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Kuwait enforces eviction of charities from private housing

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KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality launched Thursday its first field inspection campaign to evacuate charity associations and foundations operating in private and model residential areas across the six governorates.

Private residential areas are low-density zones reserved for single-family housing, primarily intended for Kuwaiti citizens, where land is distributed through the country’s housing welfare program. In contrast, investment housing areas feature multi-unit buildings — such as apartments, duplex villas, and studios — designed for rental or ownership across all floors.

The campaign comes following a request from the Ministry of Social Affairs to Kuwait Municipality to enforce Ministerial Decision No. (206/2009) — which prohibits the use of buildings in private residential areas for any purpose other than private housing. The ministry began surveying all registered charities — approximately 84 organizations with over 200 branches across the country — earlier this month to take legal action against those located in private residential zones.

Khaled Al-Fadhli, Head of the Emergency Team at Ahmadi Municipality, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that field teams had issued warnings to several charity premises over the past days, ordering them to vacate. On Thursday, the teams inspected five areas — Fahaheel, Fintas, Ali Sabah Al-Salem (Umm Al-Hayman), Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City, and Al-Sabahiya — issuing 15 evacuation warnings. Al-Fadhli praised the cooperation of some associations that voluntarily removed their violations in Al-Ahmadi Governorate.

Al-Fadhli stressed that the monitoring teams will not tolerate any violations of Kuwait Municipality’s regulations and laws, emphasizing that field campaigns will continue over the coming days across different governorates.

This move is part of a wider regulatory reform of Kuwait’s charitable sector. Last month, the ministry suspended all charitable fundraising nationwide, citing concerns about unauthorized campaigns. Since November 2024, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah has dissolved at least 30 charities found inactive after inspections. These measures are designed to eliminate inactive or ineffective organizations and ensure that resources are being used efficiently.

These reforms also align with Kuwait’s efforts to improve financial oversight and comply with international anti-money laundering standards. A Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report released in November 2024 acknowledged Kuwait’s legal framework to combat illicit finance, but pointed to enforcement challenges. Countries that fall short of FATF standards risk being greylisted or blacklisted, which can affect global financial relations. Kuwaiti authorities have since ramped up coordination among ministries to tighten control, particularly over cross-border donations. Officials say these efforts aim to uphold Kuwait’s humanitarian leadership while meeting international best practices. — Agencies

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MoI reviews smart security patrol

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KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah on Monday was briefed on the Ministry’s new smart security patrol, equipped with the latest technical systems to enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of security operations in the field. In a press statement, the Interior Ministry said the initiative reflects its commitment to keeping pace with technological developments and supporting digital transformation in security work.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah received an explanation from Brigadier Anwar Al-Yatama, Head of the Human Resources and Information Technology Sector, on the patrol’s key components and smart systems, which were developed by national experts in information technology and cybersecurity. The patrol features an integrated system of advanced technologies, including smart mobile cameras linked to facial recognition and vehicle license plate systems, a mobile fingerprint device for instant identification, and direct connections to the ministry’s databases for rapid identification of wanted persons and vehicles.

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The system also incorporates artificial intelligence for real-time image processing and analysis, supporting security personnel in the field and improving operational efficiency. Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of leveraging modern technology to enhance field security work and praised national teams for developing the project, calling it a significant step in the ministry’s technological transformation. The Interior Ministry reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to modernize the security system and employ cutting-edge technologies to serve public safety, contributing to enhanced security and stability across Kuwait.

New service on Sahel

In a separate development, the Ministry announced the launch of a new service via the unified government application for electronic services (Sahel), allowing families of inmates to request appointments with officials from the General Administration of Correctional Institutions. Interviews will be conducted every Monday from 4 to 6 pm, enabling families to submit inquiries and complaints efficiently. — KUNA

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Ministry launches electronic system to enhance radiation control at customs

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday announced the activation of an electronic linkage system between its Radiation Protection Department and the General Administration of Customs. The system aims to streamline and accelerate control procedures for materials and devices subject to radiation oversight, while ensuring the highest safety standards. Director of the Radiation Protection Department, Dr Nasser Al-Juwaisri, said in a ministry statement that the system represents a qualitative leap in radiation control, enhancing information exchange between the two entities, reducing paperwork and speeding up procedural cycles. He added that it will improve accuracy and transparency in customs inspections and release operations.

Dr Al-Juwaisri explained that the materials under control include ionizing radiation devices such as X-ray machines, medical and industrial radioactive sources, radiotherapy devices, isotope generators and nuclear measuring instruments. Non-ionizing devices are also covered, including high-power laser systems, radar equipment, communication stations, and certain medical and industrial devices with non-ionizing emissions. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision for digital transformation and institutional integration with government agencies, in line with Kuwait’s broader electronic transformation strategy. The step underscores the Ministry’s commitment to worker and public safety, as well as environmental protection from potential radiation hazards.

The director added that the Public Health Sector has previously established electronic connectivity with the General Administration of Customs to facilitate control and release of public health pesticides, insecticides, optical devices and traps, within a comprehensive system that enhances safety in preventive health practices. Dr Al-Juwaisri confirmed that the Ministry will continue expanding digital integration to ensure a safe and sustainable health environment, in line with the highest international standards for radiation safety and health protection. — KUNA

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Army Chief decorates 35th batch of officers with colonel rank

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KUWAIT: Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army Lt Gen Khaled Al-Shuraian on Monday bestowed the rank of colonel on members of the 35th officers’ batch, in accordance with an Amiri Decree issued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. In a press statement, Lt Gen Al-Shuraian conveyed the congratulations of Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah to the newly promoted officers.

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He expressed hope the promotions would serve as an incentive for greater dedication and continued service to the nation. The ceremony was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah, members of the Military Defense Council and several senior army officers. — KUNA

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