Connect with us

Latest News

Kuwait leads GCC push for calm as US-Iran war escalates

Published

on

Food and water supply stable; Institutions, including KU, KFF, discuss emergency plans

VIENNA/KUWAIT: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Monday issued a strong call for de-escalation and restraint as military tensions continue to rise in the region following direct US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and Tehran’s retaliation with missile and drone attacks on the Zionist entity.

Speaking on behalf of the GCC ambassadors accredited to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Kuwaiti Ambassador Talal Al-Fassam stressed the need to halt the regional escalation immediately. “The recent developments are of great concern and pose a direct threat to security and stability in the region and the world,” he warned during an emergency session of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna. The IAEA’s emergency meeting was called to assess the security and radiation risks following the attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Al-Fassam emphasized that the targeting of Iran’s nuclear facilities carries potentially catastrophic consequences. “Calm and restraint represent the most effective path to avoid further tension,” he said, reiterating the Gulf countries’ support for diplomacy and dialogue as means of resolving conflicts. He urged the international community, particularly the IAEA’s Board of Governors, to take its responsibility seriously and act to address longstanding regional issues. “These issues have become a growing threat to regional and international peace and security,” Al-Fassam said.

The GCC envoys reaffirmed their unified stance on resolving disputes peacefully and promoting regional security through cooperation and lessons learned from past crises. They also acknowledged IAEA updates on radiation monitoring and requested continued briefings amid the ongoing conflict.

The GCC’s statements follow a sharp military escalation sparked by US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones against Zionist targets and the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

The Iranian Supreme National Security Council said the missile strike was away from residential areas in Qatar. “This action does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people, and the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining and continuing warm and historic relations with Qatar,” the council said in a statement.

Qatar said it successfully intercepted the attack, which it condemned as a blatant violation of its sovereignty.

VIENNA: Kuwaiti Ambassador Talal Al-Fassam speaks during an emergency session of the IAEA Board of Governors.

VIENNA: Kuwaiti Ambassador Talal Al-Fassam speaks during an emergency session of the IAEA Board of Governors.

Kuwait Fire Force Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi meets UAE emergency management chief Ali Al-Neyadi to explore ways of boosting cooperation in disaster and crisis response.

Kuwait Fire Force Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi meets UAE emergency management chief Ali Al-Neyadi to explore ways of boosting cooperation in disaster and crisis response.

Local preparations

Earlier Monday, Iran’s top military official, Abdolrahim Mousavi, accused the US of directly entering the war and warned that Iran would not hesitate to attack American interests. “We will never back down,” he said in a statement Monday morning.

As regional tensions rise, Kuwaiti institutions continue to step up their emergency preparedness. Kuwait University’s administration announced on Monday that it had reviewed emergency protocols in coordination with relevant national authorities. The university confirmed its readiness and reaffirmed its commitment to continuous coordination with the state. “The university administration, led by Director Dr Dina Al-Mailem, will maintain constant communication with national entities to stay updated on developments,” read an official statement, urging the public to report emergencies via its 24/7 hotline: 24983333.

No food shortages

In the economic sphere, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry assured citizens that the country’s food supply remains stable. “The situation is completely stable. There is no shortage of essential food items,” said ministry spokesperson Abdullah Al-Herz. He noted that water production continues around the clock, supply chains remain uninterrupted, and consumer cooperatives are operating as usual. “Emergency plans are fully in place,” Al-Herz added, highlighting that commercial inspection teams are actively monitoring markets to ensure price stability and stock availability.

Security and defense

Meanwhile, regional military and emergency coordination is ongoing. In Kuwait, Naval Forces Commander Major General Sulaiman Al-Hamlan met with UK Defense Senior Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa, Vice Admiral Edward Algerine, at Mohammed Al-Ahmad Naval Base. The two sides discussed key military topics and areas of joint interest.

Kuwait Fire Force Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi also met with UAE emergency management chief Ali Al-Neyadi to explore ways of boosting cooperation in disaster and crisis response. The meeting, which included cybersecurity officials, focused on coordination and joint readiness in light of the regional security environment. — Agencies

Latest News

Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

Latest News

Workshop discusses health competency framework

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

Latest News

The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

Published

on

By

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.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .