Connect with us

Latest News

GCC education ministers approve strategic initiatives to enhance regional cooperation

Published

on

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

Latest News

Workshop aims to boost governance in charitable sector

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs, organized a specialized workshop on Tuesday titled “Introduction to Compliance Management: Practical Applications” as part of its ongoing “Tamkeen” initiative. The workshop aimed to strengthen the principles of governance and institutional compliance within Kuwait’s charitable sector.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), IICO Deputy Director General and Head of the Tamkeen initiative Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa said the workshop reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting a culture of integrity, transparency and sustainability. He noted that IICO was the first charitable institution in Kuwait to establish an independent compliance and governance department in 2022 — demonstrating a proactive approach to institutional development.

Al-Mutawa highlighted that the organization has successfully met all criteria of the institutional evaluation set by the Ministry of Social Affairs, including those related to organizational structure, risk management, governance and internal controls. He added that IICO continues to develop systems and policies aimed at achieving excellence in institutional performance.

He clarified that the workshop is part of a strategic roadmap to protect organizational reputation, minimize risks and enhance administrative efficiency in the charitable field. He also revealed plans to launch a new training program soon, which will certify “compliance specialists” working in charitable societies in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, providing them with the expertise needed to excel in the field.

For her part, Acting Director of the Department of Charitable Societies and Endowments at the Ministry of Social Affairs Iman Al-Enezi said the workshop is part of a broader strategic initiative to embed a culture of compliance and governance in charitable institutions. She noted that the Tamkeen initiative, launched in 2018, aims to qualify professionals working in the sector and adapt to ongoing administrative and technical developments.

Al-Enezi pointed out that since its inception, the initiative has conducted 46 training programs benefiting over 1,500 participants from various charitable organizations. She commended the efforts of IICO and the Tamkeen initiative, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance institutional performance in Kuwait’s charitable and humanitarian sectors. The workshop was attended by senior officials from charitable associations and foundations, as well as representatives from the public sector, underscoring the joint efforts to prepare administrative cadres in line with international best practices. — KUNA

Continue Reading

Latest News

Traveling abroad and need a physical Kuwaiti driving license? Here’s what to do

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: As summer travel picks up, many expatriates have reported that Kuwait’s digital driving license is not accepted abroad, making international car rentals challenging. But this is now changing. After a suspension that began on Dec 10, 2023, the issuance of physical driving licenses for expats resumed in mid-April 2025, following ministerial decision no. 560/2025 issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. The amendment allows expatriates to reissue physical licenses for a KD 10 printing fee, effective immediately upon its publication in the official gazette Kuwait Al Youm.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process (the exact steps may vary slightly by location):

1. Visit the traffic department (muroor):

Head to the traffic department of the governorate that originally issued your license — this might differ from your current governorate of residence. Keep in mind that working hours and queues can vary for citizens, expats and companies.

2. Request the application form:

Go to the typing section and request a form to issue a physical driving license. This service usually costs KD 1. You will need to attach:

• A copy of your Civil ID

• A copy of your current digital license (from the Kuwait Mobile ID app)

• Your previous physical license (if available)

3. Form submission and payment:

• Submit the filled form at one of the designated counters for verification and stamping.

• Then, proceed to pay the KD 10 reissuance fee.

• Note: If you no longer have your previous physical license, an additional KD 10 fee may apply.

4. Final submission and collection:

Submit the signed and stamped form at the designated printing counter, then wait for your name to be called. Your physical license will be printed and issued shortly, depending on the number of applicants.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Nod to humanitarian work law

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: A high-level government committee entrusted to regulate charity and humanitarian activities in Kuwait approved on Wednesday a draft law for humanitarian work in the country with the aim to boost transparency and accountability. The charitable work committee, headed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, has been working for the past several months to increase official oversight over a number of charity organizations in Kuwait that have carried out a large number of charity projects inside and outside Kuwait.

The approval came after the ministry of social affairs ordered charity organizations in Kuwait, a majority of which are run by Islamic societies, to halt their work for several weeks in a bid to regulate them. The ministry and the committee both issued stricter reforms to boost transparency of the charity organizations and the government’s oversight of their work.

The draft law aims to strengthen the principles of governance, reinforce transparency and accountability and enhance the efficiency of implementing charitable initiatives and projects, a statement said. Once officially approved, the new draft legislation is expected to mark a significant step in organizing humanitarian work practices, improve policies and regulations and bolster local and domestic trust in the organizations operating in the charity sector.

For the past several decades, Kuwait has played a leading role among the oil-rich Gulf states in charitable work, with a large number of charity projects all over the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa.

Separately, the interior ministry announced on Wednesday residency detectives busted a network selling visas to expats for money, the second such bust this week. The ministry said a complaint by a Pakistani who paid KD 650 for a residence permit to another Pakistani led to busting the network.

Investigations revealed that the accused, who admitted to receiving the money, is a partner in 11 companies with 162 workers on their records. A number of workers registered on these companies admitted to paying sums ranging between KD 500 and KD 900 to obtain residency permits. Investigations also revealed that some of them paid additional sums ranging between KD 60 and KD 70 to falsify salary data on work permits to obtain family residency permits.

A Kuwaiti was also summoned as an authorized signatory for the 11 companies, admitting to receiving monthly sums ranging between KD 500 and KD 600. The ministry said the 12 suspects were referred to the public prosecution, confirming that investigations, arrests and inspections of the headquarters of the concerned companies are underway.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .