TUNIS: The 21st Arab Conference of Heads of Traffic Departments, chaired by Kuwait, concluded its two-day session Thursday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing traffic safety and cooperation across the Arab region. Among the key outcomes was a call to circulate the smart traffic awareness system — developed by the Fujairah Police General Command and winner of the 2024 Prince Naif Award for Arab Security in the pioneering security programs category — to member states for implementation and benefit.

Participants were also urged to actively engage in the Prince Naif Award for Arab Security competition across its three categories: pioneering security programs, security studies and security media creativity. The conference stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among traffic departments in Arab countries, and agreed to refer a proposal for the establishment of a unified Arab traffic analytical database to member states for further examination.

In addition, a Libyan proposal to unify the Arab awareness discourse on traffic safety was referred for consultation, while the General Secretariat was tasked with initiating discussions with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to explore avenues of cooperation involving ESCWA’s Arab Integrated Observatory for Traffic Safety, the General Secretariat and the Arab Office for Supporting Security Services Affairs. Delegates also reviewed best practices from several member states in traffic regulation and accident reduction. The General Secretariat was asked to circulate these experiences to facilitate knowledge sharing and to develop a consolidated vision from reports submitted by member states on their national efforts in this field. Moreover, the conference encouraged countries to utilize traffic awareness campaigns aligned with both Arab and international events. The recommendations will be submitted to the next session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers for final approval. Kuwait chaired the conference, with participation from heads and representatives of Arab traffic departments and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. The Kuwaiti delegation included Brigadier Munif Al-Mutairi, Colonel Yousef Al-Haddad and First Lieutenant Nawaf Al-Mutairi. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Weyay Bank has successfully wrapped up its summer program designed for “Jeel” customers, aged 8 to 14. The closing ceremony highlighted the positive atmosphere and creative spirit that flourished during the multi-week workshops. This season’s program focused on programming and digital innovation through Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, underscoring Weyay’s commitment to empowering the next generation in increasingly essential digital fields.

The program offered engaging workshops that covered: – AI-Powered Game Development: Participants delved into the world of game design and creation, exploring AI fundamentals and their practical applications. – Virtual Reality Environment Development: These workshops provided participants with hands-on experience in designing virtual reality environments, opening new horizons in digital innovation. – Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Participants gained vital knowledge on safe Internet Browse and protecting personal data – an essential skill in our fast-paced digital world.

The enthusiasm and positive interaction observed among participants, trainers, and the program content demonstrated their passion for learning and readiness to explore new technological realms. The program also significantly contributed to building their self-confidence and fostering creative thinking.

Investing in digital future

Commenting on the program’s success, Fawaz AlNakib, Partnership Manager at Weyay Bank, stated: “At Weyay Bank, we believe that building Kuwait’s digital future starts with empowering the rising generation. As Kuwait’s first digital bank, we see our duty extending beyond providing innovative banking services to include investing in the minds of the next generations. The Weyay Summer Program was a living testament to this commitment.” AlNakib added: “The ‘Jeel’ card and app are not just financial tools; they are a gateway to teaching young people the basics of financial responsibility and equipping them with the digital skills needed to keep pace with modern developments.”

The success of the summer program underscores Weyay Bank’s dedication to providing unique experiences for its customers, particularly “Jeel,” which forms the cornerstone of the Bank’s strategy to enhance financial inclusion and digital empowerment among youth in Kuwait. This commitment further validates Weyay’s recognition with the “Most Innovative Product” award at the MEED Banking Excellence Awards 2025 for the Middle East and North Africa region.

KUWAIT: The 11th consultative meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) armed forces concluded Wednesday in Kuwait, with discussions focused on strengthening defense cooperation, unifying operational and training strategies, and enhancing regional security and combat readiness. In a statement, the Kuwaiti Army’s General Staff said the meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces Major General (Pilot) Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who conveyed the greetings of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Sabah. He also expressed the minister’s appreciation for the collective efforts to advance joint Gulf military cooperation.

Deputy Chief of General Staff Major General Pilot Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairing the meeting

Major General Al-Sabah affirmed that the meeting comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance military integration among GCC member states and reflects the shared determination to fortify unity and brotherhood amid evolving regional and global challenges. The chiefs of staff discussed a range of topics on the agenda, aligned with the vision and directives of GCC leaders to bolster joint defense capabilities. The meeting was also attended by the GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Military Affairs, the Commander of the Unified Military Command, as well as several senior military officials and commanders. — KUNA