The Kuwait Ministry of Education is considering advancing the start of the 2025/2026 academic year by one week to accommodate a proposed suspension of classes during the last ten days of Ramadan.

According to educational sources, the Ministry is coordinating with relevant authorities to finalize the new academic calendar. Under the proposal, administrative staff would report back to work on September 1, 2025, while students would return on September 7, 2025.

This minor adjustment aims to compensate for the planned holiday during the final days of the holy month, providing students and staff the opportunity to focus on worship and spiritual activities. The initiative aligns with efforts to promote religious and social values among the youth.

Minister of Education, Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both students and educational staff, ensuring peak performance throughout the academic year.

Applications Open for Educational Supervisory Positions

Meanwhile, the Ministry has announced that applications for educational supervisory positions will be open from Sunday, April 27, 2025, until May 8, 2025. Interested candidates can register online via the Ministry’s official portal under the "Electronic Services – Educational Supervisory Positions Services" section.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare the necessary documents in advance to streamline their application process, as supervisory roles are critical to maintaining high standards within Kuwait’s education system.

In another development, Acting Undersecretary for General Education, Mansour Al-Dhafiri, has announced a revision to the control and grading process for 12th-grade final exams for the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic year.

These changes are outlined in Ministerial Resolution No. 115/2025, issued on April 1, 2025, and are designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of exam evaluations.

Key updates include:

• Start of Control Work: Moved to Sunday, April 13, 2025, from the previously scheduled March 16.
• Student Lists Review: School administrations must retrieve 12th-grade student lists by April 17.
• Exam Period for Off-Schedule Subjects: Scheduled from May 11 to May 15, with corresponding grades to be entered into the system immediately.
• Final Grade Entry Deadline: The system will close for entering or modifying grades by May 19.
• Student Seating Numbers Publication: Final seating numbers will be uploaded to the Ministry’s website on May 22.
• Second-Round Seating Numbers: Issuance date set for June 30.

These updates are expected to streamline grading and prevent discrepancies during the final data transfer to the Ministry’s central control system.

Al-Dhafiri also confirmed that exams for off-schedule subjects such as Holy Quran and Constitution & Human Rights (for home-school students) will be unified at the ministry level.

Accurate grade entries for daily, practical, and off-schedule exams are critical to avoid errors in students’ final academic records.

Additionally, students who lack standardized certificates for grades 10 and 11 must provide equivalency certificates issued by the Private Education Department.

• Religious education students are required to submit a curriculum certificate or equivalency exam results.
• Home-school students must present appropriate certification to validate their academic standing.

Conclusion

The Kuwait Ministry of Education continues to make strategic changes to improve the educational environment, including advancing the 2025/2026 academic year, adjusting exam procedures, and facilitating supervisory recruitment. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to excellence and support within Kuwait’s education sector, especially during the spiritually significant period of Ramadan.

The Ministry of Health has expressed its appreciation for the Cabinet's approval of a significant amendment to the Civil Service Law, specifically regarding Article 45. This new draft decree-law grants employees special leave with full remuneration for up to one year to accompany a patient requiring treatment abroad.

The amendment ensures that employees who accompany relatives on long-term overseas medical treatment will receive full remuneration without any deduction from their accrued leave days. The leave can be extended for an additional six months, although the extension will be without pay. This move aims to reduce the psychological and financial strain experienced by families during these challenging times.

The Ministry emphasized that this legislative change addresses the humanitarian challenges families face when accompanying loved ones for medical treatment, particularly in cases involving complex conditions that require extended care abroad. The presence of a family member during treatment plays a crucial role in providing psychological support, which significantly boosts patient morale and their responsiveness to treatment.

The ministry further added that the previous six-month leave limit often caused disruptions, leading to uncertainty for both the companion and the patient. The new legislation provides sustained support, ensuring a stable and continuous therapeutic environment throughout the treatment process. This change is a reflection of the State's commitment to the well-being of its citizens and aligns with the humanitarian principles of Kuwait’s national healthcare system.

The new law also demonstrates Kuwait’s deep awareness of the needs of its citizens, particularly in the context of patient care. The enhanced support through special leave aims to not only support the patient's treatment but also prioritize the well-being of their families, ensuring they can stay by their loved ones during critical medical periods.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

In a decisive move to bolster transparency and fair competition in the financial sector, the Central Bank of Kuwait has initiated a thorough field inspection targeting exchange companies in Kuwait. This regulatory action focuses on evaluating how these firms set foreign exchange rates in Kuwait and calculate commissions for international money transfers.

Regulatory teams have posed critical inquiries to exchange firms about the methodologies used to determine exchange rates for the Kuwaiti dinar against major global currencies. Specific emphasis has been placed on the frequency of rate updates and how these adjustments are reflected during real-time customer transactions. Furthermore, authorities are investigating whether pricing structures and commission fees are standardized across all branches or vary by location.

Another key aspect under review is whether exchange rates and commissions differ based on customer categories or the size of transactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to ensuring that all customers—regardless of transaction volume or client status—receive fair and consistent pricing.

Adding a historical dimension to the current probe, the Central Bank is revisiting the financial penalties previously levied by the Competition Protection Authority on approximately 16 exchange firms. These penalties, ranging between 1% and 5% of total revenues for the fiscal years 2020 to 2022, were based on accusations of collusion to unify foreign exchange rates, contravening Kuwait’s competition regulations.

Despite the heavy fines, affected companies contested the rulings in court and secured judgments affirming their compliance with Kuwait's financial laws. The court decisions found no unlawful collaboration among these firms. Related article on legal updates in Kuwait

Even after the judicial outcomes, the Central Bank’s commitment to transparency remains unwavering. Inspectors have requested all communication records between exchange companies and the Competition Protection Authority, including legal documents associated with the contested fines. This step aims to verify that no informal agreements were reached to artificially manipulate or stabilize exchange rates.

The regulatory oversight aligns with broader efforts to protect consumer rights and promote a competitive market environment within Kuwait’s financial system.

Through these intensified measures, the Central Bank of Kuwait is reaffirming its dedication to maintaining a robust and transparent financial infrastructure. Safeguarding fair money transfer commissions and competitive foreign exchange rates in Kuwait not only fosters consumer trust but also positions Kuwait as a reliable hub for financial transactions across the region.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has launched a newly developed Easier Manpower Portal, designed to enhance service delivery for private sector employees in Kuwait. Integrated through the Ashal App, this platform offers a unified solution for employment-related tasks, streamlining procedures and boosting accessibility.

Accessible via secure login through the Kuwait My ID app, the portal empowers users with the following features:

Users can monitor the status of submitted applications. The portal provides real-time updates on application decisions, including acceptance or rejection, along with reasons for any rejections.

Employees can view and print their employment contracts linked to approved work permit applications, offering easy document access for personal or legal use.

Workers can lodge labor-related complaints, whether concerning salaries, working conditions, or job transfer issues. Supporting documents can also be uploaded to strengthen their claims.

Recognition of Educational Qualifications

Through the portal, users can submit requests for the recognition of academic and professional qualifications, an essential step for validating credentials in Kuwait's job market.

Employees may submit requests to cancel their work permits in cases of departure from the country or transfer to another employment sector, contingent on Labor Relations Department approval.

The platform enables users to print official labor certificates, facilitating administrative procedures and legal compliance.

The Easier Manpower Portal is part of Kuwait’s broader digital transformation initiative aimed at enhancing labor market transparency and simplifying government services. It supports worker rights, reduces administrative burdens, and aligns with international labor standards.

According to KUNA, the initiative reflects the government's commitment to developing e-government services that empower workers and streamline their interactions with labor authorities.

The recent amendment to Ministerial Resolution No. 81 of 1976 introduces a new clause regarding fees for expats' driving licenses.

Clause No. 59, added to Article 204 bis, mandates a KD 10 fee for printing driving licenses for expats.

The full text of the resolution was published in the official gazette “Kuwait Alyom” on Sunday morning, effective immediately.

The Ministry’s Undersecretary is responsible for implementing the new fee structure for expats' driving licenses, which comes into effect as per the resolution's publication.

This new development is part of ongoing adjustments to Kuwait’s traffic regulations and aims to regulate the cost associated with issuing driving licenses for expatriates.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has issued an urgent warning about unauthorized cryptocurrency mining activities within Kuwait, emphasizing that such operations are illegal and violate several national laws. The Ministry pointed out that these practices lack official licenses and carry significant legal consequences.

In an official press release from the General Department of Security Relations and Media, the MoI detailed the laws violated by these mining operations, which include:

• Law No. (56) of 1996 – Industry Law
• Law No. (31) of 1970, amending parts of the Penal Code No. (16) of 1960
• Law No. (37) of 2014 – Establishment of CITRA
• Law No. (33) of 2016 – Regulations concerning Kuwait Municipality

The MoI highlighted the heavy electrical consumption caused by cryptocurrency mining, noting that it increases the load on Kuwait’s national power grid. This heightened demand contributes to:

• Frequent power outages
• Interruptions in residential, commercial, and service sectors
• Threats to public safety and essential services

This recent warning is part of a coordinated national campaign involving:

• Ministry of Interior
• Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy
• CITRA
• Public Authority for Industry
• Kuwait Municipality

These entities have launched a joint initiative to curb illegal crypto operations and safeguard Kuwait’s energy infrastructure.

The MoI strongly urged those involved in unlicensed mining to cease operations immediately. The Ministry confirmed that violators will face legal repercussions and be referred to appropriate investigative authorities for prosecution.

• Fines for Running a Red Light: A KD 150 fine will be imposed on drivers who run red lights, significantly increasing penalties for this common traffic violation.
• Parking Violations: The new law also targets parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities, with a penalty of KD 150 for offenders.
• Mobile Phone Usage While Driving: Drivers caught using a mobile phone while driving will face a KD 75 fine, emphasizing the importance of hands-free driving.
• Seat Belt Violations: Not wearing a seatbelt now carries a KD 30 fine, aiming to reduce injuries from accidents.
• Reckless Driving and Speeding: Drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h or engaging in reckless driving can be arrested on the spot.

The new traffic law not only imposes stricter fines but also enhances law enforcement's ability to take immediate action. For instance, drivers caught driving recklessly or exceeding speed limits by significant margins can be arrested on the spot, providing a more direct deterrent for dangerous driving behaviors.

The implementation of Legislative Decree No. 5 of 2025 marks a significant step toward reducing traffic-related accidents and improving road safety in Kuwait. With these new penalties in place, authorities aim to foster safer driving habits and reduce the rising number of traffic-related incidents.

For many drivers in Kuwait, the impact of the new traffic law will be immediate. These changes are designed to make roads safer and encourage drivers to follow traffic regulations more closely. The stricter penalties and the possibility of on-the-spot arrests serve as powerful deterrents against dangerous driving.

With the enforcement of the new traffic law under Legislative Decree No. 5 of 2025, Kuwait is taking decisive steps toward improving road safety. The increased fines and broader police authority are expected to reduce traffic violations and ultimately save lives on the road.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced that Kuwait's new traffic law will officially come into force starting Tuesday. This follows the successful completion of all technical and organizational procedures necessary for its implementation. The move is part of broader efforts to modernize the nation's traffic system and raise public safety standards on Kuwaiti roads.

According to the Ministry’s Public Relations and Security Media Department, the revised law targets serious and repeated traffic violations. New provisions include:

• Harsher penalties for running red lights
• Increased fines for exceeding speed limits
• Strict enforcement against using mobile phones while driving
• Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or psychotropic substances

The General Traffic Department has begun immediate enforcement of the law through:

• Deployment of additional traffic patrols
• Activation of automated monitoring and surveillance systems
• Coordination with relevant agencies to ensure seamless legal execution

To support public understanding, the Ministry initiated an educational campaign in multiple languages. This initiative spans:

• Television and radio broadcasts
• Newspaper features
• Social media platforms
• Visual materials across public spaces

The Ministry reiterated that the law is not solely punitive. Its main aim is to foster responsible driving behavior and build a safe traffic culture. Voluntary adherence to the law is seen as a foundational step toward:

• Protecting lives
• Reducing property damage
• Improving traffic flow and public safety

The Ministry emphasized its commitment to justice and equality before the law, ensuring uniform enforcement without exceptions. Officers have been directed to uphold the law with respect and professionalism while safeguarding the rights of every individual on the road.

In Kuwait, expatriates’ access to their bank accounts is closely tied to the validity of their residency. Once a resident's legal status lapses—either through expiry or cancellation—most financial institutions initiate an account freeze, limiting or halting access to essential services such as ATM withdrawals, credit card transactions, and online banking.

Banks in Kuwait require valid Civil ID records as proof of legal residency. Once the residency permit expires, the Civil ID is no longer valid, leading banks to consider the account holder as not legally present in the country. As a result, the bank enforces a freeze on the account to remain compliant with financial regulations.

This policy also applies to Bedoun residents, who similarly face restricted access to their funds if their residency documents expire, regardless of the reason or duration since expiration.

• ATM Withdrawals Blocked: Most banks suspend access to ATMs.
• Online and Mobile Banking Inaccessible: Logins are blocked until residency details are updated.
• Credit Card Usage Suspended: Transactions may be declined.
• Salary Deposits Held: Employers’ transfers may not reflect in frozen accounts.

Some banks may provide limited access for up to three months or impose reduced withdrawal limits, but these measures vary by institution and are not guaranteed.

To regain full control over their bank accounts, expatriates must:

1. Renew their residency through the Ministry of Interior.
2. Update their Civil ID at the PACI (Public Authority for Civil Information).
3. Inform their bank with the new Civil ID details to lift the freeze.

To avoid financial service disruptions, expatriates are urged to:

• Monitor residency expiry dates proactively.
• Start renewal procedures early to account for any administrative delays.
• Notify their bank promptly after updating Civil ID records.

Kuwait has been consistently updating its digital infrastructure and residency-related protocols. Services like the Sahel App can help residents track and manage Civil ID statuses efficiently.

Banking access in Kuwait is strictly dependent on a valid residency status. Whether you're an expatriate or a Bedoun resident, it's crucial to keep your documents up to date. Regularly renewing your residency and promptly updating banking information ensures uninterrupted access to your funds and essential financial services.

As part of its strategy to enhance efficiency and governance across Kuwait's healthcare sector, the Ministry of Health has launched an advanced system to verify the certificates and credentials submitted by healthcare professionals applying for work in Kuwait. This initiative is designed to ensure only the most qualified professionals are granted licenses, in line with international best practices.

The Ministry announced that its upgraded verification mechanisms now cover a broad range of documentation, including:

• Academic qualifications
• Clinical experience
• Licenses for professional practice
• Certificates of good conduct
• Criminal background records

These enhancements are fully integrated with the electronic health licensing platform, enabling a seamless and secure application process. Applicants are encouraged to submit all documents in accordance with platform guidelines to avoid delays.

The Ministry emphasized that the modernization of the certificate verification system is aligned with its broader vision of promoting transparency, ensuring data accuracy, and fostering fair procedures for all applicants. This move is also intended to attract top-tier medical professionals, including doctors, dentists, nurses, and allied health workers, by aligning local licensing processes with international standards.

Broader Vision for Health Sector Reform

These measures form part of Kuwait’s broader healthcare reform strategy, which aims to:

• Improve the quality and safety of medical services
• Maintain public trust in healthcare professionals
• Ensure procedural clarity and licensing fairness
• Strengthen health sector governance

By creating a secure, digitized, and transparent verification framework, the Ministry is making strides to elevate Kuwait's standing as a regional leader in healthcare excellence.

The Ministry has urged all healthcare professionals seeking licensure in Kuwait to:

• Visit the electronic health licensing platform
• Review and follow the outlined submission procedures
• Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and uploaded per the platform’s requirements

This adherence is crucial to avoid application rejections and to expedite the licensing process.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health continues to demonstrate its commitment to raising healthcare standards by modernizing verification systems and streamlining professional licensing. Through technological integration and robust governance, the Ministry ensures that only qualified, vetted professionals join the country's healthcare system—ultimately enhancing public health and patient safety.

In the official gazette "Kuwait Al-Youm," Decree-Law No. 62/2025 was published, which brings about significant changes to the Code of Procedures and Trials Law, originally enacted under Law No. 17/1960. These changes primarily focus on the objection period for convicted individuals and the process for collecting unpaid fines.

One of the most important changes in the new decree-law concerns the objection period to a verdict. According to Article 1, which replaces Articles 188 and 230, the objection period has been reduced to one week. This period begins based on the type of case:

• Misdemeanor Cases: The one-week period starts when the convicted person is notified of the verdict issued in absentia.
• Felony Cases: The period starts from the date the convicted person is arrested, provided the judgment was not previously served in person.

If the objection is not filed within this one-week time frame, the verdict can only be appealed if it is eligible for an appeal before the Court of Appeals.

The new decree-law allows for more flexibility in notifying the convicted individual. Notifications can now be sent via email or any other modern means of communication that can be preserved. If it is not possible to serve the judgment directly, the notice may be delivered to a relative, in-law, or one of the convict’s dependents at their residence. Alternatively, if these methods are not feasible, the notice can be published in the official gazette and posted at relevant locations such as the convict’s residence or workplace.

Article 230 of the decree-law introduces changes to the collection of fines. If a convicted individual does not pay the imposed fine, the fine will be recovered through compulsory execution from the convict’s assets. Additionally, the Public Prosecution has the authority to deduct monthly installments from the convict’s salary, national labor support, or pension, not exceeding one-quarter of the total amount.

The decree-law allows for flexibility in the payment of fines. Upon request, the convict may be granted an installment plan for paying the fine or deferment for a reasonable period, provided the fine is fully paid within five years. This provision can be authorized by the court president, the Public Prosecutor, or an authorized delegate.

Forbes Middle East has honored seven Kuwaiti real estate executives among the region's most influential real estate leaders in 2025, according to Al-Seyassah daily. This recognition reflects Kuwait’s expanding footprint in the competitive Middle East property market.

Leading the list for Kuwait is Waleed Khaled Alsharian, CEO of Mabanee Real Estate Company, who secured the 27th overall spot. Since taking the helm in 2006, Alsharian has been instrumental in transforming Mabanee into a regional powerhouse. The company, listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange since 1999, is best known for developing landmark projects such as:

• The Avenues
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Waldorf Astoria Kuwait

As of 2024, Mabanee's total assets were valued at $5.1 billion, generating $431.1 million in revenues.

Other Kuwaiti Leaders on Forbes’ 2025 List

Talal Jassem Al-Bahar – Kuwait Real Estate Company

Ranked 42nd overall, Talal Jassem Al-Bahar is the Vice Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Real Estate Company, the first real estate firm listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in 1984. By 2024, the company reported:

• Assets: $1.4 billion
• Profits: $41.5 million

Faisal Jameel Al-Essa – National Real Estate Company

Taking the 44th spot, Faisal Jameel Al-Essa has been the CEO of National Real Estate Company since 2018. In the first nine months of 2024, the company recorded:

• Revenues: $56.8 million
• Assets: $1.8 billion (as of September 2024)

Abdulmutaleb Marafie – Commercial Real Estate Company

Ranked 51st overall, Abdulmutaleb Marafie leads Commercial Real Estate Company, which owns prominent properties such as:

• Al-Tijaria Tower
• Symphony Style Hotel and Complex

In 2024, the firm posted $101.6 million in revenues and $1.9 billion in assets.

Abdulaziz Ghazi Alnafisi – Al-Salhiya Real Estate Company

Listed 56th, Abdulaziz Ghazi Alnafisi became CEO of Al-Salhiya Real Estate Company in 2022, following a long tenure as Executive VP. As of March 2025, the company reported:

• Assets: $1.7 billion
• Market Capitalization: $780.2 million

Khalid Al-Mashaan – Al-Argan International Real Estate Company

Coming in at 81st, Khalid Al-Mashaan, the founder and CEO of Al-Argan International Real Estate Company, has led the firm since its inception in 1994. In 2024, the company reported:

• Assets: $847.4 million
• Profits: $6.9 million

Abdulrahman Hamad Al-Terkait – Argan Kuwait Real Estate Company

Ranked 97th, Abdulrahman Hamad Al-Terkait became CEO of Argan Kuwait Real Estate Company in 2016. Under his guidance, the company generated $29.5 million in revenues in 2024.

Kuwait’s Real Estate Sector on the Rise

The inclusion of these industry leaders in Forbes’ prestigious 2025 list underscores Kuwait’s growing influence in the Gulf real estate sector. Their leadership not only reflects strong financial performance but also highlights visionary urban planning and development across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.

The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has sounded the alarm over fraudulent investment advertisements spreading across certain news websites and social media platforms. These misleading campaigns falsely claim to offer lucrative investment opportunities in KOC, drawing in unsuspecting individuals with promises of high returns.

In an official statement reported by Al-Jarida, KOC categorically denied the authenticity of these investment claims. The company made it clear that it does not offer any profit-sharing schemes, investment programs, or similar commercial activities for the general public.

“As a government-owned entity, we do not engage in commercial or investment promotions through unofficial platforms,” KOC clarified.

KOC emphasized its legal right to pursue action against individuals or entities responsible for producing or distributing such deceptive advertisements. The company warned the public to remain vigilant and refrain from interacting with any such suspicious promotions.

Authorities and cybersecurity experts advise the public to:

• Verify any investment opportunity through official company websites or government sources.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads claiming to represent reputable companies.
• Report fraudulent content to the Cybercrime Department of the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait.

Conclusion

The Kuwait Oil Company scam alert highlights the growing trend of online financial fraud targeting the public in Kuwait. Citizens are urged to remain cautious and only trust official communication channels when it comes to investment opportunities.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has directed all charity associations and foundations to immediately stop collecting donations through their websites and social media links until further notice. This decision was made following directives from the Minister of Social Affairs.

The ministry emphasized that this decision is made in the public interest and aims to regulate the activities of charity associations. The circular also warns that any violations of the directive will result in legal consequences.

This move is likely to affect various charity foundations and associations that rely on online donations. The ministry's action aims to ensure proper oversight and prevent misuse of funds.

As part of its commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, Gulf Bank has introduced a new initiative aimed at improving employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Effective May 1, 2025, the bank will reduce its daily working hours by half an hour.

Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj, the General Manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank, explained that the bank believes in the significant benefits of maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life. This change is designed to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of employees, which in turn, is expected to boost their productivity and performance at work.

It is important to note that this reduction in daily working hours will not affect the bank’s branch operating hours. Customers can expect continued, uninterrupted services with the same level of high-quality customer experience that Gulf Bank is known for.

This initiative reflects Gulf Bank’s broader strategy to invest in the health and happiness of its workforce. By adopting flexible working hours, the bank continues to set a positive example within the corporate sector, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health in achieving professional success.

Studies have shown that when employees experience a better work-life balance, they are more likely to be productive, motivated, and engaged at work. Gulf Bank’s new policy aims to enhance these factors, contributing to a more efficient and harmonious work environment.

In line with its ongoing efforts to support employees, Gulf Bank may introduce further initiatives designed to enhance employee satisfaction and overall productivity. The focus will remain on ensuring that employees feel valued and supported in their roles.

The Ministry of Interior has issued an urgent warning to all residents and citizens of Kuwait regarding the rise of fraudulent websites claiming to offer traffic fine discounts, as reported by Al-Seyassah daily. These deceptive sites are designed to steal banking information by tricking users into entering sensitive financial details under the guise of legitimate offers.

These scams often mimic official platforms, attempting to appear authentic. The Ministry emphasized that such websites have no affiliation with government portals and advised the public to remain vigilant.

Through the Sahel app, a unified government service platform in Kuwait, users were reminded to only use official government applications for electronic payments, particularly when it comes to paying traffic fines. The Ministry highlighted that using unverified or suspicious links may result in identity theft or financial fraud.

Sahel emphasized that the Ministry urges users to verify the authenticity of all payment links and never input banking details on untrusted or unofficial websites.

To protect yourself against such cyber threats, the Ministry advises:

• Access payment services only via official platforms like Sahel
• Double-check website URLs for any irregularities or spelling errors
• Avoid clicking on promotional messages or ads promising discounted traffic fines
• Report any suspicious websites to the authorities immediately

The Ministry of Social Affairs has urged nursery license holders to register their details through the ministry’s official website or the “My Nursery” app to facilitate better tracking of transactions. This move is in line with the ministry's ongoing efforts to digitize all its services. The registration process will be open until May 13, as reported by the Arabic daily Al Qabas.

The ministry emphasized that it is mandatory for nursery license holders to ensure all relevant data is recorded across their branches according to the prescribed system fields. This ensures that the information submitted is both accurate and up-to-date. Nursery data registration is a crucial step in streamlining the ministry’s services and enhancing operational efficiency.

Once the registration is approved, license cancellation transactions will proceed through the system. Similarly, nursery license renewals will be processed through the system once registration is confirmed. Renewal applications must be submitted at least three months before the license expires to ensure smooth continuation of services.

The Ministry of Social Affairs also announced that the opening of new nurseries is currently suspended until further notice. This suspension will remain in place until all existing nursery licenses are processed and up-to-date, ensuring a comprehensive review of the current licensing system.

Nursery license holders can complete their registration through the ministry’s website or the “My Nursery” app. This digital approach allows for easier management of nursery licenses and provides better transparency for both the authorities and the license holders.

The Ministry of Social Affairs continues to improve its digital infrastructure to better serve nursery establishments. Nursery license holders are encouraged to complete their registration promptly to avoid any disruptions to their licensing processes.

Sharon Samuel, a bright 12th-grade student at United Indian School in Abbasiya, tragically passed away on Tuesday morning in Kuwait. She was rushed to Farwaniya Hospital after feeling unwell but was unfortunately declared dead upon arrival.

Sharon was the beloved daughter of Mr. Gigi Samuel, a private firm employee in Kuwait, and Mrs. Asha, a physiotherapist with the Ministry of Health. The Samuel family hails from the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. Sharon's sister, Ms. Ashly Samuel, is currently pursuing a medical degree.

The school management expressed deep sorrow at Sharon's passing, describing her as a "bright and compassionate young soul, known for her warmth, humility, and dedication." Sharon was well-loved by her classmates, teachers, and everyone in the school community. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.

In a heartfelt condolence message, the United Indian School management stated, “Sharon touched the lives of everyone around her and will be fondly remembered by her classmates, teachers, and the entire school community.” Her untimely death has left a deep void, and the school is in mourning.

Iraq’s President Abdullatif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani have both filed appeals contesting a decision by the Federal Supreme Court that nullified the bilateral Khor Abdullah agreement—a key maritime accord with Kuwait. This agreement, which regulates navigation in the strategic waterway linking the two nations, was struck down by the court in September 2023 as unconstitutional.

President Rashid, according to sources quoted by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), personally requested the appeal and emphasized that the agreement aligns with established international laws and conventions, reinforcing Iraq’s constitutional commitment to the principles of “good neighborliness” and non-interference in neighboring countries' internal affairs.

He further highlighted that restoring the agreement is vital for maintaining regional cooperation, particularly in sensitive maritime zones. His stance reflects Iraq's interest in building trust and sustaining stable diplomatic ties with Kuwait, a Gulf Arab neighbor.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani also submitted an appeal, pointing to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which underscores the sanctity of international agreements and prohibits nations from invoking domestic legal provisions to evade treaty obligations. He argued that the Supreme Court’s verdict directly contradicts Iraq’s constitutional requirement to comply with international norms concerning state relations.

Al-Sudani stressed that the Khor Abdullah accord does not entail border demarcation, a sensitive issue in regional geopolitics, but rather focuses solely on regulating maritime navigation, making it a practical and diplomatic necessity.

In September 2023, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court annulled the Khor Abdullah agreement, triggering strong reactions from Kuwait, which described the ruling as being based on “historical fallacies.” The court’s decision reignited tensions between the two Gulf nations, although both leaderships are now demonstrating a shared intent to resolve the issue through legal and diplomatic channels.

Kuwait has maintained that the agreement, signed in 2013, is rooted in mutual consent and aimed solely at maritime cooperation. Kuwait also views the court ruling as a step backward in Iraq-Kuwait relations, particularly after years of effort to mend ties post the 1990 Iraqi invasion.

Restoring the Khor Abdullah agreement is seen as crucial not only for Iraq-Kuwait maritime navigation but also for broader Gulf regional stability. The legal and diplomatic efforts by Iraq’s top leadership reflect a desire to uphold international obligations and safeguard bilateral cooperation amid rising geopolitical complexities in the Middle East.