National Assembly Speaker Ahmed Al- Saadoun has invited the government and MPs to the parliamentary sessions scheduled for Jan 9-10, 2024. Following are the items in the agenda of both sessions:
– Vote on the minutes of the previous session;
– Parliamentary queries;
– Amiri Speech delivered on Oct 31, 2023;
– Reports of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee about the bills on reforming the constituencies, and amending the National Assembly Law and Penal Code number 16/1960;
– Report of the Interior and Defense Affairs Committee on the proposed amendment of the Foreigners Residency Law; – Report of the fact-finding committee tasked to investigate the armament deals (Eurofighter and Caracal helicopters);

– Report of the Oil and Energy Committee on the proposal to establish a national shareholding company for advanced petrochemical industries;
– Reports of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee on these proposals — amend the law on establishing the Public Institution for Social Security to grant zero-interest loans to retirees, increase the cost of living allowance, transform Kuwait Airways Corporation into a shareholding national company, and exempt the heirs of those who obtained loans from Kuwait Credit Bank from paying the remaining installments in case of the death of the borrowers;
– Reports of the Interior and Defense Affairs Committee on the proposal to amend the Traffic and Police laws;
– Report of the Illegal Residents Affairs Committee about the bills on granting social, civil, and career rights to Bedouns;
– Report of the Human Resources Development Committee on the proposed amendment of Civil Service Commission Law number 15/1979, – Report of the Public Funds Protection Committee on the proposed amendment of the Public Funds Protection Law;
– Report of the Health, Social, and Labor Affairs Committee on the proposed amendment of the Cooperative Societies Law;

– Report of the Family, Women and Children Affairs Committee on the proposal to grant rights to the children of Kuwaiti women married to non- Kuwaitis;
– Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee on the military cooperation treaty between Kuwait and Turkey;
– Request of several MPs to discuss the strategic alternative to the salary scale with the government; – Request to discuss the factors leading to price hikes;
– Request to discuss the procedures and criteria adopted to fill up vacant supervisory posts;
– Request to form a fact-finding committee to investigate the Dhaman Hospital issue and violations recorded by the State Audit Bureau.

On the other hand, Chairman of the Education, Culture and Guidance Affairs Committee MP Hamad Al-Elyan has disclosed that the committee, along with members of the Technical Office, will travel to Qatar on Friday to personally look into the educational sector there. He said the official trip, which will last for four days, will include meetings with senior officials at the Qatari Ministry of Education to discuss the strategy that put education in Qatar in first place among Arab countries and fourth in the world as per the internationally accredited indexes.

He confirmed that the visit is aimed at transferring the Qatari education experience to Kuwait, while the committee will use such experience as a reference for the completion of its reports on the relevant bills. He added the committee will discuss these reports with the senior officials at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in preparation for the session scheduled for April 30, 2024, to vote on the bills about the development of the local educational sector and its outputs.

Meanwhile, MP Saud Al-Asfour forwarded queries to the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and acting Minister of Public Works Jassem Al-Ostad about the statement of former Secretary General of the Sustainable Peaceful Nuclear Energy Committee Ahmed Beshara in 2010 that “by 2022, Kuwait would have established four nuclear reactors for peaceful purposes with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts per hour.

The necessary steps are being taken to float the tenders and allocate the sites for the project.” Al-Asfour revealed that in 2010, Kuwait and Japan signed an agreement to cooperate in the development of nuclear energy and to push for the export of nuclear energy as part of the State’s strategy to boost the economy. He added Kuwait signed a treaty on nuclear cooperation with France in April 2010 to allow ARIVA Company to export nuclear energy to Kuwait. Based on the above, the lawmaker wants to know the achievements of the committee since its establishment till date, if Kuwait has benefited from the agreements it signed with Japan and France in 2010, and if the ministry has a strategy to establish nuclear energy reactors.

If yes, he requested details, including the terms and schedule of the establishment. MP Majed Al-Mutairi asked Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Oil, Economic and Investment Affairs Saad Al-Barrak to provide him with information about the fire incident at the gathering center of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) on Dec 3, 2023. He inquired if the incident resulted in death or injuries, the period and cost needed to repair the damages and put the center back to full operation if a factfinding committee was formed to investigate the incident, a copy of the committee’s report if the answer is ‘yes’, if the incident occurred in an area that belongs to a contracting company, copy of the contract if the answer is ‘yes’, measures taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, and the department at the Ministry of Oil tasked to ensure strict compliance with the safety and security regulations.

Together with the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, the Public Authority for Manpower will soon conduct a test for skilled technical workers as a condition for issuing a work permit. In a press release, PAM said that this is in accordance with the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, as he is eager to begin implementing the professional system project for smart recruitment, which is part of the development plan.

According to the press release, PAAET and PAM are preparing a memorandum of understanding, which will be signed early next week, regarding the holding of practical and technical tests for skilled workers in Kuwait as a condition of issuing a work permit. As stated in the statement, the MoU will include the introduction of these tests in stages, based on the standards and conditions that will be determined by the memorandum between the two parties regarding what professions will be subjected to the tests or not, particularly since these tests will help develop Kuwait's labor market by raising the technical proficiency of Kuwaiti workers.

In the statement, it was stated that the first professions to undergo tests and obtain work permits would be in the contracting sector, in order to boost efficiency and protect Kuwaiti families from fraud. In the near future, PAM will draft a mechanism for issuing a skill classification so that there will be levels of employment based on skill and experience.

Dr. Jamal Al-Duaij, Director of Jahra Health District, announced the opening of the Ali Muhammad Thunayan Al-Ghanim Center in Abdali.

According to Al-Jarida, the center includes a number of departments and specializations, including a dental department, minor accidents, medical observation, laboratories, pharmacies, and others.

A significant acceleration will take place in the coming period in terms of the completion and provision of quality and distinguished services at the center, including the automated system.

Dr Al-Duaij said he personally inspected the construction work at the new Center, as well as the ongoing work at the current Abdali Health Center. He inspected the pharmacy and nursing departments, spoke to patients about their needs and suggestions, and supervised some patients' treatment.

As he stressed that patients and visitors to the center should have access to all necessary medicines around the clock throughout the year, he also praised the efforts and directives of the Minister of Health. In following up and facilitating the opening procedures for the new center, Ahmed Al-Awadi and the acting Undersecretary of the Ministry, Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi, assisted each other. To meet the needs of patients and visitors, the director of Jahra Health District urged all workers at the center to perform their duties to the fullest extent possible.

The Public Authority for Manpower has officially declared its plans to initiate a skill test for technical workers, establishing it as a mandatory requirement for obtaining a work permit. This significant development is set to be implemented in collaboration with the Public Authority for Applied Education.

The announcement, made under the guidance of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, is a crucial step towards the integration of smart recruitment practices within the country.

To formalize this initiative, a memorandum of understanding is anticipated to be signed between the Public Authority for Manpower and the Public Authority for Applied Education. This agreement will outline the process of conducting practical and technical tests for skilled workers in Kuwait. Successful completion of these tests will be a prerequisite for the issuance of a work permit.

Authorities believe that these skill tests for expatriates will play a pivotal role in elevating the proficiency of the technical workforce in Kuwait, thereby contributing to the overall enhancement of the labor market.

Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, issued a decree permitting part-time employment for third parties with the approval of the original employer. According to Al-Rai Daily, this development has generated positive reactions among employees in private sector companies, who now have a legitimate opportunity to work part-time, which was previously restricted and could result in legal consequences.

The economic benefits of such decisions have been identified by economists, which contribute to the organization of the labor market and meet the skilled labor needs of various business sectors. Additionally, this decision aligns with the Kuwaiti government's agenda to change the demographic composition, combat residency trading, and eliminate marginal workers.

It is further consolidated that skilled and productive labor is ensured while gradually reducing the surplus of workers. Companies that do not require full-time staff will be able to reduce costs, and businesses that do not require daily presence can benefit from remote work. By enabling medium and small companies to use expertise during specific hours without the need for additional departments or staff, the decision indirectly supports small and medium-sized businesses.

In addition, skilled expatriates can benefit from their experience and expertise in companies other than their primary employers. Consequently, the market and commercial capital cycle will derive greater benefit from their expertise. Kuwait is expected to benefit from this decision, as it maximizes expatriate labor utilization, reduces the need to hire new workers, and provides citizens with more opportunities to develop their skills in the labor market and achieve their dreams.

By allowing part-time work after regular working hours or during specific time slots, such decisions can promote stability in the local labor market, particularly in terms of contracting. The decision enables the utilization of available expertise, such as accountants, which will have a significant positive impact on the private sector.

Saleh Al-Sulami, the head of the Union of Investment Companies, said allowing part-time jobs in the private sector is only a partial solution. He emphasized the importance of focusing on quality labor that adds value to the workforce instead of solely relying on mass employment. To evaluate the decision's impact on the business sector, Al-Sulami recommended conducting thorough research and study from an economic, financial, and administrative perspective.

According to Dr. Hussein Shaker Abu Al-Hassan, a faculty member at the College of Business Studies, the decision to permit part-time jobs will benefit Kuwaiti investors, business owners, and workers. It will maintain stability in the business environment, enhance efficiency, and potentially lead to better cost control within institutions. Aside from enhancing their income and improving their families' financial situation, beneficiaries of this decision will gain valuable competence and practical experience to enhance their resumes.

In the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Faisal Al-Ansari, Director of the Technical Department for Supervising Goods and Determining Their Prices, confirmed that 160 central markets and commercial stores in Shuwaikh Industrial Area were monitored by the Price Monitoring Team, in which the owners promised not to raise prices to take advantage of citizens' salary increases. According to Al-Ansari, the team focused on stores selling food, tea, coffee, dates, cardamom, and other items that are in demand during the new year.

When the ministry's decisions are violated and prices are raised, the store owners will be referred to the Commercial Prosecution if they violate the rules. He added: “We informed the store owners about the need to coordinate with the ministry in the event of any price increase by the exporting body, so that they do not commit a violation which could lead to the closure of the commercial establishments. In order to survey the markets and monitor prices, I submitted an action plan to the ministry's officials."

Since the ministry is intensifying inspection tours and price monitoring operations, it will not hesitate to impose the maximum penalty on those who abuse the salary increments granted to citizens by raising prices. If consumers are victims of commercial fraud or violations, he advised that they should visit a center affiliated with the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Sector or call the Hotline. You can contact the ministry by WhatsApp at 55135135 or through the ministry's electronic platform at 135 or via the ministry's electronic platform.

Reports Al-Qabas daily say doctors specializing in preventive health are assuring the public that the new Coronavirus variant - 'JN.1' - poses no threat since it causes mild symptoms, a low hospitalization rate and often leads to rapid recovery. These doctors told the daily that the medical teams in the country have vast experience and are efficiently dealing with any health development. They pointed out that the whole world has obtained immunity and the vaccines in Kuwait are good.

They advised those with serious diseases to take precautionary health measures, such as reducing contact if symptoms similar to seasonal influenza and others appear. Preventive health physician and general practitioner at Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) Dr Khaled Al-Hajri affirmed that “the health situation in Kuwait is under control and does not cause concern, according to the latest reports issued by the Ministry of Health.” He reiterated that the virus, despite its mutations, remains under the supervision of specialized medical teams, indicating that preliminary studies have shown the new variant is not as dangerous as some expect. He advised everyone to take the necessary precautions, especially among groups most at risk such as the elderly and people with immune diseases, calling on them in particular to continue wearing masks in gathering places and closed areas as a preventive measure.

While he underscored the importance of getting winter vaccinations, which are the primary line of defense against the virus and its variants; he confirmed the continuous monitoring of the health situation in the country. He said the Health Ministry is working side by side with international bodies to ensure an effective response to any development. Another public health doctor — Ahmad Al-Otaibi — said the new variant is derived from Omicron and has been spreading for some time now. He added the symptoms of most cases are mild and the rate of hospitalization is very low. He told the daily that vaccination works efficiently and the only thing required is to monitor the symptoms if they develop into difficulty breathing. He also emphasized the importance of taking the influenza vaccine as a preventive measure.

He disclosed that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement, indicating that “JN.1’ is the reason behind the increasing number of infections in the United States and that the variant is either more contagious or better at evading the immune systems in our bodies than other variants.” He then pointed out that there is no evidence JN.1 causes more serious symptoms than other variants, asserting there are no symptoms specific to JN.1. He said the initial symptoms are the same as the other newer variants, such as sore or itchy throat, fatigue, headache, and cough.

In a recent update, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has communicated new guidelines to the Ministry of Education regarding the appointment of expatriate teachers, specifically targeting disciplines where local talent is scarce.

As per the revised regulations, expatriate teachers must hold a certification level classified as "very good," coupled with meeting the minimum academic requirements. It is essential that any academic qualifications acquired outside Kuwait be officially documented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait.

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center has issued a notification regarding an expected nighttime temperature drop in open areas, signaling the onset of intensified cold from January 2nd as the celestial 'Shoula' star makes its appearance in the Kuwaiti sky.

According to the center, the Shoula Star will be visible for approximately 13 days, commencing on January 2nd. On the first day of Shoula, sunrise is slated for 6:43 am, with sunset at 5:10 pm. Nighttime is expected to surpass daylight hours, with an average duration of around 13 hours and 42 minutes.

Earth has officially experienced its hottest year since record-keeping began, perhaps the hottest in 125,000 years. Scientists have anticipated this moment for months. As per Gavin Schmidt, a scientist at NASA, December data is yet to be official, but the results were deemed “locked in” by mid-December, considering six consecutive months of exceptionally high temperatures.

December cannot bring about a significant cold shift significant enough to affect the final results due to the warmth experienced throughout the year. The warming trend has raised concerns among experts, with Berkeley Earth's Robert Rohde noting in mid-December that 2023 cannot be anything but the hottest year on record.

Various renowned organizations, including NASA, Copernicus Climate Change Services, and NOAA, are expected to confirm the record as the "warmest year on record" soon.

In recent decades, climate experts have been concerned about unprecedented temperatures, reaching back millions of years. According to meteorologist Michael Mann, there is still time to prevent devastating climate consequences, but the window is closing.

Since 2014, NASA and NOAA consistently report that global average temperatures have been higher than during the previous century. Following a record-breaking year in 2016, which was influenced by El Nio, 2020 matched its record warmth.

Maritime heat waves and a developing El Nio in 2023 led scientists to predict significant temperature increases compared to the last century. In November, NOAA reported a global surface temperature 2.07 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1901-2000 average, surpassing the 2016 average.

The remaining question is how much warmer 2023 will be, as global agencies are due to conclude their final analyses in two weeks.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and global institutions emphasize the need to limit the long-term global average temperature increase. Temperatures should not exceed 1.5 - 2.0 degrees Celsius in order to avoid severe outcomes.

A number of strategies are used to measure global average temperature, including weather stations, ocean temperature readings, and satellite data. In the absence of substantial efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the alarming trend of rising temperatures will persist.

It is expected that 2024 will be another record-breaking year, with a strong El Nio contributing to elevated global temperatures. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the five-year period from 2023 to 2027 was the warmest on record.

Each month in 2023 broke temperature records, with Earth experiencing 547 consecutive months when temperatures exceeded the 20th-century average. Heat waves influenced by climate change affected various regions globally, including the southern coast of the U.S., in May.

Besides soaring air temperatures, ocean temperatures have reached new records, causing coral bleaching in the Florida Keys. Over the course of decades, the oceans have become warmer due to the absorption of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions.

The year 2023 also saw the return of El Niño, contributing to heightened ocean heat. In January 2022, the Hunga Tonga - Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption released a large amount of water vapor, which scientists are investigating for the potential effects on Earth's warming.

On the occasion of the New Year 2024, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the leadership and people of Kuwait, especially the large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait. I believe with the advent of 2024, Kuwait will enter a new era of development and prosperity under the visionary leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the prospective new Government.

I am also confident the bilateral relations between India and Kuwait will achieve new heights during this year. As we start a new year with a new hope, I wish good health, success and happiness to all.

Kuwait Society for Consumer Protection President Khaled Al-Subaie pointed out that egg prices have risen recently on local markets. According to Al-Anba daily, the surge is caused by some merchants opting to sell only minimal quantities of eggs in cooperative societies, while substantial quantities of eggs are diverted to parallel markets.

According to Al-Subaie, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has set the price for a tray of eggs in cooperative societies at one dinar and 210 fils, with close monitoring of prices within cooperatives. On the other hand, he noted that the price of a tray of eggs in alternative outlets like parallel markets varies between one dinar and 400 fils, one and a half dinars, and more.

Angry, Al-Subaie urged cooperatives to file complaints with the relevant authorities against companies that hinder or reduce the availability of their egg products.

Additionally, Al-Subaie expressed surprise over previous decisions by authorities prohibiting egg exports during specific periods, except for licensed national farms and chicken and egg producers. He found such decisions contradictory, as they both prohibited and allowed export simultaneously. Additionally, he suggested that export subsidies for eggs should be deducted from exporting companies during times of abundant production and low demand.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has issued a ministerial decision on allowing private sector employees to work part-time for a third party (another employer) on the condition that they obtain approval from the original employer.

The decision aligns with the provisions of the Council of Ministers’ resolution on addressing the demographic imbalance issue. It stipulates that employees in the private sector can now engage in part-time work with another employer for a maximum of four hours per day, provided they obtain a part-time work permit from the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). It exempts the contracting sector from the maximum hour’s condition due to the market’s manpower needs. This decision aims to take advantage of the skills and experience of the workforce inside Kuwait as an alternative to guaranteeing rights over recruitment, which contributes to addressing the demographic imbalance issue and meeting the labor market needs in the current period. The decision shall take effect at the beginning of January 2024, so employers can develop their businesses.

This step contributes to investing in the strength of existing workers in a bid to meet the manpower needs of the labor market. In addition, PAM continues to take the necessary steps to regulate the labor market and cover its manpower needs. Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled has also instructed PAM to allow employers to permit a group of their employees to work remotely; that is if the employees can complete their tasks without the need to be present at the workplace by the regulations laid down by the authority for employers and employees in the private sector.

These decisions and directives aim to support employers and develop work mechanisms in the private sector in line with technological developments and to improve the business environment, as well as enable employers to grow their businesses and meet the needs of the Kuwaiti market.

In Kuwait, the emergence of the "JN.1" sub-mutant of the Corona virus has been reported, though health officials emphasize that there is no cause for concern, as the appearance of such variants is anticipated.

To address the evolving situation, the Ministry of Health is distributing an updated version of the Covid vaccine across 42 health centers. This vaccine is designed to cover the dominant strains of the virus. Health authorities are specifically urging individuals aged 60 and above, those with chronic diseases, and individuals with adult immunodeficiency diseases to take the vaccine.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that the "JN.1" variant is responsible for approximately 20 percent of new Covid-19 infections. The CDC notes that this particular strain is the fastest spreading variant of the virus and is already widespread in the northeast region of the United States.

The "JN.1" variant is a descendant of "BA.2.86," also known as "Pirola." This submutant garnered global attention during the summer due to significant changes in its spinal proteins.

The Kuwait Insurance Regulatory Unit made a significant announcement on Wednesday regarding the launch of a dedicated website for the issuance and renewal of mandatory third-party motor insurance certificates for private cars and motorcycles, effective January 1, 2024.

The website, accessible at beema.iru.gov.kw, provides a user-friendly platform for car and motorcycle owners to effortlessly obtain new insurance certificates or renew existing ones, as highlighted by Mohammad Al-Otaibi, the Head of the IRU, in a recent press statement.

This initiative aligns with the state's comprehensive strategy for the digital transformation of government services, emphasizing the commitment to modernize and streamline essential processes.

During the initial pilot phase of the website, owners of cars and motorcycles will have the flexibility to choose between renewing their insurance documents online via the website or opting for in-person renewal at the offices of authorized insurance firms throughout the country.

A SpiceJet flight traveling from Darbhanga to Mumbai had to make an emergency landing in Varanasi after an 85-year-old woman died on board. In addition to Kalawati Devi, her grandson was also on SpiceJet flight SG 116 when she died. The distressing event unfolded after the flight departed from Darbhanga airport at 5:40 p.m. as the aircraft covered some distance, Kalawati Devi's health began to deteriorate.

Upon approaching the airspace of Uttar Pradesh, the pilot immediately contacted Varanasi's Air Traffic Control (ATC) to request permission to land. The aircraft safely landed at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi at 6 p.m. Medical assistance was provided immediately, and the elderly woman was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts, doctors at the hospital declared her dead.

Due to the emergency, SpiceJet's flight from Varanasi eventually resumed its journey to Mumbai at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. The incident illustrates the challenges of managing in-flight emergencies for passenger safety and well-being.

The Ministry of Interior will open its first police station at Kuwait international Airport Terminal (T1) on Thursday, December 28th.

The airport police station will be working around the clock, to provide comprehensive security services to citizens and residents.

The Ministry of Interior also informed that based on the instruction from the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, there is a comprehensive plan to develop police stations in various regions across the country in order to improve the security services.

The Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport has progressed significantly in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries’ railway project. The committee responsible for evaluating consulting office tender bids has concluded its assessment, recommending the selected global office that won the tender. This marks a crucial step as the authority moves forward to prepare the necessary tender documents and initiate the project’s implementation shortly.

Khaled Dhawi, Acting Director General of the Roads and Land Transport Authority announced the completion of the evaluation of technical offers for the Gulf Railway Project’s advisory study tender. The authority has recommended a global office based on technical criteria and the lowest price. The advisory study is set for 12 months, followed by a 30-month project implementation tender. The proposed timeline indicates the completion of Kuwait’s segment by the end of 2028. Ten international consulting offices competed, with the study committee endorsing the technically proficient and cost-effective bidder. The Authority had earlier finalized conditions for the detailed study and design project, launching the consultative tender for design on January 15th.

He mentioned that the Gulf railway route spans approximately 2,117 kilometers, commencing from Kuwait in the north, traversing all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and concluding in Muscat, Oman, to the south. The initial stage, related to Kuwait, stretches 111 kilometers from the Nuwaiseeb center on the southern Kuwait-Saudi Arabia border to the main passenger terminal in Al-Shaddadiya, located behind Kuwait International Airport.

The train’s operational speed is set at 200 kilometers per hour, with diesel as the designated fuel as per the GCC agreement. The single-track railway accommodates both passenger and cargo transportation, featuring a right-of-way spanning 200 meters.

The project’s inception dates back to 2009, initiated by the decision of the Cooperation Council Heads of State Summit, endorsing the proposal to establish the railway. Emphasizing its significance, the project acts as a crucial link connecting GCC countries, streamlining the transportation of goods and passengers among them.

1. Facilitating trade and economic collaboration in land transport for passengers and goods among GCC nations.
2. Fostering the growth of local and Gulf economies while creating investment opportunities.
3. Cultivating social bonds between the GCC country’s citizens.
4. Cutting the expenses associated with transporting goods and passengers.
5. Minimizing road maintenance costs and promoting sustainability by reducing vehicular traffic.
6. Mitigating carbon emissions by decreasing the reliance on trucks for transporting goods.
7. Lowering the occurrence of traffic accidents through a reduction in passenger and goods trips on roads.
8. Opening up labor markets and enhancing transportation services across GCC countries.
9. Aligning with the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035.
10. Initiating the redevelopment of areas adjoining the railway track.
11. Generating new employment opportunities for citizens.

Originally, the General Authority for Public-Private Partnership Projects undertook the study and execution of the project, conducting a feasibility study in 2016.

The envisioned implementation approach involved a partnership with the private sector, utilizing the Design-Build method. However, a significant development occurred with Cabinet Resolution 1249/2021, which reassigned the project, along with all its components and stages, to the “Roads” Authority.

The Director of the Department of Animal Health at the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Abdullah Al-Badhal denied the rumors that claim a girl died of a stray dog attack, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

In a press statement, Al-Badhal clarified that the victim received the necessary medical treatment and left the clinic on the same day. This fact has been confirmed by both the clinic and the police station of the area. He revealed that the girl was not bitten by a stray dog but by a pitbull. Al-Badhal explained that the Department of Animal Health at PAAAFR works hard with full capacity to deal with stray dogs. About five trucks have been allocated for collecting the stray dogs.

Almost 1,600 to 1,700 stray dogs have been collected in the last five months and they have been kept in a shelter located in Fahaheel. A specific plan is laid down to put an end to the phenomenon of the growing number of stray dogs. He called upon citizens and residents to put an end to the attitude of helping stray dogs to multiply, such as by feeding them and allocating specific places to offer food to them. Meanwhile, PAAAFR received over 5,000 complaints about stray dogs in the last five years.

Statement
It had earlier issued a statement to stress that stray dogs in Kuwait come from remote and isolated areas where there are a large number of them. It revealed that it has a strategy to minimize the number of stray dogs by providing adequate shelters where both the male and female dogs are neutered and spayed, given vaccinations against rabies, and rehabilitated in preparation to be handed over to the concerned societies and volunteers for adoption. PAAAFR highlighted the coordination with the concerned animal care associations.

In the Letter No. 4554 sent on March 14, 2021, PAAAFR addressed the Municipal Council to allocate plots in Wafra and Abdali areas to be used as shelters for stray dogs . PAAAFR said it met with the relevant committee of the Municipal Council in September during which the request was approved. Procedures are ongoing to impose more requirements to importing dogs and encourage the adoption of rehabilitated dogs from the shelters run by PAAAFR. PAAAFR indicated that it is preparing a plan currently to minimize the number of stray dogs, especially in residential areas but this plan is not a sustainable one. It clarified that coordination is ongoing with the Financial Affairs Department to lay down a sustainable strategy for this purpose. PAAAFR explained that exporting stray dogs is part of the solution but such an action is not part of the responsibility of official institutions.

MP Osama Al-Shaheen has forwarded queries to Minister of Social Affairs and State Minister for Family, Women and Children Affairs Sheikh Feras Al-Sabah about Article 42bis of Disabled Law No. 73/2020; which stipulates granting full indemnity to employees with medium and severe disabilities, as well as those taking care of them.

Al-Shaheen wants to know the number of individuals covered by this Article (the disabled and those appointed to take care of them) who have retired since the ratification of Law No. 8/2010 and its amendment — Law No. 73/2020.

He also asked Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Adel Al- Manea why the heads of departments in adult and illiteracy schools are excluded from the special salaries allocated for teachers and heads of departments in regular schools even if they carry out the same tasks like teaching, preparing exam questions and lesson plans.

MP Jarrah Al-Fawzan asked Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for Youth Affairs Muhammad Al-Aiban about the rationale behind allowing the representatives of companies to check the quality and descriptions of products at the Public Authority for Industry (PAI); legal basis of this step; list of such companies including the services they provide; and if PAI’s laboratories are capable of checking commodities like food, oil, toys and others. If yes, he wants to know when PAI started checking local and imported commodities and fees collected for this process. He also inquired if the Ministry of Commerce and Industry collects fees from the companies for allowing their representatives to check the quality and descriptions of products at the headquarters of PAI.

MP Meteb Ayed Al-Anzi asked Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Adel Al-Manea about the budget allocated for the charity fund that shoulders the expenses of Bedoun and needy students in the last three years; number of beneficiaries; number of rejected applicants; criteria for approving applications; institutions supporting the charity fund; amount of their donations; list of donor institutions and schools receiving a certain percentage of the budget of the fund.

MP Hamad Al-Matar asked Minister of Health Ahmed Al-Awadhi about the factors that led to the shortage of nurses in public hospitals, plan of the ministry to address such shortage, if the ministry asked its Higher Education and Scientific Research counterpart to allocate more seats for students who want to take nursing and copies of related correspondences if the answer is ‘yes’.

MP Mehalhal Al-Mudhaf asked Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Aiban to provide him with the list of companies authorized to export petroleum derivatives and diesel, and copies of the licenses that PAI granted to them. He also inquired about the number of vacant senior positions at Kuwait General Administration for Customs (KGAC) since Al-Aiban assumed office compared to the total number of leadership positions.