KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) said on Thursday it has, for the first time, identified toxic microalgae species responsible for red tide events and mass fish deaths in Kuwaiti waters.

The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Botanica Marina, settle a long-standing scientific debate by confirming the presence of three harmful species: Karenia papilionacea, Karenia selliformis, and Karlodinium ballantinum, lead author Dr. Manal Al-Kandari told state news agency KUNA.

Al-Kandari said the study conclusively confirmed the existence of K. selliformis, which caused a major fish kill in Kuwait in 1999, and K. papilionacea, both of which had been debated in earlier research. She noted that K. ballantinum was recorded for the first time not only in Kuwait but in the entire Arabian Gulf region.

Describing the discovery as a “strategic scientific achievement,” Al-Kandari said the findings will support the development of early warning systems to mitigate future outbreaks, safeguard marine biodiversity, and strengthen food security.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and led to the creation of a preserved reference collection of living microalgae strains—a resource she said will benefit future national and regional marine research.

Al-Kandari also acknowledged the continued support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), calling for further investment in marine environmental studies.—KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr Nader Al-Jallal met Thursday with students with disabilities to hear their concerns and explore ways to improve support across university campuses, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity in higher education. “This meeting reflects the ministry’s interest in direct engagement with students with disabilities to better understand the challenges they face,” Al-Jallal said in a statement following the meeting, which also included Suad Al-Fares, President of the Kuwait Association for the Follow-up of Issues Related to the Disabled.

Al-Jallal emphasized the need for full integration of students with disabilities into the academic environment, calling it essential to advancing “justice, equal opportunity, and a culture of participation and social inclusion among all students.” While the meeting focused on immediate needs and ways to enhance services, it also comes against the backdrop of persistent accessibility gaps in public institutions. One widely reported example is the shortage of sign language interpreters, which has long impacted deaf students’ ability to follow lectures, communicate with faculty, and fully engage in academic life. Media reports and disability rights advocates have repeatedly called attention to these barriers and urged more robust, long-term solutions.

Kuwait University, through its Disabilities Department, has taken steps to address some of these challenges by employing sign language interpreters, publishing awareness videos in sign language, and offering periodic training for faculty and students. In 2022, a committee was formed to explore integrating sign language into the curriculum, though no public updates have been issued since.

During the meeting, Dean of Student Affairs at Kuwait University Dr Jassim Alhamdan reported that the university currently serves around 344 students with disabilities. He noted that the Disabilities Division provides tailored support based on individual needs and acts as a bridge between students and academic departments. Al-Fares described the session as “a proactive step toward resolving major issues,” and stressed the importance of continued coordination between the ministry, her association and academic institutions to build a more inclusive higher education system.

The meeting also follows a separate effort by Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, who earlier this month met with United Nations officials and academic leaders to discuss national strategies for improving quality of life and access for persons with disabilities.

At Thursday’s meeting, students with disabilities shared feedback on their experiences and proposed solutions to improve academic, administrative and social support. Al-Jallal directed university departments to prepare periodic reports identifying logistical and human resource challenges, and to develop appropriate responses that ensure sustainable support for students with disabilities. — Agencies

KUWAIT: As summer travel picks up, many expatriates have reported that Kuwait’s digital driving license is not accepted abroad, making international car rentals challenging. But this is now changing. After a suspension that began on Dec 10, 2023, the issuance of physical driving licenses for expats resumed in mid-April 2025, following ministerial decision no. 560/2025 issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. The amendment allows expatriates to reissue physical licenses for a KD 10 printing fee, effective immediately upon its publication in the official gazette Kuwait Al Youm.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process (the exact steps may vary slightly by location):

1. Visit the traffic department (muroor):

Head to the traffic department of the governorate that originally issued your license — this might differ from your current governorate of residence. Keep in mind that working hours and queues can vary for citizens, expats and companies.

2. Request the application form:

Go to the typing section and request a form to issue a physical driving license. This service usually costs KD 1. You will need to attach:

• A copy of your Civil ID

• A copy of your current digital license (from the Kuwait Mobile ID app)

• Your previous physical license (if available)

3. Form submission and payment:

• Submit the filled form at one of the designated counters for verification and stamping.

• Then, proceed to pay the KD 10 reissuance fee.

• Note: If you no longer have your previous physical license, an additional KD 10 fee may apply.

4. Final submission and collection:

Submit the signed and stamped form at the designated printing counter, then wait for your name to be called. Your physical license will be printed and issued shortly, depending on the number of applicants.