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Kuwaitis with diplomatic passports exempt from visa to Japan: Embassy

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KUWAIT: Japan and Kuwait will officially implement a mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports starting May 12, 2025, the Japanese embassy in Kuwait said in a press release on Saturday. Under this new agreement, Kuwaiti nationals holding valid diplomatic, or special passports issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait will be allowed to enter Japan without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 consecutive days. Similarly, Japanese holders of valid diplomatic and official passports will be able to enter Kuwait without a visa.

“This historic step reflects the deep mutual trust and longstanding friendship between our two nations, and lays a solid foundation for further political, economic, and cultural cooperation,” Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait Kenichiro Mukai said in a statement.

Deepening diplomatic relations

Japan and Kuwait have enjoyed a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship, dating back to 1958 when a Japanese oil company got oil drilling rights in Kuwait. “This visa exemption scheme will make it easier for government officials, international conference participants, and special passports holders to travel between our two countries, thus encouraging more dynamic exchanges and high-level dialogue,” said the ambassador.

“This is more than a procedural change — it is a symbol of our shared commitment to building a forward-looking, trust-based partnership.”

Visit Expo 2025 Osaka

The ambassador highlighted Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which Japan is hosting from April 13 to October 13, 2025, as a perfect opportunity to visit the country. “It is more than an exhibition; it is a platform for co-creating the future,” he said. He added that visitors can encounter a wide array of transformative ideas and cutting-edge solutions addressing challenges in sustainability, technology, healthcare, and mobility.

The ambassador said Japan is presenting technical proposals as investment opportunities, such as Room Temperature Hydrogen Production Device, CO2 Adsorption and Desorption Device, Room Temperature Synthetic Fuel Production Device. “These technologies are already at commercially practical level, and I believe that investing in these technologies will be able to assist Kuwait oil sector to achieve net-zero by 2060 as envisioned in the national plan,” he said. “The visa fee will be exempted for those who visit the EXPO. We sincerely invite Kuwaiti people, to visit Japan during this momentous event.”

Sharing a message of peace

As Japan and Kuwait look to further deepening their ties, the Japanese ambassador stressed the importance of learning from the past. He invited people in Kuwait to browse the second Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition. “This exhibition showcases impactful posters that convey the devastating reality of the atomic bombings, reminding us of the importance of peace and the inhumanity of nuclear weapons,” the ambassador said.

The exhibition is now open at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP Kuwait) from April 29 to May 25, 2025. Ambassador Mukai described the opening ceremony which was held on April 29 as “a big success”, especially with the attendance of Sachiko Hiraoka, an Atomic Bomb survivor’s family who visited Kuwait all the way from Hiroshima to deliver the testimony of her family. The ceremony was attended by many people in Kuwait, including ambassadors, artists, and students. “We encourage more people in Kuwait to visit the exhibition and reflect on Japan’s history and its deep commitment to peace. The exhibition welcomes everyone with free admission,” said the ambassador.

Scholarships and creative exchange

Education and Culture are essential elements to build the brilliant future between Kuwait and Japan, said Ambassador Mukai, pointing to two opportunities open for students and artists in Kuwait. For one, the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship Program for 2026 is currently open for applications until June 12, 2025. “Kuwaiti students wishing to pursue bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in Japan are warmly encouraged to apply. This is a chance to receive a world-class education while building bridges between the two countries,” he said.

Submissions are also open for the 18th Japan International MANGA Award, with a deadline of June 20, 2025. This globally recognized award welcomes artists from around the world. “We hope to see many talented Kuwaiti creators participate and share their stories through the powerful medium of manga,” said Ambassador Mukai.

The introduction of mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders marks a new chapter in Japan-Kuwait relations. It opens doors — not only for official visits — but also for people-to-people connections, cultural exchange, and shared discovery. “We look forward to welcoming more Kuwaiti friends to Japan, and to continuing our journey together as partners in friendship, peace, and progress. Welcome to Japan! Welcome to the future!” said the ambassador.

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Zain showcases efforts in leveraging tech innovation to advance sustainability goals

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KUWAIT: Zain announced its sponsorship and participation in the Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week (KSEW), held in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). At the event, Zain showcased its efforts in leveraging technological innovation to support sustainability goals and reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy.

Zain took part in the opening ceremony, attended by the event’s patron, Dr Subeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, alongside Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait, ministry officials, company executives, and a distinguished group of local and international experts in energy and sustainability. This participation came as part of Zain’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in national initiatives aimed at reinforcing the principles of sustainability and digital transformation. The company firmly believes in the importance of harnessing modern technologies to serve Kuwait’s environmental and developmental objectives.

During the event, Zain hosted a dedicated booth at the accompanying exhibition, where it showcased a range of its latest ICT solutions that support sustainable goals. These included innovations in smart cities, smart meters, and other solutions that help reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. The company’s support to this national initiative reflects its continued role as a strategic government partner in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy. It also highlighted Zain Group’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with global and regional efforts to combat climate change.

Zain also took the opportunity to highlight its Smart Meters Project, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity and Water back in 2017. The project marked a key milestone in upgrading Kuwait’s energy infrastructure and paved the way for the adoption of further smart and sustainable solutions nationwide. The company reiterated its support for initiatives and projects that advance the future of clean energy and contribute to building a comprehensive national sustainability ecosystem. It emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains the optimal path to achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.

Zain has set strategic targets to reduce its carbon footprint and aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To this end, the company continues to explore cutting-edge technologies such as 5.5G, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, which can help minimize the environmental impact of the ICT sector. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and clean energy initiatives, Zain recently installed a solar panel setup at the outdoor car park in its headquarters. The initiative promotes the use of clean energy to contribute to powering the company’s buildings and reducing its carbon emissions.

Reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the journey toward a sustainable digital economy

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Dust storms sweep across Kuwait; winds surpass 60 km/h

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KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. - KUNA

KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. – KUNA

KUWAIT: Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. Speaking to KUNA on Saturday, Al-Ali attributed the unstable weather conditions to the extension of a surface depression accompanied by a hot and dry air mass. This has led to rising temperatures, soil disintegration, and an increase in airborne dust.

He urged citizens and residents, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies, to wear protective masks when heading outdoors. Al-Ali also cautioned beachgoers about high sea waves, which may reach up to seven feet, and advised highway users to exercise extreme caution due to poor visibility. The official further called on the public to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts by following the Meteorology Department through its official website, mobile application, and social media platforms. — KUNA

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Gulf Housing Week focuses on sustainable development

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KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) announced that Kuwait will host the third edition of the Gulf Housing Week from May 18 to 22, under the theme “Real Estate Development for Sustainable Housing.” Deputy Director General for Public Relations and Development and official spokesperson of PAHW, Omar Al-Ruwaih, said in a press statement that the event comes as part of ongoing efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to strengthen regional cooperation in the housing sector.

The initiative aims to enhance integration, address key housing challenges, and promote the exchange of expertise to support sustainability and improve quality of life across the region. Al-Ruwaih noted that the event will feature a wide range of activities, including panel discussions, a specialized exhibition, and the second edition of the Gulf Housing Hackathon, which will see the participation of male and female students from across the GCC.

He emphasized that the week’s agenda is designed to foster collaboration, encourage best practices in housing and urban development, and highlight the latest technologies supporting sustainable housing solutions. The event will commence with the 47th meeting of the GCC Technical Committee on Housing Affairs. The following day will see the official opening ceremony and the inauguration of the accompanying exhibition. On May 20, the 26th meeting of senior housing officials will be held, culminating on May 22 with the 23rd meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible for Housing Affairs.

Al-Ruwaih stressed that Gulf Housing Week seeks to encourage public-private partnerships, promote innovative and sustainable housing initiatives, and contribute to the development of integrated, safe residential environments for GCC citizens. A series of panel sessions will take place over three days, covering topics such as real estate development prospects in Kuwait, public-private partnerships in PAHW projects, and financing strategies for sustainable housing. Discussions will also address smart applications in Gulf housing projects, technological innovations, and solutions to housing challenges faced by the region. — KUNA

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