Al-Mutairi responds to criticism of the Arab League, emphasizing its role in strengthening Arab ties
KUWAIT: The Arab League has proven its ability over eight decades of political and geopolitical shifts to lead joint Arab action and effectively represent the true concerns of Arab peoples, said Kuwait’s permanent representative to the Arab League Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi on Saturday. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), marking the 80th anniversary of the Arab League’s establishment on March 22, Al-Mutairi described the “esteemed organization” as a cornerstone of multilateral Arab action, with a prominent international presence through cooperation with both regional and global organizations. Despite criticisms that the League doesn’t play as prominent a role as other organizations, Al-Mutairi stressed that the Arab League continues to play an active role in strengthening ties among Arab countries. He pointed out that the League has initiated many positive efforts in support of Arab positions, citing the essential role of its missions in key capitals in amplifying the voices of Arab nations.
He added that one of the earliest steps in Kuwait’s foreign policy after independence was joining the Arab League. This was done in recognition of the importance of aligning with a bloc that represents Arab identity and unites the region’s peoples. Al-Mutairi explained that Kuwait’s decision to join the League immediately after gaining independence in 1961 helped expand the country’s international presence, granting it membership in various regional and international organizations. This, in turn, played a significant role in presenting Kuwait’s true image and its strong capacity to contribute to the Arab League’s collective efforts. The ambassador further emphasized that the Arab League takes pride in Kuwait’s active role within its framework, particularly through initiatives that bolster joint Arab work. He highlighted Kuwait’s ongoing support for the League’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.
Al-Mutairi noted that Kuwait views the Arab League as the primary umbrella for Arab peoples and a key institution in preserving the region’s historical legacy. He described the creation of the League following the wars that affected the region as a means to foster greater coordination and cooperation among newly independent Arab nations, allowing them to shoulder the responsibility of defending the issues of the Arab peoples.
Arab League Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi
Need for cooperation
Over the past eight decades, Al-Mutairi emphasized, the Arab League has managed to overcome numerous challenges that could have hindered its role as a leading regional organization. It has remained significant both regionally and internationally, advocating for the region’s issues on global platforms. Discussing the challenges currently facing the Arab League, Al-Mutairi stated that the obstacles are not unique to the League but affect all international organizations. He stressed that the changes unfolding globally call for greater dynamism and enhanced cooperation between regional groups to navigate geopolitical shifts.
The ambassador particularly highlighted the League’s role in coordinating Arab efforts in response to regional challenges, with the Palestinian cause remaining a top priority. He noted that since October 7, 2023, the Arab League has been instrumental in convening numerous meetings at ambassadorial, ministerial, and summit levels to address the crisis. The most recent of these meetings was an extraordinary Arab summit hosted by Egypt in early March, which produced important resolutions in support of the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people. These efforts culminated in the development of the so-called Arab plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Ambassador Al-Mutairi concluded by asserting that Arab countries now fully recognize the immense responsibility they bear in uniting their stance amid the major changes facing the region. He emphasized the urgent need for effective cooperation and solidarity among Arab nations to navigate these challenges. The Arab League, established on March 22, 1945, just months before the creation of the United Nations, remains the oldest international organization. Its founding charter was signed by seven Arab countries: Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, with Cairo designated as its permanent headquarters. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Zain announced its sponsorship and participation in the Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week (KSEW), held in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). At the event, Zain showcased its efforts in leveraging technological innovation to support sustainability goals and reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy.
Zain took part in the opening ceremony, attended by the event’s patron, Dr Subeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, alongside Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait, ministry officials, company executives, and a distinguished group of local and international experts in energy and sustainability. This participation came as part of Zain’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in national initiatives aimed at reinforcing the principles of sustainability and digital transformation. The company firmly believes in the importance of harnessing modern technologies to serve Kuwait’s environmental and developmental objectives.
Minister Al-Mukhaizeem explores Zain’s sustainable solutions at the company’s booth.
Al-Gharabally with Zain’s team at the company’s booth in the exhibition.
During the event, Zain hosted a dedicated booth at the accompanying exhibition, where it showcased a range of its latest ICT solutions that support sustainable goals. These included innovations in smart cities, smart meters, and other solutions that help reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. The company’s support to this national initiative reflects its continued role as a strategic government partner in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy. It also highlighted Zain Group’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with global and regional efforts to combat climate change.
Zain also took the opportunity to highlight its Smart Meters Project, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity and Water back in 2017. The project marked a key milestone in upgrading Kuwait’s energy infrastructure and paved the way for the adoption of further smart and sustainable solutions nationwide. The company reiterated its support for initiatives and projects that advance the future of clean energy and contribute to building a comprehensive national sustainability ecosystem. It emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains the optimal path to achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.
Zain has set strategic targets to reduce its carbon footprint and aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To this end, the company continues to explore cutting-edge technologies such as 5.5G, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, which can help minimize the environmental impact of the ICT sector. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and clean energy initiatives, Zain recently installed a solar panel setup at the outdoor car park in its headquarters. The initiative promotes the use of clean energy to contribute to powering the company’s buildings and reducing its carbon emissions.
Reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the journey toward a sustainable digital economy
KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. – KUNA
KUWAIT: Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. Speaking to KUNA on Saturday, Al-Ali attributed the unstable weather conditions to the extension of a surface depression accompanied by a hot and dry air mass. This has led to rising temperatures, soil disintegration, and an increase in airborne dust.
He urged citizens and residents, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies, to wear protective masks when heading outdoors. Al-Ali also cautioned beachgoers about high sea waves, which may reach up to seven feet, and advised highway users to exercise extreme caution due to poor visibility. The official further called on the public to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts by following the Meteorology Department through its official website, mobile application, and social media platforms. — KUNA
KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) announced that Kuwait will host the third edition of the Gulf Housing Week from May 18 to 22, under the theme “Real Estate Development for Sustainable Housing.” Deputy Director General for Public Relations and Development and official spokesperson of PAHW, Omar Al-Ruwaih, said in a press statement that the event comes as part of ongoing efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to strengthen regional cooperation in the housing sector.
The initiative aims to enhance integration, address key housing challenges, and promote the exchange of expertise to support sustainability and improve quality of life across the region. Al-Ruwaih noted that the event will feature a wide range of activities, including panel discussions, a specialized exhibition, and the second edition of the Gulf Housing Hackathon, which will see the participation of male and female students from across the GCC.
He emphasized that the week’s agenda is designed to foster collaboration, encourage best practices in housing and urban development, and highlight the latest technologies supporting sustainable housing solutions. The event will commence with the 47th meeting of the GCC Technical Committee on Housing Affairs. The following day will see the official opening ceremony and the inauguration of the accompanying exhibition. On May 20, the 26th meeting of senior housing officials will be held, culminating on May 22 with the 23rd meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible for Housing Affairs.
Al-Ruwaih stressed that Gulf Housing Week seeks to encourage public-private partnerships, promote innovative and sustainable housing initiatives, and contribute to the development of integrated, safe residential environments for GCC citizens. A series of panel sessions will take place over three days, covering topics such as real estate development prospects in Kuwait, public-private partnerships in PAHW projects, and financing strategies for sustainable housing. Discussions will also address smart applications in Gulf housing projects, technological innovations, and solutions to housing challenges faced by the region. — KUNA