KUWAIT: Zain held its annual ceremony to honor the top high school graduates for the 2024–2025 academic year at its headquarters in Shuwaikh, with the attendance of company executives, Ministry of Education officials, and the honorees’ parents and family members. The event was attended by Waleed Al-Khashti, Chief Corporate Affairs and Relations Officer at Zain Kuwait, and Maryam Al-Enezi, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Development and Activities at the Ministry of Education. Together, they honored the top Kuwaiti students across various academic tracks, including science, literature, religious education, and special education, as part of Zain’s annual initiative to celebrate academic excellence and spotlight Kuwait’s emerging talents.

Honoring one of the top students.

Celebrating a high-achieving student.

Zain annually highlights academic excellence.

In his speech at the event, Al-Khashti stated: “At Zain, we are always proud to renew this annual gathering, which remains one of the initiatives closest to our hearts. Today, we celebrate a distinguished group of young Kuwaitis whose achievements bring pride to themselves and to the nation.” He added: “We meet today at a time when we are witnessing the results of continuous efforts to advance the educational system in our nation. This year’s exceptional performance reflects a growing awareness among students, strong family support, dedicated educators, and an academic environment that continues to progress.”

He continued: “At Zain, we believe that our role as a national institution goes beyond technological innovation. It includes contributing to a brighter future for Kuwait by empowering young talent and celebrating excellence wherever it is found.” Al-Khashti emphasized: “We do not view education as a phase that simply ends with a diploma, but as a lifelong journey of transformation. That’s why we place great importance on supporting students, nurturing top achievers, and enabling a new generation that believes in the value of knowledge and the power of determination.”

He also expressed his appreciation to the honorees’ parents, describing them as the first and most important partner in this achievement, and praised their sacrifices and continued support. Addressing the students, he said: “Do not be afraid to try. Use your passion to create real impact in your communities. Kuwait deserves the best from you, always.” This ceremony is part of Zain’s corporate sustainability and social responsibility strategy, which places education at the forefront of its priorities. The company remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Education and various academic institutions to support national efforts aimed at enabling the next generation to lead Kuwait’s transformation and development journey.

KUWAIT: Football academies across Kuwait have grown into year-round hubs for athletic and personal development, offering children and youth valuable opportunities to enhance both physical fitness and life skills. These academies, catering to children as young as four, go beyond sharpening athletic abilities by promoting discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, resilience and self-confidence. With limited vacancies in official sports clubs, a growing number of aspiring players are turning to academies as a practical alternative for professional-level training. Although comparable in quality, academy training typically operates up to three days a week and enrollment costs are borne by families.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), academy owner Mohammad Saleh said he established his licensed football academy in 2019 after fulfilling all regulatory requirements. He voiced concern over the rise of unlicensed academies, which often attract families with lower fees but offer minimal training value and lack adherence to proper sporting standards. Saleh highlighted the success of his academy, noting that several graduates have gone on to join Kuwait’s national youth team. “Qualified coaching staff are the backbone of any academy,” he said, emphasizing the importance of hiring certified professionals with a strong grasp of both technical and ethical aspects of football.

Among the key challenges academies face, Saleh cited the shortage of suitable training grounds, with demand consistently exceeding availability. He also underscored the importance of player safety, calling on all academies to be equipped with first aid kits and emergency response plans. To counter Kuwait’s extreme summer heat, Saleh noted that training sessions are held after sunset, making the environment safer and more comfortable. He added that summer months witness higher enrollments as club activities pause and parents seek meaningful outlets for their children.

In a separate statement, coach Yousef Khajah stressed the importance of early football education, stating that young ages are ideal for developing core skills. “Specialized coaches can guide youth more effectively,” he said, adding that the academy often invites prominent Kuwaiti footballers to inspire young players. Khajah said the academy’s goal extends beyond skill development to include fostering teamwork, mutual respect, and discipline — elements often missing in the digital age. “Sports offer far more benefits than hours spent on electronic games, which can lead to fatigue and poor focus,” he noted.

For academy player Saleh Mohammad, the training has paid off. A member since 2019 and now a key player in Kuwait’s national youth team, he credited the academy for nurturing his talent and supporting his mental well-being. “Summer training keeps me fit during the off-season and helps me return to my club and national duties in top form,” he said, encouraging his peers to make productive use of their free time through sports. Meanwhile, academy owner Abdullah Abdulhassan shared that his academy recruits professional coaches, particularly from Spain, known for their advanced training methods and tactical expertise. “We welcome players from the age of four and have no upper age limit, ensuring everyone can benefit from physical activity,” he said.

Abdulhassan described the work as fulfilling, especially when trainees progress to professional clubs or national teams. “Academies build confidence, cultivate friendships, and shape well-rounded individuals — not just footballers,” he added. While acknowledging the financial strain on some families, especially those enrolling multiple children, he stressed that the long-term benefits in health, discipline and character development outweigh the costs. He called for greater investment in academies to support the emergence of a promising generation for Kuwaiti football. With club activities suspended during summer, families increasingly rely on academies to keep their children active. Some academies rent indoor venues, while others adapt by scheduling evening sessions.

Echoing similar sentiments, academy owner Abdulrahman Omar told KUNA that his primary goal is to nurture emerging talent and provide structured training to youth who may lack access to sports activities. He said training sessions typically begin around 7:30 pm and are divided into recreational warmups and football-specific drills. “Modern academies are now emulating clubs by participating in local mini-leagues, organizing matches and even holding training camps abroad,” Omar said, noting these experiences help players gain confidence and exposure to competitive environments. —

However, he pointed to ongoing challenges, particularly the scarcity of training facilities and a lack of financial support. “Despite participation from nearly 20 academies in local tournaments, the absence of sponsorship means costs are rarely recovered,” he said. As football academies continue to fill the gap left by limited club access, their growing role in developing Kuwait’s next generation of footballers—and responsible citizens—cannot be overstated. — KUNA

SEVILLE: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday aimed at enhancing cooperation and accelerating the implementation of sustainable infrastructure projects in jointly prioritized regions. The agreement was signed by AFESD Director General and Chairman Bader Al-Saad and AIIB President Jin Liqun on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, currently underway in Seville, southern Spain.

In a statement, Al-Saad said the strategic partnership aligns with the Fund’s mission of supporting sustainable development in Arab countries in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This collaboration will bolster our resources and strengthen our role in financing infrastructure, contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region,” he noted. He emphasized that the partnership underscores both institutions’ commitment to deepening regional cooperation and adopting innovative, demand-driven approaches to infrastructure financing.

AIIB President Jin Liqun described the partnership with the Arab Fund as “a significant milestone in our shared commitment to sustainable development.” He added: “By leveraging AIIB’s global infrastructure expertise and the Arab Fund’s deep regional knowledge, we can jointly implement impactful projects that tackle pressing issues such as climate change and regional interconnectivity.”

Jin noted that both institutions will collaborate to mobilize additional resources and promote innovation in infrastructure financing. He explained that the MoU lays out a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including joint project preparation and co-financing for both sovereign and non-sovereign sectors. Strategic priorities covered under the agreement include enhancing climate resilience, cross-border connectivity, digital infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Founded in 2016, the Beijing-based AIIB is a multilateral development bank with a capital base of $100 billion and 110 approved members. It focuses on infrastructure financing that fosters a sustainable and inclusive global future. Established in 1972 and headquartered in Kuwait, the Arab Fund is a regional financial institution dedicated to supporting economic and social development in the Arab world.

The Fund finances projects in infrastructure, health, education, water, and public services through a range of instruments, including loans, grants and technical assistance. The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, hosted by Spain, kicked off Monday and runs through Thursday. The conference aims to advance solutions to global development financing challenges and develop a new framework for achieving the SDGs. — KUNA