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47th Islamic Book Fair launched; celebrating knowledge, culture

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KUWAIT: The 47th edition of the Islamic Book Fair was inaugurated on Monday under the patronage of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. The event, hosted at the Social Reform Society (SRS) headquarters in Rawda, will run until May 3. Delivering a speech on behalf of the minister, Director General of the Kuwait National Library Suham Al-Azmi said the fair reflects a longstanding commitment to promoting conscious reading and intellectual enrichment. “Over 47 years, this fair has succeeded in enlightening hearts and minds and inspiring a culture of thoughtful readership,” she noted.

Al-Azmi added that this year’s edition coincides with Kuwait’s designation as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025, aligning the fair with national celebrations highlighting Kuwait’s charitable and cultural contributions. She pointed to the theme of the fair, “Towards Civilizational Awareness,” as a call to deepen cultural understanding and promote exposure to diverse intellectual perspectives through books and literature. Chairman of the Social Reform Society Dr Khaled Al-Madhkur highlighted the pivotal role of Islamic literature in shaping an informed and resilient Muslim identity. “Books remain a foundation for awareness, civilization, and identity,” he said. “This exhibition reaffirms our belief that building people is the cornerstone of every civilization.”

He underscored the fair’s aim to reach a broad audience — including youth, families, educators, and children — through a comprehensive program of book displays, educational and cultural activities, and intellectual seminars. “We aim to instill the values of justice, truth, and solidarity, while also fostering a deep understanding of the causes affecting the Islamic nation,” Dr Al-Madhkur said, adding that this year’s exhibition places special focus on Gaza, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In line with Kuwait’s cultural vision, the fair also embraces digital transformation through an interactive online portal, allowing visitors to explore key titles and exhibitors. A total of 120 publishing houses from the Arab world, the Gulf, and Europe are participating, reflecting the fair’s growing international reach and Kuwait’s role as a cultural hub.

This year’s fair features a diverse array of programs tailored for different segments of society, including morning educational sessions for students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, specialized knowledge competitions, cultural workshops, and seminars led by distinguished intellectuals. Dedicated children’s pavilions offer educational and recreational activities to nurture a love of reading among young visitors. Highlight events include the “Impact of Culture” competition and the “Genius Challenge,” both aimed at fostering a strong and sustainable culture of knowledge within society. — KUNA

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Health Minister: Graduates are vital to Kuwait’s national health renaissance

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KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Tuesday that Kuwait’s new health projects are being developed by capable professionals and led by minds committed to hard work and integration. His remarks came in a speech delivered on his behalf by Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr Munther Al-Hasawi during a ceremony honoring Kuwaiti medical graduates from the University of Jordan.

Dr Al-Hasawi congratulated the graduates on their achievement, noting that their success was the result of perseverance, dedication and long nights of study. “This moment is a tribute to those who remained patient and committed to their goals,” he said. In his address to the honorees, Dr Al-Awadhi said, “You are called upon to actively contribute to the renaissance of your nation, particularly through participation in new national health projects — projects that are founded on competence and driven by minds that believe in collaboration and hard work.”

He stressed that the involvement of young medical professionals is not a luxury, but a national necessity and a trust that carries historical significance. Highlighting the importance of unity within the health sector, Dr Al-Awadhi said, “The success of a doctor is incomplete without a nurse. Laboratory work thrives only with accurate diagnoses, and quality healthcare requires the cooperation of all — administrators, technicians, doctors, pharmacists and support staff.”

He acknowledged the challenges facing the medical profession globally, but praised those who choose the path of medicine for their unwavering dedication. “Those who take up this profession carry a noble mission. Their resolve exceeds obstacles, and their spirits are prepared to serve with sincerity and steadfastness,” he said. Concluding his message, the minister reminded the graduates of the core values of their chosen path: “You belong to a profession whose essence is humanity and whose purpose is mercy — live up to the honor of this mission.” — KUNA

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Kuwait toughens weapons law | Kuwait Times Newspaper

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KUWAIT: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft decree-law amending key provisions of the 1991 weapons and ammunition law, introducing penalties for carrying bladed or air weapons in public without valid justification, in a move aimed at reinforcing public order and addressing growing security concerns.

Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said the new amendment criminalizes the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6 mm or more) in public spaces such as schools, mosques and markets without a legitimate reason. Offenders will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year and/or a fine of KD 500 to KD 1,000.

The amendment also targets acts of public intimidation, stipulating harsher penalties for those who deliberately frighten others using such weapons, with prison terms of one to two years and fines of KD 1,000 to KD 2,000. Additionally, the sale, import, or marketing of these weapons without official licensing is now prohibited.

The minister noted that the law empowers the minister of interior to define which weapons fall under the ban and specify the areas where the restrictions apply. “These amendments fill a previous legal gap by criminalizing actions that disturb public safety,” Al-Sumait said. “They reinforce the rule of law and reflect legislative awareness of emerging behaviors that threaten social peace.”

The Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law renaming the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. The move reflects the Kuwaiti government’s realization of the dire need for a modern and integrated piece of legislation to regulate the country’s civil aviation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Maousherji said in a press statement following the meeting.

This fresh legislation, the minister maintained, would ensure this vital sector’s required resilience to cope with global advancements in this domain. It is also deemed one of the main requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a prime determinant for licensing airports and air navigation facilities, he explained. The Cabinet decided to refer the draft decree-law to HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval. — KUNA

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Unified GCC tourist visa to launch soon

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RIYADH: A unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourist visa for non-Gulf residents will be launched soon, GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi announced on Wednesday. In a statement issued by the GCC Secretariat following the 39th meeting of directors of passport departments of the GCC ministries of interior, Al-Budaiwi expressed appreciation for the collective efforts that contributed to the development of the unified visa system.

He affirmed that the initiative aligns with the shared visions of the region’s leaderships and will support the enhancement of tourism and economic integration across member states. Al-Budaiwi also emphasized the commitment of relevant authorities to adopt advanced technologies and respond to growing global security challenges— KUNA

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