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Summit emphasizes growing importance of artificial intelligence

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KUWAIT: The extraordinary session of the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council convened on Sunday at the senior officials’ level, with Kuwait participating alongside other member states. The session aims to study and prepare the draft agenda for the economic and social components of the 34th Arab Summit and the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General for Social Affairs at the Arab League, opened the session by emphasizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence and technology in shaping economic and social progress across the region.

She noted that AI has become a cornerstone of development initiatives, enabling success in various sectors. Abu Ghazaleh stated that the agenda includes key topics proposed by member states, the Arab League General Secretariat, and various ministerial councils, all of which are to be presented at the upcoming summits, scheduled to take place in Iraq. These discussions come amid exceptional regional challenges that continue to impact development achievements.

“The focus of this session will be on urgent priorities that directly affect the Arab people, particularly in the realms of stability, security, and peace,” she said. “Only through securing these foundations can the region realize meaningful and sustainable development that benefits all social groups.” Among the top issues under discussion are food security, solar energy, and support for displaced families affected by the practices of the occupying power. Additional areas of focus include investment in public health systems—particularly school and university health infrastructure—and the socio-economic empowerment of Arab women.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for Economic Affairs, Talal Al-Namash, headed the Kuwaiti delegation to the meeting.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for Economic Affairs, Talal Al-Namash, headed the Kuwaiti delegation to the meeting.

Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh also underlined the importance of unifying the Arab position ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development, aiming to highlight Arab social priorities on the international stage. Bahrain’s representative and session chair, Nawaf Al-Sada, underscored that this extraordinary session is instrumental in shaping the economic and social files to be submitted during the 34th Arab Summit.

He confirmed that the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit will be held concurrently for the first time, generously hosted by the Republic of Iraq in May. Al-Sada referenced the Bahrain Declaration issued during the 33rd Arab Summit, which reaffirmed the Arab region’s strategic economic and human potential. The declaration stressed the importance of creating conditions conducive to regional cooperation and comprehensive development, guided by mutual interests.

He reiterated Bahrain’s commitment, as the current chair of the Economic and Social Council, to advancing Arab cooperation, coordinating positions, and supporting regional economic and social initiatives. Among the key priorities, Al-Sada highlighted the advancement of the new inter-Arab investment agreement and the continued development of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.

He emphasized that sustainable Arab economic integration requires strategic progress across several fronts, including the activation of the free trade area, promotion of intra-Arab investment and trade, enhancement of food security, and the expansion of the digital economy and innovation sectors. Kuwait’s delegation to the session is led by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for Economic Affairs, Talal Al-Namash. — KUNA

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Exit permit now mandatory for expat workers

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KUWAIT: A decision mandating expatriates working in the private sector to obtain an exit permit with the prior approval of their employers comes into effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Employees need to apply through the Sahel app or the Public Authority of Manpower’s website. The employer must then approve the request online before the authority issues the permit. The decision applies to private sector employees who have residency under article 18. Those who have article 19 residency – self-sponsored – are not required to obtain the exit permit.

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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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