Latest news with #Al-Kandari
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Science
- Kuwait Times
KISR study identifies fish kill-causing microalgae in Kuwait for first time
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) said on Thursday it has, for the first time, identified toxic microalgae species responsible for red tide events and mass fish deaths in Kuwaiti waters. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Botanica Marina, settle a long-standing scientific debate by confirming the presence of three harmful species: Karenia papilionacea, Karenia selliformis, and Karlodinium ballantinum, lead author Dr. Manal Al-Kandari told state news agency KUNA. Al-Kandari said the study conclusively confirmed the existence of K. selliformis, which caused a major fish kill in Kuwait in 1999, and K. papilionacea, both of which had been debated in earlier research. She noted that K. ballantinum was recorded for the first time not only in Kuwait but in the entire Arabian Gulf region. Describing the discovery as a 'strategic scientific achievement,' Al-Kandari said the findings will support the development of early warning systems to mitigate future outbreaks, safeguard marine biodiversity, and strengthen food security. The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and led to the creation of a preserved reference collection of living microalgae strains—a resource she said will benefit future national and regional marine research. Al-Kandari also acknowledged the continued support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), calling for further investment in marine environmental studies.—KUNA
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Science
- Arab Times
What scientists found in Kuwaiti waters is a game-changer for marine life
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has announced a groundbreaking achievement in marine science, successfully identifying the genetic profiles of three toxic microalgae species responsible for red tide events and mass fish deaths in Kuwaiti waters. Published in the scientific journal Botanica Marina, the study is the first of its kind in Kuwait and puts an end to years of scientific uncertainty surrounding the cause of harmful algal blooms in the region. The research identified Karenia papilionacea, Karenia selliformis, and Karlodinium ballantinum using advanced high-resolution microscopy and genetic analysis of large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) from live strains collected between 2014 and 2021. Dr. Manal Al-Kandari, lead researcher at KISR's Environmental and Life Sciences Research Center, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the study confirmed the presence of K. papilionacea, with seven strains showing a 99 percent genetic similarity. It also reaffirmed K. selliformis as the species linked to the 1999 fish kill, one of the most significant environmental incidents in Kuwait's marine history. Notably, the study also recorded the presence of Karlodinium ballantinum for the first time in both Kuwaiti waters and the wider Arabian Gulf—marking a major scientific milestone for the country. In collaboration with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, the KISR team successfully isolated and analyzed ten strains of these harmful algae. The resulting data has established a foundational scientific database to enhance Kuwait's capacity to monitor and manage toxic algal blooms. 'These findings will support the development of early warning systems, help protect marine ecosystems and fisheries, and bolster national food security,' Dr. Al-Kandari said. She also highlighted the creation of a reference collection of live strains now preserved at KISR as a valuable national and regional resource for future research. Dr. Al-Kandari praised the continued backing of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences for its support of marine research initiatives. She emphasized the need to sustain such scientific efforts to safeguard the health and sustainability of Kuwait's marine environment.
Kuwait Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait showcases elder care model at UN forum
GENEVA: Kuwait highlighted its long-standing commitment to elder care at a high-level international event held Thursday in Geneva under the title 'Towards Safe and Dignified Ageing: Protecting Older Persons Amid Demographic and Social Changes.' Speaking at the side event of the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Dr Jasem Al-Kandari, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Care at Kuwait's Ministry of Social Affairs, emphasized Kuwait's support for regional and international efforts to promote the rights of older persons. 'Kuwait's presence in this international forum reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing the rights of older adults, exchanging experiences, and developing social policies in partnership with international organizations and civil society,' Al-Kandari told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following his participation. He underscored that improving the lives of older people is a key pillar of Kuwait's social policy — and of the broader GCC region — recognizing this segment of the population as 'a vital foundation for development and a rich source of experience and values.' During the event, Al-Kandari presented on 'GCC Policy Trends in Elder Care Amid Demographic and Social Challenges,' spotlighting the progressive steps Kuwait and neighboring countries have taken. He specifically highlighted Kuwait's pioneering approach, which focuses on 'enhancing quality of life for the elderly, guaranteeing their rights, and providing a safe and supportive environment in the face of accelerating social and demographic shifts.' Al-Kandari pointed out that Kuwait's history in elder care dates back to 1955, noting 'significant progress in the legislative framework' including the creation of a specialized Elder Care Department and the adoption of advanced laws to protect this group. Kuwait's efforts are grounded in both historical commitment and constitutional obligations. Article 11 of the Kuwaiti Constitution explicitly states that the state 'shall guarantee aid to citizens in cases of old age, illness, or inability to work, and shall provide them with social insurance, social assistance, and medical care.' In a 2024 statement to KUNA, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah emphasized that 'Kuwait spares no effort in ensuring the highest levels of dignity and well-being for older people,' citing the services provided by the Elder Care Department, including preventive and curative care, educational and training opportunities, and support systems for families to better care for elderly relatives. The country's current infrastructure includes six specialized mobile service centers, with one full-service elder care hub in each of Kuwait's six governorates. These centers provide a mix of social, medical, psychological, physiotherapy, nutritional counseling, and spiritual guidance. In August 2024 alone, the Elder Care Department served 3,888 individuals through non-residential programs and cared for 17 residents in its full-time facilities. Recent expansions include launching a mobile elder care unit in Hawally, opening new multipurpose spaces for seniors in West Abdullah Al-Mubarak and Ferdous, and piloting a new initiative to integrate elderly residents with children from family care institutions to enhance social and emotional wellbeing. Al-Kandari also pointed to Kuwait's long-standing legal and policy framework. 'Kuwait's historical experience in elder care dates back to 1955,' he said, highlighting laws like Elder Care Law No 18 of 2016 and the creation of a dedicated Elder Care Department. Kuwait's system offers residential care, day programs, rehabilitation, home visits by mobile medical teams, and services like the Priority Card, which eases access to public transport, healthcare, and facilities. According to local Arabic-language media, the country operates 22 mobile healthcare teams, ensuring seniors are served wherever they live. 'Kuwait places older persons at the center of its social policies, recognizing their key role in the social fabric and working to safeguard their dignity and participation,' Al-Kandari said. — KUNA
Arab Times
03-04-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait sees highest conversion rate to Islam in 7 years during Ramadan 2025
KUWAIT CITY, April 3: Ammar Al-Kandari, the Director General of the Committee for Introduction to Islam, extended his warmest congratulations and blessings to Kuwait's political leadership, its citizens, residents, and the entire Islamic nation on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. In a press statement, Al-Kandari highlighted that the month of Ramadan 2025 saw a significant achievement, with the highest number of conversions to Islam in the past seven years. By the 29th of Ramadan, approximately 730 individuals, both male and female, from various nationalities had embraced Islam. Al-Kandari credited this success to God's grace and the dedicated efforts of 78 male and female preachers. He emphasized that this accomplishment reflects the positive impact of the "Change Their Lives" campaign, which was launched by the committee during the holy month to introduce non-Muslims to Islam. He further shared that around 1,200 preaching lectures were delivered across various governorates, and approximately 1,700 preaching bags were distributed as part of the campaign.
Arab Times
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Civil Aviation calls for action to address bird threat
KUWAIT CITY, March 9: The General Authority of Civil Aviation has raised alarms over the gathering of birds of prey near the airport, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency at the airport runway. The authority is urging relevant agencies to take immediate action to address the issue. In a letter to the Minister of Oil and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Environment, Tariq Al-Roumi, the Acting Director General of the Public Environment Authority, Eng. Iman Al-Kandari, highlighted the growing concerns related to the congregation of birds on the airport runway. Al-Kandari's letter outlined complaints from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation regarding the presence of birds of prey near the airport, posing significant safety risks. In response, a coordination meeting was held with representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority, Kuwait Municipality, the Environment Public Authority, and the Kuwait Environmental Lens team. The meeting focused on finding solutions to the problem of birds gathering on the runway. Al-Kandari emphasized that the presence of birds on the airport runway presents serious risks, as the birds could enter aircraft engines, potentially leading to engine failure, crashes, and other dangerous consequences. This has prompted the state of emergency at the airport. Experts from the Kuwait Environmental Lens team, who monitor bird movements, have been consulted to contribute to finding solutions to the problem. In the short term, one proposed solution is to relocate trees, currently 1.4 km from the airport runway, that are frequented by kites (Hadidah) for rest and sleep. The plan is to move these trees to a site south of the Seventh Ring Road landfill, about 6.4 km from the airport. This would allow the birds to rest near their feeding area without returning to locations close to the airport. Authorities are also recommending that waste in the area be tightly covered at all times, with stricter control measures at Kuwait Airport, the Subhan factories, and the Jleeb slaughterhouse. Coordination with the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources is necessary to remove barns located near the Seventh Ring Road, which attract birds. For long-term solutions, experts have suggested moving leafless trees (mashla'a) near the airport, which birds use for resting. Additionally, relocating the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh slaughterhouse to a site farther from the airport, designing tightly sealed waste rooms for the Subhan food area, and ensuring waste is disposed of at night are recommended. Coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to implement bird-repelling devices around the airport is also crucial. This coordinated effort aims to mitigate the risks posed by birds near the airport and ensure the continued safety of air traffic.
