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Families in Kuwait disheartened by off-campus graduation ban

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Last-minute decision to restrict ceremonies to school auditoriums shatters seniors’ graduation dreams

KUWAIT: Sara had a lot to look forward to in the final stretch of her senior year. Soon, she would walk the stage she had dreamed of since first grade, with her family and friends cheering for her. For many students like Sara, preparing for graduation goes beyond studying for those crucial finals — it’s also about the celebration afterwards. The excitement of choosing an outfit and planning how to mark the occasion is just as important as the academic achievement.

But a recent ministry of education decision banning schools from holding graduation ceremonies outside school grounds has shattered Sara’s dream, and that of many of her peers. In late April, Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei issued a directive requiring all graduation ceremonies and school events to be held on campus, specifically in school auditoriums. The ministry has not publicly explained the reasoning behind the decision.

The announcement came just weeks before the school year ends. “The decision was very last minute and it had us all shocked,” said Sara, a Kuwaiti graduating senior. “We’ve been waiting since we were young for this celebration so we could feel appreciated for all the work that we put into school. Now it won’t be the same.”

‘Auditoriums are rundown’

Wearing a cap and gown to mark years of hard work is a meaningful milestone anywhere in the world. But in Kuwait, graduation has become more than a simple school ceremony. In recent years, it has evolved into a lavish celebration, often held in five-star hotel ballrooms or exclusive event halls. Some ceremonies feature extravagant setups — red carpets, indoor fireworks and massive stage displays — far beyond what most school auditoriums can accommodate.

As soon as exams conclude and certificates are handed out, a race begins to book prestigious venues — spaces once reserved for weddings and major public events. These celebrations are now planned with budgets that rival those for Eid or even wedding seasons.

Laura, an expat mother whose daughter is set to graduate next year, said the decision to ban off-campus ceremonies has taken away some of that joy. “For the students, I would think, if you work so hard sitting in those walls all day long, you don’t want to celebrate your graduation at the same place. You don’t want it to feel like recess,” she said.

While the decision calls for holding the event at school auditoriums, critics say it doesn’t address the fact that the facilities are often poorly maintained. “The problem is that school auditoriums are rundown — they need funding and time to be renovated. At our school, the last graduating class to hold their ceremony on campus was before the invasion,” said Abdullah, a high school student, referring to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait 34 years ago.

The ban is especially disappointing for Mariam, Sara’s mother, who had hoped to share her daughter’s big day with extended family — including siblings and grandparents.

When schools host events on campus, attendance is typically limited to just two guests, usually the parents. External venues, by contrast, can accommodate hundreds, allowing families to invite more loved ones — though that often comes at a steep cost. Some parents told Kuwait Times they’ve paid up to KD 50 per guest. Many schools also offer sit-down dinners and professional photography, turning the occasion into a full-scale celebration. “Graduation parties held outside are better organized and just nicer overall,” said Amina, a parent. “Money shouldn’t be the issue when it comes to celebrating your kids — especially high school grads.”

‘Why go that far?’

Yet over the years, many parents and observers have criticized these lavish ceremonies. Costs can climb into the hundreds or even thousands of Kuwaiti dinars per student. Families often feel pressured to keep up, and students from less affluent households may end up feeling excluded. “Of course it’s a celebration of a lifetime but it’s not right to strain your pocket for a party,” said Noura, a mother of three and a grandmother. “It’s a huge chunk of money that’s better spent elsewhere, especially if a family has two or three kids.”

Laura acknowledges the financial burden, but said she believes the recent ban leaves families with no real alternatives. “I think there are more affordable ways to do it — it doesn’t have to be at a five-star hotel,” she said. She added that expectations are tied to the school’s demographic. “It depends on the kind of school you go to,” Laura said. “If the fees are, say, six or seven thousand dinars a year, then most families can afford a more elaborate celebration. But if you’re at a school that charges KD 500 or 600 a year, the expectations shift — you work around what your parent community can afford.”

Noura said the expenses go beyond the ticket price. “The young girls who spend tons of money on getting their hair and makeup done at a salon, as if going to a wedding — why go that far?” she said. “A nice dress under your gown and your cap is enough to make you beautiful like a rose.”

Still, some parents are trying to stay hopeful. “At the moment, I’m kind of hoping they change their minds,” said Laura. “We still have one year left. But if not, then I’ll probably just arrange something small — maybe a dinner at a nice restaurant with some of her friends, our own little celebration.”

Note: Kuwait Times has changed the names of people in this article to protect their identity.

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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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