The first phase of the study on the railway link between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be completed within the next three months, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources from the Ministry of Public Works. Sources revealed this phase includes determining the route that will start from Kuwait (Al-Shaddadiya area), passing through the city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Sources said the necessary procedures and approvals for the first phase are currently being finalized; indicating the second phase is the design phase that requires approximately one year, while the third phase includes implementation and construction within three years. It is expected that the project will be completed in 2028.

Sources explained the project aims to achieve safe and efficient railway transportation and facilitate the transportation mechanism between the two countries; which will promote increased trade exchange and economic growth, and ensure the safety of passengers and properties. The distance between Kuwait and Riyadh is estimated at 650 kilometers. Studies showed that travel time will be reduced to two hours through the railway link project. The fees for consulting services for conducting the financial, economic and technical feasibility studies for the project will be shouldered equally by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as per the stages and scope of services. The consulting fees will not be collected until after the outputs for each stage are approved by both parties, sources added.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has unveiled a significant milestone in its digitization efforts by launching 24 new electronic services on the "Sahl Business" unified government application for electronic services.

These services, announced in a statement, mark a rapid expansion in automation and digital enhancement aimed at streamlining processes for business owners and companies accessing Ministry services. The 24 services are distributed across five different departments within the Ministry, covering a wide range of sectors.

In the Real Estate Department, services include obtaining a Certificate of No Objection, renewing brokerage licenses, obtaining licenses for publishing real estate sale advertisements, and more.

The Companies Department now offers services like requesting extract printing, commercial register visa printing, joining the reconciliation committee, and managing reconciliation committee requests.

Additionally, the Individual Establishments Licenses and Permits Department introduces services for joining the reconciliation committee and tracking license modification requests.

Furthermore, the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Department launches services for notifications, penalties, and inquiries about violations, while the Commercial Supervision Department introduces an inquiry service for violations.

The Ministry emphasized that these services are part of ongoing efforts to modernize and improve the business environment, aligning with technological advancements to streamline processes and save time and effort for individuals, business owners, and companies.

The Kuwaiti Cabinet is gearing up to designate Thursday, April 4, 2024, as a public holiday, as revealed by a trustworthy source speaking to Al Qabas newspaper. This strategic decision is aimed at facilitating government employees' participation in the forthcoming National Assembly elections by providing them with ample time to cast their votes.

The source emphasized that the Cabinet is poised to formally endorse the public holiday during its upcoming session, ensuring widespread access for voters to exercise their democratic rights.

Kuwait has been ranked at the bottom among Gulf countries in the Global Tourist Visa Openness Index for 2023, as per the report compiled by the United Nations Tourism Organization. The index assesses the ease of obtaining tourist visas, with Kuwait scoring 12.96 points, the lowest in the region. In contrast, the UAE secured the top spot among Gulf nations with 67.80 points, followed by Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

The index rates countries on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating easier visa acquisition processes. According to the report, there has been progress in visa facilitation in the Middle East, with the percentage of travelers requiring traditional visas decreasing from 71% in 2015 to 57% in 2023. Furthermore, electronic visa availability increased from 10% to 15%, and visa-on-arrival availability rose from 17% to 24% during the same period.

Additionally, the rate of mutual visa exemption within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states surged from 2% in 2018 to 87% in 2023. It’s worth noting that the report’s methodology focuses solely on measures applicable to temporary visitors (tourists) holding ordinary passports.

The Ministry of Health has introduced new regulations for doctors over 65, requiring them to undergo medical examinations every two years to ensure their fitness to practice. General practitioners are permitted to work in various medical settings, including accident departments and outpatient clinics, with exceptions for specialized surgeries.

Furthermore, dentists at the general practitioner level are authorized to work in private clinics, health centers, and hospitals, subject to specific conditions outlined in the decision. Doctors and dentists holding certain titles are restricted from practicing in the private sector unless supervised by licensed establishments for training.

To advance to higher technical levels, doctors must fulfill continuing medical education requirements approved by the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialties. Additionally, applicants have the right to file grievances within a specified timeframe, with decisions made by the Undersecretary. The decision emphasizes consistency in title qualifications between the government and private medical sectors, considering years of experience in specific specialties.

Al-Kout Mall, located in Fahaheel, has made history by installing the world's largest illuminated Ramadan crescent on its premises. Standing at an impressive height of 15 meters, this remarkable crescent has been officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The unveiling ceremony of this monumental crescent took place under the esteemed patronage of Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Faisal Al-Ghareeb. This event marked a significant moment not only for Al-Kout Mall but also for the community, symbolizing the spirit and significance of Ramadan.

According to astronomical calculations, the first day of Eid Al-Fitr will fall on Wednesday, April 10th, Al-Ujairi Scientific Center announced.

The crescent of Shawwal for this year will be visible on the evening of Monday, April 8 at 9:22 pm Kuwait time, and the crescent of the month of Shawwal will remain visible for 55 minutes on Tuesday, April 9th, evening for 55 minutes. According to astronomical calculations, the period of the blessed month of Ramadan will complete 30 days.

The center stated that the time for Eid al-Fitr prayer will be on Wednesday, April 10th at 5:43 a.m. Kuwait time.

Yousef Kazim, the spokesperson for the unified government application "Sahel," has announced the introduction of a new electronic service by the Ministry of Interior on the Sahel app. This service, available in the "Security services" section, facilitates the verification of the necessity of performing a biometric fingerprint.

Kazim explained that this inquiry service enables users to confirm the need for a biometric fingerprint, whether for themselves or for others, such as family members or domestic workers.

To schedule an appointment for the biometric fingerprint scan, users must access the "Appointments" list on the Sahel app. They can then select "Book an Appointment," followed by "Ministry of Interior," "General Administration of Criminal Evidence," and "Biometric Fingerprint." Finally, users can book an available appointment at designated sites where the Ministry of Interior has installed biometric fingerprint devices.

For users whose smartphones are incompatible with the Sahel app, Kazim noted that they can book biometric fingerprint appointments through the "Meta" platform for government appointments.

With the end of the first month of the period set for citizens and residents to undergo the biometric enrollment process, the Ministry of Interior has affirmed that it will stop all of the ministry’s transactions for those who do not undergo this process within the period granted from March 1 to June 1. In this context, a security source revealed to Al-Seyassah that all travelers coming to the country, irrespective of whether they are Gulf Arabs, residents, or visitors, via the airport and land ports in Abdali, Salmi, and Nuwaiseeb, are subject to a biometric fingerprint procedure.

He said this procedure is considered obligatory, and whoever refuses to undertake it will be sent back to where he came from, except citizens. During His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah’s recent visit to the Ministry of Interior on the occasion of Ramadan, Undersecretary Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf announced the ministry’s plan to implement the biometric fingerprint system across all ports of the country by mid-May 2023.

This initiative involves the General Administration of Information Systems, the General Administration of Forensic Evidence, and the Ports Security Sector. Data for 1,694,000 individuals, including citizens, Gulf citizens, residents, visitors, and Bedouns, has been created and updated. Efforts are underway to collect fingerprints from the targeted groups through designated centers. The Ministry of Interior revealed the designated centers and commercial complexes for biometric enrollment, including the governorate security directorates and the personal identification sections in Ali Al-Sabah and Jahra areas for residents. Additionally, biometric services will be available at the Avenues Mall, 360 Mall, Kout Mall, Capital Mall, and the Ministries Complex

Dr. Ahmad AlAwadhi, the Minister of Health, has issued a decree imposing stricter conditions for medical tests on newly arrived expatriates in Kuwait. Under the new decision, individuals with "indeterminate" hepatitis C test results will now be considered "medically unfit," and PCR tests will not be applicable for them. 

Residents who test positive for hepatitis C antibodies after two indeterminate tests within four weeks will be required to undergo a PCR test. Positive PCR results will render them medically unfit, while negative results will grant them a one-year residency permit. 

Following the initial year, individuals will undergo another PCR test to determine their fitness for permit renewal.

Ali Al-Asfar, Governor of Hawalli, and Acting Governor of the Capital, reiterated the commitment to transforming Hawalli Governorate into a fully integrated, healthy city during the first coordination meeting with members of the Healthy Cities Office. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of life and combat chronic diseases within the community, reports Al-Jarida daily. Governor Al-Asfar urged swift completion of the necessary tasks after registering Hawalli Governorate as a health governorate, emphasizing that the proliferation of healthy city concepts across Kuwait would promote health awareness and encourage lifestyles conducive to well-being, thereby positively impacting public health.

Acknowledging the voluntary efforts of Kuwait-loving groups, Al-Asfar credited their contributions to the registration of 12 health zones in Hawalli and the capital governorates. He expressed gratitude to the members of the Healthy Cities Committee for their distinguished role in facilitating the integration of these cities into the Healthy Cities Network. Dr. Amal Al-Yahya, head of the Healthy Cities Office at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the significance of expanding the number of healthy cities, affirming Kuwait’s dedication to individual well-being and community development.

She underscored Kuwait’s commitment to global health standards and the importance of participating in international forums to promote the Healthy Cities Initiative, advocated by the World Health Organization to improve quality of life and achieve health for all. The meeting addressed various topics concerning the establishment of the Hawalli Health Governorate, emphasizing collaboration with the Healthy Cities Office. Attendees included Adel Al-Aslawi, Director of the Hawalli Governor’s Office, and Secretary Tariq Abdul Rahim.

Kuwait Airways is actively investigating claims circulating on social media regarding an alleged hacking incident compromising passenger data. To address the situation, the airline has enlisted the expertise of leading cybersecurity professionals.

Recently, a hacker asserted on social media that they possess the personal data of 600,000 Kuwait Airways customers. This purported data haul is said to include sensitive information such as names, passport details, email addresses, and travel histories.

Security analysts have labeled this breach as one of the largest in the aviation industry this year. In response, Kuwait Airways promptly reacted to the allegations, aiming to reassure both its customers and stakeholders. Additionally, the airline has issued advisories urging passengers to remain vigilant and monitor their accounts closely for any signs of suspicious activity.

A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after a large boat collided with it early Tuesday morning, and multiple vehicles fell into the water. Authorities were trying to rescue as many as 20 people.

A large vessel crashed into the bridge, catching on fire before sinking and causing multiple vehicles to fall into the Patapsco River, according to a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“All lanes are closed both directions for an incident on the I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured,” the Maryland Transportation Authority posted on X.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. posted that emergency personnel were responding and rescue efforts were underway.

Emergency responders were searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press around 3 a.m.

He said agencies received 911 calls around 1.30 am reporting a vessel travelling outbound from Baltimore that had struck a column on the bridge, causing it to collapse. Multiple vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer.

“Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people,” Cartwright said. He said it’s too early to know how many people were affected but called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event.”

Cartwright said it appears there are “some cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge,” creating unsafe and unstable conditions, and that emergency responders are operating cautiously as a result.

“This is a dire emergency,” he said.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge opened in 1977.

A 27-year-old model will be taking the Saudi flag to the Miss Universe stage — for the first time in history.

Rumy Alqahtani, a beauty pageant veteran and an influencer with one million followers on Instagram, announced on Monday that she would be representing the kingdom in one of the most popular pageants in the world.

"I am honoured to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This is the debut of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the competition," she wrote in Arabic on Instagram.

With the announcement, the model shared photos of her in full beauty queen mode: Wearing a strapless, sequined gown, a tiara, and a sash — while holding the flag of Saudi Arabia.

Born in Riyadh, Alqahtani is no stranger to the spotlight. She has joined numerous global pageants, with the latest one being Miss and Mrs Global Asian in Malaysia a few weeks ago.

In a significant development aimed at addressing housing needs for low-income workers, the Kuwait Municipality has officially handed over the project site for the construction of the first integrated residential city in Subhan. The project site spans an impressive 40,000 square meters and is slated to accommodate approximately 3,000 workers upon completion.

The handover ceremony, marking the commencement of the project implementation, was attended by key officials including Eng. Mishal Al-Arada representing the municipality, and Abdulaziz Al-Mujil representing the Kuwait Real Estate Company. Also present were Eng. Saud Al-Dabbous, the Director General of the Municipality, Eng. Maysaa Bushahri, Deputy Director-General of the Projects Sector, and Ahmed Al-Balushi, a representative from the Ministry of Finance.

The project aims to establish an integrated residential city meeting high technical standards within the next year and a half, under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) system. It will include health, environmental, and service projects to cater to the needs of workers.

Expressing gratitude to the engineering teams involved, Engineer Saud Al-Dabbous emphasized the importance of the project in addressing housing challenges and eliminating single living arrangements in residential areas. He highlighted the goal of developing comprehensive housing complexes that incorporate social, recreational, and commercial services to fulfill the requirements of workers.

Among the notable features of the project are 16 residential complexes equipped with bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry facilities, and storage rooms. Additionally, the city will feature two commercial complexes housing restaurants, cafes, and retail stores, along with essential administrative and government buildings such as a guardhouse, police station, and government offices. Recreational amenities including multi-storey halls and open entertainment spaces will also be incorporated, alongside public services such as internal road networks, parking lots, and bus stations. The entire city will be enclosed by a perimeter wall with designated entry and exit points.

The initiation of this ambitious project marks a significant step towards providing quality housing and essential amenities for low-income workers in Kuwait.

The Ministry of Interior has initiated a recent practice aimed at procuring two million smart driving licenses and associated printing materials for the General Traffic Department, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Three months ago, the Interior Ministry issued a directive to transition solely to electronic driving licenses for residents within the country, effective from October 12, 2023.

This decision eliminates the need for physical printing of licenses, with license renewal processes conducted electronically through the Ministry of Interior website and the government’s unified electronic services application, “Sahel.”

Applicants who meet the stipulated conditions and regulations will be accepted electronically, and their licenses will be activated through the Ministry of Interior’s documents within the “My Identity” application.

A Bangladeshi national employed at a jewelry store in Bar Al-Liyah tragically lost his life due to a lightning strike. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident upon receiving a report, but paramedics confirmed his death upon arrival.

Witnesses recounted that he was struck by lightning, prompting the investigator to order the body’s removal for examination before referring it to the forensic department.

The Criminal Court sentenced an individual to three years imprisonment with hard labor for forging official documents and illegally using state seals, causing harm to a Kuwaiti woman who holds the position of head of a department in the Ministry of Health. The court ordered that the civil case be referred to the concerned civil court. The Public Prosecution had accused the defendant of committing forgery of two official documents – the results of special mental capacity tests for two girls – and using them in a way that would make them appear to be identical to the truth.

The documents were fabricated according to the correct documents from them and attributed their publications to a department affiliated with the Ministry of Health, contrary to the truth. The suspect unlawfully obtained the department seal of a government department, as well as the seal of a public employee, namely the complainant, and used them in a harmful manner to the interest of the latter and the public interest by using them on the documents subject to the first accusation.

The complainant and plaintiff were represented at court by Lawyer Khalil Haider who demanded that the civil claim be accepted in form, and in matter to oblige the accused to pay the plaintiff a sum of KD 5,001 as temporary compensation for the damages she sustained as a result of the acts attributed to her. After the ruling was issued, he confirmed that this step indicates the presence of financial repercussions or possible compensation that will be discussed at a later stage of the judicial procedure. He said the ruling highlights the keenness of the judicial system to confront crimes that affect public order and the interests of individuals and the state, stressing the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in all official documents and procedures.