Latest news with #Kuwaitis
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Gulf Bank launches ‘Start Smart' campaign for Kuwaitis: Cash gift of up to KD 1,200
Exclusive benefits for salary transfers KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has rolled out an exclusive offer for Kuwaiti citizens under the slogan 'Start Smart.' As part of this campaign, customers who transfer their salaries to Gulf Bank can receive a cash gift of up to KD 1,200, along with a variety of benefits aimed at unlocking new opportunities and supporting them in achieving their goals, step by step. Gulf Bank salary account holders will enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including automatic enrollment in Kuwait's fastest rewards program, which allows them to redeem points for cash, book flights, hotels, and car rentals, as well as shop through one of the region's pioneering bank-exclusive e-commerce platforms. The offer also features exclusive discounts at leading car dealerships, including 0 percent interest on select vehicles. Eligible customers can apply for a personal loan of up to KD 25,000 repayable over five years, as well as a housing loan of up to KD 70,000 with a repayment period of up to 15 years. Additionally, the offer features a one-year safe deposit box rental and a lifetime credit card. This offer is available to Kuwaiti employees in the government, semi-government, and oil sectors, as well as newly hired Kuwaitis or those transferring their salaries to Gulf Bank, provided their monthly salary exceeds KD 600. Additionally, the bank offers customized packages tailored specifically for employees of select government and semi-government institutions. Gulf Bank is committed to meeting the expectations of its salary account customers by understanding their needs and offering the most competitive benefits in the banking sector. This reflects the Bank's continuous dedication to rewarding its customers and supporting them in achieving their goals. To assist individuals interested in transferring their salaries, Gulf Bank will have a booth at Al-Kout Mall in Fahaheel from Thursday through Saturday, running until May 31, 2025. Bank representatives will be available on-site to answer questions and showcase the wide range of benefits offered to Kuwaiti salary account holders through this campaign. Customers can also open a salary account or transfer their salary in just minutes via the Gulf Bank mobile app, which ensures a seamless banking experience with straightforward processes and transparent, innovative solutions. Gulf Bank aims to be Kuwait's leading bank, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace to deliver exceptional customer service while contributing sustainably to the community. Through its extensive branch network and innovative digital services, the Bank empowers customers to conduct banking transactions conveniently and efficiently, ensuring a seamless experience. In alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, and its commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships, Gulf Bank is dedicated to driving robust sustainability initiatives across environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions. The Bank is committed to implementing strategically selected and diverse sustainability programs both internally and externally.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwaitis Flock to New Travel Destinations as Summer Heats Up
KUWAIT CITY, May 29: As temperatures continue to rise, Kuwaitis are packing their bags and booking their tickets in preparation for the new season of international tourism; adding new countries to their list of favorite destinations and those known to welcome them such as London, Lebanon, Berlin, New York and Asian countries. With the start of the new season, some subtle changes are evident from each season. Tourism experts believe that this year's season is characterized by destinations with green nature and lower costs, as new countries have appeared on the map of Kuwaiti tourists, such as the Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, among others. Tourism expert and travel company owner Mohammed Al-Omar told the newspaper that Kuwaitis love traveling in the summer to escape the heat. 'Their travel destinations vary -- from England to Germany and other European countries. However, these people are from the affluent segment and own real estate in these countries. Meanwhile, the middle class tends to head to East Asian countries, Turkiye and Arab countries. Most citizens book their tickets in May each year, and the percentage of family travel abroad reaches more than 85 percent, while the percentage of those traveling without their families is about 15 percent,' he revealed. He expects the stability of the situation in Lebanon to contribute to the remarkable increase in the number of Kuwaitis traveling to Beirut, especially since many families own apartments and homes there. He believes that the choice of destinations does not come randomly from citizens, as they prefer more stable countries, far from natural disasters. 'A group of middle-income earners prefer lower costs for accommodation and tickets. Airline offers play a significant role in directing citizens to travel to a specific country. According to official statistics, Kuwaitis spent approximately KD2.97 billion in the first nine months of 2024, compared to KD3.35 billion in the first nine months of 2023. The decline in spending is attributed to a percentage of citizens' preference for countries that combine low costs with beautiful natural surroundings,' he explained. He said that there are other factors leading to a decrease in citizens' travel costs, such as the focus on less expensive and more stable destinations, especially since the emergence of many tourist destinations where citizens can spend quality time with their families at an affordable cost. Meanwhile, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Shukri, Director General of the Gulf Information and Documentation Center, pointed out that Kuwaitis have been traveling since the founding of the State of Kuwait, and the purpose used to be commercial. 'Meanwhile, citizens in the era of luxury and oil inherited the love of travel from the first generation, but their destinations today differ from one country to another. People recently preferred to travel to Turkiye due to the calm life and low cost, while the financially well-off goes to European countries,' he added. He stated that there are some other less expensive countries preferred by a fair number of Kuwaitis like Thailand and some coastal tourist cities. CEO of a tourism and travel company, Walid Abu Sharoud, thinks that Kuwaiti travel destinations can be divided into two segments -- first is that there is a large segment prefers to travel to Istanbul, Baku, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, London and Egypt; while a new segment has been active over the past three years in Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Poland. He added that travel indicators for the year 2025 show a segment of Kuwaitis who prefer to travel to Sochi, Russia and the Czech Republic.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Civil Service Commission launches 18 e-certificates via Sahel app
KUWAIT CITY, May 29: The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced on Wednesday that government employees can now obtain 18 types of official certificates through the unified government e-services platform "Sahel," eliminating the need for in-person visits and advancing its goal of a paperless bureau. In a statement posted on its official X account, the CSC said the new digital services are aimed at streamlining procedures, reducing time and effort, and enhancing access to government documentation. Among the newly available services is the 'Request an Instant Certificate' feature, which allows employees in government entities participating in the instant certificates system to print documents — after paying applicable printing fees — such as salary breakdowns, confirmation of salary transfers, career progression records, employment status, and financial statements. Additionally, the platform now offers a "To Whom It May Concern" certificate issued by the CSC that confirms an individual's registration status in the central employment system for Kuwaitis. It also provides information on the appointment status of both Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti employees in institutions using integrated systems. The electronic services also include the Exit Permit certificate for holders of Article (17) residency. Provided in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, this certificate can be requested and issued via Sahel following employer approval. The CSC further stated that employees can access certificates confirming completion of training courses provided by the Human Resources Development Center directly through the application. For those nominated for official missions or study leave, the application enables issuance of a preliminary 'To Whom It May Concern' certificate, with online payment available for the necessary fees. This document can then be submitted to the relevant embassies for processing. Government employees working in agencies with integrated systems can also use the platform to inquire about and access a wide range of certificates, including those related to career progression, job and financial status, salary details, financial grade sequences, and financial discrepancies.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
UN rights office 'concerned' as Kuwaitis lose citizenship
DUBAI: The United Nations' human rights office voiced concern on Wednesday after tens of thousands of Kuwaitis were stripped of citizenship, many of them women. More than 37,000 people, including at least 26,000 women, have lost Kuwaiti nationality since August, according to an AFP tally of official figures, although media reports suggest the real number could be much higher. The mass revocations have been cast as part of a reformist agenda spearheaded by Kuwaiti emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in power since December 2023. 'We are deeply concerned about Kuwait's recent nationality revocations, particularly of individuals who renounced previous citizenships, and about the extension of such revocations to their dependents,' UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango told AFP. 'Stripping people of their nationalities has a serious impact on their economic, social, cultural, and political rights.' The new ruling applies to women who became Kuwaitis through marriage since 1987. Official data show 38,505 women were naturalised by marriage from 1993 to 2020. It also targets people with dual nationality, which Kuwait does not allow and those who were naturalised for their achievements. The campaign has left thousands of people in a legal grey area and scrambling to restore their previous nationality. Kuwait has set up a committee to hear appeals, with more than 14,000 applying so far, according to the official Kuwait News Agency. However, Magango said: 'Their inability to challenge these decisions in court also raises serious concerns. 'This risks further marginalisation and social exclusion in Kuwait.' Anyone found to have obtained citizenship by forgery or fraud also loses their Kuwaiti nationality, along with their descendants. 'Retroactively revoking citizenship... and extending this to their descendants, raises serious human rights concerns,' Magango said. The UN office has urged Kuwait to 'review the nationality law to ensure it complies with international human rights standards and consider sustainable solutions to prevent statelessness', he added.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
UN Slams Kuwait for Revoking 37,000 Citizenships
DUBAI: The United Nations' human rights office voiced concern on Wednesday after tens of thousands of Kuwaitis were stripped of citizenship, many of them women. More than 37,000 people, including at least 26,000 women, have lost Kuwaiti nationality since August, according to an AFP tally of official figures, although media reports suggest the real number could be much higher. The mass revocations have been cast as part of a reformist agenda spearheaded by Kuwaiti emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in power since December 2023. 'We are deeply concerned about Kuwait's recent nationality revocations, particularly of individuals who renounced previous citizenships, and about the extension of such revocations to their dependents,' UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango told AFP. 'Stripping people of their nationalities has a serious impact on their economic, social, cultural, and political rights.' The new ruling applies to women who became Kuwaitis through marriage since 1987. Official data show 38,505 women were naturalised by marriage from 1993 to 2020. It also targets people with dual nationality, which Kuwait does not allow and those who were naturalised for their achievements. The campaign has left thousands of people in a legal grey area and scrambling to restore their previous nationality. Kuwait has set up a committee to hear appeals, with more than 14,000 applying so far, according to the official Kuwait News Agency. However, Magango said: 'Their inability to challenge these decisions in court also raises serious concerns. 'This risks further marginalisation and social exclusion in Kuwait.' Anyone found to have obtained citizenship by forgery or fraud also loses their Kuwaiti nationality, along with their descendants. 'Retroactively revoking citizenship... and extending this to their descendants, raises serious human rights concerns,' Magango said. The UN office has urged Kuwait to 'review the nationality law to ensure it complies with international human rights standards and consider sustainable solutions to prevent statelessness', he added.
