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Forum urges more academic freedom, support for deaf students in Kuwait

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KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti advocate is calling for integrating sign language into all stages of education — treating it like any second language — to help drive societal development and progress. Speaking at the Fifth Kuwaiti Deaf Day Forum, held under the slogan “The Deaf’s Voice… and Kuwait’s Vision 2035,” Kawthar Al-Jouan, Head of the Women’s Institute for Development and Peace, urged authorities to allow deaf students to freely choose their academic majors and fields of study at Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), without restrictions. She stressed the need for equal access to scholarships abroad and medical treatment missions when services are not available locally.

“We are committed to supporting this vital group, who possess full legal capacity just like the rest of us. They may have lost one form of expression, but they have not lost the language of challenge, achievement, and contribution,” she said, emphasizing her belief that the hearing-impaired and other groups form a beautiful, united fabric of Kuwaiti society.

The forum — organized by the Women’s Institute for Development and Peace at the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States — tackled four key themes: education, legal rights, health, and social integration. Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei said the ministry has made “steady and determined progress” on development projects that strengthen the inclusion of hearing-impaired individuals in society and reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to meeting its international obligations, particularly under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Minister Al-Tabtabaei also noted that Kuwait’s support for the hearing-impaired dates back to the establishment of the first specialized school — Amal Schools — in the 1959–1960 academic year. Dr Abdullah Al-Shuraika, Director of the Center for Moderation at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, praised the forum as a reflection of Kuwait’s humanitarian values and respect for human rights. He commended the Minister of Education’s participation and emphasized the importance of further reform and development in the education sector to better serve the deaf community.

Al-Jouan has previously highlighted the inability of deaf students to select their preferred majors and the persistent lack of qualified sign language interpreters at Kuwait University and PAAET as major challenges. The shortage of sign language interpreters at public institutions has been extensively documented by the media. Advocates have long urged for improved services for the deaf community, highlighting persistent gaps in support. Numerous reports have detailed the challenges deaf students face — particularly the lack of interpreters — which severely hinders their ability to communicate with faculty, understand course material, and fully participate in academic life.

In its efforts to improve services for the deaf, Kuwait University has a Special Needs Department under the Deanship of Student Affairs, which provides highly qualified sign language interpreters. The university has also published awareness videos in sign language on its social media accounts, and provided periodic training courses for students and faculty. In 2022, a specialized committee was established to work toward integrating sign language into the curriculum, although no public updates have been issued since. — Agencies 

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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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