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Dive Team calls for shark protection

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By Passant Hisham

KUWAIT: As sightings of sharks increase in Kuwait’s waters during the summer months, the Kuwait Dive Team is calling for stronger awareness and protection efforts, warning that these misunderstood marine creatures face far greater danger from humans than the other way around. “Sharks have earned a bad reputation since the 1970s because of how the media portrayed them,” Kuwait Dive Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel told Kuwait Times. “Globally, there are over 400 shark species, but only one is truly dangerous to humans — the Great White Shark,” he added. “In fact, most species found in Kuwaiti waters are harmless. In Kuwait’s entire 300-year history, only two shark-related injuries have been recorded”

Al-Fadhel explained that the rise in shark presence during summer is a natural phenomenon. Sharks are attracted to warm waters and are typically found in muddy areas up north, and to a lesser extent near coral reefs in the south, where they are generally small and non-aggressive. While the presence of sharks might alarm some beachgoers, Al-Fadhel stressed that humans pose the real threat. “Studies show that 20 to 30 percent of the global shark population has been wiped out due to harmful human practices,” he told KUNA.

Among the most damaging is shark finning — the practice of removing fins and discarding the body at sea. The fins are exported for use in what is considered the world’s most expensive soup. Al-Fadhel noted that while some fishermen in Kuwait have engaged in this trade, commercial shark fishing is now banned in the country, as the sharks play important role in maintaining marine ecological balance.

Al-Fadhel also urged the public not to feed sharks or other marine wildlife, as doing so alters their natural behavior and undermines their ecological role. “Sharks help maintain balance in the marine environment by feeding on sick or injured fish,” he said. “Feeding them changes their behavior, draws them closer to humans, and could increase the risk of unintended harm — both to the animal and the person.”

To reduce the likelihood of encounters and promote coexistence, the Kuwait Dive Team recommended avoiding diving in muddy seabeds, where sharks are more likely to be found. They also advised spearfishers against tying their catch to their bodies, as the scent of blood can attract sharks. Al-Fadhel emphasized that the purpose of awareness campaigns is not to instill fear, but to foster respect for marine life and promote safer practices.

The team, which operates under the Environmental Voluntary Foundation, has carried out multiple rescue operations across Kuwait’s coast — including around Kubbar Island, where sharks have been found entangled in abandoned fishing nets. Al-Fadhel also noted that summer months bring a surge in jellyfish populations, particularly during June and July, sometimes leading to the temporary shutdown of desalination plants due to the overwhelming numbers. To manage their impact, nets and filters are installed at water intake sites.

He described jellyfish as ancient marine organisms that migrate annually to Kuwaiti waters depending on currents and wind patterns. While the species found locally are not deadly, they can cause mild stings. Al-Fadhel recommended wearing full-body diving suits for protection and avoiding swimming in areas where jellyfish are concentrated. Like sharks, he added, jellyfish also play a vital ecological role as a food source for other marine species.

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In first, Kuwaiti women appointed to Higher Public Prosecution

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KUWAIT: Attorney General Saad Al-Safran announced the transfer of several Kuwaiti prosecutors from specialized and local-level positions to the country’s higher public prosecution office, as part of a wider effort to nationalize and strengthen the judiciary with qualified local talent.

Notably, the decision includes — for the first time — Kuwaiti women among those promoted to the higher prosecution body, a step hailed as a milestone for gender equality in the legal field. In a statement, the Public Prosecution said the decision marks “a precedent recorded for the first time,” emphasizing that the appointments were made “based on the objective standard of merit.”

The move reflects “the well-deserved confidence in Kuwaiti women and their vital role in the criminal justice system,” the statement continued, adding that it supports the principle of empowering women in leadership roles and ensuring equal opportunities in the judiciary.

The decision is also in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to increase the presence of qualified Kuwaitis in key state institutions, especially the justice sector.

In a separate decision, the Attorney General also appointed Badr Al-Masaad, First Chief Prosecutor and Head of the Attorney General’s Technical Office, to lead the higher prosecution office. The moves underscore Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to localize key public sector roles and promote capable national figures — both men and women — within the legal system. — KUNA

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Sport as prevention: Haidu‑CAN Olympic Tournament begins

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KUWAIT: The National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) launched the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament Wednesday evening at Hatrick Stadium in Khaitan. Youth teams from across the country are taking part in this event, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and highlight the role of sport in disease prevention—particularly cancer.

Dr Hessa Majid Al‑Shaheen, a member of CAN’s board of directors, explained that the tournament offers an “unconventional” path to health education by blending competitive sports with practical prevention messages. “Sport is not a luxury,” she said, “but an effective means of prevention—and a gateway to a healthier, more informed society.”

According to Al‑Shaheen, medical research shows that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers—such as colon and breast—by up to 30–40 percent. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, while boosting mental health and alleviating stress and anxiety.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

The Haidu‑CAN initiative aims to sustain young people’s engagement in sports through interactive activities that pair athletic competition with awareness workshops. In addition to tournament matches, the program features educational sessions and support initiatives for cancer survivors.

Abdullah Al‑Saleh, Director of the Haidu‑CAN Olympics, described the event as “a unique model” that moves beyond traditional awareness campaigns. “We’re delivering health messages in a way that resonates with youth—through experience and participation rather than indoctrination,” he said. This tournament is one of several activities organized by CAN’s sports team to translate theoretical health advice into tangible, everyday practices and foster long‑term healthy habits.

Guest of honor Captain Saad Al‑Houti—a former Kuwaiti national footballer—opened the tournament with a motivational address. “Sport is a message before it is a result,” he told participants, praising CAN’s efforts to empower youth as ambassadors of prevention. “Such initiatives strengthen the role of sports in community building and give young people the chance to drive positive change.”

The tournament’s opening night drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Over the coming days, the Haidu‑CAN Olympics will continue with mini‑tournaments, educational meetings and health‑focused competitions designed especially for young athletes.

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KU showcases new programs at 3-day event at The Avenues

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KUWAIT: Kuwait University has kicked off its three-day campaign, “Design Your Future”, at The Avenues mall, in an effort to connect with high school graduates and guide them through the admissions process.

Organized by the Admissions Department under the Deanship of Admission and Registration, the campaign runs daily from 10 am to 10 pm. It offers students and their families a chance to explore available majors, admission criteria, and application procedures for the upcoming academic year.

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“The campaign has seen strong engagement from recent high school graduates and their parents since its launch,” said Dr Fadhel Aziz, Acting Dean of Admission and Registration. “It gives prospective students the opportunity to learn about Kuwait University’s various colleges and how to apply.”

Among the key features of the university’s booth are introductions to new, in-demand programs such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Life Sciences and Cybersecurity in the College of Science. These programs reflect current labor market needs and technological trends. “Students now have the chance to explore some of the most in-demand fields in today’s job market,” Dr Aziz added.

Also participating in the campaign are representatives from the Public Authority for Manpower and the Civil Service Commission, who are providing students with insights into labor market demands and helping them align their academic choices with future career opportunities. “This campaign is a key step for high school graduates,” Dr Aziz noted. “It helps them clarify their interests and organize their priorities in a way that matches both their academic performance and personal inclinations.”

He emphasized that the university’s goal is to support students in making well-informed decisions that align with community needs and job market trends. The event continues through the end of the week, offering guidance and resources for anyone considering Kuwait University as the next step in their education journey.

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