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Traffic violations plunge 72%, road discipline hailed

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By Faten Omar & B Izzak

KUWAIT: The interior ministry said on Tuesday that main traffic offenses monitored by cameras dropped by a massive 72 percent in the first week of applying the new traffic law on April 22. The ministry said cameras captured just 6,342 violations between April 22-28, compared to 22,651 violations in the week between April 15-21.

Offenses of failing to use seatbelts dropped by 71 percent from 18,208 to 5,176 in the same period, while using mobile phones while driving dived 86 percent to just 422 violations from 2,962. Offenses of not abiding by road lanes dropped from 1,081 to 700, a slide of 35 percent, while driving against the traffic decreased to just 44 from 400, an 89 percent decline. The ministry thanked motorists for abiding by the new traffic law.

A week into the new traffic law, drivers across the country are already feeling its impact — from noticeable improvements in road discipline to concerns over steep penalties and unresolved traffic issues. Kuwait Times spoke with motorists to gauge a range of reactions to the changes reshaping the nation’s roads.

Duaa Sami said that after several days of the new traffic law being enforced, she noticed a level of discipline on the roads she hadn’t seen before — from adherence to speed limits and seatbelt use to a clear reduction in reckless drivers, particularly those driving pickups, who were previously a common source of complaints. Ali Al-Radaan remarked that while the new law mainly addresses speeding and mobile phone usage, it fails to tackle traffic congestion and the overwhelming number of vehicles on the roads. He questioned whether every driver truly deserves to hold a license, suggesting that those with a high record of accidents should be required to retake their driving tests.

He added that in the US and Europe, passing a driving test is extremely difficult due to the rigorous focus on vehicle control, adherence to laws and ensuring the safety of others, expressing hope that Kuwait would adopt similarly strict standards alongside ongoing awareness campaigns.

Fahad Al-Fadhli praised the ministry of interior’s efforts in curbing violations but pointed out that improvements are needed on the Sixth Ring Road, particularly near Sabah Al-Nasser, where faded ground markings cause vehicles to weave dangerously, leading to accidents. He also called for expanding the use of traffic cameras into residential areas to deter reckless driving, highlighting concerns about taxis and delivery bikes speeding on highways, as well as abandoned buses and trucks in residential neighborhoods. He emphasized that fixing damaged roads is critical, as they pose major safety risks.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Hamdan observed that with the new law, the presence of traffic police on the streets has significantly decreased — by about 90 percent, in his view — and questioned why traffic officers are not more actively stopping and ticketing drivers who commit blatant violations such as reckless overtaking, turning without signaling and sudden stops by taxi drivers.

Majed Ziyad pointed out that people need more awareness about the purpose of strict traffic penalties, which is to ensure safer roads free from sudden stops and collisions. He noted that the decrease in accidents and violations is unsurprising, given that fines have increased tenfold, combined with a three-month public awareness campaign — both of which he credits as key reasons for the improvement.

However, some drivers believe that certain violations are excessive. Ahmad Azzam argued that if he is sitting at a red light with his car at a complete stop and briefly checks his phone, it should not be considered a violation. He pointed out the contradiction in penalizing drivers for phone use while allowing large, distracting digital billboards along the highways. He also added: “Given Kuwait’s harsh desert climate, drinking water while driving should not be considered a violation.”

Azzam criticized the high fines and suggested that Kuwait adopt Saudi Arabia’s approach of periodically offering discounted traffic fine payments. Furthermore, he highlighted the issue of faded lane markings on some roads, which makes it difficult for drivers to stay in their lanes. He stressed that public vehicles must also comply with the new traffic law, noting that buses and taxis often stop anywhere they please, disrupting traffic and nearly causing accidents.

Passant Hisham shared a different perspective, stating that since the new traffic laws were enforced, driving has become a source of constant anxiety for her. “Since the new traffic laws were enforced, driving has become a source of constant anxiety — so overwhelming that I sometimes end up putting myself at greater risk just to avoid breaking the rules,” she said.

“Every time I approach a green light, I find myself hesitating, slowing down in fear that it might turn yellow. And when it does turn yellow, I panic, either stopping too quickly or rushing through it, not knowing what to do. In those moments, I feel stuck between two terrifying outcomes: either get arrested or get hit by the car behind me,” she added.

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Crown Prince meets King of Bhutan during visit to Osaka

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TOKYO: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, at His Highness’ residence in the city of Osaka, Japan. At the outset of the meeting, His Highness conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity to the Kingdom of Bhutan and its friendly people.

The meeting also included a review of the bilateral relations between the two countries and their friendly peoples. His Highness expressed his wishes for the king’s continued health and well-being, and for further progress and prosperity for the people of Bhutan. — KUNA

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Kuwait joins Global Water Organization as founding member

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RIYADH: Kuwait has joined the newly established Global Water Organization as a founding member. On Wednesday, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem signed Kuwait’s charter of accession during a ceremony held in Riyadh at the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. The event was inaugurated by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

Joining Dr Al-Mukhaizeem in signing the charter were several ministers and international officials involved in water-related issues, including Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Pakistan’s Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture Mabouba Diagne, Mauritania’s Minister of Water and Sanitation Amal Maouloud, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam Al-Misnad.

In his opening remarks, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the importance of the Global Water Organization in addressing global water issues comprehensively, stressing the need for collective action to achieve shared goals. He confirmed that Saudi Arabia will continue working with its partners to achieve the organization’s objectives by providing financial and logistical support for the next five years.

He stated: “The launch of the Global Water Organization affirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting international initiatives and addressing global challenges through partnerships based on mutual cooperation among nations and governments,” adding that the Kingdom envisions the organization as an international platform to promote sustainable solutions and help developing countries enhance their water capabilities.

He invited all UN member states and private sector institutions to join the organization and make it a practical and inclusive platform to address water challenges and develop innovative, sustainable solutions for the global water sector.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli said that signing the Global Water Organization’s charter and launching its operations from Riyadh reinforces a shared international responsibility to conserve water resources. He added that the significance of the organization stems from the fact that water is not only a resource but also a source of economic and social development and global stability.

He explained that the organization is not merely a platform for gathering countries but serves as a collective global mind working to integrate and develop the efforts of countries and organizations to tackle water challenges holistically. It also supports technological solutions, scientific research, and facilitates funding to enhance transparency in water management, affirming the Kingdom’s pioneering role in launching ambitious global initiatives.

Al-Fadhli noted that the Global Water Organization is a tool for leading international efforts to confront water-related challenges and to shift traditional thinking in managing water. He emphasized that the challenges go beyond water scarcity to include timely and appropriate availability, as well as water’s impact on the global economy, public health, food security, and supply chains amid climate change and related disasters.

He highlighted the need for integrated services including production, transport, storage, distribution, treatment, and reuse, and the adoption of innovative water economics based on cost-benefit analysis, new financing models, and reduced reliance on government subsidies, with strong private sector involvement.

He also stressed the importance of creating an attractive investment environment by reducing risks, adopting reliable privatization models, and supporting eco-friendly engineering research and technologies through green funds. Furthermore, he underlined the importance of adapting financial and engineering models to the specific needs of each country to make water a driver of growth and to accelerate global solutions under the circular economy concept and by utilizing non-traditional resources. 

The Global Water Organization represents a turning point in international cooperation on water issues. Through research and development programs, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions, it aims to promote water sustainability worldwide. The organization’s mission includes supporting countries and institutions in addressing water challenges holistically by exchanging technical expertise, fostering innovation and R&D, and enabling the development and financing of priority projects to ensure water resource sustainability and equitable access. — KUNA

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Kuwait approves new regulations for school canteens

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KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi has issued Decision No. 15 of 2025, officially approving a new set of school canteen regulations developed by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition. The move follows the endorsement of the Authority’s Board of Directors and the Fatwa and Legislation Department, and the decision will come into effect upon its publication in the official gazette.

The new decision comes nearly a year after the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition updated its regulations governing food allowed at school canteens. The regulations, issued under Ministerial Decision No 5 of 2021, allow only specific healthy foods while banning items such as processed meats, mayonnaise, caffeinated drinks, and high-salt or artificially colored products.

In a statement released Thursday, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the updated regulations are part of Kuwait’s broader national strategy to protect students from unhealthy dietary habits and to improve the quality of food provided in educational institutions. The aim is to create a supportive, health-conscious learning environment where student well-being is a top priority.

The new framework applies to both public and private schools and outlines comprehensive standards covering facility requirements, staff qualifications, food quality, inspection protocols, licensing systems and accountability mechanisms. These provisions are designed to ensure the availability of nutritious and safe meals across all school settings.

School canteens are now classified into three categories based on service type: Canteens selling only pre-packaged food items; canteens offering ready-made meals; and canteens with on-site kitchens for preparing hot meals. School canteen contractors must now meet stricter licensing criteria, including a minimum of two years of experience in food handling, possession of a valid health permit, and full compliance with safety and occupational health standards.

Canteens are also required to adhere to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) technical regulations, particularly those banning trans fats. The guidelines mandate that daily meals include essential food groups and remain within set calorie limits for each school level. High-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium foods, especially in breakfast and lunch offerings at private schools, are explicitly prohibited.

The new rules standardize food services across all schools in Kuwait, aiming to promote health equity and improve regulatory oversight. Violators face financial penalties ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000, with the possibility of suspension for repeat or unresolved breaches — highlighting the seriousness of implementation.

The ministry noted that the regulations were developed through close coordination between the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition and the Ministries of Health and Education. This collaboration underscores the importance of institutional partnership in supporting student health and cultivating a safe, nourishing educational environment. — Agencies

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