In a significant step toward reforming Kuwait’s penal system, His Excellency Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has issued an order reducing life sentences to a maximum of 20 years. This directive follows the instructions of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and replaces the previous policy of life imprisonment with permanent hard labor.

To facilitate the transition, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef has directed the establishment of a specialized committee to review the cases of inmates serving life sentences. The committee will assess eligible cases three months before prisoners complete their 20-year term.

Authorities overseeing correctional institutions have been instructed to expedite the evaluation and listing of qualified inmates for early release consideration. This move is part of Kuwait’s broader vision to enhance rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef emphasized that the initiative aims to balance justice enforcement with rehabilitation, ensuring that inmates have the opportunity to reintegrate into society after serving their reduced sentence. The Ministry of Interior remains committed to correctional policies that focus on both punishment and reform.

The announcement was made during His Excellency’s visit to the Central Prison, where he shared breakfast with inmates and their families. The visit was attended by Brigadier General Fahd Al-Ubaid, Director General of Correctional Institutions, alongside other senior officials.

This reduction in life sentences aligns with Kuwait’s efforts to modernize its judicial system and adopt a more rehabilitative approach to incarceration. By prioritizing reform and reintegration, Kuwait continues to evolve its policies to reflect global best practices in criminal justice.

Talabat Kuwait has reassured its customers and partners that no security breach has taken place, countering recent misinformation circulating on social media. The company confirmed that all customer data, including payment information, remains fully secure and protected.

According to Talabat, a brief technical issue affected some order processing but was promptly addressed. The company emphasized that the incident had no impact on customer data security.

Bader Al-Ghanim, Vice President & Managing Director of Talabat Kuwait, stated, “At Talabat, customer security and privacy are our top priorities. We implement best-in-class security protocols to safeguard customer information, and we assure our users that their data is fully protected. The recent claims of a security breach are completely unfounded, and we remain committed to providing a safe and seamless ordering experience.”

Talabat Kuwait adheres to international security standards, including PCI-DSS certification, ensuring encrypted and secure transactions. The company actively monitors its systems to prevent unauthorized access and remains dedicated to transparency with its users and partners.

By continuously enhancing its security measures and investing in cybersecurity, Talabat Kuwait reinforces its commitment to protecting customer data and providing a seamless online ordering experience.

The Civil Service Council, led by Deputy Prime Minister Sherida Al-Muasherji, has reviewed a proposal from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to introduce 44 new job titles across 11 ministries and government agencies. These positions are aimed at providing employment opportunities for citizens with qualifications lower than university or diploma degrees, including those with secondary, intermediate, or primary certificates, as well as individuals without formal qualifications.

Implementation Plan and Commitment Requirement

During its fourth meeting of 2024 on June 6, the Council directed the CSC to collaborate with relevant ministries to set regulations for implementing the initiative. One of the key measures under discussion includes requiring new employees to sign a five-year service commitment for their designated positions.

A detailed table listing job titles and the number of positions available in different ministries was presented during the meeting.

Ministries and Job Titles Available

Ministry of Education

• Science Lecturer
• Embalmer
• Music Activity Implementer
• Hall Supervisor
• Housing Supervisor
• Student Companion
• Food Preparer
• Student Affairs Registration Implementer
• Messenger
• Security Assistant

Ministry of Islamic Affairs

• Muezzin
• Quran Memorizer
• Mosque Supervisor
• Quran Circle Supervisor
• Quran House Supervisor
• Real Estate Supervisor

Kuwait Municipality

• Grave Digger
• Dead Body Transport Driver
• Dead Body Washer
• Cemetery Supervisor

Ministry of Health

• Wing Manager
• Housing Supervisor
• Laboratory Records Clerk
• Recovery Guide

Ministry of Interior

• Prison Supervisor
• Police Dog Trainer
• Swimming Lifeguard
• Diver
• Identity Proof Supervisor

Ministry of Social Affairs

• Social Services Assistant
• Hall Supervisor

Ministry of Justice

• Court Bailiff
• Judgment Review Delegate
• Judgment Enforcement Officer
• Criminal Judgment Executor
• Judgment Announcement Delegate
• Transactions Follow-up Officer

Other Ministries and Government Entities

• Ministry of Electricity – Meter Reader
• Ministry of Finance – Real Estate Supervisor
• General Authority for Sports & General Authority for Youth – Sports Activity Executor, Hall Supervisor, Swimming Lifeguard, Assistant Sports Coach
• National Council for Culture and Arts – Assistant Antiquities Technician, Assistant Curator of Antiquities, Mummifier

Job Registration Period Announced

The Civil Service Commission has confirmed that job registration will be open from March 28 to April 11, 2024. Kuwaiti citizens interested in these positions are encouraged to apply during the specified timeframe.

The Ministry of Education in Kuwait is grappling with a severe shortage of male Mathematics teachers across various educational levels. This issue has raised concerns about the future of the subject's teaching quality and the availability of supervisors in the coming years.

Acting General Supervisor for Mathematics, Dalal Al-Hajraf, has submitted a proposal to Acting Undersecretary Mansour Al-Dhafiri, outlining four key measures to tackle the crisis.

Proposed Solutions to Address the Shortage

1. Increased Allowances for Supervisors

One of the primary recommendations is to enhance financial incentives for Mathematics department heads and technical supervisors. However, these allowances will be revoked if the recipient transitions to an administrative role.

2. Financial Support for Mathematics Students

To attract more male students to the field, the proposal suggests increasing financial support for those pursuing a Mathematics major at Kuwait University. This measure aims to encourage enrollment in the subject and address the declining number of graduates specializing in Mathematics.

3. Expanding Admissions to Non-Kuwaitis

The ministry is considering opening the Mathematics major at the College of Education to Gulf students and children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis. This expansion is expected to help fill the gap caused by the decreasing number of male students in the field.

4. Recruiting Civil Engineering Graduates as Mathematics Teachers

In a bid to widen the talent pool, the proposal advocates for accepting civil engineering graduates as candidates for Mathematics teaching positions. This move could provide a new stream of qualified professionals to support the education sector.

Al-Hajraf noted that field observations indicate a continuous decline in the number of male Kuwaiti Mathematics teachers at all educational levels. She warned that if the trend continues, Kuwait could face a crisis in supervisory roles such as department heads and technical supervisors.

The Ministry of Education remains committed to implementing effective strategies to resolve this issue and ensure the stability of the educational process in the country.

In a significant move to enhance Kuwait’s judicial infrastructure, Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait has announced the relocation of all court circuits to the newly established Palace of Justice. The transition, set to begin on Sunday, March 9, includes the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Court of Cassation, as well as Family Court circuits covering Capital, General, and Appeal courts.

As part of the modernization efforts, a responsible source revealed that the Ministry of Justice is currently exploring the introduction of remote court sessions. This initiative aims to improve judicial efficiency, accessibility, and digital transformation.

To further enhance the efficiency of Kuwait’s legal system, the Ministry is also working on implementing a paperless justice system. This includes:

• Upgrading technical infrastructure to support digital documentation and case management.
• Finalizing executive regulations for streamlined court proceedings.
• Reducing reliance on physical paperwork, thereby expediting judicial processes.

The relocation of court circuits and the adoption of digital solutions mark a significant step toward a modernized judicial system in Kuwait.

In a significant move to streamline residency and employment procedures, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, through the General Administration of Residence Affairs, has lifted restrictions on transferring residency between the government and private sectors. This decision eliminates the requirement for expatriates to align their job roles with their educational qualifications or prior work experience when switching between sectors.

Key Changes in Residency Transfer Rules

1. Freedom to Transfer Between Sectors

Expatriates can now transfer their residency from Article 17 (government sector) to Article 18 (private sector) and vice versa without previous restrictions. The Expatriates’ Residency Law and its executive regulations do not mandate verifying an individual's profession before approving such transfers.

2. Removal of Educational Qualification Requirement

Previously, expatriates needed to ensure that their educational background matched their new job roles. This restriction has been abolished, allowing greater flexibility for professionals moving to the private sector.

3. Simplified Residency Transfer Process

The decision eliminates bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for expatriates to transition between sectors without delays. The General Administration of Residency Affairs is no longer required to assess job compatibility for transfers.

Impact on Kuwait’s Labor Market

• Greater Workforce Flexibility: Expatriates now have more freedom to pursue new job opportunities.
• Enhanced Private Sector Talent Pool: Businesses can hire skilled professionals who were previously restricted to government employment.
• Boost to Economic Growth: By reducing administrative obstacles, Kuwait strengthens its labor market competitiveness.

This change is part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to modernize its administrative systems and create an attractive work environment for skilled expatriates. The government aims to enhance employment opportunities and support sustainable economic development.

The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) has issued a warning regarding Maragatty chicken stock, a product manufactured in Egypt, due to the presence of prohibited artificial colors that pose potential health risks.

Authorities have confirmed that the product has not entered Kuwait. However, they have urged consumers to be vigilant and avoid its use. If found, consumers are advised to dispose of it immediately to prevent any health complications.

Product Details

• Brand: Maragatty
• Product: Chicken Stock
• Weight: 480 grams
• Manufactured in: Egypt
• Expiration Date: November 1, 2025

PAFN continues to monitor food safety regulations and ensure that banned substances do not enter the local market. Consumers are encouraged to stay updated with official PAFN announcements to avoid purchasing unsafe food items.

The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers has directed the Minister of State for Communications Affairs to expedite the development of the Sahel application, the unified government e-services platform. This initiative aims to eliminate paper transactions across government agencies, enhance digital transformation, and improve public sector efficiency.

To ensure continuous improvement, the Minister must submit a semi-annual report to the Council. This report will detail:

• Updates on existing and upcoming services.
• Key statistics on the app's performance.
• Progress in integrating government services.

A recent report covering August to December 2024 was reviewed by the Council during its meeting on February 4, 2025. The Public Services Committee analyzed the findings and provided strategic recommendations for further development.

The Committee, through a visual presentation by the Sahel Executive Committee, emphasized integrating all government services into a single platform. The following four key recommendations were issued:

1. Activation of "Wasil" Center – A unified government communication center under the Civil Service Bureau.
2. Acceleration of Digital Services Integration – Directing agencies to digitize services and integrate them into Sahel using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
3. Enhanced Data Sharing – Encouraging agencies to upload data on Sahel Data Sharing for a better user experience.
4. Financial Support – Allocating a dedicated budget to support and maintain the app.

The Executive Committee outlined several operational requests under Ministerial Resolution No. 79 of 2024, which include:

• Full activation of "Wasil" to improve unified government communication.
• Financial resource allocation for app sustainability.
• Regular inter-agency coordination to ensure smooth implementation.
• Fast-tracking digitization efforts and improved data sharing via Sahel Data Sharing.

Following these developments, the Council of Ministers assigned two key responsibilities to the Minister of State for Communications Affairs:

• Coordination with the Civil Service Bureau to activate "Wasil", ensuring smooth government communication.
• Collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to secure essential funding for Sahel’s continued operation and enhancement.

These efforts represent a significant step in Kuwait’s digital transformation journey, enhancing government efficiency and streamlining public service accessibility. By fully integrating all government services into a single digital platform, Kuwait aims to achieve seamless e-governance and improved citizen experience.

Kuwait Municipality has initiated the removal of unauthorized wedding halls that were not dismantled within the legal 48-hour deadline. This action follows prior warnings issued by the cleaning and violation removal departments, urging owners to comply with regulations.

According to the municipality’s statement, this enforcement aligns with Decree Law No. 105 of 1980, as amended by Decree Law No. 8 of 1988, which governs the protection of state property. Structures erected beyond private property boundaries are classified as encroachments on state land, warranting strict legal action.

The municipality emphasized that failure to comply with removal orders will lead to severe legal repercussions, including:

• Criminal and civil penalties
• Administrative removal of violating structures
• Potential fines or other legal actions

Kuwait Municipality has urged citizens to adhere to regulations and remove unauthorized structures promptly to avoid legal consequences. Property owners are encouraged to cooperate with authorities and comply with the law to maintain public order and protect state property.

The Ministry of Interior has officially denied social media rumors regarding a 30% discount on traffic violation fines in celebration of the Kuwait National Day and Liberation Day. The Ministry urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information and refrain from spreading unverified claims.

In response to the false claims, the Ministry emphasized the importance of verifying news before sharing it on digital platforms. Authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining transparency and encouraged citizens and residents to obtain updates directly from official government channels.

The spread of misinformation has become a significant concern, and the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Observatory for Verifying News and Responding to Rumors has been actively addressing such issues. The Ministry reminded the public that any announcements regarding traffic fine reductions or amnesty programs would be officially communicated through their official website and media channels.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has inaugurated a new shelter in Hawally for male expatriate workers, reinforcing Kuwait’s commitment to labor rights and human dignity. The facility offers essential services, including healthcare, housing, and legal assistance, ensuring proper support for workers facing challenges.

Acting Deputy Director General of the Manpower Protection Sector, Dr. Fahad Al-Murad, highlighted that the shelter meets international standards and accommodates 200 to 300 workers. It provides legal aid, medical care, and secure living conditions while coordinating with relevant authorities to address workers’ concerns.

Workers can seek shelter voluntarily or be referred by government agencies, diplomatic missions, or civil society organizations. The initiative aligns with Kuwait’s commitment to protecting expatriate laborers, particularly those in vulnerable conditions.

Upon arrival, the Ministry of Interior assists in verifying workers’ identities. If a worker lacks identification, fingerprinting is conducted to determine their status. In cases involving legal disputes or absconding reports, authorities coordinate to resolve issues appropriately.

For workers involved in labor disputes, the shelter offers temporary accommodation until the matter is settled amicably or through legal proceedings. Workers can either return to their home countries or pursue their claims through the judiciary.

The shelter also extends its services to expatriates violating residency and labor laws. Legal coordination with the Ministry of Interior ensures their stay until legal matters are resolved, particularly in cases involving complaints or disputes.

The facility follows a national referral system for suspected human trafficking cases. If indications of human trafficking emerge during interviews, workers are referred to criminal investigations. Confirmed cases proceed through judicial channels, ensuring justice and protection for affected individuals.

Dr. Al-Murad emphasized that the shelter is a civil institution, not a detention facility. Workers are free to leave following specific procedures, except in cases involving legal matters, which are managed by the Ministry of Interior.

The shelter also accommodates workers with juvenile-age children in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Supreme Council for the Family. Plans are underway to transfer female workers to the Hawally shelter while male workers remain in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh.

The opening of the shelter underscores Kuwait’s dedication to upholding human rights, preventing labor exploitation, and combatting human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Through a comprehensive strategy of prevention, protection, legal prosecution, and international cooperation, Kuwait continues to enhance labor welfare and reinforce its global commitment to fair treatment of expatriate workers.

In a groundbreaking debut in Kuwait, BotLab Dynamics lit up the night sky with a mesmerizing 1500-drone show at the Ya Hala Shopping Festival 2025. Building on their success from Oman’s Sultan Accession Day, the performance celebrated Kuwait’s rich cultural heritage and the festival’s national significance.

Event Details

Festival Dates:
January 21 – March 31, 2025
The Ya Hala Shopping Festival is the largest shopping celebration in Kuwait’s history, featuring over 70 days of sales promotions, giveaways, and a prize pool exceeding $8 million—including 120 luxury cars.

Drone Show Schedule:

• 2 February 2025: Al Shaheed Park
• 6 February 2025: Al Khairan Mall
• 14 February 2025: Marina Crescent
• 22 February 2025: Sulaibikhat Sports Club
• Next Show: 25th or 26th February (Location to be announced)

Drone Show Highlights

BotLab Dynamics’ inaugural performance in Kuwait was designed with twelve distinct formations that paid tribute to national pride and heritage:

• Kuwait National Flag: The show opened with a radiant formation showcasing the Kuwaiti flag, symbolizing unity and national pride, enhanced by an orchestral soundtrack.
• Falcon in Flight: A soaring falcon symbolized resilience, transitioning into the Kuwait emblem to reflect the nation’s enduring spirit.
• Desert: A camel traversing a vast desert formation evoked Kuwait’s geographical roots and natural beauty.
• Traditional Dhow Boats: Iconic boats gracefully glided across the sky, honoring Kuwait’s maritime heritage and its historic trade links.
• Kuwait Towers: Modernity met tradition as the Kuwait Towers illuminated the sky, representing growth and prosperity.
• “YA HALA” Display: Glowing Arabic and English letters spelled out “Ya Hala,” extending a warm welcome to all and celebrating Kuwait’s renowned hospitality.
• Shopping Bags Transforming: Reflecting the vibrant commerce of the festival, shopping bags morphed into the event’s logo, capturing the essence of the celebration.
• Beautiful Kuwait: The final tribute was a visual homage to Kuwait’s cultural richness and natural beauty, leaving the audience inspired and united.

Upcoming Shows and Future Prospects

Following the initial success, BotLab Dynamics will extend its collaboration with the Ya Hala Shopping Festival. With three shows already completed in Kuwait, additional drone performances are planned across the country. Details on upcoming dates and locations will be revealed shortly, offering both locals and visitors more opportunities to experience this cutting-edge visual storytelling.

This series of drone shows not only reinforces BotLab Dynamics’ position as a global leader in drone light shows but also highlights Kuwait’s innovative approach to national celebrations.

Technical and Engagement Enhancements

SEO & Technical Recommendations:

• Mobile Optimization: Ensure kuwiatlocal.com is responsive and loads quickly on all devices.
• Image Optimization: Use high-quality images or video clips from the drone shows with descriptive filenames and alt text featuring keywords like "Kuwait drone show" and "Ya Hala Shopping Festival 2025."
• Internal and External Linking: Include internal links to related articles on Kuwait events and external links to authoritative sources to enhance credibility and provide additional context.

Call-to-Action (CTA): Enjoyed the show? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest updates on upcoming drone shows and other exciting events in Kuwait.

The spectacular drone show by BotLab Dynamics at the Ya Hala Shopping Festival 2025 marks a new chapter in Kuwait’s celebration of culture, innovation, and national pride. With a meticulously orchestrated display of 1500 drones, the event captivated audiences and set the stage for more visually stunning performances. Stay tuned to kuwiatlocal.com for further updates on upcoming shows and more exciting stories from Kuwait.

Bank officials in Kuwait are currently reviewing a proposal to adjust customer service hours during the upcoming month of Ramadan. The proposed plan suggests introducing an evening shift, which would allow banks to operate in two shifts instead of the current single shift.

According to sources, several banks have submitted proposals to modify operating hours for Ramadan. If approved, morning hours will remain unchanged from last year, operating from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Additionally, an evening shift is proposed from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Last Ramadan, bank branches in shopping malls followed a two-period schedule, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Meanwhile, branches at Kuwait International Airport operated 24 hours to accommodate travelers.

Opinions on the proposed changes remain divided among banking officials. Some banks advocate for maintaining last year’s schedule, emphasizing that customers can conveniently manage transactions through mobile banking apps and ATMs. However, others argue that extending banking hours would better serve customers, particularly those who find it more convenient to visit bank branches in the evening.

Discussions among financial institutions are ongoing, with a final decision expected before the start of Ramadan. The move aims to balance customer convenience with operational efficiency while ensuring that banking services remain accessible during the holy month.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has introduced new penalties aimed at improving road safety and environmental protection, effective from April 22, 2025. The updated regulations target vehicles that violate roadworthiness and environmental standards, ensuring safer and cleaner roads.

Under the new measures, vehicles will face strict penalties for the following violations:

• Emitting excessive noise, thick smoke, or unpleasant odors.
• Transporting hazardous or flammable cargo that may spill or leak onto the road.
• Operating in unsafe conditions due to accidents, unbalanced tires, or mechanical defects affecting roadworthiness.

Motorists found guilty of these violations can settle their fines by paying 75 KWD. However, severe cases referred to the court could result in harsher penalties, including:

• Fines ranging between 150 KWD and 300 KWD.
• A prison sentence of up to three months.
• Both fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.

The Ministry of Interior is urging all motorists to adhere to the new regulations to enhance road safety and minimize environmental harm. Drivers are encouraged to maintain their vehicles properly and follow traffic laws to avoid penalties.

Kuwait's Civil Service Commission (CSC) has formally requested the Ministry of Finance to conduct a comprehensive financial study evaluating the budgetary implications of recent amendments to employee cash allowances and leave entitlements. These modifications, previously approved by the Civil Service Council, aim to reduce government financial liabilities and improve fiscal efficiency.

The study will assess the projected cost savings of each amendment separately to ensure they align with Kuwait’s financial strategy.

Key Amendments and Financial Implications

1. Reduction in Cash Allowance for Service Termination

• Previously, employees were entitled to receive a cash allowance for up to 180 days of unused leave upon termination.
• The new amendment caps this benefit at two years’ worth of leave balance instead.
• The financial study will analyze expected savings resulting from this reduction.

2. Mandatory Use of Annual Leave

• Employees are now required to take at least 15 days of periodic leave annually.
• Unused leave from this quota will be automatically deducted from their balance.
• The financial assessment will determine the impact of this change on government leave expenditures.

3. Reduction in Maximum Leave Accumulation

• The permissible accumulation of unused periodic leave has been reduced from five years to two years.
• Any unused leave beyond this limit will be forfeited.
• The study will estimate the cost reduction resulting from this measure.

4. Elimination of Cash Allowance for Unused Leave During Service

• Previously, employees could claim a cash allowance for accumulated leave once every 10 years.
• The new amendment removes this entitlement entirely.
• The Ministry of Finance will assess the long-term budget impact of this cancellation.

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The Civil Service Bureau confirmed in an official letter dated February 16 that this financial study is a preliminary step before the amendments are formally resubmitted to the Civil Service Council for final approval. The results will directly shape the final decree governing leave policies and cash allowances.

The Bureau emphasized that conducting this study is essential to ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining fair public sector employment policies.

The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers has directed the Legal Affairs Committee to reassess the amendments before full implementation. As part of this process, the Civil Service Bureau, Ministry of Finance, and Fatwa and Legislation Department will collaborate to develop a comprehensive legislative proposal incorporating recommendations from the review committee.

These amendments were first approved in Civil Service Council Meeting No. 12 (2024) on October 24, 2024. However, their full implementation depends on the outcome of the financial study, which will determine their economic viability.

This development signals a major shift in Kuwait’s public sector employment policies, reinforcing the government’s commitment to budget efficiency while maintaining equitable labor standards.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has announced scheduled maintenance on multiple power transformer stations, leading to partial power outages in 26 areas, including Al-Sabah Health Region.

The power cuts will last four hours daily from February 9 to February 15, 2025, starting at 8:00 AM. Affected areas include Mahboula, Dasma, Sabah Al-Salem, Salwa, Fahaheel, Jahra, and others.

The Ministry has also signed a memorandum of understanding with a private company to establish a 300-megawatt power generation station under the independent supplier system.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

• Marks Kuwait’s first independent power generation initiative.
• Aims to reduce state expenses on building new power plants.
• Ensures faster project execution with private sector involvement.
• Supports Vision 2035 by boosting renewable energy integration.

While experts like former Minister of Electricity and Water, Mohammad Bushehri, have praised this initiative, concerns remain about potential private sector control over electricity and water pricing.

Renewable energy expert Suad Al-Hussein emphasized the need for clear legal frameworks to regulate private participation, particularly in solar energy production. She stressed that approving an energy purchase law for solar providers could create new job opportunities in electrical engineering and renewable energy sectors.

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched intensive inspections across markets and shops in Kuwait. These inspections aim to maintain market stability, prevent price manipulation, and protect consumer rights.

The Ministry has outlined key objectives for these inspections:

• Ensuring price stability by monitoring fluctuations and enforcing compliance with pricing regulations.
• Preventing price manipulation and unethical profiteering amid increased demand during Ramadan.
• Protecting consumer rights by ensuring the availability of essential goods at fair prices.

The Kuwaiti government remains dedicated to safeguarding consumers from unjustified price hikes. By closely monitoring businesses, authorities aim to deter retailers from exploiting the seasonal surge in demand. The Commercial Control Department has urged businesses to comply with pricing regulations and avoid deceptive practices.

Regular inspections play a vital role in:

• Identifying violations and imposing penalties on non-compliant businesses.
• Ensuring sufficient stock levels to meet consumer demand.
• Monitoring the quality of products to uphold health and safety standards.

Consumers are encouraged to report any cases of unjustified price hikes or fraudulent activities. The Ministry has set up hotlines and digital platforms where customers can file complaints, ensuring swift action against violations.

By maintaining transparency and accountability, the Ministry aims to create a fair and stable market environment during Ramadan.

The General Traffic Department has intensified its enforcement of speed limits by summoning drivers caught exceeding legal limits through traffic cameras. As part of its measures, authorities will impound violators’ vehicles for 60 days.

This initiative aligns with Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to enhance traffic control, minimize reckless driving, and ensure the safety of all road users. The department reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforcing the law to protect lives and property.

Starting April 22, 2025, drivers who exceed the speed limit will face harsher legal consequences, including:

• Prison sentences ranging from one to three years
• Fines between KD 600 and KD 1,000
• Court referrals for severe violations

In addition, reconciliation fines will range between KD 70 and KD 150, depending on the extent to which a driver exceeds the specified speed limit.

The implementation of these penalties reflects Kuwait’s dedication to reducing traffic violations and ensuring safer roads. Authorities urge all motorists to comply with traffic regulations to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer driving environment.

The Ministry of Education has launched the "Excellence Award for School Libraries" in collaboration with the Kuwait Libraries and Information Association. This initiative aims to encourage the development of school libraries by recognizing outstanding efforts in enhancing educational and cultural services.

According to Adel Al-Harbi, Acting Director of the Libraries Department, the award is open to all educational levels, including:

• Kindergarten
• Primary Schools
• Middle Schools
• High Schools
• Religious Schools
• Special Education Schools

Schools meeting the set evaluation criteria are encouraged to apply before the March 3 deadline. The arbitration process will take place from April 2 to April 20, during which a panel of experts will assess the libraries based on predefined standards.

One outstanding library from each educational stage will be selected for recognition. A special award ceremony, under the patronage of Education Minister Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, will honor the winners for their contribution to cultural and community engagement.

The primary goal of the award is to:

• Enhance the quality of school libraries
• Encourage competition among schools to improve their library services
• Support educational curricula through enriched resources
• Promote cultural awareness and community participation

By introducing this initiative, the Ministry of Education aims to elevate the standards of school libraries in Kuwait, making them a hub of knowledge and learning for students. Schools interested in participating should ensure compliance with the evaluation criteria and submit their applications before the deadline.