The Kuwaiti Army General Staff has reassured citizens that the recent ballistic missile sighting over Kuwaiti skies does not pose any threat to the country’s safety or sovereignty.

In a statement released on Monday, the military authority clarified that the missiles observed were flying at high altitudes and did not penetrate Kuwaiti airspace. The army emphasized that there is no cause for public concern, as the trajectory of the missiles remained well beyond the country's borders.

This development comes amid heightened tensions in the region. However, Kuwaiti defense systems remain on high alert. The Ministry of Defense continues to monitor any unusual activity to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents.

Authorities have urged the public to rely on official statements and avoid spreading rumors. In similar cases, the Kuwaiti government has previously clarified missile-related incidents to avoid panic.

The General Staff reiterated its commitment to national security, asserting that Kuwait’s armed forces are equipped to handle any form of external threat. Recent military exercises and regional collaborations have enhanced the preparedness of Kuwaiti defense systems.

In light of the incident, the Kuwaiti Army continues to coordinate with regional allies to monitor evolving situations. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through verified news sources and government updates.

According to the Global Skills Index (GSI) 2025 released by Coursera, Kuwait has been ranked 69th globally and fifth among Gulf nations under the ‘Emerging Countries’ category. This category includes nations with skill performance scores between 25% and 49%. Kuwait displayed average performance in the fields of Business, Technology, and Data Science, but trailed behind in the AI Maturity Index, ranking 72nd globally.

In the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates led the way by ranking 38th globally, followed by Qatar (40th), Bahrain (51st), Saudi Arabia (54th), and Oman (75th). While Kuwait surpassed Oman in overall skills ranking, it placed sixth in the Gulf on the AI Maturity Index — a key sub-index assessing readiness for artificial intelligence integration.

The top five global performers in the GSI 2025 were Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, and Finland — all demonstrating strong capabilities in technical, business, and data science skills. On the other hand, Yemen, Sudan, Ethiopia, Venezuela, and Iraq ranked at the bottom of the list, largely due to systemic challenges in education and digital infrastructure.

The 2025 report highlighted a massive surge in demand for AI-related knowledge, especially generative AI (GenAI). Enrollment in GenAI courses on Coursera rose by 195% within one year, signaling a shift in the global skillset demand. Despite this, more than two-thirds of employers worldwide still cite a shortage of skilled professionals as a key obstacle to adopting emerging technologies.

The Global Skills Index analyzes data from over 170 million learners on Coursera, combined with external benchmarks from institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The assessment spans more than 109 countries and covers three core skill domains — Business, Technology, and Data Science — in addition to the new AI Maturity Index.

For Kuwait to advance its global and regional rankings, investments in digital education, AI training, and infrastructure are vital. Strategic partnerships with global learning platforms and policy initiatives to integrate AI into academic and workplace settings could help bridge the skills gap and enhance the country's AI maturity in the future.

His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, presided over a critical session of the Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace on Saturday evening. The meeting was convened to assess the implications of ongoing regional developments and to evaluate Kuwait's national preparedness in addressing potential security challenges.

During the high-level session, key ministers and senior officials delivered detailed briefings on the readiness of various government agencies. These updates covered emergency response plans, continuity of essential services, and logistical coordination to ensure the stability of vital sectors.

The Council stressed the importance of ensuring uninterrupted essential services, safeguarding the availability of food and medical supplies, and reinforcing public safety mechanisms. Officials reiterated their commitment to protecting both citizens and expatriates across the country.

Amid escalating regional tensions, the Council affirmed its ongoing evaluation of geopolitical shifts that could influence national security. Continuous coordination with allied nations and intelligence sources remains a cornerstone of Kuwait’s defense strategy.

Agencies were instructed to stay on high alert and review operational protocols to swiftly respond to any potential threats. Emphasis was also placed on public communication and transparency to avoid panic and maintain trust among residents.

Kuwait continues to collaborate with international partners and defense alliances to stay aligned with broader security frameworks. The proactive stance taken by the Supreme Defense Council reflects Kuwait’s enduring commitment to regional stability and internal resilience.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) in Kuwait has clarified that expatriate workers in the private sector, holding residency under Article 18, now have full control over the start and end dates of their exit permits. According to PAM Director Marzouq Al-Otaibi, this new flexibility is part of a broader effort to enhance worker rights and streamline administrative processes.

Speaking to local media, Al-Otaibi stated that the exit permit is simply a tool for documenting the worker's departure date and does not tie the worker to a specific return timeframe. This new system reflects PAM’s commitment to providing services that accommodate the individual needs of both employees and employers, while still maintaining regulatory oversight of the labor market.

In a related announcement, PAM has launched two digital services via the Sahel application to facilitate the new exit permit procedures. These include:

• Exit Permit Request (Sahel for Workers): Allows expatriate workers under Article 18 to submit exit permit requests electronically.
• Exit Permit Approval (Sahel Business for Employers): Enables employers to review and approve their employees' exit requests online.

This digital transformation aligns with the circular issued by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, mandating that all expatriate workers in the private sector must obtain exit permits before leaving the country. This requirement will be strictly enforced beginning July 1.

PAM emphasized that the exit permit system is not designed to restrict worker mobility but rather to ensure organized travel and accurate documentation. This system also complements other labor reforms being rolled out in Kuwait to balance workforce freedom with market regulation.

The Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced the rescheduling, transfer, and cancellation of several flights at Kuwait International Airport due to ongoing regional developments impacting air traffic and passenger safety.

According to an official DGCA statement issued on Friday, the authority is actively coordinating with all airlines operating in and out of Kuwait to manage affected flight schedules. Passengers are advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates.

As part of immediate precautionary measures, Jazeera Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Iran until further notice. This decision follows increased regional instability that may impact flight operations and passenger safety.

The airline stated in a press release that it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide real-time updates to affected passengers. Customers are encouraged to check the airline’s official communication channels for the latest developments.

This is not the first time regional tensions have disrupted air travel. Similar measures were observed during previous conflicts when Kuwait’s airspace safety was temporarily impacted, prompting authorities to reroute or cancel flights.

Travelers are urged to confirm flight details before heading to the airport. Flight status updates can also be accessed through the DGCA official website and individual airline portals.

In a devastating aviation disaster, Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people including 12 crew members, struck a nearby doctors’ hostel outside the airport perimeter.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that one male passenger seated in 11A was found alive and is currently undergoing treatment. “We cannot confirm the number of fatalities at this point, but the toll may rise as the crash occurred in a residential area,” he told ANI.

The flight departed at 13:39 IST from Runway 23. Shortly afterward, a Mayday call was made, but the aircraft lost contact with ATC. Witnesses saw heavy black smoke as the aircraft plummeted and struck the residential building.

The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over 8,200 hours of flight time. The co-pilot, Clive Kundar, had logged 1,100 hours. Of the 230 passengers onboard, 169 were Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian national.

Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, have been deployed to the crash site. Emergency services, including ambulances and fire brigades, are engaged in rescue operations. Affected individuals can call Air India’s emergency hotline at 1800 5691 444.

The Ahmedabad Police also released a helpline for the public: 07925620359.

Air India confirmed the incident and is cooperating with aviation authorities. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has launched two new digital services via the Sahel platform in line with Kuwait’s recent labor regulations.

Following a directive by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, private sector expatriates under Article 18 must obtain an exit permit from their employer before leaving Kuwait, starting July 1.

The services include:

• Employees: Can submit exit requests through the Sahel app.
• Employers: Can review and approve requests via the Sahel Business app.

The Sahel app currently supports Arabic only. An English version is in development to improve accessibility for non-Arabic speakers.

This step enhances administrative transparency and ensures compliance with labor laws. Employers and workers should adapt quickly to avoid delays and ensure smooth travel procedures.

Kuwait observes numerous public holidays, including major religious events such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, the Islamic New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, and Isra and Mi’raj. Additionally, national holidays like National Day and Liberation Day, along with New Year’s Day, contribute to the country’s official break calendar.

While these holidays offer essential rest and cultural celebration for citizens and residents, they can pose significant challenges for Kuwait’s economy—particularly its financial markets.

The Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) is notably affected by extended holiday periods. Market closures during these times result in reduced liquidity, interruptions in trading activity, and diminished investor sentiment.

Many investors choose to delay significant investment decisions during long holiday breaks, leading to periods of market stagnation. Furthermore, when the stock exchange remains closed, it cannot respond swiftly to global economic or political events, potentially heightening market uncertainty upon reopening.

Small and medium-cap stocks are particularly susceptible to liquidity fluctuations during these closures. Moreover, prolonged or frequent holidays can discourage foreign investors from entering the Kuwaiti market, as they often seek more consistent trading opportunities.

Compared to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, Kuwait’s stock exchange faces greater disruption from public holidays. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul, one of the region’s largest exchanges, is more resilient due to its size and diversified investor base. The Tadawul market structure allows it to absorb holiday-related impacts more effectively.

In contrast, Kuwait’s approach to its holiday calendar tends to be less flexible, resulting in more frequent and longer trading interruptions.

Authorities in Kuwait could consider revising the public holiday calendar to minimize stock market closures, especially during extended breaks. Another potential strategy is to exempt the Kuwait Stock Exchange from certain national holidays to maintain market continuity and attract more foreign capital.

Additionally, adopting best practices from global stock exchanges and providing investor education on managing portfolios around public holidays can improve overall market efficiency and reduce risk exposure.

Public holidays are integral to Kuwait’s cultural and social fabric. However, excessive and prolonged market closures can adversely affect stock market liquidity and erode investor confidence. By strategically reviewing and potentially revising holiday policies, Kuwait can enhance the performance and global competitiveness of its stock exchange.

Domestic workers in Kuwait represented approximately 24.9% of the country’s total expatriate labor force by the end of 2024, according to data from the Central Statistical Administration. The number of domestic workers stood at around 736,000, reflecting a 6.4% decrease compared to 2023, when the figure was approximately 786,000.

According to a recent report by Al-Shall Consulting Company, about 410,000 domestic workers were female, while 326,000 were male.

Top Nationalities Among Female Domestic Workers

Among female domestic workers, the Philippines led with 137,000 workers, a notable drop from 183,000 in 2023.

Top Nationalities Among Male Domestic Workers

Indian nationals comprised the largest group of male domestic workers, numbering around 212,000, down from 249,000 the previous year.

The report, cited by Al-Jarida daily, did not provide a clear explanation for this year-on-year decline in domestic worker numbers.

India continues to be the largest contributor to Kuwait’s domestic labor market, accounting for about 42.1% of the total domestic workforce. The Philippines ranks second with 18.7%.

Combined, four nationalities—India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh—make up approximately 90.4% of Kuwait’s domestic worker population.

Other Notable Nationalities

• Nepal holds a 6.8% share.
• Sudan has the smallest share at 0.2%.
• Benin (1.1%), Ethiopia (0.8%), Mali (0.4%), and Sudan are also among the top ten source countries for domestic workers.

When considering all categories of expatriate workers, Indian nationals remain the largest group in Kuwait, with about 884,000 workers. Despite a decline of around 41,000 domestic male workers since 2023, Indians still account for 30% of Kuwait’s total labor force.

Top Nationalities in Kuwait’s Total Workforce

• Egyptians represent the second-largest group with approximately 16.2% of the total labor force.
• Kuwaiti nationals rank third with 450,000 workers, slightly down from 454,000 in 2023. However, the Public Authority for Civil Information reports a higher number of 505,000, possibly due to the inclusion of military personnel or unemployed individuals.

Bangladeshi and Filipino Workers

• Bangladesh holds fourth place with approximately 276,000 workers, up from 263,000 in 2023, accounting for 9.4% of the total workforce and 11% of the expatriate population.
• The Philippines ranks fifth with about 200,000 workers, a decline from 249,000, representing 6.8% of the total workforce and 8% of expatriate workers.

The decline in the number of domestic workers in Kuwait, particularly among Indian and Filipino nationals, signals a potential shift in labor market dynamics. As Kuwait continues to evolve its labor policies and manage its expatriate workforce, understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders alike.

An expatriate in Kuwait fell victim to a phone scam and lost KWD 400 after unknowingly sharing personal banking details. The incident was reported at a police station in the Ahmadi Governorate, where the victim revealed that the fraudster posed as a Kuwaiti citizen affiliated with a government agency.

According to the police report, the scammer contacted the victim under the pretense of updating government records. The caller requested sensitive information, including the expatriate's civil ID and bank card details. Believing the caller was legitimate, the victim complied.

Moments later, the victim received an SMS alert from the bank confirming a withdrawal of KWD 400. Realizing the fraud, the expatriate swiftly contacted the bank and had the account deactivated to block further unauthorized transactions.

The case has been officially registered, and relevant authorities have initiated an investigation. Law enforcement agencies in Kuwait are actively working to trace the source of the call and identify those involved in the fraudulent activity.

With similar scams on the rise in Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior has previously issued warnings about fraudulent calls and deceptive online schemes, especially during holiday seasons. Citizens and expatriates are urged to avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone unless they can independently verify the caller’s identity.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

• Do not disclose your civil ID, bank card number, or PIN over the phone.
• Verify the caller’s identity by contacting the relevant authority directly.
• Enable transaction alerts and monitor your bank account regularly.
• Report suspicious activity to the police or your bank immediately.

The Al-Ojairi Scientific Center announced on Wednesday that Kuwait will witness a spectacular celestial event on June 11, 2025, as the full moon, popularly called the “Strawberry Moon”, lights up the night sky. This phenomenon, reported by Al-Seyassah daily, is named after the strawberry harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Strawberry Moon derives its name from the period when strawberries ripen in the Northern Hemisphere during June. This full moon marks one of the most striking sights of the month and holds cultural significance worldwide.

Moon at Apogee – June 7

On June 7, the moon will reach apogee, its farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit, appearing slightly smaller and dimmer than usual. This event is scientifically known as the “moon at apogee” and is a fascinating occurrence for astronomy enthusiasts.

Moon-Saturn Conjunction – June 19

The moon and Saturn will align closely on June 19, with the moon passing about 23 degrees away from the ringed planet. At 23 days old, the moon’s conjunction with Saturn offers a great opportunity for stargazers to observe both celestial bodies in proximity.

Summer Solstice – June 21

The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, will take place on June 21. This day marks the official beginning of summer, with the sun reaching its highest point in the sky, resulting in extended daylight hours.

Jupiter Conjunction and New Moon – June 24-25

On June 24, Jupiter will be in conjunction with the sun, moving to the far side of the solar system. The very next day, a new moon will occur, coinciding with the moon’s perigee — its closest approach to Earth. The moon will be approximately 1.01140 astronomical units from the sun during this time.

Moon and Mars Ascendant Alignment – June 30

Closing the month, on June 30, the moon and Mars will share the same ascendant. The moon will pass 12 degrees north of Mars while being five days old, presenting another exciting sight for night sky watchers.

These astronomical events highlight Kuwait's favorable conditions for celestial observations during June. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy these natural phenomena from various vantage points across the country.

Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Al-Youssef, has enacted Ministerial Resolution No. 4 of 2025, revising the country's work permit regulations to streamline labor policies and ensure fee standardization.

The latest resolution significantly updates Ministerial Resolution No. 3 of 2024, particularly the mechanisms around permit issuance, worker transfer, and applicable charges. A major revision includes the elimination of Article Two, which previously allowed specific sectors to obtain permits without paying additional fees based on manpower demands approved by the Public Authority for Manpower.

Under the updated structure, a uniform additional fee of KD 150 will now be levied per work permit on a case-by-case basis, regardless of sector. This removes the prior exemption previously enjoyed by several public and private entities.

Entities Affected by the New Fee Structure:

• Government-owned companies
• Ministry of Health-licensed hospitals, clinics, and medical centers
• Private educational institutions including schools, colleges, and universities
• Foreign investors endorsed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority
• Sports federations and clubs
• Cooperative societies, charities, labor unions, endowments, and public benefit associations
• Agricultural plots including livestock, grazing, and hunting activities
• Commercial and investment real estate operations
• Industrial and small-scale manufacturing facilities

The resolution also abolishes Article Five, which mandated a one-year impact assessment by the Public Authority for Manpower’s Board of Directors. With this clause repealed, the new system goes into effect without requiring a formal review phase.

Purpose Behind the Regulatory Reform

This strategic move by Kuwaiti authorities is part of a broader effort to standardize employment policies, eliminate inconsistencies in labor permit fees, and boost transparency in the labor market. These changes also align with national efforts to reduce sector-specific dependencies and streamline administrative procedures across public and private entities.

In a strategic diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, India is reinforcing its zero tolerance policy against terrorism. An eight-member all-party delegation from India will visit Kuwait from May 25 to 27 as part of this effort.

The delegation is led by senior BJP leader Baijayant Panda and will also visit Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Algeria. It includes prominent Indian political figures such as Dr. Nishikant Dubey MP, Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP’s Phangnon Konyak and Rekha Sharma, nominated MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former foreign secretary Ambassador Harsh Shringla.

This delegation is one of seven all-party delegations traveling globally to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council and the European Union, to convey India's firm stance on terrorism. Collectively, the seven delegations comprise 59 members, including 31 politicians from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and 20 from other parties, supported by experienced former diplomats.

This diplomatic initiative highlights India’s commitment to fostering global cooperation against terrorism and maintaining peace and security in strategic regions, including the Gulf. Kuwait, being a key partner in the Gulf region, is an important stop in India’s global outreach.

The visit complements ongoing collaborations in trade, energy, and cultural exchanges between India and Kuwait. For more details on India-Kuwait bilateral relations, see our coverage on the India-Kuwait economic partnership.

India’s multi-country diplomatic tours by all-party delegations underscore the nation’s proactive foreign policy to combat terrorism through dialogue and partnerships. These efforts aim to create a united international front against terror activities.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a new weather warning notification service accessible through the unified government e-services app, Sahl. This initiative aims to enhance public safety and increase awareness about climate-related risks.

According to DGCA spokesman Abdullah Al-Rajhi, the newly launched service enables users to receive instant notifications about weather warnings issued by the relevant authorities. This timely information allows individuals to take necessary preventive actions and better prepare for adverse weather conditions.

The DGCA highlighted that the service is part of a broader effort to raise public awareness about climate change and its potential impact on daily life. By leveraging technology, the government hopes to foster a more informed and prepared community.

The weather warning notifications can be accessed easily through the Sahl app, which consolidates various government services in one platform for user convenience.

This service complements other government efforts aimed at safeguarding residents, such as the recent updates in aviation safety protocols and emergency response systems.

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announced on Saturday that it has completed the distribution of new Kuwaiti banknotes in various denominations to all local banks. This move guarantees a sufficient supply of fresh currency to meet public demand ahead of the upcoming Eid Al-Adha celebrations.

In its official statement, the CBK encouraged customers who wish to obtain the new banknotes to visit their respective bank branches during regular working hours. Additionally, Kuwaiti banks will soon announce the locations of branches designated to provide the “Ayadi” cashing service, a facility designed to ease the process of receiving fresh banknotes. Other convenient methods for obtaining new currency will also be made available to customers shortly.

The distribution of new banknotes comes as part of the CBK’s commitment to ensuring financial readiness during peak periods like Eid. The availability of clean, new currency notes helps facilitate smoother cash transactions and supports local businesses during the festive season.

Kuwait’s financial institutions have recently taken multiple initiatives to enhance customer services and ensure smooth banking operations during important occasions. 

For more information about the official guidelines on currency distribution and the “Ayadi” service, you can visit the Central Bank of Kuwait’s official website, which provides detailed instructions for customers on how to safely exchange and handle new banknotes during public holidays and special events.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy launched the third edition of the National Energy Saving Campaign (Waffer) on Sunday, aiming to raise awareness about electricity and water conservation. The campaign focuses on protecting vital resources, reducing waste, and supporting environmental and economic sustainability across Kuwait.

At a press conference held at the Government Communication Center, Dr. Adel Al-Zamel, Undersecretary and Chairman of the Electricity and Water Consumption Rationalization Committee, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of responsible energy use. He explained that the campaign aligns with Kuwait’s national policies and enjoys extensive government support to achieve its objectives.

Addressing Rising Consumption Challenges

Dr. Al-Zamel highlighted the increasing rates of electricity and water consumption in Kuwait, noting the resulting environmental and economic pressures. He urged government agencies, institutions, and individuals to critically reassess their consumption patterns and actively participate in efforts to reduce unnecessary waste.

“This campaign represents a shared national responsibility,” said Al-Zamel, “calling on everyone to adopt rational use as a core value, moderation as a strength, and cooperation as the pathway to sustainability.” He also stressed that Kuwait’s per capita energy consumption remains notably high compared to global standards, necessitating intensified media efforts to encourage responsible water usage.

Engineers Khadija Bushehri and Mohammed Al-Hattab, leaders of the Ministry’s awareness team, presented a comprehensive media campaign designed to promote responsible energy behavior. They highlighted initiatives targeting both public and private sectors, including the promotion of energy-efficient products and sustainable practices.

Educational Outreach to Younger Generations

To instill energy-saving habits early on, the Ministry introduced a children’s awareness video featuring popular cartoon characters "Kahroob" and "Qatura." The animated content aims to educate young audiences on the importance of conserving energy and water resources.

The Ministry invited the public to visit the Waffer pavilion at Avenues Mall (Phase 2) to explore interactive exhibits that demonstrate energy waste and practical methods for efficient consumption. This hands-on experience is designed to enhance understanding and motivate sustainable lifestyle changes.

Dr. Al-Zamel expressed confidence in the campaign’s success through collective participation and praised government agencies for their ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption in public buildings. The National Energy Saving Campaign is part of Kuwait’s broader vision to secure environmental sustainability and reduce economic burdens linked to resource overuse.

A devastating building fire in the Al-Reggai area early Sunday morning has claimed the lives of six individuals, while five others remain in critical condition. An additional 15 residents suffered varying degrees of burns, from moderate to severe. According to the Kuwait Fire Force, emergency teams were able to contain the fire and prevent further escalation.

Firefighting units from Shuwaikh Industrial and Ardiya Centers, supported by Search and Rescue teams, responded swiftly to the emergency. The fire reportedly broke out in two apartments within the building. Despite the prompt intervention, three charred bodies were recovered, and others were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Some residents were forced to leap from the building’s upper floors to escape the flames, drawing comparisons to the recent Mangaf fire tragedy.

Authorities are actively investigating the cause and circumstances of the fire. Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Gharib, Director of Public Relations at the Kuwait Fire Force, confirmed the rising death toll and linked the incident to unsafe expat bachelor accommodations, which failed to meet basic fire safety regulations.

In light of the incident, the Public Relations and Media Department of the Kuwait Fire Force has issued a strong advisory, urging property owners to:

• Adhere strictly to fire safety standards.
• Ensure external walkways and emergency exits remain unobstructed.
• Avoid renting properties in violation of zoning laws or safety codes, especially to large groups of expatriate bachelors.

Similar warnings were issued after the Mangaf residential fire that also led to multiple fatalities.

The latest tragedy raises urgent questions about the prevalence of unsafe housing and the enforcement of building safety laws in Kuwait. Experts have stressed the need for:

• Regular inspections of rental properties.
• Stricter penalties for non-compliance with fire codes.
• Public awareness campaigns on fire safety and evacuation procedures.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, has officially approved comprehensive school canteen regulations developed by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) and endorsed by the Fatwa and Legislation Department. The newly approved guidelines are expected to come into effect once published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that these regulations are part of Kuwait’s national strategy to combat unhealthy eating habits among students and improve the overall nutritional value of food served in educational institutions.

Comprehensive Framework for School Cafeterias

The updated regulations apply to all public and private schools in Kuwait and serve as a detailed framework governing school canteen operations. The rules are designed to ensure that the food provided to students is safe, nutritious, and compliant with Gulf standard specifications.

• Facility Standards: Specifications for kitchen infrastructure, hygiene practices, and food storage.
• Staff Qualifications: Requirements for training and health certification of cafeteria workers.
• Food Standards: Ban on harmful ingredients such as trans fats, excessive sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
• Inspection & Licensing: Introduction of a licensing system along with regular inspections for compliance.

Three Categories of School Canteens

1. Packaged Food Canteens – Sell only pre-packaged, approved food items.
2. Ready-to-Eat Meal Providers – Offer freshly prepared meals without full kitchen facilities.
3. Full-Service Kitchens – Prepare hot meals on-site with dedicated kitchen setups.

Guidelines for Nutritious Meal Planning

The regulations include detailed guidance on meal planning, including:

• Designing meals based on the five basic food groups.
• Customizing caloric intake for different age groups and educational levels.
• Strictly banning foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium, especially for breakfast and lunch offerings in private schools.

This aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to reduce childhood obesity and chronic diseases.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The regulations also establish clear penalties for violations, with fines ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000. Repeat offenses may result in the temporary or permanent closure of the school canteen.

National Health Strategy and Related Developments

This move is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing public health and nutrition in Kuwait. It follows other initiatives such as the Ministry of Health’s support for emergency medical response modernization and the Food and Nutrition Authority’s market inspections for safety and quality.