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Coded aims to train 1,000 students at 5th edition of ‘Kuwait Codes’ program

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KUWAIT: Coded launched the fifth edition of Kuwait Codes on Thursday, an initiative that has been running for over four years, aimed at equipping Kuwaiti youth with essential programming skills. On the sidelines of the press conference hosted at Kuwait University, Ahmad Maarafi, co-founder and CEO of Coded, told Kuwait Times about the program’s impact on nurturing young talent and preparing them for the evolving job market. “As we start the fifth year, our goal is to train 1,000 students, including high school students and ninth graders, with the skills needed to thrive in the digital era.”

Maarafi underscored the rapid advancements in AI and the necessity for Kuwaiti youth to stay ahead of global trends. “If we do not keep up with these technological advancements, we risk falling behind both regionally and internationally. Our students are full of creativity and potential; all they need is an opportunity. This is precisely what we offer through this program.” The program continues to attract students from diverse academic backgrounds, including medicine, engineering, and design, reinforcing the idea that coding and AI are not confined to the tech industry but are becoming essential across all fields.

Strategic partnerships

Dr Hanadi Abdelsalam, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Research at Kuwait University, expressed the university’s pride in hosting and supporting the initiative. “Kuwait University is always delighted to facilitate community-driven programs like ‘Kuwait Codes.’ Our role is to provide space, infrastructure, and resources to support both trainers and students,” she said. This year, Abdelsalam added, the initiative is being hosted at the College of Life Sciences, reflecting the university’s commitment to rotating the program across various faculties.

Faisal Duwaihees, Head of Corporate Relations at Zain Kuwait, reiterated the company’s commitment as a strategic partner of Coded. “We at Zain are proud to support ‘Kuwait Codes’ in its new season. Over the past four editions, more than 3,500 students have benefited from this initiative. As a leading digital service provider, it is our duty to empower Kuwaiti youth with the necessary technological skills for the future job market.” Duwaihees detailed Zain’s multi-faceted support, which includes financial assistance, media outreach, and hosting workshops. “Our partnership with Coded aligns with Zain’s sustainability strategy, which prioritizes education and youth development. By supporting ‘Kuwait Codes,’ we are actively investing in the future of Kuwait’s digital economy.”

Media support

Hussain Sana, a content creator at Kuwait Times and Kuwait News, highlighted the natural synergy between the media and initiatives like ‘Kuwait Codes.’ “Our sponsorship of Coded is organic, natural, and genuine because both of our organizations are run by young professionals. Our management teams are in their 30s and 40s, and we both focus on empowering young people.” He further emphasized the shared values between Kuwait Times and Coded. “We align in our goals and our drive for quality rather than purely commercial results.

‘Kuwait Codes’ plays a crucial role in rallying and mobilizing young people interested in technology, coding, and programming. This, in turn, contributes to building a future workforce that supports the growth and diversification of Kuwait’s economy.” Sana also reflected on how initiatives like ‘Kuwait Codes’ benefit media institutions. “Even though we are in different industries, we share the same values and aspirations for Kuwait’s development.”

A forward-looking initiative

This year’s edition of ‘Kuwait Codes’ is set to introduce more AI-focused content, reflecting the global shift toward intelligent technologies. “Compared to last year, AI tools have evolved significantly. Countries like China are pushing the boundaries of AI development, and our role is to equip Kuwaiti students with the right foundation to harness these technologies for their future careers,” Maarafi noted. Several other prominent organizations, including Agility, Kuwait Finance House (KFH), and Alghanim Industries, have joined as partners in this year’s edition. Representatives from these companies expressed their pride in being part of an initiative that empowers the next generation with vital digital skills.

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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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