KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) signed on Wednesday the investment opportunity contract (Q1) for the development of a commercial complex and a health club in the Al-Qairawan area, covering an area of approximately 12,500 square meters. The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Meshari, alongside senior officials from PAHW.

Minister Al-Meshari stated in a press release following the signing that the project reflects PAHW’s strategic efforts to boost private sector participation in developing service projects. He emphasized the authority’s keenness to strengthen partnerships with the private sector to achieve sustainable urban development in line with the state’s directives, while diversifying PAHW’s revenue sources.

Acting Deputy Director General for Investment Affairs and Private Sector Projects at PAHW, Anwar Al-Hulaila, said the project comprises three key components: a commercial complex, a health club, and parking facilities. He added that the commercial complex will cover approximately 4,900 square meters, the health club about 2,000 square meters, and parking spaces will occupy 5,600 square meters distributed between the two sites.

Al-Hulaila noted that the project’s expected revenues are estimated at around KD 12.3 million (approximately $40.5 million) over a 20-year investment period. He reaffirmed PAHW’s commitment to providing high-quality services that meet citizens’ aspirations and improve the quality of life within residential communities. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment on Wednesday to safeguarding creativity and innovation across commercial and industrial sectors linked to human intellectual achievements. The country emphasized its dedication to working with international partners to establish a balanced and effective global intellectual property (IP) system that promotes innovation and supports sustainable development.

This was highlighted in a speech by Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayyen, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, during the General Assembly meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Ambassador Al-Hayyen stressed Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to strengthen technical cooperation programs with WIPO, recognizing the organization’s critical role in advancing national IP initiatives. He further highlighted Kuwait’s focus on developing the intellectual property sector, supporting creators and inventors, and raising community awareness about the significance of IP rights and their positive impact on economic growth and social progress.

In this regard, Ambassador Al-Hayyen announced that Kuwait will host the 15th International Invention Fair in the Middle East in February 2025. The event is expected to attract more than 180 inventors from 42 countries, showcasing approximately 230 inventions across various fields. He noted the high-level support and sponsorship the fair receives from both national and international institutions, underscoring Kuwait’s dedication to fostering innovation and supporting inventors. He also referenced the national forum held in April 2025 to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day, which brought together intellectual property offices for dialogue and exchange of experiences.

Ambassador Al-Hayyen praised the successful Diplomatic Conference hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which led to the adoption of the “Riyadh Treaty on Design Law.” He described the treaty as a major international achievement that simplifies global procedures for protecting industrial designs. The ambassador further commended WIPO’s vital role in providing technical assistance and capacity building to member states, lauding its focus on enhancing technical capabilities. Kuwait expressed appreciation for the organization’s projects and cooperation programs aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of national intellectual property offices. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah reaffirmed on Wednesday her commitment to supporting initiatives and programs aimed at improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities and ensuring their full inclusion in society. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following her meeting with United Nations Secretary-General’s Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Ghada Al-Taher and President of Kuwait College of Science and Technology Dr Khaled Al-Beqaeen, the minister emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to advance social development and promote inclusive services.

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwaila with the UN Secretary-General’s Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Ghada Al-Taher and President of Kuwait College of Science and Technology Dr. Khaled Al-Beqaeen.- KUNA photos

The meeting discussed enhancing partnerships between the ministry, the college, and the UN office in areas related to social development and collaborative projects. Discussions also touched on the Ministry’s sponsorship of the Second International Technology Conference and Forum for People with Special Needs, which aims to leverage innovation in support of accessibility and empowerment.

Dr Al-Huwailah added that the parties also explored potential coordination on the sidelines of the upcoming 11th Ministerial Conference of the Committee of Ministers of Social Affairs and Development of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), scheduled to take place in Kuwait in September. She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to fostering joint action that advances the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and supports broader regional development goals. — KUNA