KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality has intensified its field inspection campaigns on construction sites across residential and investment areas to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations that safeguard workers and residents, officials said on Thursday. Abdulrahman Al-Rasheed, Head of the Kuwait Municipality team in Hawally Governorate, told KUNA that the law outlines several key safety conditions aimed at protecting both workers and individuals living near construction zones.

Among the most crucial safety measures, Al-Rasheed noted, is the requirement to fence off construction sites with clearly defined boundaries to prevent construction materials from endangering passers-by. Additionally, replacing wooden scaffolding with iron supports is encouraged to enhance structural safety. He explained that the primary objective of the field inspections is to raise awareness and ensure preventive compliance rather than issue penalties. “In each campaign, the number of warnings issued by municipal teams far exceeds the number of violations recorded, reflecting our focus on awareness,” Al-Rasheed said.

In the event of a detected violation, contractors are issued a 72-hour notice to address the observations recorded by inspectors. The inspection team then revisits the site to confirm that all issues have been rectified. Al-Rasheed noted a high compliance rate among contractors following these warnings. He stressed that the municipality will not hesitate to take legal action against violators to protect public safety, adding that today’s inspection tour covered Mishref and Hawally, resulting in 68 warnings, one recorded violation, and 102 field reports.

Al-Rasheed urged contractors to obtain the necessary permits prior to commencing construction work to avoid delays and potential penalties. He affirmed the municipality’s commitment to streamlining the permit process in record time to facilitate safe and legal construction practices. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to Kuwait Municipality’s laws and regulations, noting that safety departments across all governorates are fully committed to enforcing these standards to ensure public safety and prevent worksite hazards. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The interior ministry on Wednesday launched the Kuwait Visa platform allowing foreigners to apply online for four types of visas to visit Kuwait. The portal was also launched on the government’s communication center website. The portal enables foreign individuals to apply online for a tourist e-visa to visit the country for tourism and entertainment, which is valid for 90 days from the date of entry.

This type of visa is issued only to nationals who are allowed to enter Kuwait by obtaining visas on arrival, like a majority of European countries, the US, some Asian countries, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is also issued to foreign nationals who are residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

The second type is the family visit visa, which is issued to families to join their relatives in Kuwait. It can be issued only through a relative with an official residency in Kuwait and is available to all nationals. It is valid for 30 days.

Business visas are issued to individuals who wish to visit Kuwait for business purposes, the platform states. It is issued through local companies to host business partners, organize business meetings and sign contracts. It can be issued through hotels and major corporations and is valid for 30 days. The last type is the government visit visa issued to officials of foreign countries and hosted by the government of Kuwait. It is issued through government bodies in accordance with specific diplomatic protocols and is valid for 30 days.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways announced on Thursday the arrival of its second Airbus A321neo aircraft, as part of a deal that includes a total of nine aircraft of the same model. The new delivery marks a significant step in the airline’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational capacity and elevate service standards. Chairman of the Board of Directors Abdulmohsen Al-Faqan said in a press statement that the addition of the new aircraft will support the airline’s operational growth and contribute to improved passenger experiences. “The A321neo features cutting-edge technology and a modern entertainment system, providing travelers with a more comfortable and enjoyable journey,” he noted.

Business class seats on Kuwait Airways’ new Airbus A321neo aircraft. – KUNA photos

Economy class seats on Kuwait Airways’ new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Al-Faqan emphasized that the acquisition is part of a broader phase aimed at advancing the company’s distinguished onboard services and reinforcing its status as a prominent regional and international airline. He reiterated Kuwait Airways’ commitment to adopting the latest advancements in commercial aviation in line with global standards, with a focus on safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction. The A321neo is one of nine aircraft Kuwait Airways has contracted with Airbus, with deliveries scheduled to continue over the coming years in accordance with the agreed timeline. The addition of these aircraft is expected to significantly boost the airline’s capabilities by integrating the newest models into its fleet.

The airline highlighted the A321neo’s high operational efficiency, capable of carrying 166 passengers—16 in business class and 150 in economy class—with a sleek, modern cabin design. The aircraft can also transport up to 9.5 tons of cargo, while offering a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption, a 5 percent decrease in airframe maintenance costs, and a 14 percent cut in overall operating costs.

Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems in its class, including large, state-of-the-art screens and Bluetooth connectivity for headphones, ensuring an enhanced travel experience for all passengers. Established in 1953 as Kuwait National Airways Limited, Kuwait Airways launched its first flight on March 16, 1954. The government assumed full ownership of the airline in 1962.- KUNA