The latest data from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) shows a decrease in the number of Kuwaiti citizens working in the private sector from 72,231 at the end of December 2023 to 70,756 by December 2024. This represents a decline of 1,475 employees.

As of the end of December 2024, the number of Kuwaiti men employed in the private sector stood at 39,418, while Kuwaiti women in the sector totaled 31,338.

In contrast to the private sector, the government sector saw an increase in national employment. By the end of December 2024, the total number of Kuwaiti employees in the government sector reached 400,815, up by 3,125 employees from the 397,690 reported at the end of 2023.

The government's workforce consists of 207,011 women and 193,804 men as of December 2024.

The statistics also revealed that the total number of unemployed Kuwaiti citizens stood at approximately 33,307 by the end of December 2024.

The Kuwaiti market is experiencing a notable shift towards digital transactions, with cash payments and ATM withdrawals seeing a significant decline. This change is reflective of the growing adoption of electronic payment systems across the country.

Despite the continued popularity of ATM withdrawals in Kuwait, the country witnessed a 5.9% decrease in cash withdrawals last year. In 2023, the total amount withdrawn through ATMs reached around 10.721 billion KWD, whereas in 2024, this figure dropped to approximately 10.084 billion KWD, representing a reduction of about 637 million KWD.

The decline in ATM cash withdrawals is largely attributed to the rapid adoption of electronic payment systems. Government departments, businesses, and other entities have been increasingly utilizing point of sale systems and online payment platforms to facilitate transactions, providing a more convenient alternative to traditional cash payments.

Various government departments have implemented online payment systems via their official websites, enabling residents to pay for services and transactions digitally. This shift has greatly reduced the need for cash withdrawals, contributing to the overall decline in ATM usage.

The shift towards digital payments is expected to have long-term positive effects on the economy, promoting greater financial transparency and efficiency in payment systems.

With the increasing reliance on digital payments, it is anticipated that the trend of declining ATM withdrawals will continue in the coming years. The Kuwaiti government and private sector entities are likely to expand their digital payment offerings to meet the growing demand for convenience and security in financial transactions.

As Kuwait continues to embrace technology, the role of cash in everyday transactions is expected to decrease further, with digital systems playing a central role in the country’s financial ecosystem.

The General Administration of Customs has introduced a new electronic service on the unified government app “Sahel,” providing users with a streamlined way to manage individual authorizations. The service, announced via the official “Sahel” account on the “X” social media platform, enables users to electronically submit a request to cancel authorizations for individuals registered under their account.

This new feature is part of an ongoing effort by the General Administration of Customs to enhance digital services, making it easier for users to manage their accounts and permissions. The service can be accessed directly through the Sahel app, which is a central hub for various government services in Kuwait.

Users can now visit the “Sahel” app and select the option to request the cancellation of individual authorizations. This process eliminates the need for physical visits to the Customs office, making it more convenient and efficient for users to complete these tasks electronically.

The launch of this service comes as part of the government’s continued push toward digital transformation. It not only simplifies the process but also ensures that services are available to users at any time, without the need for in-person interactions. The new feature is expected to save time and reduce administrative burden, benefiting both the public and the government.

This addition joins several other services available on the Sahel app, designed to improve the user experience by offering a wide range of government-related functions through a single platform. The app continues to evolve, with future enhancements expected to further streamline user interactions with government services.

For more information about the services offered through the Sahel app, including how to use the new cancellation feature, users are encouraged to visit the official government website or consult the app’s help section.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has introduced a new initiative that allows individuals aged 60 and above with a secondary school certificate or lower to transfer their residency status from family/dependent sponsorship (Article 22) to work residency in the private sector (Article 18).

This transfer is subject to the same conditions and regulations that apply to switching employers, ensuring consistency in the process.

Additionally, workers registered under government contracts can now transfer to the private sector, provided their government contracts have ended and both the original and new employers agree to the transfer.

The latest labor force statistics for 2024 reveal that a total of 31,391 job seekers have been registered in the national labor sector. The breakdown of these job seekers includes a range of educational backgrounds:

• 27 PhD holders
• 629 individuals with a Master’s degree
• 17,927 with a bachelor’s degree
• 6,805 diploma holders
• 823 job seekers with intermediate qualifications
• 83 with vocational or parallel education
• 408 classified as below intermediate

In addition, there are several thousand other job seekers who have completed specialized courses or gained relevant work experience, expanding their employment opportunities in the private sector.

The fraudulent messages claim that traffic violations, such as running a red light, come with a settlement order of KD4.500. However, the actual fine for such a violation is KD50. This discrepancy raises a red flag about the authenticity of the message.

Upon clicking the link provided in the message, recipients are likely to encounter numerous errors, both in the content and the link itself. The message and its associated link contain numerous fallacies, further confirming the fraudulent nature of the communication.

The Ministry of Interior has clarified that traffic fines can only be paid through official channels such as the Ministry of Interior's website or the Sahel application. Individuals should avoid making payments through any external links provided in suspicious messages.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior does not send messages using international phone numbers. Any message received from an unfamiliar international number should be treated with caution, and the sender's identity must be verified.

Responding to fraudulent messages can lead to significant risks, including financial loss. The Ministry has warned that providing personal or banking details in response to such messages can result in the theft of funds from the recipient's bank account.

In a press statement, Al-Mutairi commended the efforts of Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, head of the Volunteer Work Center, and the committee members from government agencies and the private sector.

A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Ooredoo, owner of Fast Telecommunications Company and operator of the (51) digital platform. The presentation revealed a global celebration project featuring international stars, which will align with Kuwait's national holiday celebrations in February. The project will continue to engage the public through digital platforms, enhancing the festivities.

Additionally, the organizing team for the Kuwait Shopping Festival 2025 (Ya Hala) presented an update on the festival’s achievements. The visual presentation showcased the festival’s success since its inception, including impressive statistics and upcoming events.

The festivities will begin on February 2nd, with the flag-raising ceremony marking the start of the celebrations. Draws for prizes will commence on February 1st, followed by a series of events and shows.

• Over 9,000 participating companies and shops
• 300+ draw boxes deployed across the country
• Tourism and entertainment events catering to all age groups

These efforts aim to provide an inclusive and festive atmosphere for all participants, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Kuwait's Ambassador to India, Meshal Alshemali, commended India's cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity while celebrating its Republic Day and Constitution Day. Speaking to a news agency, he shared his impressions after attending the reception and military parade, marking the occasion at the invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

Ambassador Alshemali highlighted that the Republic Day celebrations showcased India's military advancements, technological innovation, and cultural diversity. The grand military parade demonstrated the capabilities of all military sectors while celebrating India's rich heritage and achievements in various fields, including technology and arts.

During his remarks, Ambassador Alshemali conveyed his well wishes to the Indian leadership and people for continued success and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, a relationship deeply rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.

Ambassador Alshemali referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait last December, which laid the groundwork for a more strategic partnership between the two countries. The visit fostered collaboration across political, trade, economic, defense, and cultural domains, further solidifying the relationship between Kuwait and India.

In closing, the ambassador reiterated Kuwait's desire to deepen bilateral cooperation with India, fostering initiatives that serve the interests of both nations and their peoples.

The Ministry of Education in Kuwait has launched a significant initiative to reduce the weight of school bags by up to 50% for the 2024-2025 academic year. This move aligns with the directives of Minister of Education, Jalal Al-Tabtabaei.

Several key sectors within the Ministry, including educational research, curricula, general education, and finance, have worked together to find solutions that balance educational efficiency with student safety.

One of the notable solutions is the printing of school books for the second semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, incorporating special specifications aimed at lightening the weight of school bags.

The Ministry has made the decision to divide second-semester textbooks into two parts. This change is in alignment with the curricula approved by the General Technical Guidance for all educational levels, ensuring quality educational content remains intact.

In addition to reducing bag weight, the Ministry has confirmed that all changes have been made without additional financial costs. The budget allocated for printing the school books has been adhered to, demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to efficiency.

This initiative reflects the Ministry’s deep commitment to safeguarding the physical health of students by reducing the risks associated with carrying excessive loads. The goal is to create an environment that supports both the educational and health development of students.

The Supply and Warehouses Department has already started distributing the textbooks to schools at all educational levels. This distribution is happening according to a well-organized plan to ensure that schools are prepared for the second semester of 2024-2025.

According to a groundbreaking legal study conducted by lawyer Hawra Al-Habib, nearly 3,000 medical-related cases have been registered in Kuwait over the past three years. The majority of these cases involve violations in private medical clinics, with approximately 600 relating specifically to medical errors. Of these, about 60% stem from cosmetic surgeries performed in private clinics.

While medical error cases are challenging to prove, they are considered extremely serious due to their potential life-threatening consequences. In many cases, the damage caused cannot be reversed and may lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. The study noted that some cases are resolved privately through waivers or agreements, often before reaching court.

Misdiagnosis is a major factor contributing to medical errors in Kuwait. According to the study, some individuals have been initially diagnosed with malignant diseases, only to discover later that they did not have any illness. There are also cases where patients traveled abroad based on incorrect diagnoses from Kuwaiti hospitals, only to find that they required no surgery. These misdiagnoses often result in claims for compensation.

Penalties for medical errors in Kuwait can include fines, imprisonment, and disciplinary actions. However, criminal punishment is only applied when the error is deemed intentional or caused by gross negligence. The study highlighted that proving medical error requires expert research, and investigations can take extensive time to conclude. Moreover, doctors rarely admit to making errors, as it could result in professional and legal consequences.

The most common causes of medical errors include infections acquired post-surgery, delayed diagnoses, incorrect medical prescriptions, and insufficient follow-up care. Additionally, some medical errors may be attributed to patients failing to follow medical instructions, leading to complications.

The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors, presented annually to celebrate exceptional contributions across various domains. These awards are categorized into three levels:

• Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
• Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order.
• Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.

Each year, the awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day and presented at a grand ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India.

In a significant recognition of her dedication to promoting yoga and wellness in the Gulf region, Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al Jaber Al Sabah of Kuwait has been conferred the esteemed Padma Shri Award by the Government of India.

Sheikha Shaikha has been instrumental in popularizing yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being in Kuwait and its neighboring countries. Her initiatives have significantly boosted awareness about yoga's benefits, fostering cultural exchange between India and Kuwait.

This award underscores the increasing global recognition of yoga as a practice that enhances physical, mental, and spiritual health. It also highlights the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Kuwait, strengthened by Sheikha Shaikha’s efforts in the wellness sector.

For the year 2025, the President of India has approved a total of 139 Padma Awards, distributed as follows:

• 7 Padma Vibhushan
• 19 Padma Bhushan
• 113 Padma Shri

The list includes 23 women, 10 Foreigners/NRI/PIO recipients, and 13 posthumous honorees. These awards will be ceremoniously presented in March or April 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The conferring of the Padma Shri Award on Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al Sabah signifies more than individual achievement; it highlights the strengthening bilateral relations between India and Kuwait. Through her advocacy of yoga, Sheikha Shaikha serves as a bridge connecting the two nations, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

The Padma Awards serve as a platform to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of individuals and promote the values of excellence and service across the globe.

Parents and students in Kuwait have expressed significant frustration over the decision to shut down the CBSE section of an Indian school in Abbasiya. The move has left the academic future of hundreds of students uncertain.

The school’s management recently announced that it plans to phase out the CBSE curriculum to introduce an American curriculum as part of its expansion. The administration cited the Ministry of Education's restrictions on operating multiple curricula within a single campus as the primary reason for this decision.

By the end of the academic year, students enrolled in the CBSE section are set to be transferred to a nearby campus. While the management assured parents that the new campus has adequate facilities and space, concerns about practicality and the disruption to students' education remain.

Many parents view the decision as abrupt and unsettling. A concerned parent commented,

“This decision seems to be driven by profit rather than the needs of students. It’s deeply unsettling for children who now face uncertainty about their education.”

The CBSE section, which has served the community for nearly a decade, has been a cornerstone of the school’s offerings. Parents argue that the sudden change undermines students’ stability and mental well-being, especially since they will need to adjust to new surroundings and routines.

The school’s management has emphasized that the transition process will be automatic and seamless. Parents have been given until the end of the month to either transfer their children to the new campus or withdraw them from the school entirely. However, the administration has stated that the decision to close the CBSE section is final.

This development has caused widespread concern within the Indian community in Kuwait. Parents are urging the school to reconsider its decision and calling on authorities to ensure that such significant changes prioritize students' educational needs over administrative and financial objectives.

As the April transition deadline draws closer, families remain in limbo about their children’s academic future. Many hope for a resolution that minimizes disruption and ensures a smooth educational journey for the affected students.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Technical Authority for Supervision of Goods and Price Determination, held a key meeting to assess the readiness of Kuwaiti markets for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. This meeting, led by Faisal Al-Ansari, Director of the Commercial Control Department, was aimed at ensuring the smooth operation of key commercial sectors during Ramadan.

During the meeting, Al-Ansari met with the heads of the inspection and emergency departments to discuss plans for intensifying market oversight. Key areas of focus will include central markets, cooperative societies, meat and date shops, restaurants, sweet shops, and mills. The goal is to ensure that these businesses adhere to the Ministry’s approved price guidelines and maintain high food safety standards.

Intensive Inspections to Begin Before Ramadan

Al-Ansari announced that comprehensive inspection campaigns would be rolled out starting next week. These campaigns will focus on monitoring price stability and ensuring compliance with the ministry-approved pricing, especially as prices may fluctuate during Ramadan. Inspectors will compare prices before and after Ramadan to detect any irregularities.

Ensuring Food Safety During Girgean

In addition to price monitoring, Al-Ansari stressed the importance of inspecting sweet shops to ensure the safety of food items, particularly those prepared for the traditional Girgean celebration during Ramadan. The ministry is committed to protecting consumers by ensuring that all food products meet health and safety standards.

The Ministry of Electricity and Water has successfully completed approximately 30% of its maintenance work on power stations in preparation for the upcoming summer season. This statement was made by the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Power Plants and Water Distillation, Engineer Haitham Al-Ali, during a mock evacuation exercise at the Doha West Power Plant conducted by the National Guard on Tuesday.

Al-Ali shared that while 30% of the maintenance on power stations has been finished, around 60% of the work on water stations is already completed. The ministry has devised a detailed plan and schedule to ensure the power stations and water facilities are ready in time for the summer. The work began in September and is expected to conclude by June of the upcoming year.

Energy Conservation Efforts

In light of the ongoing preparations, Al-Ali emphasized the importance of energy conservation. He urged citizens, government institutions, and private companies to play an active role in conserving energy. This collaborative effort is crucial to preventing power outages and ensuring a stable energy supply throughout the summer season.

Coordination with Gulf Interconnection Authority

The Ministry of Electricity and Water is also coordinating with the Gulf Interconnection Authority to enhance the stability of the energy grid. This coordination will facilitate the exchange of electrical energy, with approximately 1,000 megawatts expected to be transferred from neighboring Gulf countries, further bolstering Kuwait’s energy resources.

Kuwait's consumer price index (CPI), a primary indicator of inflation, rose by 2.5% in December 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the Central Administration of Statistics. On a monthly basis, inflation increased by 0.45%, reflecting the economic shifts during the period.

Food and Beverages Sector

The food and beverages group registered a 5% price surge, making it the largest contributor to overall inflation. Rising costs of essential goods in this category underscore the increasing strain on household budgets.

Clothing and Footwear

Prices in the clothing sector rose by 5.13%, driven by higher production and retail costs.

Healthcare

The health sector saw a 4% increase in prices, adding to the upward inflationary trend.

Education Services

Education costs experienced a moderate rise of 0.71%, reflecting increased fees for educational services.

Home Furnishings

The home furnishings group recorded a 3.51% rise, marking steady growth in household expenses.

Housing Services

Housing services prices increased by 0.9%, reflecting stable growth in the sector.

Entertainment and Culture

This group witnessed a 2.64% price rise, contributing moderately to overall inflation.

Restaurants and Hotels

Prices in the restaurants and hotels sector rose by 2.03%, indicating higher costs in dining and hospitality services.

Various Goods and Services

The various goods and services category surged by 5.43%, highlighting broader price pressures.

In contrast to other sectors, transportation costs declined by 1.47% year-on-year, offsetting some of the inflationary pressure. Despite rising fuel prices, the drop reflects a temporary reprieve in travel-related expenses.

When excluding the food and beverages sector, Kuwait's inflation rate stood at 2.02% in December 2024. This figure highlights the substantial impact of other sectors on overall inflation.

Kuwait's inflationary trends in December 2024 reveal a complex economic landscape shaped by rising costs in essential sectors like food, clothing, and healthcare, while the transportation sector provided a slight respite. Monitoring these trends remains crucial for assessing the country's economic health.

On Sunday afternoon, the General Fire Force responded swiftly to a building collapse that occurred during a demolition process in the Al-Shaab Al-Bahri area. Teams from the Salmiya, Hawally, and Search and Rescue Centers were immediately deployed to the site to assess the situation and ensure no one was trapped beneath the rubble.

Upon arrival, the Fire Force teams conducted a thorough search and inspection operation. The primary goal was to confirm that there were no individuals trapped under the debris, and fortunately, no significant injuries were reported. The operation was carried out efficiently and without delay, demonstrating the preparedness of the Fire Force units.

According to the Fire Force's official statement, there were no major injuries following the building collapse. The teams worked diligently to ensure the site was secure, and after the search operation, the scene was handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and action.

The Fire Force's quick response and effective safety measures highlight the importance of readiness during demolition processes. The authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collapse to prevent future incidents and enhance safety protocols.

The Kuwait Ministry of Education has officially launched the first phase of its new digital fingerprint system, designed to track employee attendance and departure efficiently. This innovative system forms part of the Ministry's broader push for digital transformation in employee management, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as facial recognition and GPS geolocation for precise and secure tracking.

The system eliminates the need for traditional fingerprint devices by allowing employees to log in and out using their smartphones. This modern approach leverages facial recognition to verify identity and GPS to confirm employees are at their designated work locations. According to the Ministry, the system’s user-friendly interface is highly secure, with encrypted data to ensure privacy and accuracy.

First Phase Implementation in Key Ministry Offices

The first phase of the digital attendance system is being implemented in the Ministry's general office, educational districts, and central administrations. This initial phase will help streamline attendance tracking and provide real-time reports on employee presence and departure times, contributing to improved operational efficiency.

Second Phase to Include Schools Across Kuwait

Following the first phase, the second phase will extend the digital system to school administrations and all Ministry employees, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry emphasized that the new system offers several key benefits, including:

• Simplified Administrative Processes: Employees can log in and out of work directly through their smartphones, saving time and reducing manual entry.
• Cost Reduction: The system helps cut operational costs by eliminating the need for traditional fingerprint devices and paper-based attendance records.
• Increased Transparency and Efficiency: Instant access to attendance reports provides valuable data for monitoring employee performance.

This move aligns with the Ministry’s vision to create a modern, efficient work environment, contributing to the sustainability of institutional work. The goal of the first phase is to optimize operations within the Ministry’s central departments and offices, with the second phase aiming for full implementation across the educational sector.

By implementing this digital system, the Ministry of Education expects to enhance transparency in monitoring employee performance, reduce operational costs, and simplify the management of attendance data. The system will also support the Ministry's long-term goals of improving administrative service delivery and fostering a modernized educational environment.