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Inter-ministerial coordination drives development and service integration

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KUWAIT: Inter-ministerial coordination in Kuwait has witnessed a marked rise, reflecting strategic reforms in the administration of public services and state institutions. This growing synergy among ministries and government entities has resulted in significant achievements across various vital sectors, laying the groundwork for new developmental and service-oriented horizons. Institutional integration has played a key role in propelling major national projects forward, supporting unified efforts in areas such as electricity conservation, combating illegal cryptocurrency mining, accelerating digital transformation and boosting infrastructure maintenance across the country.

A prime example of high-level coordination is the activation of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Kuwait and China, particularly in strategic ventures such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. These agreements highlight joint efforts between relevant state bodies to push forward key development initiatives. In line with Kuwait Vision 2035, the government has stepped up cooperation between the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Public Works, and others to strengthen bilateral relations with China and fast-track the execution of major infrastructure projects.

The housing sector has also received considerable attention. In March, a Coordinating Committee was formed to oversee the provision of services for housing projects. The committee, which includes representatives from eight government bodies, is tasked with ensuring the completion of housing initiatives and aligning inter-agency efforts in the operation and maintenance of current and future residential areas. It also defines the entities responsible for receiving completed buildings in accordance with set timelines.

The committee includes members from the Ministries of Finance, Public Works, Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and Communications, along with Kuwait Municipality, the Public Authority for Roads and Transportation (PART), the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, and Kuwait Credit Bank. This reflects the government’s commitment to consolidating efforts in this critical sector.

Government efforts to promote electricity conservation have been reinforced by the formation of a dedicated committee comprising various ministries and agencies. This committee is developing a comprehensive awareness program to highlight the importance of conservation, both economically and environmentally. Government bodies have issued guidelines to reduce energy consumption, initiated national campaigns, partnered with the Ministry of Electricity, and deployed inspection teams to ensure compliance across facilities.

Earlier this month, the Higher Committee for Energy began reviewing the National Energy Transformation Document 2024, prepared by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). The document, a key reference for national energy development, is under review by representatives from Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, the Ministry of Finance, the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP), the Public Authority for Industry, the Environment Public Authority and Kuwait Municipality.

In a parallel move, joint coordination among state entities resulted in a successful nationwide campaign targeting illegal cryptocurrency mining. The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and the Public Authority for Industry, carried out the campaign in April, uncovering multiple non-compliant residences, seizing mining equipment, and initiating legal action against violators. The Public Prosecution has since launched investigations into 31 reports of illegal electricity usage tied to cryptocurrency mining in 59 homes, questioning 116 individuals involved.

As part of Kuwait’s digital transformation agenda, a large-scale coordination workshop was held in April, gathering representatives from 38 government bodies involved in the Sahel app. The workshop reviewed key performance indicators, noting that over 91 million services have been delivered via Sahel since its launch in September 2021, with the user base reaching 2.7 million. Government agencies continue to reengineer their services in line with digital journey standards, aiming to improve efficiency, streamline procedures, and enhance user experience through data-driven development.

Meanwhile, coordination between governors and various state authorities has been strengthened through regular meetings and field visits. These efforts aim to unify work mechanisms and enhance service delivery across governorates. Since the nationwide road maintenance initiative launched in December, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Interior, and PART have maintained close collaboration to implement the plan according to schedule. Ongoing inspections are being carried out to ensure quality and efficiency, supporting a broader strategy to improve road networks, enhance safety, and accommodate urban expansion and rising transportation needs.

In efforts to boost government sector performance, the Civil Service Commission, in coordination with 13 government entities, introduced evening working hours in January. Following a series of meetings, the participating bodies established a framework to deliver services during both morning and evening shifts. The initiative aims to improve work environments, enhance productivity, and elevate the quality and speed of service delivery to citizens and residents. — KUNA

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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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