Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Assistant Director of the Electronic Services Department at the Directorate General of Residency Affairs, explained that the second of the four tourist visa categories is designated for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries with approved professions who possess the financial means to travel and tour.

Al-Qabas has released the list of professions approved for obtaining tourist visas under the second category, which is designated for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries who hold specific jobs and have the financial means to travel, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The approved professions include: presidents, ministers, council members, secretaries-general, undersecretaries, governors, members of the diplomatic corps, general managers, judges, prosecutors, lawyers, muftis, university faculty, golden residency holders in the GCC, investors, business owners, company representatives, property owners, advisors, experts, senior roles in tourism and hospitality, financial intermediaries, accountants, auditors, analysts and physicians.

This is in addition to pharmacists, nurses, medical technicians, engineers, teachers, IT professionals, pilots, flight attendants, referees, coaches, journalists, media professionals, and specialized roles such as physicists, chemists, astronomers, geologists, statisticians, commercial agents, brokers, liaison officers, marketing officers, consultants, ship captains, architectural draftsmen, and aircraft mechanics.

Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Assistant Director of the Electronic Services Department at the Directorate General of Residency Affairs, explained that the second of the four tourist visa categories is designated for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries with approved professions who possess the financial means to travel and tour.

Al-Qabas has released the list of professions approved for obtaining tourist visas under the second category, which is designated for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries who hold specific jobs and have the financial means to travel.

Kuwait’s energy and water sector experienced a steep drop in the area of contracts awarded in 2025, with total values standing at $633 million by early August, compared to $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.7 billion in 2023.

The water sector also slowed sharply, with just $11 million in awarded contracts, down from $93 million last year.

Despite the downturn, new developments signal a possible recovery. ACWA Power of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait’s Gulf Investment Corporation have signed a $4 billion agreement to develop the second and third phases of the Al-Zour North power and water plant — the largest of its kind in the country, with a capacity of 2,700 megawatts and 120 million imperial gallons of desalinated water production daily.

In another major move, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy approved bids for the fourth phase of the Subbiya Combined Cycle Power and Desalination Plant, by Alghanim International which submitted the lowest offer at $1.7 billion. The project will add 900 megawatts of generating capacity and expand desalination output.

Kuwait is also advancing other large-scale projects, including the Nuwaiseeb Integrated Water and Power Plant, the refurbishment of the West Doha Power Plant, and the resumption of operations at the Shuaiba North facility.

The renewable energy efforts are accelerating, with tenders issued for the Dabdaba and Shagaya solar projects — key steps toward producing 22.1 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.

The infrastructure works extend beyond energy, with the Doha Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plant and South Mutlaa Wastewater Treatment Plant progressing toward completion.

The regional cooperation is also expanding through a new electricity transmission link to Iraq and agreements with Qatar and China to secure LNG supplies and boost renewable energy capacity.

Kuwait is preparing a comprehensive plan to overhaul its visit visa policies and implement a more pragmatic and forward looking scheme that will align with Kuwait’s new vision and in line with the aspirations of the political leadership, revealed Colonel Abdul Aziz Al-Kandari, head of the Residency Affairs Sector

Explaining the new rules in an interview on KTV Col Kandari said under the supervision of Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Ali Al-Adwani a study had been submitted for amendments to the rules and regulations governing the issuance of visit visas following their publication in the Official gazette Kuwait Today.

Al Kandari said that the Residency Affairs Department have identified four types of tourist visas that will be issued and will fall under the following categories

• Category 1: Citizens of approved countries, ranked according to global peace indicators, passport strength, crime rate, and per capita income. No requirements are imposed on these countries, and their citizens have six options for obtaining a tourist visa, either single or multiple entry, with a stay period ranging from one to three months, or up to six months and up to a year, provided that the duration of stay on a single entry does not exceed one month.
• Second category: Residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, or in the United States, Britain, and the European Union, in addition to those who hold tourist visas for those countries, provided that their profession is one of the approved high- or medium-level professions, and having financial proof to sustain their visit.
• Third category: Currently under study, it aims to grant an open visa to those wishing to visit Kuwait for tourism purposes, with the requirement to provide financial proof during their visit such as a bank statement.
• Category 4: iI designated for local and international events and exhibitions, with the visa duration determined according to the event requirements, such as international and regional sports tournaments.

Al-Kandari also disclosed that no conditions will be applied on the visitors of choice of carrier or their entry through air, sea or land.

Further he pointed out that they have introduced digital transformation through the Kuwait Visa platform, in cooperation with the General Administration of Information Systems, so that visitors can obtain visas electronically without having to visit the Residency Affairs Departments.

He explained that the platform consists of a website and a smartphone application, and currently offers four services (tourist visas, family visit visas, government visit visas, and business visas).

He revealed that  the salary requirement for family visits has also been abolished, and applications are now permitted to apply for relatives up to the fourth degree, and those within the third degree of marriage. As for business visits, companies and institutions can submit applications, documents, and pay fees electronically.

Al-Kandari emphasized that the platform is closely monitored to ensure speedy transaction processing. The system can read passport data by scanning it, completing the transaction within five minutes under normal circumstances.

Regarding security procedures, he advised passengers to apply online to avoid any inconvenience or financial loss as some country nationals who are entitled for visa on arrival can still be denied visa if their security check is not cleared.

Al-Kandari affirmed that all nationalities are welcome if they meet the requirements “There is no prohibition on any specific nationality as of now. We periodically review the lists of approved countries and professions based on global indicators. Our goal is to attract tourists and provide them with a unique experience, and we emphasize the importance of reviewing the terms and conditions before applying,” he added

The Government Communication Center has announced four new tourist visa categories designed to meet the needs of different types of travelers.

The first category applies to citizens of countries with high safety, strong passports, and robust economic indicators, offering multiple visa options.

The second category covers Gulf citizens and residents with qualified professions or holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas or residence permits, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The third category, to be launched soon, will include other nationalities who can provide proof of financial solvency and guarantees.

The fourth category is for visitors attending events and activities in Kuwait, subject to specific conditions for each event.

For the first and second categories, visa validity ranges from 30 to 360 days, with durations of stay varying from 30 to 90 days, depending on the option chosen.

Available types include single-entry visas for one to three months and multiple-entry visas valid for three months, six months, or one year, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.

In a related move, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef issued a ministerial decision allowing foreigners residing in GCC countries to obtain a tourist visa directly at the port of entry, further promoting Kuwait’s openness and visitor accessibility.

The Cyber Crimes Department of the Criminal Security Sector, (General Department of Criminal Investigation), has dismantled a transnational gang of Nigerians accused of launching cyber attacks on telecommunications towers and banks in Kuwait.

This happened when the Communication & Information Technology Regulatory Authority, reported cyber intrusions targeting telecom networks.

Following this special security teams swung into action and immediately and discovering that the attacks originated from advanced electronic devices capable of breaching networks and sending mass fraudulent messages posing as banks, with the intent of stealing bank account information and stealing money.

Using signal tracking technology, the authorities traced the suspicious activity to a vehicle in the suburb of Salmiya.

When the officers moved in, the man behind the wheel stepped on the gas pedal and attempted to flee, and in a desperate attempt to get away collided with several vehicles.

After a brief but fierce struggle, detectives arrested him and a search of the vehicle uncovered advanced electronics and technical tools.

The suspect confessed to working with an accomplice to hack telecommunications networks and send fraudulent messages impersonating banks and telecom companies.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the other suspect. A search of their residence revealed additional devices and specialized equipment used to analyze stolen data.

Both suspects, along with the seized items, have been referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has approved a new regulation allowing foreigners residing in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to enter Kuwait on a tourist visa issued directly at the port of entry.

The decision, published in the official gazette Kuwait Alyawm, specifies that eligible visitors must hold a valid GCC residency permit for at least six months.

The move aligns with Decree Law No. 114/2024 and aims to streamline entry procedures for tourists from within the Gulf region.

Article Two of the decision also cancels Ministerial Resolution No. 1228 of 2008, along with any conflicting provisions.

Switzerland has secured the top spot as the highest-paying country in the world for 2025, followed by Luxembourg and the United States, according to a CEO World magazine report on average monthly net income.

Kuwait ranked 36th globally with an average net monthly salary of $1,961, placing it fourth in the Gulf after the UAE ($3,770), Qatar ($3,275), and Saudi Arabia ($1,995).

The report, based on after-tax monthly salaries, showed Switzerland leading with $8,218, followed by Luxembourg at $6,740 and the U.S. at $6,562.

The top ten also included Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

The findings come amid growing warnings of a potential global recession, driven by persistent inflation, pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East instability.

High-paying sectors include finance, insurance, electricity, mining, information technology, retail, and education, while administrative support, hospitality, and construction remain at the lower end of the pay scale.

The magazine stressed that inflation must be considered when evaluating salaries, as it can erode real purchasing power.

In response to growing population pressures and rapid urban expansion, Kuwait is intensifying efforts to regulate housing for migrant workers, particularly single men, to preserve their dignity and reduce overcrowding in residential areas.

The recent security raids in areas like Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh uncovered severe violations in the so-called “bachelor housing,” where basic safety and health standards were lacking, transforming the areas ghetto-like hubs for crime.

A government report reveals plans for an expanded, professional approach to urban planning, focusing on 12 new model workers’ housing complexes to complement existing workers’ cities.

These projects will be built to the highest environmental and planning standards in selected locations outside family residential zones.

Currently, four workers’ cities accommodate around 20,000 residents, but the new complexes aim to house approximately 275,000 workers across Jahra and Ahmadi Governorates, redistributing bachelors from private neighborhoods into designated, well-managed communities.

Starting last April, construction began on a 40,000-square-meter complex in Subhan, with additional large-scale projects underway in Amghara and northern West Shuaiba — expected to accommodate thousands more workers.

The Public Utilities Company manages existing workers’ cities and plans significant expansions to increase capacity.

These complexes feature balanced urban designs with allocated areas for housing, commercial activities, services, green spaces, infrastructure, and internal roads, creating integrated environments that prioritize health, safety, and quality of life.

The persistent housing crisis, highlighted by repeated security issues in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, underscores the urgency of this initiative, which not only addresses humanitarian and urban challenges but also serves as a crucial security measure by reducing slum-like conditions that facilitate crime.

Developers and officials emphasize that organized worker housing near industrial and commercial zones improves living conditions, enhances security oversight, and eases pressure on family residential areas, thus investing in both societal stability and the dignity of expatriate workers living in Kuwait.

Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) has climbed two spots to secure eighth place among 25 distinguished landmarks worldwide, according to TripAdvisor’s 2025 global report. The mosque also retained its position as the top cultural landmark in the Middle East in the platform’s latest annual ranking.

The recognition comes under TripAdvisor’s “Top Attractions” category, which assessed more than eight million landmarks based on traveller reviews and ratings. The SZGM is now ranked within the top one per cent of attractions globally, establishing its status as a symbol of the UAE’s cultural and architectural excellence and a major destination for international cultural tourism.

Known for its white domes, reflective pools and intricate Islamic artistry, the mosque draws millions of visitors each year. It is widely praised for its visual beauty as well as its atmosphere of serenity, inclusivity and spiritual significance.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah has entered the top 10 per cent of global landmarks despite only recently launching its full visitor services. The ranking highlights the mosque’s rising appeal to international visitors and its emergence as a new cultural attraction on the UAE tourism map.

Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has been on an aggressive mission to stamp out fake residential addresses, targeting expired leases, missing documents, property ownership changes, and buildings awaiting demolition. But while the official focus is on cleaning up records, the reality on the ground reveals a far more sinister story- a thriving black market for Civil ID addresses, run in plain sight.

In many recent cases, legitimate tenants have found themselves erased from PACI’s system, not because they violated their lease, but because the property they live in changed hands. The new owner rents out the same units, and through a corrupt chain involving building caretakers (haris), the address is handed over to someone else for cash.

The scam runs like clockwork. For KD 70 to KD 150, caretakers use the property owner’s Civil ID, the building’s PACI number, forged lease contracts, and even fake rent receipts to register a “new tenant.” Once PACI updates the records, the original tenant’s registered address is deleted, and their name appears in the Kuwait Official Gazette (Kuwait Alyoum). The victim, still paying rent, suddenly has no legal proof of residence.

In many of these buildings, official rent receipts and lease papers are never issued, creating the perfect breeding ground for abuse. Caretakers hide behind excuses, “The owner is out of the country,” “His Civil ID is under renewal,” “The papers are delayed” — while quietly pocketing bribes from desperate migrant workers seeking a legal address.

And the corruption doesn’t end there. Existing tenants themselves are becoming part of the racket. For KD 150 to KD 200 per year, some renters “sell” space on their lease contract, falsely declaring that another individual is living in their apartment and personally known to them. This fraudulent add-on is then registered with PACI, giving the newcomer an official Civil ID address — even if they’ve never set foot in the property.

These schemes don’t just manipulate paperwork; they actively strip rights from genuine residents, compromise Kuwait’s residency database, and enable the shadow economy to thrive. What was meant to be a safeguard for orderly housing records has instead become a tool for exploitation, with corrupt caretakers, opportunistic tenants, and desperate buyers all feeding off the same illicit network.

For those who wake up to find their PACI address wiped clean, the message is brutal and clear: In Kuwait’s underground address market, your home can be sold out from under you — and all it takes is a handshake, a forged contract, and a pocketful of dinars.

The initiative was launched under the patronage of the Minister of Health and witnessed the presence of Dr. Munther Al-Hasawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs. According to Dr. Abeer Al-Bahou, Director of the Health Promotion Department, the campaign's primary objective has been to educate the public about the increasing dangers posed by climate change, particularly how it contributes to rising temperatures and related health risks.

A key focus of the campaign has been heatstroke prevention. Dr. Al-Bahou highlighted that extreme heat can lead to serious health issues and emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs. These include:

• Elevated body temperature
• Dizziness and headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Redness or burns on the skin
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat

To combat these risks, the campaign advised the public to adhere to critical first aid steps such as immediate cooling of the body, consuming water, and seeking medical help when symptoms occur.

The Health Promotion Department emphasized several preventive measures:

• Avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm
• Stay in shaded or cool areas
• Wear sunglasses and light clothing
• Use umbrellas or hats for additional protection
• Regularly apply sunscreen

Dr. Al-Bahou also underlined the broader implications of climate change, noting the urgency of adopting sustainable practices such as using renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. She stressed that collective efforts at global, national, and personal levels are essential for mitigating the long-term effects of climate change on public health.

This annual awareness campaign serves as a vital reminder of the direct link between environmental challenges and community well-being. With Kuwait facing rising summer temperatures, initiatives like this play a key role in public education and preventive healthcare.

Kuwait is facing an escalating labor crisis, as revealed in a mid-year report by the Public Authority for Manpower. In the first half of 2025 alone, the country recorded over 20,898 work permit complaints and 21,350 absenteeism and termination notices.

Out of these absenteeism reports, 7,827 cases were eventually dropped, while 843 were rejected due to employers being either defunct or nonexistent—raising red flags about phantom companies and labor exploitation.

The bulk of grievances stemmed from work permit issues, notably related to employer transfers, family reunification, and final travel cancellation requests, totaling 9,430 cases. Another 8,646 cases involved individual labor disputes, and 3,341 cases were escalated for field inspection.

A total of 1,362 workers were admitted into state-run shelters, including 1,252 women at Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Women's Shelter and 110 men at the Hawalli Male Shelter. 15 children were also taken in—a rare disclosure that highlights child welfare concerns.

The “Ash’al” portal processed over 1.1 million electronic transactions, with 41.2% submitted directly by employees. Additional platforms processed thousands more:

• 16,100 requests through the “Sahel Business” app
• 154,608 transactions via the Labor Services Portal
• 81,272 inspection-related entries through the Inspection app

The “Fakhruna” platform recorded 27,144 approved transactions, while 65,412 Kuwaiti citizens secured cashier jobs under the Gate 3 and Gate 5 initiatives. Additionally, 3,252 training opportunities were provided to students.

Kuwait’s labor ecosystem is clearly under stress. The growing number of complaints and shelter admissions calls for stronger reforms, better oversight, and improved worker protections—especially for expatriate laborers. Digitization and national employment efforts offer a path forward, but more needs to be done.

Kuwait’s aviation industry has reached a pivotal milestone with the official enactment of Decree Law No. 85 of 2025, which transforms the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) into the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA). This development, praised by PACA President Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, is set to bring Kuwait’s aviation governance in line with international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Sheikh Humoud described the new legislation as a turning point for the civil aviation sector. By enhancing regulatory independence and modernizing administrative structures, the law ensures that Kuwait remains aligned with global aviation best practices. He stressed that this reform empowers PACA to operate with full autonomy and transparency, reinforcing its mandate to oversee critical national aviation responsibilities.

The new law replaces outdated regulations enacted in 1960—Laws No. 20 and No. 27—which governed civil aviation operations and aircraft accident investigations. This shift reflects Kuwait’s longstanding commitment to reforming its air transport infrastructure, enabling it to better meet current international obligations and accommodate the evolving dynamics of global air travel.

According to Sheikh Humoud, the legislation is more than a legal reform — it’s an integral part of Kuwait’s broader national strategy to support sustainable development. It aims to fortify the aviation sector as a key contributor to economic diversification, reduce dependence on oil revenues, and position Kuwait International Airport as a regional hub for global connectivity.

With PACA now fully empowered, the Authority is expected to intensify its efforts in regulating aviation services, streamlining operations, and enhancing service delivery for airlines, passengers, and industry stakeholders. The law also underscores the importance of continuous development of aviation infrastructure and services to meet the highest international benchmarks.

Sheikh Humoud expressed his gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, for their vital support in realizing this historic reform. Their backing, he said, affirms the country’s unwavering commitment to aviation excellence and regulatory modernization.

The enactment of the new Civil Aviation Law paves the way for Kuwait to enhance its global standing in the aviation sector. By aligning with international standards, improving regulatory practices, and focusing on infrastructure and passenger experience, Kuwait is poised to become a key aviation hub in the region.

The Moral Guidance and Public Relations Directorate of the Kuwaiti Army confirmed that the Naval Forces will conduct live ammunition exercises over two days—Tuesday and Wednesday, August 5 and 6, 2025. The exercises will run daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

These operations are part of the Navy’s ongoing training program to enhance combat readiness and maintain security capabilities in regional waters.

According to the announcement, the live-fire drills will occur at a designated Naval Shooting Range, specifically:

• 16.5 nautical miles east of Ras Al-Julai’a, extending to Qaruh Island
• 6 nautical miles east of Ras Al-Zour, extending to Umm Al-Maradem Island

Mariners, fishermen, and seafarers are strongly advised to steer clear of these zones during the scheduled times for their own safety and to avoid any disruptions to the exercises.

The Army Directorate has urged all citizens and residents to strictly avoid the specified exercise zones during the drills. This precautionary measure is intended to prevent accidents and ensure smooth execution of the military operations.

The Kuwaiti Armed Forces routinely issue such advisories ahead of training activities to inform the public and maritime community, reinforcing the importance of safety and security during national defense operations.

The announcement comes as part of Kuwait's broader strategy to reinforce national defense readiness across its military branches. Similar training efforts have been observed in recent months, emphasizing the country’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and military proficiency.

Readers interested in Kuwait’s ongoing defense and maritime efforts can explore other related updates such as recent Kuwaiti Air Force drills and border security enhancements.

The Military Police Command of the General Staff of the Army has introduced a new emergency hotline 119, available around the clock to the public. This move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and accountability within the Ministry of Defense in Kuwait.

Purpose of the Hotline

The 119 hotline is specifically designed to receive:

• Reports of misconduct
• Complaints concerning Ministry of Defense personnel
• Violations impacting the Ministry's property and facilities

This initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing the Ministry’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively to security-related incidents.

To encourage public cooperation and ensure transparency, the Military Police Command has affirmed that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality. This safeguard aims to protect informants and uphold the integrity of the reporting process.

The launch of this hotline is aligned with broader efforts by the Ministry of Defense to improve internal monitoring and responsiveness. It supports the institution’s strategic goals by facilitating faster follow-ups and reinforcing accountability mechanisms.

Kuwaiti citizens and residents are encouraged to make use of this service if they witness any irregularities or violations involving Ministry of Defense personnel or property. Their participation is essential in supporting national defense integrity and promoting a secure environment for all.

Kuwait International Airport has fallen to the bottom of Gulf aviation rankings following a notable drop in passenger traffic. While regional hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi are experiencing rapid growth, Kuwait’s main airport recorded a 3% decrease in passengers in the first half of 2025, totaling only 7.4 million travelers.

This downward trend makes Kuwait the only Gulf nation to report a decline in air traffic during this period. In contrast, Dubai welcomed 46 million passengers (a 2.3% increase), while Abu Dhabi saw a 13% jump to 15.8 million passengers. Even smaller hubs like Bahrain and Muscat achieved modest growth.

A major factor contributing to Kuwait’s decline is the withdrawal of key international airlines. British Airways suspended its Kuwait route in March 2025, joining other major carriers like Lufthansa and KLM that have already ceased operations in the country.

While Bahrain managed to persuade British Airways to maintain its flights, Kuwait's lack of swift diplomatic engagement left its route cancelled. Aviation analysts highlight this as a sign of broader institutional inaction in Kuwait’s civil aviation sector.

• Limited expansion of national carriers due to regulatory restrictions.
• Delays in renewing contracts and attracting new airlines due to bureaucratic processes.
• Aging infrastructure, with reports of gravel on the runway causing aircraft damage and overcrowded terminals disrupting operations.
• High jet fuel prices, making operations less attractive for carriers compared to other Gulf airports.

Kuwait’s Vision 2035 plan envisions transforming the country into a financial and commercial hub. A core pillar of this initiative is a modern, efficient airport that acts as a gateway for global commerce and tourism. However, aviation experts argue that Kuwait International Airport’s current performance is “out of sync” with these national goals.

“There is an over-reliance on a single decision-making body — the General Authority of Civil Aviation,” said one expert. “To reverse this trend, Kuwait needs to decentralize oversight and implement a time-bound action plan with input from multiple credible entities.”

With neighboring Gulf countries accelerating their aviation strategies, Kuwait risks losing its competitive edge. Experts are calling for:

• A diversified aviation oversight framework
• Rapid modernization of infrastructure
• Proactive airline engagement policies
• Targeted investment in airport services and facilities

If these measures are not taken promptly, Kuwait’s goal of becoming a key regional transit hub under Vision 2035 may slip further out of reach.