The General Directorate of Residency Affairs, of the Ministry of Interior, has introduced updated procedures for issuing residency permits for parents of expatriates, as well as widows and divorcees of Kuwaiti citizens.

Residency for children and spouses of Kuwaiti citizens will be issued under Article 22 (family reunification), following the Ministry’s regulations and conditions.

Residency permits for wives of Kuwaiti citizens and husbands of Kuwaiti women will be granted under Article 26, with an annual fee of 15 dinars per year. Similarly, widows and divorcees of Kuwaiti citizens will receive permits under Article 28, also for 15 dinars per year, reports Al-Anba daily.

The Ministry will extend Article 27 to include maternal uncles and aunts of Kuwaiti citizens, who will be exempt from fees.

For parents of expatriates, permits will fall under Article 29. Upon expiration, they must visit their local residency department for the first renewal, paying a fee of 300 dinars, after which future renewals can be completed online for the same fee.

The Ministry also plans to include foreign property owners and investors under a separate article, with fees to be determined in line with residency regulations.

These changes aim to streamline residency procedures and clarify fees for various family and investor categories, ensuring compliance with Kuwait’s residency law.

European countries are moving toward restricting children’s access to social media, as growing concerns mount over its impact on mental health, safety, and development.
Just days after France’s lower house approved a bill to ban social media for children under 15, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged to shield young people from what he called the online “digital Wild West.” Lawmakers and experts say excessive exposure to harmful online content is contributing to anxiety, addiction, sleep problems, and emotional distress among minors.

Specialists warn that children are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing. Research increasingly links heavy social media use with mental health challenges, especially among teenagers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also expressed support for setting a minimum age limit across the European Union, similar to Australia’s recent move to restrict social media access to those 16 and older.

Countries considering restrictions

Several European nations are now weighing similar steps:

• France: A bill banning social media for under-15s is moving through parliament.
• Spain: A proposed ban for under-16s is being added to draft legislation.
• Denmark: Political parties agreed to protect youth from online abuse; a law is pending.
• Italy: A proposal includes restrictions on young users and child influencers under 15.
• Greece: Officials say the country is close to introducing a ban.
• Portugal: New legislation would require parental consent for under-16s.
• Austria & UK: Both are reviewing similar measures.

European lawmakers have also recommended that children aged 13–16 should only access social media with parental approval.

One option under discussion is an EU digital identity system that verifies age without revealing private details. Supporters say this could allow platforms to confirm whether a user meets the age requirement while protecting personal data, dw.com reports.

However, youth digital rights groups question whether age-verification systems can truly protect privacy and whether bans alone address deeper problems within platforms.

Some experts argue that restrictions may not fix the root causes of harm. They point to platform designs that encourage addiction — such as endless scrolling, autoplay videos, and algorithms that amplify harmful content. Others note that online dependency does not disappear at age 15 or 16.

Still, supporters of the bans say governments are acting because progress under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) has been slow. The DSA requires major platforms to reduce risks to minors and share data with researchers, but critics say enforcement has not yet produced major visible changes.

The discussion reflects a broader question: how to balance children’s safety, mental health, digital rights, and freedom of expression. Some advocates believe Europe should develop its own social platforms that better reflect European standards and values.

Governments are signaling that parental involvement will become central in children’s digital lives.

Proposed rules would:

• Give parents greater control over when and how children access social media
• Encourage supervision and digital literacy at home
• Reduce exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content, and online predators
• Help families set healthy screen-time boundaries
• Parents may need to prepare for new age-verification systems and consent requirements in the near future.

If implemented effectively, the measures could help:

• Lower anxiety and social comparison pressure
• Improve sleep and concentration
• Reduce exposure to inappropriate or violent content
• Decrease risk of online addiction
• Support healthier emotional and cognitive development

The State of Kuwait has officially submitted a bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup and has also expressed interest in staging the 2035 edition, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed.

In a statement published today on its official website, the AFC announced that Kuwait is among the countries vying to host the 2031 tournament, joining Australia, India, and the Republic of Korea, as well as a joint bid, according to Q8 press.

The General Department of Information Systems, in cooperation with the General Department of Residency Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, has launched a new electronic service allowing residents to update their passport details through the government’s unified “Sahel” application.

The ministry said the service enables expatriates to complete passport data updates easily and electronically, without the need to visit service centers, in line with ongoing efforts to enhance digital transformation and streamline procedures for the public, reports Al-Rai daily..

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday thanked US President Donald Trump after Washington reduced tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, calling the move a major boost for bilateral economic ties.

In a post on X shortly after President Trump’s announcement on Truth Social, PM Modi expressed gratitude “on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India,” saying he was delighted that “Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent.”

“Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today,” the Prime Minister wrote. “Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.”

Modi said cooperation between the two countries would generate major gains. “When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.

He also described Trump’s leadership as important for “global peace, stability, and prosperity,” adding that India supports efforts aimed at peace and looks forward to taking the partnership to “unprecedented heights.”

President Trump, in his post, described the move as part of a “trade deal” and referred to PM Modi as “one of my greatest friends” and a respected leader.

The US–India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) welcomed the decision, calling the tariff reduction a positive first step toward a broader bilateral trade agreement.

While detailed terms are yet to be released, the development signals political willingness on both sides to advance negotiations covering tariffs, market access, non-tariff barriers, and sectoral trade issues.

Background to the Tariff Shift

The reduction follows a turbulent period in trade relations:

2025

April 2: US imposed a 26% “reciprocal tariff” on several Indian imports.

April 10: Tariffs paused for 90 days, with a 10% baseline duty maintained.

July 31: Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, warning of penalties over India’s Russian oil purchases.

August 7: Tariffs raised to 50% on Indian exports — the highest among US trade partners — citing continued oil imports from Russia.

2026

February 2: US reduces tariffs on Indian goods to 18%.

The latest move is expected to ease trade tensions and revive momentum toward a comprehensive US–India trade framework.

In a major crackdown on transnational cybercrime, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a sophisticated fake e-visa and overseas job scam targeting Indian nationals.

The operation, conducted under the international initiative Operation CyStrike, led to raids at 35 locations across Delhi and nine other states, and the arrest of a key cyber fraud operative.

The action was carried out in coordination with law enforcement agencies from the United States, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Ireland, Singapore, and Interpol.

Investigators revealed that the accused were running fraudulent digital platforms posing as official Kuwaiti e-visa services and offering employment appointments in reputed Kuwaiti companies, extorting large sums from unsuspecting victims.

Raids on January 30 across Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and West Bengal uncovered multiple cyber-enabled financial crime networks.

Laptops, mobile devices, computer hard drives, and forged documents including fake visas and employment letters were seized, along with a cash haul of Rs 60 lakh.

Officials highlighted that such scams are increasingly transnational, with fraudulent operations targeting victims in the US, UK, Ireland, and Singapore.

Many networks use mule bank accounts to funnel money internationally, complicating detection and enforcement. A notable fake website uncovered during the investigation — eservicemoi-kw.com — was found hosting bogus visa and job documents, according to Gulf News.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait issued a public advisory warning citizens about a surge in fraudulent visa portals, emphasizing that www.indianvisaonline.gov.in is the only official e-visa application site.

Citizens were urged to avoid third-party websites such as indianimmigration.org, idiasevisa.org, evisaentry.com, india-immi.org, ivisa.com, and india-evisa.it.com, which are used to steal money and personal information.

Authorities advised job seekers and visa applicants to exercise caution, avoid making advance payments through unverified platforms, and report suspicious websites or offers to cybercrime authorities immediately.

Operation CyStrike is being hailed as a landmark global coordination effort to disrupt organized, technology-driven crime syndicates operating across borders.

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) has reduced the maximum amount of cash that exchange companies may accept from customers to KD 1,000 per day per customer, down from the previous limit of KD 3,000.

The decision applies to cash used for foreign transfers as well as currency buying and selling transactions, as of Feb 2, 2026.

Sources familiar with the matter said the move is part of the CBK’s efforts to curb risks associated with cash-based transactions, particularly those linked to money transfers and foreign exchange dealings, reports Al-Rai daily.

The step falls within the bank’s precautionary supervisory measures aimed at strengthening controls against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Under the new directive, exchange companies are prohibited from accepting cash payments exceeding KD 1,000 — or its equivalent in foreign currency — from a customer within a single day to settle transaction values.

However, the sources clarified that there is no ceiling on the total value of transfers or currency transactions themselves. The restriction applies only to the cash portion of the payment.

Any amount exceeding KD 1,000 must be settled through bank account deductions or other approved banking payment methods permitted by the Central Bank.

The measure reinforces the regulator’s push toward more transparent and traceable financial transactions while reducing reliance on large cash payments.

For Indians living in the Kuwait, financial life often stretches across borders — from investing in shares and selling property to funding education or booking travel from Indian accounts.

India’s Union Budget 2026 may not have overhauled the tax system, but it introduces practical changes that make every day financial decisions easier for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Here are six key developments and what they mean for your savings, investments, property, and taxes.

Overseas travel, education and medical remittances become cheaper: The Budget cuts the upfront tax collected at source (TCS) on several international expenses to 2%, improving cash flow for families.

Overseas tour packages: Tax reduced to a flat 2% from earlier 5% and 20% slabs.

Education abroad: Remittances sent from India for tuition and study expenses now attract 2% tax, down from 5%.

Medical treatment abroad: Tax on such remittances is also cut to 2%.

This means less money gets blocked upfront when paying foreign university fees or booking international travel from an Indian bank account, making budgeting easier for families.

Selling property in India gets easier: A major procedural hurdle for NRI property sales has been removed.

Earlier, buyers purchasing property from an NRI had to obtain a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) to deduct tax before payment — a step many found complicated, Gulf News reports.

From October 1, 2026, buyers can use their existing PAN instead. This simplifies transactions and may reduce buyer hesitation, making it easier for NRIs to sell flats, villas, or land in India.

One-time chance to declare undisclosed overseas assets: The Budget introduces a one-time disclosure window for individuals who may have unintentionally failed to declare overseas assets such as:

Old student bank accounts

• Shares from previous employment abroad
• Insurance policies held overseas
• Eligible individuals can declare these assets, pay applicable dues, and regularise their position without facing severe penalties or prosecution.

Higher limit for direct share investments: NRIs investing directly in Indian listed companies through NRE or NRO accounts under the Portfolio Investment Scheme can now hold up to 10% in a single company, up from the earlier 5% limit.

This offers greater flexibility for long-term investors who prefer direct equity investments rather than mutual funds and previously had to stop buying after reaching the cap.

Relief for certain NRI-linked businesses: The budget removes minimum tax requirements for certain businesses taxed under simplified regimes.

This mainly benefits:

• Cruise ship operations
• Services linked to setting up electronics manufacturing units in India
• For cross-border businesses connected to these sectors, tax compliance may now be simpler and more predictable.

Tax Clarity for Kuwait firms supplying equipment to India: Foreign companies, including Kuwait-based firms, supplying machinery, tools, or equipment to electronics manufacturers in designated Indian zones will enjoy tax exemption on such income until 2031.

This provides long-term visibility and may encourage deeper commercial ties in manufacturing and technology sectors.

The Bottom Line

India’s Budget 2026 may not have delivered headline-grabbing reforms, but it removes several practical obstacles that NRIs often face.

It reduces upfront tax on overseas spending

• Simplifies property transactions
• Allows correction of past reporting gaps
• Expands investment flexibility
• Eases tax complexity for certain cross-border businesses

For Kuwait-based NRIs managing financial ties with India, the changes aim to make routine decisions smoother and less stressful.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing economic growth, competitiveness, and inclusive development.

Market reaction was negative, with stock indices falling during the budget presentation, reflecting investor caution. Income taxpayers, anticipating relief in the form of tax rebates or changes to the standard deduction, did not receive any concessions.

Sitharaman framed her 2026 budget around three ‘kartavyas’ (responsibilities):

• Accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing competitiveness.
• Fulfill the aspirations of citizens.
• Ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all families, communities, and regions.

Key Highlights of Union Budget 2026

Defence Spending Surge — The Defence Ministry received ₹2.19 lakh crore, a 21.84% increase, for modernization and capital expenditure in FY2026-27. Allocations include ₹63,733 crore for aircraft and aero engines, while revenue expenses for operations, maintenance, and salaries rose 17.24%, and pensions by 6.53% to ₹1.71 lakh crore. Overall, the defence budget totals ₹7.85 lakh crore.

Education Initiatives — The budget proposes five university townships near major industrial and logistics corridors to integrate multiple universities, research institutions, skill centers, and residential complexes. Additionally, one girls’ hostel per district will be established to enhance educational opportunities for female students.

Agriculture and Fisheries Development — The government plans the integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars for fisheries, along with initiatives supporting startups, women-led groups, and Fish Farmers Producer Organizations, NDTV reports.

Livestock Sector Boost — A loan-linked capital subsidy scheme will train over 20,000 veterinarians and support veterinary colleges, hospitals, labs, and breeding facilities in the private sector, recognizing livestock as a key contributor to farm income.

Taxation & Financial Measures:

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): Capital gains exemption removed for secondary market buyers from April 1, 2026; only original subscribers retaining bonds till maturity keep the full exemption.

TDS Simplification: Non-resident property buyers can now deposit TDS using a PAN-based challan, eliminating the need for a TAN.

Essential Medicines: Basic customs duty exempted on 17 critical cancer drugs, and seven more rare diseases included under duty exemptions for personal imports.

Aviation Sector Support: Customs duty exemptions for aircraft parts, seaplane manufacturing, and component parts aim to encourage domestic production and maintenance in both defence and civilian aviation.

Political and Regional Observations: Analysts noted no significant allocations for Tamil Nadu, unlike last year’s focus on Bihar, highlighting the regional political dynamics ahead of state elections.

Reactions to the Budget were mixed. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad described it as a blueprint for “Viksit Bharat 2047,” while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called it “disappointing.” Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia termed it a progressive budget focusing on every sector of the economy.

The Finance Minister’s budget speech lasted 84 minutes, with the Finance Bill 2026 introduced in the Lok Sabha, setting the stage for detailed parliamentary scrutiny.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a landmark decision regulating the operation of restaurant and ready-made food delivery services through electronic platforms, one of the fastest-growing and most influential digital sectors in the national economy.

Under the new regulation, platform fees and commissions charged to restaurants and food outlets will be fixed for a period of three years. The move is described as a corrective step aimed at restoring market stability, enabling businesses to plan financially and operationally, and protecting small and medium enterprises from unfair market pressures, Al-Rai daily reports.

Delivery platforms are required to determine their 2026 fee structures and submit them to the Ministry within one month of the issuance of regulations.

Service providers must also adopt a unified annual service framework approved by the Ministry, covering all fees, commissions, their maximum limits and calculation mechanisms. The decision prohibits the collection of any fees or the granting of discounts outside this approved framework and cancels any parallel side agreements.

The resolution further bans forced exclusivity clauses, the use of discriminatory algorithms, and any unequal preferential treatment among customers within the same category.

Platforms must document all fees in clear written contracts, adopt annual price lists, and refrain from modifying prices during the year. Any fees not explicitly stipulated will be considered legally invalid.

Companies licensed to operate electronic delivery platforms are required to adjust their legal status and amend their licensed activity to “managing delivery services via electronic platforms” under international classification No. (532013) within two months of the regulation taking effect.

The Ministry stated that the decision reaffirms the government’s commitment to consumer protection, supporting the national commercial sector, and creating a fair and transparent competitive environment in the digital economy.

It added that the measure aligns with the maturity of the Kuwaiti market while enhancing investment attractiveness and long-term sustainability.

Officials explained that the regulation followed extensive monitoring and economic studies of the delivery market, which revealed monopolistic practices and unfair tactics by some operators. These included unjustified commission increases, exclusivity requirements, lack of transparency in fee calculations, and discriminatory technical mechanisms affecting visibility within applications.

In coordination with platforms, restaurant owners and delivery companies, the Ministry developed the framework through three months of intensive consultations, prioritizing consumer protection and market sustainability.

Described as the first comprehensive and legally binding Gulf legislation of its kind, the decision introduces effective monitoring tools and clear penalties, including warnings, closure orders and license cancellations for violations. The Ministry emphasized that the framework positions Kuwait as a regional leader in digital economy regulation.

The regulation also grants restaurants the right to access their operational data free of charge and confirms their freedom to contract with multiple platforms.

Consumer rights are central to the executive regulations and include full price transparency before order completion, no hidden fees, unified pricing that prevents consumers from being charged more than in-store rates, clear complaint mechanisms with set resolution timelines, and regulated cancellation and refund procedures with defined financial responsibilities.

Latest population figures from the Central Statistical Bureau reveal that Kuwait’s total population rose by 5 percent in 2025, reaching 5.23 million and marking an annual increase of 249,540 people. The growth was largely driven by a surge in the numbers among the expatriate community.

While the overall population expanded, the number of Kuwaiti citizens declined slightly, falling by around 5,040 to 1.562 million by the end of 2025, compared with 1.567 million a year earlier In contrast, the non-Kuwaiti population grew by 7.4 percent, adding 254,580 residents to reach 3.674 million, up from 3.419 million at the end of 2024.

The Indian community remained the largest expatriate group, rising by 5.08 percent to approximately 1.059 million, an increase of 51,210 compared with the previous year. The Egyptian community ranked second, growing by 1.5 percent, with an additional 9,893 residents, bringing their total to about 667,173, compared with 657,280 at the end of 2024. Bangladeshi nationals ranked third, recording one of the fastest growth rates at 10.68 percent, adding 31,290 people to reach 324,100.

The total workforce in Kuwait reached 3.21 million by the end of 2025, including 462,538 Kuwaiti citizens and 2.749 million expatriates. Employment in the government sector stood at 525,522, comprising 395,112 citizens and 130,410 residents. Meanwhile, the private sector employed around 1.825 million people, including 66,416 citizens and 1.758 million expatriates. The domestic worker sector accounted for approximately 859,127 residents.

Births in Kuwait rose by 5.5 percent in 2025, increasing by 2,585 newborns to reach 49,433, compared with 46,848 in 2024. Kuwaiti births rose by 2.4 percent to 33,016, while non-Kuwaiti births increased by 12.38 percent to 16,417.

At the same time, deaths rose by 12.5 percent, totaling 7,857 in 2025, compared with 6,984 the previous year. Kuwaiti deaths increased by 13.4 percent to 4,283 and non-Kuwaiti deaths rose by 11.4 percent to 3,574.

The figures highlight Kuwait’s continued demographic shift, with population growth driven largely by expatriates, alongside a steadily expanding labor force and rising birth rates, even as mortality figures edged higher.

His journey began at Al-Muthanna Primary School in Farwaniya, where the talent of a young boy quickly drew attention for his natural footballing gifts. In 1971, he joined Al-Tadhamon Club, remaining loyal to its colors until his retirement in 1985, setting a lasting example of loyalty and belonging.

Fathi Kamil was an exceptional player who blended dazzling skill with high sportsmanship. His dribbling ability made him a standout star and a beloved figure among Kuwaiti and Gulf supporters. He was more than just a footballer — he was a symbol of fair play and a shining face of Kuwaiti football during one of its most glorious eras, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Internationally, his career was filled with milestones. He wore the Kuwait national team jersey from 1973 until February 1985 and was a key pillar of the golden generation that led Kuwait to victory in the 1980 AFC Asian Cup on home soil — the country’s most treasured continental triumph.

He was also among the stars who made history by helping Kuwait qualify for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, the first Gulf nation ever to reach the tournament. His participation in the Moscow Olympic Games further enriched an already remarkable record.

Nicknamed “The Dark Knight” by commentator Khaled Al-Harban after his brilliant displays at the 1976 Asian Cup — where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer — Kamil’s name became synonymous with flair, courage and decisive performances. Over his international career, he scored nearly 100 goals in around 80 matches, placing him among the most prolific scorers in Kuwait’s football history.

His passing is not merely the loss of a former player, but of a symbol of dedication, loyalty and heroism. His name will remain alive in stadium memories, and his goals, dribbles and elegant style will be told to future generations as part of Kuwait’s sporting heritage.

The General Authority for Sports also mourned his death, conveying the condolences of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

In a statement, the Authority described Kamil as one of the most prominent names in Kuwaiti football history, who served both the national team and Al-Tadhamon Club with distinction.

Minister Al-Mutairi wrote on X that the late star “left a lasting mark on the history of national sports with his dedication and loyalty on and off the field.”

Fathi Kamil’s body may have departed, but the spirit of the legendary footballer will forever live on in the hearts of fans.

Applying for a passport in 2026 feels very different from just a few years ago. The Indian government is steadily moving toward a faster, cleaner and more digital system aimed at reducing delays and confusion for applicants.

From online forms to document verification, several practical updates are reshaping the passport process this year. Whether applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport, understanding these changes early can help applicants avoid common mistakes and complete the process without unnecessary stress.

Passport rules in 2026 have officially been revised, directly affecting millions of Indians – especially first-time applicants or those with changes in name, marital status, or address may face tighter verification steps, including police checks, requiring earlier application before travel — planning international travel.

The updated guidelines are designed to speed up processing, strengthen security measures and minimize application errors. As a result, key aspects of the system — including documentation, verification procedures and timelines — now function differently.

A major focus this year is enhanced digital processing. Online application systems feature smarter form-validation tools that instantly flag missing details or inconsistencies, reducing the chances of rejection or repeated corrections. In addition, appointment availability is now updated in real time, enabling applicants to secure suitable dates without last-minute rushes.

Stricter document verification is another key feature of the 2026 rules. Many authorities now prioritize digital or authenticated documents over physical copies, using government-linked databases to cross-check identity and address proofs.

This reduces the risk of fraud but requires applicants to ensure all submitted details — such as names and dates — match official records exactly.

Passport verification records and other proof documents stored in government digital systems can be accessed and shared online, reducing dependency on physical paperwork and speeding up processing times.

For Indians in Kuwait and other Gulf countries, additional online tools and services are making common tasks easier. For example, parents can now obtain certified digital copies of their children’s passports through official government portals without visiting offices in person — a significant convenience for busy families.

Overall, the passport process in 2026 emphasizes digital convenience, accuracy, and security. Applicants are advised to prepare their documents carefully and to use the official online portals and digital storage options provided by government authorities to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

The General Administration of Customs (GAC) has issued an urgent warning to citizens and residents about fraudulent emails and suspicious websites impersonating the authority.

Customs officials stressed the importance of not clicking on unknown or suspicious links and not sharing personal or banking information with any unofficial entity.

They clarified that electronic customs transactions can only be completed through two official channels: the Sahl platform and the official website of the General Administration of Customs, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The authority explained that scam messages often contain alarming phrases such as: “Your shipment is being held by customs due to missing required documents. Please access the link immediately to avoid confiscation of the parcel.”

These messages typically include fake links designed to steal sensitive information.

Customs urged the public to remain vigilant and rely solely on official platforms to avoid falling victim to cyber fraud.

The number of vacant real estate units in Kuwait reached 139,800 at the end of last year, accounting for 17.6 percent of the total units assigned automated numbers and registered with the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), according to official data.

Statistics show that, by the end of 2025, vacant properties included 55,300 residential apartments, 1,448 annexes, 37,902 shops, 4,098 marginal units and 27,730 other traditional units.

The figures also covered unoccupied buildings, including 5,455 houses, 42 apartment buildings, 2,821 marginal buildings and 8,409 traditional buildings, in addition to 775 properties still under construction, reports Al-Rai daily.

PACI data indicates there are 227,700 buildings across the country, of which 64.5 percent — or 146,900 — are residential. A further 13,700 buildings are designated for work purposes, while 40,257 are allocated for both residential and work use.

The total real estate stock stands at 804,200 units. Apartments account for the largest share at 358,300 units, representing 44.5 percent of the total. The figures also include 179,200 houses, 9,807 annexes, 164,500 shops, 5,731 marginal units and 85,500 traditional units.

Of the apartments, 271,600 are allocated for housing, representing 75.8 percent, while 10,971 are used for business activities.

Units allocated strictly for housing total 435,300, compared with 136,900 designated for work and 36,200 combining both residential and commercial use.

Geographically, Al-Ahmadi Governorate recorded the highest number of real estate units at 52,200, followed by Al-Jahra with 45,800, Al-Farwaniya with 35,600, Hawalli with 34,200, the Capital with 33,500, and Mubarak Al-Kabeer with 26,100 units.

In terms of houses, Al-Ahmadi also ranked first with 35,500 homes, followed by Al-Jahra with 31,600, Al-Farwaniya with 29,000, the Capital with 27,200, Hawalli with 26,200, and Mubarak Al-Kabeer with 22,900.

Additional PACI data shows the presence of 71 palaces nationwide, including 29 in the Capital Governorate. The number of villas reached 156,000, with 34,600 located in Al-Ahmadi, representing 22.2 percent of the total.

Infrastructure and facilities statistics recorded 102 hotels, 1,144 schools, 103 hospitals, 114 clinics, 28 colleges and 22 institutes. The data also lists 1,594 mosques, 100 clubs, 177 parks, 374 cooperative societies, 1,411 government buildings, 5,073 commercial buildings, 1,208 factories, 6,951 farms, 8,256 livestock pens and 1,018 stables.

Kuwait’s total population rose by 5% in 2025 to reach 5.23 million, according to official data, marking an annual increase of 249,540 people driven primarily by growth in the expatriate community.

While the overall population expanded, the number of Kuwaiti citizens declined slightly, falling by around 5,040 to 1.562 million by the end of 2025, compared with 1.567 million a year earlier, reports Al-Anba daily.

In contrast, the non-Kuwaiti population grew by 7.4%, adding 254,580 residents to reach 3.674 million, up from 3.419 million at the end of 2024.

Largest Expat Communities

The Indian community remained the largest expatriate group, rising by 5.08% to approximately 1.059 million, an increase of 51,210 compared with the previous year.

The Egyptian community ranked second, growing by 1.5%, with an additional 9,893 residents, bringing their total to about 667,173, compared with 657,280 at the end of 2024.

Bangladeshi nationals ranked third, recording one of the fastest growth rates at 10.68%, adding 31,290 people to reach 324,100.

Labor Market Snapshot

The total workforce in Kuwait reached 3.21 million by the end of 2025, including 462,538 Kuwaiti citizens and 2.749 million expatriates.
Employment in the government sector stood at 525,522, comprising 395,112 citizens and 130,410 residents. Meanwhile, the private sector employed around 1.825 million people, including 66,416 citizens and 1.758 million expatriates.

The domestic worker sector accounted for approximately 859,127 residents.

Birth and Death Rates

Births in Kuwait rose by 5.5% in 2025, increasing by 2,585 newborns to reach 49,433, compared with 46,848 in 2024.

Kuwaiti births rose by 2.4% to 33,016, while non-Kuwaiti births increased by 12.38% to 16,417

At the same time, deaths rose by 12.5%, totaling 7,857 in 2025, compared with 6,984 the previous year. Kuwaiti deaths increased by 13.4% to 4,283 and non-Kuwaiti deaths rose by 11.4% to 3,574

Demographic Trend

The figures highlight Kuwait’s continued demographic shift, with population growth driven largely by expatriates, alongside a steadily expanding labor force and rising birth rates, even as mortality figures edged higher.

The Ministry of Interior has denied the authenticity of messages circulating on some social media platforms that falsely claim to originate from the ministry’s official website and allege the existence of traffic violations.

In a statement, the ministry said the fraudulent messages include threats of additional financial penalties if payment is not made within a specified time frame. Authorities stressed that these claims are entirely false and part of attempts to mislead the public, reports Al-Rai daily.

The Environment Public Authority reported issuing 336 new falcon passports, renewing 186, replacing 14 lost passports, and transferring ownership of 48 falcons between August 2025 and January 19, 2026.

In addition to this, eight transactions involving simultaneous ownership transfers and renewals were completed during the same period.

Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, Director of Public Relations and Media, stated that the total number of falcon-related transactions handled by the Authority reached 592 over approximately 140 days, reports Al-Rai daily.

First-time falcon passport applicants must meet several requirements, including presenting a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) export or re-export certificate, documentation from the veterinary hospital where the falcon’s microchip was injected, proof of ownership or a valid power of attorney, and physically bringing the falcon to complete the process.

The Authority emphasized that these measures aim to streamline falconry procedures while ensuring proper registration and legal compliance for falcon owners in Kuwait.

A historic “Baggy Green” cap worn by Australian cricket legend Sir Don Bradman during the 1947–48 Test series against India has sold for 460,000 Australian dollars (€268,000 / $318,000) at a Gold Coast auction, setting a record price for one of Bradman’s caps.

The cap, one of cricket’s most iconic symbols, had been gifted by Bradman to Indian cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni. Sohoni’s family carefully preserved the treasured item for around 75 years, passing it down through three generations.

Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer of Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers, said the cap had been kept under strict family care. Access to it was highly restricted, reflecting its immense sentimental and historical value, according to dw.com

The cap bears the names “D.G. Bradman” and “S.W. Sohoni” inscribed inside. It was purchased by an anonymous bidder and is expected to be placed on public display at an Australian museum.

Its excellent condition stands in contrast to another Bradman cap sold in 2024 for about $215,000, which showed sun fading and insect damage.

The 1947–48 series against India was memorable on multiple fronts. Australia won the five-Test series 4–0 with one draw, and Bradman dominated with the bat.

Across six innings, he scored 715 runs, remaining unbeaten twice and averaging a remarkable 178.75. His tally included four centuries and one half-century.

The tour was also a landmark moment for Indian cricket, marking the national team’s first overseas tour after India gained independence in August 1947. It symbolized a new chapter for the sport in the young nation.

Bradman’s chief rival in the series was India’s captain and all-rounder Vinoo Mankad, who posed a significant threat with both bat and ball.

Mankad also entered cricketing vocabulary during the tour by twice running out Australian batsman Bill Brown at the non-striker’s end — a dismissal that later became known as “Mankading.”

Though legal, the method has long sparked debate over sportsmanship, despite Mankad having warned Brown beforehand.

Widely regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history, Bradman played 52 Test matches for Australia and finished with an extraordinary batting average of 99.94 — a figure unmatched in the sport.