Latest news with #VisitKuwait
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Kuwait launches all-in-one National tourism portal ‘Visit Kuwait'
Agencies Kuwait has unveiled its new national tourism portal, 'Visit Kuwait,' marking a major step toward modernizing travel access and promoting the nation's cultural heritage to the world. Launched under the Vision 2035 strategy, the platform integrates e-visa services, cultural information, event listings, and travel recommendations into a single user-friendly tool. What the portal offers 'Visit Kuwait' combines easy e-visa applications with detailed cultural content. Visitors can now apply for tourist, business, family, or official visas online without embassy visits. In addition, the portal provides guides to top destinations, insights into Kuwait's cultural calendar, and practical travel advice, all in one place. Beyond visa services, the portal serves as a digital showcase of Kuwait's art, heritage, and lifestyle. Visitors can explore curated recommendations, from Kuwait Towers and the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre, one of the world's largest museum complexes, to traditional souks, festivals, and landmark museums. A strategic pillar in economic transformation This initiative supports Kuwait's Vision 2035 goal to diversify its economy beyond oil by nurturing the tourism sector. By presenting a unified digital channel for visitors, the government aims to boost tourism, facilitate cultural diplomacy, and enhance the country's global tourism image. Feature Details E-Visas Apply online for tourist, business, family, and official visas. No embassy visit needed. Cultural insights Explore heritage sites, museums, festivals, and local traditions. Travel planning tools Browse travel tips, hotel options, transportation, and event schedules. Support Vision 2035 Enhances Kuwait's economic diversification and tourism sector growth. (With TOI inputs) (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. End of an era: The Maggi Man who rebuilt Nestlé India bows out In a flat market, are REITs the sweet spot between growth and safety? India's last cement IPO did not work. Can JSW Cement break that curse? The airport lounge war has begun — and DreamFolks is losing Stock Radar: APL Apollo Tubes stock fails to hold momentum after hitting highs in June; what should traders do? Multibagger or IBC - Part 18: This auto ancillary started with wheels. It now also powers wind & war Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus Transformation underway & no tariff threat: 6 large-caps power stocks with an upside potential of up to 36%
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kuwait launches national tourism portal ‘Visit Kuwait': All-in-one hub for e-visas, culture and travel
Kuwait launched the Visit Kuwait platform in August 2025/Representative Image TL;DR: Kuwait launched the Visit Kuwait platform in August 2025 as a unified national digital portal to promote tourism, cultural heritage , and travel convenience as part of its Vision 2035 strategy. The initiative integrates services like an upgraded e-Visa system , event listings, site recommendations, and cultural projects, aiming to enhance visitor experience and boost tourism revenue. The platform supports Kuwait's global engagement, showcasing the country at international events like Expo Osaka 2025 and the upcoming UNWTO Regional Tourism Committee in 2026. In August 2025, Kuwait unveiled the 'Visit Kuwait' platform, a comprehensive, unified national initiative aimed at transforming the country into a top regional tourism and cultural destination. This digital platform forms a key part of Kuwait's Vision 2035 strategy, signaling a new era of economic diversification, global engagement, and nation-branding powered by smart government partnerships and digital innovation. What is the 'Visit Kuwait' platform? The 'Visit Kuwait' platform is a state-driven digital hub designed to: Centralize and coordinate all tourism-related information, services, and promotional campaigns under a single national brand. Streamline visitors' experiences: The platform aggregates services, booking options, site recommendations, event calendars, and cultural content, making it easy for tourists and residents to plan seamless trips. Elevate Kuwait's international profile: It is the first time that all governmental, private, and civic tourism efforts are being synchronized for maximum local impact and global reach. Minister of Information Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi describes the new platform as a 'strategic step in building a modern tourism infrastructure through active public-private partnerships,' with the ultimate aim of supporting both Kuwait's economy and its cultural identity. How does the digital platform work? Gateway for Tourism Messaging : The platform serves as an official, one-stop resource for tourists looking to explore Kuwait's heritage, environment, shopping, events, and new attractions. Integration with E-Visa: In parallel, the Ministry of Interior launched a new e-Visa system allowing tourists, family members, and business travelers to apply for Kuwait entry permits entirely online, removing major bureaucratic hurdles and making travel more accessible. Aligned with Vision 2035: This strategy directly supports Kuwait's Vision 2035 development plan, which aims for robust economic growth and cultural resonance beyond reliance on oil Major initiatives tied to 'Visit Kuwait' International Tourism Promotion: Kuwait will host the 52nd session of the UN World Tourism Organization's Regional Committee for the Middle East in 2026, using the 'Visit Kuwait' platform as a showcase for its new tourism model. Cultural Events and Expo Osaka 2025: National participation at global expos and cultural fairs, including Expo Osaka, leverages the platform to present Kuwait's achievements in innovation, sustainability, and heritage. Book Fair and 'I Am the Author' Project: The platform supports youth engagement and publishing initiatives like the Kuwait International Book Fair, fostering a culture of creativity and learning among the next generation. Why is this important? Diversification and Sustainability: Kuwait's tourism revenue is projected to surpass $1.13 billion by 2025, nearly doubling over four years, driven by new infrastructure, international events, airport expansion, and mega-projects on five Gulf islands. Ease of Travel: The e-Visa system offers fast approvals for tourist, business, family, and official visits, removing old barriers like carrier requirements and mandatory qualifications for visitors, and making Kuwait more competitive and welcoming. National Coordination : The platform unifies messaging for both domestic audiences (encouraging local pride, investment, and participation) and foreign visitors, providing a consistent, professional face for Kuwaiti tourism and culture The 'Visit Kuwait' platform is a cornerstone of Kuwait's campaign to redefine itself as a modern, vibrant, and globally relevant tourism and culture centre. By fusing digital innovation with deep-rooted national identity, and making travel significantly easier for international audiences, Kuwait is poised to realize the ambitious goals of its Vision 2035, boosting the economy, promoting cultural pride, and carving out a distinctive presence on the world map.
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Unveils Three-Month Family Visit Visa
Kuwait has introduced a series of visa reforms, including the launch of a three-month family visit visa and the removal of long-standing entry requirements aiming to enhance tourism and ease travel restrictions, The changes were confirmed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah during a recent phone call with journalist Ahmed Al Jarallah, Editor-in-Chief of Al Seyassah newspapers. The reforms, effective Tuesday, are part of the broader overhaul of the 'Kuwait Visa' platform, a key initiative that seeks to position Kuwait as a regional hub for tourism and commerce. Key changes include the cancellation of the local carrier requirement, previously a mandatory condition for visa issuance. Travellers can now select airlines of their choice, following the removal of the rule tying visa issuance to national carriers. Sheikh Fahad said that the revised visit visa allows for an initial stay of three months, with options to extend for six months or even a year, depending on the applicant's preference and compliance with visa regulations. 'Violations in this category are minimal, so flexibility can be granted,' he said, adding that the reforms are a direct response to feedback from citizens and expatriates. 'We are building a new airport, and our goal is to bring back all airlines that exited the local market,' he stated. 'The state should not act as a marketer for airlines, they must market themselves.' The revised policy also expands eligibility for family visit visas, extending kinship qualifications to the fourth degree, and eliminates the controversial requirement for visitors to hold a university degree. Sheikh Fahad emphasised that travellers with security restrictions will be promptly notified and are expected to address those matters independently, aligning Kuwait's practices with international norms. The visa fee structure is currently under review and expected to be submitted to the Council of Ministers this week for final approval. The changes are designed to remove bottlenecks, streamline the process, and make Kuwait more accessible to the world. Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al Mutairi has highlighted tourism as a key pillar of Kuwait's economic diversification strategy. Speaking at a recent event, he unveiled plans for the upcoming 'Visit Kuwait' platform, an integrated digital initiative aimed at consolidating tourism promotion efforts under a unified national brand. 'The platform will serve as the gateway for all tourism-related messaging,' Al Mutairi said, noting its alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, the country's long-term development blueprint. Kuwait's growing focus on tourism will also take center stage internationally. The country is set to host the 52nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization's Regional Committee for the Middle East in early 2026. Additionally, Kuwait will participate in Expo Osaka 2025, where it aims to showcase its advancements in sustainability, innovation, and cultural identity. Cultural diplomacy is also on the rise, with preparations underway for the Kuwait International Book Fair and the launch of the 'I Am the Author' initiative, an interactive experience for children and young adults designed to nurture creative expression through writing and publishing.
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait aims to boost tourism and culture with new 'Visit Kuwait' platform
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, has underscored the increasing importance of the tourism sector in Kuwait's economic development, emphasizing its role in bolstering both the national economy and the country's cultural identity. Al-Mutairi highlighted that the rising interest in tourism has been supported by a series of initiatives from government bodies, the private sector, and civil society. This collective effort aims to showcase Kuwait's rich tourism potential, which encompasses both its cultural heritage and environmental diversity. Al-Mutairi announced that the Ministry of Information is preparing to launch the "Visit Kuwait" platform, a unified national initiative that will centralize and coordinate tourism-related efforts. The platform is designed to consolidate various tourism messages and initiatives under one umbrella, providing a seamless and integrated experience for visitors, while also enhancing the tourism sector's contribution to the national economy. "The platform represents a significant step toward developing a modern and cohesive tourism system," Al-Mutairi explained. He emphasized that the initiative will rely on effective public-private sector partnerships, in line with the broader objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035 — the country's long-term development plan aimed at diversifying the economy and improving sustainable growth. In related developments, Al-Mutairi revealed that Kuwait is preparing to host the 52nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization's Regional Committee for the Middle East in early 2026. Kuwait, which is currently presiding over the committee, views this opportunity as vital to strengthening its regional presence in the global tourism landscape. Al-Mutairi emphasized that the event would serve as a platform for Kuwait to exchange ideas, discuss development strategies, and showcase its tourism initiatives to key stakeholders from the Middle East and beyond. Another major development discussed by Al-Mutairi was Kuwait's participation in Expo Osaka 2025. He described the event as a significant milestone for the country, offering an opportunity to present Kuwait's national identity and future aspirations on the world stage. Reflecting on Kuwait's involvement in Expo 2020 Dubai, Al-Mutairi highlighted that the Ministry of Information was committed to upholding high standards in governance and organization. He explained that the selection process for Kuwait's representatives was conducted with great care, ensuring that only national experts capable of accurately representing the country were chosen. Moreover, the ministry paid meticulous attention to the technical and contracting procedures to guarantee that the event would be organized with the highest standards of quality and transparency. 'We are dedicated to ensuring that the Kuwaiti pavilion at Expo Osaka represents our nation in a way that reflects our identity, values, and ambitions,' Al-Mutairi said, noting that the pavilion will highlight Kuwait's accomplishments in sustainability, innovation, education, culture, and economic development. He expressed confidence that the exhibition would boost Kuwait's global image and contribute to the country's long-term goals. Turning to the cultural sector, Al-Mutairi addressed preparations for the Kuwait International Book Fair, which this year is being held under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah. The fair will feature the participation of 33 countries, marking an unprecedented level of international involvement. A key highlight of the fair will be the launch of the 'I Am the Author' initiative, an interactive project designed for children and young adults. This initiative will allow young visitors to experience the entire process of writing, designing, and printing their own books, with access to writing, photography, and printing tools. The project aims to nurture a love for writing and creative expression among the younger generation. In addition, the fair will host the second edition of the Professional Program, in partnership with the Arab Publishers Association, aimed at empowering publishers and editors from Kuwait and the region. This program is part of broader efforts to strengthen the publishing industry within the Arab world. Looking ahead, Al-Mutairi revealed plans for a grand closing ceremony to mark Kuwait's selection as the "Capital of Arab Media and Culture for 2025". This highly anticipated event will coincide with Kuwait's national holidays in February and is set to be a major cultural occasion. The ceremony will not only celebrate Kuwait's achievements in the media and cultural sectors but will also showcase its leadership role within the Arab world. 'This event will be a key moment in celebrating Kuwait's identity and its cultural contributions to the Arab region,' Al-Mutairi said. 'It will highlight Kuwait's position as a beacon of media and cultural excellence.' With these significant initiatives, Kuwait is positioning itself as a hub for cultural exchange, global tourism, and international partnerships, aiming to solidify its role on the world stage as a leader in both economic and cultural spheres.
Arab Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait prepares for national events with focus on visitor experience
KUWAIT CITY, July 21: Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi chaired the sixth meeting of the Permanent Committee for Celebrating National Holidays and Occasions for 2025 on Sunday. The minister underscored the importance of adopting developmental ideas to enhance the experience of both visitors and citizens during the holiday season and national celebrations. Speaking at the meeting held at Seif Palace, Al-Mutairi highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among government bodies, the private sector, and civil society to ensure the success of upcoming events. He stressed that these efforts should reflect a professional and national spirit that projects Kuwait's civilized image and contributes to revitalizing the country's economy. The meeting was attended by notable figures including Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Head of the Voluntary Work Center. Participants reviewed various visual presentations featuring initiatives such as the "Visit Kuwait" platform, the cultural trail, and the summer events map. Discussions also focused on private sector proposals and recent progress in coordination with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) to enhance the role of the Kuwait House for National Works in the upcoming period. A significant agenda item was the ongoing preparation for establishing the official position of 'tour guide' in Kuwait. This initiative aims to support tourism and cultural awareness during national events. The committee reviewed procedural steps and discussed implementation strategies in collaboration with relevant authorities. These include setting professional and training standards to certify guides and equip them to present Kuwait's history, cultural heritage, and civilizational landmarks effectively. Furthermore, it was agreed to launch the first phase of this project in partnership with the Volunteer Work Center, opening volunteer opportunities for aspiring tourist guides. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue enhancing Kuwait's national celebrations through innovation, cooperation, and a strong sense of national pride.
