KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), represented by Director General Dr. Hassan Al-Fajjam, signed an agreement renewing its cooperation contract with Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), represented by CEO Wadha Al-Khatib, to employ graduates of the Diploma in Refinery Operations program at the College of Technological Studies.
Also present at the contract signing were acting Deputy Director General for Applied Education and Research Dr. Ahmed Al-Hunayan, Dean of the College of Technological Studies Dr. Mohammad Al-Momen, and a number of other officials. The agreement aims to renew coordination between the two parties to provide job opportunities for graduates of the Diploma in Refinery Operations program at various facilities of the company, particularly the vital refinery sites, such as Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries. This agreement is part of the cooperation between the two parties, and KNPC’s commitment to support qualified Kuwaiti youths and enhance Kuwaitization efforts in the oil sector.
Al-Fajjam affirmed that PAAET is moving forward in developing its academic programs, students, and graduates to fully cover the needs of the Kuwaiti labor market. He explained that the renewal of the cooperation agreement demonstrates confidence in the ability of PAAET to train and provide national manpower with scientific and professional skills to work in the oil sector through its teaching and training staff.
He said PAAET keeps pace with scientific and practical developments, as well as meeting the manpower needs of the public and private sectors. He praised the distinguished role and support of the company’s CEO and team in renewing the agreement, the company’s investment in Kuwaiti youths, and the continuation of this partnership, which is a successful model of integration between the government, educational institutions, and the oil sector.
By Abdulrahman Al-Shammari Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Committee at Bayan Palace on Thursday to follow up on the implementation status of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the governments of the State of Kuwait and the friendly People’s Republic of China.
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 18: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired Thursday, at Bayan Palace, the 27th ministerial committee meeting to follow up on the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Kuwait and China. The meeting reviewed the latest progress in executing developmental projects included in the MoUs, especially cooperation in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, electricity systems, renewable energy, low-carbon recycling, housing, environmental infrastructure, free zones, and economic zones.
The meeting examined the outcomes of Chinese delegations’ visits this month, regarding cooperation between Kuwait and Chinese companies in environmental fields, afforestation, combating desertification, and ensuring effective collaboration to implement the agreed development initiatives efficiently and sustainably. His Highness directed committee members to ensure the strict implementation of signed agreements with major Chinese government companies, emphasizing adherence to strategic plans to achieve the intended results within the specified timeframes, ensuring proper execution of all projects. Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, committee member and rapporteur Samih Jawhar Hayat, stated that the meeting discussed major development projects, reviewed upcoming Chinese delegations’ agendas, and highlighted that the Chinese state company will begin phases three and four of renewable energy projects, emphasizing Kuwait’s commitment to advancing joint initiatives and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Abdulaziz Al-Dakheel, Minister of Public Works Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of State for Municipality Affairs and Housing Abdullatif Al-Mishari, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Sabeeh Al- Mukhaizem, Director General of the Direct Investment Promotion Authority Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of Fatwa and Legislation Office Salah Al-Majid, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Abdullah Al-Sabah, and Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and Member and Rapporteur of the Ministerial Committee Samih Jawhar Hayat.(KUNA)
Kuwait Oil Company CEO Ahmad Al-Eidan delivers his speech
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 18: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has officially begun commercial production at the Mitribah oil field in northwestern Kuwait, CEO Ahmad Al‑Eidan announced Thursday, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategic expansion.
Al‑Eidan, speaking at a ceremony in Ahmadi City under the patronage of Oil Minister Tareq Al‑Roumi, described the launch as more than just completing a project. He called it “a living testimony” to the determination, innovation, and cooperative spirit within KOC.
He said Mitribah now joins KOC’s productive assets, giving “a strong push” to the company’s strategic path. Reflecting on his own history with the field, Al‑Eidan recalled his early work in the 1990s as a geologist in KOC’s exploration group, witnessing its development through many years.
Al‑Eidan explained that the milestone comes at a pivotal moment for KOC, which recently undertook a major organizational restructuring designed to enhance efficiency, sharpen its vision, and boost momentum across all its sectors. A key outcome of that reorganisation is the formation of the “New Exploration Group,” aimed at accelerating the process from exploration to production—especially in complex or unconventional reservoirs.
He pointed out that Mitribah is the first major achievement under this new structure. Institutional support and a clear strategic vision, he said, helped reduce project timelines, mitigate risks, and strengthen Kuwait’s position in global oil production.
Al‑Eidan praised the work of specialized geologists, engineers, planners, operators, and technical support staff. He also acknowledged the role of partners and contractors, whose cooperation and commitment he said were essential to overcoming infrastructure challenges and deploying advanced technologies efficiently.
He added that this achievement is not the end but the start of a more ambitious journey. He called on all involved to maintain momentum, continue adopting the latest technical solutions, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence, united by a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Commercial output from Mitribah officially began on June 15, 2025, after connecting several wells to KOC’s production facilities. The field, located in a previously undeveloped stretch in northwest Kuwait, covers more than 230 square kilometres and lies outside the area of fields already operated by the company. Light oil with commercial viability was first discovered there in 2009. One of the major technical challenges was managing hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations of up to 40 percent, which contributed to delays in production start‑up.
The CEO of Kuwait Oil Company presents commemorative gifts to the Minister of Oil.
Kuwaiti Fawaz Al-Mudhaf appointed director of External Affairs at US-Arab Chamber of Commerce
WASHINGTON, Sept 18: The US-Arab Chamber of Commerce has appointed Kuwaiti national Fawaz Al-Mudhaf as its new Director of External Affairs, in a strategic move aimed at deepening US-Arab economic ties and empowering emerging regional talent.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, reflects the Chamber’s broader vision to enhance cross-border cooperation and nurture young leaders capable of navigating the evolving landscape of global trade and diplomacy.
“This appointment embodies the Chamber’s commitment to developing regional talent that contributes to and enhances cross-border cooperation,” the Chamber stated in a press release. It added that the selection of Al-Mudhaf aligns with the organization’s goal of equipping emerging leaders to adapt to rapid transformations in US-Arab economic and diplomatic relations.
Al-Mudhaf is expected to spearhead the Chamber’s external affairs strategy, focusing on strengthening relations with decision-makers, global companies, and major institutions in both the United States and the Arab world. His leadership will be crucial at a time of shifting global alliances, new trade priorities, and the increasing need for international collaboration.
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Al-Mudhaf said the role is “both an honor and a responsibility.” He emphasized that the US-Arab Chamber of Commerce is “more than just a business platform,” calling it “a trusted forum for dialogue, mutual respect, and opportunities for joint cooperation that strengthen ties between peoples.”
He affirmed his commitment to the Chamber’s mission, pledging to serve “with all sincerity” and to help consolidate US-Arab partnerships at a time when, he noted, “international communication has become more urgent than ever.”
Chamber President and CEO David Hamod praised Al-Mudhaf’s appointment, stating, “We are extremely proud of Fawaz, who is a fundamental pillar of the Chamber’s team. He is a fine example of a young Kuwaiti who is leaving an influential mark on the international scene.” Hamod added that Al-Mudhaf’s contributions are a “fundamental pillar in the Chamber’s success story.”
The US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, established over 50 years ago, is widely recognized as the oldest American organization dedicated to advancing US-Arab trade. It is often described as the “first commercial gateway” to the Middle East and North Africa for the United States.
As an independent, membership-based organization, the Chamber boasts over 50 members and partners and is the only American trade body officially recognized by both the League of Arab States and the Union of Arab Chambers. It continues to serve as a preeminent voice for American business interests in the Arab world, working to strengthen economic partnerships across the region.