Meteorologist Muhammad Karam, said Kuwait will experience cloudy to partly cloudy conditions in the days ahead, accompanied by northerly to northeasterly winds.

However, a transition is anticipated on Tuesday when the winds will shift to light to moderate southeasterly, bringing with them scattered rain on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Some thunderstorms may occur intermittently due to the influence of the African monsoon depression on the Arabian Peninsula.

Karam added the prospects for rain on Tuesday and Wednesday may be accompanied by thunder. He anticipated relatively stable weather conditions for Thursday and Friday, followed by a resurgence of clouds on the subsequent Saturday, with a chance of rain expected on Sunday, Oct 29. Karam also pointed out that the maximum daytime temperatures are expected to gradually decline, ranging between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius. 

However, he ruled out any significant impact from the hurricane anticipated to affect the coast of the Sultanate of Oman in the coming days.

Meteorologist Fahd Al-Otaibi stated that the anticipated Oman hurricane is likely to transform into a tropical storm after hitting the coast of Omani, potentially causing thunderstorms and strong wind. He stressed that the hurricane’s impact would be limited to the coasts of the Sultanate and northern Yemen.  Regarding Kuwait’s weather outlook in the coming days, Al-Otaibi indicated that the country should expect cloudy to partly cloudy conditions. There is a possibility of scattered light rain towards the end of the weekend, and rain chances are expected to return in the middle of the following week

An Indian nurse employed at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital in Kuwait finds herself in a legal predicament due to her recent WhatsApp status and social media posts, which have been perceived as expressing support for the Zionist entity.

It has come to light that the nurse shared a post on her social networking sites that seemingly aligned with the Zionist entity, thus raising concerns over a potential violation of Kuwait's legal statutes.

Notably, Lawyer Ali Habab Al-Duwaikh has taken swift action by lodging a formal complaint with the Public Prosecution against the nurse, urging the authorities to pursue appropriate legal measures against her.

The act of expressing support for the Zionist entity through social media is regarded as a breach of Kuwaiti laws, which carry severe consequences. Individuals found guilty of such actions may face life imprisonment or a minimum prison sentence of no less than five years, as stipulated by the governing legal framework.

Al-Rai daily reports that the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has announced the implementation of an electronic messaging system for correspondence with individuals and companies. 

Companies interested in registering have been instructed to complete the registration process by filling out the necessary form on the Ministry's website or by visiting the Ministry's Public Registry Department, where they can fill out the form and receive approval.

For companies wishing to complete the registration process, the Ministry has specified specific requirements, including submitting an authorization letter from their company, delivering letters and correspondence, providing a valid copy of the company's civil ID, and getting a signature from the Public Authority for Manpower from their company.

The Ministry has specified that original invoices must be delivered manually to the appropriate authorities.

The Ministry has, however, specified that manual receipt of correspondences and documents will cease three months after the announcement.

In a significant leap forward in healthcare technology, the Kuwait Ministry of Health (MoH) has harnessed the power of the world's newest surgical robot, Da Vinci Xi, to perform intricate surgical procedures. The MoH's announcement highlights the successful use of this groundbreaking device in recent operations:

Prostate Removal: The innovative Da Vinci Xi robotic system was employed to perform a complex prostate removal procedure on a patient with a cancerous tumor. This remarkable surgery took place at the esteemed Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center.

Kidney Surgery: On the same day, the urology center utilized a regular robot for kidney surgery, catering to another patient grappling with a cancerous tumor.

Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Ali Abdul Wahab, under the guidance of Dr. Saad Al-Dosari, the center's director, expertly conducted these groundbreaking operations. Remarkably, both patients were discharged from the center the following day.

Robotic Advantages: The Da Vinci Xi device stands at the forefront of robotic surgical technologies, offering numerous benefits. It is acclaimed for its ability to minimize bleeding and post-operative pain, reduce the need for extensive incisions, and shorten hospital stays for patients.

Enhanced Vision: Surgical operations using the Da Vinci Xi robot are characterized by a 10-fold magnified, three-dimensional vision, which enhances precision and enables surgeons to work with extreme accuracy.

Precision and Control: The robot's hands are endowed with exceptional precision, simulating human hand movements, facilitating precise suturing with the smallest needles and threads. Moreover, "hand tremor filtering" minimizes complications and optimizes surgical outcomes.

Safety Assurance: Dr. Al-Dosari underlined the safety of robot-assisted surgeries, citing global data on over five million successful operations. The American Food and Drug Administration has also endorsed the technique for certified surgeons.

Advancements in Healthcare: The Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney and Urology Center has been progressively increasing its use of robotic devices to ensure that the Ministry of Health stays at the forefront of surgical technology, including artificial intelligence.

Robotic Surgery Expertise: Since 2014, the center has seen more than 1,500 major robot-assisted surgeries, encompassing a wide range of procedures, such as the radical removal of the prostate, bladder, kidneys, and tumors, as well as the correction of congenital defects in the kidney pelvis.

Kuwait's healthcare system is taking bold strides towards excellence with the integration of advanced robotic technologies in surgical procedures, ensuring better outcomes and patient care

The Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) has recently provided critical insights into its regulations, aiming to streamline the recruitment of specialized technical workers from abroad. Here are the key points:

Specialized Technical Workers: PAM has emphasized that hiring specialized technical workers from abroad necessitates that their academic qualifications align with the specific requirements of the professions they are being recruited for. This move ensures that the workforce is adequately skilled and qualified.

Commercial Visit to Work Permit: PAM has introduced a significant change in the process of converting a commercial visit into a work permit within the private sector. Instead of considering it as an internal transfer, it will now be regarded as a new permit issuance. This change is pivotal in managing the workforce effectively.

Transfer of Specialized Workers: The transfer of specialized workers, initially on a commercial visit, is allowed only within the same company that originally obtained the commercial visit permit. This restriction emphasizes the need for businesses to ensure that they utilize their foreign workforce judiciously.

Permits for Hiring Expatriate Workers: PAM has further streamlined the application process for companies seeking to hire expatriate workers from abroad. To obtain these permits, companies are now required to submit their applications through the automated service Sahel, promoting efficiency and transparency in the process.

PAM's regulatory changes aim to maintain the integrity of the workforce and enhance the transparency of the hiring process. By ensuring that academic qualifications match job requirements and introducing distinctions in permit processes, PAM aims to promote a well-qualified and balanced expatriate workforce in the country.

You can now use multiple accounts on WhatsApp! Until now, WhatsApp users could only use one account on one device at a time. To use two accounts on a single device, users would have to clone the app, a feature available on most phones, or use two phones.

What's new on WhatsApp?
Change is here, though! Now, WhatsApp users can  have two active accounts logged in at the same time on Android smartphones. Users may switch between the two accounts without having to log out.

How to add two accounts on WhatsApp
In a blog post, WhatsApp said that if users wish to set up two accounts, they would require two phone numbers and SIM cards, or a phone that supports eSIM. They can then head to WhatsApp settings, tap the arrow next to their name, and click "Add account."

Here, users can add their secondary number and set up a second WhatsApp account on the app. For each account, users have the choice to adjust privacy and notifications settings separately. For instance, you can mute notifications on one account and allow the same on your other account.

As is standard on WhatsApp, messages sent and received on both accounts will be end-to-end encrypted. By using the multi-account feature, users can easily switch between work and personal accounts on WhatsApp. While having two versions of WhatsApp on the same device by cloning it usually eliminates this problem, having this feature built within a single app could be super useful.

What else is new on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is on a roll lately. The company recently launched passkey support for Android devices, which you can read about here. In addition, the company also seems to be testing a "view once" mode for voice notes on the app.

What do you think about this new WhatsApp feature? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

The issuance of civil cards in Kuwait has faced recent challenges, with delays affecting thousands of Kuwaitis and expats. However, the Deputy Director General for Civil Registration Affairs, Jaber Al-Kandari, provided some key insights into this matter. Here are the main points:

• To expedite the processing of card applications submitted after May 23, the Public Authority for Civil Information ceased the issuance of cards submitted before that date. This was done to address the issue of many individuals not receiving their civil cards because they had not been issued.
• Individuals who had paid the 5 dinars fee for a civil card that was not issued will have the fee credited to their account with the Authority. This means that the fee remains available for use if a card is not issued, so individuals do not need to pay the fee again if they submit a new card application.
• Individuals who previously paid the fee of 5 dinars for card issuance but did not receive their cards will be exempt from paying the fee when renewing their residency or updating their information. In such cases, the civil card will be issued free of charge.
• Al-Kandari emphasized the importance of promptly collecting issued cards to prevent them from accumulating in the processing machines. This accumulation can cause delays in the issuance of new cards, especially considering the current regular issuance schedule.
• The card issuance process has improved, with most cards now being issued within 24 to 48 hours in the majority of cases. This development has eased the burden on those waiting for their civil cards.

Overall, the Public Authority for Civil Information is taking steps to address the challenges faced in the issuance of civil cards in Kuwait, and individuals who have paid fees for cards that were not issued will not have to pay again when submitting new applications or renewing their residency.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has issued a warning to citizens and expats, urging them to be cautious when making donations/charity to unverified or unlicensed entities. The Ministry emphasized that donations should only be directed towards accredited charitable organizations that are officially registered with them.

In an official press release, the Ministry stressed the importance of confirming the identity of the fundraiser and ensuring their affiliation with authorized entities permitted to collect donations. Furthermore, it emphasized that donations should not be given in cash but should be channeled through approved donation collection methods, which include K-Net, bank deductions, electronic payment links, and electronic payment devices.

The Ministry also underscored the need for individuals and groups to refrain from initiating fundraising campaigns without obtaining prior approval from the relevant authorities. This is not only to prevent legal consequences but also to align with the regulations governing the licensing of fundraising activities for public causes.

To summarize, the Ministry of Social Affairs has issued a warning to citizens and residents to be cautious when making donations. The Ministry emphasized that donations should only be directed towards accredited charitable organizations that are officially registered with them. Donations should not be given in cash but should be channeled through approved donation collection methods. Individuals and groups should refrain from initiating fundraising campaigns without obtaining prior approval from the relevant authorities.

As part of the “Use the Heart to Know the Heart” celebration, organized by the Kuwait Heart Foundation (KHF) on the occasion of World Heart Day, 3,000 citizens and residents were tested. The celebration took place throughout the week and was coordinated with the Sabah Al-Ahmed Heart Center. According to a press release issued yesterday by the foundation's Secretary General, Dr. Rashid Al-Awaish, about 20 percent of those tested suffer from high cholesterol levels.

His tests included analyzing diabetes and cholesterol levels and measuring blood pressure, weight, and height. He stressed the need to conduct periodic tests for the early detection of chronic, non-communicable diseases, as well as other diseases that can be controlled when detected early. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to raise awareness of chronic noncommunicable diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.

To prevent heart disease, Dr. Al-Awaish also recommended quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and having periodic check-ups. The mobile heart disease awareness unit will launch in November and run for seven months until May 2024. The event will take place at cooperative societies, commercial malls, schools, and other places crowded with people. The unit is expected to attract between 400 and 500 people per month, according to Dr. Al-Awaish.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled has issued a regulatory directive mandating the processing of Article 24 (self-sponsor) residency holders transactions at the residence affairs departments across the six governorates as of next week.

Reliable sources informed Al-Jarida that residence permit transactions for this category of residents, wherein the sponsor is the applicant, were previously handled by the office of the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Residence Affairs.

However, these transactions encountered prolonged processing times due to the Ministry’s recent cancellation of numerous residence permits registered under this article. The cancellations were primarily limited to the wives of citizens, investors, and specific private cases, excluding others.

In a separate development, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled has issued the Ministerial Resolution No. 1062/2023 concerning maritime safety regulations for small ships, wooden boats and cruisers registered with the Maritime Transport Administration to install automatic identification devices (AID).

This measure is aimed at precisely determining the location, whereabouts, and speed of these small ships in case of emergencies. Moreover, the resolution grants the Coast Guard forces the capability to verify the identity of ships registered with the MTA and other vessels that may intrude into Kuwaiti territorial and economic waters.

It’s worth noting that the Maritime Transport Administration, previously under the Ministry of Communications, has been transferred to the Ministry of Interior, specifically to the General Administration of the Coast Guard. This move was undertaken to enhance the organization of maritime operations.

An Arab Gulf nation is keen on developing economic legislation to carry out vital projects that will eventually make the country a financial hub, a diplomat has said. As part of Kuwait's strategy, it encourages and promotes the private sector's contribution to infrastructure development, which is why a partnership program between the public and private sectors was established and an authority was established for this purpose, diplomatic attache Meteb Al-Enezi told a UN committee discussing global trade law. Public-private-partnerships (PPPs) are aimed at fostering innovation and competitiveness by taking advantage of the expertise of the private sector, said the authority's chairman. Al-Enezi said the authority announced a number of promising projects in energy, water, wastewater management, education, health, transportation, telecommunications, and real estate.

In order to develop trade and economic activities, the State of Kuwait seeks to develop cyber-related legislation. Kuwait seeks to implement an international financial, economic, and commercial system, and to enhance e-government services while exploring ways to combat cybercrime, citing the establishment of a cybersecurity agency. Kuwait, however, supports international cross-border laws to settle economic disputes worldwide, according to Al-Enezi.

The conference “Arab and Gulf Family Issues in Light of Digital Transformation” was inaugurated yesterday by the Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior. The participants emphasized the advantages of modern technology and the enormous potential and capabilities it has made available to humans but warned of the negative repercussions of modern technology on the Arab and Muslim family and its values, traditions and role. The speakers at the conference highlighted the seriousness of the phenomenon of electronic addiction, which has become an epidemic threatening young people.

They stressed on the role of social media in spreading rumors, lies, and falsifying facts in some cases, in addition to spreading the culture of violence and hatred, due to which they called on parents to set limits and controls on children’s use of mobile phones. Director of the Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Dr. Yaqoub Al-Kandari said, “The conference comes in the context of the center’s constant and ongoing keenness to pay attention to issues related to the family, women and society, based on its belief in the role of the family. Modern technology has played a major role in social issues in the Gulf, the Arab world and the world as well as in the family, and has led to extraordinary transformations in human beings.” Dr. Al-Kandari explained that the era of technology began in the mid-nineties and was accompanied by warnings to protect families.

At the beginning of the current millennium, social media increased in power and brought about tremendous changes. It continues to have many effects in an era in which the mobile phone has transcended the boundaries of time and space. Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the International Organization for the Empowerment of Women and Capacity Building Dr. Taghreed Al-Hajli highlighted the importance of the conference in protecting the Arab and Gulf families from the dangers of digital transformation when it is used negatively. Furthermore, a faculty member at the Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences Dean Dr. Mutlaq Al-Mutairi said technological development and social media have made a phone extend beyond its role as a means of communication. He explained that the mobile phone has become a television, a camera, a recorder, and a newspaper.

Digital transformation has benefits, including that it brought the family closer together with their children studying abroad, made the world more open, became a platform for opinion, and helping scientific researchers. On the other hand, the most prominent disadvantage is children’s addiction to the Internet and social media, so the family must not leave the phone in the hands of their children 24 hours a day.

Other negative aspects include the large number of traffic accidents resulting from the use of a mobile phone while driving, its contribution to some people becoming atheists, and its contribution to the spread of rumors and lies. This has become more dangerous with the emergence of artificial intelligence and its ability to falsify facts. In the same context, Professor of Criminal Sociology and Crime at the Saad Al- Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences Dean Dr. Bader Al-Khubaizi stated that modern technology has positive effects on various social, political, educational and psychological levels. However, one of its most prominent negatives is the availability of unethical websites on the Internet, which negatively affects teenagers and young people, as well as exposure to fraud, bullying, threats, blackmail, and the dissemination of strange ideas that violate religious values, in addition to its negative role in disturbing people through hacking.

Addiction to sitting in front of smartphones causes mental illness and social violence, and leads to an increase in crime rates. In addition, a professor at the International University of Science and Technology Dr. Sami Al-Azmi said, “Electronic addiction has become a pathological epidemic that threatens young people, the mainstay of societies, causing serious harm to the efforts to achieve development. These harms are increasing in light of the weakness of religious motivation among children.”

Kuwait is expected to witness scattered rain from Thursday and will continue until Friday morning, Meteorologist Issa Ramadan said.

He expects the clouds to increase in coming days, starting from Wednesday, with the first depressions approaching the region. The winds will become active on Thursday and the humidity rises, with the beginning of the rainy days.

The temperature is expected to drop significantly from Thursday and the scattered clouds will continue on Saturday and Sunday. The chances of seasonal rain will return again at the end of the month with the continuation of low weather in November, he said.

It is obvious that the path to taxation in Kuwait on multinational companies moves in one direction, whether from the government or from the concerned entities, since the indications are clear that the stage of persuasion has been passed, considering that paying locally is preferable to deducting externally. 

In confirmation of this, informed sources revealed to Al-Rai that banks and companies with foreign branches are finally preparing and accurate calculations for tax, especially after Kuwait officially submitted a request to join the framework of the draft law of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). 

It is true to say that the ideal title for the accounting discussions currently open is “Determining the material impact of tax implementation,” or in short, how much is the cost of implementing the procedure in the budgets of the coming years? 

In this regard, sources reported that major banks and companies formed working teams of their financial employees and discussed with their auditors scenarios of the expected financial impact on their budgets as a result of deducting 15 percent of their profits locally as taxes, in order to avoid falling within the scope of the OECD draft law that imposes tax on multinational companies at least 15 percent if the revenues of the parent group exempt from paying taxes in their countries reach 750 million euros annually. 

The sources said that Kuwaiti companies concerned with the new tax recently reviewed with their auditors their expectations for the cost of the new accounting obligation in their budgets as part of their preparations for preparing their financial statements for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. 

The sources indicated that the accounting forecasts that were recently circulated among companies and their auditors indicate that the initially expected tax withholding will be a number consisting of 6 digits, noting that the organization’s draft law stipulates that “the tax paid should not be less than 15 percent,” and the government’s approach does not include a higher rate than the minimum. 

This means, accounting-wise, that the weighted average cost for the Kuwaiti companies that will be included in the new tax base will be in millions, varying from one company to another, and will often range annually between one million and 70 million dinars, while the potential number of companies covered by the tax is estimated at about 20, including government companies with multiple markets. 

The sources confirmed that the new tax is not scheduled to be calculated in the quarterly data on the 2023 budget, as the odds indicate the possibility of starting implementation in 2024, which is most likely, or in 2025, noting that there will be no tax calculated for 2023 data, but accounting preparation must be made. To implement the procedure and determine its impact on the capital adequacy ratio, the size of the commitment, and setting aside its allocations in the budget, while estimating the size of the application cost on net profits. 

As an inevitable result of this reality, the discussion among Kuwaiti companies operating in several markets, which is the technical meaning of multinational companies, has turned to accounting delivery and preparation for the application of the new tax rules. Here it can be said that there are several issues that must be worked on, and one of the thorniest issues is determining the tax rate.  

Perhaps the most prominent question that is still searching for precise answers relates to how this tax is calculated, especially in the budget of companies that already pay taxes in their foreign markets. 

In principle, there is almost no accounting consensus on the premise of deducting taxes paid externally from the total payments due from consolidated profits. 

To simplify, assuming that the combined profits of a company amounted to 600 million dinars, half of which came from foreign markets and were burdened with the taxes of these markets, the amount required to be paid locally would be 300 million dinars, and by applying the 15 percent tax locally on this amount, the amount due to be paid to the public treasury would be 45 million dinars. 

By deducting the historical taxes paid locally, a total of 6 percent, which is 1.5 percent zakat (it is expected to calculate the full value of zakat, 2.5 percent), and the same amount to support workers, and one percent for the Scientific Progress Foundation, and then the amount of additional tax that the company with the assumed profits will bear is equal to 300 million dinars is 9 percent. This means, accounting-wise, that the amount of tax withholding due from the profits of the company in question is 27 million dinars. 

Of course, there are accounting questions whose answers are still confusing and ambiguous, the most prominent of which is what are the procedures for redistributing the taxes of multinational companies to the countries that have their headquarters and where their profits are spread if they do not apply the local tax that is exempt from entering the scope of “Organization of Cooperation” taxes. 

More precisely, if the Kuwaiti company subject to the organization’s tax operates in the Gulf, Europe, Egypt, Turkey and other markets, how will its total taxes be distributed? Will the application be according to the concept of fines or according to a percentage of income? 

The sources pointed out that the OECD draft law aims to prevent companies from hiding behind “tax residency” in this or that country that adopts attractive tax rates, and is not actually linked to or operates in tax havens that do not impose sufficient taxes on their major companies, such as Kuwait. 

The proposed reform is based on two pillars — the first aims at a fair distribution between countries of the rights to impose a tax on the profits of multinational companies, and the second is based on imposing a global minimum tax to ensure that the company does not pay less than it should wherever it is located. 

The Organization for Cooperation estimates the expected annual tax revenues, based on 15 percent, at approximately $150 billion. 

Around 10,000 nurses will receive an average increase of 50 KD as a result of the Ministry of Health reclassifying the nature of work allowance for nurses into two categories A and B, rather than the existing three.

The Ministry of Health confirmed in a press release that this reclassification will result in an increase in the nature of work allowance for its beneficiaries by an average of 50 dinars per month. Approximately 10,000 nurses will be affected by this, including 697 Kuwaiti nurses and 7,902 non-Kuwaiti nurses.

A time for imposing taxes is fast approaching for Kuwait's multinational companies, as indications suggest that this may soon be the case. Initially, the government and relevant entities persuaded these companies to pay taxes locally, but it appears that persuasion has evolved into concrete action, reported Al-Rai Daily.

Kuwait recently submitted a formal application to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), marking the beginning of potential taxation. Multinational companies operating in Kuwait will have to adjust their financial plans in response to this request.

Major banks and multinational corporations have assembled teams of financial experts and engaged auditors to assess the expected financial impact. According to the new tax law, companies must pay 15 percent of their local profits in taxes. Kuwait's government is unlikely to impose a rate higher than the minimum.

The impact of this new tax varies depending on the size and revenue of the companies. Some anticipate costs ranging from one million to 70 million dinars. The tax is expected to affect about 20 companies, including government entities with multiple markets.

The implementation of this tax is not expected to affect the 2023 budget; rather, it will probably start in 2024 or 2025. As a result, companies are focusing on accounting preparation in order to determine its impact on their capital adequacy ratio, commitment size, budget allocations, and net profits.

Companies are grappling with important questions amid these changes. Notably, how is the tax calculated for companies already paying taxes in their foreign markets? At present, there is no consensus on how to deduct externally paid taxes from consolidated profits.

There are also questions regarding the redistribution of taxes for multinational companies operating in multiple countries. How will the tax be distributed, according to the concept of fines or as a percentage of income?

OECD aims to prevent companies from using "tax residency" to take advantage of low tax rates in tax havens that do not impose sufficient taxes on major corporations. A global minimum tax and a fair distribution of tax rights between countries are the OECD's proposed reforms.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy disclosed to Al-Rai that the Ministry has successfully activated the final two key transmission stations in South Abdullah Al-Mubarak. This allows Kuwaiti citizens in that vicinity to utilize their plots for for power access.

The sources elaborated, stating, “With the successful operation of the last two out of four primary transmission stations, the Ministry has now completed the operation of all main transmission stations, along with their associated secondary stations, to power all the region’s current voucher holders,” reports Al-Rai daily.

They further mentioned that the expected number of locations set to receive power exceeds 700, marking the conclusion of the power delivery process to all designated areas in the region. They emphasized the Ministry’s and distribution networks sector’s dedication to ensuring power delivery to plots in new areas, in close coordination with the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW).

On a different note, the sources indicated, “The Ministry is actively pursuing solar energy projects following the Independent Power Provider (IPP) framework. They are engaging specialized companies in this domain to swiftly establish solar energy facilities to cater to the country are increasing electricity demands in the years ahead.”

They emphasized that the Ministry is accelerating its efforts to augment electricity production capacity, foreseeing an annual consumption rate increase of 5 to 6 percent, aiming to avert an energy shortage crisis by 2025.

They added, “The Ministry has elucidated its objectives to these companies, expecting them to present optimal proposals showcasing their capability to achieve the Ministry’s sought-after goals.”

On a related note, the Supreme Committee for Partnership Projects between the public and private sectors is scheduled to convene this week to deliberate the feasibility study for the Al-Shaqaya project.

The global consultant has completed the preparation of tender documents, laying the groundwork for their review and implementation. The objective is to enhance electrical production capacity, particularly from renewable sources.

In a recent development, the Traffic Department is taking steps to review the driving licenses held by expatriates, as reported by local media. The department has already revoked the licenses of hundreds of expatriates who failed to meet the conditions for obtaining their licenses, creating a significant issue in compliance with traffic regulations.

According to the report, a concerning number of individuals whose licenses have been revoked continue to drive their vehicles under the cancelled licenses, blatantly violating traffic laws and regulations.

Notably, some of these licenses were originally issued with conditional terms and exceptions related to salary and university qualifications. The Traffic Department has now clarified that these specific licenses will undergo a thorough review.

This new decision comes in the wake of reports and information that have confirmed the issuance of thousands of licenses with unwarranted exceptions. As the Traffic Department strives to uphold road safety and regulatory standards, this review is seen as a crucial step in rectifying the situation

The Ministry of Health launched a service for booking through the “Kuwait Health” application a mammogram test in five specialized centers – Shaikhan Al-Farsi in Surra, Al-Naeem, Egaila, Zahraa, and South Khaitan. The Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi said the launch of the digital service for booking mammogram tests is aimed at facilitating and encouraging women to detect breast diseases at an early stage, especially those over the age of forty, as this is one of the most important strategies for prevention and for improving therapeutic results.

He explained that a woman wishing to undergo the test can enter through the “Kuwait- Seha” application, follow the instructions, and respond to inquiries regarding booking an appointment for a mammogram test. In addition, the test is scheduled to be conducted in any of the five health centers distributed in different parts of the country.

These centers are South Khaitan Health Center, Egaila Health Center, Zahraa Health Center, Naeem Health Center, and Sheikhan Al-Farsi and Sharifa Al-Awadhi Center in Surra. In this regard, the Head of the National Program for Early Detection of Breast Diseases Dr. Asmaa Hussein issued a press statement on the sidelines of the National Program for Early Detection of Breast Diseases’ celebration of World Breast Cancer Day, under the slogan “Your test now… means safety”, in which she said the service is intended for Kuwaiti women over the age of 40 who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

On Thursday, Fadhel A-Dosari, CEO of Touristic Projects Company, announced that Winter Land will open to the public on Sunday and will be able to accommodate 15,000 visitors per day.

As Al-Dosari stated at a news conference, the park's first season was quite successful, as 600,000 people visited it within four months.

The project will proceed in the next coming years with the goal to entertain more than three million people per year.