KUWAIT: A wave of relief has swept across Kuwait’s expatriate community following the launch on Sunday of a new service on the Sahel app that allows non-Kuwaiti residents to update their civil ID address online. The long-awaited feature replaces a chaotic, time-consuming process with a simplified digital solution, ending months of frustration over the lack of appointments, unclear requirements and a growing reliance on unofficial intermediaries.

In recent months, residents have voiced growing concerns about the increasingly difficult process of changing addresses. With no available appointments, a confusing list of required documents and the threat of fines or suspended services, many turned to unlicensed brokers — sometimes paying up to KD 130 — just to update their details. But since the government announced the addition of the address service to Sahel, the tone online has shifted dramatically.

“Booking an appointment was a major issue. People began selling appointments, and some transactions were halted due to address problems,” wrote Salim Albadawi on Instagram, reacting to the announcement posted on PACI’s official account. Others shared their reactions in the comments section of Kuwait Times’ Instagram post, with user Hassan Mir simply exclaiming, “Finally!” while another, identified as Safy, described it as “an excellent step forward” on another local news post.

Christian Varon, a 33-year-old Colombian who works at a coffee shop in Kuwait, is among those optimistic. “The new service seems really helpful. Just with some clicks, you can complete the process,” he told Kuwait Times.

With his civil ID set to expire in three months, Varon feels the pressure to act, hoping the new system will finally cut through the bureaucracy. “It’s supposed to be easier now. Before, you had to wait forever for appointments, and even when you got one, you often ended up going back to the government office two or three times. They keep sending you from one employee to another,” he added.

While many residents welcomed the digital shift, some expressed confusion over how to use the new service. “What are the steps?” one commenter asked — a sentiment echoed widely across social media. According to the app’s guidelines, expatriates will need to submit several documents, including a sublease contract, proof of ownership, employer authorization and a signed declaration form to complete the request.

One Indian resident who has been struggling to resolve his address change issue for five months immediately tried using the app after the launch. He shared with Kuwait Times that the transaction was promptly approved after submitting all required documents, receiving a confirmation message that read, “Your request has been successfully received. It will be processed within the next three days.”

However, not all residents are able to access the new feature. For those whose addresses were previously removed from PACI’s records, the Sahel app reportedly does not open, preventing them from using the very tool intended to assist them. “Without an address, the Sahel app won’t open. How do we update the address using the app?” one resident asked. Another, Mahmoud Znaty, commented, “If someone’s address was removed and Sahel isn’t working for them, how can they use the service?”

These questions highlight a lingering gap in the system: Although the Sahel update is a significant step forward, it remains inaccessible to a segment of the population affected by PACI’s recent address cleanup. For those still unable to access the app, the only option may be to go through the old process — booking an online appointment and waiting indefinitely for an open slot.

The root of the issue dates back to last year, when the Public Authority for Civil Information intensified efforts to eliminate fake or overcrowded housing registrations. The campaign included a new regulation requiring residents to register a valid address within 30 days of moving — or face heavy fines and potential legal action.

The sudden changes and lack of official guidance led many to rely on social media videos not produced by experts or to pay third-party services and unlicensed typists for assistance. “Every time we try to sign up for an appointment, it is fully booked,” a Palestinian resident told Kuwait Times earlier this year. “This should be easy. You book an appointment, gather the paperwork and visit the department simple.”

Now, the new Sahel feature appears to be a direct response to that pressure. Yet while many are optimistic, the rollout has not resolved all issues. “I hope the process for making changes is simple,” Ibrahim Tawakol wrote — capturing the cautious optimism shared by many.

KUWAIT: Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi praised Kuwait’s selection as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025, which represents a well-deserved recognition of its pioneering role in supporting Arab media, strengthening cultural identity, and reinforcing professional values. Speaking at the opening of the 20th Arab Media Forum that was held on Saturday under the theme ‘Media Challenges in the Era of Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation’, the minister noted that this designation coincides with the current forum session, giving it special momentum to continue delivering the media message with advanced vision and collective responsibility.

He emphasized that digital media has become the main driver of societal trends, an effective tool in shaping public opinion, building awareness, and enhancing interaction between individuals and institutions, stressing the importance of adapting to rapid technological transformations with professional competence and strategic foresight for a more advanced media future. He highlighted Kuwait’s continued leadership, crediting the support of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for consolidating Kuwait’s media position through strengthened infrastructure and strategic initiatives.

Among the most notable of these initiatives, he said, was the launch of a virtual reality documentation platform that archives Kuwait’s cultural and media heritage for future generations, blending authenticity with modernity. The Minister expressed pride in the United Arab Emirates being chosen as the guest of honor, calling it a “Well-deserved choice for a country that has made a clear mark in supporting Arab media, embracing the latest technologies, and producing content that reflects its regional and global leadership.”

He added that the Arab Media Forum has become a dynamic platform for addressing media issues and sharing expertise, stating “This year’s edition will explore the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital platforms. And there is a need to develop professional and legislative frameworks that align with these changes.”

Minister of Information,Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi speaks at the event. Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat.

Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al-Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council

Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum Madi and the Minister of Information honor Zain Kuwait’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Relations Officer Waleed Al Khashti.

For his part, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al-Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, called for the adoption of a joint Arab media legislative framework to curb the negative use of digital platforms, emphasizing the need to promote social responsibility and protect freedom of expression from abuse and misinformation. He expressed the UAE’s pride in being named the guest of honor and extended his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait, especially His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, for this generous gesture.

Al-Hamed emphasized that the UAE’s media strategy is rooted in a firm belief that the media is a key development partner, reflecting current achievements and envisioning future possibilities, noting that the UAE is working to develop a modern media system that aligns with global progress and expresses Islamic, Arab and human values. Despite the opportunities presented by social media, he warned of the dangers of misuse, particularly in spreading rumors, inciting division, and threatening societal stability, stressing the need for Arab cooperation to confront such challenges.

He concluded by stating that the media is a civilizational weapon and an effective tool for enlightenment and influence, urging it to be used as a bridge for communication between nations and a foundation for building a bright future for the region. In his remarks, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum Madi Abdullah Al Khamis praised its leadership in Arab media and its vital role in advancing the industry. He reaffirmed that the forum has always worked to build an independent Arab media framework capable of meeting challenges and driving development.

Al Khamis pointed out that Arab media today faces unprecedented challenges, especially digital transformation, the rise of numerous platforms, and the blurring of truth and fiction, explaining that these developments require a complete reassessment of the media ecosystem, with a focus on responsibility in communication, maintaining professionalism, and updating media tools. He stated “The real challenge lies not only in adapting to change, but in leading it with wisdom, vision, and innovation,” concluding by celebrating Kuwait’s selection as Capital of Arab Culture and Media, describing it as “authentic Arab recognition of Kuwait’s deep-rooted role in supporting free thought and media leadership.”

KUWAIT: Relations between Kuwait and Lebanon are deeply rooted and span decades of political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. From early diplomatic outreach to enduring mutual support during times of crisis, the two Arab nations have cultivated a partnership built on shared values and regional solidarity. Historical ties date back to the 1920s and 1940s, with formal diplomatic engagements beginning in the 1960s. Lebanon appointed a non-resident ambassador to Kuwait in December 1962, later inaugurating its embassy in 1964. In the same year, Kuwait opened its own embassy in Beirut, appointing Mohammad Al-Ghanim as its first ambassador to oversee bilateral relations.

Lebanon’s firm stance against the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait remains a pivotal moment in the countries’ relationship. Beirut unequivocally condemned the aggression and called for the immediate withdrawal of Iraqi forces. Years earlier, Kuwait had expressed similar solidarity with Lebanon during its civil war, playing a prominent role in mediating peace efforts. In 1988, Kuwait led a six-member Arab League committee, laying the groundwork for the Taif Agreement, which ultimately ended the conflict.

High-level visits further underscore the strength of ties. In August 1993, the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah became the first GCC leader to visit Lebanon since the outbreak of the civil war in 1975. His visit symbolized Kuwait’s appreciation for Lebanon’s support during the invasion. In 1996, then-Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah reaffirmed those sentiments during his official visit.

In May 2010, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited Lebanon, during which six cooperation agreements were signed across multiple sectors. Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s 2018 visit to Kuwait further highlighted the sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries, with discussions held alongside His Highness the Amir and other senior officials. Economic cooperation has also been a defining feature of Kuwaiti-Lebanese relations. A number of agreements have been signed over the decades to bolster trade and investment. In 2018, the Kuwaiti-Lebanese Economic Committee and the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait were established to enhance private sector collaboration, hosting numerous investors and entrepreneurs from both countries.

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has played a vital role in Lebanon’s development, extending financial support for agricultural and infrastructure projects. Kuwait’s assistance was also evident during international donor gatherings, including the 2018 CEDRE conference in Paris, where it pledged $500 million to aid Lebanon’s economic recovery. That same year, Kuwait reaffirmed its backing of Lebanon’s security forces during the Rome II conference. Kuwait’s humanitarian support has been consistent and swift in times of crisis. During the 2006 Zionist aggression, Kuwait extended aid to the Lebanese people. It also responded promptly to the 2020 Beirut Port explosion and has continuously supported Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon.

Most recently, in November 2024, Kuwait launched an air bridge to deliver urgent humanitarian aid amid Zionist intensified military campaign against Lebanon. In the healthcare sector, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) provided over $500,000 in May 2021 to support Lebanon’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts for both citizens and refugee communities. While the depth of Kuwaiti-Lebanese ties could fill volumes, one constant remains: both nations continue to seek avenues to strengthen their partnership and stand by each other in pursuit of regional stability, prosperity, and mutual growth. — KUNA