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Kuwait hailed as a beacon of regional media leadership

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KUWAIT: Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi praised Kuwait’s selection as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025, which represents a well-deserved recognition of its pioneering role in supporting Arab media, strengthening cultural identity, and reinforcing professional values. Speaking at the opening of the 20th Arab Media Forum that was held on Saturday under the theme ‘Media Challenges in the Era of Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation’, the minister noted that this designation coincides with the current forum session, giving it special momentum to continue delivering the media message with advanced vision and collective responsibility.

He emphasized that digital media has become the main driver of societal trends, an effective tool in shaping public opinion, building awareness, and enhancing interaction between individuals and institutions, stressing the importance of adapting to rapid technological transformations with professional competence and strategic foresight for a more advanced media future. He highlighted Kuwait’s continued leadership, crediting the support of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for consolidating Kuwait’s media position through strengthened infrastructure and strategic initiatives.

Among the most notable of these initiatives, he said, was the launch of a virtual reality documentation platform that archives Kuwait’s cultural and media heritage for future generations, blending authenticity with modernity. The Minister expressed pride in the United Arab Emirates being chosen as the guest of honor, calling it a “Well-deserved choice for a country that has made a clear mark in supporting Arab media, embracing the latest technologies, and producing content that reflects its regional and global leadership.”

He added that the Arab Media Forum has become a dynamic platform for addressing media issues and sharing expertise, stating “This year’s edition will explore the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital platforms. And there is a need to develop professional and legislative frameworks that align with these changes.”

For his part, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al-Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, called for the adoption of a joint Arab media legislative framework to curb the negative use of digital platforms, emphasizing the need to promote social responsibility and protect freedom of expression from abuse and misinformation. He expressed the UAE’s pride in being named the guest of honor and extended his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait, especially His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, for this generous gesture.

Al-Hamed emphasized that the UAE’s media strategy is rooted in a firm belief that the media is a key development partner, reflecting current achievements and envisioning future possibilities, noting that the UAE is working to develop a modern media system that aligns with global progress and expresses Islamic, Arab and human values. Despite the opportunities presented by social media, he warned of the dangers of misuse, particularly in spreading rumors, inciting division, and threatening societal stability, stressing the need for Arab cooperation to confront such challenges.

He concluded by stating that the media is a civilizational weapon and an effective tool for enlightenment and influence, urging it to be used as a bridge for communication between nations and a foundation for building a bright future for the region. In his remarks, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum Madi Abdullah Al Khamis praised its leadership in Arab media and its vital role in advancing the industry. He reaffirmed that the forum has always worked to build an independent Arab media framework capable of meeting challenges and driving development.

Al Khamis pointed out that Arab media today faces unprecedented challenges, especially digital transformation, the rise of numerous platforms, and the blurring of truth and fiction, explaining that these developments require a complete reassessment of the media ecosystem, with a focus on responsibility in communication, maintaining professionalism, and updating media tools. He stated “The real challenge lies not only in adapting to change, but in leading it with wisdom, vision, and innovation,” concluding by celebrating Kuwait’s selection as Capital of Arab Culture and Media, describing it as “authentic Arab recognition of Kuwait’s deep-rooted role in supporting free thought and media leadership.”

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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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