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Kuwait Times
01-06-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
IICO launches food aid project for 240,000 displaced Gazans
GAZA: International Islamic Charitable Organization workers distribute food to Palestinians in Gaza. — KUNA KUWAIT: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) has launched its 'Takeyat It'aam Al-Ta'am' (Charitable Food Kitchen) project, aiming to reach 240,000 beneficiaries over the course of one month by distributing balanced meals in shelter centers. The initiative comes in response to the dire humanitarian conditions facing displaced people and refugees in Gaza due to the ongoing siege and conflict. In a press statement issued Thursday, the organization said the project, which began on May 6 and will continue through June 5, aims to provide food security to the most vulnerable groups and alleviate their daily suffering under the current circumstances. The organization emphasized its particular focus on relief projects with direct impact, which help improve the lives of affected families and support their resilience. The statement added that the initiative was launched in response to severe shortages in food supplies, a worsening humanitarian crisis, and rising malnutrition rates, particularly among children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. It noted that most residents in camps and shelters rely almost entirely on humanitarian aid to meet their basic needs. The organization explained that the project serves several key objectives, most notably: providing nutritious meals to those in shelters, ensuring they receive minimum daily dietary requirements, improving overall health, reducing nutrition-related illnesses, and offering psychological and emotional support amid the intense pressures and hardships they face. It further noted that 'Takeyat It'aam Al-Ta'am' meals are prepared and distributed within the shelters in an organized and hygienic manner that preserves the dignity of recipients — especially vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly, who are prioritized in distribution. This comes amid the rapid collapse of food supply chains within Gaza. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Science
- Kuwait Times
Scientific Center of Kuwait soft launches part of major expansion
Visitors reflect on 25 years of education and play at the Scientific Center By Nebal Snan and KUNA KUWAIT: For many in Kuwait, their first walk through the Scientific Center's Mijbil Almutawa Aquarium is a memory that stays for life. Watching desert owls and spiny-tailed lizards up close, then following sharks and bright shoals of fish through the aquarium's winding tanks — every visit is an exploration of Kuwait's habitat and the marine ecosystems of the Red Sea and South African coasts. When the center first opened its doors in 2000, it not only housed the largest aquarium in the Middle East — it was a cultural landmark. The Discovery Place and IMAX Theater have brought scientific concepts closer to visitors in locally-relevant and engaging ways. The walkways around the center have been a go-to place for family outings, from biking to leisurely strolls. Since then, the Scientific Center has welcomed more than 11 million visitors. It's a place people return to again and again, often across generations. Long-time visitor Khalil Abdullah still remembers the magic of his first behind-the-scenes aquarium tour years ago. 'The sharks have always been the trademark for me. I vividly remember the look of amazement on my younger brother's face. And now, my kids have that same look when they see them.' A new era Now, 25 years later, the Scientific Center is preparing for its most ambitious transformation yet. A major expansion — in the works since at least 2015 — is nearing completion. This week, the center soft-launched part of the project: a new exhibition called World of Science. 'The trial launch of World of Science marks the beginning of more years of surprises as part of a comprehensive vision aimed at developing intellectual capabilities across all age groups and scientific fields,' Msaed Alyaseen, Director General of the Scientific Center, told media on Monday. Designed with all the family in mind, the exhibition explores key scientific fields, including innovation, energy, engineering, and robotics, while also featuring a dedicated play area that introduces children to scientific thinking through hands-on activities. During the soft opening phase, the exhibition is welcoming up to 200 visitors per day through reservations on the center's website. Full public access will begin once the trial period is complete. There's also more to come on the horizon. One major feature of the expansion will be Power of Play, an interactive exhibition created by Finland's Heureka Science Centre that has already drawn over 660,000 visitors abroad. The exhibit features 24 hands-on stations exploring creativity, adventure, and the science behind how and why we play. Conservation milestones The center's growth is also marked by new collaborations. Recently, the center signed a cooperation agreement with The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi, now the largest in the Middle East, to exchange expertise in marine conservation and environmental education. Working closely with Kuwait's Environment Public Authority (EPA), the Scientific Center has rehabilitated and released injured turtles, birds of prey, and other wildlife. The center's teams have even helped rescue a whale shark in Kuwaiti waters. It has also successfully bred endangered African penguins, a species whose global population has fallen to around 14,000 breeding pairs. Sharks Bandar and Bibi, along with the nurse shark Yagoub, have been part of The Scientific Center since its very first day. In 2022, Bibi, estimated to be over 20 years old, gave birth to two pups, Bader and Badriya. Sand tiger sharks have a low natural reproductive rate, with females only producing up to two pups every two or three years. Globally, these sharks are listed as a vulnerable species. 'Captive breeding programs for the critically endangered sand tiger sharks offer immense conservation benefits. A carefully managed release programs could have the potential to augment depleted wild stocks,' the center said on its website. Speaking people's language Over the years, the people behind the scenes have grown too. Mohammad Al-Fares, who first volunteered at the center as a teenager in 2005, now leads major initiatives — and recently watched his own son become a volunteer. 'Working here is more than a job,' he said. 'It's a mission. Every day I get to help make science exciting and meaningful for people of all ages. Being part of an organization that educates, inspires, and brings families together is something I truly cherish.' As the Scientific Center evolves, so do the expectations of its audience. Today's young visitors are drawn to interactive, immersive experiences — from VR and AR to tactile learning. A global survey by the University of Glasgow's Museums in the Metaverse project found that 79 percent of respondents want to use digital tools to explore museum collections. 'The best museums let you touch, play, and be part of the story,' said visitor Lena Anand. 'When technology is part of the experience, it feels alive — not just something you're reading about.' The new World of Science exhibition reflects the center's responsiveness. Its hands-on displays make complex scientific ideas accessible and fun. And it's not the only update — from interactive games along the boardwalk to feeding fish and turtles in the aquarium, the center has been quietly transforming how visitors connect with science. 'Every visit feels exciting,' said Abdullah. 'We're really looking forward to exploring the new exhibits.'
Kuwait Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Cabinet reviews key developments and approves reports
KUWAIT: Cabinet holds its weekly meeting at Bayan Palace, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. — KUNA KUWAIT: The Cabinet held its weekly meeting on May 20, 2025, at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. Following the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Abdullah Al-Maousherji issued a statement outlining the key outcomes of the meeting. At the outset, the Cabinet was briefed on the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, assigning His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to represent His Highness at the upcoming Second Summit and Economic Forum between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the People's Republic of China. The high-level meetings are scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from May 26 to 28, 2025, with the aim of strengthening regional and international cooperation. The Cabinet also reviewed correspondence from the Amiri Diwan addressed to His Highness the Amir, reflecting Kuwait's ongoing commitment to deepening ties with brotherly and friendly nations and advancing mutual cooperation across various sectors. In recognition of distinguished public service, the Cabinet approved the naming of the General Directorate of Nationality and Travel Documents building after the late Sulaiman Mishaan Al-Mishaan. The move honors the late official's valuable contributions to the Ministry of Interior, particularly in the development of work systems within the Nationality and Passports Sector. During the meeting, Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Saud Al-Omar briefed the Cabinet on the recent meeting between His Highness the Crown Prince and Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Microsoft Corporation, Judson Bezek Althoff. The discussions focused on advancing the strategic partnership between Kuwait and Microsoft to build an integrated digital infrastructure. Key objectives include enhancing government services, promoting innovation and investment and equipping national talent through advanced training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies—paving the way for a dynamic and sustainable digital economy. In line with the government's ongoing efforts to address housing needs, the Cabinet reviewed a progress report from the Public Authority for Housing Welfare on the status of housing project services. The Cabinet directed the Authority, in coordination with relevant government bodies, to continue implementing these projects in accordance with the approved timeline and plans. The Council of Ministers concluded the session by reviewing several items on the agenda. A number of proposals were approved, while others were referred to specialized ministerial committees for further study and procedural follow-up. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Housing officials meet to advance joint Gulf vision
Senior Gulf housing officials take a group photo after the meeting. – KUNA KUWAIT: Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) Rashid Al-Enezi affirmed on Tuesday the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in the field of housing welfare, as Kuwait hosts the 26th meeting of senior housing officials from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Speaking while chairing the meeting, Al-Enezi described the gathering as a significant platform for realizing the shared visions and strategic directions of the GCC, as well as enhancing communication and coordination in housing-related initiatives. 'Kuwait is honored to host these meetings, which serve as a vital opportunity to unify efforts and advance joint Gulf action in addressing one of the most pressing needs of GCC citizens,' he said. Al-Enezi also praised the efforts of Qatar during its presidency of the previous session in 2024, commending the commitment of all GCC states to advancing the housing welfare sector through collaborative and sustained efforts. He expressed optimism that the current meeting would yield constructive recommendations to be presented to the 23rd meeting of GCC Ministers Concerned with Housing Affairs, scheduled to take place the day after tomorrow. He further underscored the importance of sharing successful experiences to support sustainable housing development goals across the region. The meeting coincides with the third edition of Gulf Housing Week, hosted by the PAHW from May 18 to 22, under the theme 'Real Estate Development for Sustainable Housing.' — KUNA
