KUWAIT: Kuwait approaches environmental and climate issues not merely as international obligations but as a deeply rooted national belief shared by both the government and the people, said Minister of Oil and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Environment, Tareq Al-Roumi. Speaking at the opening of the Regional Dialogue on Accelerating Article 6 Readiness in West Asia under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on Wednesday, Al-Roumi emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to protecting its environment and preserving natural resources for future generations.

He noted that the Cabinet has recently approved a comprehensive environmental roadmap requiring all relevant entities to submit a biannual report on its implementation — a step that reflects the government’s seriousness in turning environmental policies into tangible realities. Al-Roumi added that Kuwait’s hosting of the regional dialogue, organized in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), underscores the country’s leading role regionally and internationally in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

He highlighted that these national efforts reflect the vision and directives of the country’s leadership who continue to prioritize climate issues on Kuwait’s national, regional, and global agenda. Since joining the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, Kuwait has been an active partner in international negotiations and initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, reaffirming its commitment to the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” in line with its national priorities for achieving sustainable development.

Sami Dimassi, Regional Director and Representative of UNEP for West Asia, stressed the urgency of enhancing regional climate readiness ahead of the upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil. He warned that current global projections indicate a temperature rise between 2.5°C and 2.9°C this century — far exceeding the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement — which poses serious risks to water security, food systems and energy supplies in West Asia. Dimassi highlighted the pivotal role of Article six of the Paris Agreement, describing it as a key framework for international cooperation through both market and non-market mechanisms.

These mechanisms, he noted, could reduce global emission costs by up to $250 billion annually by 2030. Despite the institutional and technical challenges some countries still face in implementing Article six, he said addressing these gaps could unlock significant opportunities for West Asia to accelerate its energy transition, mobilize climate finance, and strengthen regional collaboration. He concluded by expressing hope that the dialogue would serve as an active platform for knowledge exchange and capacity-building, paving the way for measurable progress in implementing Article six across the region.

KUWAIT: 1969:  A higher committee for structural planning and mega construction projects was established and chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The committee’s mandate was to study and approve state projects.

1988: Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a decree to establish the Ministry of Higher Education for graduate studies and scientific research.

1994:  UN Security Council unimously approved resolution 949 which condemned advancement of Iraqi forces towards borders of the State of Kuwait. The Council called for immediate and full withdrawal of these forces to their original positions.

1998: Kuwait stock exchange became member of the European-Asian Union of stock markets.

2005: Ghazi Al-Attar, one of Kuwait’s renowned signers in the 1960s, passed away at 64.

2010:  Jordan media festival honored Kuwaiti actor Abdulhussain Abduredha and Nabila Al-Anjeri for their contributions to Arab art and media.

2011: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed a KD 3.3 million loan agreement with Burkina Faso to build a regional hospital.

2012: Kuwait Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah opened the first Asian Cooperation Dialogue summit.

2015:  World football governing body, FIFA, suspended Kuwait Football Association (KFA) from international competition with immediate effect.

2016: An Amiri decree issued to dissolve the National Assembly in line with article 107 of the Constitution in view of the critical regional circumstances and security challenges.

2022:  An Amiri decree issued to form the State of Kuwait’s 42nd Government, chaired by Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah, who formed a 15-member cabinet.

2024: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed an USD eight million donation agreement for the Global Fund to defeat HIV, TB and Malaria for the 2023-25 period — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s sweeping changes to its entry system are fueling a surge in visitor numbers, positioning the country to capture regional travel demand and family reunions this winter. As the summer fades, experts say the reforms will attract a large influx of family visa holders and short-term visitors.

“This is a remarkable humanitarian step by Kuwait, allowing families to reunite and live with dignity. It reflects the nation’s commitment to social harmony and human values,” commented Mubarak Al-Hajri, Deputy CEO at ENASCO, a company providing marine and inspection services.

In August, the government removed the minimum salary requirement, expanded eligibility to a wider circle of relatives and extended visa validity periods up to one year. Combined with a new all-in-one e-visa platform covering tourist, family, business and official categories, the measures mark Kuwait’s most liberal entry regime in decades, fully aligned with its New Kuwait 2035 vision.

As Al-Hajri noted, the changes are far-reaching for many expatriates. “I am really happy and thankful to the authorities. I brought my family to Kuwait on a visit last month,” said an elated Phil Anthony, a Filipino restaurant worker in Salmiya earning KD 350. “I never thought I could bring my wife here with that kind of salary.” Others, including taxi driver Shareef Padavil and clerk Joseph Williams, echoed his joy at finally reuniting with loved ones.

“Removing the salary cap for family visit visas is probably one of the most crucial and significant changes in Kuwait in recent times,” said Hussain Ibrahim, a travel executive in Kuwait. “Any legal resident can now apply without meeting a fixed salary threshold — a barrier that previously excluded many lower-paid workers.” Official tourism data for 2025 is not yet available, but projections suggest Kuwait’s travel and tourism market will generate $1.04 billion in revenue by the end of the year, with continued growth expected following the radical visa reforms.

Uptick in aviation sector

The reforms are already boosting the travel and hospitality sectors. “There is a clear uptick in Kuwait’s aviation traffic,” said P N J Kumar, General Manager of Caesars Travels, Kuwait. “Inbound flights are nearly full even after the summer rush. We also notice many senior citizens among the passengers — elderly parents of expatriates who can now visit without restrictions,” he noted.

According to Ibrahim Al-Kandari, a Kuwaiti businessman, the ripple effect extends beyond airlines. “Extended family stays will benefit hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants and retail trade,” Al-Kandari said. Multi-entry visas valid for up to a year are also expected to encourage repeat trips within the same season, multiplying the economic impact, he pointed out.

“Kuwait’s new visa changes are a step in the right direction, making it easier for families to reunite and for visitors and businesses to see Kuwait as a friendly and open destination,” said Kaizar Shakir, Chairman of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Kuwait, and Director and CFO of Gulf Consult. The upgraded e-visa system and the new ‘Visit Kuwait’ portal are designed to reduce processing time and paperwork, centralizing access for GCC residents and eligible nationalities. Officials believe the easier entry process will help Kuwait close the gap with regional peers. “Kuwait, which historically attracted fewer tourists than its GCC neighbors, is now betting that simplified entry and easier reunification for expatriate families will boost its share of seasonal arrivals. And we have started to see results,” added Ibrahim.

Unified GCC visa

A unified pan-GCC visa system, expected to be launched by the end of 2025, will further bolster Kuwait’s tourism growth, noted Abdul Nasser, a travel company official. The new system, modeled on a Schengen-style visa for the six GCC member states — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman — is expected to usher in hassle-free travel across the region. A pilot program of the ‘GCC Grand Tours Visa’ is currently being run on a trial basis, he added.

Winter has traditionally been the Gulf’s strongest tourism season, with cooler weather, school breaks and festive holidays driving demand. Yet Kuwait has long trailed behind its neighbors such as Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. “That gap underscores the upside,” Kumar said. “With the salary cap gone, a huge pool of lower-income expatriates can now bring in family members. Even if a fraction of them do, we could see double-digit growth in visitor arrivals over the next two quarters.”

According to estimates, Kuwait’s travel and tourism market is expected to generate $1.04 billion in revenue by end-2025, with an annual growth rate of 5.6 percent between 2025 and 2030 — reaching a projected market volume of $1.37 billion by 2030. Kuwait’s population is estimated at 4.9 million, with expatriates making up nearly 70 percent. Indians remain the largest community, followed by Egyptians and other Asian nationals — groups expected to drive much of the new demand.

Renewed optimism

For many expatriates, the new visa system represents more than convenience — it signals inclusion. “Kuwait has always been a second home to us, and now it feels even more welcoming,” said Shareef Padavil, echoing the sentiment of many. Industry observers believe the momentum could reshape Kuwait’s perception in the region. “These are well-calibrated reforms,” said Ibrahim. “They will help the country move closer to its long-term tourism and social development goals.” With the onset of the winter season, the warmth of family reunions and renewed visitor interest seem to perfectly capture Kuwait’s new spirit of openness — one that blends economic opportunity with human connection.