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CBK, KIA to borrow locally, globally

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Finance ministry authorizes state bodies to conduct loan operations on its behalf

KUWAIT: Minister of Finance Noura Al-Fassam on Sunday issued a decision authorizing the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) to borrow from the domestic and global markets, respectively, in favor of the ministry in implementation of the newly issued public debt law.

The two bodies will conduct the borrowing processes for the current fiscal year 2025/2026, which started on April 1, in consultation and prior arrangements with the ministry of finance, said the decision, without providing details about the amounts to be borrowed. Kuwait issued a new debt law in March, putting a ceiling of KD 30 billion on public debt and maturity at 50 years. It will be the first time Kuwait returns to borrowing since 2017.

Published in the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum, the decree is based on the Amiri decree-law regarding financing, liquidity and public debt strategy, as well as the approved financing plan for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. According to the first article of the decree, the CBK is authorized — on behalf of and in coordination with the ministry — to conduct

domestic loan operations in Kuwaiti dinars or major convertible foreign currencies. These operations must follow internationally recognized financial instruments and practices.

The second article authorizes KIA to conduct external loan operations in major convertible foreign currencies from the global market, also on behalf of and in coordination with the ministry, and in line with international financial practices. The third article mandates the relevant authorities to implement the decree within their respective jurisdictions and submit periodic reports to the minister of finance on actions taken under its provisions.

Director of public debt at the finance ministry Faisal Al-Muzaini said last week the state is expected to borrow between KD 3 to 6 billion during the current fiscal year to finance development projects. Al-Muzaini also said that the ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) in Kuwait is very small at just 2.9 percent, whereas it is 60 to 70 percent in many countries. He said that the 2025-2030 five-year strategic borrowing plan will be determined by oil prices, global markets and risks associated with borrowing.

Finance ministry undersecretary Aseel Al-Munaifi also said last week the new debt law will stimulate the economic environment and promote foreign investments into Kuwait, besides accelerating economic growth and strengthening the banking system in Kuwait. She said that a law regulating the issuance of sukuk, or Islamic bonds, is expected to be issued soon as it is being reviewed by authorities at the council of ministers.

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MoI arrests 153 in crackdown

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 153 violators and wanted individuals during a wide-scale security campaign conducted across the country. The crackdown comes in line with the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, as part of ongoing efforts to uphold public order and enforce the rule of law.

In a statement issued Monday, the General Department of Security Relations and Media said the campaign was launched at dawn last Thursday under the direct supervision of Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Ali Al-Adwani. It targeted several densely populated areas, including Hawally, Salmiya, Jahra and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. The ministry stressed that operations carried out by the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigations are continuing to track down violators of residency and labor laws. It reiterated that legal accountability will extend to both workers and employers, affirming that no leniency will be shown towards any violator.

In a separate development, the Ministry of Interior reported the arrest of a citizen accused of operating an illegal cryptocurrency mining in a rented property in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City. The ministry noted that cryptocurrency mining is prohibited due to its high electricity consumption, which places significant strain on the national power grid and threatens its stability.

The ministry’s Public Relations and Security Media Department explained that the arrest was made following field investigations, which revealed that the house in question belonged to an individual whose citizenship was recently revoked. A search warrant was obtained from the Public Prosecution, and the property was subsequently raided.

During initial investigations, the accused confessed to resuming mining activities two weeks prior, having previously concealed the equipment amid an earlier security campaign. The ministry confirmed that the mining devices were confiscated and that the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy was notified to take appropriate technical and legal action regarding the illegal power usage. The suspect has been referred to the competent authorities for further legal procedures. — KUNA

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Kuwait’s Health Ministry nears completion of 2 hospitals; 16 projects in pipeline

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KUWAIT: Kuwait is implementing an ambitious national strategy to modernize its healthcare infrastructure, improve service quality, and expand access to treatment. Under the framework of its 2024/2025 development plan, the country has allocated around KD 140 million to a portfolio of 20 public health projects aimed at improving care delivery and long-term system sustainability. According to the Ministry of Health, 13 of these projects are currently in the execution phase, three are in preparatory stages, two are in final delivery, and two have been completed.

Major projects underway

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Assistant Undersecretary for Engineering and Projects at the Ministry of Health Ibrahim Al-Nahham, said the ministry is working to complete several large-scale health infrastructure projects in line with international standards. One of the latest additions to Kuwait’s healthcare infrastructure is the New Maternity Hospital in the Sabah Health Zone, which was inaugurated in April. So far, only the outpatient clinic has been opened to patients, while the main facility — which includes operating and delivery rooms as well as inpatient wards — is expected to open soon, according to a KTV report aired this week.

Four major construction projects are currently underway: The New Sabah Hospital; The New Adan Hospital; The Communicable Diseases Hospital; and The Kuwait Cancer Center. The latter two are expected to open in the coming days, Al-Nahham told KUNA.

The New Sabah Hospital spans over 88,710 square meters with a total built-up area of 280,636 square meters. It features 512 inpatient beds, 105 ICU beds, and 72 outpatient clinics across multiple specialties. The main facility consists of three towers, a helipad for emergency transport, and support buildings, including parking and technical services.

The Communicable Diseases Hospital will offer 224 inpatient beds and eight ICU beds. It also includes departments for emergency services, radiology, pharmacy, and medical records. The Kuwait Cancer Center will cover 226,525 square meters and is planned to operate with 618 beds using fully automated systems.

As for the New Adan Hospital, it is being developed as a multi-facility complex of seven interconnected buildings, including a maternity and pediatrics hospital, a surgical building, rehabilitation center, and administrative offices for the Ahmadi Health Zone. Underground tunnels will connect the facilities to streamline operations and patient care.

International collaboration

In parallel with infrastructure upgrades, Kuwait continues to strengthen its cooperation with international and regional partners. This includes agreements to support medical training, digital systems, and public health initiatives. Locally, several memoranda of understanding have been signed with other government entities to promote the National Healthy Cities Strategy. The goal is to raise awareness on healthy living and convert policy strategies into actionable projects.

Internationally, the Ministry of Health has held a series of meetings in recent months with European Union ambassadors and health representatives to exchange expertise and explore training and research collaboration. In July, Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi signed five memoranda of understanding with leading medical institutions in Paris to support knowledge exchange and bilateral health cooperation. The partnerships aim to enhance specialized care in areas such as oncology, cardiology, and organ transplants. One of the key components is the development of telemedicine services that would allow Kuwaiti patients and physicians to access expert opinions and diagnostic support remotely.

Healthy cities initiative

The ministry also continues its long-term collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), which formally opened a country office in Kuwait four years ago. WHO has recognized Kuwait’s ongoing initiatives to promote public health and sustainability. Kuwait launched its Healthy Cities initiative around a decade ago, aligning with global efforts to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As of this year, 18 Kuwaiti cities are registered on the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Healthy Cities Network, and seven have received formal recognition. According to the United Nations, a “healthy city” is not one that is already healthy, but one that commits to improving the living environment for all residents. The WHO defines such cities as places that prioritize health in urban planning, promote community participation, and support equitable access to services.

The government also invests heavily in the development of local medical talent. This includes scholarships for Kuwaiti students to study medicine and pharmacy abroad, as well as cooperation agreements with universities and health institutions worldwide. The goal is to build a workforce capable of meeting future health challenges.

In recent months, Kuwait successfully conducted nine advanced robotic surgeries remotely, demonstrating the growing capabilities of its local medical teams. This reflects broader efforts to reduce the number of patients sent abroad for treatment by expanding access to specialized care locally. — Agencies

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The courage to choose passion over tradition

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The courage to choose passion over tradition

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