KUWAIT: Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, welcomed John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, to Zain’s headquarters as part of his official visit to Kuwait. John Lee was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Hong Kong and China during his visit to Zain, which came as part of his wider visit to Kuwait from May 13–14.
His visit included meetings with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, and other senior government officials. Also in attendance were Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah, Advisor in the Diwan of His Highness the Prime Minister; Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait; and senior officials from both sides.
Bader Al-Kharafi stated: “We are committed to implementing the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to advance Kuwait’s transformation into a regional hub for the digital economy and create an attractive environment for investment led by the private sector. This visit aligns with that wise vision, as Kuwait and Hong Kong enjoy longstanding friendly relations.” Al-Kharafi welcomed the Chief Executive and his accompanying delegation, adding: “The two regions collaborate across various investment, trade, and economic fields at both governmental and private sector levels. This visit presents an opportunity to expand those horizons.”
Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO Bader Al-Kharafi and Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee
Al-Kharafi presenting Zain’s strategy during the meeting.
Bader Al-Kharafi addressing the delegation.
Bader Al-Kharafi and John Lee exchange commemorative gifts.
Bader Al-Kharafi and John Lee with the delegation and Zain’s leadership at the company’s HQ
He continued: “Hong Kong has long been recognized as one of the world’s most important international financial centers. Thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and favorable business environment, it stands as an ideal business hub. Moreover, it is a leader in innovation and among the top global centers for asset and cross-border wealth management.” Al-Kharafi added: “Our discussions with Chief Executive John Lee and his delegation explored ways to expand digital transformation initiatives, enhance telecom infrastructure, drive business growth, and explore opportunities for collaboration in 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and potential strategic partnerships.”
He further explained: “We also explored cutting-edge applications in ICT, digital innovation, and emerging technologies, and their impact on supporting digital economies. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most service-oriented economies and is deeply involved in R&D, particularly in AI.” He continued: “This visit was also an opportunity to present the highlights of our new five-year strategy, through which we aim to reinforce Zain’s regional leadership and steer the Group’s efforts toward building the largest tech conglomerate in the Middle East and Africa.”
The visiting delegation was introduced to Zain’s 40+ year journey of achievements in telecom and technology, and its decisive steps toward becoming a fully integrated digital service provider across the Middle East and Africa. They also explored Zain’s efforts to support government and enterprise clients and its impactful initiatives in sustainability, inclusion, diversity, and equity—areas in which Zain is recognized as a leader across its footprint. The Group also presented its strategic roadmap amid major shifts in the tech sector, led by its bold five-year strategy “4WARD,” which focuses on sustainability, capability building, and targeted growth.
Zain has built a strong legacy that positions it well for future market changes. It has launched major regional entities across several business areas, including: ZainTECH, the region’s leading brand in digital services, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity, Zain Omantel International (ZOI), a game-changer in wholesale telecom, TASC Towers, the largest tower portfolio manager in the Middle East and Africa, Zain Ventures, the Group’s investment arm, Tamam, the Group’s micro-lending platform, Zain Cash, the digital wallet and money transfer service, BEDE, the fintech platform spearheading Zain’s regional financial services expansion, Dizlee, the API platform, and Zain Esports.
The “4WARD” strategy is anchored in four pillars: Customer Delight, Digital Zain, Purpose and Action, and Collaborative Growth. It offers a roadmap to expand Zain’s business footprint through sector diversification, synergy programs, and strategic partnerships—steps deemed crucial for long-term growth. The accompanying Hong Kong and Chinese delegation included senior government officials such as the Deputy Financial Secretary, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, the Commissioner for the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai.
Also present were prominent business leaders, including the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Chairwoman of the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong), Vice Chairperson of Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), Managing Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Gaw Capital, and senior executives from Bank of China (Hong Kong) and various leading technology, financial and consulting firms.
KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of the Public Authority for Industry (PAI) Khalifa Al-Ajeel said on Monday that protecting the commercial and industrial system is a “national responsibility that requires concerted efforts.”
Minister Al-Ajeel emphasized in a statement to KUNA following an extensive inspection campaign in the south Amghara scrap yard, to “firmly deal with all violations and encroachments in accordance with legal frameworks where no one is above the law.”
Al-Ajeel confirmed the continuation of inspection campaigns as well until the desired goals are reached, foremost being is restoring order and discipline to the area and removing all violations and encroachments.
He affirmed the ministry and the PAI’s commitment to cooperating with relevant authorities to continue these campaigns to ensure a safe and organized industrial and commercial environment.
The campaign resulted in the seizure of several violations and closure of several non-compliant units in preparation for taking necessary legal action against their exploiters.
Participating in the campaign was General Fire Force (KFF) Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi, along with several executive leaders from the PAI. — KUNA
CAIRO: The 56th regular session of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights commenced on Monday with the participation of Kuwait and representatives from Arab states concerned with human rights affairs. In his opening address, Ahmed Maghari, supervisor of the Human Rights Department at the League of Arab States, underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it a stark indicator of the region’s human rights reality. “We cannot speak of the state of human rights without acknowledging the catastrophic conditions faced by our brothers in Gaza, where securing the most basic necessities has become a matter of survival,” he said. Maghari described the ongoing Zionist aggression in Gaza as a profound moral and humanitarian challenge, noting that the Palestinian people continue to endure daily suffering under constant bombardment, displacement and destruction. He lamented the international community’s continued inaction in the face of clear violations of international law and human rights norms. “The occupying power persists in defying international legitimacy and the decisions of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice,” he said.
The 56th session of the Arab Permanent Committee on Human Rights kicks off, chaired by Kuwait.- KUNA photos
Held at a time of mounting regional tensions, the session comes amid escalating challenges that directly affect fundamental human rights. Maghari highlighted the Committee’s historic role since its establishment in 1968 in developing the Arab human rights framework both legally and practically, while also fostering cooperation with regional and international partners. He expressed hope that the session would yield effective recommendations to help confront the pressing challenges in the region. He pointed to the rise of conflicts and violence globally, along with the resulting serious human rights violations, as major concerns.
Emerging issues such as the intersection of human rights with climate change, artificial intelligence, and the spread of alien ideologies that undermine human dignity were also noted. “In light of these challenges, we must reinforce our solidarity and collective action to enhance peace, stability, and the security of our societies,” Maghari added. The two-day session, chaired by Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights, will review the General Secretariat’s report on the implementation of previous recommendations up to the 55th session.
Discussions will also focus on Zionist violations in occupied Arab territories, the plight of Arab prisoners and detainees in Zionist prisons, and the issue of the bodies of Palestinian and Arab martyrs held in so-called “numbered cemeteries.” Other agenda items include the Arab Charter on Human Rights and preparations for Arab Human Rights Day, which will be observed on March 16, 2026. Kuwait is represented at the meeting by a delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.— KUNA
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