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Minister: Mental health centers must meet new rules to renew licenses

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KUWAIT: Commercial licenses for mental health treatment and counseling centers will not be renewed after April 20, 2026, unless they comply with new regulations issued to govern the sector, Kuwait’s health minister said Thursday.

Last week, Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced a first-of-its-kind regulatory framework setting new professional standards for private mental health centers and clinics. The rules require facilities to secure patient data systems to ensure confidentiality, employ licensed practitioners — including at least one psychologist with a doctoral degree — and comply strictly with ethics and healthcare regulations. Facilities must also be located in accessible areas.

“These measures reflect our commitment to building a safe, professional, and inclusive therapeutic environment — one that prioritizes human rights, preserves dignity, and strives for the highest standards of medical and psychological care,” Al-Awadhi said Thursday in his first public comments on the new rules.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 8th Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA), Al-Awadhi highlighted the ministry’s latest efforts to develop mental health research and regulations, emphasizing that sound public health policy must be grounded in an accurate understanding of the social realities shaping society.

“Mental health is not only about treating disorders — it is also about strengthening psychological resilience, preventing risk factors, and empowering individuals with the emotional and social tools they need to thrive,” Al-Awadhi said.

He highlighted the governments newly adopted integrated approach that brings together psychological and psychiatric services, bridging clinical care with community-based psychosocial support programs. This model, he said, is guided by the latest scientific standards and leading international best practices.

Dr Joanne Hands, President of MEPA, spoke about expanding access to mental health resources beyond clinical settings. “What makes this event truly unique is that it’s open to the general public,” she said. “We believe professional walls must be expanded. By educating and empowering individuals and families, we can reduce stigma and promote mental wellness for all.”

Hands also unveiled MEPA’s upcoming focus on corporate membership and engagement, emphasizing the direct link between employee well-being and organizational success. “We now invite the corporate sector to be active partners in shaping healthier workplaces,” she said. “Well-being is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.”

Waleed Al-Khashti, Chief of Corporate Communications & Relations at Zain Kuwait, the event’s Platinum Sponsor, reaffirmed the company’s continued commitment to mental health advocacy. Zain has supported the conference for three consecutive years and launched one of the region’s largest workplace mental health initiatives — Be Well.

“At Zain, we believe people flourish in environments that support them emotionally, professionally, and personally,” Al-Khashti said. “Our work extends beyond therapy access — we’ve certified employees as Mental Health First Aiders and fostered a workplace culture rooted in psychological safety.” He added that Zain is actively working with MEPA to deepen collaborations that benefit both employees and communities across the region.

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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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