KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: The State Audit Bureau (SAB) approved the contract of the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy for the maintenance work in Doha Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant, along with equipment, to increase the alkalinity of the produced water (Phase One) at a total cost of KD10.45 million. Sources informed the newspaper that SAB’s audit and review contributed to savings estimated at KD36,713,000 after reducing some items and deleting one due to redundancy.

In another development, the latest monthly report of the ministry revealed that electricity was supplied to 700 plots in various residential sectors in September. The private residential sector recorded the highest number of electricity connections with 672 plots, followed by the government and investment sectors with nine plots each, and the industrial and agricultural sectors with five plots each.

The newspaper obtained a copy of the report, indicating that the total load provided to new customers reached 81,599 kilowatts, with Jahra Governorate ranking first in terms of electricity connection, followed by Farwaniya Governorate, Ahmadi Governorate, Capital Governorate, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate, and Hawally Governorate. According to the report, the total electricity connection load increased in September, reaching 81,599 kilowatts, compared to 75,881 kilowatts in August — a difference of 5,716 kilowatts. Meanwhile, the Statistics Department at the ministry disclosed that 563,751 megawatts were imported from the Gulf Interconnection Network in September.

By Mohammad Ghanem Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff 

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: The urge to travel, explore new cultures, and create lasting memories is universal. However, the upfront cost of flight tickets can often be a significant hurdle. What if you could secure your seat today and spread the cost over time, without the stress of a large, immediate payment?

Welcome to the world of Book Now, Pay Later (BNPL) flights. This revolutionary payment model is making travel more accessible and financially manageable. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can leverage leading services like Tabby and Tamara, address the most common questions travelers have, and show you how to book your next adventure with confidence.

How Does “Book Now, Pay Later” for Flights Work?

The concept is simple: you book your flight ticket now and pay for it in a series of manageable installments. Instead of paying the full amount at once, you can lock in the best prices while managing your budget. For travelers in the Middle East, two names have become synonymous with this flexibility: Tabby and Tamara. These platforms have partnered with leading travel websites like almatar to offer seamless payment solutions.

Your Go-To Options for Ultimate Flexibility

When planning your travels, almatar makes it incredibly simple to finalize your Tabby flight ticket or your Tamara flight booking directly at checkout.

● Tabby: Famous for its “Split in 4” plan, Tabby allows you to pay 25% of the flight cost at booking and the rest in three interest-free monthly installments. It’s perfect for managing the cost of short-haul or budget-friendly trips.

● Tamara: Tamara offers exceptional flexibility for larger travel expenses. On almatar, Tamara provides installment plans for up to 12 months for eligible bookings. This is a game-changer for budgeting significant expenses like family vacations or long-haul flights, making even the biggest trips affordable.

The process is designed for convenience: search for flights on almatar, proceed to checkout, and select your preferred BNPL provider to see your payment plan.

Key Questions Answered: BNPL, Credit Cards, and Your Concerns

Research shows travelers have important questions before using BNPL. Let’s address them directly.

The 47th preparatory meeting of Undersecretaries of Ministries of Industry of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: The industrial sector has become a crucial engine for economic diversification and a foundational element in building resilient economies, Acting Director General of Kuwait’s Public Authority for Industry (PAI), Shemlan Al-Juhaidli, declared on Wednesday.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 47th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) undersecretaries of industries, Al-Juhaidli stressed the urgent need for unified regional efforts to confront global challenges and capitalize on opportunities presented by the industrial revolution and advanced technologies.

He described the session as a continuation of the GCC’s ongoing journey toward industrial cooperation, reflecting the visionary leadership’s prioritization of industry within sustainable economic development frameworks.

The meeting served as a precursor to the upcoming 55th session of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee and focused on deepening Gulf industrial integration, enhancing investment climates, and developing supply chains to sustain and grow national industries.

GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs, Khaled Al-Snaidi, highlighted that the industrial sector accounted for 12.7 percent of the GCC’s GDP in the first quarter of 2025, underscoring its role as a principal contributor to non-oil sector growth and economic diversification.

Al-Snaidi noted significant improvements in the GCC’s rankings on the 2024 Competitive Industrial Performance Index, reflecting advancements in technology, innovation, productivity, and trade. The GCC collectively ranks among the top 60 industrial economies globally in manufacturing value added and exports.

The GCC countries pursue a unified industrial development strategy, harmonizing legislation and regulations to encourage industry, combat dumping, and enforce protective measures aimed at building a competitive, sustainable industrial base that enhances economic security and generates quality jobs.

The session addressed key issues such as strengthening Gulf industrial integration, setting standards for national product localization, managing exempted goods and penalties for violations, and promoting circular economy initiatives. It also covered the establishment of an industrial innovation center, cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and plans for the Gulf Industrial Platform and Gulf Industry Day.

Al-Juhaidli extended congratulations to Bahrain for hosting the next Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting, emphasizing the spirit of Gulf solidarity and collective action to further deepen industrial integration.

The discussions reflected the GCC’s commitment to advancing industrial development as a strategic pillar for regional prosperity and sustainable economic transformation.

The 47th preparatory meeting of Undersecretaries of Ministries of Industry of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.