Tue, July 21 2026

1 month ago

Kuwait’s Highest Court Issues Final Ruling in Sheikh Talal Case

Final ruling combines penalties from two public spending cases Dubai: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation has sentenced Sheikh Talal Al Khaled, former interior minister, to three years in prison with hard labour and imposed a fine of KD3,000 after ruling in two high-profile public spending cases involving the Ministries of Interior and Defence. The court ordered the sentences in the two cases to be merged, meaning the final enforceable prison term will be three years. The ruling brings an end to a legal process that stemmed from allegations concerning the use of funds allocated within the budgets of the two ministries. The Court of Cassation had previously reserved judgment on an appeal filed by Sheikh Talal against an earlier verdict issued by the Ministers Court. That court had sentenced Sheikh Talal to a total of 14 years in prison, comprising seven years in each case. It also ordered him to repay approximately KD10 million and imposed an additional financial penalty of around KD20 million. The charges included allegations of embezzlement of public funds from the budgets of the Ministries of Defence and Interior, as well as money laundering. Under Kuwait’s judicial system, rulings issued by the Court of Cassation are final, bringing the […]

1 month ago

Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of 2,193 in Major Nationality Crackdown

Citizenship will also be withdrawn from those who acquired it by dependency Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of 2,193 people under a series of decrees published in the country’s Official Gazette, Kuwait Today, as the Gulf state continues its review of nationality files. The decrees, published on Sunday, state that Kuwaiti citizenship will also be withdrawn from individuals who acquired it by dependency through those whose nationality has been revoked. The latest measures form part of an ongoing campaign by Kuwaiti authorities to reassess citizenship records and implement decisions issued by the relevant government bodies. In recent months, the government has announced successive decrees revoking the nationality of thousands of individuals under provisions of the country’s nationality law. The Official Gazette did not provide further details on the identities of those affected or the specific legal grounds for the latest withdrawals. Kuwait overhauls citizenship rules—who is affected? Kuwait strips 120 of citizenship over dual nationality

1 month ago

Kuwait Airways Launches First Direct Flights to Mykonos as Part of 2026 Summer Schedule

National carrier begins twice-weekly service on Sunday and Thursday Kuwait Airways on Sunday launched its first commercial flights to the Greek island of Mykonos, operating twice-weekly services on Sundays and Thursdays as part of its 2026 summer schedule. Acting Chief Executive Officer Abdulwahab Al Shatti said the new route reflects the airline’s commitment to expanding its seasonal destination network and offering travellers a wider range of options to some of the world’s leading tourist destinations, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. He described Mykonos as one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations, known for its distinctive tourism appeal and natural attractions, adding that the airline continues to enhance its services and broaden travel options in line with passengers’ needs while providing a seamless and comfortable travel experience. The new destination forms part of Kuwait Airways’ summer operational plan, which aims to provide a flexible and diversified network linking Kuwait with numerous cities and holiday destinations worldwide. Al Shatti said the national carrier would continue implementing its operational strategy in line with the highest standards, reinforcing its position as Kuwait’s national airline while offering customers enhanced services and competitive travel options throughout the year. Kuwait Airways taps summer travel demand with […]

1 month ago

Kuwait Warns Chalet Owners: Subleasing Could Cost You Your Permit

Permit holders urged to comply with regulations and financial obligations Kuwait’s Ministry of Finance has warned chalet and state land permit holders against subleasing government properties, stressing that violations could lead to licence cancellation and immediate eviction. The ministry said permit holders must comply fully with the terms and conditions governing the use of chalets and licensed land plots, as part of efforts to protect state assets and ensure their use in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Among the key conditions is a prohibition on renting or transferring the use of chalets and land plots to third parties under any arrangement.  Permit holders are also required to maintain the boundaries of their allocated sites, avoid encroachments on neighbouring areas and adhere to all regulations governing the use of state-owned property. The ministry further emphasised the importance of settling all financial obligations and outstanding fees within the prescribed timeframes. The ministry warned that any breach of licence conditions, misuse of the property or failure to meet financial commitments could trigger legal and administrative action.  Penalties may include the termination of the permit and the removal of occupants from the site without prior notice. The ministry urged all licence holders to […]

1 month ago

Kuwait Reopens Terminal 4 for Select Gulf, International Flights

Passengers urged to confirm schedules as flights gradually restart Kuwait International Airport has announced the limited resumption of operations for Gulf, Arab and international airlines through Terminal 4. The decision was confirmed by the Public Authority of Civil Aviation in a statement carried by KUNA on Sunday. The authority said coordination will be carried out with airlines wishing to restart operations to finalise flight schedules and ensure smooth services. Officials said the step reflects national responsibility and a commitment to maintaining continuity in air travel and supporting passenger needs. The move is also aimed at providing more travel options for citizens and residents flying in and out of Kuwait. Passengers have been urged to check flight updates regularly and contact their respective airlines before heading to the airport. The authority said coordination with all relevant entities will continue to ensure the highest standards of safety, security, and operational efficiency across airport services. Jazeera Airways resumes flights from Kuwait airport T5 Kuwait Airways announces 728 weekly flights expansion ICAO protest after Iran drone attack on Kuwait airport Kuwait files ICAO protest over Iran airspace violations Kuwait airport terminal may need year-long recovery

1 month ago

New Kuwait Maritime Law Tightens Rules for Vessels and Facilities

Law sets licensing, safety and security standards for Kuwait’s marine sector The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has announced a new Law on Maritime Facilities and Floating Units aimed at strengthening maritime safety and regulating related activities. The law sets out a comprehensive legal framework covering licensing and operational procedures for maritime facilities and floating units. It also defines technical requirements, safety standards, and maritime security protocols. Officials said the legislation is intended to safeguard lives and property, while also supporting the protection of the marine environment. The ministry stressed that compliance with the law and its implementing regulations is a key pillar in ensuring safe and responsible use of maritime facilities and floating units. Kuwait overhauls citizenship rules—who is affected? Kuwait bans outside flags at Husseiniyas for Muharram New visa service for workers in Kuwait with new rules

1 month ago

Kuwait Joins “Dark-Mode” Tanker Traffic Through Hormuz

Kuwait appears to have joined a growing bunch of Middle Eastern oil and gas producers that have moved to ship energy cargoes in dark mode through the Strait of Hormuz. The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier Gas Umm Al Rowaisat, which is owned by the national Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, has passed through the Strait in recent days, then transferred the cargo onto another ship which is currently en route to an Indian port, vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed on Thursday. The Gas Umm Al Rowaisat loaded LPG in May in the Gulf, and then switched off its AIS positioning, before reappearing close to the Indian coast this weekend, according to the data. This is the latest instance of a tanker going dark as it moves through the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE, Iraq, and other Gulf producers have increased shipments of oil, LNG, and LPG on tankers in dark mode in recent weeks. Since the war began on February 28, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed by 90% to 95% compared to pre-war levels, leaving the market about 13 million barrels per day (bpd) short of crude and fuel supply that was previously freely flowing to buyers. Some oil cargoes […]

1 month ago

Iran Threatens Elon Musk’s Gulf-Area Starlink Ground Stations In Suspicious Timing Ahead Of SpaceX IPO

Iran Threatens Musk’s Starlink Ground Bases In Gulf Area Ahead Of IPO   Massive SpaceX IPO Demand Coming From Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds IranIntlbrk is the X handle for Iran International’s breaking-news account and cites Tehran-aligned Fars News Agency, stating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has placed the economic interests of Elon Musk in West Asia, including Arab countries and Israel, under consideration on a new target list. 1. Fars News Agency reported that this action is under consideration following claims by the IRGC-affiliated outlet that the U.S. and Israeli militaries’ use of infrastructure managed by Elon Musk, including Starlink, has been proven. 2. A media outlet affiliated with the IRGC wrote that Starlink’s ground stations in Israel, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, alongside SpaceX shareholders including the infrastructure of the two companies “Al-Fazabi” and “Exchange,” are among the new targets of the Islamic Republic. The IRGC’s threat against Musk’s Starlink ground stations (Starlink Gateways) across the region should come as no surprise. IRGC forces have already demonstrated a willingness to strike Gulf data centers, including the reported Shahed drone attacks on two AWS data centers in the UAE. The timing of the IRGC’s threat against Musk […]

1 month ago

Growing Number Of Oil Tankers Successfully Sneak Through Hormuz, Shrinking Iran’s Leverage

One week ago we reported that “As Gulf States Plan Bypass Pipelines, US Military Is Quietly Helping Ships Cross Hormuz.” We now have more evidence that, whether with or without a US escort, a growing number of ships are transiting Hormuz.  According to Bloomberg, off the coast of Oman over the weekend, 16 tankers clustered together to transfer millions of barrels of oil that had been stranded in the Arabian Gulf. A month ago, that area had been entirely empty.  They’re part of a growing number of tankers that are turning their transponders off to lift oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz from a trickle to a stream. While conventional vessel-tracking data show little change in shipments, senior shipping executives, Asian oil buyers and satellite images paint a different picture: That Hormuz is now a lot less blocked, with transits becoming more steady and greater in volume.  As we reported last week, the increase in Gulf producers’ ships going dark to sneak through undetected by Iran is at the heart of the rise in flows, coinciding with a period where the US has been helping ships navigate through the waterway. The recent volumes add to signs that the oil market is managing to route enough […]

1 month ago

Backroom Detente: A Curious Lack Of Iranian Strikes On UAE, While Others Get Hit

President Trump is vowing another consecutive night of even heavier US military strikes on Iran. Yesterday’s salvo involved at least 49 Tomahawk missile strikes, mainly happening against southern coastal areas off the Strait of Hormuz. Amid Iran’s counter-attacks on Gulf nations and reportedly on American bases hosted in these Arab Gulf allied states, there’s been a curious lack of any new launches against the United Arab Emirates.  Kuwait and Bahrain have been hit especially hard in this week’s new flare-up in cross-Gulf fighting, but again, the UAE has been spared – after previously coming under significant attacks during the opening month of Operation Epic Fury. Even faraway Jordan has been targeted in the new ‘retaliatatory’ attacks. But Bloomberg on Thursday revealed the reason – Iran and the UAE have apparently reached an ‘understanding’ after some backroom dealing and diplomacy. “Senior national security officials from the United Arab Emirates and Iran held a face-to-face meeting for the first time since the start of the US-Israeli war against Tehran, according to people with knowledge of the situation,” Bloomberg reports. “This week’s meeting marked a stark turnaround for both sides and comes amid their growing acknowledgment of the importance of calmer bilateral ties, […]

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