KUWAIT: Kuwait is implementing an ambitious national strategy to modernize its healthcare infrastructure, improve service quality, and expand access to treatment. Under the framework of its 2024/2025 development plan, the country has allocated around KD 140 million to a portfolio of 20 public health projects aimed at improving care delivery and long-term system sustainability. According to the Ministry of Health, 13 of these projects are currently in the execution phase, three are in preparatory stages, two are in final delivery, and two have been completed.
Major projects underway
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Assistant Undersecretary for Engineering and Projects at the Ministry of Health Ibrahim Al-Nahham, said the ministry is working to complete several large-scale health infrastructure projects in line with international standards. One of the latest additions to Kuwait’s healthcare infrastructure is the New Maternity Hospital in the Sabah Health Zone, which was inaugurated in April. So far, only the outpatient clinic has been opened to patients, while the main facility — which includes operating and delivery rooms as well as inpatient wards — is expected to open soon, according to a KTV report aired this week.
Four major construction projects are currently underway: The New Sabah Hospital; The New Adan Hospital; The Communicable Diseases Hospital; and The Kuwait Cancer Center. The latter two are expected to open in the coming days, Al-Nahham told KUNA.
New Al-sabah Hospital
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Building at the New Adan Hospital
Assistant Undersecretary for Engineering Affairs and Projects, Eng. Ibrahim Al-Nahham
New Infectious Diseases Hospital
The Childhood and Motherhood Building at new Adan Hospital
The New Sabah Hospital spans over 88,710 square meters with a total built-up area of 280,636 square meters. It features 512 inpatient beds, 105 ICU beds, and 72 outpatient clinics across multiple specialties. The main facility consists of three towers, a helipad for emergency transport, and support buildings, including parking and technical services.
The Communicable Diseases Hospital will offer 224 inpatient beds and eight ICU beds. It also includes departments for emergency services, radiology, pharmacy, and medical records. The Kuwait Cancer Center will cover 226,525 square meters and is planned to operate with 618 beds using fully automated systems.
As for the New Adan Hospital, it is being developed as a multi-facility complex of seven interconnected buildings, including a maternity and pediatrics hospital, a surgical building, rehabilitation center, and administrative offices for the Ahmadi Health Zone. Underground tunnels will connect the facilities to streamline operations and patient care.
International collaboration
In parallel with infrastructure upgrades, Kuwait continues to strengthen its cooperation with international and regional partners. This includes agreements to support medical training, digital systems, and public health initiatives. Locally, several memoranda of understanding have been signed with other government entities to promote the National Healthy Cities Strategy. The goal is to raise awareness on healthy living and convert policy strategies into actionable projects.
Internationally, the Ministry of Health has held a series of meetings in recent months with European Union ambassadors and health representatives to exchange expertise and explore training and research collaboration. In July, Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi signed five memoranda of understanding with leading medical institutions in Paris to support knowledge exchange and bilateral health cooperation. The partnerships aim to enhance specialized care in areas such as oncology, cardiology, and organ transplants. One of the key components is the development of telemedicine services that would allow Kuwaiti patients and physicians to access expert opinions and diagnostic support remotely.
Healthy cities initiative
The ministry also continues its long-term collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), which formally opened a country office in Kuwait four years ago. WHO has recognized Kuwait’s ongoing initiatives to promote public health and sustainability. Kuwait launched its Healthy Cities initiative around a decade ago, aligning with global efforts to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As of this year, 18 Kuwaiti cities are registered on the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Healthy Cities Network, and seven have received formal recognition. According to the United Nations, a “healthy city” is not one that is already healthy, but one that commits to improving the living environment for all residents. The WHO defines such cities as places that prioritize health in urban planning, promote community participation, and support equitable access to services.
The government also invests heavily in the development of local medical talent. This includes scholarships for Kuwaiti students to study medicine and pharmacy abroad, as well as cooperation agreements with universities and health institutions worldwide. The goal is to build a workforce capable of meeting future health challenges.
In recent months, Kuwait successfully conducted nine advanced robotic surgeries remotely, demonstrating the growing capabilities of its local medical teams. This reflects broader efforts to reduce the number of patients sent abroad for treatment by expanding access to specialized care locally. — Agencies
KUWAIT: Participants in the sixth edition of Zain’s Summer Program continue their hands-on training journey across diverse work environments. The program remains focused on equipping them with practical skills and real-world experience to prepare them for the job market, all within a professional setting that mirrors the fast-paced private sector.
Recently, the students took part in an inspiring media experience, where they learned about the strategies and challenges of modern media and how to deliver messages creatively and artistically. The session featured Director Ya’arub Bourahma and young content creator Aws Ya’arub Bourahma, who shared their personal stories and valuable insights in media and content creation.
As part of its efforts to strengthen bonds and team spirit among the participants, Zain organized side entertainment activities such as kart racing and a shooting competition. These events were filled with excitement and friendly competition, providing an ideal opportunity to foster a lively atmosphere and deepen connections among the participants.
The students are currently undergoing practical training across three main tracks: Zain’s branches, media institutions Kuwait News and Kuwait Times, and a newly introduced operational and technical track with the program’s partner V-Thru. Participants are engaged in diverse fields including customer service, sales, digital marketing, content creation, journalism and logistics.
A total of 35 university students from various academic backgrounds are participating in the program, working part-time at their assigned placements through intensive tracks designed to hone their personal and professional skills, develop their leadership capabilities, and offer them real-world experiences aligned with the fast-evolving digital job market.
The Zain Summer Program is one of the company’s leading sustainable community initiatives, launched under the Future University Network – FUN platform. Year after year, it continues to provide real and inspiring opportunities to help shape a conscious and qualified generation of young national talent. Over the course of six successful seasons, the program has trained more than 220 students, contributing to the preparation of a creative and work-ready generation for the labor market.
New government entity to oversee all charity activities; Humanitarian law to be ready in 2-3 weeks
KUWAIT: Kuwait is launching a three-day donation campaign starting Tuesday, followed by the organization of an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of Peru’s National Day celebration on Sunday, Al-Mashaan said charitable associations across the country will collect funds for the Gaza aid campaign, which will be entirely allocated to the purchase of relief materials through Kuwait Flour Mills Company. “All donations will go toward essential supplies, procured from a trusted local producer with the capacity to meet immediate needs,” he said.
Once the donations are collected, the Ministry of Defense — specifically the Kuwait Air Force — will coordinate the transportation of aid using a Kuwaiti military aircraft. Shipments will be sent via two routes: to Al-Arish in Egypt, where they will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent in coordination with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and to Jordan for further delivery to Gaza.
Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan
Unified charity system
Al-Mashaan also noted that Kuwait is in the final stages of approving a comprehensive law to regulate charitable work and strengthen oversight over the sector. A key feature of the law is the creation of a governmental ‘center’, dedicated to humanitarian work, serving as a unified authority overseeing all aspects of charitable activities.
The center will oversee the registration of charity associations, organize relief campaigns, monitor international donations, and issue all necessary approvals — streamlining processes and reducing the need for associations to navigate multiple government entities.
The new law, which has been developed over seven high-level committee meetings chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, is currently under legal review. It includes frameworks to regulate the operation of charitable societies and foundations, set standards for donation collection, and bring all charitable entities under the umbrella of the new center.
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has tasked Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait with coordinating with the Fatwa and Legislation Department before the law is submitted to the Legal Committee for final approval. “We expect the law to be finalized within two to three weeks,” Al-Mashaan said. “However, implementing the executive regulations and launching the center will take more time and effort, especially with the transfer of staff from the Ministry of Social Affairs.”
He emphasized that in Kuwait’s charitable work, domestic needs will take precedence, followed by support for international causes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is playing a leading role in this process, particularly in monitoring international donations and ensuring accountability for overseas projects.
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