Connect with us

Latest News

Temporary charity regulations reshape giving practices in Kuwait

Published

on

KUWAIT: With the virtuous ten days of Dhul Hijjah now underway, conversations about good deeds—such as charity, Eid Al-Adha sacrifices, and community support— have grown louder. However, this season of giving has unfolded differently in Kuwait, following a government decision to temporarily suspend all fundraising activities.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and how people in Kuwait are adapting.

Q: What exactly is happening with charity work in Kuwait?

A: In April 2025, Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs issued a decision to temporarily suspend all fundraising activities. This came after authorities identified unauthorized websites collecting donations without proper oversight.

The ministry said the goal is to “reorganize and restructure” the charity sector, ensuring greater transparency, unified mechanisms, and compliance with governance standards, protecting Kuwait’s reputation as a trusted global humanitarian leader.

Q: Can people still donate?

A: Yes, giving hasn’t stopped, it has just become more centralized. Donations can still be made through officially sanctioned platforms, most notably the Zakat House, a government body established in 1982.

Through its projects supporting orphans, food distribution, Eid sacrifices, and more, Zakat House continues to facilitate giving both inside and outside Kuwait. Donations can be made via its website or through the government’s Sahel app.

Religious leaders are also encouraging traditional forms of charity, such as helping a struggling neighbor or family member.

Q: Why has this decision sparked mixed reactions?

A: While some Kuwaitis and residents support the move, seeing it as a necessary measure to prevent fraud and restore order in the charitable sector, others feel restricted by the limited options now available.

People who were used to donating directly to smaller organizations, such as those helping animals, sponsoring orphans, or supporting niche causes, are finding it harder to reach them.

Another group, while supportive of stricter governance, is urging the government to provide alternative mechanisms swiftly so that urgent needs are not neglected.

Q: Why is this such an emotional issue in Kuwait?

A: Charity is deeply woven into Kuwait’s social and religious fabric, it’s part of the country’s identity. Kuwait ranked first in the Arab world and seventh globally in charitable giving, according to Statista’s 2023 Global Giving Index.

Moreover, on September 9, 2014, Kuwait earned international recognition by the United Nations as a Humanitarian Center, and His Highness the Amir was honored as a Humanitarian Leader.

Institutions like the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO)—founded by Kuwaiti law in 1986 and headquartered in Kuwait—have long served as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to global humanitarianism. Operating across dozens of countries, the IICO reflects Kuwait’s deeply rooted values of compassion, neutrality, and service to humanity, offering aid without regard to political or sectarian divides.

Q: What has the government done to address concerns and improve the system?

A: Kuwaiti authorities are actively working to build a more resilient charitable system. A delegation from the Committee for Regulating Humanitarian and Charitable Work recently visited the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to study their models.

These visits are part of a broader effort to strengthen Kuwait’s own framework by adopting best practices from across the GCC.

Following the visits, the committee has recommended reinstating ‘Adahi’ livestock donation projects ahead of Eid Al-Adha, along with resuming charity bank deductions for orphans. It also called for launching awareness campaigns in partnership with the Ministry of Information and KUNA to promote transparency and informed charitable giving.

Latest News

Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

Latest News

Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

Published

on

By

 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.

No Image

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

 

Continue Reading

Latest News

Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .