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Kuwait advances environmental vision; execution in early stages

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KUWAIT: Environmental sustainability has taken center stage in Kuwait’s national agenda, with the government intensifying efforts over the past two years to outline long-term strategies aimed at reducing pollution, preserving natural resources, and tackling climate change. Backed by the country’s leadership, including directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti Cabinet has been actively reviewing the national low-carbon roadmap — a key element of the country’s sustainable development policy.

Minister of Oil Dr Tareq Al-Roumi and officials from the Environment Public Authority (EPA) recently presented the roadmap’s vision, which aims to boost national resilience to climate change through innovation, green investment, and circular carbon economy solutions. The roadmap remains in its early implementation phase.

Kuwait has also expanded coordination with China through memorandums of understanding focused on low-carbon systems, renewable energy, waste recycling, and wastewater treatment infrastructure. These agreements are expected to support the country’s broader environmental targets under its “New Kuwait 2035” vision.

Carbon neutral by 2060

In line with that vision, the EPA in November 2023 announced the “Low Carbon Strategy 2050” in cooperation with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and other state sectors. Kuwait became the second Gulf country to submit such a strategy, reaffirming its commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The strategy outlines Kuwait’s long-term goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 through expanded use of renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. As of now, implementation details have not been made public.

Progress has included the release of Kuwait’s first State of the Environment report, published last year in cooperation with UNEP. The report offers an in-depth review of seven key issues: climate change, waste management, land and water resources, air quality, biodiversity, and marine and coastal environments. It also examines Kuwait’s institutional and legal environmental frameworks, though follow-up actions on its findings have not yet been disclosed.

The EPA has since announced four strategic environmental projects: The national environmental strategy; a monitoring and enforcement system for the national waste management strategy; a national strategy to combat desertification; and a plan to enhance environmental data management. Details on these projects, which are under development, are not publicly available, but they are expected to guide future policy. They aim to strengthen public-private cooperation, improve performance indicators, and enable better data sharing across agencies to support long-term environmental planning.

Waste management strategy

One of the most detailed initiatives is the National Waste Management Strategy 2040 (KNWMS), announced in mid-2024. It was developed by the EPA in partnership with the German Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (UMSICHT), following a five-year study — one of the most comprehensive in the Gulf region to date.

The project team analyzed waste generation trends, studied 20 major landfill sites, and interviewed over 400 waste stakeholders. They also tested hundreds of waste samples and installed 100 electronic “e-noses” in odor-intensive areas to monitor air quality. The resulting strategy sets 28 national goals, including reducing landfill rates and increasing recycling of construction and municipal solid waste. A new geo-database and digital monitoring tools were created to help agencies track and manage waste more efficiently. While the strategy provides a robust framework, its implementation is still in the early stages.

Renewable energy in-progress

Efforts to integrate sustainability into everyday life are also reflected in Kuwait’s development plans. A national program for environmentally harmonious living areas promotes efficient resource use and pollution reduction, with a focus on building eco-friendly cities that use green infrastructure and smart technology. The Fourth Kuwait Master Plan (2040) supports green buildings and improved urban sustainability. Many of these initiatives remain at the policy or pilot-project level. On the legislative front, Kuwait’s environmental protection law outlines measures to safeguard ecosystems, reduce pollution, and promote biodiversity. It includes provisions to identify pollution sources, prevent harmful practices, and impose penalties for violations.

At the 2025 Kuwait Sustainable Energy Conference, the government reaffirmed its plan to derive 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050. Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem said Kuwait is pursuing “carefully planned projects” that align with both international climate commitments and national development goals. However, specific milestones or progress updates are yet to be reported.

Kuwait’s renewable energy plans fall into three categories: Long-term initiatives such as the Shagaya project; medium-term projects like Abdaliya; and small-scale efforts under a national energy code requiring all facilities to produce at least 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources. The Shagaya complex, developed via a public-private partnership, is expected to deliver 1,600 MW in two phases — 1,100 MW in the first and 500 MW in the second.

Combatting desertification

Other government bodies are also involved in environmental efforts. The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) is leading afforestation campaigns across Kuwait, including in northern and southern border areas. Drought-resistant trees like Sidr and Tamarix are being planted to reduce dust pollution and combat desertification. Public parks and green spaces are being expanded, though comprehensive data on completion rates or outcomes has not been made available. Urban green infrastructure is expanding through public gardens, some spanning entire residential districts. Projects for natural reserves and eco-tourism are under discussion, with some initiatives underway.

International organizations have acknowledged Kuwait’s recent environmental actions. UNEP’s Regional Director for West Asia, Sami Dimassi, highlighted Kuwait’s commitment to developing “responsive strategies that meet both current needs and future goals.” Meanwhile, Ghada Al-Taher, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, praised the country’s engagement in efforts to combat desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. — Agencies

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Kuwait strikes major gas find

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Amir receives oil minister, top energy officials • Jazza offshore field discovery hailed

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Monday at Bayan Palace Oil Minister and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Chairman Dr Tareq Al-Roumi, KPC Deputy Chairman and CEO Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah and Kuwait Oil Company CEO Ahmad Jaber Al-Aidan.

During the reception, they briefed HH the Amir on the newly discovered Al-Jazza natural gas field, which is considered an accomplishment in the Kuwait maritime area, recording the highest production rate of a vertical well in the Minagish formation in Kuwait’s history, as part of KOC’s efforts to develop the nation’s hydrocarbon resources. The top officials presented HH the Amir with a commemorative gift on this occasion.

According to a statement released by KPC, this discovery follows a series of successive offshore exploration successes, including the Nokhatha field discovery in July 2024 and the Julaiah field in January 2025, reflecting significant progress in Kuwait’s offshore exploration capabilities. Initial test results from the Jazza-1 well showed exceptional production exceeding 29 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Al-Jazza offshore gas field

Al-Jazza offshore gas field

The reservoir is characterized by low carbon dioxide levels and is free from hydrogen sulfide and associated water, making it an environmentally and technically rare discovery. The field’s preliminary area is estimated at around 40 sq km, with potential reserves of approximately 1 trillion cubic feet of

gas, These figures are preliminary and may increase with continued exploration in adjacent reservoirs.

Al-Roumi said this discovery represents a strategic milestone within KPC’s and KOC’s 2040 vision to enhance national energy security and boost production capacity. He added that efforts are underway to accelerate the development of offshore fields and integrate them into the production system, supporting economic growth and creating new job opportunities for Kuwaiti talent.

Sheikh Nawaf expressed pride in the achievement, saying these discoveries reflect professionalism of Kuwaiti teams exploring unprecedented frontiers in the oil and gas sector. He added that the findings confirm the high environmental quality of Kuwaiti petroleum, characterized by low emissions, in line with the country’s long-term sustainable energy strategy.

Al-Aidan praised the company’s staff for their efforts in achieving such promising hydrocarbon discoveries, emphasizing that these accomplishments are the result of teamwork, excellence and innovation. He reaffirmed that the company will continue advancing toward development and industry leadership. – KUNA

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MoI reviews smart security patrol

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KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah on Monday was briefed on the Ministry’s new smart security patrol, equipped with the latest technical systems to enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of security operations in the field. In a press statement, the Interior Ministry said the initiative reflects its commitment to keeping pace with technological developments and supporting digital transformation in security work.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah received an explanation from Brigadier Anwar Al-Yatama, Head of the Human Resources and Information Technology Sector, on the patrol’s key components and smart systems, which were developed by national experts in information technology and cybersecurity. The patrol features an integrated system of advanced technologies, including smart mobile cameras linked to facial recognition and vehicle license plate systems, a mobile fingerprint device for instant identification, and direct connections to the ministry’s databases for rapid identification of wanted persons and vehicles.

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The system also incorporates artificial intelligence for real-time image processing and analysis, supporting security personnel in the field and improving operational efficiency. Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of leveraging modern technology to enhance field security work and praised national teams for developing the project, calling it a significant step in the ministry’s technological transformation. The Interior Ministry reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to modernize the security system and employ cutting-edge technologies to serve public safety, contributing to enhanced security and stability across Kuwait.

New service on Sahel

In a separate development, the Ministry announced the launch of a new service via the unified government application for electronic services (Sahel), allowing families of inmates to request appointments with officials from the General Administration of Correctional Institutions. Interviews will be conducted every Monday from 4 to 6 pm, enabling families to submit inquiries and complaints efficiently. — KUNA

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Ministry launches electronic system to enhance radiation control at customs

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday announced the activation of an electronic linkage system between its Radiation Protection Department and the General Administration of Customs. The system aims to streamline and accelerate control procedures for materials and devices subject to radiation oversight, while ensuring the highest safety standards. Director of the Radiation Protection Department, Dr Nasser Al-Juwaisri, said in a ministry statement that the system represents a qualitative leap in radiation control, enhancing information exchange between the two entities, reducing paperwork and speeding up procedural cycles. He added that it will improve accuracy and transparency in customs inspections and release operations.

Dr Al-Juwaisri explained that the materials under control include ionizing radiation devices such as X-ray machines, medical and industrial radioactive sources, radiotherapy devices, isotope generators and nuclear measuring instruments. Non-ionizing devices are also covered, including high-power laser systems, radar equipment, communication stations, and certain medical and industrial devices with non-ionizing emissions. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision for digital transformation and institutional integration with government agencies, in line with Kuwait’s broader electronic transformation strategy. The step underscores the Ministry’s commitment to worker and public safety, as well as environmental protection from potential radiation hazards.

The director added that the Public Health Sector has previously established electronic connectivity with the General Administration of Customs to facilitate control and release of public health pesticides, insecticides, optical devices and traps, within a comprehensive system that enhances safety in preventive health practices. Dr Al-Juwaisri confirmed that the Ministry will continue expanding digital integration to ensure a safe and sustainable health environment, in line with the highest international standards for radiation safety and health protection. — KUNA

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