse. A lot of research shows that meditation is good for health. But some experts believe there's not enough research to prove that meditation helps. With that in mind, some research suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions such as:

Anxiety.

Asthma.

Cancer.

Chronic pain.

Depression.

Heart disease.

High blood pressure.

Irritable bowel syndrome.

Sleep problems.

Tension headaches.

Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional about the pros and cons of using meditation if you have any of these or other health conditions. Sometimes, meditation might worsen symptoms linked to some mental health conditions.

Meditation doesn't replace medical treatment. But it may help to add it to other treatments.

Types of meditation

Meditation is an umbrella term for the many ways to get to a relaxed state. There are many types of meditation and ways to relax that use parts of meditation. All share the same goal of gaining inner peace.

Ways to meditate can include:

Guided meditation. This is sometimes called guided imagery or visualization. With this method of meditation, you form mental images of places or things that help you relax. You try to use as many senses as you can. These include things you can smell, see, hear and feel. You may be led through this process by a guide or teacher. Mantra meditation. In this type of meditation, you repeat a calming word, thought or phrase to keep out unwanted thoughts. Mindfulness meditation.This type of meditation is based on being mindful. This means being more aware of the present.

In mindfulness meditation, you focus on one thing, such as the flow of your breath. You can notice your thoughts and feelings. But let them pass without judging them.

Qigong. This practice most often combines meditation, relaxation, movement and breathing exercises to restore and maintain balance. Qigong (CHEE-gung) is part of Chinese medicine. Tai chi. This is a form of gentle Chinese martial arts training. In tai chi (TIE-CHEE), you do a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful way. And you do deep breathing with the movements. Yoga. You do a series of postures with controlled breathing. This helps give you a more flexible body and a calm mind. To do the poses, you need to balance and focus. That helps you to focus less on your busy day and more on the moment. Parts of meditation Each type of meditation may include certain features to help you meditate. These may vary depending on whose guidance you follow or who's teaching a class. Some of the most common features in meditation include:

Focused attention. Focusing your attention is one of the most important elements of meditation.

Focusing your attention is what helps free your mind from the many things that cause stress and worry. You can focus your attention on things such as a certain object, an image, a mantra or even your breathing. Relaxed breathing. This technique involves deep, even-paced breathing using the muscle between your chest and your belly, called the diaphragm muscle, to expand your lungs. The purpose is to slow your breathing, take in more oxygen, and reduce the use of shoulder, neck and upper chest muscles while breathing so that you breathe better. A quiet setting. If you're a beginner, meditation may be easier if you're in a quiet spot. Aim to have fewer things that can distract you, including no television, computers or cellphones. As you get more skilled at meditation, you may be able to do it anywhere. This includes high-stress places, such as a traffic jam, a stressful work meeting or a long line at the grocery store. This is when you can get the most out of meditation.

A comfortable position. You can practice meditation whether you're sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions or activities. Just try to be comfortable so that you can get the most out of your meditation. Aim to keep good posture during meditation. Open attitude. Let thoughts pass through your mind without judging them. Everyday ways to practice meditation Don't let the thought of meditating the "right" way add to your stress. If you choose to, you can attend special meditation centers or group classes led by trained instructors. But you also can practice meditation easily on your own. There are apps to use too. And you can make meditation as formal or informal as you like. Some people build meditation into their daily routine. For example, they may start and end each day with an hour of meditation. But all you really need is a few minutes a day for meditation.

Here are some ways you can practice meditation on your own, whenever you choose: Breathe deeply. This is good for beginners because breathing is a natural function.

Focus all your attention on your breathing. Feel your breath and listen to it as you inhale and exhale through your nostrils. Breathe deeply and slowly. When your mind wanders, gently return your focus to your breathing. Scan your body. When using this technique, focus attention on each part of your body. Become aware of how your body feels. That might be pain, tension, warmth or relaxation.

Mix body scanning with breathing exercises and think about breathing heat or relaxation into and out of the parts of your body.

Repeat a mantra. You can create your own mantra. It can be religious or not. Examples of religious mantras include the Jesus Prayer in the Christian tradition, the holy name of God in Judaism, or the om mantra of Hinduism, Buddhism and other Eastern religions. Walk and meditate. Meditating while walking is a good and healthy way to relax. You can use this technique anywhere you're walking, such as in a forest, on a city sidewalk or at the mall. When you use this method, slow your walking pace so that you can focus on each movement of your legs or feet. Don't focus on where you're going. Focus on your legs and feet. Repeat action words in your mind such as "lifting," "moving" and "placing" as you lift each foot, move your leg forward and place your foot on the ground. Focus on the sights, sounds and smells around you.

Pray. Prayer is the best known and most widely used type of meditation. Spoken and written prayers are found in most faith traditions. You can pray using your own words or read prayers written by others. Check the self-help section of your local bookstore for examples. Talk with your rabbi, priest, pastor or other spiritual leader about possible resources. Read and reflect. Many people report that they benefit from reading poems or sacred texts and taking a few moments to think about their meaning.

You also can listen to sacred music, spoken words, or any music that relaxes or inspires you. You may want to write your thoughts in a journal or discuss them with a friend or spiritual leader. Focus your love and kindness. In this type of meditation, you think of others with feelings of love, compassion and kindness. This can help increase how connected you feel to others. Building your meditation skills Don't judge how you meditate. That can increase your stress. Meditation takes practice.

It's common for your mind to wander during meditation, no matter how long you've been practicing meditation. If you're meditating to calm your mind and your mind wanders, slowly return to what you're focusing on. Try out ways to meditate to find out what types of meditation work best for you and what you enjoy doing. Adapt meditation to your needs as you go. Remember, there's no right way or wrong way to meditate.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has announced that the e-commerce sector, including online advertisements, promotions and sales of goods and services through social media platforms or buy-and-sell applications will require obtaining a specialized license. The licensing of e-commerce activities comes under a new Amiri decree regulating activities in the digital commerce sector. The move aims to keep pace with global digital transformation while balancing innovation, consumer protection, and transparency in commercial transactions. MoCI has been tasked with regulating and supervising the digital commerce sector, issuing rules for electronic auctions and intermediary platforms, and preparing a schedule of financial penalties.

The law is set to come into force six months after its publication in the Official Gazette. After that period, obtaining a license from the Ministry of Commerce will become mandatory for conducting any digital commercial activity inside Kuwait, whether by individuals or companies.

Advertisements and promotions must clearly disclose the identity of the product or service provider, pricing, specifications, and contact details, while misleading or false promotional content is strictly prohibited. The decree permits providers to offer logistical services such as storage, shipping, transportation, and direct delivery through modern technological solutions or licensed entities inside or outside the country. However, additional charges may not be imposed on consumers unless clearly stated in advance within the electronic contract terms.

When influencers are involved in promotional campaigns, providers must retain all related data, contracts, and records for at least five years and submit them to the ministry upon request. Payments to influencers must also be made through reliable methods that comply with anti-money-laundering regulations and instructions issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait. Any deceptive or misleading promotional practices are prohibited. The decree also requires providers to maintain a business address, disclose commercial registration details and contact information, and clearly present contractual terms, including product descriptions, final pricing, payment methods, offer duration, and return policies.

Consumers are granted the right to withdraw from contracts within 14 days of receiving a product, or to return or replace it without additional cost, provided the product remains in its original condition, except in specified cases.

The announcement of the decree sparked widespread debate across social media platforms, accompanied by numerous questions regarding those subject to the law, licensing procedures, advertising standards in digital commerce, applicable fees, and potential penalties. Under Article 39, violators may face imprisonment of up to one year and fines ranging from KD1,000 to KD10,000, or one of these penalties. Violations include submitting false data, providing forged documents, offering illegal products or services, breaching public order or health regulations, or refusing to comply with decisions of the Dispute Settlement Committee.

Penalties may be doubled in cases of repeat offenses, alongside confiscation of tools or funds linked to violations and closure of the offending business. Responsibility for violations falls on the actual manager of a legal entity if awareness or benefit from the violation is proven. The decree also allows reconciliation procedures in certain offenses to enhance procedural flexibility and reduce judicial burdens. Certain Ministry employees will also be granted judicial enforcement authority to monitor violations.

The decree forms part of a broader government strategy to regulate the digital economy, strengthen confidence in electronic transactions, safeguard consumer rights, and create a more transparent and disciplined digital marketplace in Kuwait.

It also requires adherence to national cybersecurity standards, regular data protection updates, and limits electronic payment processing to entities licensed by the Central Bank, while prohibiting additional payment fees without prior approval.

As regional tensions continue to evolve, the Government of Kuwait has published a list of official emergency contact numbers to help citizens and residents reach vital government institutions quickly if needed.

The unified emergency hotline 112 connects callers to police, ambulance, and fire services, while other key numbers are made available through the official Kuwait e government portal.

Officials emphasized that in times of uncertainty it is important for the public to have access to reliable information and emergency support, urging everyone to save and use these numbers to report urgent incidents or seek assistance.

Citizens and residents are also reminded to follow instructions from competent authorities and rely on official sources for updates, helping ensure safety and readiness across the country.

The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition announced a voluntary precautionary withdrawal of certain infant formula products after receiving follow-up reports through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed regarding potential safety concerns.

In a statement published Friday on its official account on the social media platform X, the authority said the manufacturing company initiated the voluntary recall of several production batches due to the possible presence of the substance “Cereulide,” prompting precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding consumer health, particularly that of infants.

The authority confirmed that immediate action was taken to halt the circulation and sale of all affected batches, reports Al-Rai daily.

It added that coordination is ongoing with the relevant authorities to ensure the products are withdrawn from markets while implementing all necessary preventive measures to maintain food safety standards and protect public health in Kuwait.

Consumers were urged to carefully check the batch numbers printed on product packaging and to immediately stop using the formula if the numbers match those listed in the official warning.

The authority also called on the public to follow updates and instructions issued through its official communication channels to ensure full compliance with safety guidance.

The Ministry of Health has issued a circular to all private healthcare sector facilities — including hospitals, medical centers, clinics, dispensaries, laboratories, home healthcare providers, and all licensed private medical establishments — mandating that fees for medical services be collected exclusively through approved banking channels and electronic payment systems, while strictly prohibiting the acceptance of cash payments.

The decision forms part of broader efforts to strengthen financial governance, reinforce transparency and oversight standards, and ensure full documentation of financial transactions in a manner that safeguards the rights of both patients and healthcare providers, reports Al-Rai daily.

The move is also aimed at enhancing discipline and accountability in payment collection mechanisms across the private healthcare sector.

The ministry called on all entities covered by the circular to immediately implement the directive and take the necessary regulatory and technical steps to activate electronic payment systems, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services in line with approved regulations.

It further confirmed that compliance with the new instructions will be closely monitored, warning that any violations may expose facilities to legal action in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory frameworks.

Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) (KIPCO) announced that its Group Chief Financial Officer, Sunny Bhatia, will step down from his position effective March 31, citing family circumstances.

Bhatia has served as Group CFO since 2022, during which he oversaw the company’s finance, treasury, and capital markets functions. Throughout his tenure, he played a central role in advancing several strategic initiatives, strengthening the Group’s balance sheet, enhancing capital discipline, and proactively managing liabilities while supporting value creation across KIPCO’s portfolio companies, reports Al-Rai daily.

Commenting on the announcement, KIPCO Chief Executive Officer Sheikha Adana Al-Sabah expressed appreciation for Bhatia’s contributions, noting that his leadership significantly reinforced the Group’s financial position and supported the execution of key strategic projects.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the executive management team, I extend our sincere thanks to Sunny Bhatia for his dedication and efforts during his time at Projects,” she said.

“He played an important role in consolidating financial discipline and advancing strategic initiatives across our portfolio. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”

She added that the company’s established leadership structure will ensure a smooth transition period, affirming that KIPCO will continue to move forward with its strategic plans without disruption.

As part of broader regulatory and banking measures aimed at addressing the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing, the Central Bank of Kuwait has directed local banks to apply enhanced due diligence procedures when dealing with clients subject to audit or heightened scrutiny. Under the new directives, banks are required to monitor such clients for an appropriate period and request additional information and supporting documents to verify that financial transactions are legitimate and comply with regulatory standards. The Central Bank stressed that if a client fails to provide sufficient data proving the integrity of their transactions, the bank must terminate its relationship with that customer, reports Al-Rai daily.

Sources familiar with the matter explained that, in cases where an account is closed for this reason, banks are prohibited from informing the customer that the decision was linked to suspicions of money laundering or terrorist financing. Instead, the justification provided must rely on contractual clauses included in account-opening agreements, which grant banks the right to close accounts without disclosing specific reasons.

According to the sources, the measure reflects the Central Bank’s efforts to reduce risks associated with continuing to deal with clients previously flagged for suspicious financial activity.

The move also aims to protect banks from potential legal accountability that could arise if questionable transactions continue without renewed reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit after earlier notifications have already been submitted.

The directives require banks to adopt strict due diligence standards proportionate to the level of risk associated with each client. During the monitoring period, customers must provide documents demonstrating that their transactions are consistent with the nature of their declared business activities. If the client fails to submit the required information, or if the documents provided do not sufficiently dispel suspicions, banks must implement Clause 14 of the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing instructions issued on February 16, 2023, which mandates terminating the banking relationship. The Central Bank further emphasized that concealing the true reason for account closure from the customer forms part of internationally recognized compliance practices designed to strengthen anti-money laundering safeguards and prevent individuals under suspicion from circumventing monitoring systems.

Sources noted that these measures reinforce Kuwait’s legal and regulatory framework for combating financial crimes and align with ongoing legislative reforms in the sector.

They added that the Central Bank’s actions demonstrate the country’s determination to strengthen its position as an effective regional platform in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, thereby enhancing its international standing.

Ending banking relationships with clients who fail to prove the legitimacy of their funds was described as a proportionate and deterrent step aimed at limiting financial risks and preventing the misuse of the banking system.

Official data released by the Public Authority for Civil Information shows Kuwaitis continue to show a clear preference for living in private residential neighborhoods rather than investment and high-density areas, where their presence in some districts does not exceed 1 percent.

The statistics highlight a continued demographic divide between citizen-dominated residential zones and expatriate-heavy urban and investment areas, reflecting long-standing housing patterns across the country.

According to the data, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate records the highest proportion of Kuwaiti residents, accounting for 55 percent of the governorate’s total population, reports Al-Rai daily.

Kuwaiti citizens are mainly distributed across five key areas, led by Sabah Al-Salem, where Kuwaitis form nearly half of the population, totaling about 107,900 residents.

Other areas with strong citizen presence include Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Al-Adan, Al-Qusour, and surrounding residential districts, each recording Kuwaiti population shares exceeding 60 percent in some locations.

The Capital Governorate follows, with Kuwaitis representing 47 percent of its residents. Jaber Al-Ahmad City records one of the highest citizen concentrations, with Kuwaitis making up 58 percent of its population, followed by Al-Rawda with the same percentage.

High citizen representation is also seen in Surra, Qortuba, and Sulaibikhat, where Kuwaitis account for between 46 and 55 percent of residents.

Al-Jahra Governorate ranks third, with citizens forming 34 percent of its population. Saad Al-Abdullah leads locally with a Kuwaiti majority of 52 percent, while the percentage drops sharply in areas such as Taima and Al-Sulaibiya, where citizens represent only about 6 percent. In Al-Ahmadi Governorate, Kuwaitis account for 28 percent overall. Umm Al-Hayman and Al-Sabahiya record strong citizen presence exceeding 50 percent, while investment areas such as Mahboula show extremely limited Kuwaiti residency at around 1 percent. Hawalli Governorate ranks fifth, with citizens making up 22 percent of residents. Rumaithiya records the highest citizen concentration at 56 percent, followed by Salwa and Jabriya. However, Kuwaitis represent only 1 percent of residents in Hawalli and just 2 percent in Salmiya.

Al-Farwaniya Governorate comes last in citizen concentration at 20 percent. Abdullah Al-Mubarak leads locally with 58 percent Kuwaiti residents, followed by Al-Firdous at 52 percent, while densely populated areas such as Khaitan and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh record only about 6 percent. The data also confirms that Kuwait’s most densely populated districts remain largely expatriate-dominated. Salmiya continues to rank as the country’s most populated area in 2025, with more than 351,000 residents, followed by Farwaniya, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Hawalli, and Mahboula. Despite their large populations, these areas record very low Kuwaiti residency rates, reinforcing the trend of citizens concentrating in private residential zones while investment areas accommodate the majority of the expatriate workforce.

The figures underline ongoing demographic and urban planning dynamics in Kuwait, where housing policies and development patterns continue to shape population distribution across governorates.