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Kuwait officially bans raising foreign flags, sectarian symbols

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New amendments aim to ‘preserve public order, reinforce the duty of national allegiance’

KUWAIT: Kuwait has introduced a new decree law effectively banning the raising of foreign flags and symbols representing religious, tribal, or social groups without prior approval from the Ministry of Interior. This new regulation, published on Sunday in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm, applies to both public and private occasions, including national holidays, celebrations, and regular days.
The legislation, Decree Law No 73 of 2025, amends the existing Law No 26 of 1961 concerning the Kuwaiti national flag. Under this amended law, individuals are now prohibited from displaying any foreign national flag unless permission is granted. The only exceptions are during regional and international sports tournaments held in Kuwait and where such displays are in line with international conventions, such as those governing embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions.
This decree also extends the ban to flags and symbols that represent religious sects, tribal affiliations, or social factions. This measure is described as a move intended to protect national unity and public order within the country. Ministers have been tasked with enforcing the law, which took effect immediately upon its publication in the official gazette.
Stiff penalties introduced

The new regulations come with a series of escalating penalties, with fines ranging from KD 1,000 to 10,000. Unauthorized display of foreign flags is punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine ranging from KD 1,000 to 2,000. Displaying sectarian or tribal flags or symbols carries a heavier sentence of up to three years in prison and fines of KD 2,000 to 10,000. Improper use of the Kuwaiti national flag, such as using it for commercial advertising or in a damaged state, is also penalized with up to one year in prison and fines between KD 300 and 2,000. All violations may result in confiscation of the flags or symbols, and repeat offenders will face doubled penalties.
Threat to public harmony
The decree aims to close existing regulatory gaps regarding the display of foreign and symbolic flags. According to the law’s explanatory memorandum, the legislation was introduced in response to repeated incidents where foreign and sectarian flags were displayed during public events and private gatherings — actions that officials warned could disrupt public harmony and weaken national identity.
“The raising of certain foreign flags within the country during official celebrations may compromise public order,” the memorandum stated. It added that the law seeks to “preserve public order, protect society, reinforce the duty of national allegiance, and safeguard national unity.”
The government clarified that the law does not override existing international treaties that allow foreign embassies and diplomatic missions to display their national flags on their premises and vehicles.

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NBK warns customers about risks of fraudulent online shopping offers

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KUWAIT: In line with its unwavering commitment to fostering financial literacy and empowering all segments of society, NBK continues to bolster its support for the “Let’s Be Aware” banking awareness campaign. Spearheaded by the Central Bank of Kuwait in collaboration with local banks and Kuwait Banking Association (KBA). As part of its commitment to customer protection, NBK is actively educating the public about fraudulent online shopping offers, often promoted through social media. These scams typically feature links to fake applications or websites that lure victims with enticing discounts and promotions.

Designed to mimic legitimate platforms, these fraudulent sites deceive users into providing sensitive personal and banking details — such as account and credit card numbers — ultimately compromising their financial security. NBK urges customers to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with suspicious links, reinforcing its dedication to safeguarding the community from cyber threats. NBK advises customers to exercise caution and avoid being misled by deceptive shopping deals that promise steep discounts. The bank emphasizes the importance of verifying website URLs and refraining from clicking on links from unknown sources — especially those received via email that advertise offers that appear too good to be true.

Furthermore, NBK cautions customers about the risks of saving credit card details on e-commerce websites or browsers for faster future transactions. The bank highlights that such platforms are susceptible to security breaches, potentially exposing stored banking data to theft. The Bank also emphasizes that it will never request personal information via email, text messages, or phone calls. Additionally, NBK warns customers against responding to such messages, as they are often fraudulent attempts to steal banking credentials, sensitive data, or funds.

NBK remains vigilant in monitoring emerging fraud tactics, educating customers, and providing clear guidance on how to stay protected. Through comprehensive awareness materials shared across its digital platforms, the bank continuously emphasizes the importance of engaging only with trusted links and avoiding interactions with unidentified sources. Harnessing its vast communication capabilities, NBK utilizes all its digital channels — boasting the largest following among Kuwaiti banks — to ensure the widest dissemination of the campaign’s messages, effectively reaching the largest possible audience.

Led by the Central Bank of Kuwait in partnership with Kuwait Banking Association, “Let’s Be Aware” stands as the region’s most comprehensive financial literacy campaign. Aimed at empowering bank customers, the initiative delivers essential education on critical financial topics. Key focus areas include practical steps to prevent fraud, strategies for maximizing banking services, and fostering a strong culture of savings and investment. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, the campaign strengthens financial security and resilience across Kuwait’s banking sector.

As a leading financial institution in Kuwait and the region, NBK remains a key supporter of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s initiatives aimed at enhancing financial literacy and promoting banking awareness across all segments of society. The bank actively organizes various educational events to keep the community informed about critical banking issues while also investing in specialized training programs for its employees. By strengthening expertise in fraud prevention and financial crime mitigation, NBK reinforces its commitment to safeguarding customers and upholding the integrity of the financial sector.

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Kuwait unveils Bayraktar TB2

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Kuwait unveils Bayraktar TB2

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Ministry of Social Affairs distributes hearing aids to citizens

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KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah on Thursday announced the distribution of the first batch of hearing aids to citizens with hearing impairments, following a years-long suspension. The initiative aims to support their daily lives and enhance their ability to communicate and integrate into society. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr Al-Huwailah emphasized that hearing aids are vital tools that enable individuals to lead independent lives and engage naturally with their surroundings.

“This is just the beginning,” she said, noting that subsequent batches will follow to meet all pending requests, with priority given based on the order of application. She also underscored the commitment of the Public Authority for the Disabled to continue providing a range of assistive and prosthetic devices—including wheelchairs and other essential equipment—to empower individuals with disabilities both psychologically and socially, and to further support their integration into the community. — KUNA

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