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GCC education ministers approve strategic initiatives to enhance regional cooperation

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KUWAIT: Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei announced the approval of three Kuwaiti initiatives during the ninth meeting of the GCC Education Ministers’ Committee, held in Kuwait on Monday in the presence of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States and the GCC Secretariat General. Speaking to KUNA following his chairmanship of the session, Al-Tabtabaei revealed that the endorsed initiatives include the unification of the educational system across Gulf states, the organization of a joint sports championship for male and female students, and the exchange of distinguished educators and talented students among GCC countries.

The minister underscored Kuwait’s commitment to advancing regional educational cooperation, stating that the initiatives aim to support sustainable development goals and align with the aspirations of Gulf societies. He affirmed Kuwait’s dedication to keeping pace with global educational advancements and enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s academic systems on both regional and international fronts. Al-Tabtabaei expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its efforts and leadership during the previous session, noting its vital role in promoting joint Gulf action in the educational sector.

For his part, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of the committee’s agenda, noting that the discussed topics directly impact the future of public education in the region. Among the key resolutions adopted was the development of a unified GCC strategy to combat drug abuse, which will be incorporated into school curricula across member states to raise student awareness. Al-Budaiwi also highlighted additional proposals presented by member states. Kuwait introduced initiatives on youth sports and unifying the educational framework, while Saudi Arabia put forward a plan to share its national education development strategy with GCC partners.

Meanwhile, Director of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, Dr Mohammad Al-Muqbil, confirmed the adoption of new strategic directives for the Bureau’s operations. He noted that the Bureau and the GCC Secretariat have been entrusted with implementing a set of tasks aligned with the collective vision of Gulf education ministries. Al-Muqbil commended Kuwait’s efforts in hosting the meeting and its continued dedication to educational development.

In a related event, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr Nader Al-Jallal stressed the importance of advancing digital transformation and strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure in the higher education sector to ensure the resilience and quality of academic services. His remarks came during the 25th meeting of the GCC Committee of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research, also held in Kuwait. Al-Jallal highlighted the central role of scientific research and innovation in driving the knowledge economy, calling for broader partnerships among universities in the Gulf region to foster a dynamic academic environment that supports scientific advancement and sustainable development.

He emphasized the need for unified educational frameworks capable of responding to rapid global changes, stressing that aligning higher education outcomes with labor market demands is no longer optional but a strategic necessity. Al-Jallal conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to attendees, wishing success for the proceedings and the continued progress of higher education across the region.

He also extended his thanks to Qatar, represented by Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah Al-Khater, for its leadership in the previous session. Secretary-General Al-Budaiwi reiterated the critical role of higher education and research in national development, describing them as pillars of societal advancement and prosperity. He noted the Gulf states’ strategic prioritization of education, citing significant achievements in institutional growth, student enrollment, and scientific output.

He reported that the number of higher education institutions in the GCC has surpassed 300, serving more than 1.8 million students. He also pointed to increased government spending on education and research, as well as expanded partnerships with leading global universities and the establishment of national research councils. Al-Budaiwi extended his appreciation to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait for supporting joint Gulf initiatives, and thanked Dr Al-Jallal and the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education for their warm hospitality and effective organization of the meeting. — KUNA

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Health Minister: Graduates are vital to Kuwait’s national health renaissance

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KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Tuesday that Kuwait’s new health projects are being developed by capable professionals and led by minds committed to hard work and integration. His remarks came in a speech delivered on his behalf by Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr Munther Al-Hasawi during a ceremony honoring Kuwaiti medical graduates from the University of Jordan.

Dr Al-Hasawi congratulated the graduates on their achievement, noting that their success was the result of perseverance, dedication and long nights of study. “This moment is a tribute to those who remained patient and committed to their goals,” he said. In his address to the honorees, Dr Al-Awadhi said, “You are called upon to actively contribute to the renaissance of your nation, particularly through participation in new national health projects — projects that are founded on competence and driven by minds that believe in collaboration and hard work.”

He stressed that the involvement of young medical professionals is not a luxury, but a national necessity and a trust that carries historical significance. Highlighting the importance of unity within the health sector, Dr Al-Awadhi said, “The success of a doctor is incomplete without a nurse. Laboratory work thrives only with accurate diagnoses, and quality healthcare requires the cooperation of all — administrators, technicians, doctors, pharmacists and support staff.”

He acknowledged the challenges facing the medical profession globally, but praised those who choose the path of medicine for their unwavering dedication. “Those who take up this profession carry a noble mission. Their resolve exceeds obstacles, and their spirits are prepared to serve with sincerity and steadfastness,” he said. Concluding his message, the minister reminded the graduates of the core values of their chosen path: “You belong to a profession whose essence is humanity and whose purpose is mercy — live up to the honor of this mission.” — KUNA

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Kuwait toughens weapons law | Kuwait Times Newspaper

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KUWAIT: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft decree-law amending key provisions of the 1991 weapons and ammunition law, introducing penalties for carrying bladed or air weapons in public without valid justification, in a move aimed at reinforcing public order and addressing growing security concerns.

Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said the new amendment criminalizes the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6 mm or more) in public spaces such as schools, mosques and markets without a legitimate reason. Offenders will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year and/or a fine of KD 500 to KD 1,000.

The amendment also targets acts of public intimidation, stipulating harsher penalties for those who deliberately frighten others using such weapons, with prison terms of one to two years and fines of KD 1,000 to KD 2,000. Additionally, the sale, import, or marketing of these weapons without official licensing is now prohibited.

The minister noted that the law empowers the minister of interior to define which weapons fall under the ban and specify the areas where the restrictions apply. “These amendments fill a previous legal gap by criminalizing actions that disturb public safety,” Al-Sumait said. “They reinforce the rule of law and reflect legislative awareness of emerging behaviors that threaten social peace.”

The Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law renaming the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. The move reflects the Kuwaiti government’s realization of the dire need for a modern and integrated piece of legislation to regulate the country’s civil aviation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Maousherji said in a press statement following the meeting.

This fresh legislation, the minister maintained, would ensure this vital sector’s required resilience to cope with global advancements in this domain. It is also deemed one of the main requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a prime determinant for licensing airports and air navigation facilities, he explained. The Cabinet decided to refer the draft decree-law to HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval. — KUNA

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Unified GCC tourist visa to launch soon

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RIYADH: A unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourist visa for non-Gulf residents will be launched soon, GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi announced on Wednesday. In a statement issued by the GCC Secretariat following the 39th meeting of directors of passport departments of the GCC ministries of interior, Al-Budaiwi expressed appreciation for the collective efforts that contributed to the development of the unified visa system.

He affirmed that the initiative aligns with the shared visions of the region’s leaderships and will support the enhancement of tourism and economic integration across member states. Al-Budaiwi also emphasized the commitment of relevant authorities to adopt advanced technologies and respond to growing global security challenges— KUNA

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