logo
DGCA secures leaner deal for weather system maintenance

DGCA secures leaner deal for weather system maintenance

Arab Times05-05-2025

KUWAIT CITY, May 5: According to informed sources, the State Audit Bureau (SAB) has approved the extension of a contract with a company to provide maintenance to ensure the continuous delivery of high-quality data from the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) at a cost of KD 216,700. They explained that the extension of the current contract resulted in savings of over 80 percent compared to the original contract cost. SAB requested that the Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) be informed of the total value of the extension after the cost reduction. The original contract, previously approved by CAPT, was valued at KD 396,000, and the Ministry of Finance has also approved the revised cost for the contract extension. After reviewing the contract documents and following up on previous inquiries, SAB did not object to extending the contract with the company for KD 216,700, down from the original amount, for one year from January 2, 2025, to January 2026.
SAB emphasized the importance of the financial offer submitted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) being accurate, particularly after achieving savings of KD 179,300. These savings resulted from the cancellation of modernization work costs originally included in the original contract, a reduction in labor wages and other line items, and the cancellation of preventive and corrective maintenance charges, which the company is obligated to provide free of charge for one year under the terms of the contract. SAB stressed the need for DGCA to exercise due professional diligence in guiding relevant stakeholders when reviewing contracts and extensions, to prevent awarding contracts at costs exceeding actual requirements

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Special offer for NBK Mastercard holders
Special offer for NBK Mastercard holders

Kuwait Times

time6 hours ago

  • Kuwait Times

Special offer for NBK Mastercard holders

KUWAIT: In line with its continuous efforts to enrich its customers' banking experience with unique campaigns and exceptional rewards that correspond to their different lifestyles and needs, the National Bank of Kuwait and Mastercard are partnering to reward 115 top spending customers with travel vouchers simply for using their NBK-Mastercard when spending in foreign currency during the period from June 1 to June 30, 2025. This offer allows winners the chance to win a travel voucher worth up to KD 150, provided by Mastercard, which can be redeemed at more than 500 different airlines and over 2.1 million hotels around the world. To get the chance to win, there are minimum spending limits during the campaign period, according to the card used in making the purchases, and they are as follows: (1) Spend a minimum of KD 550 if they hold any of the following cards: - NBK-Aura World Mastercard Credit Card. - NBK Miles World Mastercard Credit Card. - World Mastercard Credit Card. - UEFA Champions League World Mastercard Credit Card issued by NBK. (2) Spend a minimum of KD 300 if they hold any of the following cards: - NBK Platinum Mastercard Credit Card. (3) Spend a minimum of KD 200 if they hold any of the following cards: - NBK Titanium Mastercard Credit Card. - NBK Laki Titanium Mastercard Credit Card. Voucher distribution: - Mastercard Platinum & Titanium: 65 vouchers, valued at KD 75 each. - Mastercard World: 50 vouchers, valued at KD 150 each. Commenting on this campaign, Anwar Al Ballam AVP - Cards services, at Consumer Banking Group, at National Bank of Kuwait said: 'We are keen at NBK on rewarding our customers by launching exclusive campaigns around the year that guarantee an exceptional and distinguished experience for them beyond banking services and correspond to their different lifestyles and needs.' Al Ballam also added: 'Through this campaign in partnership with Mastercard, we strive to celebrate our NBK-Mastercard Credit Card and NBK-Mastercard Prepaid Card holders and enable them to gain massive benefits while helping them turn purchases into memorable trips.' It is noteworthy that NBK's Credit Cards are the best way to make payments, as holders access many benefits with ease, especially while shopping, including NBK Rewards and NBK Miles Programs, as well as Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty Services.

How people in Kuwait are offering Eid Al-Adha sacrifices in 2025
How people in Kuwait are offering Eid Al-Adha sacrifices in 2025

Kuwait Times

time2 days ago

  • Kuwait Times

How people in Kuwait are offering Eid Al-Adha sacrifices in 2025

Ministry steps up inspections to prevent price manipulation in livestock markets KUWAIT: Eid Al-Adha sacrifices are taking many forms this year in Kuwait. Some residents spend on premium local breeds, others are opting for more affordable sheep, and many are choosing to send their offerings abroad, driven by the urge to support Muslims in need in crisis-hit regions. For many, the value of the act outweighs the cost of the animal. At one of the most popular livestock markets, Waleed Ahmed, a Pakistani expat, stood holding his receipt after purchasing Arabic Naeimi sheep, among the most expensive breeds available. 'It's not about the price,' he told Kuwait Times. 'This is a sacrifice. You choose the best you can afford because it's for Allah.' The Naeimi local breed, known for its rich flavor and tender meat, continues to be the top choice among many customers, especially Kuwaitis. 'The Arab Naeimi is between KD 170 to 180,' said Abdulaziz, a vendor at the market. 'It's always in demand. Kuwaitis prefer it because the meat is the best.' Waleed, though an expat, said he grew up with the love for its taste. 'The meat is rich and flavorful. I was born and raised in Kuwait, and this is the flavor I have always known.' Nearby, Jordanian customer Ehab Abu Obaid echoed the same sentiment. Vendors wait for customers at the livestock market. Sheep and goats are seen at the market. Sheep and goats are seen at the market. A man inspects sheep before buying it. Online sacrifice 'I only eat Arab meat,' he said firmly while negotiating with a vendor. 'It's what I was raised on. The seller won't budge below KD 170, but I'm buying it anyway.' Still, he acknowledged a shift in how many are giving: 'I know people who no longer sacrifice here because they just can't afford it. They donate online instead, especially to places like Gaza, where they feel the meat is more urgently needed.' Hashem is one of them. 'This year, I donated through Zakat House to Somalia. It cost me KD 40,' he said. 'They're facing famine, that's real need. In Kuwait, it's harder to find families who genuinely cannot afford meat.' Egyptian resident Saeed offered a similar perspective. 'I do the sacrifice in Egypt, where families are truly in need. In Kuwait, most people are better off and already have support,' he said. Indian resident Shakir has found a middle ground, sacrificing in India where prices are lower, while also doing one locally, as it's important for him to keep the tradition alive here too around his family. At your doorstep Adding to the range of options this year, a new service has emerged, some delivery apps are now offering home-delivery of sacrificial animals. Customers can order, pay, and receive their sheep right at their doorstep, adding a layer of convenience. At the market, Abdulaziz listed the price ranges for other lambs' options. 'If you want something cheaper, you go for the Somali at KD 60, or the Australian around KD 70 to 75,' he said. 'The Iranian or Shifali types are mid-range, around KD 115 to 120.' Due the wide price differences, he highlighted, 'Whoever wants something will find it for the price they're looking for. It just depends on the type and weight.' Vendor Abu Mustafa said prices typically peak in the days leading up to Eid, but drop slightly by the second day. Jordanian shopper Abo Ebeed was trying to beat the rush. 'I came early before the best sheep run out,' he said. Abu Mustafa noted a clear divide in preferences: 'Arab sheep are mostly bought by Kuwaitis, while Somali and Australian ones are more popular among expats.' For the Australian, he noted it is only sold by the AlMawashi slaughterhouse and through an early booking system. Inflated prices A source who preferred to stay anonymous, revealed to Kuwait Times rising buyers' frustration, noting that some sellers inflate prices or pass off lower-quality sheep as premium breeds. He stressed the importance of buyers educating themselves about the different livestock types, their distinguishing features, and fair pricing before making a purchase. In response to such concerns, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on Tuesday that it has intensified inspection campaigns in livestock markets ahead of Eid Al-Adha. According to Faisal Al-Ansari, Director of the Commercial Control Department, inspection teams are conducting daily tours to monitor market activity, ensure price stability, and confirm that enough sacrificial livestock (Adahi) are available to meet demand. These campaigns are coordinated in advance with sheep importers to secure sufficient quantities and prevent price hikes, Al-Ansari told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). He emphasized that the ministry is closely monitoring complaints, urging the public to report any violations. Their goal is to protect consumers, ensure transparency, and support both citizens and residents during the Eid season, he added.

Jazeera Airways kicks off direct flights to Damascus from June 9
Jazeera Airways kicks off direct flights to Damascus from June 9

Arab Times

time3 days ago

  • Arab Times

Jazeera Airways kicks off direct flights to Damascus from June 9

KUWAIT CITY, June 4: Jazeera Airways, Kuwait's leading low-cost carrier, announced the resumption of flights between Kuwait and Damascus, Syria, starting from 9 June 2025. This significant move marks the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two nations after a hiatus of over 12 years. Jazeera Airways previously served three destinations in Syria—Damascus, Aleppo, and Deir EzZoor—and is now returning to the Syrian capital to meet the growing demand for travel and reconnection. The relaunch of services to Damascus reflects the airline's commitment to serving over 200,000 Syrians in Kuwait, the second largest Middle Eastern community residing in the country. The service will launch with one daily flight, with plans to increase to twice-daily frequencies before the end of the summer travel season. The airline also plans to resume operations to other Syrian cities in line with anticipated market growth. The flights are currently open for booking with Jazeera Airways offering special promotional fares starting from just KD 95 one-way and KD 159 return— giving travelers an affordable opportunity to reconnect with Damascus. Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Airways commented, 'We are pleased to restart flights between Kuwait and Damascus, a route of immense importance to thousands of Syrian nationals living and working here. This development goes beyond simply restoring air travel—it represents a renewed bridge of connectivity that links families, communities, and opportunities. By reinstating this vital service, we are not only supporting the strong and vibrant Syrian community in Kuwait but also reinforcing the deep historical, cultural, and economic bonds between our two nations. We are deeply grateful to all stakeholders in both Kuwait and Syria who have partnered us in establishing the direct connectivity between Kuwait and Damascus.' With this development, Jazeera Airways reaffirms its role as a key enabler of regional connectivity and a committed partner to diverse communities across its network.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store