KUWAIT: The new board of directors of Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) held its first meeting on Tuesday and unanimously elected new member Sheikh Saud Salem Al-Sabah as the new managing director for the country’s agency that runs hundreds of billions of surpluses. Sheikh Saud was among five new members appointed to the board of directors by an Amiri decree on Monday.

The meeting was chaired by KIA chairman, Minister of Electricity and Water and acting minister of finance Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem. Mukhaizeem said in a statement that the KIA board of directors will continue its policy to develop the Authority, strengthen governance and manage state funds at a high degree of competence. This, he added, will boost KIA’s strategic role in supporting the national economy and enhance Kuwait’s position at the map of global investments.

Mukhaizeem was appointed acting finance minister following the resignation of Noura Al-Fassam as finance minister after one year of office. No reason was given for the resignation of Fassam, an experienced economist and banker. Kuwait does not officially announce the size of its assets run by KIA, but unofficial reports put the investments at around $1 trillion. In the meantime, a three-day donation campaign to raise funds for the Gaza relief collected over KD 5 million on its third and final day, the ministry of social affairs said on Tuesday.

KUWAIT: The Scientific Center of Kuwait and the Youth Public Authority signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to strengthen youth empowerment and promote scientific and environmental awareness. The agreement, signed at the Scientific Center – one of the flagship institutions of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) – focuses on joint programs to develop the skills of young Kuwaitis and broaden their engagement with science and sustainability.

“This MoU reflects both parties’ commitment to youth development and capacity building,” said Scientific Center Director General Musaed Al-Yaseen in a statement to KUNA. “It also expands avenues for cooperation in scientific and environmental awareness and national capacity-building.” Al-Yaseen said the partnership will roll out training programs, scientific and environmental initiatives, and educational activities that target young people. “The goal is to equip youth with essential environmental and community skills,” he said.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the center’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with national institutions and contribute to development goals by offering volunteering and professional training opportunities for youth. “Our vision is for the Scientific Center to be a platform for interactive learning and educational experiences that boost science and environmental awareness,” Al-Yaseen added.

Acting Director General of the Youth Authority Nasser Al-Shaikh highlighted the importance of the partnership. “We’re committed to building strategic relationships with leading national institutions,” he said. Al-Shaikh stressed that the MoU will deliver high-quality programs that match the ambitions of Kuwaiti youth. “This collaboration enhances their scientific and intellectual abilities to help them meet future challenges,” he said, praising the Center’s key role in promoting scientific culture and environmental awareness in the country. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Women of different ages got the chance to get hands-on with one of Kuwait’s oldest crafts through a workshop teaching participants how to weave decorative and functional cup coasters using traditional Sadu techniques. Held at Sadu House and organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) in collaboration with Al-Sadu Society, the workshop offered a beginner-friendly introduction to simple loom weaving with colorful wool threads. It’s one of various activities featured as part of the 17th edition of Kuwait’s Summer Cultural Festival.

“This workshop attracted many adults who love handicrafts and those just starting out in weaving,” said trainer and Sadu Society member Hayat Al-Balushi, in a statement to KUNA. “Participants made circular cup coasters that add an elegant touch to the table,” she added, noting that all necessary materials were provided on site.

Al-Balushi praised the NCCAL’s efforts in organizing the workshop and similar initiatives during the summer break. “These kinds of activities help young people and children use their free time productively and creatively, while strengthening their skills and connection to cultural identity,” she said.

She explained that Sadu is one of the oldest traditional crafts in Kuwait and the Gulf region, rooted in Bedouin life. “It involves weaving wool on a simple handmade loom, with geometric patterns that carry symbolic meanings drawn from the desert environment and folk beliefs,” she said.

Historically, Sadu weaving was used to make tents, camel saddles, rugs, and decorative home items. In recognition of the craft’s cultural importance, Kuwait established Sadu House in 1979 as a heritage center dedicated to preserving and teaching Sadu weaving to new generations. The center regularly hosts workshops and exhibitions to support local craftswomen and highlight the art form’s role in expressing national identity.

In March 2025, the World Crafts Council officially designated Kuwait City as a World City of Sadu Weaving, honoring its leadership in the field and commitment to preserving intangible heritage. This recognition reflects Kuwait’s cultural institutions’ dedication to protecting and passing on this traditional craft. — KUNA