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Burgan Bank concludes Ramadan activities, initiatives and events

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KUWAIT: Burgan Bank successfully concluded its Ramadan community initiatives, which included a wide range of humanitarian and charitable events as well as sports and health activities. The Bank’s Ramadan events further served to revive Kuwait’s authentic customs and traditions and instill the values of the holy month.

On this occasion, Hessa Hussain Al-Najadah, Senior Manager – Corporate and CSR Communications at Burgan Bank, stated: “Following our annual Ramadan tradition at Burgan Bank, and as part of our dedicated social responsibility and sustainability programs, we were delighted to renew our commitment toward our community by launching several events and activities during the holy month, reinforcing our direct communication with all segments of society.

In line with the Bank’s philosophy, “Driven by You”, we continue to be inspired and motivated by all members of our community and our partners in various fields to give back by orchestrating impactful initiatives and activities that benefit everyone, cementing our commitment to being a force of positive change within our community.”

Al-Najadah added: “Our Ramadan community efforts are also guided by the Bank’s vision to be the most modern and progressive bank in Kuwait, as well as its supporting mission, values and strategies to uphold our commitment to serving and investing in our community. In the spirit of the holy month, we pray for our community’s health and wellness, and may we revive this Ramadan tradition year after year, as we continue to offer our community our absolute best of everything.” Among Burgan’s most notable events and initiatives during Ramadan 2025 were:

‘Teach Them Young’ Campaign

Burgan Bank launched several activities and initiatives under the umbrella of its “Teach Them Young” campaign, which aims to instill various values, customs, and traditions at an early age among children and young adults. These values were captured and spread through the Bank’s various initiatives, activities, and TVCs that have been running since the beginning of the year, carrying awareness messages in their folds. Some of the essential values that the “Teach Them Young” campaign highlights include “one’s love of homeland”, most notably captured in Burgan’s TVC “Teach them that the homeland is a blessing from God, a refuge, and a safe haven; teach them that the homeland is our strength, our identity, and the roots that connect us to our history.”

This work, presented by Burgan Bank on the occasion of Kuwait’s National Day 2025, was performed by artist Huda Hussein, featuring a group of children. The TVC was received enthusiastically, garnering wide interaction and resonance across social media. Similarly, the Ramadan TVC also reinforced the values of the holy month, to “Teach them young the virtues of patience and fasting, of respect and pleasantness in every utterance, and that good, virtuous company elevates one’s status.”

Under the “Teach Them Young” umbrella, the Bank also encouraged employees’ children to participate in the philanthropic initiative of distributing iftar meals to those fasting during Ramadan. The initiative aimed to instill several values in children, including selfless giving, the importance of connecting with others, and the belief that a person’s value lies in their essence and not their appearance.

Teaching children young is important, as Ramadan is an opportunity; and what is learned at a young age lasts a lifetime. Building on the campaign’s momentum which began early this year, Burgan Bank will continue to roll out the “Teach Them Young” campaign throughout the year by sponsoring numerous activities, initiatives, and events that support everything from education to medicine, sports, community, charity, and more.

Iftar meals

As part of Burgan’s comprehensive Ramadan activities and initiatives, the Bank distributed iftar meals to the fasting community in Souq Al-Mubarakiya and across various neighborhoods in Kuwait. This comes as part of its strategic partnership with the Kuwait Food Bank for the second consecutive year, in parallel with the “Teach Them Young” campaign, which saw the participation of a large group of the Bank’s employees and their children.

This initiative further expands on Burgan’s comprehensive social responsibility program, through which it upholds its committed adherence to the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG). It also aligns with Kuwait’s “New Kuwait” Vision 2035 and the Bank’s proactive role in strengthening the country’s regional and global presence as a role model in the fields of charity and volunteerism.

Health awareness messages

In line with its “Because We’re Driven By You, Your Health Matters” campaign, Burgan Bank, in collaboration with Kuwait Hospital, spread valuable medical and health awareness messages across its social channels in a bid to reach the largest possible audience. As part of the campaign, doctors from across various areas of specialty at Kuwait Hospital delivered awareness videos and medical advice during the holy month, covering dental and oral health during fasting, tips for patients with chronic diseases to maintain their safety and health, special tips for children fasting, and ways to maintain a healthy, balanced diet during Ramadan.

‘The Workout 2’ Fitness Event

For the second year in a row, Burgan Bank strategically sponsored Kuwait’s leading fitness event during the holy month of Ramadan, “The Workout 2,” in collaboration with Fohgah app, which was met with high interest and enthusiastic participation. This sporting event comes as part of the Bank’s comprehensive social responsibility and sustainability programs as well as its Ramadan activities. The event was designed to encourage 20 male and female participants, representing 10 teams each Friday, to test their fitness and compete against each other in a fun and engaging environment under the supervision and guidance of certified fitness coaches. Each week, the highest-scoring teams were awarded valuable prizes.

Through its sponsorship of “The Workout 2”, Burgan Bank set out to encourage the event participants as well as members of the community to adopt a healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise routine as an integral part of their daily life. This event reflects the Bank’s commitment to public health, which Burgan considers a top priority under the umbrella of its comprehensive social responsibility program.

Burgan Ghabga

Burgan Bank’s family gathered for its annual Ramadan Ghabga at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, amid a family-friendly atmosphere and a notable presence of Senior Management and employees from various departments and branches. In an effort to reinforce employees’ social bonding outside the workplace, the event featured a variety of unique and memorable activities and events, including the celebration of the first day of Girgian as a family.

In line with the Bank’s slogan, “Driven by You”, Burgan’s management extended its gratitude and appreciation to employees, emphasizing their role as the primary and true drivers of success, growth, and development, whereby their efforts remain to be the Bank’s fuel on its journey to achieving its vision to be the most modern and progressive bank in Kuwait.

It was also noted that Burgan Bank’s success in receiving the Great Place to Work certification as well as becoming one of the most prominent Kuwaiti banks known for its appealing and inviting work environment – whether to fresh graduates or seasoned professionals – is owed to its employees’ unwavering dedication. The staff’s commitment to Burgan’s core values such as accountability, transparency, teamwork, and passion, was also highlighted as integral to the Bank’s success in maintaining its leading position in the Kuwaiti banking sector.

The evening featured several segments, including a review of the Bank’s strategy, key achievements, goals, and aspirations for 2025 and the coming years. During the ceremony, the management announced several exciting surprises, including the reduction of working hours to 7.5 hours per day on weekdays and 7 hours on Thursdays, in an effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance and reinforce employees’ mental health. A four-day leave per year was also designated for self-care, on top of the annual and sick leave, confirming that employees are a top priority for the Bank and its most valued resource, reflecting Burgan’s vision, mission, values, and strategy.

To further its community engagement and sustainability pillars, Burgan Bank, in cooperation with the Kuwait Food and Relief Bank, distributed surplus food to underprivileged families and workers after its Ramadan Ghabga. This initiative reflected the Bank’s commitment to investing in food resources through its strategic partnership with the Food Bank, promoting a culture of social responsibility and reducing food waste, while ensuring that support reaches the neediest in a dignified and sustainable manner. It is also worth noting that food products were inspected by a specialized team to ensure safety standards.

‘Let’s Be Aware’ Campaign

As a key element of its committed support of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s (CBK) and the Kuwait Banking Association’s (KBA) “Let’s Be Aware” (Diraya) campaign, Burgan Bank upheld its efforts to spread banking awareness through several community events and activities during the month of Ramadan. Through these events and activities, the Bank aimed to enhance financial literacy among community members by engaging directly with them during events through conversation as well as sharing print banking awareness brochures.

The Bank’s dedicated efforts to raise banking awareness also extended to its social media channels, through which it continues to inform its existing and potential customers of the campaign’s core messages. This comes as part of the Bank’s yearlong comprehensive social responsibility program, a cornerstone of its ongoing success and sustainable growth.

The Bank also produced a special Eid Al-Fitr TVC titled “Teach Them Young the Value of Savings”, as a joyous celebration of Eid. The TVC captures the most important and beautiful moments of Eid, especially those that center on connecting with family and friends, reinforcing the customs, traditions, and values on which the Kuwaiti society was raised. Among the TVC’s most important messages is urging parents to encourage and educate children at an early age to adopt the culture of saving and promote financial and banking awareness in line with the Diraya banking awareness campaign.

Burgan Bank’s diverse activities, initiatives, and events during Ramadan were held under the umbrella of the “Teach Them Young” campaign.

The Bank organized sporting events and spread health awareness messages during the holy month to encourage all members of society to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle and to integrate exercise into their daily routine.

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Expert urges caution as rising humidity triggers respiratory issues

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KUWAIT: As Kuwait experiences a combination of humid and dusty weather, a health expert warns that these conditions can significantly worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies. Northern winds often bring dust storms typical of Kuwait’s desert environment, while rising humidity levels add another layer of challenge for vulnerable individuals.

“Humid air is heavy on the respiratory system because it’s saturated with water, making breathing more difficult,” Dr Abdullah Al-Mutairi, a consultant in respiratory diseases and intensive care, told KTV news channel. When moisture fills the air, tiny particles that usually settle on the ground become airborne, aggravating symptoms for allergy sufferers. Dust also plays a major role in triggering breathing problems, he explained.

“The current weather is humid and hot, which irritates the respiratory system, especially for those with allergies or asthma,” said Dr Al-Mutairi. “People should monitor air quality and avoid going outside when it’s poor. Staying indoors in air-conditioned, enclosed spaces is much safer for them.”

People living with asthma and allergies shared their coping strategies with KTV, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors and carrying necessary medications. “If you must go out, wear a mask and carry your medicines,” advised one participant. Another warned, “Avoid sudden changes between humid outdoor air and cold air-conditioning.”

Dr Al-Mutairi also addressed concerns about post-COVID-19 respiratory sensitivity. “Severe viral infections like COVID-19 can cause individuals who never had respiratory issues to develop allergies afterward,” he said. He cautioned against the misuse of inhalers, noting they’re not typically appropriate treatments for common colds or the flu. Patients with moderate to severe asthma often experience symptoms daily or several times a week and require regular use of preventive inhalers to protect their respiratory system from external irritants.

“For mild asthma, symptoms usually occur during viral infections or extreme weather, and inhalers may only be needed during those times,” he explained. The duration of inhaler use varies depending on the patient’s severity and response, ranging from a few days to several weeks.

Importantly, he clarified that not every wheezing episode indicates asthma. Wheezing can also result from sinus infections or other viral illnesses, and inhalers are not prescribed in all cases.

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New rules to protect public money, speed up courts

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Cabinet expands criminalization for public office misuse • Brings e-filing, remote sessions to courts

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Cabinet has approved important changes to laws aimed at better protecting public funds and speeding up the court system. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Maousherji, shared details after the weekly Cabinet meeting held at Bayan Palace under Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

The new rules widen the scope of what counts as misuse of public office, covering any illegal benefit. Penalties are stricter, especially when misuse involves government contracts or tenders. Officials will also be barred from sharing confidential information for up to ten years after leaving their jobs, with fines and possible dismissal if they break this rule.

Courts will have more authority to remove officials even if mistakes were unintentional. New provisions make fraud in government contracts a criminal offense, and intentional damage to public funds is now punishable even if no personal gain is involved. Companies can also be held accountable for crimes involving public money. Prosecutors will have the power to demand the return of funds even after criminal cases are dropped. And submitting false or misleading information can now lead to fines up to KD 10,000.

The changes also unify the definition of who counts as a public employee, extend deadlines for reporting to the Audit Bureau to 30 days, and introduce electronic ways to submit those reports. They also raise the threshold for investment disclosures to KD 250,000, with reporting moving to an annual schedule.

Digital courts

On the court procedures side, the Cabinet approved amendments to speed up civil and commercial cases and to fully embrace digital tools. From filing lawsuits to enforcing judgments, processes can now be done electronically, and remote court sessions will be allowed.

These changes come as part of the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing digital transformation. Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) last week that the ministry is in the final stages of issuing legislation that “will grant us the legal authority to fully transition to an electronic system.”

The digital rollout will focus on three key areas: filing and registering cases—including announcements and fee payments—streamlining court procedures to reduce delays, and, most importantly, ensuring smooth enforcement of rulings. Contracts with tech giants Google and Microsoft will support this transition, Al-Sumait added.

Tuesday’s amendments include higher fines for judge recusal requests. If someone wants to request a judge’s recusal, they’ll need to pay a bail of KD 200, with fines between KD 500 and KD 1,000 if the request is refused. Repeat requests to recuse the same judge won’t be allowed, and all requests must be decided within a month. The new rules appear to be aimed at protecting fairness by allowing parties to request a judge step aside if there’s a conflict of interest. At the same time, bail and fines discourage repeated or frivolous requests that could delay cases.

This balance helps speed up court proceedings while ensuring impartial judgments. The changes come as Kuwait faces a backlog of more than 81,000 appeals at the Court of Cassation — a crisis that has already prompted the formation of ten new judicial committees to fast-track case reviews. The Cabinet also reviewed several draft decrees related to agreements and cooperation with friendly countries. These will be forwarded to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for approval. — Agencies

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Kuwait, Somalia strengthen ties with new agreements

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KUWAIT: Kuwait and Somalia took a significant step in deepening their bilateral ties on Tuesday by signing a series of agreements aimed at boosting cooperation across diplomatic, political, and training sectors.

The agreements include the establishment of a joint committee to oversee bilateral cooperation, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to hold regular bilateral consultations, and a cooperation pact between Kuwait’s Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute and Somalia’s Institute of Diplomacy and Training. These agreements are designed to formalize and expand collaboration between the two countries.

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali are seen after signing a series of cooperation agreeements during Ali's visit to Kuwait. — KUNA photos

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali are seen after signing a series of cooperation agreeements during Ali’s visit to Kuwait. — KUNA photos

The signings followed a high-level meeting between Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali during the Somali minister’s official visit to Kuwait. The ministers reviewed the close and longstanding relationship between their nations and discussed opportunities to enhance partnership in various fields.

Regional and international developments affecting both Kuwait and Somalia were also on the agenda, reflecting the two countries’ shared interest in stability and development within the Middle East and Horn of Africa regions. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also received the ministers at Bayan Palace. — KUNA

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