Latest news with #MeshalAl-Ahmad
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kuwait's economic overhaul fuels optimism for growth
There's optimism in Kuwait, buoyed by a sweeping legal and regulatory overhaul since Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad dissolved Parliament in May. Stocks are up 10% this year, the sovereign wealth fund has surpassed the $1 trillion mark in assets under management, and crucial economic laws — debated for decades — are being enacted. Investors seem to be betting that autocracy might deliver what nascent democratic institutions couldn't: stable growth. This week, Kuwait passed a debt law allowing it to raise up to $97 billion over 50 years — an important tool as it expects fiscal deficits to continue after two years of contraction. Bank stocks also got a boost on expectations that mortgage lending will finally be allowed. Until now, home loans weren't offered by banks: Married citizens applied to a government program that has a backlog of 103,000 requests, translating to a 10-year wait, according to Bloomberg. Critics warn, however, of an erosion of freedoms. Human rights groups say political opponents are being swept up in a purge targeting 42,000 Kuwaitis accused of obtaining nationality illegally. Sign in to access your portfolio
Arab Times
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Naive people raise the slogan ‘born of her womb' without understanding its true meaning
I WISH those who boast about the naive saying 'born of her womb' (referring to original native Kuwaiti citizens) would take the time to understand its meaning, why it was used in some neighboring countries, and for what purpose. This boastful attitude should ideally serve Kuwait, its people, and its history. However, the reality is that it is a hollow boast, one that does more harm than good. It divides rather than unites and reflects a complete disregard for the spirit of tolerance on which Kuwait was built 400 years ago. Kuwait has long strived to instill a sense of humanity, which has grown into a rich cultural tradition. These values of openness and Kuwait's cultural message to the Arab world are what we should truly take pride in. From a sociological standpoint, every person born on a particular land is considered a 'child of that land' if the reference is to the place of birth, not nationality. This is why the universal legal principle holds that 'everyone born in the airspace of any country or on board any aircraft acquires its nationality.' Unfortunately, some ignorant statements have recently gained traction, threatening to tear apart the social fabric and undermine national unity. This is happening at a time when we need solidarity and unity the most, not division, especially amid extremely sensitive international and regional circumstances, where major powers are actively seeking to fragment the region. Meanwhile, these ignorant voices are creating a rift within society. They have ignored the principles laid out by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad in his inspiring speeches about the importance of national unity. They also fail to recognize the implications of their words. Kuwait is home to citizens of nearly 200 nationalities, with hundreds of individuals born here each year. All of these individuals can be described as 'born in Kuwait' since they were born here, but they hold the nationalities of their respective countries. That is why we must put things into perspective and speak frankly. When the new era began its efforts to purify national identity, the lofty goal was never to oppress anyone, but rather to establish justice and uphold the law. The aim was to halt the downward trend caused by tampering with identity documents and to limit those who obtained Kuwaiti citizenship through fraudulent means for personal gain, not for the benefit of the country. As a result, we have seen cases of dual nationals, forgers, and pretenders who sought citizenship using false information and fraudulent registration of children who were not biologically theirs. These cases, however, remain rare, regardless of their number. On this basis, it is shameful that this issue has become a source of societal division. Instead, it should serve as a lesson in strengthening national unity, not as a catalyst for hateful incitement. People must refrain from using offensive labels to describe others. The truth is, many of those who have lived on this land have served Kuwait more than those who boast of being 'born in its womb'. In fact, some of those who lived on Kuwaiti soil sacrificed their blood for it, never claiming to be 'born in its womb'. In moments of sacrifice, all souls are equal. When many defended Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion, working tirelessly for seven months until it was liberated, they did not inquire about a person's sect or whether they were from within or outside the walls of Kuwait. They were defending a homeland they believed in. Yes, Kuwait's liberation was not the result of boasting about being a 'born child', but rather due to Kuwait's long standing tolerance toward all, the good it has shared with the world, its relief of injustice for the needy, and its establishment of relations with the entire world based on non-interference in the affairs of others. In addition, Kuwait's Constitution prohibits discrimination in all its forms. Article 29 states: 'All people are equal in human dignity and are equal before the law in public rights and duties. There shall be no discrimination among them on the basis of race, origin, language, or religion.' Today, we must manage our affairs in a way that keeps Kuwait apart from the conflicts in the region and the world. With a population of only 1.2 million, we are a small country facing many challenges that must be addressed together. We must also remember that this population is supported by 3.5 million expatriates. In every household, there are five or six non-Kuwaitis working to serve its people. They manage basic services like electricity and water, as well as the medical, commercial, investment, and other sectors. They are residents, unlike those who claim to be 'born of her womb' and sit comfortably, categorizing others based on ignorance, which is rejected by all human values. Justice, which involves granting people their rights without discrimination, is the hallmark of the new era. So, where did this naive, foolish, and divisive statement come from? The question remains: What have you, the naive ones, offered Kuwait to be distinguished from others?
Arab Times
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Over 2,000 flags raised to celebrate national holidays
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 22: Kuwait Municipality has completed all preparations to commemorate the country's national holidays under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, reports Al-Seyassah daily. In a press statement, the Director of the Public Relations Department and spokesperson of Kuwait Municipality Mohammed Al-Sindan explained that the Decorations and Flag Installation section in the Public Relations Department raised more than 2,000 Kuwait flags of various sizes on masts distributed throughout the country. In addition, 138 mobile advertisements have been installed under the slogan 'Pride and Dignity.' A number of masts were installed at the Red Palace in Jahra Governorate, in addition to maintaining 490 flagpoles on bridges and their bases from Amiri Airport to Bayan Palace. Al-Sindan urged both citizens and residents to cooperate with the field decorations monitoring teams, and stressed the importance of preserving the flags and reporting any damaged ones for replacement. He praised the initiative by the Legal Department of Kuwait Municipality, led by Director Hussein Al-Ajmi, to organize a celebration for employees on Wednesday in honor of the upcoming Independence and Liberation Day anniversaries.
Saudi Gazette
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Riyadh hosts fraternal meeting of GCC, Jordan, and Egypt leaders to discuss Gaza
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — A friendly and fraternal meeting brought together the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jordan, and Egypt in the Saudi capital on Friday, underscoring their commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination between their meeting, hosted by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, was attended by Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, and UAE National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Tahnoun bin the meeting, the leaders exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues, with a particular focus on joint efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and the evolving situation in this context, they welcomed the upcoming emergency Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4, 2025, as a critical platform for further discussions and collective action.A senior Saudi official stated that the meeting aligns with a long-standing tradition of periodic informal discussions among the leaders of the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt, fostering their strong fraternal ties and reinforcing cooperation among their source also noted that matters related to joint Arab efforts and key regional decisions will be addressed at the upcoming Arab League emergency summit in Egypt on March the meeting, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad expressed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation. In a message, he emphasized the deep-rooted historical relations and strong bonds between the two nations and their also commended Saudi Arabia's leadership in addressing critical regional and international challenges. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed also extended his appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting the meeting, emphasizing that such gatherings play a vital role in enhancing coordination, consultation, and cooperation among the participating nations.
Saudi Gazette
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Riyadh hosts fraternal meeting of GCC, Jordan, and Egypt leaders
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — A friendly and fraternal meeting brought together the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jordan, and Egypt in the Saudi capital on Friday, underscoring their commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination between their meeting, hosted by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, was attended by Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, and UAE National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed.A senior Saudi official stated that the meeting aligns with a long-standing tradition of periodic informal discussions among the leaders of the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt, fostering their strong fraternal ties and reinforcing cooperation among their source also noted that matters related to joint Arab efforts and key regional decisions will be addressed at the upcoming Arab League emergency summit in Egypt on March the meeting, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad expressed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation. In a message, he emphasized the deep-rooted historical relations and strong bonds between the two nations and their also commended Saudi Arabia's leadership in addressing critical regional and international challenges. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed also extended his appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting the meeting, emphasizing that such gatherings play a vital role in enhancing coordination, consultation, and cooperation among the participating nations.
