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71% drop in traffic violations

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By B Izzak & KUNA

KUWAIT: The interior ministry said on Wednesday that traffic offenses captured by cameras dropped a massive 71 percent on the first day of applying the new traffic law, which stipulates harsh penalties. The ministry said in a statement that the number of traffic offenses monitored by the cameras, which include failure to use a seatbelt, using mobile phones, failure to comply with road lanes and driving against the traffic, dropped 71 percent on April 22 compared to the same day a week ago.

The most notable reductions were seen in two of the most common traffic violations: Failure to wear a seatbelt and the use of mobile phones while driving. The ministry praised the drop, saying it indicates that motorists have complied with the traffic rules and cooperated with the traffic department. The new traffic law came into effect on Tuesday. It stipulates much harsher penalties than those in the previous legislation, which was issued in 1976 and contained relatively smaller fines and penalties.

The ministry attributed this success to the extensive awareness campaigns launched prior to the law’s implementation. These campaigns aimed to educate drivers on the importance of adhering to traffic rules, emphasizing that compliance is key to ensuring the safety of all road users.

Public reaction on social media platforms, particularly on X, has been largely supportive of the ministry’s efforts. Many citizens praised the initiative, while others called for additional measures, such as increased surveillance in residential areas and the deployment of undercover traffic patrols to catch violators who evade automated systems.

Under the new law, the smallest fine is KD 15 for parking in prohibited places and the largest could go into thousands of dinars.

Almost all fines have been raised, in some cases tenfold. Last week, the traffic department said offenses during the first quarter of 2025 dropped by more than 50 percent compared to the same period last year, even ahead of applying the new law.

Meanwhile, the ministry of electricity, water and renewable energy has reported a significant and unusual surge in electricity consumption over the past two weeks across several areas, including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural zones. In a press statement issued Wednesday, Ministry spokesperson Fatima Jawhar Hayat announced that a wide-scale inspection campaign was launched on Sunday in Wafra residential area. The campaign is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure the efficiency and sustainability of the national power grid.

The inspections have so far uncovered approximately 100 residential units with abnormally high electricity consumption, sharply deviating from typical residential usage. Hayat stated that preliminary analysis points to the likelihood of unauthorized activities, particularly cryptocurrency mining, being carried out at these locations. Technical assessments revealed consistent, high power usage around the clock, with no seasonal or daily fluctuations — an operational pattern indicative of continuous use of high-powered equipment.

“To put this into perspective, consumption in some homes exceeded 100,000 kilowatt-hours during March 2025 — around 20 times the average usage recorded in neighboring households,” she said. Hayat affirmed that the ministry will continue monitoring consumption patterns in other areas and praised the cooperation of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority in tracking suspicious IP addresses potentially linked to digital mining operations. She also commended the ministry of interior for its support in the ongoing investigations.

The ministry urged citizens and residents to use electricity responsibly and to cooperate with inspection teams. It reiterated its commitment to taking legal action against any individuals or entities found engaging in unauthorized activities that threaten the country’s power infrastructure.

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Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

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Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.

Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.

According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.

On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.

During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies

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Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

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 ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.

In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.

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He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA

 

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Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

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KUWAIT: Deliveroo Kuwait is serving up a global culinary journey with the launch of the new dishes from “The Exchange Program”. The first-of-its-kind initiative sent four of Kuwait’s top chefs abroad to explore viral food trends. Each created a fusion dish inspired by their journey, available exclusively on Deliveroo.

The program kicked off with Chef Khaled Al-Baker of Young Po, who took inspiration from the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, to introduce Rabokki. The dish combines chewy rice cakes and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean street food straight to Kuwait.

From Rome, Italy, Chef Faisal Al-Nashmi of San Ristorante is introducing the Maritozzi Box. Featuring indulgent cream-filled buns, the dish captures the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions while adding Chef Al-Nashmi’s modern touch. Chef Sawsan Daana of Matbakhi is channeling the spirit of Athens, Greece, with the Savory Souffra. Inspired by the communal dining tables of the Mediterranean, this dish celebrates togetherness through a vibrant spread of flavors that highlight the richness and warmth of Greek cuisine.

Finally, OH G!’s Chef Ghalia Hayat is bringing a taste of London, England, with the Donut Pudding Ice Cream. Reinventing classic British desserts, this whimsical dish brings together Hayat’s salted caramel pudding ice cream with a decadent chocolatey fudge swirl and chunks of donut, to deliver a unique sweet experience that will surprise and delight.

Deliveroo Kuwait’s Exchange Program is more than just a menu — it’s a cultural experience. By spotlighting Kuwaiti chefs and their creative reinterpretations of international dishes, the program bridges food trends with local talent, inviting customers to explore the world without leaving their homes. All dishes are available now and for a limited time, exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait.

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