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Info undersecretaries meet ahead of ministerial meeting

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KUWAIT: Undersecretaries of information ministries from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states convened in Kuwait on Sunday for a preparatory meeting ahead of the 28th GCC Information Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for Monday. Chairing the session, Kuwaiti Information Ministry Undersecretary Dr Nasser Muhaisen emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the Gulf media sector, particularly amid rapid digital transformation. He highlighted the sector’s vital role in safeguarding social cohesion and reinforcing a collective Gulf identity.

Dr Muhaisen conveyed the greetings of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, expressing his best wishes for a productive meeting. He praised the ongoing efforts to bolster joint Gulf media initiatives and called for continued cooperation to foster a robust and dynamic media landscape.

“This meeting represents a key platform for exchanging expertise, shaping strategic visions, and launching innovative media projects that reflect the ambitions of our societies for a more integrated and prosperous future,” he said. Underscoring the media’s growing influence in shaping public awareness and enhancing regional stability, Dr Muhaisen noted the importance of unified messaging in addressing common challenges and promoting the GCC’s presence on regional and international stages.

He further stressed the need for developing national media talent, modernizing media-related legislation, and embracing advanced technologies to support the Gulf media message. “These elements are essential for building a sustainable and effective media system,” he said, adding that periodic Gulf meetings serve to align media strategies and support shared objectives. Dr Muhaisen extended his sincere appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat, Khaled Al-Sunaidi, and the supporting teams for their efforts in organizing the meeting. He concluded by invoking God’s blessings for the success of the gathering under the leadership of the GCC heads of state.

In his address, Al-Sunaidi expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for Kuwait’s steadfast support of joint Gulf initiatives, particularly in the media sector. He also congratulated Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on his appointment as Director-General of the Joint Program Production Institution, wishing him success in his new role and affirming the Secretariat’s commitment to advancing collaborative media efforts.

Al-Sunaidi highlighted several key topics on the meeting’s agenda, including proposed initiatives under the GCC’s Joint Media Cooperation Strategic Plan (2023–2030). These include Kuwait’s proposals for the Excellence and Electronic Publishing Award, the “Gulf of Pride and Glory” and “Behind the Scenes” programs, enhanced cooperation among radio and television libraries, and the integration of artificial intelligence in media. He also cited additional proposals from the Secretariat, such as establishing a Gulf Media Forum, launching a media leaders initiative, and promoting Gulf media dialogues, all aimed at elevating regional media collaboration and innovation. — KUNA

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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