In conjunction with the issuance of the decision by the Council of Ministers concerning the “Regulation for Kuwaitization of Government Contracts” and in line with what was previously published in the Al-Seyassah issue on August 18, 2023, regarding the development of a comprehensive program known as the “Strategic Alternative” to review public sector salaries, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, Aseel Al-Munaifi, has announced an ongoing study in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission to approve a “special increase” for government sector employees.

In a statement to Al-Seyassah, Al-Munaifi explained that the study was conducted in response to the directives of His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf, aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. She noted that the concept has been discussed with the Civil Service Commission and is now in its final stages, set to be presented to the Council of Ministers in the near future. Additionally, the Undersecretary of Finance clarified that this anticipated step is part of a series of recent decisions, with financial costs already approved.

As part of these decisions, support is provided for workers engaged in micro-activities or specific fields, patients and their companions employed in the private sector are extended assistance during overseas medical treatment, scholarship students from the private sector can receive assistance in completing their studies or training, and small and medium enterprise owners can receive a six-month loan installment deferral from the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises, Development and Care.

Additionally, Al-Munifi reported ongoing efforts by the Subsidies Committee to optimize and direct subsidies to those who are eligible for them. She specified that the study is specifically focused on subsidies for “diesel and kerosene,” and once completed, it will be presented to the Council of Ministers for a decision. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to enhance non-oil revenues and rationalize the state’s overall budget.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Fahad Al-Shuala, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Communications Affairs, announced a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the "Sahel" application. The initiative involves the launch of the "Sahel Lab," which will receive innovative ideas, valuable experiences, and constructive suggestions for improving the quality of electronic services.

KUNA reported that Minister Al-Shuala emphasized the importance of advancing plans to enhance the "Sahel" and "Sahel Business" applications following a meeting of the Ministerial Coordination Committee. By providing a broader range of electronic services, both citizens and businesses can meet their aspirations. Furthermore, this initiative aims to foster greater collaboration among government agencies.

Digital applications, channels, and platforms are essential tools for advancing digital development in modern states, according to Minister Al-Shuala. These resources play a vital role in elevating the quality of services provided to citizens, residents, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Streamlining administrative processes for government services to make them easy to access and highly effective is a priority for the government, he stated. The Ministerial Coordination Committee, through its regular meetings, strives to monitor the steps and procedures taken in alignment with the state’s development vision. This reflects the sincere determination of government leaders to progress in this crucial aspect.

The Kuwaiti minister commended the concerted efforts of government agencies to enhance cooperation to support these national projects, all in pursuit of the well-being and prosperity of Kuwaitis.

MP Hani Shams has submitted a proposal to stop the issuance of licenses for the embassies and consulates of other countries whose offices are in residential areas. He suggested relocating these embassies and consulates to the designated diplomatic area.

On the other hand, MP Hamad Al-Elyan criticized the decision of the Council of Ministers that the State Audit Bureau (SAB) has no right to look into the regulations on the work of ministries. He said the decision contradicts Law No. 30/1964 on the establishment of SAB, particularly Article 20 stating that SAB has the right to look into the administrative and financial regulations to ensure compliance with monitoring rules. He stressed that the decision limits transparency and disrupts the monitoring tasks of SAB, so he called for immediate cancellation of the decision. He added the decision violates Article 29 of the aforementioned law, which grants SAB the right to check every document or form needed to complete its tasks. He went on to say the decision also violates Article Five of law number 12/2020, which obligates public institutions to publish decisions and regulations on their websites to be available to the public. He concluded that the government has no other option but to cancel the decision; otherwise, it must bear political responsibility.

Meanwhile, Inter-Parliamentary Group Treasurer MP Hamad Al-Obaid revealed that the proposal of Kuwait to hold an emergency session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to discuss the Israeli attacks on Gaza obtained the majority vote – 607 votes of the delegations at the 147th IPU Assembly in Angola. He asserted this indicates full international support for the Palestinians and shows that the world’s people are against the Israeli violent attacks. He pointed out that the proposal, which was adopted by the Arab group at IPU, includes calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to stop the Israeli attacks on civilian Palestinians.

Moreover, MP Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi asked Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Adel Al- Mane’e to provide him with copies of all decisions and correspondences with the Legal Advice and Legislation Department concerning the rare specialization allowance for teachers, heads of departments, school assistant managers, school managers, monitors of educational stages and heads of educational districts. He wants copies of the career development of these employees, delegation and reshuffling decisions, and the comments and observations of SAB on the distribution of rare specialization allowance.

MP Badr Al-Mulla forwarded queries to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahd regarding Military Conscription Law No. 20/2015. He asked about the number of citizens referred to the General Department of Investigations for violating Articles 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the aforementioned law since it was enforced to date. He wants to know the number of those who violated these articles and were not referred to the General Department of Investigations. Lastly, National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Sa’adoun met HH Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for National Assembly and Cabinet Affairs Essa Al-Kandari, Minister of Finance Fahd Al-Jarallah and Minister of Social Affairs and State Minister for Family and Childhood Affairs Sheikh Feras Al-Sabah. Al-Sa’adoun also met a delegation from Germany including MP Christopher Plob and German Ambassador to Kuwait Hans-Christian von Reibnitz. In addition, he sent a cable to Speaker of the Senate of Kazakhstan Mäulen Äşimbaev and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yerlan Koshnov to greet them on the National Day of their country.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has started issuing home diabetes monitors to diabetic patients in primary healthcare centers, reports Al-Jarida daily. Director of the Central Department of Primary Healthcare in the ministry Dr Dina Al-Dabaib stated in a circular to the heads of primary healthcare centers that this step is in line with the strategic and executive plan to prevent chronic noncommunicable diseases by improving the quality of health services provided to patients with diabetes and chronic diseases, while reducing pressure on diabetes clinics in public hospitals.

The circular also indicated that the conditions for issuance of the home diabetes monitor are as follows:
1:Tthe patient must be of Kuwaiti nationality,
2: His/Her address on the civil ID card must match while issuing the form
3: He/She has type I or type II diabetes
4: Uses three or more insulin injections daily
5: More than 65 years old
6: Have had diabetes for more than five years
7: He/She must not have previously applied.

Regarding the method of disbursement, the circular confirmed that the application must be approved by the authorized treating physician, head of the center, and his representative or a consultant physician.

As part of a pilot project, Sri Lanka will allow visa-free entry for visitors from seven countries, including India, China, and Russia.

Minister Ali Sabry said the Sri Lanka Cabinet approved the decision.

A pilot project that began with immediate effect will continue until March 31, 2024, according to the minister.

According to Minister Sabry, "The Cabinet approves issuing free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand as a pilot project until 31 March."

According to The Daily Mirror, the Ministry of Tourism announced last week that a Cabinet Paper had been presented during the previous Cabinet meeting, proposing free visas for foreign tourists from five countries

The government is studying a proposal to replace the country's current tax laws with a new one. The proposed legislation, called the “Business Profits Tax Law”, would impose a 15% tax on profits for all legal persons, including major international companies, whilst ensuring that citizens and small businesses are not subject to the tax, reported Al-Rai Daily.

A two-stage implementation process would be involved in the introduction of the proposed law. The first phase, which would begin on 1 January 2025, would see major international companies being taxed, whilst the current tax laws continue to apply. The second phase would begin on 1 January 2026, involving the comprehensive application of the new tax law to all legal persons, and the abolition of the current tax laws.

As part of the legislative map for the National Assembly session, which begins on 31 October, the government intends to submit 14 priorities to the Parliamentary Coordination Committee for approval. The sources have explained that, according to the scenario in place, the major international corporate tax will be implemented on the globally specified date of 1 January 2025, giving Kuwaiti companies more time for the comprehensive implementation on 1 January 2026.

A government memorandum submitted to the Council of Ministers outlines the requirements for implementing the major international corporate tax. It has been recommended that Kuwait joins the comprehensive framework of the project, preventing the erosion of the BEPS tax base, and contracts a consulting office to provide a comprehensive study of the second pillar, determination of rules, standards, and requirements related to tax application, the preparation of necessary policies to implement the project in line with international best practices, and the drafting of law. Additionally, the consultant will train national cadres on the application.

Consulting firms include Price Waterhouse (PWC), Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and Baker Tilly. As part of the government's proposal, a tax procedures law will also be issued, which will include all procedural provisions governing the implementation of all taxes. Once a consultant has been contracted for the new tax law, tax awareness regarding the new tax will be spread three months later.

According to reports, the Planning Committee in the Ministry of Finance is considering adopting the proposed organisational structure for the tax sector, with employees being trained and supported by current tax consultants and specialists.

Sources have noted the difference between "first-stage" and "second-stage" companies. The list of companies ready to begin applying the new tax on 1 January 2025 reportedly includes around 15 multinational companies, including government entities operating in foreign markets, all with annual revenues exceeding €750m.

Those Kuwaiti companies that are financially prepared to enter the tax period in the next two years will be required to prepare their systems and infrastructure for comprehensive implementation by 1 January 2026.

As a result of the second phase, the number of companies subject to tax is expected to double. The proposed tax structure will reportedly be dynamic, allowing companies to enter once they meet the conditions laid out by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Kuwait's government plans to push for comprehensive tax legislation that follows accounting rules and systems in the country, ensuring that all eligible companies are subject to the new tax law.

The Meteorological Department of the General Administration of Civil Aviation has issued a weather alert, forecasting that Kuwait will experience a period of weather instability beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, lasting for approximately 16 hours. During this time, there is a likelihood of scattered rainfall, with the possibility of thunderstorms.

In a notice categorized as “moderate intensity” and published on Tuesday evening on its website, the Meteorology Department anticipates that active winds will sweep through the country, reaching speeds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour. Additionally, there may be reduced horizontal visibility in certain areas, and sea waves could rise to more than seven feet.

The National Committee for Regulating Demographics, under the leadership of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, is currently evaluating a set of decisions aimed at facilitating opportunities for young people to enter the private sector. Reliable sources said the committee is pursuing multiple avenues, including measures to curb the practice of visa trading, putting an end to irregularities in the issuance of commercial licenses, ceasing the inclusion of commercial shop licenses for non- Kuwaitis, and encouraging citizens to operate businesses under the licenses they hold.

The intention is to take stringent measures to prevent the inclusion of commercial shops for expatriates, which is already prohibited by law. The committee has explored all available prospects in the private sector, with a focus on attracting young men to work in this sector. Additionally, there are plans to enhance services for small and medium-sized enterprise owners (SMEs), inspiring young people to foster creativity and develop their ideas and projects.

The sources also confirmed the inclination to leverage job opportunities in companies with government contracts, including their facilities, so that Kuwaiti youth can secure a share of the workforce. It is emphasized that a review of worker recruitment for these contracts will not allow an unjustified increase. One proposal includes diversifying the the job market across various sectors, thereby reducing over-reliance on a single nationality.

Furthermore, the conditions and qualifications needed for specific roles will be set to ensure specialization and prevent unqualified individuals from occupying positions, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of the private sector workforce. These decisions will be accompanied by campaigns against fictitious companies that hire surplus workers without a genuine need in the private sector. Such practices disrupt the demographic composition and lead to an increase in under-the-table employment.

Such companies will be followed by a gradual increase in violations as preparation for their eventual elimination and the accountability of those responsible. The anticipated decisions are expected to yield positive outcomes in terms of encouraging foreign investment, rebalancing the demographic composition, reducing shop rents, facilitating the launch of private ventures by Kuwaiti youth, and safeguarding tenants from shop owners.

These measures will also contribute to enhancing Kuwait’s international and global ranking. It is noteworthy that Article 9 of Kuwaiti Commercial Registry Law No. 18 of 2018 prohibits anyone registered in the commercial registry from enabling others to exploit their registration. It is also forbidden for individuals to use commercial registries they do not possess, falsely indicate registration, or employ incorrect registration data on storefronts or documents. This law does not affect the right to use names or trademarks arising from international trade contracts, technology transfer agreements, concession contracts, or international agreements valid in the State of Kuwait. The use of trade names by others is strictly prohibited.

The Kuwait Scientific Center announced today, Monday, that Kuwait will witness the third astronomical phenomenon during the upcoming month of November, including the Leonid meteor showers that will grace its sky in the middle of the month.

The center, in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), highlighted that among the most prominent and eagerly anticipated of these phenomena is the visitation of the Leonid meteor showers to Kuwait’s skies, peaking between November 14 and 17.

It further explained that the Leonid meteor showers are active annually between November 6 and November 30, originating from the dust particles of the Temple-Tuttle comet. These meteor showers are considered medium in intensity and typically produce between 10 to 15 meteors per hour at their peak.

In this context, the center pointed out that on November 3, observers and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness Jupiter throughout the night, as it will be in opposition, meaning it will be directly opposite the sun.

Furthermore, the statement mentioned that the moon will reach full moon status on November 27, while the new moon of the lunar calendar will occur on November 14, with the first day of Jumada al-Ula on Wednesday, November 15.

Meteorologist Muhammad Karam, said Kuwait will experience cloudy to partly cloudy conditions in the days ahead, accompanied by northerly to northeasterly winds.

However, a transition is anticipated on Tuesday when the winds will shift to light to moderate southeasterly, bringing with them scattered rain on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Some thunderstorms may occur intermittently due to the influence of the African monsoon depression on the Arabian Peninsula.

Karam added the prospects for rain on Tuesday and Wednesday may be accompanied by thunder. He anticipated relatively stable weather conditions for Thursday and Friday, followed by a resurgence of clouds on the subsequent Saturday, with a chance of rain expected on Sunday, Oct 29. Karam also pointed out that the maximum daytime temperatures are expected to gradually decline, ranging between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius. 

However, he ruled out any significant impact from the hurricane anticipated to affect the coast of the Sultanate of Oman in the coming days.

Meteorologist Fahd Al-Otaibi stated that the anticipated Oman hurricane is likely to transform into a tropical storm after hitting the coast of Omani, potentially causing thunderstorms and strong wind. He stressed that the hurricane’s impact would be limited to the coasts of the Sultanate and northern Yemen.  Regarding Kuwait’s weather outlook in the coming days, Al-Otaibi indicated that the country should expect cloudy to partly cloudy conditions. There is a possibility of scattered light rain towards the end of the weekend, and rain chances are expected to return in the middle of the following week

An Indian nurse employed at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital in Kuwait finds herself in a legal predicament due to her recent WhatsApp status and social media posts, which have been perceived as expressing support for the Zionist entity.

It has come to light that the nurse shared a post on her social networking sites that seemingly aligned with the Zionist entity, thus raising concerns over a potential violation of Kuwait's legal statutes.

Notably, Lawyer Ali Habab Al-Duwaikh has taken swift action by lodging a formal complaint with the Public Prosecution against the nurse, urging the authorities to pursue appropriate legal measures against her.

The act of expressing support for the Zionist entity through social media is regarded as a breach of Kuwaiti laws, which carry severe consequences. Individuals found guilty of such actions may face life imprisonment or a minimum prison sentence of no less than five years, as stipulated by the governing legal framework.

Al-Rai daily reports that the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has announced the implementation of an electronic messaging system for correspondence with individuals and companies. 

Companies interested in registering have been instructed to complete the registration process by filling out the necessary form on the Ministry's website or by visiting the Ministry's Public Registry Department, where they can fill out the form and receive approval.

For companies wishing to complete the registration process, the Ministry has specified specific requirements, including submitting an authorization letter from their company, delivering letters and correspondence, providing a valid copy of the company's civil ID, and getting a signature from the Public Authority for Manpower from their company.

The Ministry has specified that original invoices must be delivered manually to the appropriate authorities.

The Ministry has, however, specified that manual receipt of correspondences and documents will cease three months after the announcement.

In a significant leap forward in healthcare technology, the Kuwait Ministry of Health (MoH) has harnessed the power of the world's newest surgical robot, Da Vinci Xi, to perform intricate surgical procedures. The MoH's announcement highlights the successful use of this groundbreaking device in recent operations:

Prostate Removal: The innovative Da Vinci Xi robotic system was employed to perform a complex prostate removal procedure on a patient with a cancerous tumor. This remarkable surgery took place at the esteemed Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center.

Kidney Surgery: On the same day, the urology center utilized a regular robot for kidney surgery, catering to another patient grappling with a cancerous tumor.

Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Ali Abdul Wahab, under the guidance of Dr. Saad Al-Dosari, the center's director, expertly conducted these groundbreaking operations. Remarkably, both patients were discharged from the center the following day.

Robotic Advantages: The Da Vinci Xi device stands at the forefront of robotic surgical technologies, offering numerous benefits. It is acclaimed for its ability to minimize bleeding and post-operative pain, reduce the need for extensive incisions, and shorten hospital stays for patients.

Enhanced Vision: Surgical operations using the Da Vinci Xi robot are characterized by a 10-fold magnified, three-dimensional vision, which enhances precision and enables surgeons to work with extreme accuracy.

Precision and Control: The robot's hands are endowed with exceptional precision, simulating human hand movements, facilitating precise suturing with the smallest needles and threads. Moreover, "hand tremor filtering" minimizes complications and optimizes surgical outcomes.

Safety Assurance: Dr. Al-Dosari underlined the safety of robot-assisted surgeries, citing global data on over five million successful operations. The American Food and Drug Administration has also endorsed the technique for certified surgeons.

Advancements in Healthcare: The Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center has been progressively increasing its use of robotic devices to ensure that the Ministry of Health stays at the forefront of surgical technology, including artificial intelligence.

Robotic Surgery Expertise: Since 2014, the center has seen more than 1,500 major robot-assisted surgeries, encompassing a wide range of procedures, such as the radical removal of the prostate, bladder, kidneys, and tumors, as well as the correction of congenital defects in the kidney pelvis.

Kuwait's healthcare system is taking bold strides towards excellence with the integration of advanced robotic technologies in surgical procedures, ensuring better outcomes and patient care

The Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) has recently provided critical insights into its regulations, aiming to streamline the recruitment of specialized technical workers from abroad. Here are the key points:

Specialized Technical Workers: PAM has emphasized that hiring specialized technical workers from abroad necessitates that their academic qualifications align with the specific requirements of the professions they are being recruited for. This move ensures that the workforce is adequately skilled and qualified.

Commercial Visit to Work Permit: PAM has introduced a significant change in the process of converting a commercial visit into a work permit within the private sector. Instead of considering it as an internal transfer, it will now be regarded as a new permit issuance. This change is pivotal in managing the workforce effectively.

Transfer of Specialized Workers: The transfer of specialized workers, initially on a commercial visit, is allowed only within the same company that originally obtained the commercial visit permit. This restriction emphasizes the need for businesses to ensure that they utilize their foreign workforce judiciously.

Permits for Hiring Expatriate Workers: PAM has further streamlined the application process for companies seeking to hire expatriate workers from abroad. To obtain these permits, companies are now required to submit their applications through the automated service Sahel, promoting efficiency and transparency in the process.

PAM's regulatory changes aim to maintain the integrity of the workforce and enhance the transparency of the hiring process. By ensuring that academic qualifications match job requirements and introducing distinctions in permit processes, PAM aims to promote a well-qualified and balanced expatriate workforce in the country.

You can now use multiple accounts on WhatsApp! Until now, WhatsApp users could only use one account on one device at a time. To use two accounts on a single device, users would have to clone the app, a feature available on most phones, or use two phones.

What's new on WhatsApp?
Change is here, though! Now, WhatsApp users can  have two active accounts logged in at the same time on Android smartphones. Users may switch between the two accounts without having to log out.

How to add two accounts on WhatsApp
In a blog post, WhatsApp said that if users wish to set up two accounts, they would require two phone numbers and SIM cards, or a phone that supports eSIM. They can then head to WhatsApp settings, tap the arrow next to their name, and click "Add account."

Here, users can add their secondary number and set up a second WhatsApp account on the app. For each account, users have the choice to adjust privacy and notifications settings separately. For instance, you can mute notifications on one account and allow the same on your other account.

As is standard on WhatsApp, messages sent and received on both accounts will be end-to-end encrypted. By using the multi-account feature, users can easily switch between work and personal accounts on WhatsApp. While having two versions of WhatsApp on the same device by cloning it usually eliminates this problem, having this feature built within a single app could be super useful.

What else is new on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is on a roll lately. The company recently launched passkey support for Android devices, which you can read about here. In addition, the company also seems to be testing a "view once" mode for voice notes on the app.

What do you think about this new WhatsApp feature? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

The issuance of civil cards in Kuwait has faced recent challenges, with delays affecting thousands of Kuwaitis and expats. However, the Deputy Director General for Civil Registration Affairs, Jaber Al-Kandari, provided some key insights into this matter. Here are the main points:

• To expedite the processing of card applications submitted after May 23, the Public Authority for Civil Information ceased the issuance of cards submitted before that date. This was done to address the issue of many individuals not receiving their civil cards because they had not been issued.
• Individuals who had paid the 5 dinars fee for a civil card that was not issued will have the fee credited to their account with the Authority. This means that the fee remains available for use if a card is not issued, so individuals do not need to pay the fee again if they submit a new card application.
• Individuals who previously paid the fee of 5 dinars for card issuance but did not receive their cards will be exempt from paying the fee when renewing their residency or updating their information. In such cases, the civil card will be issued free of charge.
• Al-Kandari emphasized the importance of promptly collecting issued cards to prevent them from accumulating in the processing machines. This accumulation can cause delays in the issuance of new cards, especially considering the current regular issuance schedule.
• The card issuance process has improved, with most cards now being issued within 24 to 48 hours in the majority of cases. This development has eased the burden on those waiting for their civil cards.

Overall, the Public Authority for Civil Information is taking steps to address the challenges faced in the issuance of civil cards in Kuwait, and individuals who have paid fees for cards that were not issued will not have to pay again when submitting new applications or renewing their residency.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has issued a warning to citizens and expats, urging them to be cautious when making donations/charity to unverified or unlicensed entities. The Ministry emphasized that donations should only be directed towards accredited charitable organizations that are officially registered with them.

In an official press release, the Ministry stressed the importance of confirming the identity of the fundraiser and ensuring their affiliation with authorized entities permitted to collect donations. Furthermore, it emphasized that donations should not be given in cash but should be channeled through approved donation collection methods, which include K-Net, bank deductions, electronic payment links, and electronic payment devices.

The Ministry also underscored the need for individuals and groups to refrain from initiating fundraising campaigns without obtaining prior approval from the relevant authorities. This is not only to prevent legal consequences but also to align with the regulations governing the licensing of fundraising activities for public causes.

To summarize, the Ministry of Social Affairs has issued a warning to citizens and residents to be cautious when making donations. The Ministry emphasized that donations should only be directed towards accredited charitable organizations that are officially registered with them. Donations should not be given in cash but should be channeled through approved donation collection methods. Individuals and groups should refrain from initiating fundraising campaigns without obtaining prior approval from the relevant authorities.

As part of the “Use the Heart to Know the Heart” celebration, organized by the Kuwait Heart Foundation (KHF) on the occasion of World Heart Day, 3,000 citizens and residents were tested. The celebration took place throughout the week and was coordinated with the Sabah Al-Ahmed Heart Center. According to a press release issued yesterday by the foundation's Secretary General, Dr. Rashid Al-Awaish, about 20 percent of those tested suffer from high cholesterol levels.

His tests included analyzing diabetes and cholesterol levels and measuring blood pressure, weight, and height. He stressed the need to conduct periodic tests for the early detection of chronic, non-communicable diseases, as well as other diseases that can be controlled when detected early. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to raise awareness of chronic noncommunicable diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.

To prevent heart disease, Dr. Al-Awaish also recommended quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and having periodic check-ups. The mobile heart disease awareness unit will launch in November and run for seven months until May 2024. The event will take place at cooperative societies, commercial malls, schools, and other places crowded with people. The unit is expected to attract between 400 and 500 people per month, according to Dr. Al-Awaish.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled has issued a regulatory directive mandating the processing of Article 24 (self-sponsor) residency holders transactions at the residence affairs departments across the six governorates as of next week.

Reliable sources informed Al-Jarida that residence permit transactions for this category of residents, wherein the sponsor is the applicant, were previously handled by the office of the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Residence Affairs.

However, these transactions encountered prolonged processing times due to the Ministry’s recent cancellation of numerous residence permits registered under this article. The cancellations were primarily limited to the wives of citizens, investors, and specific private cases, excluding others.

In a separate development, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled has issued the Ministerial Resolution No. 1062/2023 concerning maritime safety regulations for small ships, wooden boats and cruisers registered with the Maritime Transport Administration to install automatic identification devices (AID).

This measure is aimed at precisely determining the location, whereabouts, and speed of these small ships in case of emergencies. Moreover, the resolution grants the Coast Guard forces the capability to verify the identity of ships registered with the MTA and other vessels that may intrude into Kuwaiti territorial and economic waters.

It’s worth noting that the Maritime Transport Administration, previously under the Ministry of Communications, has been transferred to the Ministry of Interior, specifically to the General Administration of the Coast Guard. This move was undertaken to enhance the organization of maritime operations.

An Arab Gulf nation is keen on developing economic legislation to carry out vital projects that will eventually make the country a financial hub, a diplomat has said. As part of Kuwait's strategy, it encourages and promotes the private sector's contribution to infrastructure development, which is why a partnership program between the public and private sectors was established and an authority was established for this purpose, diplomatic attache Meteb Al-Enezi told a UN committee discussing global trade law. Public-private-partnerships (PPPs) are aimed at fostering innovation and competitiveness by taking advantage of the expertise of the private sector, said the authority's chairman. Al-Enezi said the authority announced a number of promising projects in energy, water, wastewater management, education, health, transportation, telecommunications, and real estate.

In order to develop trade and economic activities, the State of Kuwait seeks to develop cyber-related legislation. Kuwait seeks to implement an international financial, economic, and commercial system, and to enhance e-government services while exploring ways to combat cybercrime, citing the establishment of a cybersecurity agency. Kuwait, however, supports international cross-border laws to settle economic disputes worldwide, according to Al-Enezi.