The Malaysian credit rating agency, MARC, affirmed Kuwait’s foreign currency sovereign rating at (AAA) with a stable outlook, based on Kuwait’s strong credit measures, noting that Kuwait’s strong credit rating reflects the strong financial and external reserves that the country enjoys.

The agency said in its report that however, Kuwait’s strengths are offset by its heavy dependence on oil and political tensions that still affect its economic decision-making, as well as weak governance and poor performance of government institutions, reports Al-Qabas daily.

In the past two years, Kuwait's economic prospects have improved due to relatively favorable oil prices and high production, after the country recorded its second worst economic performance since the global financial crisis in 2009, with a contraction of 8.9% in GDP in 2020.

Kuwait's gross domestic product is expected to grow 8.7% in 2022 and 2.6% in 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Kuwait’s strong financial reserves remain its strongest credit advantage, through its sovereign fund, which is the fourth largest sovereign fund in the world, with an asset value of $750 billion, say sources.

The sources indicated that in the meantime, Kuwait’s position as a strong creditor country internationally is reflected in its high international investment position, which, according to the latest available data, amounted to about 691% of its gross domestic product in 2020, pointing out that despite its large financial reserves, it is likely that Kuwait’s structural risks will remain high, if tensions between the National Assembly and the government continue to influence decision-making and economic policies.

MARC confirmed that Kuwait’s stable future outlook reflects the balance of negative pressures and positive aspects on its credit rating, pointing out that on the positive side, the financial support coming from continuously high oil prices and high production may have a positive impact on the growth prospects of the Kuwaiti economy and better financial flexibility of expectations.

MARC explained that the weakness of departments and institutions in Kuwait constitutes negative credit indicators, noting that despite expectations of short-term risks that may decline with the improvement in oil prices and the increase in production, the high geopolitical and economic uncertainty confirms the urgent need for financial and structural reforms in the country.

The agency said that the negative aspects that may be reflected in its credit rating are summed up by the continued political stalemate in the country, which affects political and economic decisions in the country and keeps economic risks high.

Kuwait’s comprehensive and sustainable financing plans and economic rebalancing efforts would also reduce future economic risks.

The agency indicated that despite the availability of many economic plans and initiatives, Kuwait is still struggling to develop a non-oil economy through “Vision 2035”, which, if successful, will reduce dependence on oil and enhance human capital, in addition to greater participation of the private sector in economy.

Personnel from the General Department of Criminal Investigations raided the office of an acting undersecretary in one of the state ministries, after learning that the suspect was falsifying the attendance records for more than a year and was subsequently caught red-handed recently, reports Al-Jarida daily. The sources said the suspect had assigned his driver in the ministry, who is believed to an Iranian, to sign on his behalf every day and this continued for more than a year.

The sources added, day before yesterday CID men swooped on the administration and conducted extensive investigations with the suspected personnel which extended until hours. The daily added, late in the evening all heads of the departments who worked directly under the undersecretary were summoned to learn to what extent they were involved in the fingerprint forgery scam.

The sources added, the concerned agent, since he was a director and then assigned the post of assistant undersecretary and undersecretary of the ministry, continued to commit the forgery to hoodwink the authorities so that no salary deductions would be made for his repeated absence based on laws and instructions issued by the Civil Service Commission.

Moreover, other sources revealed this undersecretary was also a recipient of excellent work reward for the past two years 2021 and 2022, and on each occasion collected 1,500 dinars. He was also a recipient of the front row reward during the corona pandemic in his capacity as head of the committee examining applications for this reward granted by the Council of Ministers.

The State of Kuwait recently achieved another record in the Guinness World Records – largest bisht in the world, reports Annahar daily. The size of the bisht, which exceeded the previous record, was 17 x 16 meters. Al-Baghli Exhibition for the Bishout Industry supervised the creation of the bisht that took 48 days. Guinness-accredited arbitrator Kenzi Al-Dafrawi honored Riyad Al-Baghli – owner of Al-Baghli Exhibition – for breaking the previous record of 17 x 9 meters obtained by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Guinness-accredited arbitrator Kenzi Al-Dafrawi honored Riyad Al-Baghli – owner of Al-Baghli Exhibition

There are countless potholes on the Al-Salmi Highway, which are the cause of serious accidents. The most recent accident occurred on Friday when an elderly Saudi man, who was the head of the family, became the latest victim of a serious accident. His family of six suffered multiple injuries and had to be rushed to a hospital.

Recently, Al-Qabas visited the road and revealed that it had deteriorated, with potholes every few meters for several kilometers, in addition to gravel flying from all directions, making driving extremely difficult.

Activists on Twitter called this the ‘Road of Death’, criticizing the significant deterioration of the road and the lack of action by the Ministry of Works and the Public Authority Roads and Land Transport, despite the recurrence of accidents during the recent period.

Due to the importance of the road for travelers by land, as well as the dependency of Kuwaiti guests arriving by land via the same road, citizens asked the concerned authorities to repair the damaged parts.

According to statistics issued by the Central Department of Statistics, Indian and Egyptian expats control half of the labor market in Kuwait, while Kuwaitis are in third spot.

Top 10 nationalities in the labor market (Govt and Private) until September 30, 2022 showed that 1,977,019 (one million and 977 thousand and 19 workers) which include 476,335 of Indian nationality which is  24.1%, reports Al Rai. Followed by Egyptian nationality, with a total of 467,074 or 23.6 %

Kuwaitis came in third place, with a total of 438,803, or 22.2%

Indians and Egyptians workforce in the public and private sectors amounts to 47.7%
7 other nationalities share about 22% as follows:

• 4th Bangladesh: 158,911 workers.
• 5th Pakistan ranks: 68,755 workers.
• 6th The Philippines : 65,260 workers.
• 7th Syria: 63,680 workers.
• 8th Nepal: 56,489 workers.
• 9th Jordan: 26,856 workers.
• 10th Lebanon: 20,271 workers.

Other nationalities are 134,588 workers, or 6.8%.

Total number of working males, (Kuwaitis and Expats) is 1,543,584 male workers, compared to 1,543,584 female workers.

However, Kuwaiti females outperform Kuwaiti men by 253,850 females and 184,953 males.

Against the backdrop of increasing complaints by road users of flying gravel and vehicle damage, informed sources revealed that the Minister of Works Amani Bouqammaz will refer a number of companies to the Public Prosecution office soon, for not adhering to the terms and conditions of the contracts they implemented, saying faulty procedures adopted by these companies have led to the phenomenon of ‘flying gravel’ in the streets once again, reports Al- Qabas daily. The sources indicated that the Public Works Authority has finally put in place a new mechanism for approving asphalt factories, as part of a comprehensive plan to fix deficiencies that were a major cause of volatilization of gravel, on top of which is the absence of auditing and oversight of factories, and the consequent noncompliance with the specifications of asphalt mixtures set by the technical committees formed by the Ministry.

The sources pointed out that the new mechanism includes certificates issued by the government center for examinations, quality control and research in the ministry, which are valid for a year, based on a request submitted by the company that includes factory calibration and analysis of asphalt.

Mechanism
The sources stated that the mechanism also includes the implementation of unannounced field visits on a continuous basis by the engineers of the Field Asphalt Division of the Asphalt Department in the road laboratories of the factories, to ensure that the requirements for the approval of these factories are applied and violations are monitored.

The sources explained that the factory obtaining a calibration certificate will take place after submitting an approved application from the factory manager or his subordinate, including a valid license from the Public Authority for Industry, the Fire Department, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Kuwait Municipality, in addition to a list of the factory laboratory equipment and devices, indicating the serial number and the beginning and end of calibration for each device, list of workers in the factory, showing the job title and technical certificates.

She pointed out that in the case of requesting the approval of a temporary asphalt plant, a valid license application must be submitted from the Department of State Funds in the Ministry of Finance to the company that owns the factory, including the licensee’s contract number, and a study from the Environment Public Authority that includes the environmental requirements that the company that owns the factory is obligated to and a letter.

Features of the adoption mechanism of asphalt plants include availability of security certificates from the Quality Control Center, valid for one year; carrying out unannounced field visits by field asphalt division engineers; ensuring that the requirements for accreditation of factories are applied and violations are monitored; the factory obtains a calibration certificate approved by its director or his representative; a valid license from PAI, firefighting department, commerce ministry and the municipality and a list of the factory’s laboratory equipment and workers with their names and technical certificates.

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that some employees in various sectors do not hold a valid residency permit – a violation of the Residency Law, reports Al-Anba daily.

Director of the Human Resources Department at the ministry Saud Al-Juwaiser sent a letter to the educational districts stating: “We would like to inform you that a group of expatriates, who are working in the ministry, have no valid residency.”

He cited Decree number 17 of 1959 regarding the residency of foreigners; stipulating that “it is prohibited to harbor, house or employ any foreigner who is staying in the country illegally.” He warned that such acts are considered a violation of the Residency Law. Al-Juwaiser called for the issuance of a circular to the principals of schools to periodically review the residency permit of their expatriate workers, so that the Interior Ministry will no longer notify them in this regard.

He said the principals must immediately inform the Ministry of Education head office, particularly the Human Resources-Passports Department, if any employee has no valid residency.

Many schools in various educational districts complain about the large number of students, but 34 schools remain closed and on the Ministry of Education's demolition plan, which has been overdue for years awaiting decision to rehabilitate them.

Statistics prepared by the Ministry of Education revealed the names of schools that were closed for demolition in all governorates. Zenobia Kindergarten, Al-Amal, Al-Farazdaq Intermediate School for Boys, Latifa Al-Fares Secondary School for Girls, Musab bin Omair Intermediate School for Boys, and Ahmadi High School Building are among them.

It is imperative that these schools redistribute students in order to reduce the density rates in the educational zones. There are some schools that have more than 33 students per class, and the ministerial decision prohibits classes with more than 25 students. Most of the closed schools have unsafe buildings, according to their building reports. They are under construction, but it depends on whether the necessary budgets are available. Every accident that occurs in the educational zones is reported to the Public Services Department.

Currently, the Ministry of Communications is in the process of setting up a restaurant on top of the Liberation Tower. The Restaurant will be located at an altitude of 150 meters in the liberation tower.

The plan is to make it an international one and the authority will issue a 10 year lease agreement with the party once the tender process is completed.

The Kuwaiti fundraising campaign for the quake-struck people in Turkiye and Syria has yielded KD 20.7 million (USD 67.7 million) by Saturday/Sunday midnight. At the behest of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, “Kuwait by Your Side” campaign was launched by Minister of Social and Community Development Affairs and Minister of State for Women and Childhood Affairs Mai Al-Baghli on Saturday midday. It was co-organized by the ministries of social affairs, foreign affairs and information, and covered live by Kuwait TV. Nearly 129,000 philanthropists, individuals, companies and charities, contributed to the campaign, which signaled the solidarity of the Kuwaiti leadership and people with the brotherly peoples of Syria and Turkiye in the face of the impacts of the disaster.

Meanwhile, Al-Salam Society for Humanitarian and Charitable Works announced Sunday the allocation of over KD 350,000 from its annual campaign “Kuwait Trucks” for those impacted by the earthquake in Syria and Turkiye. Speaking to KUNA, Society’s Public Relations Director Dhari Al-Baijan said during the relief work in Turkiye, the total donations for the campaign exceeded KD 1.3 million, with 357 trucks, of which over KD 350,000 have been allocated so far for earthquake-struck people. The charity continues to urgently send aid to the stricken areas in Syria and Turkiye since the disaster occurred, and an additional relief plane is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, Monday, loaded with 1,000 tents for those affected, in cooperation and coordination with the official authorities in Kuwait, Al-Baijan added. He pointed to the charity’s efforts in its annual campaign in order to target the largest possible segment, especially considering the humanitarian conditions there, at a time when the society harnessed all its capabilities to contain the current crisis, in addition to its charitable activities directed at Syrian refugees in the camps.

The charity’s presence since the first moments of the disaster in the Turkish city of Antakya enabled it to sense the tragic situation and measure the extent of the need for aid by the residents of the affected areas, he stated. The urgent relief supplies consist of foodstuffs, clothes, blankets, heating devices, medical tools, tents and other necessities for a decent life, Al-Baijan said. Al-Salam Charity launched its annual campaign for the benefit of the displaced from Syria and Yemen on December 23 last year, and it was scheduled to end on Saturday, but the closing event was cancelled and the request for an extension from the authorities in Kuwait was cancelled due to the current situation in Syria and Turkiye.

The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) continued on Saturday to offer urgent relief aid to those affected by the devastating earthquake that hit northern Syria last Monday. KRCS members made it their duty to reach those most affected by the disaster as part of Kuwait overall relief aid campaign. The “Kuwait by your side” relief aid campaign had collected so far over KD 13 million (around USD 42.62 million), which would be geared towards the victims of the earthquake that hit southern Turkiye and northern Syria.

Head of the disaster management division of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Yousef Al-Muraj confirmed that KRCS’s aid supplies have reached the areas affected by the recent earthquake in Turkiye. During an interview with KTV on Saturday, Al-Murraj mentioned that on the sidelines of the campaigning efforts to reach out to the families in need of necessary relief equipment, including medical and first aid kits, to be provided as needed at this time. KRCS efforts are directed by His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah and National Assembly to support those affected by this natural disaster in a timely manner. (KUNA)

The Public Authority for Civil Information has floated a new tender to provide the civil card home delivery service, saying the last date for submitting bids is on Thursday, Feb 23, 2023, reports Al-Rai daily. This comes after the increasing demand by the civil card holders for the speedy issuance compounded by the slowdown at PACI despite the completion of all procedures and the payment of fees to issue a new ID in the face of lack of justification from the authority for the reasons for the delay.

Meanwhile , an official source in the Ministry of Awqaf revealed a second electronic platform for Hajj, will be launched soon for the benefit of those who want to perform the pilgrimage, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The source explained the platform will display the names of caravans and services and their prices to the public to make it easier for those accepted to perform the Hajj to choose what suits them. The source indicated that the Ministry of Awqaf will receive the price list from the caravans within a week, and the process of sorting the names of those who are accepted to perform Hajj will take place at the beginning of next March.

Forbes Middle East's annual list of the region's most powerful female leaders for 2023 ranks the female leaders championing business success in the region and beyond. Based on the size of the company, the individual's impact, achievements, and performance in the last year, and the scope of the company's CSR and other initiatives, the list was compiled.

There are eight Kuwaiti women on the list, which is dominated by banking and financial services.

Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank and Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson & Managing Director of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group are holding the top two entries on the list.

Shaikha Al-Bahar, the Deputy Group CEO of NBK is in 4th place. Wadha Al-Khateeb, CEO of KNPC is in 6th place. Group CEO of KIPCO Dana Nasser Al Sabah is on 12th place and Chairperson of Agility Henadi Al-Saleh is on 20th position on the list.

Others on the list are Zain Kuwait CEO Eaman Al Roudhan (22nd), CEO of Ahli United Bank of Kuwait Jehad Al-Humaidi (34th), Nadia Bader Al-Hajji - CEO of Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) (35th) and CEO & Vice Chairman of United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC) Nadia Akil (88th).

The list also includes two Indians Renuka Jagtiani (Chairwoman of Landmark Group) and Poonam Bhojani (CEO - Innoventures Education).

Khaled Al-Dakhnan, the head of the Kuwaiti Union for the Recruitment of Domestic Workers, said the decision by the Philippines government to stop exporting domestic workers to Kuwait was expected in recent times, especially given the successive problems workers from this category have faced without actual solutions by the authorities responsible for the problem.

In his interview with Al-Anba, the federation's head said the recent murder was one of the main reasons for the moratorium, but it is not the only one. According to the Philippine embassy, approximately 485 domestic workers are experiencing problems with their employers, but no quick solutions have been provided, saying that they are deeply dissatisfied with the accumulation of domestic workers in their building.

Al-Dakhnan stated that the Federation had repeatedly contacted the Department of Domestic Labor for help, but nothing had been done.

According to him, in these cases, the labor office is not summoned to attend the investigation, but rather is summoned only when the workers are paying for their travel, whereas the Kuwaiti office, in solidarity with the Philippine office, bears the losses resulting from the “two-year contract” concluded between the employer and the worker.”

Moreover, he explained that for many years, the federation had urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Domestic Workers of the Public Authority for Manpower to establish joint cooperation agreements with more exporting countries in the field of domestic workers, so that “we don’t fall into such crises that harm the citizens and incur more losses for office owners.”

A former Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) director was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined KD320,000 for submitting a fake university certificate that led to his promotion, reports Al-Seyassah.

Former KAC director was charged with forging an official document that he used to obtain promotion and corresponding privileges by the Public Prosecution after the Board of Directors filed the case.

 After repeated incidents of assault on workers in the health system, the latest of which was “a citizen hitting an employee at Al-Razi Hospital with a sharp object and inflicting wounds and leaving the employee with a broken nose, reports Al-Qabas daily. The health officials emphasized that these unfortunate incidents require an urgent action by the state authorities to protect doctors, nurses and staff inside medical facilities.

The officials pointed out the need to take urgent measures to prevent these attacks happening inside the health facilities pointing out that the Ministry of Interior has not failed and is making every effort to secure medical facilities and surrounding areas and has placed patrols in the vicinity of hospitals and health centers. The security patrols present at the security points inside the hospitals recently caught juveniles and teenagers in possession of sharp objects.

They pointed to the need to spread community awareness of the importance of the role of doctors, nurses and workers in the medical system. They touched on the assault incident that happened in Al-Razi Hospital, stressing that it is not the first, and it will not be the last, in the Ministry of Health facilities, despite the many statements and appeals made by unions, the Medical Association, and the Nursing Association earlier.

They explained that visitors are required to cooperate with administrative staff and medical, nursing and technical staff in public health centers and hospitals during visiting hours, as some relatives often force their way to visit patients outside visiting hours. Meanwhile, head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the new Farwaniya Hospital Dr Amal Khader disclosed that the department dealt with 50 births since it opened on Feb 5 until Feb 9, reports Al-Rai day. She said these births included two sets of twins, affirming that the mothers and newborns are in good health condition.

- More than 20,000 people are now known to have died after Monday’s earthquakes in southern Turkey and northern Syria

- Six UN lorries carrying aid have now crossed the border from Turkey into Syria – the first international help people there have had

- Without shelter, water, fuel or electricity the World Health Organization fears many survivors could yet lose their lives

- It says there’s a danger there will be a secondary disaster which may cause harm to more people than the initial quake

- Rescuers in Turkey and Syria are continuing their painstaking work but hopes are fading for the many still trapped under the rubble

The Ministry of Education is considering increasing the fees for the services it provides including the fees for academic certificates, transcripts, attestation, equivalencies, and “To Whom It May Concern” certificates, reports Al-Seyassah daily quoting informed sources.

They explained that the ministry has formed a committee to discuss the possibility of increasing the service fees based on the circular issued by the Ministry of Finance to government agencies to reconsider the fees for approval within the next budget.

They are currently studying how to calculate the fees and their actual cost. In its circular, the Ministry of Finance stressed the need to commit to rationalizing spending in the budget, rationing all aspects of spending, reviewing the fees for the services they provide, and increasing their value in proportion to their cost, in addition to raising the efficiency in collecting revenues and government debts.

With spring falling early this year in Kuwait, Nuwair and Malva flowers are now beginning to blossom out everywhere in the country, adorning streets, roads and even the desert in a naturally-shaped eye-catching image that brings serenity, joy and delight. Speaking to KUNA on Nuwair-growing in Kuwait, Dr. Sara Al-Ateeqi, a voluntary environment protection team member, said the fact that Nuwair and Malva flowers are now widespread in all Kuwaiti areas actually gives a feeling of calmness and pleasure thanks to their bright yellow and green colors.

Nuwair, in fact, is a group of yellow, orange and white spring plants and called Nuwair since it looks like the sun in view of its brilliance and splendor, she said, adding that its name differs from one species to another and even according to the time it grows up.

Blossoming out in desert and along roads during winter and spring, Nuwair is locally renowned as “Al-Hanwa”, “Al-Houthan”, “Al-Zamlouk”, “Al-Marar”, “Al-Adheed” and “Al-Hambzan”, Al-Ateetqi elaborated. With regards to Malva, she said it does not belong to the species of Nuwair.

Rather, it is a totally different plant that thrives during the months of January and February and whose green flowers are very delicious. For his part, Ouda Al-Bathali, a researcher, said that Hamlouq is widespread during this period of the year, with its fl owers blooming at sunrise but closing at sunset. Al-Zamlouq is a pure Kuwaiti word that literally means “early” since this species in particular is the first plant to bloom immediately following rainfall, he added. Al-Houthan is a species of flowers that contains five round petals that are fragmented into three parts, Al-Bathali pointed out.(KUNA)

The Ministry of Interior warns Kuwaitis and expats about fraud video calls made by scammers who impersonate Kuwait police and ask for banking and personal data.

The MOI has warned to be careful and wary of such fraudulent calls in order to avoid falling victims and to inform the competent authorities when they receive such suspicious calls.

The Ministry of Interior never makes video calls either to Kuwaitis or expats and asks for personal details or banking details.

Meteorologist Fahd Al-Otaibi announced that the country is on the verge of a cold wave during the coming weekend, as temperatures are expected to drop below three degrees Celsius in the desert areas, Al Qabas reported. He added that the chances of frost formation are possible at dawn on Friday and Saturday, especially in farms and the desert, in which temperatures will be between two and five degrees Celsius.

Al-Otaibi said that temperatures will be between five and ten degrees Celsius in residential areas, and that chances of light to medium rain will return next Sunday, due to the progression of the depression focusing on some northern and central regions.