June 26 Declared Public Holiday for Islamic New Year
KWAIT CITY, June 18: The Cabinet has announced that Thursday, June 26, will be observed as an official holiday in celebration of the Islamic New Year. The holiday will apply to all ministries, government bodies, and public institutions. Normal operations will resume on Sunday, June 29.
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Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
June 26 Declared Public Holiday for Islamic New Year
KWAIT CITY, June 18: The Cabinet has announced that Thursday, June 26, will be observed as an official holiday in celebration of the Islamic New Year. The holiday will apply to all ministries, government bodies, and public institutions. Normal operations will resume on Sunday, June 29.
Arab Times
19 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Activates Food, Health, And Security Protocols Over Regional Unrest
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: In light of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Cabinet has looked into the arrangements and measures taken by all ministries and other State institutions to guarantee the abundance of medical and food supplies, as well as the availability of services at all times. The Cabinet took this step in its recently concluded weekly meeting, held at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. During the meeting, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi briefed the Cabinet on the preparations of his ministry to provide hospitals and health centers with all the necessary medicines and medical supplies. Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel presented his ministry's report about food security and stock -- mainly the necessary commodities; and ways to monitor the market movement and ensure the abundant supply of everything, especially food and water. In a related development, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya has announced that his ministry prepared a comprehensive emergency plan to evacuate Kuwaiti citizens who are in the Islamic Republic of Iran due to the current situation in the region. He affirmed that the ministry, as per the directive of the political leadership, is closely monitoring the situation of Kuwaiti citizens in Iran round the clock through the Kuwaiti Embassy in Tehran. He stressed that communication with them is ongoing to ensure their safety and to provide them with necessary guidance. He urged all citizens to comply with the instructions of the embassy and to register in the 'Traveler Emergency' service, emphasizing that the security and safety of Kuwaiti citizens abroad is a top priority in the foreign policy of the country. Also, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Johar Hayat announced a plan to evacuate more than 1,000 Kuwaiti citizens from Iran as quickly as possible. He made the announcement when he attended the Independence Day celebration of the Philippine Embassy on Tuesday. Furthermore, the Government Performance Follow-up Agency (GPFA) on Wednesday held a coordination meeting with several entities; including Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), Kuwait Warehousing Company, Ministry of Public Works, and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The meeting aimed to follow up the implementation of the decision of the Cabinet regarding the report of GPFA on the allocation of strategic storage areas for the establishment of warehouses and depots for food storage and other essential purposes. GPFA also disclosed that it held a separate meeting with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Kuwait Municipality, Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS), Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company, and Kuwait Supply Company to look into the implementation of the decision of the Cabinet on the construction of multistorey buildings for supply centers. These efforts fall within the commitment of the State to enhance food security by establishing strategic storage facilities to meet various national needs. It can be recalled that in the meeting held on Jan 14, the Council of Ministers asked Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel to submit a quarterly report detailing the progress of the strategic supply centers project. Meanwhile, Director of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) Dr. Hassan Al- Fajjam recently presided over an extensive meeting with his deputies and senior departmental officials to discuss preventive measures and review the emergency preparedness plan of the authority. The meeting was held in line with government directives in relation to ongoing regional developments. Al-Fajjam reaffirmed that the safety of students and staff in the colleges, institutes and training centers of PAAET remains its highest priority. He stressed the importance of enhancing preparedness levels, boosting readiness, and maintaining continuous coordination with relevant official bodies. The meeting included a comprehensive review of the updated emergency plan, and the associated organizational and administrative procedures; such as ensuring immediate and orderly evacuation, maintaining continuity of education and operations, activating communication and emergency systems, and securing all institutional facilities. He issued a directive on the immediate updating of all officials' contact information, activation of technical support and e-learning platforms as needed; and intensified awareness campaigns on preventive measures for the students and staff. In a related announcement, PAAET confirmed the readiness of designated shelters in its campuses. These facilities meet all safety and emergency standards set by competent authorities and are fully equipped to safeguard the staff and students in case of any emergency. It also affirmed the ongoing coordination with the Civil Defense General Directorate to update shelter locations, verify data, and provide guidance to all educational institutions. Al-Fajjam underscored the need to establish sub-emergency committees in each college and institute. These committees will be directly linked to the Central Operations Unit of the authority to ensure quick response and continuous coordination with vital ministries, particularly the ministries of Interior and Health. He emphasized the importance of institutional discipline and the precise execution of procedures, while commending the commitment and professionalism of the technical and administrative teams. Expressing confidence in the workforce of the authority, he called for collective responsibility and cooperation to guarantee a secure and resilient educational environment. He reaffirmed that public safety remains a strategic priority for PAAET, and that it is closely monitoring developments to ensure full readiness and rapid response. On the other hand, Undersecretary of the National Guard Lieutenant General Eng. Hashem Al-Rifai -- accompanied by Assistant for Operations and Training Major General Dr. Faleh Shujaa -- on Wednesday made an inspection tour at Tahrir Camp, where they were warmly welcomed by Assistant for Administrative Support Major General Engineer Essam Nayef, senior commanders and officers. In a press statement, the National Guard confirmed that Al-Rifai visited the Medical Services Directorate and inspected the building housing the specialized clinics, medical warehouses and the central pharmacy; as well as the Supply and Transport Branch, to determine the strategic stock in the institution. According to the statement, Al-Rifai called for vigilance, activating the plans in force, and taking the highest level of caution in light of the current developments in the region. He was briefed on the smart ambulance system, specifically its role in diagnosing the patient in a step aimed at enhancing the efficiency of emergency response and enabling ambulance teams to record patients' medical data in real time using smart devices inside ambulances to ensure the accuracy and speed of data transfer. He said the smart ambulance system is a strategic step and the fruit of continuous efforts to employ advanced technology and innovation in protecting the personnel. He praised the high level of readiness of the staff and their vital role in protecting the country, maintaining national security, and supporting other State agencies. He cited the unlimited support provided by the leadership of the National Guard to the affiliates -- represented by National Guard Chief Sheikh Mubarak Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Deputy Chief Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Sabah -- for everything that serves the country under the wise leadership of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may Allah protect them. Moreover, Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received a phone call from Bahraini Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Khaled Al-Jalahma. In a press statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry disclosed that the two sides discussed the latest developments in the region. Also, the national carrier of Lebanon -- Middle East Airlines (MEA) -- has announced that it changed the departure times of its flights from Beirut to Kuwait on June 18-20 due to emergency changes in certain air routes in the region. In a press statement, the company explained that the flight schedules were revised due to current circumstances and alterations to some air routes, which have resulted in longer flight durations. It stated that flights from Beirut to Kuwait will retain their original flight number of ME 404, but will now depart at 7:50 am instead of the previously scheduled time of 8:40 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It added that the revised departure times will follow local time in both Beirut and Kuwait. The company advised all the affected passengers to contact its call center or visit the official website for more information and updated flight details. This exceptional measure is taken amid the regional tension impacting civil aviation, particularly due to the ongoing military confrontation between Israel and Iran, which have led to changes in flight routes in neighboring regional airspace. In latest development, Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of blistering Israeli strikes and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause 'irreparable damage' to them, in recorded video aired by state TV. It was the second public appearance by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since the Israeli strikes began, and came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' in a social media post and warned Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is but has no plans to kill him, 'at least not for now.' Trump initially distanced himself from Israel's surprise attack on Friday that triggered the conflict, but in recent days has hinted at greater American involvement, saying he wants something 'much bigger' than a ceasefire. The U.S. has also sent more military aircraft and warships to the region. Khamenei dismissed the 'threatening and absurd statements' by Trump. 'Wise individuals who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation with the language of threats, because the Iranian nation is not one to surrender,' he said in the low-resolution video, his voice echoing. 'Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.' Iran followed a similar sequence in releasing Khamenei's statement before the video was aired, perhaps as a security measure. His location is not known and was impossible to discern from the tight shot that showed only beige curtains, an Iranian flag and a portrait of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei's immediate predecessor who died in 1989. An Iranian diplomat had earlier Wednesday warned that U.S. intervention would risk 'all-out war.' Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate, but thousands of American troops are based in nearby countries within range of Iran's weapons. The U.S. has threatened a massive response to any attack. Another Iranian official said the country would keep enriching uranium for peaceful purposes, apparently ruling out Trump's demands that Iran give up its disputed nuclear program. The latest Israeli strikes hit one facility used to make uranium centrifuges and another that made missile components, the Israeli military said. It said it had intercepted 10 missiles overnight as Iran's retaliatory barrages diminish. The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Israel struck two centrifuge production facilities in and near Tehran. The Israeli military said it also carried out strikes in western Iran, hitting missile storage sites and a loaded missile launcher.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti Cabinet reviews security, economic projects in weekly meeting
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers held its weekly session on Tuesday at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister. Following the meeting, Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi issued a statement summarizing the session's key discussions and decisions. The Cabinet began by extending heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the people of Kuwait on the advent of the Hijri New Year 1447 AH. Ministers offered prayers for continued prosperity and blessings for Kuwait and the Arab and Islamic nations. The meeting reviewed messages addressed to His Highness the Amir from leaders of friendly and allied countries, focusing on enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. In line with its commitment to monitor regional developments and bolster national preparedness, the Cabinet examined the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Food, Drug, and Water Security. Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi briefed the ministers on the Ministry's pharmaceutical and medical stockpiles, confirming readiness to supply hospitals and health centers with essential medications and supplies over sustained periods. Commerce and Industry Minister Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajil Al-Askar presented a visual report on Kuwait's strategic food reserves, market surveillance, and cooperative society monitoring to ensure the stable availability of food items and bottled water. Cabinet members also discussed overall readiness measures taken by ministries and government agencies in light of regional conditions. Ministers affirmed the continued delivery of essential services and supplies, as well as efforts to maintain national security and stability. On the development front, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan provided a detailed update on the new Kuwait International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) project, including its infrastructure, access roads, service buildings, and aircraft facilities. T2 has earned a Gold Rating from the U.S. Green Building Council under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, signaling international recognition of its sustainability standards. The Cabinet expressed gratitude to Dr. Al-Mashaan, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and all involved in the T2 project. Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Abdullatif Hamed Al-Mishari offered a presentation on the Northern Economic Zone and Islands Project, emphasizing Bubiyan and Failaka Islands. The project is seen as a pivotal driver of non-oil revenue and a means to expand private sector engagement in industry, commerce, and tourism. Further, senior officials from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), and its General Reserve Sector discussed plans for a new Entertainment City. The initiative, aimed at enhancing Kuwait's tourism appeal and economic activity, will involve collaboration with leading international companies for investment and operations. As part of its commitment to combating terrorism and its financing, the Cabinet reviewed a recommendation from the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs concerning an amendment to Law No. 106 of 2013. The proposed decree-law, approved by the Cabinet, will be submitted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final endorsement. The Council also acknowledged the Civil Service Commission's circular designating Thursday, June 26, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of the Hijri New Year. Official work will resume on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with exceptions granted for agencies providing essential services. The session concluded with a review of various items on the agenda. The Cabinet approved several matters and referred others to the relevant ministerial committees for further evaluation and procedural completion.
