KUWAIT: A team of Kuwaiti and international bird experts recorded the sighting of rare oceanic bird species during a recent expedition in Kuwaiti territorial waters, the Environment Public Authority’s bird monitoring and protection team member Mohammad Al-Hudhaina said on Sunday. Among the notable discoveries were the short-tailed shearwater and the arctic skua, both considered unusual sightings in the region. According to Al-Hudhaina, this marks only the fourth recorded appearance of the short-tailed shearwater in Kuwait.
The bird was previously observed in 2014, 2021, and again earlier this month during the current voyage. Al-Hudhaina noted that the short-tailed shearwater is typically found across the Pacific Ocean, ranging from the North to the South Pole. “Its presence outside its native migratory route is rare,” he said, adding that the bird is similar in size to the common gull and is distinguished by its unique and efficient hunting style.
Short-tailed shearwater
Commenting on the arctic skua, Al-Hudhaina said it appears sporadically in small numbers in Kuwait during migration periods. “It is one of the fastest and most agile seabirds in flight, capable of sharp acceleration that gives it a predatory profile,” he explained. Known for its opportunistic feeding behavior, the arctic skua often chases gulls and terns mid-air and is notably larger than the common gull, making it identifiable from a distance.
These rare observations underscore Kuwait’s role as a significant environmental station along the migratory routes of seabirds, Al-Hudhaina affirmed. He emphasized that the continued efforts of local and international experts contribute to documenting the rich biodiversity of Kuwait’s marine ecosystem. The survey team included Kuwaiti birdwatchers Abdulrahman Al-Sarhan, Omar Al-Shaheen and Hamoud Al-Shaiji, as well as European specialists Peter Alfre from England and Belgian observers Vincent Legrand and Julien Hainaut. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Education Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei said on Saturday that the 35th anniversary of Iraq’s brutal August 2, 1990 invasion marks a national milestone: a time to recall one of Kuwait’s severest ordeals and the people’s unity behind their leadership until sovereignty was restored. In a statement carried by the ministry, he noted that wars leave deep scars on every part of life, as the invasion halted schooling and disrupted the educational process, depriving students and teachers of their basic right to learn. That bitter lesson, he added, showed that losing a homeland is irreplaceable and losing education is among the harshest consequences; together, homeland and education form the bedrock of human dignity and a stable, prosperous future. Security and stability, therefore, are the foundation of sustainable learning and a thriving society, he added. Al-Tabtabaei underlined that the Ministry’s mission extends beyond curricula to a comprehensive national project that shapes young people’s awareness and plants loyalty and belonging, with national identity as a fixed pillar safeguarding Kuwait’s security and stability. Under Kuwait’s wise leadership, education remains a top priority, he said, mentioning that the ministry continues to create a safe, motivating learning environment, widen learning opportunities, and advance education at every stage, recognizing the importance of this right and the duty to protect and develop it. He prayed that Allah Almighty would envelop Kuwait’s martyrs in mercy, guard the country from all harm, and keep the banner of knowledge flying high under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the guidance of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah on Saturday said the anniversary of the August 2 (1990) Iraqi invasion of the country would remain a landmark in Kuwait’s history.
Marking its 35th anniversary, the minister said in a statement the Kuwaiti people’s steadfastness and their heroic sacrifices in facing the insidious aggression embodied the solid national unity. He hailed the great sacrifices by the blessed Kuwaiti martyrs who deemed Kuwait with their blood, and prayed for their souls.
Moreover, the minister of defense praised the eminent role of the political leadership for liberating the country from the occupation’s claws, solidarity between the leadership and the people, the martyrs’ sacrifices and the people’s steadfastness.
He also noted that support by brotherly and friendly states was crucial for facing the aggression and liberating the State of Kuwait.
Furthermore, the minister affirmed that the Kuwaiti Armed Forced would remain ready and overhaul their capacities in line with their commitment to safeguard Kuwait and remain faithful to the martyrs, under the sagacious leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Moroccan Ambassador to Kuwait Ali Ibn Issa reaffirmed the deep-rooted and historic relations between Morocco and Kuwait, emphasizing the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood that unite the two nations and their leadership.
Speaking during a reception held by the Moroccan Embassy on Wednesday evening to mark the Morocco’s Throne Day, the ambassador highlighted the wide scope of cooperation between the two countries, spanning various sectors. The event was attended by Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah.
Ambassador Ibn Issa noted that while several bilateral agreements have already been signed, there remains a pressing need to activate and implement them more effectively. “We are currently working with various Kuwaiti institutions, and I thank the officials here for their support and responsiveness as we aim to elevate bilateral relations to even greater heights,” he said.
KUWAIT: Minister Amthal Al-Huwaila and Moroccan Ambassador Ali Ibn Issa are seen in discussion at a reception held by the Moroccan Embassy on Wednesday evening to mark Throne Day.
More than 23,000 visitors
On the tourism front, the ambassador praised Morocco’s success in attracting international visitors, pointing out that 2023 was a record-breaking year with 17.5 million tourists visiting the country. Among them were more than 23,000 Kuwaiti visitors—a notable increase compared to previous years, which typically saw around 16,000 to 17,000.
He expressed satisfaction with the growing interest from Kuwaiti travelers and noted that the increase in Kuwait Airways flights to Morocco—now up to four per week—is a clear indication of the destination’s rising popularity.
Trade on the rise
Regarding investment ties, Ambassador Ibn Issa said Kuwaiti investments in Morocco have spanned many years and continue to be active today. He emphasized Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve its business climate to attract further investment, particularly from Arab nations, with Kuwait being a key partner.
“There are many encouraging factors that make Morocco an attractive destination for Kuwaiti investors, both from the public and private sectors,” he added.
The ambassador concluded his remarks by pointing to the growth in trade between the two countries. While he did not cite updated figures, he confirmed that commercial exchange is on an upward trend and expressed optimism about further expansion in the near future.