Kuwaiti Oil Minister Tareq Al-Roumi
KPC CEO Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah
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Kuwait committed to energy security
VIENNA: Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring global energy security on Wednesday while calling for increased investments in future energy projects and the adoption of solutions that reduce emissions and support the transition to a more efficient energy system. This came in a speech delivered by Oil Minister and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Tareq Al-Roumi at the 9th International Seminar of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna.
Leading Kuwait’s delegation to the seminar, Al-Roumi said the event comes at a critical time marked by mounting challenges in the energy sector, particularly amid shifting regional and global dynamics. He noted that OPEC continues to work toward market stability by balancing supply and demand and strengthening partnerships with non-OPEC producers through the OPEC+ alliance, contributing to the sustainability of energy supplies.
Al-Roumi emphasized the importance of market stability in achieving energy security and supporting global economic growth, stressing that oil will remain a key part of the global energy mix for decades to come. He also reiterated the need to boost investment in future energy projects and adopt solutions that cut emissions and facilitate a shift toward a more efficient energy ecosystem.
Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah, Deputy Chairman and CEO of KPC, affirmed the corporation’s commitment to providing stable and reliable supplies of crude oil and environmentally friendly products. He highlighted KPC’s adaptability to market shifts through a flexible and innovative approach that reflects its achievements in exploration, development, production and expansion in the petrochemical industry.
Chinese and Japanese buyers are requesting more oil in a further indication of strong demand, Shaikh Nawaf told the seminar. KPC is also participating in the accompanying exhibition of the 9th OPEC International Seminar through a dedicated pavilion showcasing highlights of its 2040 strategy, digital transformation initiatives, emission reduction efforts, success stories in international partnerships and global expansion — bolstering Kuwait’s presence in the global energy landscape.
Output increases from oil producer group OPEC+ are not leading to higher inventories, showing that markets are thirsty for more oil, ministers and executives from OPEC nations and bosses of Western oil majors said on Wednesday. OPEC+, which pumps about half of the world’s oil, has been curtailing production for several years to support the market. But it has reversed course this year to regain market share.
OPEC+, comprising OPEC and allies such as Russia, began to unwind cuts of 2.17 million barrels per day in April with a production boost of 138,000 bpd. Hikes of 411,000 bpd followed each month in May, June and July. On Saturday, the group approved a 548,000-bpd jump for August and will likely approve a large hike for September when it meets again in August, sources told Reuters.
“You can see that even with the increases for several months we haven’t seen a major buildup in inventories, which means the market needed those barrels,” United Arab Emirates’ Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters. Global oil demand will increase by about 1.2-1.3 million bpd for the rest of this year, despite challenges from US tariffs and trade tensions, Amin Nasser, the CEO of Saudi oil giant Aramco told the seminar. Nasser cited rising US gasoline demand and China’s petrochemical sector as growth drivers.
OPEC has ramped up production partly because it wants to regain market share from rivals such as the United States, sources have told Reuters. BP CEO Murray Auchincloss said he saw non-OPEC production stagnating next year after hitting new highs in recent months. The physical oil market looks tight and China is boosting stockpiles, Auchincloss said.
Shell CEO Wael Sawan said he was more concerned about oil field depletion rates of 4-5 percent a year, meaning more investments were needed. TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne said he thought the market was rather well supplied given that demand growth has halved in China in recent years.
With planned output rises, OPEC+ will likely complete the return to the market of the 2.17 million bpd of voluntary cuts in September. It is also allowing the UAE to complete a 300,000 bpd separate output increase. OPEC+ still has separate cuts of 3.65 million bpd in place, consisting of 1.65 million bpd in voluntary cuts by eight members and 2 million bpd across all members. Those cuts expire at the end of 2026.
Iranian Oil Minister and current OPEC President Mohsen Paknejad underscored the importance of scientific and pragmatic approaches to energy issues, urging the global community to set aside ideological divides in favor of realistic and inclusive dialogue. “Energy is the cornerstone of the global economy and an essential part of our daily lives,” Paknejad said in a video address. “Last year witnessed an unprecedented rise in energy demand across all sources, including oil and gas.”
Paknejad reaffirmed oil’s prominent role in the global energy mix, noting it continues to supply nearly 30 percent of global energy needs. He stressed OPEC’s crucial role in maintaining market balance and preventing price volatility that affects not only producing nations but the entire international economy.
On the energy transition, he acknowledged significant progress in renewable energy and electric vehicle deployment but cautioned that decarbonization efforts must be grounded in science and practical policy rather than slogans. Calling for the inclusion of all technologies, sectors and stakeholders, he said: “This is the only path to success — and precisely why OPEC remains a vital organization for the world.” – Agencies
KUWAIT: The National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) launched the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament Wednesday evening at Hatrick Stadium in Khaitan. Youth teams from across the country are taking part in this event, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and highlight the role of sport in disease prevention—particularly cancer.
Dr Hessa Majid Al‑Shaheen, a member of CAN’s board of directors, explained that the tournament offers an “unconventional” path to health education by blending competitive sports with practical prevention messages. “Sport is not a luxury,” she said, “but an effective means of prevention—and a gateway to a healthier, more informed society.”
According to Al‑Shaheen, medical research shows that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers—such as colon and breast—by up to 30–40 percent. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, while boosting mental health and alleviating stress and anxiety.
KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.
The Haidu‑CAN initiative aims to sustain young people’s engagement in sports through interactive activities that pair athletic competition with awareness workshops. In addition to tournament matches, the program features educational sessions and support initiatives for cancer survivors.
Abdullah Al‑Saleh, Director of the Haidu‑CAN Olympics, described the event as “a unique model” that moves beyond traditional awareness campaigns. “We’re delivering health messages in a way that resonates with youth—through experience and participation rather than indoctrination,” he said. This tournament is one of several activities organized by CAN’s sports team to translate theoretical health advice into tangible, everyday practices and foster long‑term healthy habits.
Guest of honor Captain Saad Al‑Houti—a former Kuwaiti national footballer—opened the tournament with a motivational address. “Sport is a message before it is a result,” he told participants, praising CAN’s efforts to empower youth as ambassadors of prevention. “Such initiatives strengthen the role of sports in community building and give young people the chance to drive positive change.”
The tournament’s opening night drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Over the coming days, the Haidu‑CAN Olympics will continue with mini‑tournaments, educational meetings and health‑focused competitions designed especially for young athletes.
KUWAIT: Kuwait University has kicked off its three-day campaign, “Design Your Future”, at The Avenues mall, in an effort to connect with high school graduates and guide them through the admissions process.
Organized by the Admissions Department under the Deanship of Admission and Registration, the campaign runs daily from 10 am to 10 pm. It offers students and their families a chance to explore available majors, admission criteria, and application procedures for the upcoming academic year.
“The campaign has seen strong engagement from recent high school graduates and their parents since its launch,” said Dr Fadhel Aziz, Acting Dean of Admission and Registration. “It gives prospective students the opportunity to learn about Kuwait University’s various colleges and how to apply.”
Among the key features of the university’s booth are introductions to new, in-demand programs such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Life Sciences and Cybersecurity in the College of Science. These programs reflect current labor market needs and technological trends. “Students now have the chance to explore some of the most in-demand fields in today’s job market,” Dr Aziz added.
Also participating in the campaign are representatives from the Public Authority for Manpower and the Civil Service Commission, who are providing students with insights into labor market demands and helping them align their academic choices with future career opportunities. “This campaign is a key step for high school graduates,” Dr Aziz noted. “It helps them clarify their interests and organize their priorities in a way that matches both their academic performance and personal inclinations.”
He emphasized that the university’s goal is to support students in making well-informed decisions that align with community needs and job market trends. The event continues through the end of the week, offering guidance and resources for anyone considering Kuwait University as the next step in their education journey.
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