KUWAIT: A high-level government committee entrusted to regulate charity and humanitarian activities in Kuwait approved on Wednesday a draft law for humanitarian work in the country with the aim to boost transparency and accountability. The charitable work committee, headed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, has been working for the past several months to increase official oversight over a number of charity organizations in Kuwait that have carried out a large number of charity projects inside and outside Kuwait.

The approval came after the ministry of social affairs ordered charity organizations in Kuwait, a majority of which are run by Islamic societies, to halt their work for several weeks in a bid to regulate them. The ministry and the committee both issued stricter reforms to boost transparency of the charity organizations and the government’s oversight of their work.

The draft law aims to strengthen the principles of governance, reinforce transparency and accountability and enhance the efficiency of implementing charitable initiatives and projects, a statement said. Once officially approved, the new draft legislation is expected to mark a significant step in organizing humanitarian work practices, improve policies and regulations and bolster local and domestic trust in the organizations operating in the charity sector.

For the past several decades, Kuwait has played a leading role among the oil-rich Gulf states in charitable work, with a large number of charity projects all over the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa.

Separately, the interior ministry announced on Wednesday residency detectives busted a network selling visas to expats for money, the second such bust this week. The ministry said a complaint by a Pakistani who paid KD 650 for a residence permit to another Pakistani led to busting the network.

Investigations revealed that the accused, who admitted to receiving the money, is a partner in 11 companies with 162 workers on their records. A number of workers registered on these companies admitted to paying sums ranging between KD 500 and KD 900 to obtain residency permits. Investigations also revealed that some of them paid additional sums ranging between KD 60 and KD 70 to falsify salary data on work permits to obtain family residency permits.

A Kuwaiti was also summoned as an authorized signatory for the 11 companies, admitting to receiving monthly sums ranging between KD 500 and KD 600. The ministry said the 12 suspects were referred to the public prosecution, confirming that investigations, arrests and inspections of the headquarters of the concerned companies are underway.

KUWAIT: As summer travel picks up, many expatriates have reported that Kuwait’s digital driving license is not accepted abroad, making international car rentals challenging. But this is now changing. After a suspension that began on Dec 10, 2023, the issuance of physical driving licenses for expats resumed in mid-April 2025, following ministerial decision no. 560/2025 issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. The amendment allows expatriates to reissue physical licenses for a KD 10 printing fee, effective immediately upon its publication in the official gazette Kuwait Al Youm.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process (the exact steps may vary slightly by location):

1. Visit the traffic department (muroor):

Head to the traffic department of the governorate that originally issued your license — this might differ from your current governorate of residence. Keep in mind that working hours and queues can vary for citizens, expats and companies.

2. Request the application form:

Go to the typing section and request a form to issue a physical driving license. This service usually costs KD 1. You will need to attach:

• A copy of your Civil ID

• A copy of your current digital license (from the Kuwait Mobile ID app)

• Your previous physical license (if available)

3. Form submission and payment:

• Submit the filled form at one of the designated counters for verification and stamping.

• Then, proceed to pay the KD 10 reissuance fee.

• Note: If you no longer have your previous physical license, an additional KD 10 fee may apply.

4. Final submission and collection:

Submit the signed and stamped form at the designated printing counter, then wait for your name to be called. Your physical license will be printed and issued shortly, depending on the number of applicants.

KUWAIT: To celebrate Ice Cream Day in true Deliveroo style, Deliveroo Kuwait has partnered with premium ice cream brand Marble Slab Creamery to unveil a limited-edition Strawberry Sorbet flavor, available exclusively on Deliveroo from July 20 to August 20. Bursting with a vibrant strawberry flavor, this summer-exclusive treat is the perfect way to cool off. Whether relaxing at home or taking a midday break, the Strawberry Sorbet delivers a scoop of joy, straight to your doorstep.

To celebrate the launch, Deliveroo partnered with Guinness World Record-holding jet skier Yousef AlKhalfan, who performed an unforgettable jet ski stunt along Kuwait’s coastline. The stunt served as a bold announcement, setting the tone for a campaign that’s all about flavor, fun and summer refreshment. To experience the new flavor and to keep up-to-date with more limited-edition drops and unexpected surprises, download the Deliveroo app and follow Deliveroo on @deliveroo_kw.