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Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait explores use of Bayraktar TB2 drones for environmental monitoring
Newly-acquired drones to support surveillance of borders, critical infrastructure KUWAIT: Kuwait is moving to integrate its newly acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones into environmental surveillance and civilian operations, according to a statement by the General Staff of the Army following a high-level coordination meeting held Sunday. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, gathered senior military officials and representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait Municipality, and the Environment Public Authority, alongside other civil and security agencies. Discussions focused on how to organize reconnaissance flights and enhance the use of drone-generated data across state institutions, 'in support of observation and follow-up efforts' and to 'enhance the state's capabilities in addressing security and environmental changes,' the statement said. The meeting also reviewed the technical systems onboard the Bayraktar drone and explored its applications in defense, environmental monitoring, and the protection of vital infrastructure and borders. Lt Gen Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of using the drone beyond military settings. 'The utilization of the Bayraktar drone's capabilities is not limited to the military side only but extends to include many civilian sectors of the state,' he said. He called for greater coordination between military and civilian entities to maximize the benefits of this advanced aerial system. He described the drone as 'a qualitative leap in capabilities for monitoring, environmental surveillance, and the protection of facilities and borders,' and underscored the responsibility to invest and deploy the system effectively. The Bayraktar TB2 is capable of flying non-stop for 24 hours, carrying up to 650 kilograms. In 2019, it completed a test flight in Kuwait that lasted 27 hours and 3 minutes, despite high temperatures, strong winds, and sandstorms. The coordination meeting follows the arrival of Kuwait's first Bayraktar drones earlier this month, after a $367 million purchase agreement was signed with Turkish defense company Baykar in January 2023. Kuwait became the 28th country to acquire the TB2, a drone that has been used in conflict zones including Ukraine, Libya, and Azerbaijan. Kuwait has also been training personnel for drone operations, with the first batch of TB2 operators graduating in Turkey in July 2024, and a second group earlier this year. While Kuwait's discussions mark an early step in integrating drones into environmental oversight, drones have increasingly been used for that purpose in recent years. In Pakistan's Punjab province, officials launched a drone-linked environmental monitoring system in September 2024 to track factory emissions and enforce environmental laws. In the Arctic, high-speed drones were tested earlier this year to assess the rate of glacier retreat in Greenland. Research also points to the use of drones at landfills to detect methane emissions with high spatial and temporal precision, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional monitoring methods. — Agencies
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Forgotten Tyre Graveyard: Push for Urgent Cleanup Plan
KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Municipal Council member Alia Al-Farsi has submitted a question to the executive body of Kuwait Municipality regarding tyre landfills and dumping sites, pointing out that Kuwait has scarce and undiversified natural resources, while it has large quantities of waste that can be utilised in the economic sector. Al-Farsi said the Environmental Affairs Committee in the council discussed this issue in its first workshop -- held on June 26, 2024 -- under the title, 'Tyre Landfills and Dumping Sites and their Impact on Public Health and Environmental Safety - Current Situation and Sustainable Solutions,' which resulted in the issuance of a set of urgent and long-term recommendations. She included in her question the most important recommendations presented at the workshop -- the need for coordination between the Municipality, Environment Public Authority (EPA) and Public Authority for Industry (PAI) to gradually eliminate tyre accumulation, particularly at the Kilometer 65 site in Salmi, with the participation of factories licensed by PAI and Kuwaiti entrepreneurs approved by the Municipality. She said this should be part of a comprehensive plan that includes studying the specifications of the accumulated tyres (both new and old) and the mechanism for distributing them to treatment facilities, under the supervision of the Municipality and according to a clear timetable. She added that the plan must also include meeting the requirements of the Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) at tyre collection sites, such as establishing temporary water basins, developing a comprehensive plan to manage tyre disposal in line with sustainable development goals, and rehabilitating waste transporters in light of the new regulations for municipal waste management and public hygiene. She enumerated the other recommendations as follows: Promote modern tyre processing methods; Prepare a procedures manual for the use of recycled building materials in coordination with Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Ministry of Public Works and Kuwait University; Specify legislative frameworks through the Regulations Review Committee at the Municipality; Monitor the results of experiments conducted by some entities using rubber asphalt extracted from tyres, in preparation for developing technical specifications and expanding the scope of application in road projects; Invest in recycled waste within road maintenance contracts at the Ministry of Public Works; Support and encourage the private sector to implement projects that promote sustainable development and the green economy Al-Farsi pointed out that more than a year had passed since the issuance of these recommendations, which prompted her to present a series of questions to the executive body in the Municipality, about the measures taken regarding the tyres landfill in Salmi (Kilometer 65) and the extent of the commitment of the Municipality to implement the recommendations; especially concerning the disposal of tyre waste in line with the sustainable development goals. She also inquired about the mechanism followed in measuring and managing the quantities of accumulated tyres, as well as the increase and disposal rates.
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait delegation heads to China for project talks
Kuwait delegation heads to China for project talks Wastewater treatment, green energy and desertification on agenda of next phase of bilateral cooperation KUWAIT: A high-level technical delegation from Kuwait's Ministry of Public Works is set to travel to China early next week to discuss the launch of a major wastewater treatment initiative. The upcoming visit was announced during a ministerial committee meeting chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace on Wednesday. The meeting focused on tracking progress in implementing a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Kuwait and China. According to Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and committee rapporteur, Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, the visiting delegation will work with Chinese counterparts as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation on infrastructure and environmental development between the two countries. The meeting - the committee's 20th - also reviewed updates on several joint projects, including the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, renewable energy initiatives, green waste recycling systems, housing development and free economic zones. 'The Prime Minister directed the committee to intensify efforts to fulfill the aspirations of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and to push forward Kuwait's development goals through coordinated government action,' a statement said. Ambassador Hayat also shared details of a recent eight-day visit by a Chinese government delegation focused on combating desertification. The delegation met with senior Kuwaiti officials and conducted field visits to areas in need of land rehabilitation. The outcome was a technical report outlining practical steps for joint action on land reclamation and ecosystem restoration. The committee emphasized that work would continue in phases as part of Kuwait's national environmental strategy, in line with 'high-level directives' to expand green programs, protect natural resources and curb the encroachment of sand. Among those present at the meeting were Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Acting Chief of the Prime Minister's Diwan Sheikh Khaled Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, and Head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Al-Majed. — KUNA
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait reviews progress on China agreements in high-level meeting
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired the 20th meeting of the Ministerial Committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between Kuwait and the People's Republic of China. The meeting was held Thursday at Bayan Palace. The session reviewed the progress of several strategic initiatives, with a focus on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, renewable energy development, housing, environmental infrastructure, including wastewater treatment plants, eco-friendly recycling, combating desertification, and advancing sustainable agriculture. During the meeting, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and Committee Rapporteur, Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, delivered a comprehensive briefing on the steps taken by relevant Kuwaiti authorities to follow through on bilateral agreements. Ambassador Hayat announced that a high-level technical delegation from the Ministry of Public Works is scheduled to visit China early next week. The visit is aimed at enhancing environmental infrastructure cooperation and discussing the implementation of wastewater treatment projects across Kuwait. He also reported on recent meetings between Chinese officials and senior Kuwaiti authorities focusing on desertification control. The Chinese delegation, which visited for eight days, toured sites across Kuwait in need of land rehabilitation and submitted a technical report outlining implementation mechanisms for afforestation and anti-sand encroachment projects. These efforts align with directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of Kuwait-China cooperation and urged all involved ministries and agencies to intensify efforts to realize the vision of the country's leadership. He stressed the necessity of full coordination to fulfill the ambitions of both nations and support Kuwait's national development agenda. Among the officials present were Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Noura Al-Fassam, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Sabeeh Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, Acting Head of the Prime Minister's Diwan Sheikh Khaled Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, and President of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Al-Majed. The meeting underscored Kuwait's ongoing commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with China and advancing national development through sustainable, environmentally conscious initiatives.
Express Tribune
18-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan ink rail project deal
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan ministers show a trilateral agreement on a key rail project at the signing ceremony in Kabul. Photo: Express Listen to article Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan on Thursday signed a trilateral agreement involving a key rail project that is aimed at connecting the three countries. The framework agreement on the joint feasibility study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project was signed in Kabul. The agreement was signed between Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Works, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport, and Pakistan's Ministry of Railways. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and their Uzbek counterpart Baxtiyor Saidov witnessed the signing ceremony. The UAP Railway Project aims to build a rail link to connect Uzbekistan with Pakistan via Afghanistan and facilitate access to Pakistani seaports for Central Asian States, read a statement issued here by the Foreign office. "By facilitating regional trade and transit, the project is expected to promote regional stability, growth and development," it added. The statement said Dar's visit underscored the importance Pakistan attached to the successful realization of the UAP Railway Project. The signing of the Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study between the three participating countries in Kabul was an important step towards its implementation. The proposed 640-km (398 miles) railway line aims to link the Uzbek border town of Termez with Hairatan on the Afghan side, extending to the eastern city of Logar via Kabul, before entering Pakistan's border district of Kurram via Kharlachi. Earlier, Dar attended a trilateral meeting in Kabul ahead of the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for Uzbek-Afghan-Pak (UAP) Railway project. The meeting reaffirmed strong ties and a shared commitment to peace, connectivity, trade, and regional development. The three sides emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation to unlock the region's economic potential and ensure long-term prosperity for their peoples. On the sidelines, Dar held a series of meetings with the Afghan Taliban leadership including Interim Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund, Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. This was Dar's second visit to Kabul in three months, highlighting increased exchanges between the two countries. During the meeting with Afghan interim Prime Minister, Dar exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including peace and security, trade and transit cooperation and regional connectivity. Recalling their earlier meeting on 19 April 2025, they reaffirmed the commitment to continued engagement and agreed to maintain high-level contacts to promote bilateral relations. The foreign minister also met Sirajuddin Haqqani, Acting Interior Minister of Afghanistan and held in-depth discussions on security matters and reaffirmed the importance of eradicating the threats to regional countries. Dar underlined the importance of addressing all issues of concern, in particular security and border management, to harness the full potential of economic cooperation and regional connectivity.
