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Traffic violations plunge 72%, road discipline hailed

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By Faten Omar & B Izzak

KUWAIT: The interior ministry said on Tuesday that main traffic offenses monitored by cameras dropped by a massive 72 percent in the first week of applying the new traffic law on April 22. The ministry said cameras captured just 6,342 violations between April 22-28, compared to 22,651 violations in the week between April 15-21.

Offenses of failing to use seatbelts dropped by 71 percent from 18,208 to 5,176 in the same period, while using mobile phones while driving dived 86 percent to just 422 violations from 2,962. Offenses of not abiding by road lanes dropped from 1,081 to 700, a slide of 35 percent, while driving against the traffic decreased to just 44 from 400, an 89 percent decline. The ministry thanked motorists for abiding by the new traffic law.

A week into the new traffic law, drivers across the country are already feeling its impact — from noticeable improvements in road discipline to concerns over steep penalties and unresolved traffic issues. Kuwait Times spoke with motorists to gauge a range of reactions to the changes reshaping the nation’s roads.

Duaa Sami said that after several days of the new traffic law being enforced, she noticed a level of discipline on the roads she hadn’t seen before — from adherence to speed limits and seatbelt use to a clear reduction in reckless drivers, particularly those driving pickups, who were previously a common source of complaints. Ali Al-Radaan remarked that while the new law mainly addresses speeding and mobile phone usage, it fails to tackle traffic congestion and the overwhelming number of vehicles on the roads. He questioned whether every driver truly deserves to hold a license, suggesting that those with a high record of accidents should be required to retake their driving tests.

He added that in the US and Europe, passing a driving test is extremely difficult due to the rigorous focus on vehicle control, adherence to laws and ensuring the safety of others, expressing hope that Kuwait would adopt similarly strict standards alongside ongoing awareness campaigns.

Fahad Al-Fadhli praised the ministry of interior’s efforts in curbing violations but pointed out that improvements are needed on the Sixth Ring Road, particularly near Sabah Al-Nasser, where faded ground markings cause vehicles to weave dangerously, leading to accidents. He also called for expanding the use of traffic cameras into residential areas to deter reckless driving, highlighting concerns about taxis and delivery bikes speeding on highways, as well as abandoned buses and trucks in residential neighborhoods. He emphasized that fixing damaged roads is critical, as they pose major safety risks.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Hamdan observed that with the new law, the presence of traffic police on the streets has significantly decreased — by about 90 percent, in his view — and questioned why traffic officers are not more actively stopping and ticketing drivers who commit blatant violations such as reckless overtaking, turning without signaling and sudden stops by taxi drivers.

Majed Ziyad pointed out that people need more awareness about the purpose of strict traffic penalties, which is to ensure safer roads free from sudden stops and collisions. He noted that the decrease in accidents and violations is unsurprising, given that fines have increased tenfold, combined with a three-month public awareness campaign — both of which he credits as key reasons for the improvement.

However, some drivers believe that certain violations are excessive. Ahmad Azzam argued that if he is sitting at a red light with his car at a complete stop and briefly checks his phone, it should not be considered a violation. He pointed out the contradiction in penalizing drivers for phone use while allowing large, distracting digital billboards along the highways. He also added: “Given Kuwait’s harsh desert climate, drinking water while driving should not be considered a violation.”

Azzam criticized the high fines and suggested that Kuwait adopt Saudi Arabia’s approach of periodically offering discounted traffic fine payments. Furthermore, he highlighted the issue of faded lane markings on some roads, which makes it difficult for drivers to stay in their lanes. He stressed that public vehicles must also comply with the new traffic law, noting that buses and taxis often stop anywhere they please, disrupting traffic and nearly causing accidents.

Passant Hisham shared a different perspective, stating that since the new traffic laws were enforced, driving has become a source of constant anxiety for her. “Since the new traffic laws were enforced, driving has become a source of constant anxiety — so overwhelming that I sometimes end up putting myself at greater risk just to avoid breaking the rules,” she said.

“Every time I approach a green light, I find myself hesitating, slowing down in fear that it might turn yellow. And when it does turn yellow, I panic, either stopping too quickly or rushing through it, not knowing what to do. In those moments, I feel stuck between two terrifying outcomes: either get arrested or get hit by the car behind me,” she added.

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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