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Navruz: Timeless festival of unity and renewal

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Dr Zubaydullo Zubaydzoda, Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Tajikistan

On March 21, as the beautiful land of Tajikistan embraces the arrival of Navruz — the traditional New Year of our ancient people — I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the proud citizens of Tajikistan, our compatriots in Kuwait, and all those who celebrate Navruz across the world. Navruz, along with our other cherished national holidays — Sada, Tirgon, and Mehrgon — has played a significant role in shaping our cultural identity for thousands of years, serving as a testament to the resilience and permanence of the Tajik people.

This festival marks the arrival of spring, the renewal of nature, the commencement of agricultural activities, and the vernal equinox. The word Navruz itself translates to “new day,” symbolizing the dawn of a new solar year and a fresh beginning filled with hope and prosperity. A key aspect of Navruz’s enduring appeal is that it transcends religious and ideological boundaries. Rooted in ancient traditions, Navruz is a purely cultural and agricultural celebration that unites people of all backgrounds, promoting equality, inclusivity, and harmony with nature. This universal essence has allowed Navruz to flourish across a vast geographical region, fostering a spirit of togetherness among diverse communities.

One of the most profound lessons of Navruz is its emphasis on reconciliation, forgiveness, and social harmony. It is a time to let go of past grievances, embrace mutual understanding, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity. Through its traditions, Navruz embodies humanism, moral values, and the spirit of renewal, encouraging individuals to cultivate kindness, peace, and generosity.

Thanks to the restoration of our state independence, Navruz has been revived in Tajikistan with all its historical and cultural richness. Today, it serves as a powerful symbol of national self-awareness, unity, and progress. It is truly heartwarming to see this ancient tradition embraced worldwide with great enthusiasm and reverence. In recognition of its cultural significance, on March 21, 2010, the United Nations officially declared Navruz an International Holiday, marking a significant milestone in its global appreciation. Further cementing its importance, in 2016, Navruz was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with support from twelve nations.

Numerous historical, literary, and artistic sources detail the origins and evolution of Navruz. Celebrated poets and scholars, such as Hakim Firdavsi in Shahnameh, Umar Khayyam in Navruznama, and renowned figures like Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni and Abulsaid Gardizi, have documented its significance, attributing its foundation to the legendary King Jamshed. During the Samanid era, Navruz was grandly celebrated, as reflected in the literary works of Rudaki, Firdavsi, and Daqiqi, who eloquently captured its essence in their poetry.

The joyful anticipation of Navruz begins weeks in advance, particularly among children, who enthusiastically collect spring flowers like snowdrops and yellow blooms from the mountains, spreading cheer as they visit households and receive sweets, cakes, and nuts in return. Preparations extend to homes and communities, where women and girls meticulously clean and decorate, symbolizing renewal and purity.

Traditional Navruz celebrations include a variety of special dishes, with Sumanak, a wheatgrass-based delicacy, holding a place of honor as a symbol of renewal and vitality. The Navruz table is adorned with seven symbolic fruits, such as apples, pomegranates, and grapes, each representing blessings and prosperity. The festivities also feature an array of spring-themed dishes made from fresh herbs and grains, reinforcing the connection between Navruz and nature’s abundance.

Beyond culinary traditions, Navruz is a time for cultural festivities, including sports competitions such as wrestling, horseback riding, and running. An ancient and cherished custom is the resolution of conflicts, reinforcing values of kindness, unity, and goodwill. Songs and poetry dedicated to Navruz echo sentiments of joy, optimism, and appreciation for nature and human values. As the saying goes, “A good spring heralds a good year.”

May the revitalizing energy of spring bring renewed hope, prosperity, and happiness to every home. Let us celebrate Navruz with the spirit of unity, gratitude, and optimism for a brighter future. In conclusion, I once again extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Tajikistan, both young and old, as well as our fellow Tajiks in Kuwait and across the globe, on the occasion of International Navruz Day. May this festival bring joy, peace, and success to every family, and may Tajikistan continue to prosper in harmony and unity. Happy Navruz!

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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