BEIRUT: The Kuwait Dive Team carried out 130 environmental missions during 2024–2025, focusing on coral reef protection, the removal of waste and sunken ships, and the securing of marine navigation, according to their newly released annual report. The announcement was made during a meeting between the team and the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) West Asia Office in Beirut, where UNEP officials praised Kuwait’s leadership in marine environmental protection. Sami Dimassi, Director of UNEP’s West Asia Office, commended the Kuwait Dive Team’s efforts, describing them as a reflection of Kuwait’s strong commitment to international environmental agreements and sustainable development.
Dimassi noted the team’s contributions to the global “Clean Seas” campaign, highlighting their hands-on role in combating marine plastic pollution—a major global ecological challenge. He emphasized that the Dive Team’s work showcases Kuwait’s proactive approach to safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations. The team’s annual report detailed significant accomplishments, including the removal of 12 sunken vessels and boats, weighing a total of 60 tons, and the collection of 120 tons of abandoned fishing nets and other harmful debris from Kuwait’s coastal waters.
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team removes a 200-kilogram fishing net from coral reefs north of Qaruh Island in this file photo.
In addition, the team successfully maintained and repaired 107 marine moorings to protect coral reefs and ensure safe anchoring for boats and yachts. Beyond direct environmental action, the Dive Team also maintains regular monitoring of Kuwait’s southern islands, coasts, and marine reserves, providing environmental reports to government agencies, international organizations, and research institutions such as Australia’s CoralWatch program.
In a statement, Kuwait Dive Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel reaffirmed the team’s long-standing commitment to marine conservation. He recalled the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding signed with UNEP to support the “Clean Seas” initiative and described the team’s work as a “translation of Kuwait’s environmental pledges into practical action.”
Al-Fadhel highlighted the team’s ongoing awareness campaigns, including the Mobile Beach Cleanup Campaign, which has been organized weekly for ten consecutive years. These campaigns include coastal cleanups, environmental workshops, educational talks, and activities aimed at increasing public awareness of marine protection issues. The Kuwaiti Dive Team’s achievements were recently recognized with the Energy Globe Foundation Award, an international acknowledgment of their leadership in environmental work.
Dimassi concluded by expressing appreciation for the team’s contributions, noting that their work strengthens regional and global efforts to preserve healthy marine environments and aligns with global sustainability goals. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah affirmed Monday that the ministry, under the guidance of the country’s wise leadership, considers proactive preparedness for crises and disasters a cornerstone for reducing their impact and ensuring the continuity of vital services — foremost among them, the health sector, which he described as the first line of defense for human life. Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks in a speech delivered at the opening of the “Principles of Disaster Preparedness in Healthcare” conference, organized by the Kuwait Medical Association (KMA) in cooperation with the Military Medical Services Authority at the Ministry of Defense and the Directorate of Medical Services at the National Guard.
He noted that the conference aims to bolster national preparedness in the healthcare sector by fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing coordination among relevant entities. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of honoring scientists and healthcare professionals who have contributed to the advancement of medical services at both local and international levels, commending their pioneering efforts in this essential field.
He further emphasized the continued cooperation between the Ministries of Defense and Health and the National Guard with other competent bodies and prominent medical institutions to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities. He called for sustained collaboration and integration to ensure optimal readiness to face future challenges.
Officials take a group photos after the conference.- KUNA photos
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Medical Association
Sheikh Abdullah also lauded the efforts of the medical services departments at the Ministry of Defense, National Guard, and Ministry of Health, as well as the Kuwait Medical Association, for their concerted actions in tackling health crises with professionalism and efficiency. He stressed the importance of ongoing training, evaluating on-the-ground needs, and investing in human and technical resources to boost rapid and effective emergency response. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Kuwait Medical Association Dr Ibrahim Al-Tawala echoed similar sentiments, noting that cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and National Guard reflects a strong model of national synergy in serving Kuwait and empowering medical personnel to handle various challenges.
Dr Al-Tawala said the KMA has consistently prioritized training and development, organizing numerous conferences, workshops, and awareness programs across medical specialties. He revealed that during the first half of 2025, the Association held approximately 83 scientific medical events.—KUNA
underscoring their role in equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to manage disasters and emergencies effectively — ultimately enhancing public safety and reducing risks. – KUNA
KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace on Monday Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, who presented to him the public high school results for the academic year 2024/2025. The minister also introduced to HH the Amir the new curricula, which bring into effect a new educational philosophy relying on knowledge, skills and principles. HH the Amir praised the efforts of those who developed the curricula with the purpose of building a better future and bolstering the educational system in the country. HH the Amir also wished the students success in their future endeavors.
HH the Amir also received at Bayan Palace on Monday visiting Deputy Chair of the British King’s Foundation Michael Jary and Executive Director for Education Dr Simon Sadinsky. Present at the meeting were Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Sciences Dr Ameenah Rajab Farhan and Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah inaugurated on Monday a fleet of unmanned surface vessels as part of efforts to boost the state’s defense capabilities. The addition of these unmanned vessels are a major step forward towards bolstering Kuwait’s naval system through the use of modern and cutting-edge technology, the minister said in a statement. The move also reinforces Kuwait’s plans to turn to smart solutions in a bid to protect territorial waters, subsequently keeping national security and stability intact, added the minister, praising the coastguard’s efforts in bringing such an innovative project to fruition.
On the intricacies of these vessels, Kuwaiti coast guard chief Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah espoused the merits of these unmanned surface vessels, mainly their ability to fully operate with longevity and efficiency without a human crew, the official explained. He went on to list some major tasks these vessels can be used for, including surveillance operations, tracking and intercepting suspicious maritime targets, in addition to supporting search and rescue efforts, the statement underlined. – KUNA