The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the world could face a pandemic 20 times more severe than the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in a message delivered at the World Economic Forum. A theoretical scenario dubbed Disease X acknowledges the possibility of a global outbreak caused by an unknown pathogen rather than a transmission of an existing disease.

The most probable cause of Disease X is a respiratory virus that originated in animals, but has not yet been transmitted to humans. According to the WHO, an unanticipated Disease X pandemic could have more devastating consequences than COVID-19, which has claimed over seven million lives worldwide.

In order to prevent future pandemics, the WHO is taking proactive measures, including bolstering disease surveillance between nations and encouraging technology sharing. While Disease X took center stage during the session, epidemiologists remain vigilant about other potential pandemics, including viruses such as Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever, SARS, MERS, Nipah virus, Rift Valley Fever, Zika virus, and potential new iterations of COVID-19.

According to a report by the General Secretariat of Planning, Kuwait's economy is connected to global oil prices continuously and consistently. However, despite substantial government investments aimed at maximising non-oil revenues and empowering the private sector, these endeavors have fallen short of expectations.

As a result, we must ask: Where are the non-oil revenues, and how can the private sector play a role in diversifying the local economy?

Within Kuwait's macroeconomic framework, the private sector's performance over the past 12 years has been consistent but uninspiring. Throughout the first, second, and third development plans, the private sector’s share in the local economy fluctuated between 23% and 38%, underscoring its limited impact.

It is interesting to note that the private sector's contribution to GDP diminishes during economic recoveries, while it increases during economic downturns. Notably, the private sector failed to play a significant role in rescuing the Kuwaiti economy from deficits, as evidenced by the highest recorded contribution of 38% in 2020 coinciding with the largest economic deficit in 12 years. In the report, the economic challenges are attributed to government investment spending over the past 12 years, contrary to the view that the private sector is the engine of economic growth.

With global oil prices peaking at $100 per barrel between 2010 and 2014, Kuwait's economy experienced financial surpluses. Conversely, in 2015, with a three-year consecutive decline in oil prices to $40 per barrel, the economy entered a persistent deficit, exacerbated by the substantial impact of the “COVID- 19” pandemic in 2020. The global economic recovery and increased oil demand played a pivotal role in mitigating the crisis, with oil prices reaching $100 per barrel in 2022. Since initiating the development plan in 2010, Kuwait has invested in projects with sustainable economic returns to achieve Kuwait Vision 2035. The first development plan focused on legislative preparation, the second on infrastructure, and the ongoing third on empowering the private sector.

Plans involve strengthening the knowledge economy and transitioning towards “Smart Kuwait 2035.” Examining the first development plan, government investments ranged from 13% to 18%, leading to a trade surplus of 36% to 48%. Private spending recorded between 24% and 29%, marking a prosperous period for the local economy. In the second development plan, government investments increased to 25-30%, resulting in a trade deficit in 2016. The ongoing third development plan witnessed fluctuations in government investments, ranging from 22% to 15%, leading to a trade deficit in 2020.

In order to enhance the role of the private sector in the local economy, the report makes several recommendations:

1. Implementing development projects with sustainable economic returns.

2. Swiftly approving legislative requirements to prevent project delays.

3. Promoting a knowledge economy, creating economic zones, reshaping government roles, promoting sustainable prosperity, and empowering citizens as part of New Kuwait Vision 2035.

 The Civil Court ordered an expatriate doctor in a famous cosmetic clinic to pay compensation of KD 50,000 to a Kuwaiti woman because a mastectomy had to be performed on her as a result of a medical error.

According to the court’s medical reports, the accused is a dermatologist and does not specialize in liposuction. It is noteworthy that the Criminal Court had sentenced him to six months imprisonment followed by deportation from the country after serving the sentence.

The Kuwaiti woman had filed her lawsuit demanding compensation for the medical error, referring the papers to the Medical Liability Authority, which proved the medical error committed by the doctor and imposed a disciplinary penalty.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries are making significant progress in implementing the Kuwaitization program for contractor contracts, according to Al-Anbaa. The data reveals that the program aims to Kuwaitize a total of 1,211 jobs across five oil companies by the end of 2024. With approximately 629 jobs subject to Kuwaitization, Kuwait Oil Company has the largest number of jobs subject to Kuwaitization.

Approximately 507 positions are available at Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC), 46 positions are available at Kuwait National Petroleum Company, 28 positions are available at Kuwaiti Industry Company Petrochemicals, and one position is available at Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC). Among the oil companies, the Kuwait Gulf Oil Company and Kuwait Petroleum International are actively working on developing an employment plan to ensure the hiring of Kuwaiti workers in alignment with their contracts under the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.

Under the workforce restructuring program and the state's executive apparatus, contractors in the oil sector receive various benefits, including social bonuses and children's bonuses. It is important to note that these bonuses are separate from the employees’ wages. Furthermore, employees in certain regions, known as Region 2, are eligible for a site grant, while those in Region 3 receive different benefits like an annual travel ticket for the worker and one spouse. The value of this ticket is 200 dinars per person and is granted after completing one uninterrupted year of work.

An incentive bonus corresponding to the maximum amount of the worker's net monthly salary is given to Kuwaiti workers who demonstrate excellent performance and discipline at work. Additionally, an immediate bonus, not exceeding one month’s salary, may be granted by the contractor with written approval from the company. As part of Kuwaitization, Kuwaiti workers receive corresponding wages according to their job grade and location, which include various allowances such as road transportation allowances. Social insurance contributions, however, are the responsibility of workers.

Kuwaiti workers are also entitled to medical insurance, which is provided by the contractor within 30 days of signing the employment contract. The annual cost of this insurance should not exceed 250 dinars and must cover the worker and their family members. Kuwaiti workers are also entitled to 42 days of annual leave. Lastly, at the end of their contracts, Kuwaiti workers who have received a performance evaluation of no less than good are entitled to an allowance equivalent to half a month’s salary for each continuous year of service. An allowance is paid once at the end of the contract period, and the company compensates the contractor accordingly.

Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) reported that the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) issued a circular on Monday stating all local banks will close on Thursday, February 8th, as an official holiday on the occasion of Al-Israa and Miraaj.

A press release from KBA stated that all banks will resume work on Sunday, February 11th, congratulating His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on this Islamic holiday.

In order to discuss two notable legislative proposals, the Health Affairs Committee will convene a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the General Investment Authority. Reports Al-Seyassah daily, the first proposal pertains to the enactment of a law governing health care services, while the second proposes establishing the "Dawakum" zone for pharmaceutical industries and medical equipment storage facilities.

Ultimately, the health care proposal aims to improve the quality of health services in the country while easing the financial burden on the state budget. The proposed law is grounded in principles of administrative reform, aiming to enhance fairness within the health sector and extend health coverage to all citizens and expats. Among its key provisions, the proposal mandates health insurance for all individuals residing in Kuwait. Expats whose expenses are borne by employers or sponsors, and visitors who must secure health insurance before entering the country, are covered by the state.

Providing comprehensive health coverage for everyone is the overarching goal, while contributing to administrative efficiency and a fair healthcare system. The second proposal seeks to establish the “Dawakum” zone, whose primary objective is to achieve drug security, diversify income sources, provide Kuwaiti citizens with employment opportunities, and improve the proficiency of Kuwaiti health workers. In the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, this initiative contributes to economic growth, self-sufficiency, and sustainability.

The Kuwait Airways Board of Directors is reportedly in the process of evaluating a reduction in flight prices and associated reservation modification fees in response to mounting complaints and in an effort to enhance its competitive edge, sources informed Al-Seyassah daily. There are concerns that other airlines are taking advantage of Kuwait Airways' comparatively higher ticket prices.

Kuwait Airways' Board, which was established in September last year, is undergoing a major overhaul to strengthen its position as the national carrier and meet the expectations of its diverse customer base. This comprehensive strategy includes operational improvements and service enhancements.

Kuwait Airways has set ambitious targets, including a concerted attempt to reach 5.5 million passengers by 2025. Furthermore, the airline is eyeing substantial fleet expansion, with plans to augment its current fleet of 33 aircraft to a robust 50 by the year 2030.

Kuwait Airways' intention to adjust its pricing and reservation fees illustrates its commitment to adaptability and competitiveness. Kuwait Airways hopes to position itself as a responsive and customer-centric player on the dynamic aviation market by balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency.

The Public Authority for Civil Information has recently introduced stricter procedures for issuing or renewing civil cards for single expatriates (bachelors). This involves thorough verification of rental contracts, including scrutinizing the owner’s signature. Unmarried individuals residing in private and residential areas have also been addressed by a committee, cross-referencing their civil cards to ensure accuracy in reporting their locations.

Khaled Al-Shammari, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Information, emphasized that the address list it maintains explicitly prohibits the registration of bachelors in private housing. For the purpose of enforcing this restriction, automated procedures and systems are in place.

Al-Shammari emphasized the authority's active participation in a government committee dedicated to combating and preventing bachelors from living in conventional areas. The committee receives complaints and conducts on-site verifications to identify any violations.

As of 2021, the Authority offers an expatriate data service through its website and a networked government application (Sahel). This service allows property owners to review expatriate data within their buildings. The service allows property owners to automatically file complaints and make necessary changes to data if any inaccuracies are identified.

Kuwait has opted against announcing any amnesty period for expatriate residency violators, citing previous experiences that have demonstrated the ineffectiveness of such measures. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) had initially planned to grant amnesty for residency violators before 2020 but has since suspended this plan.

In past instances of amnesty, violators tended to overlook the opportunity to rectify their status and chose to remain in Kuwait in violation, refusing to leave. In a strategic move, authorities are now turning to banks to freeze the accounts of residency violators. This measure aims to ensure that fines for residency violations and deportation costs are directly deducted from the violators' bank accounts, preventing individuals from claiming a lack of funds to pay fines.

In a related development, the Ministry of Interior has recently reversed its decision to allow expatriates who violated residency laws before 2020 to pay fines and adjust their status. This change reflects a broader shift in Kuwait's approach to addressing residency violations.

In a significant move, the Ministry of Interior has initiated a process allowing residency violators predating 2020 to rectify their status by settling the prescribed legal fines.

Sources reveal that the General Departments of Residence Affairs have commenced receiving violators after a thorough review by the Residence Affairs Investigation Department, which issues a no-objection approval to proceed with the necessary procedures. These steps include paying a fine of 600 dinars for each violator. Upon completing the fine payment, the violator can then proceed to the administration to renew their papers and obtain a new residency.

In the Gulf of Aden, a critical maritime route that connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, the Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy came under drone attack, further escalating geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea.

The Indian Navy responded to the incident by sending its warship INS Visakhapatnam to the region and rescued the ship hit during the rampant Houthi attacks on the shipping route. The prompt action by the Indian Navy was taken after it received a distress call, soon after which it intercepted the vessel to extend assistance.

It wrote on its X social media handle, “Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INSVisakhapatnam, deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations, responded swiftly to a distress call from Marshall Island flagged MV GencoPicardy following a drone attack on 17 Jan 24 at 2311 hrs and intercepted the vessel at 0030 hrs to offer assistance.”

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. As a result of a thorough inspection by an expert in explosive ordnance disposal, the ship was cleared to sail to its next port.

“MV Genco Picardy with 22 crew (including 09 Indians) reported nil casualties & fire under control. INS Visakhapatnam EOD specialists boarded MV in the early hours of 18 January. According to the Indian Navy, the damaged area was inspected thoroughly and rendered safe by EOD specialists for transit to the next port of call.

Kuwait has the world's most valuable currency, the strongest purchasing power, and the most stable currency, not to mention one of the richest countries in terms of per capita GDP. It is also one of the largest oil producers in the world, the British Daily Express newspaper pointed out.

According to the paper, the Kuwaiti dinar is linked to an undeclared basket of weighted currencies, which consists of a portfolio of currencies from various countries with significant commercial and financial ties to Kuwait, and it is believed that its composition is heavily influenced by the dollar.

The Central Bank of Kuwait regulates the money supply in line with the country's economic needs, supports the value of the Kuwaiti currency, and during the 2008 financial crisis, it injected capital into banks and guaranteed deposits to protect the economy and the value of the currency.

The Kuwaiti currency is stable due to several factors, including economic strength, political stability, and a low trade deficit. The value of the currency increases if the country's economy is growing and stable, which attracts foreign investment and increases demand.

According to the newspaper, the Kuwaiti dinar's exchange rate was about $3.25 as of December 2023, and although the Kuwaiti economy is heavily dependent on oil, the country relied heavily on fishing, pearl hunting, and trade before its discovery.

According to the newspaper, Kuwait has experienced rapid growth since oil was discovered in the last century, generating about 90% of government revenues through industries based on oil and petroleum derivatives. Due to the heavy reliance on the oil industry, the currency has not been devalued to support non-oil exports, estimated at $440 million.

As Kuwait is one of the world's largest oil exporters, and with global oil demand remaining very high, the demand to pay for it is also very high, making the Kuwaiti dinar an extremely valuable currency.

Since oil resources are susceptible to depletion, it will be interesting to see how Kuwaiti economy will be managed if the need arises to reduce oil dependence and find alternative sources of income.

Kuwait also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. While it was expected to reach 2.2% at the end of 2023, this rate was much lower than its counterpart in the United Kingdom, which reached 4.2% during the same period.

Kuwait also has a tax exemption system and a fixed exchange rate of $3.32 for its currency, which helps maintain its value and provide stability despite fluctuations in global markets. Kuwait City has become a skyscraper as a result of the country's wealth, the newspaper concluded.

Acting Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), Dr. Amar Al-Hussieni, highlighted Tuesday the positive impact Artificial Intelligence technologies can have on government performance, the work environment, and overall public service quality. KUNA interviewed Al-Hussieni on the sidelines of the third workshop organized by the agency in partnership with Huawei. The workshops are part of a forum on AI applications in the government sector, which was launched in December.

The workshop aims to deepen understanding of AI technologies and keep up with the rapidly evolving field, as well as examine mechanisms for adopting these technologies in various government agencies. A number of government agencies have already adopted Artificial Intelligence, including Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

A number of public sector employees attended the previous two workshops on machine learning and artificial intelligence. CAIT and Huawei are teaming up to promote more effective use of technological systems, explore AI capabilities, and create innovative solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission has recently implemented updated guidelines governing the disbursement of end-of-service benefits to non-Kuwaiti employees. The newly established rules encompass several key requirements, including the submission of an end-of-service gratuity form issued through integrated systems, a clearance from the Ministry of Interior's "Judgments Enforcement Department" for relevant cases requiring end-of-service benefits payment, and an additional clearance from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Communications.

These conditions also mandate the provision of a copy of the employment contract related to the case in question, along with a documented separation decision. The Commission emphasizes the inclusion of a statement detailing career progression and a breakdown of comprehensive monthly bonuses. It is essential that these bonuses encompass all increments received during the individual's service, with accurate recording of financial and functional data within the integrated systems of the civil service structure.

UCSO President Musab Al-Mulla has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing price control within cooperative societies for essential commodities, vegetables, and fruits.

In a press statement, Al-Mulla revealed that the Union has engaged with the Ministries of Trade and Industry, as well as Social Affairs, proposing a novel concept under the “Sahel” program. This initiative aims to facilitate the monitoring of prices for basic goods, vegetables, and fruits in each cooperative society, allowing for comparisons with other societies to ensure uniformity and minimal price differences.

According to Al-Mulla, this idea would empower shareholders to access and compare prices of the cooperative societies in which they are members, providing transparency even from the comfort of their homes. If implemented, cooperative societies would be mandated to update their prices through the “Sahl” system, eliminating disparities.

Al-Mulla emphasized that this approach aligns with the social responsibility of the Union and its commitment to the well-being of citizens contributing to cooperative societies. He highlighted that under this system, various entities, including price monitors in the federation, associations, and inspectors, could scrutinize prices to ensure they are not unjustly raised.

The President stressed that the Union has numerous other ideas and suggestions aimed at benefiting citizens, which will be presented to the relevant authorities for implementation. The goal of these initiatives is to provide shareholders and citizens with the best prices and services possible. In response to the decision by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Muhammad Al-Aiban, to restrict the retailing of vegetables and fruits in cooperative societies, Al-Mulla explained that discussions were held involving officials from trade, affairs, and the union to study such proposals. Supporting these measures, he urged everyone to adhere to them.

A decree prohibiting the export of livestock from Kuwait is set to be enacted by Muhammad Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Youth Affairs. As a precautionary measure, this decision is expected to affect both locally produced and imported livestock, stabilizing the local market in the midst of the ongoing Red Sea developments, particularly with respect to the primary commodity.

The forthcoming decree may not specify a specific timeframe for ceasing livestock exports, according to sources. This will probably depend upon Kuwait's ongoing assessment of livestock abundance in the market, the moderation of their prices, and assurance that Kuwait's supply of this crucial commodity remains unaffected by events in the Red Sea.

Kuwait imported around 95,000 heads of live livestock in December alone, indicating that the nation needs approximately one million sheep and 12,000 calves per year. The decision to halt exports during the current period is driven by the necessity of maintaining food security in the country, despite having sufficient quantities for local consumption and a surplus for export.

Khaled Al-Anazi, the head of the Private Sector Workers Union said a private company engaged in oil services supporting Kuwait Oil Company will face a 2,000 dinar fine for delaying the payment of salaries to national workers on specified dates.

Al-Anazi emphasized that the penalty will still be applied even if the company settles its dues, expressing regret over the non-compliance of many private sector companies with national employment rates.

In a statement to Al-Seyassah, Al-Anazi revealed that the Union plans to launch an electronic platform in the upcoming period. This platform will facilitate applications for permanent and part-time job opportunities for citizens, students, and retirees.

It will include a section for submitting complaints regarding workers in the private sector. Al-Anazi highlighted that these complaints will be thoroughly verified and monitored with the relevant authorities until resolution.

Al-Anazi mentioned that the number of national workers in the private sector recently decreased to about 64 thousand from the previous 70 thousand. He attributed this decline to private companies’ failure to comply with laws safeguarding national workers in the private sector.

He emphasized the Union’s significant role in disbursing national labor support to workers in joint operations contractor contracts in the divided region. This was achieved in collaboration with the Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled.

Furthermore, Al-Anazi noted that the Union is currently coordinating a conference on job opportunities scheduled for March in collaboration with the Public Authority for Manpower.

Director of the Department of Information Security and Emergency Response at the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, Eng. Layali Abdullah Al Mansouri, has announced the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to combat electronic fraud via phones, particularly those employing phone numbers resembling local ones, reports Al-Anba daily. The goal is to integrate all Kuwaiti operating companies into caller ID services in order to combat electronic impersonation, also known as "Caller ID spoofing."

In this month, the regulations for this project will be officially launched, representing a crucial measure against the rising attempts to defraud citizens and residents by calling deceptively. The Authority has finalized procedures to identify local telecommunications companies, as well as CITRA, on the network, according to Al Mansouri.

These numbers will display the company name above the number even if they are not registered on the customer's phone, enhancing their trustworthiness and thwarting impersonation attempts. Currently, the Authority is collaborating with Kuwait's Central Bank to authenticate the identities of local and foreign banks, as well as Kuwait's exchange companies. By blocking avenues of access for impersonators, this initiative aims to prevent fraud.

It also actively defines the identities of companies providing Internet services, a crucial segment serving a wide customer base. As part of the upcoming phase, Al Mansouri outlined plans to directly integrate all Kuwaiti companies into the caller ID system, ensuring automatic identification of company numbers on the network. A priority will be given to companies that directly serve individual customers, particularly those that provide financial services.

According to Al Mansouri, this comprehensive integration of companies will serve as a safeguard against phone-based electronic impersonation, effectively closing the door to fraud in this field. The Authority's website will offer a specialized caller identification service in the future, according to Al Mansouri. In addition to enhancing the overall security and trustworthiness of communication channels, this service will act as a gateway for companies and government agencies to take necessary measures for identifying their identity on the network.

Meta said Tuesday it will hide inappropriate content from teenagers' Instagram and Facebook accounts, including posts about suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. In a blog post, the Menlo Park-based company said that in addition to its goal of not recommending such "age-inappropriate" material to teens, it will also not display it in their feeds even if another account shares it. "We want teens to have a safe, age-appropriate experience on our apps," Meta said.

Teens who do not lie about their age when signing up for Instagram or Facebook will also see their accounts placed on the most restrictive settings, and they will be blocked from searching for harmful terms. “Take the example of someone posting about their ongoing struggle with self-harm thoughts. This is an important story, and can help destigmatize these issues, but it’s a complex topic and isn’t necessarily suitable for all young people,” Meta said. "Now, we'll eliminate this type of content from teens' Instagram and Facebook experiences, as well as other types of age-inappropriate content."

In a lawsuit filed by dozens of U.S. states accusing Meta of harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis, Meta has designed features on Instagram and Facebook that are knowingly and deliberately addictive to children. Meta's moves were criticized for not going far enough by critics.

Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay, a children's online advocacy organization, said today's announcement by Meta is yet another desperate attempt to avoid regulation. In light of the fact that the company is capable of hiding pro-suicide and eating disorder content, why did they wait until 2024 before announcing these changes? ”