A security source told Al-Rai that the department’s operations room, equipped with new-generation surveillance cameras, traffic patrols, civilian units, and drones, has recorded a growing number of violations, including illegal overtaking, deliberate obstruction of traffic, and intentional disruption of road flow — all of which have been identified as key contributors to congestion and bottlenecks across Kuwait’s main roads.

The source explained that directives have been issued to impound vehicles involved in these violations for up to 60 days, unless otherwise decided by the General Traffic Department. The fines for such offenses range between KD 15 and KD 20.

Emphasizing that the campaign’s goal is to promote road safety and correct driver behavior, not to collect fines, the source said, “It is unacceptable for any driver to disregard regulations and deliberately obstruct others, causing unnecessary traffic and disrupting people’s work.”

The source added that under the recently amended Traffic Law, all violations — regardless of severity — may be referred to court. Moreover, repeated violations by expatriate drivers, particularly those involving overtaking infractions or intentional traffic obstruction, could result in deportation.

The three key violations subject to strict enforcement are breaching overtaking rules and regulations, deliberately obstructing traffic and intentionally disrupting the flow of movement.

Kuwait Municipality has emphasized that there is urgent need for its oversight and regulatory bodies to impose fines for cleanliness violations, similar to violations of traffic, electricity, water, and environmental laws.

In a statement issued today, the municipality’s spokesperson and Director of Public Relations, Mohammed Al-Sindan, urged swift adoption of stricter and more deterrent penalties proportionate to the seriousness of public hygiene violations, reports Al-Rai daily.

His call comes amid a noticeable increase in waste being dumped in public spaces across the country.

Al-Sindan noted that the municipality has recorded a sharp rise in instances of waste disposal outside designated areas, as well as other forms of inappropriate behavior that have placed excessive strain on sanitation workers responsible for keeping public areas clean.

He stressed that enforcing stronger penalties for public cleanliness violations would play a crucial role in preventing the dumping of waste on roads, in open areas, parks, beaches, and markets, thereby helping preserve Kuwait’s urban and environmental health.

According to ministry sources, the reserve increased to more than 96 percent of total storage capacity, ensuring stability in supply throughout the high-demand period, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The ministry reported that the highest daily water consumption was recorded on June 4 at 533 million imperial gallons, while the lowest was on July 4, at 504 million gallons.

Officials noted that advance plans were implemented ahead of summer to boost reserves and maintain balance in the water system through ongoing production projects, ensuring citizens and residents received uninterrupted service.

The ministry urged the public to continue conserving water, emphasizing that rationalization should become a daily practice given Kuwait’s scarcity of natural freshwater and its full dependence on seawater desalination.

It also highlighted that several expansion projects are underway to enhance production and storage capacity, supporting population growth, urban development, and long-term water security.

Among these is the comprehensive water system project in Mutlaa City, currently being executed for early operational use.

In parallel, the ministry continues to prioritize regular maintenance of pumping stations, main reservoirs, and distribution networks to guarantee efficient operations and minimize sudden disruptions.

Separately, the ministry’s official spokesperson, Engineer Fatima Hayat, announced that routine maintenance work on power generation units, transmission networks, and transformer stations will begin tomorrow. The initiative forms part of the ministry’s annual plan to boost system efficiency, enhance operational readiness, and reduce emergency outages.

Hayat explained that some maintenance activities may cause temporary power interruptions in specific areas, according to pre-announced schedules.

She assured that affected customers will be notified through the “Sahl” government application based on their registered Civil Information data, with real-time updates available on the ministry’s official social media channels.

She concluded by reaffirming that these measures align with the ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernize its networks and elevate service quality, thanking citizens and residents for their cooperation and understanding.

Oman’s Dhofar Governorate has signed an agreement to implement the “Al Khair” Mosque project using 3D printing technology, incorporating advanced environmentally friendly construction methods. The initiative forms part of a broader plan to develop the waterfront in Salalah’s Al Dahariz area, Al Qabas newspaper reported.

According to the Oman News Agency, the mosque will be built by Inotek Oman, a company specializing in 3D printing construction, in collaboration with Adi Architects.

Dhofar Municipality Chairman Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani said the “Al Khair” Mosque project reflects Dhofar Governorate’s vision for innovative urban development that showcases Islamic identity while embracing modern trends in sustainability. He noted that the mosque will serve as a prominent spiritual, architectural, and cultural landmark along the Dahariz coast in Salalah.

Al Ghassani highlighted that the use of 3D printing technology helps reduce material waste and speeds up construction. The project also incorporates sustainable features such as natural lighting, renewable energy, locally sourced materials suited for the coastal climate, and salt- and wind-resistant landscaping. He emphasized that the mosque will strengthen the governorate’s sustainable urban identity.

Yasser bin Saeed Al Barami, the project’s initiator and sponsor, explained that the mosque’s design follows a spiral ribbon concept, creating shaded pathways and tiered green spaces while integrating energy-generation technologies using motion, wind, and sunlight.

He added that the oval prayer hall includes a central skylight to allow natural light to illuminate the interior in an innovative manner. The minaret draws inspiration from the Omani sail and traditional incense burner, topped with the Islamic crescent, blending Islamic heritage with a contemporary architectural approach.

Gulf health ministers’ undersecretaries held a preparatory meeting on Friday ahead of the 11th Gulf Health Ministers’ Meeting, which Kuwait is set to host tomorrow, Saturday, reported Al Jarida newspaper.

In his opening speech, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health and Chair of the meeting, emphasized that Kuwait’s hosting underscores its commitment to supporting joint Gulf initiatives in the health sector and strengthening regional integration to ensure sustainable health security.

Dr. Al-Mutairi highlighted that the meeting reflects the GCC states’ longstanding tradition of constructive cooperation and ongoing communication, which consolidates the foundations of integration and collective achievement.

He noted that the agenda includes several key topics, including follow-up on Supreme Council decisions related to the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs (2025–2028), which aims to protect youth and communities from the dangers of substance abuse.

The agenda also covers a review of the Healthy Cities Program across GCC countries, examining tangible achievements at the levels of cities, villages, and universities. In addition, the meeting addresses the examination of expatriate workers as a priority for safeguarding public health, enhancing preventive policies, and securing shared health borders.

Another significant agenda is the proposal to establish the Gulf Health Committee for Innovation and Digital Transformation under the General Secretariat, aimed at preparing unified standards and guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in diagnosis, treatment, and health data management. The meeting will also discuss the unified work plan for the Committee of Health Ministers for 2026–2030.

Dr. Al-Mutairi expressed confidence that participants’ expertise and experiences would help formulate constructive recommendations and decisions to elevate GCC states’ regional and international standing, fulfill citizens’ aspirations, and reflect the vision of Gulf leaders.

Khalid Al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC Secretariat, praised the GCC health system’s qualitative development, noting that joint cooperation has enabled member states to surpass regional and global averages in health indicators and achieve international recognition. He emphasized that these achievements go beyond medical services, contributing to human development by increasing life expectancy, reducing mortality, and enhancing societal productivity.

Al-Sunaidi added that GCC countries now have more than 863 hospitals, over 3,400 health centers and complexes, and approximately 594,000 citizens benefiting from medical services abroad.

Kuwait has successfully returned to the international debt markets for the first time since 2017, raising $11.25 billion in one of the world’s largest sovereign issuances of 2025.

The three-tranche issuance drew overwhelming investor demand, underscoring strong confidence in Kuwait’s economic fundamentals and long-term reform agenda.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the issuance included a $3.25 billion three-year tranche and a $3 billion five-year tranche, both priced at +40 basis points over US Treasuries, as well as a $5 billion 10-year tranche at +50 basis points.

These rates mark a significant improvement over Kuwait’s debut sovereign issuance in 2017.

The bonds were oversubscribed 2.5 times, with orders totaling $28 billion. More than two-thirds of the allocations went to investors outside the Middle East, including 30% in Europe and the UK, 26% in the US, and 10% in Asia.

Minister of Finance Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem said the issuance reflects global market confidence in Kuwait’s financial resilience, prudent policies, and solid reserves.

He added that beyond meeting financing needs, the issuance enhances Kuwait’s standing in international markets and strengthens ties with global investors as part of Vision 2035.

The transaction was jointly led by Citibank, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, and Mizuho, with Bank of China and ICBC acting as co-managers.

The Central Bank of Kuwait has directed all local banks, electronic payment service providers, and e-money service providers to prohibit merchants from charging customers additional fees when using KNET debit cards or credit cards through electronic payment channels, including payment gateways and point-of-sale (POS) devices.

This decision follows complaints from consumers who were being asked to pay extra charges for card transactions. To strengthen its supervisory role and safeguard customer rights, the Central Bank has mandated the inclusion of explicit clauses in merchant agreements, ensuring that final beneficiaries within Kuwait cannot be charged any additional amounts for electronic payments.

Key directives issued by the Central Bank include:

• Mandatory Clause in Agreements – All contracts with merchants must explicitly state that no additional fees can be imposed on customers using electronic payment methods.
• Enforcement of Compliance – Service providers must take action against violators, including suspending services if necessary.
• Review and Update of Contracts – Existing agreements with merchants must be revised to align with these requirements within one month.

The Central Bank also confirmed it will monitor compliance closely and suspend services for any entities that continue to violate the rules.

The Ministry of Interior has officially ended the grace period granted to people whose Kuwaiti citizenships were revoked under Article 8, confirming that as of Wednesday, October 1, they are no longer permitted to use their Kuwaiti passports.

Notifications have been sent directly to affected individuals via the government’s “Sahel” App, instructing them to hand in their passports to the General Directorate of Nationality and Travel Documents.

The Al-Rai daily quoting security sources said, the expiration of the grace period means that Article 8 passport holders can no longer use these travel documents to leave Kuwait. The passports are now considered invalid for outbound travel, and any attempt to use them for exit will not be permitted.

The same sources clarified that a limited exception has been made for those who are already outside Kuwait. Holders of revoked passports currently abroad will still be allowed to return to the country.

However, upon arrival at airports, seaports, or land border crossings, they will be required to surrender their passports immediately to the authorities.

The move comes as part of Kuwait’s broader measures to regulate nationality and travel documentation, ensuring that individuals whose citizenships have been revoked under Article 8 no longer benefit from the privileges of holding a Kuwaiti passport.

The Ministry emphasized that compliance with the directive is mandatory and that the General Directorate of Nationality and Travel Documents remains the sole body authorized to handle surrendered passports.

This step reflects the government’s strict enforcement of nationality regulations, aimed at preventing the misuse of travel documents and strengthening oversight of citizenship-related matters. It also underscores Kuwait’s continued reliance on the Sahel app as an official channel for communicating sensitive administrative decisions directly to citizens and residents.

In a press release carried by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the ministry said the initiative allows users to register as volunteer tour guides aligning with Kuwait’s tourism development strategy, backed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.

The initiative, launched under the directives of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, seeks to involve Kuwaiti youth in enriching the visitor experience by showcasing the country’s hospitality, culture, and national identity, reports Al-Qabas daily.

According to the ministry, the program also aims to build a national database of volunteer guides in cooperation with the Volunteer Work Center. Volunteers will play a key role in organizing events, tours, and cultural activities, and in welcoming visitors in coordination with relevant authorities.

Applicants can easily apply through the Sahel app by uploading their CVs. They will then undergo an evaluation process, including a personal interview, assessments of communication and cultural knowledge, and a test of their readiness to volunteer.

Successful candidates will receive training focused on communication, public speaking, tourist interpretation, and professional tour-guiding skills. The program also includes practical field visits to key attractions, ensuring volunteers are well-prepared to serve as cultural ambassadors for Kuwait.

Kuwait is gearing up to re-enter the international bond market for the first time in eight years, having appointed a group of banks to arrange a dollar-denominated issuance.

According to Bloomberg, the bonds will be offered in tranches with maturities of 3, 5, and 10 years, citing a source familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Ministry of Finance began seeking proposals from banks last June, targeting around $6 billion from global debt markets. It remains unclear whether the full amount will be raised in a single issuance.

Kuwait has chosen Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JPMorgan, and Mizuho to manage the deal and was set to hold a call with international investors yesterday. The bond sale date has yet to be announced.

Moody’s currently assigns Kuwait an A1 credit rating — equal to that of Japan and China. The IMF estimates Kuwait’s debt-to-GDP ratio at below 10 percent but expects it to climb to 25 percent by 2030. Fitch Ratings projects the country’s budget deficit to widen to 5.6 percent of GDP this fiscal year, compared with 2 percent last year.

Kuwait’s only outstanding dollar bond, valued at $4.5 billion and maturing in 2027, is trading at a yield of about 4.3 percent. The Cabinet approved legislation last March authorizing the government to return to international debt markets, paving the way for the upcoming issuance.

The Kuwait Astronomical Society announced that the country witnessed equal day and night today, with sunrise at 5:39 a.m. and sunset at 5:39 p.m.

Society president Adel Al-Saadoun explained that the autumnal equinox brings near equality of day and night across the globe, though minor differences of several minutes occur depending on each country’s position north or south of the equator.

Meanwhile, Bader Al-Omara, a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, forecasted strong dust-raising winds reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour until Thursday.

He noted that such conditions are characteristic of the autumn and Safri season, during which Kuwait experiences fluctuating weather patterns, including high humidity and southerly winds.

He added that humidity levels are expected to drop, with dawn temperatures tomorrow ranging between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius in inland areas, and between 24 and 28 degrees in interior and coastal regions.

The maximum temperature is forecast to reach 43 degrees Celsius, before gradually declining through October.

Kuwait Municipality will inaugurate the new Shuwaikh Beach Project on Wednesday, October 1. Developed with a 3 million dinars donation from the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the project stretches across 1.7 kilometers and is designed to transform the waterfront into a modern leisure destination that balances environmental, health, sports, and entertainment needs.

The development consists of four distinct zones. The first includes sports fields, recreational areas, and extensive green spaces, alongside renovated facilities such as the mosque, restrooms, and commercial kiosks. It also provides space for future kiosks, ATMs, and ITMs.

The second zone features a sandy beach complemented by wooden benches, while the third offers an enclosed garden with shaded green spaces, trees, and relaxation areas designed for tranquility. The fourth zone forms the project’s entry point and includes an interactive life-sized checkers game, expansive lawns, and multi-purpose courtyards.

The Municipality emphasized that the project reflects its commitment to enhancing public spaces and promoting healthy, active lifestyles for residents and visitors.

Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Minister of Finance, and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, announced that the Ministry of Electricity and Water has achieved a significant milestone in managing electricity demand. He noted that the maximum electricity load during the summer of 2025 reached 17,610 megawatts, a decrease of 30 megawatts from the 17,640 megawatts recorded in the summer of 2024. According to grid planning studies, the maximum load for summer 2025 was expected to rise by four percent. The figures were reported by Al Jarida newspaper.

Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem highlighted in a press statement that the recent decline in electricity consumption rates represents a significant achievement for Kuwait. Despite extreme summer temperatures reaching up to 51 degrees Celsius, particularly during peak hours between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., as well as continued population and economic growth, electricity demand has been effectively managed. According to Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem, this accomplishment reflects the success of integrated strategic planning, rather than mere coincidence.

He emphasized that careful management of electrical loads, strict campaigns against excessive consumption—especially by industrial and mining operations—and the efficiency of periodic, preventive, and emergency maintenance plans for power stations and transmission and distribution networks have all contributed to this achievement.

These plans are carried out according to the highest technical and engineering standards, employing advanced monitoring and inspection technologies to ensure the sustainability and reliability of the electrical network under extreme operating conditions.

Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem also praised the cooperation between the Ministry, other state institutions, and the political leadership, as well as the role of citizens, residents, and public and private entities in supporting national awareness campaigns. He particularly highlighted the “Wafer” campaign, which has successfully fostered a culture of energy and water conservation throughout society.

Looking ahead, the minister stressed that the ministry is focused not only on addressing immediate challenges but also on preparing for the future. Plans are underway to expand electricity and water production capacities to 14,050 megawatts and 228 million imperial gallons of fresh water per day by 2031. Key projects include the Al-Zour North IPP Project Phases II and III, with a production capacity of 2,700 megawatts, implemented in cooperation with the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) and a consortium of ACWA Power and the Gulf Investment Corporation.

The Shagaya Renewable Energy Project is another strategic initiative, with the first phase producing 1,100 megawatts. Work on subsequent phases, including a 500-megawatt second phase and planned third and fourth phases totaling 3,000 megawatts in partnership with China, is already in progress. Additionally, the 1,800-megawatt Al-Khiran power plant began operations last August, and the upcoming Nuwaiseeb Power Plant project is expected to produce up to 7,200 megawatts.

Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem expressed deep pride in the ministry’s workforce, acknowledging their dedication and tireless efforts to maintain high-quality services, promptly address system malfunctions, and ensure the continued delivery of reliable electricity and water services to all customers.

Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, highlighted a significant qualitative shift in Kuwaiti-Chinese relations as the agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries move into the implementation phase, Al Qabas newspaper reported.

He made the remarks during the Chinese Embassy’s celebration of the 76th National Day of the People’s Republic of China, which was attended by Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of Finance, Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem.

Ambassador Hayat affirmed Kuwait and China’s commitment to strengthening strategic relations and deepening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and investment fields, in a manner that serves the shared interests of both countries.

He noted that technical studies and research for the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project are progressing steadily, including soil, water, and wave analyses at the site ahead of implementation. The signing of the implementation contract with the Chinese side is expected soon, as technical assessments are being finalized, placing the next steps in China’s hands.

Highlighting Kuwait’s pioneering role in the region, Hayat said the country was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with China and the first in the Middle East to sign a memorandum of understanding under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reviving the historic Silk Road. He added that Kuwaiti-Chinese relations are currently experiencing their most prosperous phase, with the launch of unprecedented development projects in multiple sectors.

“Several Chinese government-owned companies, approved by the Chinese presidency, are directly collaborating with Kuwait on large-scale projects, including the completion of Mubarak Port, renewable energy initiatives like the third and fourth phases of Abdaliya and Shagaya, sewage and waste management projects, and the development of housing and workers’ cities,” he explained.

Ambassador Hayat emphasized that a ministerial committee, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, meets weekly to oversee the implementation of agreements and memoranda between the two governments. Technical teams submit detailed reports to the committee, enabling swift decisions and efficient project execution.

He highlighted that Kuwait’s partnership with China benefits from direct government-to-government communication, bypassing bureaucratic delays through open channels and hotlines with the National Development and Reform Commission. This allows immediate responses to queries and ensures smooth coordination.

Ambassador Hayat also indicated that Kuwait is elevating relations with select countries, including China, India, and Japan, to “strategic” status, opening unique avenues for cooperation. He stressed that the opening of new embassies abroad is guided by careful studies to serve national interests and citizens, with embassies forming the backbone of citizen support overseas.

Meanwhile, Liu Xiang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, reaffirmed that Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab state to establish ties with China. He noted that current relations are at their strongest, with progress in projects such as Mubarak Port, renewable energy, residential developments, the growing presence of Chinese brands in Kuwait, and the upcoming opening of the Chinese Cultural Center next month. Liu stressed that China remains a reliable partner in Kuwait’s development and will continue expanding horizons of cooperation.

H.E. Mishal Mustafa Al-Shamali, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to India, highlighted on Friday that Kuwait’s participation in the Indian World Food Congress, represented by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, provides a valuable platform for forming partnerships with global food markets, Al Rai newspaper reported.

Ambassador Al-Shamali noted that the conference, which will run until September 28, includes participants from 21 countries and 150 international delegates. He emphasized the strong support and sponsorship of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the event’s significance for economic development and investment in the food sector, as well as India’s role as a leading global food producer and exporter.

He added, “This year’s conference will focus on the sustainability of food markets, including infrastructure for food and agricultural production, promoting innovations and ideas to maintain an ideal environment for agriculture, and advancing food production technology.”

Ambassador Al-Shamali explained that the conference provides a valuable platform for establishing strategic partnerships with global food markets, particularly the Indian market, which is considered one of the world’s most important food baskets and plays a key role in enhancing global food security through abundant production and diversified exports.

The Ministry of Education announced a series of training courses in partnership with the Teachers’ Association, aimed at teachers, department heads, technical supervisors, assistant principals, and school principals. The programs will run from September 29 to November 16, Al Rai newspaper reported.

According to the ministry, the 225 courses are designed to equip supervisory staff and applicants with the skills, knowledge, and standards needed to perform their duties effectively.

The ministry stated that the programs will be held over a period of just 24 days, allowing more than 32,000 faculty members to benefit from them, with morning and evening shifts at the training centers affiliated with the Department of Education and Training and the Kuwait Teachers Society.

The Ministry of Education also stressed that those seeking supervisory positions must adhere to the training course requirements when registering via the designated forms. Registration is available through the ministry’s official website starting today and will continue until all training course slots are filled.

The ministry emphasized that this initiative reflects its commitment to developing educational cadres and enhancing their professional capabilities, contributing to the improvement of the educational process and the achievement of Kuwait’s strategic educational development goals.

The Ministry of Information announced that it has successfully migrated its core applications and services to the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The move marks a major step in the ministry’s digital transformation, aligning with the objectives of the “New Kuwait 2035” vision, Al Jarida newspaper reported.

The Ministry of Information said in a press release on Wednesday that, under the direction of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and the oversight of Undersecretary Dr. Nasser Muhaisen, it has become one of the first entities in Kuwait’s public sector to fully adopt the Google Cloud Platform.

The ministry explained that the move aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve public service delivery, and provide key benefits such as increased security, better performance, and greater scalability and flexibility. The transition also reduces the administrative burden on internal teams, allowing them to focus on strategic innovation.

The migration, carried out collaboratively between the ministry’s specialized team and Google Cloud experts, involved transferring numerous vital systems used by employees as well as citizens and residents. Key Google Cloud services now in use include Google Compute Engine for scalable computing, Cloud SQL for database management, and advanced security tools such as Cloud Firewall and Cloud Armor to protect applications and data.

The ministry affirmed its commitment to continuing its partnership with Google Cloud, aiming to leverage advanced cloud technologies to deliver more efficient, secure, and user-friendly digital services, in line with the goals of Kuwait’s “New Kuwait 2035” vision.

Smart, model public libraries are among the key aspirations of Kuwait’s development plan. Under the initiative titled “Developing Public Libraries into Smart Model Libraries and Investing in Them,” the project falls within the pillar of effective participation in the global community. According to Al Qabas newspaper, the project is in its preparatory phase with an allocated budget of KD 5 million.

Scheduled for completion in 2028, the initiative seeks to modernize and expand public libraries, positioning them as hubs within the knowledge economy and drivers of creative and cultural industries. It also aims to enhance Kuwait’s cultural infrastructure by upgrading existing facilities and adding new ones, while supporting the country’s broader strategic goals under Kuwait Vision 2035 to strengthen its global cultural and intellectual presence.

According to project data, the initiative seeks to transform public libraries into smart model libraries, comparable to leading global examples, capable of offering innovative interactive services powered by artificial intelligence. The plan also includes enriching them with traditional and digital information sources, enabling self-lending, and equipping facilities with robots to serve visitors.

The project has an investment component, using available spaces within library buildings to generate financial returns through partnerships with the private sector, thereby supporting sustainability and growth.

It aims to achieve 12 objectives, including developing and equipping 20 public libraries across six governorates, transforming them into smart model libraries and partially investing in them with private sector participation.
In addition, ten libraries will be developed and fully invested by entrepreneurs and private partners.

The project also seeks to provide 200 job opportunities in cultural fields, support the knowledge economy, and place 30 public libraries in Kuwait on the global map of libraries and cultural centers.

Key goals include equipping libraries with advanced technological infrastructure, such as computers, library management systems, artificial intelligence programs, smart screens, tablets, and self-lending stations, along with robots to assist users and provide information services.

The initiative also provides a diverse collection of modern digital resources and databases, mobile self-lending stations in malls and shopping centers, and vehicles functioning as mobile libraries to participate in community events.

Additionally, the project involves launching an electronic information platform for public libraries and the Kuwait Digital Library, while fostering new job opportunities and building partnerships with the private sector to strengthen the knowledge economy.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has honored the State of Kuwait in recognition of its progress in establishing an effective civil aviation security oversight system and raising the level of compliance with ICAO’s international standards and recommended practices.

The recognition was announced during the 42nd ICAO General Assembly, which is being held from September 23 to October 3 in Montreal, Canada, with the participation of 193 countries, 69 international and regional organizations, and major global aircraft manufacturers.

The Kuwaiti delegation is headed by the President of the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, who extended his congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, the government and people of Kuwait, and all civil aviation personnel for this international achievement.

Sheikh Humoud Al-Sabah emphasized that Kuwait’s ‘award’ reflects the success of the Kuwait International Airport in achieving results that exceed international standards, as confirmed by periodic ICAO security audits.

He further stressed Kuwait’s commitment to active participation in international aviation forums and to supporting efforts that enhance the safety, security, and sustainability of global civil aviation.