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Arab Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait's solar energy powers 16m gas cylinders a year
KUWAIT CITY, May 15: Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kuwait Oil Tankers Company (KOTC) Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah has announced that Kuwait is now producing 16 million gas cylinders annually using solar energy through the Umm Al-Aish and Shuaiba plants, which have a combined production capacity of seven megawatts without using electricity from the national power grid. This is considered a significant move towards using solar energy to generate electricity in order to reduce reliance on electricity loads. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the conversion of production in both plants to solar power, Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah affirmed that this step is in line with the strategic plan of the country to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He described the project as a vital part of the ongoing effort to reduce reliance on conventional energy and limit environmental impact. He also highlighted the aspiration of the company to expand its oil tanker fleet, which currently includes 31 vessels. He revealed a comprehensive strategy is being developed and will be announced soon, reaffirming that KOTC continues to meet all marketing demands and remains a key player in the energy logistics of the country. He added the shipping operations of KOTCH remain stable, even amid global trade tensions, thanks to strategic planning for crisis scenarios. He confirmed that the current trade war has not affected the markets of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). 'Our distribution and marketing operations are built on long-term, strategic relationships,' he asserted; while stressing the commitment of the country to fulfill all international contracts. He added Kuwait maintains a strong overseas presence with seven million barrels of oil stored in Asia -- three million in Japan and four million in South Korea. He disclosed that KPC has a comprehensive strategic plan to study markets and market needs, determine development capacity and increase vessels based on market data. Asked about the merger of the two gas plants into the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), he confirmed that the integration of the Umm Al-Aish and Shuaiba gas plants into KNPC is moving forward as per an ambitious plan. He said KNPC currently provides gas to KOTC tankers, highlighting the synergy between national entities. On the other hand, Director of the Projects and Maritime Agency Group at KOTC Yousef Al-Khamis stated that the solar energy conversion project cost around KD1.9 million; indicating this investment is expected to save about 16,000 barrels of oil annually and generate 11,000 megawatts of clean energy; thereby, easing pressure on the national electrical grid. Al-Khamis also unveiled the plan to establish a third gas cylinder factory in Kabad, while the two existing plants can meet domestic demand until 2030. He said the expansion is part of the company's long-term strategy. He also addressed concerns about misuse of household gas cylinders by restaurants. 'We are coordinating with the Cooperative Societies Union and the Ministry of Commerce to implement mechanisms that prevent restaurants from using cylinders designated for residential use, instead of commercial cylinders,' he added.
Arab Times
23-03-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait provides $6.1 million in support to foreign wives of citizens whose citizenship was revoked
KUWAIT CITY, March 23: Kuwait has provided more than KD1.9 million (approximately $6.1 million) in social support to foreign wives of Kuwaiti men whose citizenships were revoked, a government official revealed. This decision reflects the government's ongoing efforts to ensure the welfare of those affected by the revocation of their citizenships. Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al Huwailah, confirmed that the financial aid was distributed to 3,391 women in the first three months of 2025. Dr. Al Huwailah explained that this initiative was in line with directives from the country's political leadership to ensure the continued provision of social support to these women, thereby promoting social justice and stability. Official figures from the ministry show the detailed breakdown of the aid distribution: In January, nearly KD412,000 was allocated to 485 women, while February saw approximately KD595,000 provided to 1,111 women. In March, the aid to 1,795 women reached over KD950,000. The Ministry of Social Affairs is committed to supporting this category of women in accordance with established legal standards to uphold fairness and stability in society, Dr. Al Huwailah added. The women receiving the aid are categorized under Article 8 of Kuwait's nationality law, which has been a subject of attention in Kuwaiti media. This law applies to those who have lost their Kuwaiti citizenship under various circumstances, including the revocation of citizenship. In addition to the financial support, the Kuwait Civil Service Commission, responsible for overseeing government employees, has confirmed that female employees who lost their citizenship under Article 8 will continue to receive job-related benefits. These include monthly salaries, bonuses, allowances, various types of leave, scholarships, training opportunities, and reduced working hours. Kuwait, with a population of approximately 4.9 million people, the majority of whom are expatriates, has recently intensified efforts to combat citizenship fraud and violations of dual nationality rules. The government is particularly focused on protecting Kuwait's national identity. As a result of these efforts, thousands of individuals have had their Kuwaiti citizenships revoked since early March, with reasons ranging from forgery of documents to holding a second nationality, which is prohibited under Kuwaiti law. This series of actions is part of broader measures being taken by Kuwait to preserve the integrity of its citizenship and ensure that only those who are truly eligible can retain or acquire Kuwaiti nationality. The revocation of citizenships and the subsequent social support for affected individuals demonstrate the country's commitment to safeguarding both its national identity and social welfare system.
Gulf Insider
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait: Over $6m In Support For Foreign Spouses Stripped Of Citizenship
Kuwait has provided more than KD1.9 million (around $6.1 million) in social support to foreign wives of Kuwaiti men whose citizenships have been revoked, a government official has said. Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Amthal Al Huwaila, stated that the aid was distributed to 3,391 women in the first three months of this year. The decision follows directives from the political leadership to ensure the continuity of social support, she told Al Qabas newspaper. According to official figures, the ministry provided nearly KD412,000 in assistance to 485 women in January. In February, 1,111 beneficiaries received approximately KD595,000, while 1,795 women were granted over KD950,000 in March. 'The ministry is committed to supporting this category in line with approved legal standards to ensure social justice and stability,' Al Huwaila added. These women are classified under Article 8 of Kuwait's nationality law, as commonly referenced in Kuwaiti media. Meanwhile, Kuwait's Civil Service Commission, which oversees government employees, has approved the continued provision of job-related perks for female employees whose citizenships were revoked under Article 8. These benefits include monthly salaries, bonuses, allowances, all types of leave, scholarships, training, and reduced working hours. Kuwait, a country of about 4.9 million people—most of whom are expatriates—has recently intensified efforts to combat citizenship fraud and dual nationality violations to protect its national identity. As a result, thousands of individuals have had their Kuwaiti citizenship revoked since early March due to forgery or holding a second nationality, which is prohibited under Kuwaiti law.
