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Charities celebrate return of donations in Kuwait

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Reforms bring ‘new beginning toward more impactful and sustainable projects’: Official

KUWAIT: Leading figures in Kuwait’s charitable sector have welcomed the government’s decision to reopen donation campaigns and humanitarian projects, describing the move as a positive turning point that restores momentum to a sector that had been largely frozen since mid-April.

The reopening follows the introduction of a new regulatory framework issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs under Ministerial Decision No. 122 of 2025. The law aims to tighten oversight, enforce transparency, and align Kuwait’s charitable practices with international standards.

In a statement to KUNA, Dr Ibrahim Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Kuwait Relief Society, said the decision confirms the country’s commitment to humanitarian leadership, adding that the society would continue its work “according to the highest standards of integrity and transparency” to serve people in need and elevate Kuwait’s reputation in humanitarian fields. He also expressed appreciation to the political leadership and the committee overseeing humanitarian work for their efforts in developing the sector.

Dr Khaled Al-Subaihi, Chairman of Humanitarian Excellence Association, described the decision not as a routine administrative step, but as a reaffirmation of Kuwait’s position as a global humanitarian hub. He said the reopening marks a “new beginning toward more impactful and sustainable projects that elevate the value of human dignity,” emphasizing the renewed commitment of his society to its core principles.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Al-Shaya, Chairman of Al-Safa Humanitarian Society, said the committee’s decision brought “great joy” to Kuwaitis, praising the leadership and ministries involved for preserving the country’s identity as a generous and giving society. He added that Kuwait “will remain a beacon of humanitarian work and a refuge for those in need.”

A sector under restructuring

The decision to resume donations was announced five days after the new regulations came into effect. The updated law requires all charitable foundations to register with the Ministry of Social Affairs, maintain proper governance structures, and follow strict financial reporting and operational guidelines. Foundations must also obtain prior approval before launching fundraising campaigns or opening new branches.

The overhaul follows a suspension of all charitable fundraising in April 2025, after authorities discovered several unauthorized campaigns operating via unofficial websites and social media accounts. The ministry said at the time that the freeze was necessary to protect donor funds and restore accountability.

At its fifth meeting this week, the Committee for Organizing Humanitarian and Charitable Work—headed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef—approved the resumption of donations, contingent on new rules set by the ministry. The committee also reviewed a proposed humanitarian work law and new mechanisms for overseeing financial transfers in line with international recommendations.

Implementation timeline

A report by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) last October acknowledged Kuwait’s legal framework to combat illicit finance but pointed to enforcement challenges. Kuwaiti authorities have increased cooperation across ministries to better track donations, especially those crossing borders, and to shut down inactive organizations. Additionally, the ministry is working on a new digital platform linked to the Mobile ID system earlier this year to streamline charity applications and monitor aid distribution. So far, more than 30 foundations have been dissolved for inactivity or failing to meet requirements.

Sources at the Ministry of Social Affairs told that the new phase of charitable work would be defined by expanded digital transformation, mandatory financial reporting, and public transparency. Foundations will be ranked according to their adherence to governance practices and will be required to partner with certified accounting firms.

Charities that meet these standards will be given priority in obtaining approvals for their projects. An annual public report will also be published online to track the performance of registered organizations. The ministry’s internal timeline aims to implement these changes before an upcoming international review by the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) in October. — Agencies

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Army Chief highlights importance of National Security Network project

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KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Major General (Pilot) Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Monday underscored the strategic importance of the National Security Network project in strengthening the military’s communications infrastructure and ensuring a secure and integrated electronic environment. In a statement issued by the General Staff, Major General Sheikh Sabah made the remarks during a visit to the Signal Corps, where he was briefed on the unit’s key responsibilities, ongoing technical projects, and future modernization plans aimed at aligning with the latest advancements in military communications.

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He praised the high professionalism and technical competence of the Signal Corps personnel, stressing the need to accelerate the completion of the National Security Network development project in accordance with the highest technical and cybersecurity standards. Major General Sheikh Sabah emphasized the importance of routinely testing the network under various operational scenarios to ensure its efficiency, address potential vulnerabilities, and proactively resolve any technical issues before full deployment.

He also called for sustained coordination with relevant authorities and continued efforts to train and qualify personnel, ensuring the long-term effectiveness and resilience of the network. He noted the critical need to remain aligned with rapid advancements in communication technologies. During the visit, the Deputy Chief of Staff received a detailed presentation on the National Security Network development initiative, which is regarded as one of the military’s key strategic projects. The initiative aims to establish a robust, secure communications system connecting various military and security entities through cutting-edge infrastructure that adheres to international standards for network protection and reliability.

Service registration

In another development, the General Staff of the Army announced on Monday the launch of a new digital service allowing citizens to register for National Military Service through the unified government electronic services application, Sahel. In a press statement, the General Staff explained that the new feature aims to streamline the registration process, enabling eligible individuals to complete the procedure quickly and efficiently via the mobile platform.

To access the service, users must log in to the Sahel app, select the “Services” section, then choose the Ministry of Defense, followed by the “National Military Service” option, and proceed to complete the registration. The General Staff affirmed that the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to enhance digital transformation and simplify procedures for Kuwaiti citizens, particularly those required to fulfill their national service obligations. — KUNA

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Deputy PM, Armenian envoy discuss security cooperation

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KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah met on Monday with Armenian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Arsen Arakelian to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore ways to boost bilateral security cooperation and efforts to combat crime. In a statement issued by the General Department of Public Relations and Security Media, the ministry said the meeting, held at the Ministry of Interior headquarters, reflects Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of security.

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Sheikh Fahad praised the strong ties between Kuwait and Armenia, affirming Kuwait’s eagerness to deepen bilateral collaboration, particularly in areas related to law enforcement and public safety. Ambassador Arakelian expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated Armenia’s interest in enhancing cooperation with Kuwait across various sectors. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing coordination to further solidify the longstanding relations between the two friendly nations and advance shared interests. — KUNA

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China, Kuwait discuss expanding defense ties

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KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Air Vice Marshal Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held talks on Sunday with the Defense Attache of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait to boost bilateral defense ties and military cooperation. The is meeting aimed at reinforcing regional stability, exchanging expertise as well as supporting the development of sustainable defense industries aligned with both countries’ national interests. In the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their firm belief in the role of defense diplomacy for building long-term strategic partnerships that contribute to regional security, stability, and a future based on cooperation and peace. — KUNA

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