Kuwait Airways has acknowledged that the provision of complimentary tickets and additional baggage allowance has been a longstanding practice, viewed as a strategy to bolster the brand’s image. Responding to circulating information on social media, the company issued a clarification, sharing an internal document that outlines the authority granted to the Chairman of the Board of Directors to allocate free tickets and excess baggage to individuals, government entities, and official agencies.

In their statement, the airline clarified that these discretionary powers have been exercised in previous years with the primary objective of reinforcing the brand. To dispel any potential confusion, the current Board of Directors has taken steps to formalize this practice in writing and has established a comprehensive and tightly controlled framework. The second part of the Board’s decision mandates the Kuwait Airways Company’s relevant authorities to provide a quarterly report on the distribution of complimentary tickets and excess baggage for thorough review and audit by regulatory bodies.

The head of the dermatology department at Jahra Hospital and Head of the Kuwait Society of Dermatologists Dr. Muhammad Al-Otaibi says the rates of endogenous eczema among children in Kuwait range between 20 to 25 percent, compared to 10 to 20 percent globally, revealing that it is the most common skin disease in Kuwait. In a special press statement, Dr. Al-Otaibi highlighted the ongoing efforts to prepare a national statistical register on the most common skin diseases in the country, including eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. He revealed that the rate of psoriasis in the Arab world has reached up to five percent, compared to four percent globally.

Dr. Al-Otaibi explained that there are several causes of eczema, including genetic predisposition, weather fluctuations, and eating foods that contain milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, etc, in addition to exposure to inhaled substances such as dust, pollen, hair, and droppings of animals and birds, and psychological factors. Increased psychological stress enhances the severity of the symptoms of the disease.

Meanwhile, Dr. Muhammad Al-Otaibi announced the launch of the Kuwait Conference for Dermatology, Laser, and Cosmetic Medicine during the period from December 16 to 18 under the patronage of the Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi. It is being organized by the Kuwait Society of Dermatologists with the participation of experts, consultants, and heads of dermatology associations in the Gulf and Arab countries. He explained that the program of the conference includes more than 90 scientific lectures, 23 workshops, and 13 scientific symposia, in addition to a workshop for doctors of the Kuwait Board of Dermatology. The conference is aimed to discuss several topics regarding the uses of lasers, phototherapy, developments in the treatment of skin diseases (psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema), and the biological medications that have been used in the last ten years to treat these diseases.

According to informed sources, the Ministry of Interior has not yet opened family visas for expatriates, with the exception of some categories such as doctors, as part of the ministry’s plan to reduce the number of violators of the residency law, including those who entered the country under different visa categories and ended up not leaving when these visas expired.

They explained that the Ministry of Interior, based on instructions from the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, is determined to end the problem of violators of the residency law through extensive security campaigns carried out by the ministry’s sectors. This is because the Residency Affairs Investigation Sector has been arresting thousands of violators of labor law in all governorates since the beginning of this year. These measures have reduced the number of violators in the country. The sources reiterated that security campaigns are ongoing throughout the country in order to arrest violators of the residency and labor laws, adding that all sectors of the Ministry of Interior are working to control marginal workers and violators of law.

Renewing residency in Kuwait has moved to digital platforms, which can be challenging for those without the latest smartphone technology. This guide is specifically designed to help individuals who do not have NFC (Near Field Communication)-enabled mobiles navigate the residency renewal process.

The Challenge with NFC

The standard procedure for renewing residency involves using online platforms like the www.eres.moh website. This process typically requires authentication through a mobile ID app, which in turn demands NFC support. However, not everyone possesses a smartphone with this capability, creating a digital divide.

Solution: Utilizing PACI Kiosk Machines

To accommodate residents without NFC-enabled phones, PACI Kiosk Machines offer a viable alternative. These machines are accessible across Kuwait, and their locations can be found here: PACI Kiosk Locations.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Locate a PACI Kiosk: First, find the nearest PACI Kiosk Machine using the provided link.

2. Insert Your Civil ID: At the kiosk, insert your civil ID. This is the initial step in the authentication process.

3. Facial Recognition: The kiosk will conduct a facial recognition scan, serving the same purpose as the mobile ID app.

4. Select the Appropriate Option: On the screen, select the option relevant to residency renewal.

5.Barcode Generation and Scanning: The kiosk will produce a barcode, which can then be scanned using any smartphone equipped with the mobile ID app, regardless of its NFC capabilities.

This method bypasses the need for an NFC-enabled phone, ensuring that all residents can renew their residency without facing technological hurdles.

This guide is intended to help residents in Kuwait who may be struggling with the NFC requirement in the online residency renewal process. By leveraging the accessibility of PACI Kiosk Machines, the residency renewal process becomes more inclusive, ensuring that technological limitations do not impede essential civic procedures.

A proposed schedule outlining requirements for setting up public radio stations across Kuwait has been finalized by the Municipality's Committee for the Study and Review of Building Regulations. A new article, 39 bis, has been incorporated into the new telecommunications regulations by Committee head Muhammad Al-Mutairi, in a letter to the Municipality's Director General Saud Al-Dabbous. The article introduces penalties, including fines ranging from 9,000 to 10,000 dinars, suspension of the contractor's license, and administrative deportation for non-Kuwaiti violators.

The violations subject to these penalties include unauthorized implementation or supervision of telecommunications stations and towers, exceeding the designated area of 300 square meters, putting vehicles in unauthorized locations, establishing communication infrastructure in prohibited sites, and failing to maintain the required 20-meter distance from residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, and facilities for people with disabilities.

According to Al-Mutairi, for enclosing communication stations and towers with materials other than permeable iron mesh, failing to adhere to specified fence heights, and failing to display warning and indicative signs on relevant buildings and sites, a fine of 100 to 500 dinars is imposed. In addition, the committee stipulated fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 dinars for advertising or promotional boards. In the third clause, if the site of telecommunications stations and towers is not fenced, the owner will be fined 4,000 - 5,000 dinars. Whenever possible, a ruling will be made to rectify the violation, with the possibility of adding additional penalties such as license suspension or cancellation. Depending on the severity of the violation, violators may also face criminal or civil penalties. Fines increase with the number of violations.

In a recent development, the Interior Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have approved the unified Gulf tourist visa project, which is expected to commence in 2025. The project aims to facilitate the movement of residents and tourists across the GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The visa will allow travelers to visit multiple countries with a single visa, streamlining the process and potentially boosting the region’s tourism sector.

Following the approval, joint or individual technical committees for each country will begin formulating and scrutinizing the prerequisites and conditions essential for visa application, in compliance with the respective laws and regulations of each nation. The visa applications will be submitted through a unified website/app, subject to scrutiny and approvals from all participating countries before the visa is issued. If objections arise from one or more countries, the visa will be granted conditionally for entry into the approved countries exclusively.

It’s important to note that project approval does not automatically guarantee consent from all countries for the visa holder’s entry. Each country will maintain its sovereignty in determining who is allowed to enter. For example, Kuwait currently maintains barriers to the entry of certain nationalities into the country, which will be among the conditions reviewed by the relevant committees either prior to the project launch or post-implementation.

Additionally, the project encompasses the establishment of specific visa fees. The Residency Affairs Sector in the Ministry of Interior is actively working on a study to amend visa fees of various types, with these amendments anticipated to be incorporated into the forthcoming discussion of the foreigners’ residency law in the National Assembly scheduled for December. This is crucial as visa fees play a significant role in attracting tourists to the region.

The unified Gulf tourist visa is part of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, designed to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP and establish the GCC as a leading global tourist destination. The implementation of the unified visa is expected to have a transformative impact on the region’s tourism industry, attracting more tourists and stimulating economic growth in the tourism sector. It will require close collaboration and coordination among the GCC countries to ensure its success.

In conclusion, the unified Gulf tourist visa project is a significant step towards fostering economic integration and promoting tourism in the GCC countries. It represents a shared vision and collective ambition of the member states and is expected to have a positive impact on the economic and tourist sectors of the region.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Al-Shatti, the Medical Emergency Department at the Ministry of Health responded to 1,072 ambulance calls, an average of 356 a day.

During the rains, there were 94 accidents, with a daily average of 31 accidents, an increase from the pre-rainfall daily average of 21 accidents. Dr. Al-Shatti commended the collaborative efforts of all involved parties, particularly the emergency medical personnel and the hospital accident response team.

The Ministry of Health in Kuwait is close to acquiring a facility in the Hawalli region to establish a new Medical examination center for expatriate workers. The center is expected to commence operations shortly after the completion of installing equipment.

Reliable sources revealed that the Ministry is actively working with relevant authorities to obtain approval for additional new centers. The primary goal is to develop a comprehensive solution to prevent the overcrowding crisis witnessed by these centers in recent years.

Furthermore, the Ministry is currently exploring various regulatory measures for these centers. This includes extension of working hours, implementing a two-shift system, or considering the approval of specific procedures for service seekers with segmentation or categorization. These measures are designed to streamline the service-receiving process and ensure efficiency.

Muhammad Al-Aiban, the Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, issued a directive today urging the inspection and supervisory teams to increase their surveillance efforts. By artificially inflating goods' prices, he emphasized their responsibility to impose the maximum penalties on those who violate the law.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce following Al-Aiban's meeting with the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Sector, employees are the first line of defense against merchant greed. Taking advantage of salary increases for unjust enrichment is prohibited, he said explicitly. This directive is a proactive measure to regulate and monitor unwarranted increases in commodity prices, coinciding with the recent approval of financial increases for retirees.

During the meeting, Al-Aiban engaged in discussions with the heads of the Commercial Control Emergency Department, the Director of the Technical Apparatus for Commodity Supervision, and the Director of the Consumer Protection Department about developments in the work plan of the Commercial Control Department. The purpose was to assess their preparedness to address potential price increases in the upcoming period. Furthermore, Al-Aiban listened to the insights and recommendations of the inspection teams, aiming to address any challenges they might face and empower them to fulfill their duties effectively. In ensuring fair market practices and safeguarding citizens against economic exploitation, the Ministry takes this proactive approach.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a decision to stop transferring the Article 17 residency permits of expatriates working in the government sector to the private sector as Article 18 residency permits.

According to security sources, the decision to stop the transfer will be applied to those whose services ended when they reached the legal age or to those who resigned from their job.

They revealed that there is a trend among state ministries to replace expatriates with citizens due to which employment contracts are not renewed for those who have reached the legal age for work or who have reached the age of 60 years, with the aim of reducing the number of expatriates in these ministries and replacing them with citizens.

Meanwhile, the number of expatriates who were deported during the current year reached more than 40,000, including those who violated the residency law, marginal workers, those who violated public morals, and those bound by judicial rulings.

The Kuwaiti national football team suffered a defeat at the hands of the Indian team, conceding a lone goal in a match held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium on Thursday. This match marked the commencement of the joint qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup, where Manvir Singh secured the victory for India with a goal in the 75th minute.

Meanwhile, the Qatar national football team secured a commanding victory over its Afghan counterpart, clinching an impressive 8-1 triumph at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium. This marked the opening match in the initial group stage of the joint qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

The Qatari national team dominated the first half, netting six goals compared to Afghanistan’s lone goal. Al-Moataz Ali, a player for the Qatari team, contributed significantly, scoring four of the six goals. The momentum continued into the second half, with Qatar adding two more goals to seal the match with an 8-1 scoreline in their favor.

Guided by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, the Qatari team will continue to compete in the first group of the joint qualifiers, alongside the Kuwaiti and Indian teams.

In a recent announcement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation revealed that a minor fire incident at the T2 passenger terminal of Kuwait International Airport was effectively contained on Wednesday evening.

The impact of the fire was confined to minor material damage, specifically related to certain construction materials. Importantly, the incident did not disrupt air traffic navigation.

The responsive action of the General Fire Force promptly addressed the fire, and ongoing efforts by specialists are focused on determining the root causes of the incident.

Undersecretary of Public Security Sector Major General Abdullah Al-Rajaib reported the closure of several roads. Specifically, Al-Maghrib Road leading to the capital, Surra, Al-Jahra Road opposite Al Tilal, Abdul Karim Al-Khattabi Street next to Hawally Passport office, as well as the Soukh Mubarakiya parking lots in the capital region, have been closed due to rising water levels.

In addition, he stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and urged citizens and residents to avoid unnecessary outings due to water accumulation. During the ongoing rainy conditions in the country, Al-Rajaib advised the public to stay away from water accumulation to ensure their well-being.

In response to reports from the Meteorological Department, the Ministry of Education has announced a shift to remote learning in all government schools. The decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff in anticipation of an unstable climate and heavy rainfall. On Thursday, the 16th of November, both educational and administrative staff will participate in remote learning.

Ahmed Al-Wahida, the Ministry's official spokesperson, emphasised that this proactive measure underlines the Ministry's commitment to sustaining education and that necessary preparations and arrangements have been made within the educational sector to facilitate this change. As a result, Al-Wahida urged everyone to adhere to the Ministry of Education's instructions and stay informed of the latest official updates through the Ministry's official social media accounts.

Improving the quality of Kuwaiti soil that had largely been contaminated as a result of crude spills caused by the 1990 Iraqi invasion is a significant part of environmental protection, the oil ministry said on Tuesday.

Such a measure will be instrumental in rectifying the damage inflicted on Kuwaiti soil more than three decades ago, the oil ministry’s public relations chief Dr. Tamather Al-Sabah told a ministry-organized panel discussion on future environmental endeavors. Iraqi forces had set more than 700 oil wells ablaze to trigger the “biggest environmental catastrophe” in history, according to Dr. Mohammad Al-Qahtani, who is in charge of the ministry’s soil-related projects, most of which are being carried out in northern and southern areas, he said.

Numerous innovative techniques are utilized in these projects that aim to improve the quality of Kuwaiti soil, he underlined, citing biological treatment as one of many effective cleansing methods that go into such endeavors.

State-run Kuwait Oil Company’s soil-related projects chief Muthana Al-Mumen listed a number of recent programs that have been completed, chief among them a “green cover project” that covers some 30 square kilometers, he said.(KUNA)

The Supreme Committee of the Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority has decided to cancel the Kuwait Metro project, which is part of the Rapid Transport Systems Project. This decision, made in lieu of the Authority’s Board of Directors, was based on the project’s significant administrative and financial burdens on public funds, amounting to 2.152 million dinars, as reported by the Audit Bureau.

Emphasizing the extensive series of procedures and meetings spanning nearly a decade for the project’s implementation, the Bureau highlighted the prolonged period taken for its study and presentation. The Partnership Authority clarified that the decision to cancel the project was based on recommendations from various committees tasked with scrutinizing the outcomes of feasibility studies. These studies led to the project and prepared reports being returned to the public authority for updates and a reconsideration of the offering system. Since there have been no developments related to the project since 2017, the decision to cancel was implemented

The Partnership Authority clarified that the expenses incurred were a result of consulting contracts adhering to legal requirements and were tied to completed work, thus deeming the expenditures beneficial. The “Diwan” affirmed its observation, noting that the Authority’s report conflicts with the jurisdiction of the Supreme Committee, which has the sole authority to approve public entity requests for partnership projects and their studies. According to Clause No. (703) of Article (3) in Law No. (116) of 2014 regarding partnerships between the public and private sectors, failure to communicate developments to the Authority regarding the project does not serve as justification for its cancellation. The public entity must be informed to stay abreast of the latest developments

The stage is set for a monumental clash in the world of football as India gears up to face Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. This crucial match is scheduled for November 16, 2023, at 7:30 PM at the renowned Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.

Key Event Details:

Date and Time: November 16, 2023, 7:30 PM

Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait

Event: FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers

Ticket Booking Information:

Fans can book their tickets by visiting the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium's Official Ticket Booking Website. The tickets are affordably priced at 3 KD for standard seats and 5 KD for premium seats. Early registration is recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting match.

Stadium Location:

For directions to the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, refer to this //www.google.com/maps/place//@29.2637858,47.9713124,15z/data=!3m1!4b1?entry=ttu">Google Maps Link.

Match Highlights:

India's Lineup: The Indian team, featuring talented players like Amrinder Singh and Sandesh Jhingan, is expected to put up a strong fight.

Kuwait's Squad: Kuwait counters with its own formidable lineup, promising a thrilling match.

Why This Match is a Must-See:

This qualifier is more than just a game; it's an opportunity for fans to witness the rising talents in Asian football and support their teams in their quest for World Cup glory

In a letter to the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Faleh Al-Raqab, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, requested that the requirement to have a guarantor for credit bank loans to workers in the private sector registered under Chapters Five and Three be canceled.

As part of the state's efforts to encourage qualified Kuwaiti youth to become entrepreneurs and establish commercial projects, this initiative is being launched.

In order to remove all obstacles facing the national workforce in the private sector and bring them on par with workers in government agencies with regard to documents and procedures for loans granted by the Kuwait Credit Bank, Al-Khaled has requested that the guarantor requirement be removed.

The Ministry of Interior issued a cautionary notice regarding a surge in fraudulent activities orchestrated by individuals residing outside the State of Kuwait. These perpetrators, displaying a lack of ethical judgment, have been posing as security personnel through phone numbers and various electronic communication programs.

In an official press release, the Ministry of Interior urged both Kuwaiti citizens and expats to exercise vigilance and caution when dealing with phone calls. The advisory aimed to prevent individuals from becoming victims of fraudulent schemes and encouraged them to promptly report any suspicious calls to the competent authorities. The statement emphasized that these deceptive communications are under constant surveillance and scrutiny by the relevant authorities within the Ministry of Interior. Appropriate measures will be taken to address and counteract such fraudulent activities.

The Criminal Court has postponed the trial of a current MP accused of forgery in transferring residencies of expatriates to January 7 next year. This delay is to allow the court to address the Parliament for the lifting of his immunity.

During yesterday’s session, the accused representative was present before the judge, but the court did not formally charge him. After the session concluded and the decision was issued, it was revealed that the court refrained from questioning him due to a legal obstacle, represented by the existence of immunity that has not been lifted until now.

A citizen had filed a complaint accusing the deputy of orchestrating the transfer of work permits of employees working for him to another company without his knowledge, and he demanded legal action against the accused deputy.

Sahel App now allows domestic workers to transfer residence from one sponsor to another

- The process begins with the current sponsor initiating the request, followed by a notification sent to the prospective new sponsor.

- In the initial phase, the service will focus on facilitating the transfer of the domestic worker’s residence, with subsequent phases including the domestic worker.

- Eligibility criteria for the new sponsor include being of Kuwaiti nationality, married, at least 18 years old, and facing no obstacles for both the sponsor and the worker.