No new licenses for online newspapers: government source
In a related development, the Minister of Information, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, mentioned during a presentation on Kuwait's preparations for the launch of "Kuwait, the Capital of Arab Culture and Media 2025" last week that the new media regulation law is nearing completion. Al-Mutairi emphasized that the law will uphold freedom of expression while ensuring that the necessary media space is maintained.
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Kuwait Times
2 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait's Education Ministry finalizes curriculum overhaul
88 new textbooks span KG to Grade 9; Redesign includes lighter book loads KUWAIT: Kuwait's Ministry of Education has completed the development of new national curricula for kindergarten through Grade 9, just months after Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei ordered a full overhaul in April. In a high-level meeting with subject supervisors on Monday, the Ministry revealed new details about the scope and structure of the redesigned curriculum — part of a sweeping reform aimed at modernizing teaching standards, lightening student workload and aligning education with global benchmarks. The minister emphasized the need for strong coordination between curriculum developers and educators to ensure smooth implementation. 'Comprehensive training plans must be developed to prepare teachers for the new curriculum,' Al-Tabtabaei said, noting that training sessions will be held before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The Ministry confirmed that 88 textbooks have been completed for the first semester alone: 2 for kindergarten, 46 for the primary stage, and 40 for the intermediate stage. All books are now undergoing final language and design reviews in preparation for printing. To ease student load, the new textbooks will be printed in four smaller parts, spaced throughout the school year. The goal is to improve content delivery while reducing the weight of schoolbags. Training for teachers will begin ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year, with sessions offered both in person and online via Microsoft Teams. 'Comprehensive training plans must be developed to prepare teachers for the new curriculum,' Minister Al-Tabtabaei said. He underscored the importance of collaboration between authors and field educators to ensure effective implementation. One of the most significant changes affects the English curriculum, which now aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and international tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. The new program focuses on developing well-rounded learners with strong listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, targeting CEFR levels A1 to B1. Arabic language instruction has also been upgraded to reinforce critical thinking and communication. The redesigned Arabic textbook includes four teaching units, each built around two key themes that support a full range of language skills. 'The design of the book reflects a high-quality national educational effort that aims to support teachers and achieve effective learning outcomes,' the ministry said. New learning methods have also been introduced across the board. The curriculum incorporates 21st-century skills such as critical analysis, self-learning and problem-solving. Social studies content — now introduced from Grade 1 — aims to strengthen national identity through newly developed books. Science and math subjects will adopt a problem-based learning model through the STEM approach. The curriculum also aims to be inclusive, with adaptations that account for individual learning differences and the needs of gifted students. The ministry emphasized that the entire redesign was developed locally by experienced Kuwaiti educators, supervisors and subject experts. 'The curriculum philosophy was built by national hands according to scientific standards to ensure that educational goals are met,' the statement concluded. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
11 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
KFH reports KD 342.1m in net profit for bank's shareholders for H1 2025
Net operating income grew 7.9% * Net financing income grew 8.7% * Total assets increased to KD 38.5bn KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq announced that KFH achieved a net profit of KD 342.1 million for the first half of 2025 for the bank's shareholders. Earnings per share for the first half of 2025 reached 19.23 fils. Net financing income for the first half of the year reached KD 607.3 million; an increase of 8.7 percent compared to the same period last year. Total operating income for the first half of 2025 increased, supported by the increase in all core activities to reach KD 876 million; an increase of 6.4 percent compared to the same period last year. This growth is particularly notable given that the comparative income for 2024 included profits of KD 70.1 million from the sale of KFH-Bahrain during Q2 2024. Net operating income for the first half of the year reached KD 566.7 million; an increase of 7.9 percent compared to the same period last year. The cost-to-income ratio for H1-25 improved to 35.3 percent compared to 36.2 percent for the same period last year. Financing receivables at the end of the first half of 2025 reached KD 20.4 billion, an increase of 7.1 percent compared to the end of last year. Total assets at the end of the first half of 2025 amounted to KD 38.5 billion, an increase of 4.9 percent compared to the end of last year. Shareholders' equity for the same period amounted to about KD 5.6 billion, an increase of 0.8 percent compared to the end of last year. Depositors' accounts for the first half of 2025 amounted to KD 19.7 billion, an increase of 2.7 percent compared to the end of last year. In addition, the capital adequacy ratio reached 18.01 percent which is above the limit required by regulators. This ratio confirms the solid capital base of KFH. The Board of Directors has agreed to distribute a semi-annual cash dividend of 10 fils per share. Outstanding performance In a press release, Al-Marzouq said that KFH continues to lead the banking sector and the Kuwaiti market in profitability. This remarkable achievement comes despite the challenging operating environment and geopolitical shifts in the region, which have brought uncertainty to the economic landscape. He emphasized that KFH's success stems from precisely implemented plans that ensure sustainable profits and maintain KFH's solid financial position and robust performance. Al-Marzouq also highlighted the strength of KFH's financial statements for the first half of this year, which showcase a strong capital base, good liquidity ratios, and exceptional operational performance. These factors have collectively driven sustainable growth across all key financial indicators. Operational efficiency Al-Marzouq emphasized that KFH continues to boost its operational efficiency, increase revenues, and optimally use its capabilities in line with global standards. This approach will improve asset quality, enhance risk management, and help the bank rationalize expenses, especially as it navigates the current global financial landscape and the competitive financial services industry. Coordination and integration He added that KFH is working to achieve great ambitions by maximizing the effectiveness of the Group's banks and fostering seamless coordination and integration among. This approach guarantees increased revenues and improved performance, while also leveraging the unique potential and advantages of each market. New chapter Al-Mazrouq said that KFH successfully launched the new visual identity for Ahli United Bank - Bahrain, rebranding it as Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain. This move complements a series of achievements realized under the new brand slogan, 'Beyond Horizons'. He explained that this series began in Kuwait, subsequently extending to the United Kingdom and the Arab Republic of Egypt. 'This initiative is part of KFH's strategy for expansion and global leadership as an Islamic banking group.' He emphasized that the new brand launch reflects a shift in vision and concept, marking the beginning of a new chapter of integration and excellence in banking services. Financing and development Al-Marzouq highlighted KFH's continued dedication and ability to fund large-scale projects in all sectors, including production, service, commercial and development. By offering a diverse range of financing services and solutions, KFH actively supports the government's comprehensive development plans. He highlighted the bank's strengths, which position it as one of the most trusted and preferred institutions for corporate financing. KFH also enjoys a substantial market share in financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Kuwait's banking sector. Furthermore, the bank is keen to fund numerous large-scale projects, utilizing flexible and efficient Sharia-compliant financing structures. This has established KFH as the preferred partner and lead arranger for many major joint financing deals. Training and promotion Al-Marzouq said that KFH is steadfast in its commitment to nurturing national talent and developing future leaders. Through ongoing training and development programs, partnered with local institutions, universities, and international centers, the bank aims for peak operational efficiency and productivity. This dedication recently saw several national employees advance to senior leadership roles across various departments. CSR & sustainability Al-Marzouq noted that KFH's social impact grew significantly last year, thanks to its involvement in many key strategic social initiatives. These efforts highlight the crucial role KFH plays in society, alongside its leading position in the economic, developmental and banking sectors. He highlighted how KFH has created a pioneering and role model for embedding sustainability principles across its entire group. 'KFH has seen remarkable success in green financing and implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy that's central to its mission and vision. The bank is further strengthening its commitment by adopting integrated, comprehensive, and balanced practices in the key areas of sustainability: environmental, social and governance (ESG).' Al-Marzouq explained that KFH was the first entity to start publishing impact measurement reports, and it annually releases both a Sustainability Report and a Carbon Footprint Report. KFH has been awarded an 'A' rating by MSCI. Additionally, KFH has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series for its exemplary performance in environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Khaled Yousef Al-Shamlan KFH Group CEO Sound financial indicators Meanwhile, KFH Group CEO Khaled Yousef Al-Shamlan said that the bank's H1 2025 profits confirms its robust operational performance and leading position in the Kuwaiti banking sector. He noted that the financial performance for this period reflects prudent strategies and effective policies that consistently yield sustainable profits, solid financial position, asset quality, and good indicators for operating income, cost to income ratios as well as liquidity ratios and capital adequacy. Global leadership Al-Shamlan said that 'KFH ranked first as the best-performing bank in Kuwait, according to The Banker magazine's 2025 ranking of the top 1,000 global banks. KFH has maintained its position as Kuwait's largest listed company, in Forbes' Global 2000 list for the largest public companies in the world, reinforcing its standing using four metrics, revenues, profits, assets and market value.' He pointed out that KFH has won numerous international awards, including 'The Middle East's Best Islamic Bank' and 'Kuwait's Best Bank' from Euromoney. KFH was also named 'Best Bank for Financial Institutions in the Middle East for 2025' by Global Finance, in recognition of its excellence and distinction in banking. Growing market share Al-Shamlan emphasized KFH's ongoing drive to boost market share by offering competitive products, services, and cutting-edge financing solutions, such as Financing Against Gold Account Collateral. He also highlighted the continuous effort to strengthen KFH's presence in international markets, improve coordination among the Group's banks, and enhance customer service through the KFH Group Service Center. Currently, this center supports KFH-Turkey and KFH-Egypt, with plans to extend its services to other Group banks in the coming period. Al-Shamlan attributed the bank's sustained leadership to its vast experience and large customer base, which collectively reinforce its competitive edge and brand strength. Digitalization and innovation Al-Shamlan also noted that KFH continues to lead digital innovation in banking, offering diverse digital services and solutions to elevate customer experience. He added that KFH launched (Fahad), Kuwait's first virtual assistant employee powered by artificial intelligence. This coincides with a comprehensive update and redesign of the KFHOnline app, now offering over 200 digital banking services to meet high customer demand. KFH also introduced the KFH Virtual Rewards Prepaid Card as a unique payment experience, alongside updated customer software. Additionally, a new, secure, and easy payment service for businesses was rolled out, transforming mobile phones into point-of-sale devices for accepting payments via debit cards and digital wallets.
Arab Times
13 hours ago
- Arab Times
KFH Reports Net Profit Attributable to the Shareholders of the Bank of KD 342.1 Million for H1 2025
KUWAIT CITY, Jul 29: Chairman of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Hamad Abdulmohsen Al-Marzouq announced that KFH achieved a net profit of KD 342.1 million for the first half of 2025 for the Bank shareholders. Earnings per share for the first half of 2025 reached 19.23 fils. Net financing income for the first half of the year reached KD 607.3 million; an increase of 8.7 % compared to the same period last year. Total operating income for the first half of 2025 increased, supported by the increase in all core activities to reach KD 876 million; an increase of 6.4 % compared to the same period last year. This growth is particularly notable given that the comparative income for 2024 included profits of KD 70.1 million from the sale of KFH-Bahrain during Q2 2024. Net operating income for the first half of the year reached KD 566.7 million; an increase of 7.9 % compared to the same period last year. The cost-to-income ratio for H1-25 improved to 35.3% compared to 36.2% for the same period last year. Financing receivables at the end of the first half of 2025 reached KD 20.4 billion, an increase of 7.1 % compared to the end of last year. Total assets at the end of the first half of 2025 amounted to KD 38.5 billion, an increase of 4.9% compared to the end of last year. Shareholders' equity for the same period amounted to about KD 5.6 billion, an increase of 0.8% compared to the end of last year. Depositors' accounts for the first half of 2025 amounted to KD 19.7 billion, an increase of 2.7% compared to the end of last year. In addition, the capital adequacy ratio reached 18.01 % which is above the limit required by regulators. This ratio confirms the solid capital base of KFH. The Board of Directors has agreed to distribute a semi-annual cash dividend of 10 fils per share. Outstanding performance In a press release, Al-Marzouq said that KFH continues to lead the banking sector and the Kuwaiti market in profitability. This remarkable achievement comes despite the challenging operating environment and geopolitical shifts in the region, which have brought uncertainty to the economic landscape. He emphasized that KFH's success stems from precisely implemented plans that ensure sustainable profits and maintain KFH's solid financial position and robust performance. Al-Marzouq also highlighted the strength of KFH's financial statements for the first half of this year, which showcase a strong capital base, good liquidity ratios, and exceptional operational performance. These factors have collectively driven sustainable growth across all key financial indicators. Operational efficiency Al-Marzouq emphasized that KFH continues to boost its operational efficiency, increase revenues, and optimally use its capabilities in line with global standards. This approach will improve asset quality, enhance risk management, and help the bank rationalize expenses, especially as it navigates the current global financial landscape and the competitive financial services industry. Coordination and integration He added that KFH is working to achieve great ambitions by maximizing the effectiveness of the Group's banks and fostering seamless coordination and integration among. This approach guarantees increased revenues and improved performance, while also leveraging the unique potential and advantages of each market. New chapter Al-Mazrouq said that KFH successfully launched the new visual identity for Ahli United Bank - Bahrain, rebranding it as Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain. This move complements a series of achievements realized under the new brand slogan, "Beyond Horizons". He explained that this series began in Kuwait, subsequently extending to the United Kingdom and the Arab Republic of Egypt. "This initiative is part of KFH's strategy for expansion and global leadership as an Islamic banking group." He emphasized that the new brand launch reflects a shift in vision and concept, marking the beginning of a new chapter of integration and excellence in banking services. Financing and Development Al-Marzouq highlighted KFH's continued dedication and ability to fund large-scale projects in all sectors, including production, service, commercial, and development. By offering a diverse range of financing services and solutions, KFH actively supports the government's comprehensive development plans. He highlighted the bank's strengths, which position it as one of the most trusted and preferred institutions for corporate financing. KFH also enjoys a substantial market share in financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Kuwait's banking sector. Furthermore, the bank is keen to fund numerous large-scale projects, utilizing flexible and efficient Sharia-compliant financing structures. This has established KFH as the preferred partner and lead arranger for many major joint financing deals. Training and promotion Al-Marzouq said that KFH is steadfast in its commitment to nurturing national talent and developing future leaders. Through ongoing training and development programs, partnered with local institutions, universities, and international centers, the bank aims for peak operational efficiency and productivity. This dedication recently saw several national employees advance to senior leadership roles across various departments. CSR & Sustainability Al-Marzouq noted that KFH's social impact grew significantly last year, thanks to its involvement in many key strategic social initiatives. These efforts highlight the crucial role KFH plays in society, alongside its leading position in the economic, developmental, and banking sectors. He highlighted how KFH has created a pioneering and role model for embedding sustainability principles across its entire group. "KFH has seen remarkable success in green financing and implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy that's central to its mission and vision. The bank is further strengthening its commitment by adopting integrated, comprehensive, and balanced practices in the key areas of sustainability: environmental, social, and governance (ESG)." Al-Marzouq explained that KFH was the first entity to start publishing impact measurement reports, and it annually releases both a Sustainability Report and a Carbon Footprint Report. KFH has been awarded an "A" rating by MSCI. Additionally, KFH has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series for its exemplary performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Sound financial indicators Meanwhile, KFH Group CEO, Khaled Yousef Al-Shamlan, said that the bank's H1 2025 profits confirms its robust operational performance and leading position in the Kuwaiti banking sector. He noted that the financial performance for this period reflects prudent strategies and effective policies that consistently yield sustainable profits, solid financial position, asset quality, and good indicators for operating income, cost to income ratios as well as liquidity ratios, and capital adequacy. Global leadership AlShamlan said that "KFH ranked first as the best-performing bank in Kuwait, according to The Banker magazine's 2025 ranking of the top 1,000 global banks. KFH has maintained its position as Kuwait's largest listed company, in Forbes' Global 2000 list for the largest public companies in the world, reinforcing its standing using four metrics, revenues, profits, assets and market value." He pointed out that KFH has won numerous international awards, including "The Middle East's Best Islamic Bank" and "Kuwait's Best Bank" from Euromoney. KFH was also named "Best Bank for Financial Institutions in the Middle East for 2025" by Global Finance, in recognition of its excellence and distinction in banking. Growing market share AlShamlan emphasized KFH's ongoing drive to boost market share by offering competitive products, services, and cutting-edge financing solutions, such as Financing Against Gold Account Collateral. He also highlighted the continuous effort to strengthen KFH's presence in international markets, improve coordination among the Group's banks, and enhance customer service through the KFH Group Service Center. Currently, this center supports KFH-Turkey and KFH-Egypt, with plans to extend its services to other Group banks in the coming period. AlShamlan attributed the bank's sustained leadership to its vast experience and large customer base, which collectively reinforce its competitive edge and brand strength. Digitalization and innovation AlShamlan also noted that KFH continues to lead digital innovation in banking, offering diverse digital services and solutions to elevate customer experience. He added that KFH launched (Fahad), Kuwait's first virtual assistant employee powered by artificial intelligence. This coincides with a comprehensive update and redesign of the KFHOnline app, now offering over 200 digital banking services to meet high customer demand. KFH also introduced the KFH Virtual Rewards Prepaid Card as a unique payment experience, alongside updated customer software. Additionally, a new, secure, and easy payment service for businesses was rolled out, transforming mobile phones into point-of-sale devices for accepting payments via debit cards and digital wallets. He noted that KFH's successful digital transformation showcased the bank and its employees' capabilities to harness global technological advancements and apply them to customer service through innovative approaches and creative efforts. He stressed that customers are the top priority, and their satisfaction is key to achieving the bank's strategic goals.
