Minister of Oil representative Nouf Behbehani inaugurates the 12th International Conference on Occupational Safety, Health and Cybersecurity.
KUWAIT CITY, May 8: Minister of Oil representative at the 12th International Conference on Occupational Safety, Health and Cybersecurity and acting Director General of the Environment Public Authority (EPA) Nouf Behbehani has affirmed the commitment of the ministry to provide all the necessary facilities to industrialists as part of the expansion of craft and industrial enterprises supporting the oil sector. Speaking on the sidelines of the conference organized by the American Society of Occupational Safety and Health Professionals-Kuwait Branch on May 7-8, Behbehani pointed out that EPA Law No. 42/2014 and its amendment, Law No. 99/2015, require all parties to implement health and occupational regulations in newly established industrial facilities in order to obtain professional and preventative accreditation. She stressed that the authority is striving to facilitate the process of obtaining approvals and accreditation for facilities in accordance with the regulations, indicating EPA has adopted an open-door policy for all professionals and industrialists. She explained the accreditation for entities seeking to implement quality must take into account occupational health and preventive regulations, while emphasizing the need to provide awareness opportunities for the industrial and oil sectors and all sectors involved in hazardous work.
She praised the role of the conference organizers; considering this a crucial step in keeping up with developments in the fields of security, safety, and protection from fires and disasters. Moreover, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Safety Professionals Fadel Al-Ali revealed the conference focused on the latest developments in health and safety technology and policies, procedures and changes “that make us more determined and committed to implement them.” He said the conference workshops included stakeholders from governmental and private entities; as well as specialists in health, safety and the environment, with the aim of improving performance and keeping pace with developments. He added the oil and industrial sectors are the most impacted by security and safety operations. “Therefore, the society focuses on these entities and their participation. The Ministry of Oil and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation are the sponsors of the conference. Challenges are ongoing; hence, the need for joint action to overcome them,” he stressed.
He urged all stakeholders in the oil, industrial and contracting industries to be updated on global requirements and policies, as well as utilize and implement best practices. He said the conference tackled more than 20 working papers, including research on regional and global security and safety issues. CEO of the American Society of Occupational Safety Professionals – Kuwait Branch Eng. Bader Al-Hadrami stated that artificial intelligence currently provides valuable opportunities to develop the occupational safety and health systems, including modern mechanisms that help implement requirements quickly. He added the 12th edition of the conference focuses on diverse experiences, with more than 200 participants, to achieve the greatest possible benefit for those who participate in the workshops and lectures. He stated that the most difficult challenge is cybersecurity, which has prompted the society to focus on it, based on emerging solutions. He said the discussions set specific standards for measuring the risk index in protection and developing optimal solutions.
Conference Director General Ahmed Ismail said that after 25 years of conference work, this year’s conference seeks to achieve the greatest possible success by discussing the latest developments in the field of health and safety, with the aim of producing the best recommendations that serve participants locally and regionally. He disclosed that the conference participants include ministries, government agencies, oil sector companies and the private sector — all of whom are interested in the fields of health, security, and safety. He added that the cost of implementing international safety standards is estimated at tens of millions of dollars annually, with the amount varying from one entity to another; depending on the region, entity and surrounding risks. He pointed out that spending on security and safety has increased over the past 10 years, given the heightened focus on these areas. Occupational Safety Consultant Mansour Fayez Al-Maghamsi explained that his participation in the exhibition stems from his membership in the American Society of Occupational Safety Professionals. He also presented a working paper on occupational safety and health management in petroleum refineries, as it is the main pillar for aircraft refueling and other industries. He said the society boasts of extensive expertise in cybersecurity and other areas needed by many sectors, in addition to providing members and others with the latest developments in the field of occupational health and safety.
KUWAIT CITY, June 12: The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy intends to construct fuel lines feeding the Nuwaiseeb Power Plant for generating electricity and distilling water using two types of fuel — gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Sources explained that the fuel lines project is part of preparations for the Nuwaiseeb Power Plant, which is aimed at securing the electricity grid. Sources said this is one of the important future projects that will supply the grid with around 7,200 megawatts and 180 million imperial gallons of water in two phases — the first has a capacity of 3,600 megawatts. Sources stated that the project to construct fuel pipelines is expected to be tendered in the current fiscal year — under established procedures and regulations — as a limited and non-divisible public tender.
They added the project aims to meet the station’s growing need for various types of fuel; including the construction of the necessary pipelines for all types of fuel, and modernizing fuel receiver systems and pipelines to operate the station’s system and equipment; thereby, improving fuel efficiency. They indicated that the Nuwaiseeb station will operate under the ‘combined cycle’ system; which produces more energy with the same amount of fuel, reduces the amount consumed per unit, reduces emissions compared to the unit’s output, and enables future expansion and operation with more than one type of fuel.
KUWAIT CITY, June 12: Municipal Council member Fahad Al-Abduljader has submitted a proposal to prepare regulations on the construction and design of bus stops. Al-Abduljader explained in the introduction to his proposal that it is in line with the approach of the State to ensure sustainability and improve the quality of life. He said it focuses on providing a civilized and safe environment for passengers through stations that adhere to modern architectural and environmental standards and reflect national identity. He explained that the proposed regulations cover the use of solar energy to operate lighting and fans, the adoption of environmentally friendly materials, the provision of electronic screens to display information, and the establishment of standardized dimensions to guarantee quality implementation and ease of maintenance. He revealed that the goals include supporting State efforts to transform into smart cities and pave the way for the private sector to participate in the development of public transportation infrastructure. He added that this step signals the beginning of the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework that will serve as a reliable reference for the construction of bus stops throughout the country.
KUWAIT CITY, June 12: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on Thursday that 98 percent of commercial entities in Kuwait have completed registration of their beneficial owners (BEN) following the ministry’s deadline on Wednesday. This high registration rate reflects strong compliance with regulatory requirements aimed at enhancing transparency and combating money laundering.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Abdullah Al-Harz, informed Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that a total of 3,007 commercial entities failed to disclose their beneficial owners by the deadline and will face financial penalties estimated at KD 3 million (approximately USD 9.8 million). Fines start at KD 1,000 and can escalate to KD 10,000 for continued non-compliance.
Al-Harz detailed that 148,108 out of 151,115 active commercial entities completed the beneficial owner registration during the allotted period. Among these, 111,838 out of 114,339 active personal companies registered, achieving a 97.8 percent registration rate. Sole proprietorships numbered 35,066, with 34,701 registered, representing a 98.9 percent compliance rate. Joint-stock companies accounted for 1,710 active entities, with 1,569 registered, reflecting a 91.7 percent rate.
He emphasized that the 3,007 companies that did not meet the registration deadline will be penalized according to applicable legislation.
The spokesperson also highlighted the ongoing importance of adhering to transparency controls and regulations to improve Kuwait’s business environment in line with international standards.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry set a final 10-day deadline for institutions and companies to disclose the identity of their beneficial owners — defined as the individuals exercising ultimate control over the companies — to avoid legal actions and fines.
This initiative is part of Kuwait’s broader commitment to strengthening transparency and complying with global standards against money laundering and terrorist financing. The ministry stressed that disclosure reflects companies’ seriousness in maintaining organized data and enhancing their credibility.