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Minister: Mental health centers must meet new rules to renew licenses

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KUWAIT: Commercial licenses for mental health treatment and counseling centers will not be renewed after April 20, 2026, unless they comply with new regulations issued to govern the sector, Kuwait’s health minister said Thursday.

Last week, Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced a first-of-its-kind regulatory framework setting new professional standards for private mental health centers and clinics. The rules require facilities to secure patient data systems to ensure confidentiality, employ licensed practitioners — including at least one psychologist with a doctoral degree — and comply strictly with ethics and healthcare regulations. Facilities must also be located in accessible areas.

“These measures reflect our commitment to building a safe, professional, and inclusive therapeutic environment — one that prioritizes human rights, preserves dignity, and strives for the highest standards of medical and psychological care,” Al-Awadhi said Thursday in his first public comments on the new rules.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 8th Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA), Al-Awadhi highlighted the ministry’s latest efforts to develop mental health research and regulations, emphasizing that sound public health policy must be grounded in an accurate understanding of the social realities shaping society.

“Mental health is not only about treating disorders — it is also about strengthening psychological resilience, preventing risk factors, and empowering individuals with the emotional and social tools they need to thrive,” Al-Awadhi said.

He highlighted the governments newly adopted integrated approach that brings together psychological and psychiatric services, bridging clinical care with community-based psychosocial support programs. This model, he said, is guided by the latest scientific standards and leading international best practices.

Dr Joanne Hands, President of MEPA, spoke about expanding access to mental health resources beyond clinical settings. “What makes this event truly unique is that it’s open to the general public,” she said. “We believe professional walls must be expanded. By educating and empowering individuals and families, we can reduce stigma and promote mental wellness for all.”

Hands also unveiled MEPA’s upcoming focus on corporate membership and engagement, emphasizing the direct link between employee well-being and organizational success. “We now invite the corporate sector to be active partners in shaping healthier workplaces,” she said. “Well-being is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.”

Waleed Al-Khashti, Chief of Corporate Communications & Relations at Zain Kuwait, the event’s Platinum Sponsor, reaffirmed the company’s continued commitment to mental health advocacy. Zain has supported the conference for three consecutive years and launched one of the region’s largest workplace mental health initiatives — Be Well.

“At Zain, we believe people flourish in environments that support them emotionally, professionally, and personally,” Al-Khashti said. “Our work extends beyond therapy access — we’ve certified employees as Mental Health First Aiders and fostered a workplace culture rooted in psychological safety.” He added that Zain is actively working with MEPA to deepen collaborations that benefit both employees and communities across the region.

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NBK warns customers about risks of fraudulent online shopping offers

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KUWAIT: In line with its unwavering commitment to fostering financial literacy and empowering all segments of society, NBK continues to bolster its support for the “Let’s Be Aware” banking awareness campaign. Spearheaded by the Central Bank of Kuwait in collaboration with local banks and Kuwait Banking Association (KBA). As part of its commitment to customer protection, NBK is actively educating the public about fraudulent online shopping offers, often promoted through social media. These scams typically feature links to fake applications or websites that lure victims with enticing discounts and promotions.

Designed to mimic legitimate platforms, these fraudulent sites deceive users into providing sensitive personal and banking details — such as account and credit card numbers — ultimately compromising their financial security. NBK urges customers to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with suspicious links, reinforcing its dedication to safeguarding the community from cyber threats. NBK advises customers to exercise caution and avoid being misled by deceptive shopping deals that promise steep discounts. The bank emphasizes the importance of verifying website URLs and refraining from clicking on links from unknown sources — especially those received via email that advertise offers that appear too good to be true.

Furthermore, NBK cautions customers about the risks of saving credit card details on e-commerce websites or browsers for faster future transactions. The bank highlights that such platforms are susceptible to security breaches, potentially exposing stored banking data to theft. The Bank also emphasizes that it will never request personal information via email, text messages, or phone calls. Additionally, NBK warns customers against responding to such messages, as they are often fraudulent attempts to steal banking credentials, sensitive data, or funds.

NBK remains vigilant in monitoring emerging fraud tactics, educating customers, and providing clear guidance on how to stay protected. Through comprehensive awareness materials shared across its digital platforms, the bank continuously emphasizes the importance of engaging only with trusted links and avoiding interactions with unidentified sources. Harnessing its vast communication capabilities, NBK utilizes all its digital channels — boasting the largest following among Kuwaiti banks — to ensure the widest dissemination of the campaign’s messages, effectively reaching the largest possible audience.

Led by the Central Bank of Kuwait in partnership with Kuwait Banking Association, “Let’s Be Aware” stands as the region’s most comprehensive financial literacy campaign. Aimed at empowering bank customers, the initiative delivers essential education on critical financial topics. Key focus areas include practical steps to prevent fraud, strategies for maximizing banking services, and fostering a strong culture of savings and investment. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, the campaign strengthens financial security and resilience across Kuwait’s banking sector.

As a leading financial institution in Kuwait and the region, NBK remains a key supporter of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s initiatives aimed at enhancing financial literacy and promoting banking awareness across all segments of society. The bank actively organizes various educational events to keep the community informed about critical banking issues while also investing in specialized training programs for its employees. By strengthening expertise in fraud prevention and financial crime mitigation, NBK reinforces its commitment to safeguarding customers and upholding the integrity of the financial sector.

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Kuwait unveils Bayraktar TB2

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Kuwait unveils Bayraktar TB2

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Ministry of Social Affairs distributes hearing aids to citizens

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KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah on Thursday announced the distribution of the first batch of hearing aids to citizens with hearing impairments, following a years-long suspension. The initiative aims to support their daily lives and enhance their ability to communicate and integrate into society. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr Al-Huwailah emphasized that hearing aids are vital tools that enable individuals to lead independent lives and engage naturally with their surroundings.

“This is just the beginning,” she said, noting that subsequent batches will follow to meet all pending requests, with priority given based on the order of application. She also underscored the commitment of the Public Authority for the Disabled to continue providing a range of assistive and prosthetic devices—including wheelchairs and other essential equipment—to empower individuals with disabilities both psychologically and socially, and to further support their integration into the community. — KUNA

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