KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has contributed to the development and expansion of Undurkhaan Airport in Mongolia, marking a new milestone in the growing partnership between Kuwait and Mongolia. In a statement issued Friday, KFAED Acting Director General Waleed Al-Bahar said the project was financed through a grant previously extended by the Government of Kuwait to Mongolia under the Fund’s supervision, valued at KD 1.06 million (approximately $3.4 million).

KFAED’s Acting Director General Waleed Al-Bahar

Al-Bahar noted that the Fund also signed an additional grant agreement worth KD 80,000 (approximately $262,000) with the Mongolian government to finance the technical and economic feasibility study for the project. The objective, he said, is to transform the airport into a Category 4C international facility that would serve as a catalyst for economic growth and align with Mongolia’s Vision 2050 sustainable development strategy. “The airport expansion project is expected to become a critical transport hub, facilitating mobility, boosting trade, and unlocking new economic opportunities for the region,” Al-Bahar stated. “It will contribute significantly to long-term development and prosperity in Mongolia.”

The opening ceremony was attended by Mongolia’s Minister of Roads and Transport Delgier Saikhan, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Mongolia Mutlaq Al-Thuwaimer, and several senior Mongolian officials. To date, KFAED has provided Mongolia with soft loans totaling KD 23.7 million (approximately $77.6 million), in addition to technical assistance worth KD 519,000 (approximately $1.7 million), reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to supporting sustainable development across Asia. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The National Campaign for Combating Cancer (CAN) on Saturday announced the launch of the 2025 Summer Haido-CAN Olympics, in collaboration with the Public Authority for Sport, under the slogan “Sports is Prevention.” In a press statement, CAN Chairman Dr Khaled Al-Saleh said the month-and-a-half-long sporting event features a series of tournaments, competitions, and physical activities tailored for various age groups. The initiative aligns with CAN’s vision of promoting a culture of fitness and public health, with the participation of 16 teams and over 120 athletes.

Dr Al-Saleh highlighted the critical role of physical activity in disease prevention, noting that an improved lifestyle and regular exercise can significantly enhance immunity and reduce risk factors associated with approximately 30 percent of cancer cases. “Sports play a vital role in lowering the risk of numerous cancer types,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director of the Haido-CAN Academy Abdullah Khaled expressed hope that the Olympics would serve as a leading platform to promote sports and wellness among youth and the wider community. “Sports are more than just competition—they are a way of life that supports both mental and physical health,” he said. Khaled noted that the event is organized through a strategic partnership between CAN and Haido-CAN Academy, in cooperation with the Public Authority for Sports. The initiative aims to reinforce the link between physical activity and the prevention of chronic illnesses, particularly cancer.

He added that the program will feature a wide range of competitions, including football, volleyball, Cine Gym challenges, bowling, athletics, tug of war, and an American penalty kick tournament. Additionally, a series of awareness workshops and community health initiatives will be held to further engage participants and raise public awareness. The Olympics officially kicked off with a padel championship, which witnessed spirited competition and high levels of sportsmanship among the participating teams.— KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi underscored the importance of advancing theatrical work in Kuwait during a coordination meeting with representatives of theatrical production companies, civil theater associations, and cultural institutions. The meeting, held at the Government Communication Center, focused on strengthening partnerships to enhance the role of theater in Kuwait’s cultural landscape.

At the outset, Minister Al-Mutairi affirmed the unwavering support that the culture sector receives from the political leadership, noting the rich history of Kuwaiti theater, which this year marks more than a century since its inception. He paid tribute to the pioneers of Kuwaiti theater whose efforts elevated it into a distinguished Arab and international platform, stressing the role of the younger generation in continuing this legacy. “Theater today is not only a cultural expression but a key driver of development, contributing to the economy, boosting tourism, and evolving into a professional industry,” the minister said.

KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts Sector are pictured during the event. – KUNA photos

Al-Mutairi called for closer cooperation among the public and private sectors, as well as civil society organizations, to enhance the effectiveness and influence of theatrical productions. He emphasized that the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) plays a central role in supporting, sponsoring, and organizing the cultural scene, noting, “We operate from a national participatory strategy that values theater, and we welcome all visions and proposals for a brighter future.” He also stressed the significance of public engagement and constructive criticism in evaluating the success of performances, highlighting the importance of content that aligns with religious and social values, while also addressing development-related themes that speak to the nation’s future.

As part of efforts to modernize and expand theater infrastructure, Minister Al-Mutairi revealed that the Council has launched a study to offer several theaters — including Kaifan, Al-Shamiya, Salmiya, and Mishref — for public auction, following the recent auctioning of Dasma Theater for sustainable operation. He further announced coordination with the Ministry of Education to allocate one theater in each governorate from select school venues, with the aim of fostering theatrical activity across all regions of the country.

“Kuwaiti theater stands at a historic crossroads,” Al-Mutairi said, “with a genuine opportunity to usher in a new era of excellence, backed by the leadership’s continuous support and the collaborative efforts of all cultural stakeholders.” The meeting also featured remarks and feedback from attendees, in the presence of NCCAL Secretary-General Dr Mohammed Al-Jassar and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts Sector Aisha Al-Mahmoud. — KUNA