The Society of Engineers has reached an agreement with the Egyptian Embassy to encourage Egyptian universities to enhance and sustain their academic accreditation. The accord also emphasizes the need for ongoing coordination and the development of mechanisms for accrediting engineers in alignment with the profession’s requirements on local, regional, and global scales.

This collaborative effort unfolded during the visit of the Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait, Osama Shaltout, along with Consul General Ambassador Dr. Heba Zaki and other embassy members to the association. Discussions during the meeting centered on issues related to professional engineering accreditation.

Present at the meeting were Vice President of the Association, Eng. Muhammad Al-Subaie, Assistant Secretary and Board Member, Eng. Hammoud Al-Hadiya, as well as Board of Directors members Dr. Shorouk Al-Jasser and M. Ali Abbas Mohseni. Ambassador Shaltout, in concluding remarks, emphasized the significance of the visit as part of ongoing communication with the Society of Engineers, praising it as Kuwait’s oldest public benefit society. He expressed confidence in the continuous development of accreditation systems to benefit both parties.

Ambassador Shaltout lauded the Society of Engineers for its role in accrediting both Egyptian and non-Egyptian engineers, expressing happiness in cooperating with the Society in accreditation matters. Eng. Faisal Al-Atl, President of the Society of Engineers, affirmed the association’s commitment to international and Arab engineering standards, citing adherence to European, American, and Arab academic accreditation lists.

Al-Atl appreciated the embassy’s interest in learning about the accreditation mechanisms for engineers in Kuwait, underscoring the association’s commitment to regular accreditation renewal in coordination with the Arab Engineering Education Committee. He clarified that engineers in the government sector are accredited through the Service Bureau, not the Kuwait Society of Engineers.

Addressing developments in the accreditation of Egyptian engineers, Al-Attal stressed the association’s dedication to supporting all engineers and the importance of ongoing improvements to accommodate global changes. He endorsed recent efforts by Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, to amend the demographic composition, expressing support for initiatives that align with Kuwait’s development and population goals.

Al-Attal highlighted the evolving global requirements for practicing engineers, emphasizing the urgent need for skilled workers, especially in engineering professions. He expressed the hope to reconsider the hiring of recent graduates without work experience, drawing parallels with medical professionals who require five years of experience before obtaining a license.

Regarding electronic certificates, Al-Attal confirmed the association’s commitment to continuous improvement, offering electronic certificates promptly upon issuance. The visit concluded with an inspection tour of the Engineers Service Center and testing centers, where the Society’s leaders expressed satisfaction with the electronic services witnessed.

To streamline processes and uphold public and occupational interests, the Public Authority for Manpower has introduced the smart worker ID through the My ID application. This initiative aims to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in the domestic labor sector.

According to a press statement released by the Authority, domestic labor offices and companies involved in recruiting workers are now required to issue smart IDs for registered workers using the designated My ID application. Copies of these IDs must be submitted to the Licensing Department of the Department for Regulating the Recruitment of Domestic Workers. Additionally, workers are advised to carry their smart IDs and present them upon request.

The Authority emphasizes the importance of vigilance for citizens engaging with recruitment offices and companies. When visiting such establishments, individuals are urged to verify the smart IDs of workers and cross-reference them with the contracts and receipts provided by the offices or companies they are dealing with. This measure aims to enhance security, reduce fraud, and ensure compliance within the domestic labor sector.

On Monday, the Ministry of Interior announced that the first experimental smart center for citizens' service would open round-the-clock on Tuesday. The center has been established at the headquarters of the General Administration Of Kuwaiti Citizenship And Travel Documentation in Shuwaikh district.

The MoI public directorate for relations and security information said in a press release that this step comes as part of the security establishment’s digital transformation and providing citizens with the easiest possible transactions. As well as passports, driving permits, and civil IDs, the center provides the ministry's electronic services through the Sahel application and MoI's website. It is expected that the project will be expanded to cover all regions in the near future.

During the onset of the new year 2024, Dr. Ahmed Al-Shatti, director of the Medical Emergency Department, officially launched the paperless system in the Operations Department. In line with the Ministry of Health's digital governance plan, this initiative streamlines the process of receiving reports and dispatching ambulances.

Throughout 2023, Dr. Al-Shatti acknowledged the significant contributions made by Kuwait's medical emergency teams. Highlighting key performance indicators, the Operations Department handled 185,000 cases, including 128,000 hospital transfers, 8,757 road accidents, 808 air ambulances, 94 medical evacuations, and 754 cases through ports. During the past year, the department has participated in 72 training exercises and supported 6,662 events and gatherings.

Air ambulance cases increased by 100% from 404 to 808 in 2023, according to Dr. Al-Shatti. Support for public gatherings and activities also increased by 20%, reaching 6,662 in 2023, compared to 4,418 in 2022. Moreover, mock exercises saw a 30% increase, totaling 72. The average response time to reporting sites stood at an impressive 10 minutes.

Dr. Al-Shatti expressed optimism about future administration department projects. He aspires to enhance efficiency, save time, and improve service levels through the implementation of the paperless notification system. As part of the department's goals, advanced medical guidance systems will be used, non-urgent reports will be activated through an easy program, and communication channels will be established between ambulances and accident and emergency departments.

Dr. Al-Shatti congratulated the staff on the new year and commended their achievements in introducing the paperless system during a field visit. Ambulance Services Supervisor Ahmed Suleiman, Head of Operations Abdullah Al-Nafis, Head of Non-urgent Operations Saqr Al-Ustaz, Head of Urgent Operations Walid Al-Busairi, and Shift Heads: Muhammad Rashid, Ali Dashti, Faisal Al-Qallaf, Nasser Al-Subaie, Hassan Lari, and Mahmoud Kabli, who were recognized on this occasion.

Abdullah Al-Nafis, Head of the Operations Department, highlighted the department's accomplishments for 2023. This includes preparing technical specifications for ambulance maintenance and repair tenders, acquiring 79 new ambulances, totaling 286, and coordinating with relevant departments for exercises and accidents. In addition, the department responded to public complaints through the Sahel program, activated the electronic communications system from January 1, 2024, and integrated the Supply and Support Division with the Operations Division.

According to Al-Nafis, the department's responsibilities include receiving, implementing, and following up on all urgent and non-urgent reports. This involves directing ambulances for emergency and non-emergency cases, maintaining constant communication with official authorities, and coordinating with various departments around the clock. The Operations Department also covers various state-level occasions, events, and activities, ensuring a smooth workflow and addressing any issues promptly. Section 247 is divided into Urgent Operations, Non-Urgent Operations, Follow-up Division, and secretariats.

The Misdemeanor Court sentenced the head of a restaurant company to one-month imprisonment and imposed a fine of KD 5,000 for violating the delivery prices and raising them to 500 fils instead of 250 fils.

According to a complaint filed by a Kuwaiti woman to the Consumer Protection Department, the “Burger King” restaurant violated the legally prescribed delivery prices, which amount to 250 fils for delivery within the area of the location of the restaurant and 500 fils for delivery to areas away from the restaurant location. The fixed order invoice was attached, which included the violating delivery fees.

As a result, the Consumer Protection Department referred the complaint to the Commercial Affairs Prosecution, which in turn filed charges against the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the restaurant company to which the restaurant belongs and referred him to court. It was proven by the court that the restaurant violated the delivery fees stipulated by the law and the decisions of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which is based on convicting the first official, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company to which the restaurant belongs, with the aforementioned ruling, to impose the prestige of the law and the necessity of respecting it by companies and restaurants about delivery fees and the resulting preservation of customer rights guaranteed to them by law.

KNET, the Shared Electronic Banking Services Company, is set to revolutionize financial transfers through an innovative approach. The company is planning to introduce a streamlined method that allows users to conduct financial transactions via a new smartphone application, eliminating the need for traditional multi-step processes.

According to reports from Al-Rai Arabic newspaper, the proposed plan involves executing financial transfers in a single step using a dedicated smartphone application. Users can simply input the recipient's phone number and specify the transfer amount, bypassing the requirement to log in to the bank's mobile application and generate a payment link.

To avail of this service, individuals must register on the application using their phone number already registered with the bank. Sources indicate that there will be a maximum transfer limit of 1,000 dinars for this convenient one-step transaction method.

Representatives of the concerned government agencies confirmed in the previous meetings of parliamentary committees that, in principle, there is no objection to lifting the ban on the issuance of visit and family visas, provided the humanitarian and economic aspects are taken into consideration, reports Al- Seyassah daily quoting parliamentary sources.

Sources pointed out that the previous experiences entail the necessity of imposing certain restrictions and regulations in the public’s interest. Sources said all these are stipulated in the government’s proposed amendment of the Foreigners Residency Law, which has been included in the agenda of the upcoming legislative session.

Sources added: “Political developments may have contributed to the delay in approving this important bill. The parliamentary Interior and Defense Affairs Committee has completed a balanced report that achieves common objectives and sets controls for the Ministry of Interior to move forward in opening family, tourist, and commercial visit visas.”

Sources went on to say that the bill states there will be no changes in the fees for issuing and renewing all types of visas; clarifying the bill does not specify these fees, but it authorizes the Minister of Interior to issue decisions to amend them. Sources pointed out that imposing compulsory health insurance on visitors would also contribute to expediting the lifting of visa restrictions, affirming this insurance would generate good revenues for the State, reduce the burden on government hospitals, and develop their infrastructure to focus on providing health services to citizens efficiently.

The investigator of the Al-Qashaniya Police Station has been directed to launch an inquiry into the death of a Kuwaiti citizen, who reportedly passed away after being kicked by a camel, reports Al-Anba daily.

Despite efforts to rescue the man, which included his transfer from the accident site in Abdali to Al-Jahra Hospital via an air ambulance, the attempts were unsuccessful. A misdemeanor case has been officially registered at Al-Qashaniya Police Station.

Providing additional details, a security source disclosed that an officer at Al-Qashaniya Police Station received a call from Al-Jahra Hospital, notifying them of the arrival of a citizen born in 1979. Despite the hospital’s efforts to save him, the doctors’ report attributed the cause of death to a camel kick.

The Al-Qashaniya Police Station investigations revealed the death occurred on a farm in the Abdali area, specifically at Kilo 56.

The Kuwait Municipality has officially launched an inspection campaign focusing on public cleaning services within various regions. This initiative includes the vigilant monitoring of supervisory and executive procedures undertaken by cleaning contractors and companies.

Beginning in the Hawalli Governorate, the campaign is slated to expand to additional governorates in the near future. With a primary emphasis on upholding all relevant laws, regulations, and decisions pertaining to public cleanliness and road occupancy within the governorates, this campaign underscores the Municipality's commitment to ensuring a clean and orderly environment.

In the year 2023, Kuwait witnessed an unprecedented surge in the deportation of expatriates, marking a historic high in the country's efforts to enhance security and regulate its workforce. According to the latest report, a staggering 42,000 expatriates were deported throughout the year, surpassing previous records and signaling a robust enforcement strategy.

The substantial increase, compared to the 21,000 expatriates deported in 2022, underscores the government's commitment to maintaining a secure environment. The initiative was spearheaded by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, who directed comprehensive actions to address residency violations and curb criminal activities among expatriates.

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.