
Kuwait Declares September 4 Public Holiday for Prophet's Birthday
The decision was made during the weekly Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef.
Agencies with specialized operations are permitted to set their holiday schedules, in coordination with the relevant authorities, while ensuring that public interests are not affected.

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Kuwait Times
13 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Sept 4 declared holiday for Prophet's birthday
Sept 4 declared holiday for Prophet's birthday KUWAIT: The Cabinet on Tuesday announced that work in all ministries, government agencies, public institutions, and affiliated bodies will be suspended on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in observance of the Prophet's (PBUH) Birthday (1447 AH). The decision was made during the Cabinet's weekly meeting, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. Official duties will resume on Sunday, September 7. The Cabinet noted that entities with special operational schedules will determine their working hours in coordination with the relevant authorities. — KUNA


Arab Times
20 hours ago
- Arab Times
New reforms: Kuwait tightens public fund protection and streamlines legal processes
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: The Kuwaiti Cabinet, during its weekly meeting on Tuesday, approved several significant legislative reforms and updates to development projects aimed at boosting the nation's infrastructure and economy. The meeting, held at Bayan Palace under the leadership of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, covered a range of critical issues, including the protection of public funds, digital transformation, and large-scale housing and energy initiatives. Revised law for protecting public funds One of the major decisions taken was the approval of a draft decree-law amending Law No. 1/1993, aimed at strengthening the protection of public funds. The revised law aims to address gaps revealed through the practical application of existing regulations. Key changes include expanding the scope of criminalization, enhancing procedural protections, and updating legal formulations. The amendments introduce stricter measures, including tightening rules for job exploitation, increasing penalties for fraud and corruption, and criminalizing intentional damage to public funds. Additionally, the law increases penalties for submitting false information and allows the Public Prosecution to demand the return of misappropriated funds even if a criminal case has been dismissed. Streamlining legal procedures with digital transformation In a bid to expedite legal processes and embrace digital advancements, the Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law to amend Law No. 38/1980, governing civil and commercial procedures. The amendments aim to streamline litigation by implementing full electronic procedures, allowing remote hearings, and tightening controls on judicial recusal. Notably, the reforms propose an increased guarantee and fine system for recusal requests, ensuring a more efficient and modernized legal framework. Strategic development projects: Housing, energy, and AI innovations The Cabinet was briefed on several high-profile development initiatives, including the Al-Sabriya City housing project in northern Kuwait. Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Abdullatif Al-Meshari shared details about the 80-km² project, which will provide 55,000 housing units, along with service, commercial, recreational areas, and public facilities. This development is set to be one of the largest housing and urban projects in the region. Minister of Oil Tareq Al-Roumi also presented updates on the Kuwait Oil Company's newly launched Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center. This initiative is part of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's broader digital transformation strategy in the energy sector, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation. Furthermore, Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem briefed the Cabinet on the signing of the second and third phases of the Al-Zour North Power Plant Project. This partnership with ACWA Power and the Gulf Investment Corporation will establish a state-of-the-art power generation and water desalination plant. Public sector updates and national holiday announcement The Cabinet also decided to suspend work in all ministries, government agencies, public institutions, and bodies on Thursday, September 4, 2025, to mark the Prophet's Birthday holiday. Regular work will resume on Sunday, September 7, 2025, with exceptions for agencies that operate under special conditions, whose holidays will be determined by their respective authorities. Bilateral relations and international cooperation Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed and approved several agreements and memoranda of understanding with other nations, aimed at strengthening Kuwait's diplomatic and economic ties. These agreements were submitted for approval to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In conclusion, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the implementation of vital development projects and legislative reforms, underscoring the importance of timely and effective action to support Kuwait's continued growth and modernization.


Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
All You Need to Know About Kuwait's New Tourist Visa & Visit Rules
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has announced a new visa framework aimed at streamlining entry procedures and aligning with the aspirations of the country's leadership. The initiative follows directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and is supervised by Acting Undersecretary Major General Ali Al-Adwani. Brigadier General Al-Kandari, speaking to Kuwait TV on Monday, explained that the General Administration of Electronic Services in the Residency Sector conducted a comprehensive study and proposed a new vision for regulating visas. The updated framework incorporates amendments recently published in the Official Gazette, "Kuwait Alyoum," and will be implemented by the Residency Affairs Department. Four Tourist Visa Categories Category 1: Citizens of approved countries ranked by global peace indices, passport strength, crime rates, and per capita income. No additional requirements apply. Applicants can choose from six tourist visa options—single or multiple entry—with stays ranging from one to three months, up to six months, or even one year (single-entry stays capped at one month). Category 2: Residents of GCC countries, the United States, Britain, and EU states, as well as holders of valid tourist visas from those countries. Eligibility requires holding an approved high- or medium-level profession, which implicitly demonstrates financial solvency without formal proof. Category 3: Currently under review, this category would grant open tourist visas to applicants providing proof of financial solvency, such as a bank statement. Category 4: Issued for local and international events and exhibitions, with visa duration set according to event requirements, such as tournaments and the World Cup. Key Changes and Digital Transformation: Unlike previous requirements, the new framework removes the 'national carrier' requirement, allowing visitors to arrive by air, land, or sea. The ministry has also launched the Kuwait Visa platform (developed in cooperation with the General Administration of Information Systems), which enables applicants to obtain visas online without visiting the Residency Affairs Departments. The platform is available as both a website and a mobile application, currently offering four visa types: tourist, family visit, government visit, and business visas. Notably, the salary requirement for family visit visas has been abolished, and applications are now accepted for relatives up to the fourth degree and in-laws up to the third degree. Business visit applications can be submitted entirely online, including document uploads and fee payments. The system features passport data scanning, allowing transactions to be completed in as little as five minutes under normal conditions. Upon arrival in Kuwait, visas can be issued electronically or at the port of entry, with mandatory security checks. Visitors who fail to meet security requirements will be denied entry and returned to their country. No Ban on Nationality Al-Kandari stressed that no nationality is categorically barred from entering Kuwait if requirements are met. Approved country and profession lists are reviewed periodically based on global indicators. 'Our goal is to attract tourists, offer them a unique experience, and ensure smooth entry procedures,' he said, advising prospective visitors to review all requirements before applying to avoid unnecessary costs or travel disruptions.