Latest news with #Sahl
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Arab Times
Municipality begins crackdown on building construction and renovation violations
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 7: The Kuwait Municipality has launched an intensive inspection campaign aimed at monitoring construction, renovation, and building activities across residential zones, including private, model, and investment housing areas. The campaign seeks to ensure full compliance with building regulations and related engineering standards by construction firms and engineering offices. Mishari Al-Turkait, Head of the Kuwait Municipality inspection team in Hawalli Governorate, told KUNA that the campaign is part of the municipality's broader efforts to raise awareness about building codes and municipal regulations. He emphasized that authorities will not hesitate to take legal action against violators. 'The municipality is committed to enforcing the law and will take all necessary legal measures, including issuing citations and referring cases to the competent authorities for judicial action,' Al-Turkait stated. He noted that over the past few days, the inspection team in Hawalli had detected several violations. Due to a lack of compliance by property owners, ten violations were officially recorded on Thursday. Necessary enforcement procedures were carried out in line with building regulations. Among the infractions identified were deteriorating building facades, the addition of unauthorized apartments on ground floors, and the misuse of basements for unlicensed purposes. Al-Turkait pointed out that all violators were notified electronically through the government's 'Sahl' application. He also affirmed the municipality's ongoing commitment to upholding building standards, stressing that inspection teams will continue their rounds across all governorates to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of urban planning.
Arab Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait electricity grid holds steady despite soaring summer temperatures
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy confirmed that the country's electricity grid has remained stable throughout the current summer, crediting proactive operational and public awareness measures for preventing power outages during peak demand. The ministry's spokesperson, Engineer Fatima Abbas Hayat, made the announcement during the fifth edition of the 'We Will Not Forget the Brutal Invasion and Our Righteous Martyrs' exhibition, organized by the ministry to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait. The event was held under the patronage and in the presence of Minister of Electricity and Water Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem. Hayat stressed that since the onset of summer, the ministry, in collaboration with various government and private entities, had implemented a preemptive plan aimed at reducing electricity consumption and reinforcing grid performance. "Today, we pay tribute to the righteous martyrs who gave their lives for the liberation of Kuwait. On this solemn occasion, we remember the blessing of security and stability and pray for its continuation under the wise leadership of our country," Hayat stated. She also addressed a load alert message sent via the government's Sahl app after the power load reached 17,545 megawatts, nearing the orange warning level. Hayat attributed the spike to the intense heatwave over the past two weeks, which saw temperatures rise above 48°C, placing heavy demand on the national grid. The ministry, she added, urged the public to reduce electricity usage during peak hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), expressing optimism that, with community cooperation, Kuwait would safely navigate the remainder of the summer without major incidents. She further noted that peak load levels recorded in 2024 had not been exceeded so far this year, thanks to successful conservation campaigns and early coordination efforts with state institutions. Exhibition Honors Martyrs and Preserves National Memory On the sidelines of the event, Mohammed Kamal, head and founder of the Expo 965 Team for heritage, crafts, and Kuwaiti creators, highlighted the significance of the exhibition, which aims to educate younger generations about the events of the 1990 invasion. 'The exhibition showcases rare documents and photographs that reflect the atrocities committed against Kuwait and its people,' Kamal said. Among the exhibits are images of burning oil fields, Kuwaiti resistance pamphlets, prisoner portraits, and torture documentation, along with license plates and maps illustrating name changes in Kuwaiti regions imposed by the occupying forces. He reaffirmed the team's commitment to hosting the exhibition annually, ensuring that the painful chapter of Kuwait's history remains part of the national consciousness, and celebrating the country's determination to reclaim its sovereignty. 'All displayed items are authentic and rare, preserving an irreplaceable piece of Kuwait's past,' Kamal concluded.
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Dust storms to batter Kuwait until Saturday
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Kuwait will continue to experience active to strong northwesterly winds accompanied by dust storms and reduced visibility through Saturday, according to the Meteorology Department. Speaking to KUNA, Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said the country is currently under the influence of an extended Indian monsoon depression, bringing a hot and dry air mass along with moderate to strong northwesterly winds. These winds are expected to range between 20 and 60 kilometers per hour. "The prevailing conditions will stir up dust, particularly in open areas, reducing horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters at times," Al-Ali noted. He added that the intense winds and dust storms will cause a slight drop in maximum temperatures by about four to six degrees Celsius. Sea conditions are also expected to deteriorate, with waves rising to over six feet. Al-Ali said the general weather during this period will be hot and dusty during the daytime and hot to warm at night. Dust is expected to gradually settle during the evening hours. Maximum daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 43°C and 46°C, while nighttime lows are expected between 30°C and 33°C. The Meteorology Department urged motorists to exercise caution on highways due to poor visibility and advised beachgoers to avoid the sea because of high waves. Individuals with asthma or allergies were also advised to wear protective masks when venturing outdoors. Al-Ali encouraged the public to stay informed by following updates via the department's official website, mobile application, and social media accounts, as well as through the government app (Sahl), to receive the latest weather developments.
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Strong winds, dust storms to persist in Kuwait until Saturday
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Kuwait will continue to experience active to strong northwesterly winds accompanied by dust storms and reduced visibility through Saturday, according to the Meteorology Department. Speaking to KUNA, Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said the country is currently under the influence of an extended Indian monsoon depression, bringing a hot and dry air mass along with moderate to strong northwesterly winds. These winds are expected to range between 20 and 60 kilometers per hour. "The prevailing conditions will stir up dust, particularly in open areas, reducing horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters at times," Al-Ali noted. He added that the intense winds and dust storms will cause a slight drop in maximum temperatures by about four to six degrees Celsius. Sea conditions are also expected to deteriorate, with waves rising to over six feet. Al-Ali said the general weather during this period will be hot and dusty during the daytime and hot to warm at night. Dust is expected to gradually settle during the evening hours. Maximum daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 43°C and 46°C, while nighttime lows are expected between 30°C and 33°C. The Meteorology Department urged motorists to exercise caution on highways due to poor visibility and advised beachgoers to avoid the sea because of high waves. Individuals with asthma or allergies were also advised to wear protective masks when venturing outdoors. Al-Ali encouraged the public to stay informed by following updates via the department's official website, mobile application, and social media accounts, as well as through the government app (Sahl), to receive the latest weather developments.
Arab Times
15-06-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Scorching temperatures hit Kuwait, peaking at 51°C in several regions
KUWAIT CITY, June 15: Kuwait experienced extreme heat on Saturday, with temperatures soaring to 51 degrees Celsius in Al-Rabiya, Al-Jahra, and Al-Abdali, while Kuwait International Airport recorded a high of 50 degrees Celsius, according to Acting Director of the Meteorology Department, Dharar Al-Ali. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Ali explained that the severe heat wave is due to the country being affected by an extension of the Indian monsoon depression, accompanied by a very hot air mass. This weather pattern is expected to persist until Monday. He noted that the current conditions include light to moderate northwesterly winds, occasionally active, which may stir up dust — particularly in open areas. Weather maps and numerical models indicate that the country will continue to experience extremely hot daytime temperatures, and nighttime conditions will remain hot to very warm. Al-Ali forecast a slight drop in temperatures starting Tuesday, with highs expected to range between 46°C and 48°C. However, active northwesterly winds will likely continue to cause dust storms across parts of the country. The meteorological official emphasized the importance of taking precautions during this heatwave. He urged the public to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially during peak hours, stay hydrated by consuming adequate fluids, and use sun protection to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Citizens and residents are encouraged to stay updated by following official weather forecasts through the Meteorology Department's website, mobile app, social media accounts, and the government's 'Sahl' application.
