Kuwait News

1 year ago

Qatar, Kuwait And Bahrain Temporarily Close Airspace Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have announced the temporary suspension of air traffic in their respective airspaces as a precautionary measure following a significant escalation in regional tensions sparked by Iran’s missile attack on the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The closures were implemented to safeguard civilian lives and ensure the security of aviation operations in light of growing instability in the region. While Qatar has confirmed that its air defence systems successfully intercepted all incoming missiles, the unprecedented nature of the attack prompted immediate safety measures, including the halting of flights. Coordinated response to regional threats Aviation authorities in the three Gulf nations are working in coordination with international agencies and regional partners to monitor the evolving situation. Officials say the airspace closures are temporary and will be reviewed based on real-time assessments of regional threats and operational safety. Impact on air travel The closures have disrupted several commercial routes, particularly those involving transit flights between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Airlines have been advised to reroute flights as needed, and passengers are urged to check with their carriers for updated travel information. Gulf nations condemn Iran’s actions The UAE and Saudi Arabia issued strong statements condemning […]

1 year ago

Israel-Iran Conflict: UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar Call For Dialogue Following US Strikes On Nuclear Facilities

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have issued separate statements expresseing concern following the United States’ confirmed strikes of three Iranian nuclear facilities – an action described by US President Donald Trump as a “successful” strike in coordination with Israel. The operation, which marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel, has prompted regional calls for restraint and diplomacy. The UAE called for immediate de-escalation and emphasised the importance of diplomacy to prevent further regional instability. It also appealed to the United Nations and the Security Council to act responsibly in addressing the crisis. Kuwait “expressed its deep concern,” and reaffirmed its condemnation of actions against Iran’s sovereignty and called for political solutions. Bahrain echoed this sentiment, encouraging peace talks between the US and Iran. Oman condemned the US strikes, calling them a violation of international law, and highlighted the risk of radioactive contamination from attacks on nuclear facilities. Qatar further warned of “catastrophic consequences” and urged all parties to exercise restraint. However, Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission confirmed no radiological effects had been detected within the Kingdom or other GCC countries. The Gulf Cooperation Council […]

1 year ago

Kuwait Uncovers Decades-Old Citizenship Fraud After Inheritance Dispute

A decades-old case of citizenship fraud has come to light in Kuwait after a family inheritance dispute revealed that a man, long believed to be the son of a deceased Kuwaiti citizen, was not biologically related to the family, local media reported. The man, an Iranian national who had assumed a Kuwaiti identity in 1986, was sentenced to seven years in prison for forgery and fraud, according to court documents. He had already fled the country to Iran by the time the verdict was issued, and the sentence was handed down in absentia. The deception was uncovered following the death of the Kuwaiti father, when a dispute arose among his children over inheritance rights. Doubts surfaced regarding one of the heirs, who had been listed as the man’s son for nearly four decades. The family filed a formal complaint, prompting prosecutors to order DNA testing, which ultimately confirmed the absence of any paternal link. According to investigators, the fraud began when an Iranian woman, after divorcing her first husband, married a Kuwaiti man. With his cooperation, she added her son from her previous marriage to his citizenship file, falsely registering the boy, who was born in Iran, as his biological […]

1 year ago

Kuwait Approves 7-Day Transit Visas For GCC Residents And Europeans

Kuwait has approved the issuance of seven-day transit visas for select travelers entering the country via land, as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline border procedures and enhance regional mobility. The move, directed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, aims to facilitate smoother transit for Gulf citizens, GCC residents, European nationals, and diplomatic personnel, particularly those arriving from Iraq or transiting through Iran. Colonel Waleed Al Azmi, Director of the Abdali Border Crossing Administration, announced the decision during an interview with Al Akhbar on Kuwait TV, where he outlined new measures to improve the experience for overland travelers entering Kuwait via the Abdali border. According to Al Azmi, the newly approved transit visa allows eligible travelers to remain in Kuwait for up to seven days, enabling them to transit between Abdali Port and Kuwait International Airport, or the reverse, while organizing travel arrangements or securing onward connections. The visa is available to non-residents of Kuwait under specific exceptions coordinated between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This step is part of a coordinated effort to provide flexibility and facilitate cross-border movement while ensuring national security and compliance with […]

1 year ago

Kuwaiti Actress Arrested In Drug Case Amid National Anti-Narcotics Crackdown

A well-known Kuwaiti actress was arrested yesterday for allegedly possessing narcotics and psychotropic substances for personal use, according to a statement by Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, as part of an intensified national crackdown on drug-related crimes. The General Department for Combating Narcotics said the arrest followed a series of surveillance operations and intelligence-led investigations. The woman, widely identified on social media as actress Shujoun Al Hajri, was taken into custody after authorities found quantities of marijuana, cocaine, and other controlled substances in her possession. The ministry did not explicitly name Al Hajri in its public statement, but online users quickly speculated and circulated her name after the announcement, prompting widespread discussion on social media platforms. “The arrest was made in accordance with legal procedures following credible information and careful monitoring,” the ministry said in its statement. “The individual was found with illicit substances intended for consumption.” Authorities confirmed that the suspect has been referred to the appropriate judicial bodies for further investigation. The Interior Ministry reiterated its commitment to combating narcotics, calling the issue a threat to public health and societal stability. It urged both citizens and residents to report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that drug-related offenses would be met […]

1 year ago

Kuwait Moves Ashura Rituals To Schools Amid Safety Concerns

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has announced plans to relocate Shiite religious rituals traditionally held in Hussainiyas to secured public schools during the upcoming month of Muharram, citing regional security tensions and a heightened focus on public safety. The decision was revealed during a recent high-level meeting between First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al Yousuf Al Sabah and representatives of Hussainiyas across the country, the ministry said in a statement. “In light of the current regional developments, Kuwait will provide highly secured schools as alternative venues to ensure the safety of worshippers during Muharram rituals,” Sheikh Fahad said. The move comes as governments across the region bolster security amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Muharram, particularly the Day of Ashura, is a sacred period for Shiite Muslims, marked by large public gatherings and mourning rituals commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. The ministry emphasized that the step reflects the government’s commitment to preserving religious freedoms while maintaining public order. “All logistical and security arrangements are being put in place,” the statement added, urging worshippers and organizers to strictly adhere to regulations.

1 year ago

Kuwait Doctor Fined For Stealing Antidepressants Worth KD3.5

A Kuwaiti court has fined an assistant physician 500 dinars after convicting him of stealing antidepressant medication worth just 3.5 dinars (about $11.4) from a government hospital, in a case that has attracted attention to both mental health care access and security vulnerabilities in the nation’s public health system. The Court of Cassation handed down the ruling after reviewing evidence that included CCTV footage showing the masked doctor removing restricted medication from hospital stores. The thefts came to light after hospital staff reported repeated disappearances of psychiatric drugs, prompting an internal investigation, according to local media reports. Authorities detained the suspect following a tip from an employee. During questioning, the doctor reportedly confessed to four separate thefts, explaining that he suffered from depression and anxiety and was unable to obtain the medication through legal channels, as the drugs are strictly reserved for psychiatric patients.

1 year ago

Kuwait Announces Islamic New Year Holiday for Public Sector

Kuwait has announced a one-day holiday for the public sector on Thursday, June 26, in observance of the Islamic New Year, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The holiday will be observed by all ministries, government bodies, and public institutions across the country. The announcement comes as part of the country’s recognition of the Hijri New Year, which marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. Regular working hours will resume on Sunday, June 29. The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina, a pivotal event in Islamic history that signifies the start of the Islamic calendar. The occasion is traditionally observed with reflection, prayers, and family gatherings. Also read: Kuwait Denies Missile Threats, Confirms Airspace Safety Amid Regional Escalation

1 year ago

Kuwait Denies Missile Threats, Confirms Airspace Safety Amid Regional Escalation

Kuwait’s armed forces and government agencies on Monday reassured the public after social media was flooded with reports of ballistic missiles and alleged military activity in the country’s airspace. In a statement, the General Staff of the Kuwait Army confirmed that the missiles in question had been flying at “very high altitudes and outside Kuwaiti airspace,” posing no threat to national territory. “There is no cause for concern,” the statement read, urging citizens to rely solely on official sources for accurate information. Addressing parallel rumors, the Kuwait National Guard also denied claims that its forces were conducting operations in the skies over the country. The Moral Guidance Directorate clarified that the Guard continues its regular security and defense duties in coordination with the Ministries of Defense and Interior, with no exceptional air missions being carried out. Meanwhile, the Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) reiterated its round-the-clock preparedness to respond to all forms of emergencies, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Brigadier General Mohammad Al Gharib, KFF’s Director of Public Relations and Media, emphasized the use of advanced detection technologies, specialized reconnaissance vehicles, and protective suits to safeguard critical areas — including land, sea, and airports. On the same day, Kuwait’s […]

1 year ago

Kuwait’s New Visa And Residency Rules: All You Need To Know

For decades, Kuwait has been a hub of opportunity for expatriates, drawing workers from around the world with the promise of stable jobs and tax-free salaries. Yet, as the Gulf nation tightens its controls on who comes, who stays, and who goes, navigating Kuwait’s visa system has become a challenge that touches on everything from labour rights and family life to new digital platforms and legal restrictions. If you’re considering a move to Kuwait, or are already living in the country as a foreign worker or family member, here’s everything you need to know, whether you’re applying for your first tourist visa or contemplating a return home. A new era: Exit permits for private sector expatriates Early this week, Kuwait announced a major policy shift for the country’s vast expatriate workforce: all foreign private sector employees (holders of Article 18 residency) must obtain explicit employer approval before leaving the country. This “exit permit” system, common elsewhere in the Gulf under the kafala (sponsorship) system, is now fully in force in Kuwait, effective July 1. What does this mean in practice? If you work for a private company, you cannot leave Kuwait, even temporarily, unless your employer (the ‘kafeel’) approves your travel through […]

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Qatar, Kuwait And Bahrain Temporarily Close Airspace Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Israel-Iran Conflict: UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar Call For Dialogue Following US Strikes On Nuclear Facilities

Kuwait Uncovers Decades-Old Citizenship Fraud After Inheritance Dispute

Kuwait Approves 7-Day Transit Visas For GCC Residents And Europeans

Kuwaiti Actress Arrested In Drug Case Amid National Anti-Narcotics Crackdown

Kuwait Moves Ashura Rituals To Schools Amid Safety Concerns

Kuwait Doctor Fined For Stealing Antidepressants Worth KD3.5

Kuwait Announces Islamic New Year Holiday for Public Sector

Kuwait Denies Missile Threats, Confirms Airspace Safety Amid Regional Escalation

Kuwait’s New Visa And Residency Rules: All You Need To Know

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