KUWAIT: Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, welcomed John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, to Zain’s headquarters as part of his official visit to Kuwait. Lee was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Hong Kong and China during his visit to Zain, which came as part of his wider visit to Kuwait from May 13-14. His visit included meetings with HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and other senior government officials.

Bader Al-Kharafi stated: “We are committed to implementing the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to advance Kuwait’s transformation into a regional hub for the digital economy and create an attractive environment for investment led by the private sector. This visit aligns with that wise vision, as Kuwait and Hong Kong enjoy longstanding friendly relations.”

Al-Kharafi welcomed the Chief Executive and his accompanying delegation. “The two regions collaborate across various investment, trade, and economic fields at both governmental and private sector levels. This visit presents an opportunity to expand those horizons.” He added: “Our discussions with Chief Executive John Lee and his delegation explored ways to expand digital transformation initiatives, enhance telecom infrastructure, drive business growth, and explore opportunities for collaboration in 5G networks, the Internet of Things and potential strategic partnerships.” (See Page 3)

Kuwaiti firefighters and security forces gather outside a building which was ingulfed by fire, in Mangaf, on June 12, 2024. More than 35 people were killed and dozens injured in a building fire in an area heavily populated with foreign workers in Kuwait, the interior ministry said. – Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: The misdemeanors court on Tuesday sentenced two Kuwaitis and an Egyptian to three years in prison, convicting them of manslaughter over a Mangaf building fire in which 46 Indian and three Filipino workers were killed. The case was treated as a misdemeanor and not a crime by the prosecution since the fire, which also injured dozens of others, was not intentional. The tragedy happened in June last year.

The court also sentenced two other men to one year in jail for perjury after lying to the court and jailed four others for giving shelter to a suspect wanted in the case. The six convicts are three Indians and three Egyptians. The rulings are not final as they are expected to be challenged by the prosecution and defense lawyers as well. The fire was the second-deadliest in Kuwait after a fire at a Jahra wedding tent killed 57 people, mostly women and children, in 2009.

The fire broke out at dawn in an apartment building housing 196 all-male expat workers. Most of the victims were reported to have succumbed after inhaling smoke as the door leading to the roof was locked by company officials, and as a majority of them were still sleeping. Some of the workers threw themselves from the six-storey building to escape the blaze.

An official investigation later said the fire resulted from an electrical short circuit on the ground floor. It spread quickly in the building because of partitions made of inflammable material. HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah ordered cash payments to the relatives of each victim.

KUWAIT: Acting Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Dr Faisal AlHumaidan, emphasized the strong role of women in helping Kuwait move toward a greener and more sustainable future. “Despite facing numerous challenges, they have consistently risen above them, playing a key role in preserving social stability,” AlHumaidan said during the EU-Kuwait Environment and Climate Change event held on Wednesday.

Held in celebration of Kuwait Women’s Day and Europe Month, the event brought together policymakers, scientists, and diplomats to highlight the importance of women’s leadership in climate action. It was organized by KISR in cooperation with the European Union Delegation to Kuwait, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain, and the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project. Quoting data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, AlHumaidan noted that “women account for 35 percent of STEM graduates in the year 2022.” However, he added, “despite their strong academic and professional achievements, their presence in the green economy remains limited.”

European Union Ambassador Anne Koistinen

Manuel Hernández Gamallo, Anne Koistinen and Dr Faisal AlHumaidan pose for a group photo.

Underlining the importance of international collaboration in science and innovation, he stressed, “There is a growing moment to strengthen the research tie between Kuwaiti women scientists and their global counterparts.” He explained that the event’s purpose is to “amplify women’s role in environmental innovation and policymaking and to promote a more inclusive and resilient approach to sustainability.” AlHumaidan continued: “Today, they continue to face new challenges with unwavering determination, resilience, and confidence, knowing that their enduring accomplishments will continue to benefit humanity.”

He also praised the contributions of women at KISR, saying: “The pioneering women researchers at KISR have made significant strides in energy leadership and have driven remarkable breakthroughs in research and development.” Their work, he said, “is both evident and enduring, reflected in the practical application shaped by their deep commitment and expertise.” He concluded by affirming KISR’s support for future generations: “At KISR, we remain deeply committed to support the next generation of women scientists, innovators, and leaders.”

In her opening remarks, Anne Koistinen, European Union Ambassador to Kuwait, emphasized the EU’s commitment to empowering women and fighting climate change: “This event builds on the excellent cooperation we have had over the past years with different sectors of the Kuwaiti government and society on the important nexus of women and environment. Empowering women is at the heart of the European Union’s Green Deal and our global partnerships. By supporting women’s leadership in science, innovation, and policy, we help drive progress toward a sustainable and inclusive future, not only for Europe and Kuwait, but for the world we share.”

Manuel Hernández Gamallo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Kuwait, also addressed the audience: “Spain is proud to bring voices from Spain to this important conversation. Women have a great role to play in the green transition, with leading roles in research, entrepreneurship, and policy development.” He added that gender equality is a key part of Spain’s foreign policy, and that Spain is committed to supporting women’s participation in science and environmental leadership not only in Europe, but around the world — including here in Kuwait. Among the notable guests were outstanding Spanish geologists Dr. Manuela Chamizo and Dr. María Victoria Navarro.