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German envoy congratulates Kuwait on GCC’s Presidency, hails relations

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KUWAIT: The Ambassador of Germany to Kuwait Hans-Christian von Reibnitz congratulates Kuwait on the GCC’s Presidency, highlighting the importance of the significant responsibilities it carries amid regional and global challenges. During an iftar with local media representatives, the German ambassador praised His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his government for their leadership in navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of reliability in both GCC and international relations.

Highlighting Germany’s shared commitment to a rules-based international order, the ambassador reaffirmed the strong partnership between Germany and Kuwait, underscoring the significance of Kuwait’s leadership in the GCC and the importance of international cooperation in promoting stability and adherence to global norms.

Regarding economic cooperation, he stated: “Steering an economy through stormy weather requires clear perspectives of the achievable aims. Kuwait needs partners to realize its ambitious Vision 2035 and create a sustainable national economic basis for the years to come. I welcome the close economic cooperation between Germany and Kuwait, also in the EU-GCC framework, and look forward to seeing German companies joining European partners at the Business Forum planned in connection with the EU-GCC ministerial later this year.”

German ambassador poses for group photo with local media representatives.

German ambassador poses for group photo with local media representatives.

The ambassador continued, “Also, I expect Kuwait to host the next meeting of the Joint Kuwaiti-German Economic Commission in due time. We should both look for opportunities to cooperate in our common interest. German companies stand ready to support.” On the other hand, the ambassador praised the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines Ramadan in Kuwait, highlighting the country’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate suffering in conflict-affected regions. He added, “While we all celebrate Ramadan in Kuwait, a time of compassion and mutual support, I am heartened by the continued humanitarian efforts of the Kuwaiti government to alleviate the suffering of those affected by war, civil strife, hunger, and displacement, particularly in Gaza, Syria, and Sudan.”

He emphasized Germany’s commitment to humanitarian aid, reaffirming his country’s support for the Arab Plan for Gaza and noted that Germany remains one of the largest contributors of humanitarian assistance to the region, saying “We support any effort to extend the ceasefire and find ways to address the needs of the suffering civilian population,” the ambassador added.

Regarding Syria, the ambassador underscored Germany’s dedication to supporting a political solution that ensures stability and inclusivity. “We are closely following the developments in Syria and are ready to support any political solution in the war-stricken country, that will stabilize it and guarantee the active participation of all Syrians in forging a future, irrespective of their belief, ethnic background, or gender,” he noted.

“Humanitarian assistance is never enough. And it only addresses the symptoms of the problems the world is facing. The current tendency to resort to violence and aggression in pursuit of interests has rendered the world more dangerous. While the peaceful resolution of disputes remains the ultimate aim, Germany and Kuwait stand firm in safeguarding the rules-based international order and fundamental principles of international law such as the right of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The justice of the powerful delivers our world to lawlessness. Germany was part of the global coalition standing by Kuwait in 1990/91 because Kuwait was a victim of aggression. Germany will continue to stand by Ukraine for the same reason,” he explained.

On German politics, the ambassador pointed out that after the snap elections on 23 February, Government formation is currently underway. The party leader of the Christian Democrats CDU, Friedrich Merz has announced to propose a coalition government before mid-April. “Given the current threats to peace and stability in Europe, he has negotiated a three-party agreement to raise the finances for a comprehensive national and European security plan, while agreeing to also invest in infrastructure and the environmental sustainability of the German economy. Once the new government is formed, I expect the key messages of the government program to be communicated without delay.”

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Workshop aims to boost governance in charitable sector

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KUWAIT: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs, organized a specialized workshop on Tuesday titled “Introduction to Compliance Management: Practical Applications” as part of its ongoing “Tamkeen” initiative. The workshop aimed to strengthen the principles of governance and institutional compliance within Kuwait’s charitable sector.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), IICO Deputy Director General and Head of the Tamkeen initiative Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa said the workshop reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting a culture of integrity, transparency and sustainability. He noted that IICO was the first charitable institution in Kuwait to establish an independent compliance and governance department in 2022 — demonstrating a proactive approach to institutional development.

Al-Mutawa highlighted that the organization has successfully met all criteria of the institutional evaluation set by the Ministry of Social Affairs, including those related to organizational structure, risk management, governance and internal controls. He added that IICO continues to develop systems and policies aimed at achieving excellence in institutional performance.

He clarified that the workshop is part of a strategic roadmap to protect organizational reputation, minimize risks and enhance administrative efficiency in the charitable field. He also revealed plans to launch a new training program soon, which will certify “compliance specialists” working in charitable societies in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, providing them with the expertise needed to excel in the field.

For her part, Acting Director of the Department of Charitable Societies and Endowments at the Ministry of Social Affairs Iman Al-Enezi said the workshop is part of a broader strategic initiative to embed a culture of compliance and governance in charitable institutions. She noted that the Tamkeen initiative, launched in 2018, aims to qualify professionals working in the sector and adapt to ongoing administrative and technical developments.

Al-Enezi pointed out that since its inception, the initiative has conducted 46 training programs benefiting over 1,500 participants from various charitable organizations. She commended the efforts of IICO and the Tamkeen initiative, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance institutional performance in Kuwait’s charitable and humanitarian sectors. The workshop was attended by senior officials from charitable associations and foundations, as well as representatives from the public sector, underscoring the joint efforts to prepare administrative cadres in line with international best practices. — KUNA

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Traveling abroad and need a physical Kuwaiti driving license? Here’s what to do

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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.

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Nod to humanitarian work law

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KUWAIT: A high-level government committee entrusted to regulate charity and humanitarian activities in Kuwait approved on Wednesday a draft law for humanitarian work in the country with the aim to boost transparency and accountability. The charitable work committee, headed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, has been working for the past several months to increase official oversight over a number of charity organizations in Kuwait that have carried out a large number of charity projects inside and outside Kuwait.

The approval came after the ministry of social affairs ordered charity organizations in Kuwait, a majority of which are run by Islamic societies, to halt their work for several weeks in a bid to regulate them. The ministry and the committee both issued stricter reforms to boost transparency of the charity organizations and the government’s oversight of their work.

The draft law aims to strengthen the principles of governance, reinforce transparency and accountability and enhance the efficiency of implementing charitable initiatives and projects, a statement said. Once officially approved, the new draft legislation is expected to mark a significant step in organizing humanitarian work practices, improve policies and regulations and bolster local and domestic trust in the organizations operating in the charity sector.

For the past several decades, Kuwait has played a leading role among the oil-rich Gulf states in charitable work, with a large number of charity projects all over the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa.

Separately, the interior ministry announced on Wednesday residency detectives busted a network selling visas to expats for money, the second such bust this week. The ministry said a complaint by a Pakistani who paid KD 650 for a residence permit to another Pakistani led to busting the network.

Investigations revealed that the accused, who admitted to receiving the money, is a partner in 11 companies with 162 workers on their records. A number of workers registered on these companies admitted to paying sums ranging between KD 500 and KD 900 to obtain residency permits. Investigations also revealed that some of them paid additional sums ranging between KD 60 and KD 70 to falsify salary data on work permits to obtain family residency permits.

A Kuwaiti was also summoned as an authorized signatory for the 11 companies, admitting to receiving monthly sums ranging between KD 500 and KD 600. The ministry said the 12 suspects were referred to the public prosecution, confirming that investigations, arrests and inspections of the headquarters of the concerned companies are underway.

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