With Kuwait experiencing heavy rains and adverse weather conditions today (Wednesday), the Ministry of Interior has issued an urgent safety advisory for all motorists. Drivers are urged to adhere to precautionary measures to ensure road safety and minimize the risk of accidents during the inclement weather.

To navigate the roads safely during the ongoing rain, the Ministry of Interior advises motorists to:

• Check Vehicle Condition: Ensure tires and windshield wipers are in good working condition to maintain visibility and grip on wet roads.
• Reduce Speed: Drive at a controlled speed to prevent skidding and maintain stability on slippery surfaces.
• Avoid Mobile Phone Use: Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions caused by mobile phones while driving.
• Steer Clear of Waterlogged Roads: Avoid areas with accumulated water to prevent vehicle damage and loss of control.
• Maintain Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to allow sufficient braking time and reduce collision risks.

The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Defense, continues to monitor the weather conditions and take necessary measures to ensure public safety. Authorities urge residents to stay updated through official announcements and follow safety guidelines.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior (MOI) has issued a warning against fraudulent messages and fake websites impersonating the ministry to collect traffic violation payments. Citizens and expatriates are urged to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of any payment-related communication.

Scammers use deceptive tactics, such as sending text messages from international numbers, falsely claiming to offer discounts on traffic fines, or directing users to counterfeit websites. These fraudulent messages often prompt users to enter personal or financial details, putting them at risk of identity theft and financial loss.

The MOI emphasizes that traffic fines can only be paid through the following official channels:

• Ministry of Interior’s official website
• Ministry of Interior mobile application
• Sahel application

No other platforms or services are authorized to process traffic fine payments.

To combat fraud, the Ministry urges residents to report any suspicious messages immediately via the "Aman" service within the "Sahel" app. Verifying the sender's identity before engaging with any payment request is crucial in avoiding scams.

As digital scams continue to rise, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant, avoid clicking on unverified links, and share this information to prevent others from falling victim.

The General Authority for Food and Nutrition (GAFN) has reiterated its commitment to prohibiting the use of insects in food products. This decision aligns with the ruling made by the Technical Committee in 2023, emphasizing adherence to Gulf regulations on halal food standards.

According to the approved Gulf regulation on "General Requirements for Halal Food," all types of insects and worms are strictly prohibited in food production and processing. The GAFN has reinforced that any food products containing insect-derived ingredients will not be allowed entry into Kuwait.

To ensure strict compliance, the authority has assigned various technical departments and national committees to monitor developments regarding this issue. This proactive approach aims to protect consumer rights, food safety, and adherence to halal dietary laws in the country.

Authorities will implement stringent inspections at ports, food distribution centers, and markets to prevent the circulation of non-compliant products. Importers and food suppliers are urged to adhere to these regulations to avoid legal consequences and product rejections.

Kuwait has intensified regulatory measures on money transfers, raising concerns among individuals and businesses engaged in periodic financial transactions. The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) is implementing stricter oversight to ensure transparency and compliance with international financial regulations.

According to sources, the CBK now requires detailed verification of actual beneficiaries, even for transactions under 50 Kuwaiti dinars. Individuals assisting friends with transfers or acting as intermediaries for companies with overseas employees may face increased scrutiny. Additionally, transactions that are consistent in frequency or amount will require justification, regardless of the sender's relationship with the exchange company.

The new regulatory framework aligns with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Exchange companies must verify and update customer information throughout the transaction process, ensuring transparency in financial transfers. Furthermore, automated monitoring systems must be regularly assessed to prevent illicit financial activities.

Exchange companies are now required to maintain customer and transaction records for a minimum of five years. For transactions exceeding 3,000 dinars (or equivalent foreign currency), detailed data must be submitted to the CBK for review. Additionally, companies must implement robust protocols to identify and report suspicious transactions that may involve proceeds of crime or links to terrorism financing.

To enhance financial security, exchange companies must classify customers into risk levels—low, medium, or high—and apply appropriate due diligence measures. High-risk customers will be subject to additional scrutiny, including file reviews and transaction monitoring.

As part of its oversight efforts, the CBK mandates that exchange companies engage an audit firm, preferably linked to an international entity, to evaluate compliance with Law No. 106 of 2013. These audits, focused on detecting unusual transactions, must be conducted semi-annually, with reports submitted by June 30 and December 31.

To comply with international financial security measures, exchange companies must integrate an automated system to screen individuals and entities against global sanctions lists, including those issued by the UN Security Council and Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Financial services are strictly prohibited for individuals or organizations listed under these sanctions.

With these enhanced regulatory measures, individuals and businesses involved in money transfers must ensure compliance with the new standards. By adhering to the updated verification and reporting requirements, Kuwait aims to fortify its financial sector against illicit activities while maintaining alignment with global anti-money laundering efforts.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works, led by Minister Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, has announced the commencement of comprehensive maintenance on the Al-Subiya Expressway as part of the country’s broader road infrastructure improvement initiatives. This effort aligns with Kuwait’s commitment to ensuring high-quality roads that meet international safety and durability standards.

Minister Al-Mashaan highlighted that the road rehabilitation project follows extensive inspections conducted by the ministry’s technical teams. The repair work will focus first on the most damaged areas, ensuring systematic restoration across the expressway. The initiative is part of a long-term strategy to enhance national road networks and accommodate Kuwait’s growing urban and transportation needs.

The minister emphasized that strict supervision will be in place throughout the project's phases, from design to execution, to ensure compliance with global engineering standards. She called on all involved contractors to maintain efficiency, adhere to the agreed timelines, and deliver high-quality results.

She also reiterated the government’s focus on infrastructure as a key pillar of economic development, aligning with the directives of His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The project falls under the broader vision of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who have prioritized road maintenance as part of Kuwait’s “New Kuwait 2035” development plan. Their support underscores the critical role of modernized roadways in national progress.

The ministry aims to establish a sustainable and safe road network, minimizing future maintenance needs and optimizing traffic flow. The ongoing enhancements are expected to significantly improve driving conditions and ensure long-term durability.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning against unauthorized street racing and reckless driving on public roads. Individuals engaging in such activities without proper permits, violating permit conditions, or assembling vehicles for dangerous use will now face severe penalties.

Starting April 22, those caught participating in illegal motor vehicle races or reckless driving will be fined 150 dinars if a settlement order is approved. If the case proceeds to court, offenders may face imprisonment ranging from one to three years, fines between 600 and 1,000 dinars, or both.

To ensure public compliance, the General Department of Public Relations and Security Media has launched an awareness campaign. Informational brochures detailing the new traffic regulations will be distributed in multiple languages.

A security source revealed that in the coming days, the Ministry of Interior will systematically publish details of all traffic violations, listing each offense along with its corresponding fine. This initiative aims to enhance road safety and reinforce adherence to traffic laws to reduce accidents.

Kuwait’s National Day celebrations continued with a breathtaking drone light show at Al Khairan Mall on Friday night. The event featured a dazzling array of formations that beautifully showcased Kuwait’s national identity and cultural heritage.

Hundreds of drones lit up the night sky, forming stunning images such as the Kuwaiti flag, the iconic Kuwait Towers, and other patriotic symbols. This mesmerizing display captivated spectators and highlighted the significance of the occasion.

As part of the National Day festivities and the Ya Hala Shopping Festival, similar drone shows are set to take place at various locations throughout Kuwait. These high-tech performances aim to bring communities together in celebration of the country's rich history and progress.

The synchronized drone formations, paired with vibrant colors and intricate designs, have become a key attraction, drawing large crowds eager to witness these artistic sky displays.

Kuwait’s commitment to embracing modern technology in its National Day celebrations reflects the nation’s vision of combining innovation with tradition. The drone shows are a testament to the country’s pride and cultural heritage, making the celebrations even more memorable.

Exciting news for Kuwait’s sports fans! The prestigious Stadium of the Year 2024 competition, organized by StadiumDB.com, is now open for public voting, and Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Stadium in Sulaibikhat, Kuwait, has been selected as one of the top 23 nominees worldwide!

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Kuwait’s sports infrastructure on a global stage. The competition allows fans to vote for up to five stadiums, and every vote plays a crucial role in determining the winner. This isn’t just about the biggest or most expensive stadium—it’s about passion, community, and fan support.

• Pride for Kuwait – A chance to represent Kuwait in an international contest.
• Recognizing Excellence – Support a stadium that provides a world-class sporting experience.
• Your Vote Matters – The winner is determined purely by public votes, meaning every individual vote makes a difference.

It’s simple! Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Stadium of the Year 2024 public vote platform: Vote Here
2. Select up to five stadiums (make sure to include Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Stadium!).
3. Submit your vote and share this with friends and family!

• Learn more about the Stadium of the Year competition: Wikipedia
• Watch the official video showcasing all 23 nominated stadiums: YouTube Video
• View the full map of nominated stadiums: View Map
• Check the step-by-step voting guide: How to Vote

This is our chance to put Kuwait on the global sports map. The more people we engage, the greater the chances of Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Stadium winning this title. Let’s unite as a community and make Kuwait proud!

Regular working hours will resume on Sunday, March 2, 2025, following the public holiday break.

The holiday applies to government bodies, authorities, and institutions. However, entities with specific working hours are authorized to determine their own holiday schedules.

Some sectors, such as essential services, may decide their own holiday observance depending on operational needs.

Kuwait’s National Day, celebrated on February 25, marks the day of independence from British protection in 1961, while Liberation Day, celebrated on February 26, commemorates Kuwait’s liberation from Iraqi occupation in 1991.

This announcement will affect government operations, with most public offices closed for the three-day period.

In a significant political development, an Amiri Decree has been issued appointing Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah as the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Additionally, the decree designates Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as the new Minister of Defense.

Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, previously serving as Minister of Interior, has now been elevated to the position of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. This promotion reflects his leadership capabilities and commitment to strengthening Kuwait’s internal security framework.

Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah has been appointed as the Minister of Defense, taking over a critical role in ensuring the nation's military preparedness and strategic defense planning. His expertise is expected to contribute significantly to Kuwait’s national security policies.

These high-profile appointments highlight Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to enhance governance and security. The reshuffling comes at a time when regional and global challenges necessitate strong leadership in defense and internal affairs.

The Deputy Director General of the Community Nutrition Sector at the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN), Dr. Shaima Mohammad Al-Asfour, emphasized the significance of new regulations targeting partially hydrogenated fats. This regulation is designed to limit the use of trans fats in food products, aiming to reduce risks of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Al-Asfour explained that partially hydrogenated fats are a leading cause of harmful cholesterol levels, which contribute to heart disease. These fats, commonly found in products like margarine, baked goods, and fast food, have been linked to a range of health problems, including diabetes and obesity.

PAFN is working in close collaboration with several ministries, such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This joint effort ensures effective implementation and monitoring of the regulation across both local and imported products.

The regulation will come into effect by May 1, 2025. Dr. Al-Asfour outlined the ongoing steps to ensure compliance, including monitoring and laboratory testing of products, with penalties in place for non-compliance.

Consumers can identify products with hydrogenated fats by checking the ingredient list. PAFN ensures that products undergo laboratory tests to verify their compliance with the regulation.

Some companies have expressed concerns about the cost of reformulating products, but PAFN is actively addressing these challenges through meetings and workshops. Additionally, the authority is planning to launch public awareness campaigns across various media platforms to inform consumers about the regulation and its health benefits.

Dr. Al-Asfour shared that PAFN is working on updating school cafeteria regulations and making calorie specifications a binding requirement in Kuwait. The goal is to shift food consumption patterns to healthier options, ultimately reducing chronic diseases and promoting better public health.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a directive to prohibit police officers from appearing in their uniforms in public spaces, including markets, shopping malls, cooperative societies, wedding halls, cemeteries, and mourning gatherings. The ministry emphasized that disciplinary action will be taken against officers who fail to comply with this order. However, exceptions will be made for officers whose duties require them to be present in these locations.

In related news, the Ministry of Interior continues its intensive efforts to arrest and deport expatriates who are found violating residency and labor regulations in Kuwait.

According to security sources, the Deportation Center has successfully completed the transfer of female detainees from the old detention building in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh to a newly built, internationally compliant facility in Sulaibiya. The sources also disclosed that the number of deportations in January alone reached approximately 2,000 individuals of various nationalities.

The Deportation Department is actively working on improving the deportation process for violators referred from all security sectors. Efforts include ensuring that humanitarian standards are upheld during the detainees' time in custody.

The Ministry of Interior has assured the public that it will continue to enforce the law without hesitation, holding both workers and employers accountable for any violations related to residency and labor laws.

The gang was involved in facilitating illegal residency transfers and the illegal entry of foreign workers into Kuwait. According to security sources, the gang charged between 400 dinars for local residency transfers and up to 2,000 dinars or more for bringing workers into the country illegally. Their operations were highly organized, with the Egyptian leader, known as "the fox," coordinating the activities, and his two accomplices—employees in the residency and manpower departments—providing the necessary support to manipulate official records.

After thorough investigations, authorities uncovered over 275 manipulated company records, some of which were legitimate while others were fictitious. These companies were used to create fake job opportunities and issue work permits for more than 553 workers, all for financial gain. The gang’s activities were not limited to residency transfers. They also exploited the system by registering workers under these fake companies, many of which were closed immediately after the residency permits were issued and payments were received. This left numerous workers in legal limbo, unaware of their illegal status, and wandering the country in violation of the law.

After gathering sufficient evidence, the security forces moved in to arrest the gang members. The Egyptian leader, "the fox," and his two accomplices were apprehended and subsequently confessed to their crimes. They admitted to tampering with official transactions, manipulating company records, and issuing fraudulent work permits in exchange for large sums of money. The total amount earned by the gang through these illegal activities exceeded one million dinars.

All individuals involved in the illegal visa trading scheme have been referred for prosecution. The new residency law, which has been recently updated, imposes severe penalties on those involved in residency trafficking. Offenders face imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years and fines between 5,000 and 10,000 dinars. The penalties are even harsher for public employees who abuse their positions to facilitate such crimes, with the law stipulating doubled penalties in such cases.

• Enhanced Transaction Monitoring: Increased scrutiny of residency and work permit transactions under new laws and regulations.
• 24/7 Hotline: A hotline is available for reporting residency trafficking around the clock.
• Comprehensive Audits: A plan has been established to ensure the legitimacy of companies used for residency permits.
• Electronic Monitoring Systems: Advanced electronic systems are introduced to make it harder for violators to manipulate the system.
• Surprise Inspections: Continuous field inspections are being conducted to detect and address any violations.

The government encourages workers to report violations without fear of punishment, emphasizing the protection of whistleblowers. At the same time, the law mandates strict and severe penalties for anyone involved in residency trafficking, sending a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.

In a significant step towards enhancing food safety and expediting customs clearance, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) has officially launched Kuwait’s first mobile food testing laboratory at Kuwait International Airport. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to streamline trade operations and ensure the highest food safety standards.

Dr. Reem Al-Fulaij, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of PAFN, emphasized that the mobile lab aims to speed up food product clearance, particularly for perishable goods. Previously, food samples had to be transported to the main laboratory in Shuwaikh for testing, causing delays in the import process. With on-site testing capabilities, clearance times are now significantly reduced, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

Equipped with advanced testing devices, the mobile lab conducts chemical analyses to detect pesticide residues, harmful microorganisms, and other contaminants in food products. This initiative strengthens Kuwait’s commitment to food safety while ensuring that imported goods comply with health regulations before entering the market.

The flexibility of the mobile food lab allows it to be relocated to different locations as needed, reducing operational costs while maintaining high efficiency. According to Dr. Al-Fulaij, establishing separate labs at each entry point would be resource-intensive. Instead, the mobile solution ensures cost-effective operations without compromising safety standards.

A dedicated technical team operates the mobile lab around the clock, ensuring swift and reliable results. The lab is electronically linked with relevant government authorities, facilitating real-time communication. Importers can track sample testing progress via the Raqib platform, ensuring transparency and efficient food inspection procedures.

The launch of Kuwait’s first mobile food testing lab represents a milestone in the country’s food safety framework. By leveraging technology and innovation, PAFN is enhancing public health protection, supporting faster trade clearance, and maintaining high-quality standards for imported food.

The latest data from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) shows a decrease in the number of Kuwaiti citizens working in the private sector from 72,231 at the end of December 2023 to 70,756 by December 2024. This represents a decline of 1,475 employees.

As of the end of December 2024, the number of Kuwaiti men employed in the private sector stood at 39,418, while Kuwaiti women in the sector totaled 31,338.

In contrast to the private sector, the government sector saw an increase in national employment. By the end of December 2024, the total number of Kuwaiti employees in the government sector reached 400,815, up by 3,125 employees from the 397,690 reported at the end of 2023.

The government's workforce consists of 207,011 women and 193,804 men as of December 2024.

The statistics also revealed that the total number of unemployed Kuwaiti citizens stood at approximately 33,307 by the end of December 2024.

The Kuwaiti market is experiencing a notable shift towards digital transactions, with cash payments and ATM withdrawals seeing a significant decline. This change is reflective of the growing adoption of electronic payment systems across the country.

Despite the continued popularity of ATM withdrawals in Kuwait, the country witnessed a 5.9% decrease in cash withdrawals last year. In 2023, the total amount withdrawn through ATMs reached around 10.721 billion KWD, whereas in 2024, this figure dropped to approximately 10.084 billion KWD, representing a reduction of about 637 million KWD.

The decline in ATM cash withdrawals is largely attributed to the rapid adoption of electronic payment systems. Government departments, businesses, and other entities have been increasingly utilizing point of sale systems and online payment platforms to facilitate transactions, providing a more convenient alternative to traditional cash payments.

Various government departments have implemented online payment systems via their official websites, enabling residents to pay for services and transactions digitally. This shift has greatly reduced the need for cash withdrawals, contributing to the overall decline in ATM usage.

The shift towards digital payments is expected to have long-term positive effects on the economy, promoting greater financial transparency and efficiency in payment systems.

With the increasing reliance on digital payments, it is anticipated that the trend of declining ATM withdrawals will continue in the coming years. The Kuwaiti government and private sector entities are likely to expand their digital payment offerings to meet the growing demand for convenience and security in financial transactions.

As Kuwait continues to embrace technology, the role of cash in everyday transactions is expected to decrease further, with digital systems playing a central role in the country’s financial ecosystem.

The General Administration of Customs has introduced a new electronic service on the unified government app “Sahel,” providing users with a streamlined way to manage individual authorizations. The service, announced via the official “Sahel” account on the “X” social media platform, enables users to electronically submit a request to cancel authorizations for individuals registered under their account.

This new feature is part of an ongoing effort by the General Administration of Customs to enhance digital services, making it easier for users to manage their accounts and permissions. The service can be accessed directly through the Sahel app, which is a central hub for various government services in Kuwait.

Users can now visit the “Sahel” app and select the option to request the cancellation of individual authorizations. This process eliminates the need for physical visits to the Customs office, making it more convenient and efficient for users to complete these tasks electronically.

The launch of this service comes as part of the government’s continued push toward digital transformation. It not only simplifies the process but also ensures that services are available to users at any time, without the need for in-person interactions. The new feature is expected to save time and reduce administrative burden, benefiting both the public and the government.

This addition joins several other services available on the Sahel app, designed to improve the user experience by offering a wide range of government-related functions through a single platform. The app continues to evolve, with future enhancements expected to further streamline user interactions with government services.

For more information about the services offered through the Sahel app, including how to use the new cancellation feature, users are encouraged to visit the official government website or consult the app’s help section.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has introduced a new initiative that allows individuals aged 60 and above with a secondary school certificate or lower to transfer their residency status from family/dependent sponsorship (Article 22) to work residency in the private sector (Article 18).

This transfer is subject to the same conditions and regulations that apply to switching employers, ensuring consistency in the process.

Additionally, workers registered under government contracts can now transfer to the private sector, provided their government contracts have ended and both the original and new employers agree to the transfer.

The latest labor force statistics for 2024 reveal that a total of 31,391 job seekers have been registered in the national labor sector. The breakdown of these job seekers includes a range of educational backgrounds:

• 27 PhD holders
• 629 individuals with a Master’s degree
• 17,927 with a bachelor’s degree
• 6,805 diploma holders
• 823 job seekers with intermediate qualifications
• 83 with vocational or parallel education
• 408 classified as below intermediate

In addition, there are several thousand other job seekers who have completed specialized courses or gained relevant work experience, expanding their employment opportunities in the private sector.