KUWAIT: (From left) Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received on Monday the outgoing ambassadors, US Ambassador Karen Sasahara, Kazakhstan Ambassador Azamat Berdybay and Bhutan Ambassador Chitim Tenzin. — KUNA photos

KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Major General (Pilot) Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, conducted an inspection visit on Monday to the Administrative Support Command, where he reviewed operational mechanisms, periodic maintenance schedules, and technical training and qualification programs aimed at enhancing the army’s overall combat readiness and performance. In a statement issued by the General Staff, Major General Sabah Jaber was briefed on the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Administrative Support Command, as well as the level of preparedness and the resources available to support its mission.

He praised the Command’s efforts in upgrading both administrative and technical capabilities and its crucial role in supporting various army units. He also emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum in development, urging continued dedication to maintain high levels of combat preparedness. The visit included a comprehensive field tour of key facilities, including machinery and equipment depots, maintenance workshops, training centers, warehouses and technical supply units.

The inspection is part of ongoing efforts by the military leadership to closely monitor the operational readiness of army formations and ensure smooth workflow across units. Upon his arrival, Major General Sabah Jaber was received by Commander of the Land Forces Brigadier General Hamad Al-Suwaidi, Commander of the Administrative Support Command Brigadier General Othman Al-Shaheen and senior officers from the command structure. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Municipal Council, chaired by Abdullah Al-Mahri, approved on Monday a set of updated investment housing regulations as part of new building guidelines designed to support the country’s urban development goals. The Council explained that the revisions to the building regulations are part of a comprehensive review to align with Kuwait’s modern planning aspirations. Among the key approvals was Table No. (2), which outlines updated requirements and specifications for investment housing buildings within and outside Kuwait City.

Chairman of the Municipal Council Abdullah Al-Mahri

The move aims to boost the economic and functional value of such developments. New provisions include a sixfold increase in compensation for commercial stores and a 50 percent rise in the building-to-land ratio for residential care properties. The amendments also allow greater use of basements and floors to accommodate service facilities and enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.

The Council also prohibited the merging of certain commercial activities within a single building to ensure proper zoning and functionality. New categories, such as societies, libraries, and playgrounds, were added to the list of permissible investment activities. Additionally, the (studio) apartment classification was formally included under investment housing. Furthermore, the Council approved expanding the list of commercial activities permitted on the first and second floors of investment buildings from 16 to 22, providing developers with greater flexibility.

In other decisions, the Council endorsed a request by the Public Authority for Youth to allocate land and revise elements of the Kuwait Technical Complex for Entrepreneurship in Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber area. It also approved a special proposal to regulate parking lots in investment housing areas and agreed to designate emergency lanes along main roads for use as rapid-response corridors. Additionally, the Council accepted a donation from Kuwait International Bank for the beautification and development of Abdul Razzaq Gate, as part of efforts to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal.— KUNA