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NBK ‘the Diamond Sponsor’ for Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week Conference

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KUWAIT: In continuation of its leading and responsible efforts in the field of sustainability, National Bank of Kuwait was the diamond sponsor for “Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week” conference, which will be held from 11 to 13 May, in line with Kuwait spearheading the Board of Trustees of the Regional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. Through this sponsorship, NBK confirms its commitment to supporting initiatives of sustainability and efforts of clean energy transformation in Kuwait and the region. Several government institutions and leading private sector companies participated in this conference, further echoing the national cooperation towards achieving a more sustainable future.

NBK’s sustainability team participated in a discussion panel titled “Accelerating Sustainability through Green Projects and Businesses” to highlight the bank’s leadership in green projects and its continuous efforts to fully integrate sustainable practices within its operations and institutional culture, further contributing to achieving sustainable development as per international practices.

The conference aimed to strengthen regional cooperation in essential fields such as research and development, advanced technologies in renewable energy sectors, energy efficiency, sustainable energy applications, in addition to the latest environmental technology tools. Moreover, it aimed to shed light on the most recent national innovations and initiatives in the fields of energy, water, and the environment, and enhance fruitful cooperation with international organizations, prestigious scientific research centers, and leading energy companies.

The conference included in-depth workshops and discussions about the latest international developments in energy policies and the effective ways of contributing to developing strategies that further support clean energy transformation and sustainability goals in the region. It should be noted that this conference is a great platform for interactive exchange of ideas and innovative insights on clean energy transformation, which further enhances effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. As for the community, the conference raised awareness and encouraged innovation about using renewable and sustainable sources of energy and highlight its positive effect upon economic growth, such as attracting local and international renewable energy investments.

Many topics were explored in the conference, the most significant of which were policies that support investments in sustainable energy projects, ways of building a sustainable future for coming generations, the exchange of knowledge among participants, the latest international trends in clean energy transformation, and awareness and innovation in this field. NBK’s participation in this event reflects its commitment to boosting sustainable development and supporting a low-carbon economy in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035 and international sustainable development goals, as it believes in the importance of the collaborative efforts of all sectors to achieve a safe and sustainable future for all.

The bank has come a long way in our sustainability and clean-energy transformation efforts, asit made remarkable progress in the four pillars of the bank’s environmental, social and institutional governance strategy which include Governance for Resilience, Responsible Banking, Capitalizing on Capabilities, and Investing in Communities. All these have contributed to enhancing NBK’s leading role in building a better and more sustainable future. Moreover, NBK is keen on cooperating with strategic partners to constantly support sustainable practices and promote Kuwait’s agenda for lowering carbon emissions and relying on renewable energy.

NBK emphasizes its commitment to long-term sustainable practices and low operational effects by implementing low-carbon and energy efficiency initiatives, as this has helped the bank move in the right direction towards achieving low operational emissions and ultimately carbon neutrality by 2060. It is noteworthy that NBK received several prestigious classifications from international institutions, which highlights its commitment to sustainability and governance, confirms its progress in integrating ESG standards in its core strategy, and enhances its leading role in implementing the best international practices.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water, Renewable Energy honored NBK in appreciation of its sponsorship of the “Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week” Conference, as well as its efforts in supporting sustainability initiatives, enhancing the future for upcoming generations, and effective contributions towards clean energy transformation locally and regionally.

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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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