KUWAIT: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications Meshaal Al-Zaid on Monday reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening its role in international cooperation within the postal sector, highlighting the country’s active participation in the 28th Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) hosted in Dubai. Speaking to KUNA while leading the Kuwaiti delegation, Al-Zaid stressed the significance of Kuwait’s engagement in one of the world’s most prominent postal events, aimed at shaping the future of the global postal network, setting its policies, and reviewing and adopting the UPU’s strategic plan, with participation from representatives of 192 member states.

He noted that the congress, which opened on September 8 and concludes Friday, will oversee elections for the UPU Board of Directors and Investment Boards, responsible for administrative and legal affairs, regulatory frameworks, operational and financial planning, and the implementation of the union’s agreements.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications, Eng Mishaal Al-Zaid heads the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the 28th Universal Postal Union Congress in Dubai.

“Kuwait has been an active member of the UPU since 1960, maintaining a strong interest in the election of board members and contributing actively alongside other member states,” Al-Zaid said. He commended the UAE’s efforts in hosting the congress, providing an ideal platform for member states to guide the development of the global postal system and adapt to the rapid changes of the modern era.

The UPU congress, held every four years, is the organization’s flagship event, bringing together ministers, heads of national postal institutions, and senior public- and private-sector experts. The current session is held under the theme “Leading Change to Create the Future,” reflecting the growing impact of e-commerce, digital transformation, and the increasing demands for quality, reliability, and cybersecurity. The conference will also include sessions to adopt the UPU’s new strategy for 2026–2029, to be known as the “Dubai Strategy” in recognition of the host country. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel on Monday called for the issuance of a unified legal and regulatory framework for the delivery sector to ensure transparency, protect customer data, and consolidate principles of fair competition based on neutrality and credibility. He highlighted that the delivery sector has become a key pillar in stimulating economic activity.

The remarks came after Minister Al-Ajeel chaired an expanded meeting with delivery company owners, in the presence of representatives from the Competition Protection Authority, to discuss ways to regulate this rapidly growing sector. The minister emphasized that the ministry, with the support of the Council of Ministers, aims to simplify procedures, overcome challenges, and create a more flexible and transparent business environment that stimulates investment and serves the interests of all stakeholders.

He stressed that any new regulatory framework will prioritize consumer rights, with clear controls ensuring quality and transparency in service provision. Effective oversight mechanisms will be introduced to allow consumers to submit complaints and feedback, enhancing confidence in the market and guaranteeing fair and secure services.

Representatives from the Competition Protection Authority announced plans to launch specialized workshops for delivery company staff and officials to familiarize them with the governing regulations and promote a culture of compliance. Delivery company representatives, in turn, outlined the main challenges facing their operations and expressed their readiness to cooperate closely with the ministry to develop the sector in line with market and consumer needs.

Digital transformation

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has achieved a significant milestone in digital transformation, redefining government transactions from traditional paper-based processes to smart services completed in minutes. These initiatives align with the fifth pillar of Kuwait’s New Kuwait 2035 development vision, which focuses on building a connected and transparent government, enhancing performance, meeting citizens’ needs, promoting integrity, and fostering digital innovation.

Since the launch of the unified government e-services application Sahel, the MoI has recorded the highest volume of electronic transactions among state institutions, surpassing 30 million. The ministry provides 37 e-services through the platform, including residency renewals, visa issuance, driver’s license renewals, travel ban inquiries, and traffic violation payments. Automated alerts notify users of traffic violations, pending expirations of licenses and passports, and vehicle registrations.

To enhance service efficiency, an appointment booking system has been integrated for more than 19 departments, reducing wait times and facilitating smoother coordination. Supporting Kuwait’s tourism and business sectors, the MoI recently launched the Kuwait Visa electronic platform, facilitating the issuance of tourist, family, business, and government visas, reinforcing Kuwait’s role as a regional financial and commercial hub.

In line with its digital security agenda, the ministry implemented the Biometric Fingerprint project to combat document forgery and strengthen security at border crossings and airports. The project has built a database of over five million citizens, residents, illegal residents, and visitors, assisting in crime prevention, identifying wanted individuals, and streamlining deportation procedures. Biometric data is now linked with other state ministries to reduce processing times and improve service delivery.

The MoI’s digital transformation extends to security operations. The General Directorate of Coast Guard introduced smart unmanned marine vessels capable of extended autonomous operations, marking a major modernization of the naval fleet. In the traffic sector, the updated Traffic Law, implemented on April 22, introduced artificial intelligence technologies, smart cameras, and digital monitoring systems to enhance public safety and automatically detect violations.

Official statistics indicate a 16 percent decrease in traffic violations during the first half of 2025, with figures falling to 1,659,448 from 1,968,733 in the same period last year. Traffic accidents declined by 45 percent to 1,383 from 2,511, while fatalities fell by 34 percent to 94 from 143. The MoI’s digital transformation has thus evolved into a comprehensive framework that strengthens public safety, enhances service efficiency, and supports societal stability and security. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The French Embassy in Kuwait on Sunday awarded Dr Aseel Mohammed Al-Raqam the French Order of Academic Palms, one of France’s oldest and most distinguished non-military honors. The ceremony was hosted at the residence of French Ambassador Olivier Gauvin, who presented the medal in recognition of Dr Al-Raqam’s outstanding academic achievements, research contributions, and her role in fostering cultural and intellectual cooperation between Kuwait and France.

Through her work at Kuwait University, Dr Al-Raqam, a professor of architecture, has played a leading role in advancing innovative educational programs, encouraging academic dialogue, and expanding opportunities for students and researchers to engage in international partnerships. Ambassador Gauvin commended Dr Al-Raqam’s accomplishments, describing the award as a celebration of her creativity and dedication. “Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808 to honor members of the University, the Order of Academic Palms is the oldest non-military honorary distinction.

Dr Adel Al-Mumen

French ambassador Olivier Gauvin

It recognizes, both in France and abroad, those whose work serves education, research, the transmission of knowledge, and the spread of culture,” he said. Highlighting her innovative initiatives, Gauvin added: “Your creativity translates into innovative approaches, such as the co-creation of Kuwaitscapes, an educational card game aimed at raising awareness on the use of public spaces. You are also preparing a book on the history of urban practices in Kuwait.”

For her part, Dr Al-Raqam expressed pride in receiving the award, noting that it reflects not only a personal milestone but also recognition of Kuwait University and Kuwait’s broader role in promoting culture, education and knowledge exchange. “This medal is an incentive to continue giving in the service of our beloved country,” she said, while extending thanks to the French Embassy, Kuwait University and her family for their unwavering support. Dean of the College of Architecture Dr Adel Al-Mumen congratulated Dr Al-Raqam, describing her as “a very dedicated scholar who loves her work, research, and academia and who is committed to designing better cities.”