
Kuwait Ranked 5th in Gulf for Overall Skills
Thus, Kuwait surpassed Oman among Gulf countries in the overall skills ranking, but ranked sixth in the Gulf on the AI Maturity Index. Meanwhile, Switzerland topped the overall ranking, followed by the Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, and Finland in the top five, reflecting their superior mix of technical, business and Data Science skills.
In contrast, Yemen, Sudan, Ethiopia, Venezuela, and Iraq ranked last -- all these countries are suffering from multiple crises in education and technical infrastructure. The report is based on an analysis of data from more than 170 million learners on the Coursera platform, along with external indicators from organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The GSI is a global benchmark for measuring workforce readiness for digital market demands. It provides comprehensive rankings for more than 109 countries in three main areas: Business, Technology and Data Science, in addition to the new AI Maturity Index. The authors indicate that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies have become the most in-demand skill globally, with enrollment in AI courses increasing by 195 percent in one year. However, the skills gap remains a global challenge, with data from the report confirming that more than two-thirds of employers worldwide consider skills shortages a major barrier to adopting new technologies.
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Arab Times
41 minutes ago
- Arab Times
Young Kuwaitis Gave Up Their Jobs For Food Trucks. Now 30% Are gone. Why?
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 4: Kuwait's once-thriving food truck scene is now battling for survival, as nearly 30% of food truck operators have been forced to shut down amid mounting obstacles, restrictive regulations, and dwindling revenues. In a series of candid interviews with Al-Seyassah / Arab Times, frustrated vendors painted a grim picture of a sector under siege — with many warning that mobile business projects are on the brink of extinction. At the heart of their complaints is a ban on operating in vital locations such as bustling markets, tourist hubs, and investment zones. Instead, vendors are pushed into remote areas with little footfall, leaving them unable to cover costs, let alone turn a profit. "I barely make 800 dinars a month," said Hamad Al-Anzi, who owns one such cart. "The biggest hurdle is the lack of space in active areas. Without customers, what's the point?" Others echoed the same concerns. Hamdan Al-Abdullah described the current climate as a 'death sentence' for the industry, blaming the seasonal absence of customers, Kuwait's lack of year-round tourism, and growing hostility from citizens who object to mobile carts in residential zones. 'Even official agencies won't let us park in front of their buildings,' he lamented. 'Look at the youth trying to run mobile printing carts—completely sidelined.' High Cost, Low Returns Operators say the cost of entry into the mobile food business is deceptively high, with many investing up to KD 30,000 for fully equipped vehicles, only to be told they cannot serve coffee alongside food — a regulation they find baffling. "We meet all health and environmental standards, but we're still not allowed into profitable areas," said Haitham Al-Mutairi. 'There are over 3,000 food trucks in Kuwait, but fewer than 300 usable parking spots—and most don't bring in enough to survive.' To make matters worse, restrictions on transferring cart ownership, coupled with limited licensing flexibility, have turned this small business venture into a bureaucratic nightmare for young Kuwaitis. Some have even frozen operations entirely due to mounting debt, after taking loans from national funding programs. One anonymous cart owner put it bluntly: 'We're drowning in rules. We took loans, we hustled—and now, we're being punished for trying to be independent. Out of 340 designated locations, only 40 are truly viable.' Khaled Al-Majdami added: 'We're trying to contribute to the economy and ease the burden on public employment. Yet, we're being shut out of the very areas where customers are.' The Ministry Responds In response, a source at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry pushed back against accusations of obstruction. Speaking to Al-Seyassah / Arab Times, the official insisted that licenses are still being granted and 300 designated parking spots have been made available. 'We're not against food trucks," the source said. "But applicants must be over 21, not employed by the government, and meet clear conditions.' The Ministry insists it is upholding environmental and public safety standards, and that projects must avoid disrupting traffic or inconveniencing residents. Complaints from citizens about noise and crowding in residential areas have forced inspectors to take action. Among the ministry's conditions: No dual activity — you can't brew coffee and prepare food. Adequate lighting and hygiene standards are mandatory. Vehicles must be less than 10 years old. Parking areas must have access to power, water, and proper drainage. 'It's not logical to expect a license without following legal steps,' the official added. 'This is a business—subject to supply and demand.' But for many young entrepreneurs hoping to make their mark, that logic rings hollow. 'We're not asking for handouts,' one vendor said. 'We're just asking for the freedom to park, serve, and survive.' Al Seyassah / Arab Times

Kuwait Times
5 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
KFH launches salary transfer campaign
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Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Nod to clear debts of batch 2 Kuwaitis
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