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ktech becomes exclusive partner of Fraunhofer UMSICHT in Middle East

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Europe’s leader in applied environmental, safety and energy research to launch first and only academy

SULZBACH-ROSENBERG, Germany: In a landmark achievement for Kuwait’s knowledge economy, Kuwait technical college (ktech) has signed a strategic partnership with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Europe’s leader in applied environmental, safety and energy research, to launch the institute’s first and only academy in the Middle East.

The strategic and exclusive partnership with one of the world’s leading applied research institutes aligns with the directive of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to attract prestigious international institutions to the country. It reflects Kuwait’s national vision to establish itself as a regional hub for innovation, creativity and knowledge. Moreover, the partnership represents a meaningful step toward strengthening Kuwaiti-German relations, following the recent official visit of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, to the Federal Republic of Germany.

The signing ceremony, held at Fraunhofer UMSICHT’s Sulzbach-Rosenberg headquarters, in the presence of ktech’s top management, including Meshari Ayman Boodai, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Noura Ayman Boodai, Vice President for Student Affairs and Registration; Abdulrahman Abdulqader Al-Ajeel, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Abdulwahab Ayman Boodai, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Registration; and Nourah Amer Al-Oseimi, Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration. Also, in attendance was Adel A Al-Ghenaiman, Consul General of the State of Kuwait in Frankfurt, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This exclusive partnership marked a major milestone in ktech’s mission to bridge academic excellence with industrial relevance. This initiative will serve as a regional innovation and training hub for the entire MENA region, directly aligning with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and its goals for sustainability, economic diversification and human capital development.

This transformational partnership brings to Kuwait the full weight of Fraunhofer UMSICHT’s technical infrastructure, which includes: Over 30,000 employees across Germany and the world; 76 institutes and research facilities; €3 billion operating budget; and cutting-edge research in green hydrogen, circular economy, carbon management local energy systems, cyber security, robotics engineering and waste recycling. These capabilities will now be embedded in Kuwait through ktech’s infrastructure, ensuring localized delivery of global expertise.

Commenting on the announcement, Meshari Ayman Boodai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at ktech, stated: “This partnership reaffirms Kuwait technical college’s position as Kuwait’s leading driver of applied learning, professional education, local research support and sustainability-focused innovation. Hosting the institute’s only academy in the Middle East and one of seven worldwide, is a reflection of our vision to build an educated, technically skilled workforce capable of solving Kuwait’s, and the region’s, most pressing challenges.”

The Fraunhofer Institute’s presence in Kuwait will offer training programs and professional education co-designed by Fraunhofer researchers and delivered in collaboration with ktech’s academic and technical experts through the ktech Institute for Private Training. These programs will span key disciplines and offer multiple tracks for industry professionals, government officials, undergraduate and postgraduate students and academic researchers.

Adel A Al Ghenaiman, Consul General of the State of Kuwait in Frankfurt, praised the initiative: “Kuwait’s diplomatic missions abroad remain fully committed to supporting initiatives that serve our country’s interests and help develop education and knowledge exchange. We wish everyone continued success.”

Fraunhofer UMSICHT Director Matthias Franke added: “We are proud to begin this partnership with Kuwait technical college. This memorandum of understanding marks the start of a fruitful collaboration in applied research and development, focusing on areas such as the circular economy, clean hydrogen and sustainable local energy systems for industry.”

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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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