CAMBRIDGE, UK: A group of Kuwaiti researchers participated Wednesday in the 15th Gulf Research Forum, currently being held at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom from July 22 to 24. The annual forum, which brings together scholars from over 180 countries, focuses on a broad spectrum of topics related to the Gulf region, including politics, economics, energy, security and the social sciences. Kuwait’s participation underscores the growing presence of its academic community on the international stage and highlights its commitment to addressing regional challenges, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Dr Fay Bin Salama, a specialist in cybersecurity, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that she chaired the forum’s 12th workshop, held under the theme: “Enhancing the Security of Gulf States Against Threats – Hybrid: Building Resilience and Enhancing Regional Cooperation among GCC Countries.” During the session, she also presented a research paper proposing a unified framework to assess the cybersecurity readiness of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and to promote greater regional collaboration in countering emerging digital threats.

Talal Mulla Ali, a researcher and doctoral candidate at Brunel University London, contributed by presenting policy recommendations drawn from his ongoing research titled “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human-Machine Interaction in Social Media… to Alleviate the Fear of Loss.” Meanwhile, Awrad Mulla Ali, a doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham, presented her study titled “Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Its Value in Legal Translation and Protection from Hybrid Threats – Case Study: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior.” Her paper explored the integration of AI technologies within government institutions to enhance legal accuracy and cybersecurity.

The Gulf Research Forum includes 12 specialized workshops that address a range of regional topics, extending beyond the Gulf to include Iraq and Yemen. Since its inception in 2010, the forum has served as a platform for constructive dialogue and academic exchange, drawing participation from prominent leaders, policymakers, researchers and experts from around the world. The forum, which began its sessions on Tuesday, will feature numerous panel discussions and the presentation of peer-reviewed research papers aimed at informing regional policies and strengthening the Gulf’s strategic role both regionally and globally. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) is committed to delivering world-class specialized medical services in a safe and advanced healthcare environment as part of its strategy to embrace global expertise and invest in training national medical cadres, said ministry spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference held at the Government Communication Center, Dr Al-Sanad reviewed the ministry’s latest projects and achievements, including digital service enhancements and expansions in medical infrastructure across Kuwait.

He noted that several major projects are already operational or set to open soon, including the Al-Mutlaa Emergency Center, the Infectious Diseases Hospital and the Kuwait Cancer Control Center. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department has also been relocated from Al-Adan Hospital to the newly established Maternity and Childhood Hospital. Al-Sanad highlighted progress on the new Al-Adan Hospital project, comprising nine buildings providing various healthcare services. He elaborated on the ministry’s ongoing approach of developing specialized medical cities, such as the Ahmadi and Al-Sabah medical zones, which aim to offer integrated care through clusters of specialized hospitals within specific geographic areas, minimizing patient travel and enhancing healthcare accessibility.

Among other key initiatives, Al-Sanad announced the launch of the First Responder Project on July 10. The project features 28 medical units that handled 70 emergency cases during their first week of operation. He described the project as a significant upgrade to Kuwait’s emergency response system and a step toward improving response times and care quality. The Visiting Doctors Program continues to expand, with 140 specialists visiting Kuwait to offer high-level medical care and contribute to training local staff. This initiative reflects the ministry’s strategy of leveraging international medical expertise while enhancing local capabilities.

KUWAIT: Medical experts and participants are pictured during the press conference. Ministry spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said the Ministry of Health is committed to delivering world-class specialized medical services in a safe and advanced healthcare environment as part of its strategy to embrace global expertise and invest in training national medical cadres. – KUNA

Further developments include the inauguration of a new MRI wing at Al-Razi Hospital, which doubled diagnostic capacity, and the opening of a medical center at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing. Al-Sanad added that 13 specialized health centers have been established at all border points, and 20 defibrillator devices have been installed at Kuwait International Airport to improve emergency response times for cardiac arrest cases. To support this initiative, a training program has been launched in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure airport staff can effectively use the devices.

The ministry’s emergency departments handled around 200,000 cases in January 2025 alone, Al-Sanad said, noting that 117 primary care centers operate across the country. Of these, 30 percent are open 24/7, 30 percent operate until midnight on weekdays, 9 percent until midnight daily, and 28 percent close at 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday. In terms of outpatient services, Kuwait currently operates 38 maternity and childhood clinics, 72 mental health clinics, 35 preventive health centers, 20 ophthalmology clinics, and 18 ENT clinics.

Emergency medical services responded to 86,860 urgent and non-urgent cases in the first half of 2025. Ambulances transported 72,236 patients, including 50,301 urgent cases, 21,935 non-urgent cases, 5,068 traffic accident victims, and 420 airlifted patients. Another 35 patients were transferred via medical evacuation, and 196 cases were handled at border crossings. Traffic accident reports have also shown a decline since the implementation of the new traffic law in May. The ministry recorded 902 accident cases in January, 903 in February, 908 in March, 889 in April, 753 in May and 701 in June — a reduction of 357 cases in two months.

On the digital transformation front, Dr Al-Sanad emphasized that the Ministry is advancing its digital services to streamline healthcare access and reduce patient load at clinics. He said 23 services are now available on the government’s “Sahel” app, benefitting over 338,000 users during the first half of 2025. Since the launch of the ministry’s electronic “Patient” system in October 2023, more than 3.9 million users have accessed digital health services. This shift has helped decrease visits to primary health centers from over 15.5 million in 2022 to 13.2 million in 2024.

Efforts in early disease detection are also expanding, with 13,530 women undergoing breast cancer screening since 2023. The number of applicants for early detection reached 1,114 in 2023, 8,141 in 2024, and 4,275 during the first half of this year. The home care program for bedridden patients also continues to grow, with 872 patients receiving care in the first half of 2025. Al-Sanad revealed plans to soon launch home care services for bedridden children as part of ongoing efforts to expand comprehensive healthcare delivery. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Cabinet has emphasized the importance of nationalizing health services to enhance the quality of medical care and strengthen the efficiency of national human resources. The directive was issued during the weekly Cabinet meeting held Tuesday at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Abdullah Al-Maousherji said the ministers were briefed on the outcomes of Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi’s official visit to France. The visit included the signing of several memoranda of understanding with leading French medical institutions, as part of efforts to bolster Kuwait’s healthcare sector.

The Cabinet also reviewed letters sent to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from leaders of friendly and sisterly nations, focused on enhancing bilateral ties and fostering mutual cooperation. Ministers were also informed of His Highness the Prime Minister’s recent meeting with Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel Al-Wazir and his accompanying delegation, during which ways to deepen cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

Regional and environmental cooperation

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah briefed the Cabinet on the outcomes of his official visits to Lebanon and Syria. During these visits, he met with senior officials to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the field of security. In line with Kuwait’s commitment to combating climate change, Minister of Oil Dr. Tareq Al-Roumi, along with senior officials from the Environment Public Authority, presented a long-term national roadmap aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. The strategy focuses on adopting innovative, integrated solutions to drive sustainable economic growth and enhance national resilience to climate change impacts.

Economic outlook and fiscal performance

Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investments Noura Al-Fassam delivered a detailed briefing on preparations for Kuwait’s upcoming economic evaluation and assessment. She also presented the State’s final financial statement for fiscal year 2024-2025, which recorded a deficit of KD 1.056 billion. The Cabinet acknowledged the urgency of addressing financial waste and boosting non-oil revenues, calling for collective action across all government entities. It reviewed and approved draft laws related to final financial statements for the fiscal year, which will be referred to His Highness the Amir for endorsement.

Citizenship review

Lastly, the Cabinet approved the report submitted by the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Citizenship, concerning cases involving the loss and withdrawal of nationality. The decisions were made in accordance with the provisions of Law No 15 of 1959 regulating Kuwaiti nationality. — KUNA