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Sharp decline in marriages between Kuwaiti men and non-Kuwaiti women raises debate

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KUWAIT: Recent official statistics have revealed a significant decline in the number of marriages between Kuwaiti men and non-Kuwaiti women during the first months of 2025. The data shows a 27 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2024, with only 239 marriages recorded by the end of March 2025 – down from 326 during the same timeframe last year. The data indicates that most of these marriages were with women from Gulf countries, accounting for 74 cases.

This was followed by marriages with stateless women (30 cases); Iraqis and Syrians (26 cases each); Asians (23 cases) and Egyptians (14 cases). The list also included marriages to women of other nationalities, such as Jordanians, Lebanese, Yemenis, Europeans, Americans and Africans. For many Kuwaitis, the decision to marry a non-Kuwaiti is not just a matter of the heart, it’s a journey through social stigma and legal ambiguities.

Speaking to Kuwait Times, one Kuwaiti citizen opened up about his personal experience, shedding light on the complex challenges faced by Kuwaitis who choose to marry outside their nationality. Regarding refraining from marrying non-Kuwaitis, he said “There’s often a stigma attached, where people fear how their associates and family members might react or treat them going forward. It’s not always openly hostile, but there’s an unspoken tension.”

The citizen, who fell in love with a woman outside Kuwait, described the marriage process as “a hassle,” particularly from a legal standpoint, explaining “Both parties are required to have a Civil ID to proceed with a marriage. But getting a Civil ID for a non-Kuwaiti spouse can be incredibly complicated due to heightened scrutiny. This creates a kind of legal limbo.” While the laws themselves may appear straightforward on paper, the reality is far more challenging.

He pointed out “Yes, the laws don’t explicitly prohibit such marriages, but the bureaucratic roadblocks make it very difficult in practice.” Despite expectations, he shared that his family reacted positively to their decision, saying “Their reaction was surprisingly good. I was expecting more resistance, but they were supportive.” As more young Kuwaitis seek to forge relationships beyond national boundaries, many are calling for reforms to simplify the legal process and reduce the stigma surrounding cross-national marriages.

A growing public debate in Kuwait has reignited over the implications of Kuwaiti women marrying non-Kuwaitis, with citizens expressing economic, social, and cultural concerns surrounding this phenomenon. Mohammad Al-Fadhli, a Kuwaiti citizen, voiced alarm over the financial burden such marriages could place on the state. “Imagine 19,000 Kuwaiti men married to non-Kuwaitis, and if each of them has three children, that’s 57,000 children. If each child costs the state KD 9.615 million over their lifetime, we are talking about an economic disaster. That’s KD 547 million in total! These figures are a disaster.” He called for the state to continue to encourage Kuwaiti men and women to marry from their own people and not mess with demographics and state funds.

Meanwhile, Lolwa expressed her concern about the impact of such marriages on national identity and traditions, saying “Our traditions and demographics are at risk. In Gulf countries, we are deeply rooted in our heritage no matter how modern the times become. Yes, we adapt to change, but our customs remain part of our daily lives. I thank the Minister of Interior for the great role he plays in preserving our country.” She notes that some non-Kuwaiti women may come from a non-conservative background that does not resemble the customs and traditions of the people of Kuwait, which will affect her children not adopting their father’s background.

In his turn, Rashida, a Kuwaiti citizen, offered a broader analysis of the issue, saying the rising number of Kuwaiti men marrying non-Kuwaiti women is due to multiple factors. “Economic reasons where dowries are lower. Social reasons, where some families want to ensure their daughters are married. Many Kuwaiti men have low incomes and cannot afford the financial demands of Kuwaiti brides, so they turn to non-Kuwaiti women who are more accepting of limited means. Also, many Kuwaiti women are employed and financially independent, so marriage becomes a formality.”

Rashid warned Kuwaiti women who want to marry non-Kuwaiti that this kind of relationship has long-term consequences, explaining “These marriages have financial, social and psychological consequences. The children often bear the cost of a decision made by their mother. Some women expect the state to take responsibility for the outcomes of their personal choices. I urge Kuwaiti women to think carefully before marrying a non-Kuwaiti. The law already prioritizes them in employment after Kuwaitis. It just needs proper enforcement. And that should be enough.”

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In first, Kuwaiti women appointed to Higher Public Prosecution

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KUWAIT: Attorney General Saad Al-Safran announced the transfer of several Kuwaiti prosecutors from specialized and local-level positions to the country’s higher public prosecution office, as part of a wider effort to nationalize and strengthen the judiciary with qualified local talent.

Notably, the decision includes — for the first time — Kuwaiti women among those promoted to the higher prosecution body, a step hailed as a milestone for gender equality in the legal field. In a statement, the Public Prosecution said the decision marks “a precedent recorded for the first time,” emphasizing that the appointments were made “based on the objective standard of merit.”

The move reflects “the well-deserved confidence in Kuwaiti women and their vital role in the criminal justice system,” the statement continued, adding that it supports the principle of empowering women in leadership roles and ensuring equal opportunities in the judiciary.

The decision is also in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to increase the presence of qualified Kuwaitis in key state institutions, especially the justice sector.

In a separate decision, the Attorney General also appointed Badr Al-Masaad, First Chief Prosecutor and Head of the Attorney General’s Technical Office, to lead the higher prosecution office. The moves underscore Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to localize key public sector roles and promote capable national figures — both men and women — within the legal system. — KUNA

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Sport as prevention: Haidu‑CAN Olympic Tournament begins

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KUWAIT: The National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) launched the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament Wednesday evening at Hatrick Stadium in Khaitan. Youth teams from across the country are taking part in this event, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and highlight the role of sport in disease prevention—particularly cancer.

Dr Hessa Majid Al‑Shaheen, a member of CAN’s board of directors, explained that the tournament offers an “unconventional” path to health education by blending competitive sports with practical prevention messages. “Sport is not a luxury,” she said, “but an effective means of prevention—and a gateway to a healthier, more informed society.”

According to Al‑Shaheen, medical research shows that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers—such as colon and breast—by up to 30–40 percent. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, while boosting mental health and alleviating stress and anxiety.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

The Haidu‑CAN initiative aims to sustain young people’s engagement in sports through interactive activities that pair athletic competition with awareness workshops. In addition to tournament matches, the program features educational sessions and support initiatives for cancer survivors.

Abdullah Al‑Saleh, Director of the Haidu‑CAN Olympics, described the event as “a unique model” that moves beyond traditional awareness campaigns. “We’re delivering health messages in a way that resonates with youth—through experience and participation rather than indoctrination,” he said. This tournament is one of several activities organized by CAN’s sports team to translate theoretical health advice into tangible, everyday practices and foster long‑term healthy habits.

Guest of honor Captain Saad Al‑Houti—a former Kuwaiti national footballer—opened the tournament with a motivational address. “Sport is a message before it is a result,” he told participants, praising CAN’s efforts to empower youth as ambassadors of prevention. “Such initiatives strengthen the role of sports in community building and give young people the chance to drive positive change.”

The tournament’s opening night drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Over the coming days, the Haidu‑CAN Olympics will continue with mini‑tournaments, educational meetings and health‑focused competitions designed especially for young athletes.

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KU showcases new programs at 3-day event at The Avenues

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KUWAIT: Kuwait University has kicked off its three-day campaign, “Design Your Future”, at The Avenues mall, in an effort to connect with high school graduates and guide them through the admissions process.

Organized by the Admissions Department under the Deanship of Admission and Registration, the campaign runs daily from 10 am to 10 pm. It offers students and their families a chance to explore available majors, admission criteria, and application procedures for the upcoming academic year.

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“The campaign has seen strong engagement from recent high school graduates and their parents since its launch,” said Dr Fadhel Aziz, Acting Dean of Admission and Registration. “It gives prospective students the opportunity to learn about Kuwait University’s various colleges and how to apply.”

Among the key features of the university’s booth are introductions to new, in-demand programs such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Life Sciences and Cybersecurity in the College of Science. These programs reflect current labor market needs and technological trends. “Students now have the chance to explore some of the most in-demand fields in today’s job market,” Dr Aziz added.

Also participating in the campaign are representatives from the Public Authority for Manpower and the Civil Service Commission, who are providing students with insights into labor market demands and helping them align their academic choices with future career opportunities. “This campaign is a key step for high school graduates,” Dr Aziz noted. “It helps them clarify their interests and organize their priorities in a way that matches both their academic performance and personal inclinations.”

He emphasized that the university’s goal is to support students in making well-informed decisions that align with community needs and job market trends. The event continues through the end of the week, offering guidance and resources for anyone considering Kuwait University as the next step in their education journey.

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