The Council of Ministers has directed Kuwait Municipality to take immediate steps to reorganize the legal status of advertisements in public spaces, aiming to enhance the country’s visual landscape and align it with global standards.

In an official communication, the Council tasked the municipality with developing updated mechanisms for licensing, supervision, and monitoring of advertisements across roads, buildings, and public areas. The move seeks to ensure that advertising content and placement reflect Kuwait’s image while keeping pace with modern international practices.

The directive also calls for a comprehensive review of billboard locations and advertising sites, alongside stricter oversight of campaign content. Authorities have been instructed to coordinate with the Central Agency for Public Tenders to establish optimal contracting mechanisms with specialized international advertising firms, in line with existing legal frameworks.

The decision follows earlier measures assigning Kuwait Municipality full authority over licensing and regulating public advertisements, excluding directional signage. The Council also referred concerns about campaigns that distort public utilities to the Joint Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs and Public Services for further study and recommendations.

During deliberations, the committee highlighted the widespread visual clutter caused by the volume and nature of advertisements on roads and buildings, stressing the need to reassess current procedures and implement corrective solutions.

Officials from the Kuwait Investment Authority and the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority participated in discussions, emphasizing the importance of establishing a clear regulatory framework governing the acceptance and placement of advertisements. However, it was noted that proposals to create a government-owned advertising company fall outside the current mandate of the investment authority.

The municipality presented two key proposals to address the issue. The first involves launching advertising tenders through the Kuwait Investment Authority, though challenges were cited regarding the creation of a dedicated government entity. The second proposal suggests that the municipality directly manage advertising tenders by engaging an international consultancy to develop solutions, define regulatory conditions, and identify suitable billboard locations across governorates and highways.

The plan also includes setting specific guidelines for billboard installations on buildings, in coordination with relevant authorities, as part of a broader effort to regulate the sector and improve Kuwait’s urban appearance.

The Central Bank of Kuwait has issued a circular to local banks mandating tighter monitoring of accounts held by expatriate workers whose work permits have expired, as part of efforts to curb financial misuse and enhance regulatory compliance.

In coordination with the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), the Central Bank has introduced an automated linkage system that provides banks with updated data, including civil ID numbers and names of affected persons.

This step aims to address gaps where banks previously lacked sufficient information, leading to some accounts remaining active despite the termination of employment.

The Central Bank warned that such gaps could expose the banking system to risks, including potential fraud and illegal financial activities. It stressed the importance of banks subscribing to the new system and regularly updating customer data in line with “Know Your Customer” (KYC) requirements, as well as taking appropriate action on non-compliant accounts.

In a related move, the Central Bank had also directed exchange companies, finance firms, electronic payment providers, and e-money institutions to strengthen compliance reporting frameworks starting April 1.

The regulator emphasized aligning reports with international best practices and enhancing oversight of anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CFT), and sanctions compliance.

Institutions are now required to submit comprehensive compliance reports to senior management, including an executive summary, risk assessment of AML/CFT programs, actionable improvement plans, and clear recommendations. These reports must also document approval by top management and will be reviewed during Central Bank inspections.

Additional reporting requirements include detailed data on high-risk clients, beneficial ownership, suspicious transaction reports submitted to the Kuwaiti Financial Intelligence Unit, internal audit findings, staff training programs, and updates to compliance systems and policies.

The measures reflect Kuwait’s broader push to strengthen financial transparency, mitigate risks related to money laundering and terrorism financing, and ensure full adherence to Law No. 106 of 2013 and related regulations.

The Jazeera Airways advises its passengers that mandatory online check-in is now required prior to travel.

Travelers must complete the check-in process in advance through the airline’s website or mobile application to avoid delays at the airport and ensure a smooth and efficient journey.

Failure to check in online ahead of time may result in inconvenience or denial of boarding, so passengers are strongly encouraged to finalize all necessary travel procedures before arriving at the airport.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait has announced the discontinuation of facilitation for Saudi transit visas for Indian nationals in Kuwait, with immediate effect from April 15, 2026, due to the upcoming Hajj season in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The embassy stated that the transit visa process, which was previously routed through its office in Kuwait, will no longer be available under the existing arrangement.

Accordingly, Indian nationals intending to travel via Saudi Arabia have been advised to directly consult their respective airlines for the latest immigration requirements, transit procedures, and visa-related formalities prior to making any travel arrangements.

The embassy further clarified that it will not be accepting or processing any further requests for Saudi transit visas until further notice.

The Ministry of Communications announced on Tuesday the launch of four new electronic services via the government “Sahel” app, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance digital transformation and simplify procedures for citizens and residents.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the ministry said the new services allow users to view all phone numbers registered under their name and perform several actions.

These include temporarily suspending an active line, permanently canceling an active line, reactivating a temporarily suspended line, and permanently canceling either an active or temporarily suspended line.

The ministry added that the services are available under the “Activate/Deactivate Current Phones” option within the “Telecom Services” section of the app, enabling subscribers to manage their phone numbers easily and flexibly without the need to visit service centers.

It explained that introducing these services comes within efforts to develop digital services and provide smart solutions that save time and effort, enhance service efficiency, and align with the state’s comprehensive digital transformation strategy.

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, received a telephone call on Monday from India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

During the call, the two officials discussed the latest developments in the region and reviewed ongoing efforts aimed at addressing the evolving situation, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The conversation underscored continued diplomatic engagement and coordination between Kuwait and India on regional matters of mutual concern.

Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has referred a contract for importing electricity from the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority to the State Audit Bureau for review, as part of efforts to ensure grid stability and meet rising demand.

The agreement covers an 11-month period, from May this year through March 2027, and is currently undergoing regulatory and oversight procedures prior to implementation.

The move comes in anticipation of increased electricity consumption, particularly during the summer months when demand typically reaches its highest levels. The import plan is designed to support the national grid and prevent potential shortages.

This initiative builds on a strategy launched in April last year, aimed at securing additional power during peak periods. It also complements ongoing maintenance programs for domestic generation units, helping to sustain overall production capacity, reports Al-Rai daily.

The GCC interconnection project is one of the region’s most significant energy cooperation initiatives, enabling efficient electricity exchange among Gulf countries.

By leveraging this network, Kuwait can access additional power when needed, enhancing reliability while reducing pressure on local infrastructure.

The project is also seen as a foundation for a future unified Gulf electricity market, strengthening regional integration and long-term energy security.

Schools in Kuwait recorded 33 days of in-person learning during the second semester, which began on January 25 under the traditional system, before shifting to distance learning on February 28 due to prevailing developments in Kuwait and the wider region.

The Ministry of Education implemented the remote learning system to ensure continuity of education during crises, emergencies, and exceptional conditions.

The system has now been in place for more than 41 consecutive days, with learning continuing through digital platforms, primarily Microsoft Teams, reports Al-Rai daily.

The ministry has been actively monitoring the process to evaluate student engagement, academic performance, and curriculum progress, in line with the approved academic plan.

An educational source told Al-Rai that technical departments are currently studying mechanisms for final assessment and academic year completion, noting that end-of-year exam papers have been prepared and sent to the secret printing press, though they have not yet been printed or distributed.

At the same time, the General Administration of Guidance, Research, and Curricula is reportedly preparing multiple scenarios for submission to the Minister of Education, Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, to determine the most appropriate approach depending on developments in the current situation. A clearer framework is expected within the coming week.

Field sources said the ministry had provided the necessary infrastructure and communication tools, including direct channels with parents, to address technical issues on platforms such as Microsoft Teams. However, they noted that student-teacher interaction remains limited, making it difficult to accurately assess academic achievement under the current system.

They added that while schools are recording attendance and absences, education officials face challenges in ensuring consistent participation and reliable performance evaluation.

Concerns were also raised over the suitability of final written exams as an assessment tool, given that the curriculum has not been reduced and exam difficulty has not been adjusted.

The sources emphasized the need to consider these factors carefully when determining the final evaluation mechanism for the academic year under the ongoing remote learning system.

A new report by Global Petrol Prices has highlighted sharp volatility in global energy markets nearly 40 days after the outbreak of military conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, underscoring the decisive role of government subsidies and tax policies in shaping consumer prices.

According to data updated to April 6, Kuwait ranks among the most affordable countries worldwide for fuel, placing sixth globally for the lowest diesel prices at approximately $0.37 per liter.

It also ranks fifth globally for gasoline prices at around $0.34 per liter, positioning it among a group of heavily subsidized energy markets led by Libya, Iran, and Venezuela, reports Al-Rai daily.

The report noted that global averages remain significantly higher, with diesel priced at $1.58 per liter and gasoline at $1.48, reflecting the widening gap between subsidized and market-driven economies. In contrast, high-income regions continue to record the steepest costs, with places such as Hong Kong topping global rankings for both fuel types.

Analysts attribute Kuwait’s low pricing structure primarily to sustained government subsidies, which insulate domestic consumers from fluctuations in international crude markets. This trend is consistent across several oil-producing nations, where energy affordability is maintained as part of broader economic and social policy frameworks.

In the liquefied natural gas (LNG) segment, global prices averaged $0.88 per liter, with Algeria emerging as the cheapest market, while Greece recorded the highest rates. Within the Gulf, Saudi Arabia ranked among the lowest-cost producers.

Electricity prices also showed wide disparities globally. The average cost for household consumption stood at $0.172 per kilowatt-hour, while Kuwait ranked among the lower-cost nations at approximately $0.045 per kilowatt-hour, placing it 17th worldwide in affordability.

Business electricity costs followed a similar pattern, with significant variation depending on consumption levels and national pricing policies.

The findings come amid continued disruptions in global energy supply chains, with geopolitical tensions impacting shipping routes and fuel availability. Recent market data indicates that while some price corrections have occurred following ceasefire efforts, supply conditions remain tight and recovery could take months.

Overall, the report underscores a growing divergence in global energy pricing, where subsidy-driven economies like Kuwait continue to provide low-cost fuel and electricity, even as international markets experience sustained volatility.

Ministry of Social Affairs has approved the resumption of private nursery operations, both regular and special needs, starting Sunday, April 12, under a regulated framework aimed at ensuring child safety and service continuity.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, the ministry said attendance will be optional, allowing parents to choose between in-person attendance or distance learning.

Guardians are required to submit a written declaration confirming their preferred option and committing to comply with all approved guidelines, reports Al-Rai daily.

As part of precautionary measures, all evening activities in private nurseries have been suspended until further notice. Daily operating hours have also been capped at four hours to balance educational delivery with safety considerations.

The ministry mandated that nurseries establish designated emergency rooms equipped with essential supplies, including first aid kits and basic safety materials, to ensure readiness for any incidents.

In addition, all nursery staff are required to undergo first aid training to enhance preparedness and strengthen safety standards across early childhood institutions.

The circular also emphasized the importance of settling outstanding fees for March 2026 in accordance with regulatory frameworks, ensuring the stability of contractual relationships and uninterrupted service provision.

The measures reflect the ministry’s broader efforts to maintain educational services while prioritizing the wellbeing of children and staff during the current phase.

Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry Osama Boodai issued a decision on Monday prohibiting cash transactions worth over KD 10 in several activities and forcing relevant entities to use banking channels and e-payment methods.

This Ministerial Decision No. 32 of 2026 applies to institutions and companies operating in the areas of health institutes, salons for men, women and children, sports clubs, medical pest and rodent control firms, and public health pesticide import, export and storage, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement to KUNA.

Elaborating, the ministry explained that Article I of the Ministerial Decision stipulates that no cash transactions valued at over KD 10 may be conducted when concluding contracts, selling commodities or offering services.

Article II states that penalties enshrined in the Decree-Law 10/1979 shall be applied to lawbreakers, it said, citing shutdown and legal action as penalties.

Kuwait’s evolving regional landscape has placed public and private sector employees at the forefront of efforts to maintain stability, as workers continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted services despite mounting challenges.

Amid heightened tensions across the region, employees have demonstrated strong discipline and commitment, aligning closely with government directives while contributing to the continuity of operations and economic activity.

Authorities, meanwhile, have worked to strike a careful balance between sustaining productivity and enforcing safety measures. Official guidelines issued by Civil Defense and other relevant authorities have focused on safeguarding individuals and society, requiring adherence to public safety protocols and avoidance of high-risk areas.

National commitment

During this period, workers across sectors have shown a high level of compliance with government instructions, both within workplaces and in their daily routines. This widespread adherence to safety measures has played a crucial role in supporting national efforts to mitigate risks and maintain order.

Flexible work measures

In response to the exceptional circumstances, the Civil Service Bureau introduced a series of regulatory measures designed to ensure business continuity while easing pressure on employees. These included reducing working hours, reorganizing schedules, and expanding digital services to facilitate transactions.

A key component of the plan limited in-office staff presence to no more than 30%, with entities adopting rotational attendance systems or remote work based on operational needs. Evening shifts were suspended across government agencies until further notice, while flexible working hours remained in place alongside mandatory attendance tracking systems.

Private sector employees, while benefiting from relatively flexible arrangements, continue to face pressures to sustain productivity and operational continuity.

Managing pressure and wellbeing

Experts emphasize that effective time and stress management are critical during such periods, warning that prolonged fatigue can impact both physical health and job performance. Employees are also encouraged to extend safety practices to their homes, ensuring the protection of their families through preventive measures and awareness.

Specialists in public health and human resources underline that compliance with precautionary guidelines remains the first line of defense, while institutional support through flexible and safe working environments significantly enhances stability and productivity.

Mental health professionals further stress the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and rest, alongside engaging in activities that help alleviate stress.

Shared responsibility

As the situation continues to evolve, officials and experts agree that balancing professional duties with compliance to safety directives is a shared responsibility. It requires awareness from individuals, adaptability from employers, and effective coordination from government entities.

This collective approach, they note, is essential to ensuring a safe working environment, protecting families, and reinforcing Kuwait’s ability to navigate regional challenges with resilience and confidence.

The Ministry of Education is advancing plans for student assessments amid ongoing reliance on distance learning, while firmly ruling out the option of conducting exams online.

Despite the exceptional circumstances facing the country, the remote learning system continues to operate efficiently, supported by a series of organizational and technical measures aimed at ensuring uninterrupted education.

These include monitoring student attendance, maintaining academic evaluation, and providing both technical and psychological support.

Under the leadership of Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, the ministry is simultaneously developing comprehensive strategies for upcoming tests, particularly for secondary school students, designed to balance academic integrity with student safety.

Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Hamad Al-Hamad confirmed that multiple flexible scenarios are being prepared to respond to evolving conditions leading up to the exam period.

He stressed that remote electronic exams are “not currently under consideration,” with alternative mechanisms to be announced based on developments at the time.

Officials emphasized that all decisions will prioritize fairness and equality among students, while ensuring their safety and safeguarding their academic futures. Preparations are ongoing to deliver exams in a controlled and secure environment.

Meanwhile, Director General of Guidance, Research and Curricula Mohammed Al-Otaibi revealed that coordination with schools is underway to establish clear revision frameworks, enabling students to prepare effectively ahead of final assessments.

Director-General of Educational Districts Muhammad Al-Wazzan added that the education sector has demonstrated strong readiness in managing the current situation.

He highlighted ongoing coordination between school administrations and districts, as well as enhanced communication with parents to support student engagement and commitment to remote learning.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining educational stability while adapting to challenges, ensuring that students continue their academic journey without disruption.

Jazeera Airways today announced the addition of two more cities to its growing list of new destinations in India. With the launch of Madurai and Goa, Jazeera now serves 16 routes from Kuwait to India via Dammam in Saudi Arabia building stronger connectivity between the two countries.

The new routes will operate via the airline’s established dual-base operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers despite ongoing operational constraints. This integrated air and land corridor continues to provide a reliable and efficient alternative, enabling uninterrupted passenger journeys while supporting the steady movement of essential cargo into Kuwait.

Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, said, “The addition of Madurai and Goa represents another step forward in expanding our India network under our Project Vande Bharat, which remains central to our operations.

“By more than doubling our pre-disruption footprint in India, Jazeera reflects both the scale of demand and our commitment to maintaining essential connectivity. At a time when travel carries deeper meaning, these routes are enabling people to reunite with families, return to work, and sustain important economic links between Kuwait and India,” he added,

India remains one of Jazeera Airways’ most strategically important markets, supported by a large expatriate population and strong bilateral ties. With 16 destinations now served across the country, the airline is reinforcing its role in connecting communities while facilitating workforce mobility, trade, and cargo flows between the two nations.

As Jazeera Airways continues to expand its network in the very complex and evolving conditions, its focus remains clear, delivering reliable, accessible travel while keeping people, communities and essential connections moving.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday the addition of “minors” category to the emergency travel document issuance service through the unified government e-services application “Sahel.”

In a press release, the Ministry said that this addition enables electronic issuance of emergency travel documents for individuals associated with minors under the age of 16 via Sahel app. – Kuna

Travelers by bus from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia can use Nuwaiseeb-Khafji or Salmi-Raqi border crossings before flying to a third country.

Nuwaiseeb-Khafji route leads to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam city while Salmi-Raqi route leads to Qaisumah International Airport in Hafar Al-Batin Governorate, the Saudi public authority for transport noted in a press release on Tuesday.

Travellers to Kuwait can also utilize any of both routes, according to the statement. Six trips are scheduled on each route in both directions on a daily basis to serve passengers to and from the two airports located in the Eastern Province, it added. – Kuna

 Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior announced on Monday an update to the smartphone alert notifications that ring simultaneously with sirens. 

As of Monday, alerts will be sent with a loud notification tone from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, and with a message tone from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, the ministry said in a statement.

The new update was made to enhance alert efficiency and taking people’s rest periods into account, while ensuring that warning notifications are effectively delivered when needed, the ministry explained.

An Indian expatriate has been killed following an attack on a Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy (MEW) desalination facility in Kuwait, authorities confirmed.

The deceased has been identified as Selvam, a native of Tamil Nadu..

His death has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in Kuwait, with tributes and condolences pouring in from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait expressed deepest condolance on this 1 tragic incident. Embassy is cordinating with the relevant authorities to R render all possible suppory and assistance, it said in a statement.

According to officials, the attack targeted a service building within one [ of the power and water desalination plants, causing extensive structural damage and disrupting operations. Emergency and technical teams were immediately deployed to the site and began carrying out response T and containment measures in line with established emergency s protocols.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with critical infrastructure facilities placed on high alert.

At the core of Kuwait’s customs operations lies a highly sophisticated command hub where every movement is tracked and every piece of data is analyzed in real time.

During a field visit, Al-Rai gained exclusive access to the control room of the General Administration of Customs—an advanced operational center widely regarded as the “beating brain” of border security.

Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Deputy Director General for Research, Investigation and Customs Ports Affairs, Saleh Al-Omar, described the control room as the nation’s first line of defense against smuggling.

Operating around the clock, the facility integrates skilled national personnel with cutting-edge technology to ensure rapid response and precise decision-making at all times.

Al-Omar highlighted the significant progress made in modernizing customs systems, with a strong reliance on artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics.

These technologies enable authorities to identify high-risk shipments with remarkable accuracy, while maintaining seamless connectivity across all land, sea, and air entry points. The goal, he noted, is to strike a balance between stringent security measures and the smooth flow of trade.

The control room functions through close coordination with key government entities, most notably the Ministry of Interior.

This integration has played a decisive role in thwarting numerous smuggling attempts, reflecting a unified national effort built on real-time information sharing and operational efficiency.

Describing the nature of operations, Al-Omar explained that the control room serves as the central command and monitoring unit for all customs activities. From tracking the movement of goods and travelers to handling routine and emergency reports, the system ensures immediate response and continuous oversight.

Operations within the facility are uninterrupted, supported by specialized teams working in shifts and a surveillance network of approximately 1,000 cameras installed across all ports. This extensive coverage guarantees full readiness, particularly amid rising trade volumes and increasingly sophisticated smuggling techniques.

The technological backbone of the system includes integrated digital platforms that track shipments and link them to importer data, alongside smart surveillance systems and AI-powered analytics. Together, these tools enhance the precision of monitoring and reduce reliance on random inspections.

Incoming reports are handled with speed and efficiency. Each case is analyzed by specialists, classified according to risk level, and immediately assigned to field teams for action. Continuous monitoring ensures that every case is followed through to resolution.

Risk management remains a cornerstone of operations. By analyzing historical smuggling patterns and building comprehensive databases, customs authorities can target suspicious consignments with accuracy. This strategic approach not only strengthens control but also facilitates legitimate trade by minimizing unnecessary delays.

Al-Omar emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination with national agencies, particularly security and regulatory bodies. Instant information exchange and joint operations have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of border protection efforts.

The achievements of the control room are notable. Authorities have successfully intercepted multiple smuggling attempts while also accelerating customs clearance procedures. Continuous upgrades to electronic systems have further improved overall operational performance.

However, challenges persist. Smuggling methods continue to evolve, trade volumes are increasing, and the demand for constant technological upgrades remains high. Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment in both systems and human capital.

To that end, customs authorities place strong emphasis on workforce development. Personnel undergo specialized training programs, both locally and internationally, alongside workshops focused on modern technologies, ensuring they remain equipped to handle complex and rapidly changing scenarios.

Supporting this centralized system are control rooms established at each customs port, serving as backup operational centers. These units maintain direct communication with the main command center and relevant authorities, ensuring continuity of operations under all circumstances.

Public engagement also plays a vital role. Through the “Masdar” application, citizens and residents can submit reports and complaints confidentially. Authorities stress that community cooperation is essential in safeguarding national security and preventing the entry of prohibited items.

Al-Omar concluded by commending the dedication and professionalism of customs personnel, describing them as a critical pillar in protecting the nation while facilitating trade.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ongoing development, enhanced coordination, and maintaining the highest standards of operational efficiency—assuring the public that the country’s supply lines remain secure and fully operational despite current challenges.