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Kuwait committed to labor rights

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KUWAIT: Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to protecting labor rights and improving workers’ welfare during a conference organized by the ministry of foreign affairs on Thursday to mark International Workers’ Day. Held under the patronage of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, the event brought together several government ministries and national institutions to highlight Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to support labor issues and promote fair and safe work environments.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah represented the minister and toured an accompanying exhibition showcasing the roles of workers in Kuwait’s development and the legal protections ensuring their safety and well-being.

Speaking at a roundtable titled “Adequate Housing and Workers’ Welfare in Kuwait… International Standards and Sustainable National Solutions”, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah said Kuwait aims to align with international labor standards under its New Kuwait 2035 vision. She noted that contract workers make up 75 percent of Kuwait’s labor force, representing over 174 nationalities, reflecting the country’s expansive development projects.

She highlighted several initiatives, including the allocation of six labor cities by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare and the ministry of finance, the opening of a migrant worker shelter for men in February by the Public Authority of Manpower, and a nationwide awareness campaign launched in March on health and safety standards for labor accommodations.

Kuwait is also enhancing its legislative framework by updating laws on human trafficking, domestic labor, residency and private sector employment to promote transparency and sustainable development. She praised cooperation with UN agencies such as UN-Habitat, the International Labor Organization and the International Organization for Migration, and acknowledged the private sector’s role, citing participation from companies like Alshaya Group, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Bait Al Mawared, and the Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company.

She stressed the importance of civil society involvement and highlighted the national strategy against trafficking and smuggling for 2025–2028, announced during the 6th Regional Anti-Trafficking Forum. She also noted that labor rights will be a core topic at the upcoming second World Social Summit in Doha in November.

Separately, the National Diwan for Human Rights (NDHR) marked Labour Day by voicing its support for all efforts aimed at ensuring safe, just and exploitation-free work environments. In a statement to KUNA, the diwan emphasized its dedication to preserving workers’ dignity and basic rights.

The diwan contributed to a recent awareness campaign on occupational safety targeting delivery motorbike drivers, reaching around 39,000 workers through materials in seven languages, in cooperation with delivery companies. It also partnered with the ministry of health to vaccinate 3,224 drivers against seasonal flu as part of efforts to reduce respiratory illnesses linked to work conditions. The diwan reiterated its commitment to raising labor rights awareness and improving conditions in this vital sector. – KUNA

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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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