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Kuwait reaffirms right to peaceful use of nuclear energy at China-Gulf Forum

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CHENGDU: Kuwait has reiterated its firm support for the right of all nations to develop and utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The reaffirmation came during remarks delivered by Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil, Counselor at the Kuwaiti Embassy in China, at the opening session of the First China-Gulf Forum on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies held Monday in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan Province.

Al-Dakhil emphasized Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to promoting a nuclear-weapon-free zone, while highlighting the country’s active cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He noted that such collaboration enables Kuwait to effectively harness nuclear technologies to support national development plans, enhance economic growth, and improve societal welfare.

The Counselor pointed to Kuwait’s growing partnership with the IAEA, particularly through technical cooperation initiatives. He revealed that Kuwait has submitted four national projects in the fields of genetically modified crop production, groundwater management, radiation-based cancer treatment, and the mitigation of environmental and radioactive pollution.

In addition, Al-Dakhil said Kuwait is continuing to explore the use of nuclear technologies in the oil and energy sectors. He noted that the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) is currently conducting advanced studies, in collaboration with the IAEA, on the potential integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) into the country’s energy mix. These studies assess the technical, economic, environmental, social, and political dimensions of adopting peaceful nuclear energy.

While Kuwait has not yet launched a national nuclear energy program for electricity generation, Al-Dakhil clarified that the ongoing assessments are aligned with the country’s long-term energy vision and global advancements in nuclear technology. He expressed hope that the inaugural forum would generate actionable recommendations to strengthen joint cooperation and further strategic interests between Gulf countries and China. Al-Dakhil also underscored Kuwait’s belief in the importance of high-level dialogue and coordination in the peaceful application of nuclear technologies.

The First China-Gulf Forum on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies brought together senior officials and experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Director-General of the China National Atomic Energy Authority (CNEA) Shan Zhongde. Representatives from the IAEA, research institutions, and nuclear energy specialists from across the globe also attended the high-level event.

The forum aimed to promote political dialogue, foster knowledge exchange, and deepen long-term strategic partnerships between China and GCC states in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. Key topics of discussion included energy transition, technological advancement, and addressing regional and global energy challenges.

Speaking to China Central Television (CCTV), Al-Budaiwi praised China’s expertise in clean energy and its leadership in nuclear safety. He said the forum would serve as a vital platform to enhance Sino-Gulf collaboration and contribute to regional prosperity through sustainable energy solutions. For his part, Shan Zhongde reaffirmed China’s commitment to international cooperation in the nuclear sector, expressing readiness to share experience and build a global community rooted in peaceful development and mutual benefit.

On the sidelines of the forum, the CNEA and Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in nuclear safety. The agreement outlines joint efforts in nuclear security, non-proliferation, and emergency preparedness through technical exchange, training programs, and collaborative frameworks. The forum underscores the growing momentum in China-GCC cooperation as both sides work to position nuclear energy as a pillar of sustainable development and regional energy security. — KUNA

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Kuwait enforces eviction of charities from private housing

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KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality launched Thursday its first field inspection campaign to evacuate charity associations and foundations operating in private and model residential areas across the six governorates.

Private residential areas are low-density zones reserved for single-family housing, primarily intended for Kuwaiti citizens, where land is distributed through the country’s housing welfare program. In contrast, investment housing areas feature multi-unit buildings — such as apartments, duplex villas, and studios — designed for rental or ownership across all floors.

The campaign comes following a request from the Ministry of Social Affairs to Kuwait Municipality to enforce Ministerial Decision No. (206/2009) — which prohibits the use of buildings in private residential areas for any purpose other than private housing. The ministry began surveying all registered charities — approximately 84 organizations with over 200 branches across the country — earlier this month to take legal action against those located in private residential zones.

Khaled Al-Fadhli, Head of the Emergency Team at Ahmadi Municipality, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that field teams had issued warnings to several charity premises over the past days, ordering them to vacate. On Thursday, the teams inspected five areas — Fahaheel, Fintas, Ali Sabah Al-Salem (Umm Al-Hayman), Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City, and Al-Sabahiya — issuing 15 evacuation warnings. Al-Fadhli praised the cooperation of some associations that voluntarily removed their violations in Al-Ahmadi Governorate.

Al-Fadhli stressed that the monitoring teams will not tolerate any violations of Kuwait Municipality’s regulations and laws, emphasizing that field campaigns will continue over the coming days across different governorates.

This move is part of a wider regulatory reform of Kuwait’s charitable sector. Last month, the ministry suspended all charitable fundraising nationwide, citing concerns about unauthorized campaigns. Since November 2024, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah has dissolved at least 30 charities found inactive after inspections. These measures are designed to eliminate inactive or ineffective organizations and ensure that resources are being used efficiently.

These reforms also align with Kuwait’s efforts to improve financial oversight and comply with international anti-money laundering standards. A Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report released in November 2024 acknowledged Kuwait’s legal framework to combat illicit finance, but pointed to enforcement challenges. Countries that fall short of FATF standards risk being greylisted or blacklisted, which can affect global financial relations. Kuwaiti authorities have since ramped up coordination among ministries to tighten control, particularly over cross-border donations. Officials say these efforts aim to uphold Kuwait’s humanitarian leadership while meeting international best practices. — Agencies

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Indian Learners Own Academy visits Kuwait Times, Kuwait News

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KUWAIT: A group of students from Indian Learners Own Academy visited the offices of Kuwait Times and Kuwait News on Monday for an interactive media tour on Thursday. Aimed at sparking curiosity and creativity, the visit gave students a glimpse into the dynamic world of journalism beyond the classroom. Thursday’s visit was the second this week, after another group of students from the academy explored Kuwait Times and Kuwait News on Wednesday.

Jana Alnaqeeb, Kuwait Times’ PR & CSR Manager, led the tour alongside members of the digital and editorial teams. The students explored various departments, including the editorial section, studio, printing press, and archives, gaining firsthand insights into how news stories are created, edited, and published. They also learned about the importance of credible reporting and how social media content is crafted to engage younger audiences.

Adding a playful twist to the visit, the team organized a game of hide and seek for the students, who dashed through the newsroom and turned the space into a lively, energetic environment.

The visit was part of the school’s initiative to blend education with real-world exposure and Kuwait Times’ ongoing mission to connect with and inspire future generations.

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AUK students unite for Gaza with ‘Play it Forward’ awareness event

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KUWAIT: The Finance Club at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) organized an awareness event titled “Play it Forward” on Wednesday, in collaboration with the Office of Student Life and 12 student organizations, to shed light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speaking to Kuwait Times, Shoroq Bukhamsin, President of the Finance Club, said the event’s primary aim was to amplify awareness. “We wanted people to remember the cause, to remember the people. It’s still relevant and it will never stop being relevant,” she said.

A key feature of the event was an emotional art exhibition titled “Gaza Habibti” by Untold Palestine, which displayed photographs of Gaza’s people before and after the war. “The gallery traces the emotional journey — beginning with life before the war, then documenting the devastation and personal stories from the current conflict,” Bukhamsin explained. “It reminds us they are not just numbers. They are souls, families, daughters and sons.”

The exhibition also included large-scale installations by regional artists, including a moving piece known as the Martyr’s Wall, which displayed photos of 1,300 Palestinians who lost their lives. “This is not even a fraction; the current death toll exceeds 50,000,” Bukhamsin noted. She extended heartfelt thanks to AUK, faculty advisors, club executives, supporting businesses, and Kuwait Times for their support and coverage.

Jumanah Al-Bloushi, Vice President of the Finance Club, said the event also featured an open market and game zone. Local businesses and food vendors participated, pledging 25 percent of their proceeds to humanitarian causes related to Palestine. Attendees were encouraged to donate through interactive games.

A performance show by ArtScene and Argan Bedaya capped the event, featuring music, poetry and storytelling in tribute to Palestinian identity and resilience. Al-Bloushi praised the collective spirit: “It’s so beautiful to see so many different organizations come together just to make this happen today.” She added, “This event is a reminder that even after a year, the Palestinian cause is still relevant and we will not let it be forgotten.”

Mishari Al-Ibrahim, a member of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in Kuwait, also participated in the exhibition. He emphasized the boycott as a powerful form of resistance: “Here in Kuwait, we’re pioneers and active in this field,” he said. “These events allow us to explain the different forms of boycott — commercial, academic and sports — as tools to counter normalization and raise awareness.”

He encouraged individuals to engage by staying informed and making conscious choices. “At the very least, refrain from buying targeted products and raise awareness among your family and peers,” he said. “When you have the right information, you become a source of knowledge. That’s how you become an active member of the global boycott movement and part of the change.”

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