Latest news with #FahadYusufSaudAl-Sabah
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Business
- 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.
Kuwait News Agency
6 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
Kuwait Cabinet approves decree-law for protecting public funds
KUWAIT, Aug 12 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft decree-law revising Law 1/1993 for protecting public funds, which is considered a national priority and duty for the government. It is also designed to close the loopholes of the previous law, which were revealed by practical applications, to update the legal drafting and widening the scope of criminalization and objective and procedural protection of public funds. The legislation was approved during the Cabinet's customary weekly meeting held at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah. The Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law amending Law 38/1980 with a view to speeding up litigation and coping with digital transformation. During the meeting, Minister of Oil Tareq Al-Roumi kept the ministers posted on the Kuwait Oil Company's recently launched artificial intelligence-used innovation center, which is part of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's digital transformation strategy in the energy field. Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Meshari elaborated on the 80-km Al-Sabriya City project, which provides 55,000 housing units. The minister described the city as one of the largest housing and development projects in northern Kuwait. For his part, Minister of Electivity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem briefed the cabinet on the Public Authority for Partnership Projects (PAPP)'s signing of the second and third phases of the Al-Zour North Power Plant Project, in collaboration with a consortium that includes ACWA Power company and the Gulf Investment Corporation. Meanwhile, the Cabinet decided to suspend work at all ministries, government bodies, public institutions, and agencies on Thursday, September 4, 2025, on the occasion of the Prophet's Birthday. Finally, the ministers reviewed and approved a set of subjects and matters on the agenda and decided to refer some of them to relevant ministerial committees for considering them and then reporting to the cabinet. (end) mt
Kuwait News Agency
10-08-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait News Agency
Kuwait MoI: 178 residency violators arrested in nationwide campaign
KUWAIT, Aug 10 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Department of Residency Affairs Investigations, announced on Sunday, the arrest of 178 violators and wanted individuals in a wide-scale nationwide security campaign. In a press statement issued by the General Department of Public Relations and Security Media, the Ministry stated that this comes as part of implementing the directives and instructions of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, and in continuation of security efforts aimed at maintaining security and enforcing the law. It pointed out that the campaign, carried out by the Departments of Offender Monitoring and Inspection, targeted densely populated areas. The Ministry affirmed its continued efforts to apprehend violators of residency and labor laws, stating that accountability will apply to both workers and employers, with no leniency in applying the law to everyone. (end)
Arab Times
09-08-2025
- Arab Times
Meth, Guns, and Crime: Breaking Bad Moment Uncovered in Kuwait!
KUWAIT CITY — Under the direct supervision of His Excellency, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, the Criminal Security Sector's General Directorate for Drug Enforcement has arrested Talal Al-Humaidi Hammad Al-Ajil, a known criminal, for manufacturing and trafficking methamphetamine. The arrest took place in the Saad Al-Abdullah area; Al-Ajil's citizenship was recently revoked. Following extensive investigations and field surveillance, authorities uncovered his involvement in producing methamphetamine using smuggled chemical substances. During the operation, officials seized 30 liters of basic chemicals used in methamphetamine production, 3 liters of the drug in its pre-final stage, and 6 kilograms of ready-to-sell methamphetamine, along with various chemicals and manufacturing equipment. The estimated market value of the confiscated substances is approximately 500,000 Kuwaiti dinars. Additionally, two firearms and several rounds of live ammunition were recovered. All seized items have been documented, and the suspect has been referred to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings. The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to combat drug-related crimes and warned that security forces will continue to take decisive action against traffickers to protect the community. The ministry urges the public to cooperate by reporting any suspicious activities to help safeguard the nation's security and the well-being of its residents.
Arab Times
24-07-2025
- Arab Times
Indians And Nepalese Among 52 Held As Kuwait Cracks Down On Illegal Liquor Ring
KUWAIT CITY, July 24 — In a dramatic crackdown led by Kuwait's top security officials, authorities have dismantled a sophisticated criminal network running illegal liquor factories across six residential neighbourhoods in the capital. The coordinated sting, carried out under the direct supervision of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, has resulted in the arrest of 52 individuals—including both male and female suspects of Nepalese and Indian nationalities—who were allegedly involved in the production, packaging, and distribution of locally brewed alcohol. The operation unfolded on Wednesday, July 23, and included high-ranking officials such as Acting Director General of Kuwait Municipality, Engineer Manal Al-Asfour, Assistant Undersecretary for Criminal Security Affairs Major General Hamed Al-Dawas, and several senior figures from various cooperating government bodies. Authorities revealed that rented homes in Mishref, Jaber Al-Ali, Al-Nahda, Faiha, Saad Al-Abdullah, and Al-Qusour had been converted into full-scale illegal liquor factories. These properties, located in quiet residential zones, were deliberately chosen to deflect suspicion and blend in with ordinary domestic life—while inside, barrels of raw ingredients, distillation equipment, and thousands of filled bottles were being churned out in industrial quantities. Once the necessary legal warrants were obtained, elite teams launched simultaneous dawn raids on the targeted houses. What they uncovered was a well-oiled black-market enterprise: extensive quantities of brewing chemicals, thousands of plastic bottles pre-filled and ready for sale, and eight vehicles used to supply materials, distribute alcohol, and even provide basic provisions like food and water to the underground workforce. Among those arrested were two suspects found with large amounts of cash and a money-counting machine, believed to be the gang's financiers tasked with handling the profits from illegal sales. In a swift follow-up operation, the alleged kingpin of the network was also taken into custody after close surveillance revealed he had been directing operations by phone and coordinating with unknown individuals outside the country. In total, the arrests included 30 men and 22 women, all of whom are now facing charges related to the manufacture and distribution of alcohol, which is strictly prohibited in Kuwait. Authorities described the bust as a major victory in the ongoing fight against illegal alcohol production. 'This operation is a clear message to all criminals and violators of our laws,' a Ministry of Interior spokesperson stated. 'Security campaigns will continue without pause, and we will use all available resources to protect the safety, health, and values of our society.' The Ministry has also urged the public to report any suspicious activities and reiterated its commitment to working closely with various state institutions to crack down on illegal networks operating within the country.
