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Burgan Bank sponsors CODED’s Academy X in 2025

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KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing efforts to lead Kuwait’s progress toward realizing Vision 2035, Burgan Bank announced its strategic sponsorship of Academy X, the biggest women’s empowerment initiative in Kuwait’s tech industry, led by CODED Academy with the support of Kuwait University (KU). This sponsorship comes as part of Burgan’s yearlong comprehensive social responsibility program, further aligning with its commitment to women’s empowerment and embedding the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) into its practices and operations.

“Following the great joint success, we achieved with Burgan Lab Academy, we are delighted to renew our partnership with CODED as strategic sponsors of their outstanding women in tech and entrepreneurship empowerment initiative, Academy X, which echoes our devoted strategy for investing in Kuwait’s aspiring talents through innovative learning and development programs,” said Bashar Al-Qattan, Executive Manager – Learning & Talent Development at Burgan Bank.

He added: “As a business that grows around the market’s evolving modern needs, our success relies greatly on leveraging our tech-driven national talents’ innovative creativity and problem-solving prowess. Nonetheless, our envisioned success cannot be fully realized until we guarantee a fair opportunity for talents of both genders to lead our technology and digital transformation efforts — a fair opportunity that begins with early access to advanced tech education and training.”

Fatma Ahmad, Senior Manager – Learning and Development at Burgan Bank, said: “We believe that holding spaces where women can learn together and inspire one another can have a fundamental long-term impact on the sustainable development of our institution, sector, and economy. That’s why, as part of our Empower Her program, and in compliance with the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) and Kuwait’s Vision 2035, we strive to continue playing an active role in achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls in Kuwait through valuable partnerships and forward-looking learning and development initiatives, such as Academy X. Our sponsorship of Academy X also comes as an extension of Burgan’s ‘Teach Them Young’ initiative for preparing future tech leaders.”

Hashim Behbehani, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at CODED Academy, said: “We are proud of our partnership with Burgan Bank in supporting Academy X, which represents a true alignment between our mission to empower young women and the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting women through its initiatives. Burgan’s contribution to the program reflects a genuine dedication to creating meaningful social impact and opening new development opportunities that support the ambitions of Kuwaiti girls in tech and entrepreneurship. This partnership paves the way for promising career paths in an evolving digital world, and we take pride in working with an organization that places women’s empowerment at the heart of its social strategy.”

Building on the success of its first edition, Academy X, with the support of Burgan Bank, is preparing to roll out its 2025 round where it continues to inspire and guide young women with an aptitude for IT development and entrepreneurship. The one-year program, which includes six-day sessions for each cohort, is designed to introduce the 2025 applicants to the principles of successful user interface and user experience design (UI/UX), the latest artificial intelligence (AI) tools, the foundations of entrepreneurship, as well as leadership and soft skills.

The program’s interactive hands-on nature guarantees that participants have an opportunity to translate their newly acquired knowledge into individual and group projects that rely on tools such as TelePort, UiZard, Gamma, Adobe Logo Maker, and Adalo. In addition, the program’s 2025 edition will also include engaging talks delivered by some of Kuwait’s most prominent female leaders in tech innovation and entrepreneurship, for a chance to relay their experiences first-hand to the Academy X participants and give them personalized feedback on their startup ideas and how they present them to the market.

As part of its sponsorship, Burgan Bank aims to aid Academy X in achieving its goals of increasing the program registrations from 340+ in 2024 to 500 in 2025, as well as encouraging more students to launch their startups through post-program mentorship and introducing more AI tools to fully utilize participants’ innovative and creative energy.

As a certified Great Place to Work, Burgan Bank has a long track record of initiatives and programs dedicated to enabling women in the workplace and preparing young women for a prosperous career in banking and finance. These efforts include, but are not exclusive to, the Lean-In Circle for Women Empowerment program, which explores and addresses women-specific challenges in the workplace; and the Empower Her summer internship program for undergraduate young women wishing to pursue a career in banking.

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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

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97,000 reverts and counting: IPC’s role in spreading Islam

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KUWAIT: Although it has been three months since the end of Ramadan, Islamic da’wah in Kuwait is far from limited to the holy month. Through organizations like the Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) — one of the country’s largest and oldest da’wah institutions — outreach efforts continue year-round. Since its founding in 1987, IPC has helped more than 97,000 people embrace Islam, including 2,702 in the past year alone. With over 3.4 million expatriates living in Kuwait — many from diverse religious backgrounds — the country often becomes more than just a place of work.

For many, it becomes the first space where they encounter Islam in a meaningful way. IPC’s efforts extend beyond traditional settings like mosques and religious centers. Thanks to the organization’s efforts, this Ramadan Kuwait did experience a significant increase in conversions to Islam, marking the highest number of conversions in the past seven years. Approximately 730 individuals from various nationalities embraced Islam by the 29th day of Ramadan.

This achievement is attributed to the efforts of 78 male and female preachers and the success of the “Change Their Lives” campaign, which included lectures and the distribution of preaching materials across the country. Much of IPC’s outreach focuses on laborers and domestic workers, meeting them in everyday environments such as markets, salons, workplaces, hospitals, farms, labor inspection offices, and even deportation centers.

Following initial outreach, new reverts begin a structured learning journey starting with a “Basic Islam” course that covers essential beliefs and practices. As they progress, students can enroll in advanced courses on Quranic interpretation, Tajweed, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic biography, and Islamic history — all offered free of charge.

Available in 14 languages

Arabic language classes are also available for non-native speakers, including non-Muslims who wish to understand Islamic texts or culture. IPC also supports lifelong Muslims, recognizing that many — especially those from non-Arabic-speaking countries — may never have had the chance to study Islam formally. “We don’t just teach the students — we create a community for them,” said Haya Alawadhi, head of IPC’s Salmiya branch. “A good circle of friends, emotional support from teachers and staff, and even financial assistance when needed.”

Many new Muslims face personal challenges — including separation from family and friends. IPC responds by fostering a family-like environment where instructors and fellow students offer compassion, inclusion and support. After carefully assessing individual needs, IPC also provides financial aid and job placement assistance to ease the transition. With lectures and materials available in 14 languages, the organization ensures accessibility for newcomers of all backgrounds. In 2024 alone, the committee recorded 8,455 students from 39 nationalities enrolled in its programs.

“We don’t call each other by titles”

“We don’t call each other by titles,” Alawadhi added. “We say ‘sister’ and ‘brother.’ You might find an American sitting next to an Asian or a European, and everyone is treated the same. If someone walks in with bias, it fades once they become part of this place.” To further its reach, IPC has expanded into digital outreach, offering social media campaigns, interactive online lectures, and Islamic content to engage younger audiences and remote learners.

IPC’s da’wah efforts are not limited to blue-collar communities. The organization also engages diplomats, professionals, and high-profile guests, presenting them with traditional Kuwaiti gift boxes that include a translated Quran, a tourism brochure, and Islamic educational materials. In 2024 alone, IPC organized around 881 training courses. Alawadhi also shared that IPC trains new Muslims to become future Islamic educators and preachers. “Some of our most active preachers today were once IPC students who converted to Islam,” she added. IPC runs around 14 branches and centers that are spread across Kuwait’s governorates.

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Oil Ministry highlights nuclear radiation risks, underscores preventive measures

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Oil affirmed that nuclear radiation remains one of the most serious health and environmental challenges of the modern era, emphasizing Kuwait’s strong commitment to addressing this issue through an integrated regulatory framework, well-structured emergency plans, and advanced scientific monitoring networks covering various regions of the country. These efforts aim to ensure the highest standards of environmental and public health safety.

This statement was made by Sheikha Tamader Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of Oil, during a health awareness seminar held Monday under the title “Risks and Damages Resulting from Nuclear Reactors and Their Impact on Human Health.” The seminar is part of the ministry’s ongoing initiative to raise community awareness and promote a culture of prevention among oil sector employees.

Sheikha Tamader lauded the efforts of governmental and technical agencies in enhancing public understanding of nuclear radiation dangers and preventive measures. She highlighted the role of such scientific forums in fostering a sustainable preventive culture across both public and private sectors. She added that the Ministry of Oil, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is actively conducting educational programs and specialized workshops to raise awareness about nuclear reactor risks and radiation leakage, while developing national infrastructure for preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies.

She stressed that prevention begins with awareness, and investing in education, training, and readiness is key to protecting people and the environment. She called for continued support of scientific and awareness initiatives and the strengthening of institutional cooperation among state ministries and regulatory bodies to guarantee community safety and environmental sustainability. In a related address, Salem Al-Azmi, Head of Radiology at the Radiation Protection Department of the Ministry of Health, reviewed the health risks associated with nuclear reactors, their operating mechanisms, and the preventive measures adopted locally and internationally.

Al-Azmi explained that nuclear reactors are among the world’s most important sources of energy due to their ability to generate large amounts of electricity efficiently, but they carry serious health and environmental risks if not managed under strict controls. He described nuclear reactors as power plants that produce electricity through nuclear fission — a process where an atom’s nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing thermal energy that heats a coolant, usually water, to create steam. The steam then drives turbines connected to electric generators.

He noted that while nuclear power plants operate similarly to conventional power plants that burn coal, oil, or natural gas, the primary heat source in nuclear plants is atomic fission. He pointed out that nuclear energy has comparatively low environmental impact on Earth and natural resources.

Al-Azmi outlined the potential environmental hazards in the event of a radioactive leak, such as contamination of air, water, and soil with substances like cesium-137 and iodine-131. However, he reassured that these materials naturally degrade over time and that effective environmental rehabilitation and mitigation plans are in place. He highlighted that potential effects on wildlife and agriculture, including temporary declines in crop and animal quality, can be managed and mitigated through safety protocols and environmental restoration.

Regarding preventive actions, Al-Azmi advised sheltering indoors in well-sealed spaces, which can reduce radiation exposure by half, using closed basements or airtight shelters, and wearing protective masks for the nose and mouth. He also presented information on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor, noting that it is solely dedicated to electricity generation with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. The reactor operates under full international supervision, is non-military, does not produce nuclear weapons, and is located approximately 280 kilometers east of Kuwait. — KUNA

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