KUWAIT: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft decree-law amending key provisions of the 1991 weapons and ammunition law, introducing penalties for carrying bladed or air weapons in public without valid justification, in a move aimed at reinforcing public order and addressing growing security concerns.

Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said the new amendment criminalizes the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6 mm or more) in public spaces such as schools, mosques and markets without a legitimate reason. Offenders will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year and/or a fine of KD 500 to KD 1,000.

The amendment also targets acts of public intimidation, stipulating harsher penalties for those who deliberately frighten others using such weapons, with prison terms of one to two years and fines of KD 1,000 to KD 2,000. Additionally, the sale, import, or marketing of these weapons without official licensing is now prohibited.

The minister noted that the law empowers the minister of interior to define which weapons fall under the ban and specify the areas where the restrictions apply. “These amendments fill a previous legal gap by criminalizing actions that disturb public safety,” Al-Sumait said. “They reinforce the rule of law and reflect legislative awareness of emerging behaviors that threaten social peace.”

The Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law renaming the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. The move reflects the Kuwaiti government’s realization of the dire need for a modern and integrated piece of legislation to regulate the country’s civil aviation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Maousherji said in a press statement following the meeting.

This fresh legislation, the minister maintained, would ensure this vital sector’s required resilience to cope with global advancements in this domain. It is also deemed one of the main requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a prime determinant for licensing airports and air navigation facilities, he explained. The Cabinet decided to refer the draft decree-law to HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval. — KUNA

RIYADH: A unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourist visa for non-Gulf residents will be launched soon, GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi announced on Wednesday. In a statement issued by the GCC Secretariat following the 39th meeting of directors of passport departments of the GCC ministries of interior, Al-Budaiwi expressed appreciation for the collective efforts that contributed to the development of the unified visa system.

He affirmed that the initiative aligns with the shared visions of the region’s leaderships and will support the enhancement of tourism and economic integration across member states. Al-Budaiwi also emphasized the commitment of relevant authorities to adopt advanced technologies and respond to growing global security challenges— KUNA

KUWAIT: The Bohra community in Kuwait held a commemorative ceremony at Sulaiman Rabie Al-Mousawi Boys School in Daiya, with an additional gathering at the Bohra Community Center in Bneid Al-Qar, to reflect on the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the sacrifices of Imam Hussein (RA). In his address, Deputy Representative of the Bohra Sultan in Kuwait Mustafa Bhojawala highlighted the noble character and biography of the Prophet (PBUH), describing him as a symbol of mercy for all humanity. He also paid tribute to Imam Hussein (RA), grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of truth and his steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of Islamic sharia.

KUWAIT: Bohra community holds a commemorative ceremony at Sulaiman Rabie Al-Mousawi Boys School in Al Daiya, with an additional gathering at the Bohra Community Center in Bneid Al-Qar, to reflect on the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the sacrifices of Imam Hussein (RA).

Bhojawala urged the community’s children to remain devoted to the teachings of Islam, refrain from prohibited acts, abide by the laws of the country and remain loyal to Kuwait and its people. Prayers were offered for the protection and prosperity of Kuwait, and for the continued health and safety of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Special thanks were extended to the government and security authorities, particularly HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, as well as the undersecretary, assistant undersecretaries, security directors and all security personnel for facilitating religious observances during the sacred month of Muharram. The ceremony concluded with a collective prayer for the continued peace, protection and well-being of Kuwait and its citizens.