KUWAIT: Kuwaiti martyrs who stood up to the 1990 Iraqi invasion are being remembered this week for their bravery and sacrifice. During the brutal seven-month invasion, Kuwaitis from all walks of life took up arms or supported the resistance in less visible but equally vital ways. “The martyrs of Kuwait wrote eternal epics with their pure blood,” said Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) in a special feature. “They became symbols of sacrifice in the face of occupation and left a profound impact on the national consciousness.”

Some were killed on the battlefield. Others were tortured to death or lost their lives in daring operations to protect fellow citizens. The Kuwaiti resistance played a critical role in confronting the occupiers — carrying out intelligence missions, sabotaging supply lines and targeting enemy forces. “This resistance was united, composed of various segments of Kuwaiti society, making it an everlasting example of national unity,” the feature noted.

KUWAIT: A car which belonged to Martyr Bader Al-Eedan is displayed at the Qurain Martyrs Museum. — KUNA photos

In the aftermath of liberation, the Kuwaiti government moved swiftly to ensure these sacrifices would never be forgotten. In 1991, it established the Kuwait Martyr Bureau to support the families of the fallen and to preserve their legacy. Projects like Al-Shaheed Park and the Qurain Martyrs Museum were created to document their stories and inspire future generations.

Today, Kuwaitis continue to draw strength from those memories. “They march in the footsteps of their martyrs, preserving the nation and its flag, drawing lessons of sacrifice and unity from their stories,” the report said.

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) has kicked off this year’s “My Right Start” campaign with a dedicated booth at The Avenues Mall, offering in-person guidance for high school graduates applying to the institute for the 2025/2026 academic year. The booth will be open daily from 10 am to 10 pm until August 7 and aims to answer questions about admissions and post-graduation job placement, in coordination with various government entities.

“This is an annual guidance campaign targeting recent high school graduates interested in joining PAAET’s colleges and institutes,” said Dr Hassan Al-Fajjam, Director General of the Authority. He added, “For this academic year, applications are open for five colleges and five institutes offering nearly 60 specializations aligned with labor market needs.”

But this year’s campaign comes with a number of changes. According to Dr. Fawzi Al-Doukhi, Dean of Admissions and Registration, admission for the 2025/2026 academic year is limited to Kuwaiti nationals only. Applications will be accepted from August 5 to August 18.

Al-Doukhi announced a major addition to the academic offerings: a new four-year Bachelor’s degree in Fire Engineering Technology in collaboration with the General Fire Force. “Graduates will be appointed directly as engineering officers in the force,” he said. The admission process has also been updated with stricter requirements and new procedures. “All admitted students must confirm their acceptance online. Failure to do so within the deadline will result in cancellation,” Al-Doukhi explained. A retraction after confirmation will also incur a KD 20 fee.

In another key change, applicants to medical programs—including nursing and health sciences—must now submit a certificate proving they are free of specific infectious diseases. “Students accepted into these specializations must collect a health clearance form from PAAET’s main building in Adailiya, have it stamped, and then undergo testing at the Ministry of Health. The approved certificate must be submitted during interviews at the respective colleges,” Al-Doukhi said. He urged applicants to visit the Admissions and Registration webpage on PAAET’s official website to review the available majors, admission thresholds, and specific requirements for each field. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced the arrest of 80 violators and wanted individuals and the issuance of more than 1,100 traffic citations during two large-scale security and traffic campaigns carried out across various locations in the country. In a statement issued Friday, the ministry said the first campaign was conducted on Al-Mutlaa Residential City road, utilizing mobile radar systems to monitor traffic violations.

The campaign resulted in 225 traffic citations and the arrest of eight individuals, including five juveniles caught driving without licenses. One person wanted by court orders was apprehended, while two others were referred to precautionary detention. Seven vehicles were also impounded for serious violations. The ministry stressed that such campaigns are part of ongoing efforts to uphold public safety, enforce traffic laws and ensure equal application of the law to all without exception.

It noted that daily campaigns are carried out across all governorates, especially in areas witnessing frequent violations or heavy traffic congestion. Authorities reiterated their zero-tolerance stance against reckless driving and behavior that jeopardizes lives, calling on all road users to adhere to traffic laws and warning signs. The statement highlighted that the primary goal of these campaigns is preventive, aiming to foster a responsible driving culture grounded in respect for the law and collective safety.

Separately, the MoI reported that a wider joint campaign was carried out at dawn along main roads and highways, resulting in the arrest of additional violators and wanted individuals. The operation, conducted by the General Traffic Department and the General Department of Rescue Police, in coordination with the Private Security Affairs Sector, was launched under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

The ministry said the campaign resulted in 934 traffic violations and the arrest of 13 individuals for violating residency and labor laws, six individuals without identification and nine wanted persons. Three juveniles were apprehended for driving without licenses, one person was arrested in an abnormal condition, and two were detained for possession of suspected narcotics. Another individual wanted on charges of absconding was also referred to authorities.

The Ministry of Interior affirmed the continuation of these campaigns nationwide, pledging to take firm legal action against all violators. The ministry urged the public to cooperate with security personnel and report any violations that could threaten the safety and stability of society. — KUNA