KUWAIT: After the Zionist entity’s attack on Iran on Friday, which prompted swift retaliation and heightened regional tensions, Kuwaiti authorities have moved to reassure the public that local markets remain stable and essential supplies secure. Following high-level coordination meetings Saturday, the Emergency Committee at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirmed the country’s readiness to respond to “any changes” and “enhance the security of the local market,” according to a statement issued after the committee met under the chairmanship of Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel.

“The strategic stockpile in the country is stable and safe and is sufficient to cover the needs of the local market for long periods,” the ministry stated. “Readiness indicators and reserves are subject to accurate periodic reviews that ensure full preparedness for any emergency.”

Kuwait’s proximity to Iran and its dependence on imports, especially for food and essential goods, have raised concerns among both expats and residents. According to Al Jazeera, although the entity’s strike on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation have fueled fears trade disruptions, merchant shipping is still passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but with increased caution. On Saturday, Kuwaiti officials emphasized that markets are functioning normally and supply chains remain unthreatened.

The committee reviewed fieldwork mechanisms, pre-established emergency plans, and logistics readiness across customs, port authorities, and regulatory bodies to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of basic commodities, even in the face of global or regional crises. Meanwhile, the General Administration of Customs confirmed its full readiness to secure the flow of vital supplies across border entry points. Customs Director General Suleiman Al-Fahad chaired a coordination meeting with senior customs officials on Saturday to reinforce protocols and accelerate the clearance of goods without compromising security. “Customs field teams are working around the clock,” the administration said.

“We are fully committed to protecting the security of customs ports, their integrity, and the economic security of the state.”

The Ministry of Commerce separately emphasized that market operations are proceeding normally and that “the level of strategic food stock in the country is very reassuring.” It called on the public to seek information only from official sources and warned it would take “all legal measures” against those promoting false or misleading information.

“We assure citizens and residents that basic foodstuffs are available in markets, retail outlets, and warehouses in a normal manner,” the ministry said. In line with these efforts, inspection teams continue to conduct routine visits to monitor inventory levels across warehouses and retailers, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Minister of Social Affairs and Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwaila also confirmed that the cooperative sector is closely monitoring the availability of goods in coordination with relevant government agencies. “The strategic stockpile is stable and goods are available to meet consumers’ needs without any obstacles,” she said.

Authorities reiterated Kuwait’s institutional readiness to respond to regional events professionally and efficiently, without affecting consumer access to essential goods. “Thanks to its institutions and national competencies, the state possesses the readiness and plans necessary to face any emergency with professionalism and capability, without impacting market stability or the availability of basic goods for citizens and residents,” the Ministry of Commerce stated. — Agencies

KUWAIT: For the second consecutive year, Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) – KIPCO, Kamco Invest, United Real Estate Company (URC), and United Facilities Management (UFM) came together to organize a blood donation drive in collaboration with the Kuwait Central Blood Bank, under the theme “Be the Reason”. The campaign reflects a powerful message that by choosing to donate blood, each individual has the power to be the reason someone heals, survives, or finds renewed hope. This initiative was held in occasion of World Blood Donor Day, which takes place annually on June 14. Building on the success of last year’s campaign, this initiative reflects the group’s continued dedication to corporate social responsibility and collective action that delivers sustainable community impact.

Hosted at the Chairman’s Club on the 54th floor of KIPCO Tower, the drive witnessed strong engagement from employees across all participating companies, reinforcing a shared culture of collaboration and social solidarity. The initiative aligns with the strategic direction of KIPCO Group companies in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations. By actively supporting public health through meaningful initiatives, the group demonstrates its ongoing commitment to sustainability and community well-being. This campaign reaffirms the power of unified efforts between sister companies and healthcare partners in driving real, lasting change.

KUWAIT: In line with World Blood Donor Day and as part of its social responsibility and community service, National Bank of Kuwait organized a successful blood donation campaign for its employees at the bank’s headquarters where employees from different departments and sectors showed strong participation and desire to contribute to this noble act, further highlighting NBK’s belief that such campaigns play an effective role in providing support for the ill and in need.

Such campaigns are part and parcel of NBK’s strategy, as it aims to raise society’s awareness about the importance of donating blood, as well as highlight how this act can save many lives and further enhance Kuwait’s blood bank inventory. Moreover, NBK strives to instill acts of social responsibility at the core of its strategy, as it stands as an effective partner in social development through its various campaigns as well as the educational, environmental and healthcare initiatives that have become a true embodiment of the bank’s deep commitment towards serving all society’s segments.

On their part, the Blood Bank team commended this benevolent initiative and applauded NBK’s humanitarian endeavors that have always strived to serve the nation and society in the best way possible. NBK has always organized blood donations in support of Kuwait’s Blood Bank and as an expression of social solidarity. Furthermore, NBK is committed to providing support for all healthcare institutions by organizing relevant events and campaigns to raise awareness and promote healthy lifestyles. It should be noted that NBK’s record is filled with pioneering social and humanitarian initiatives across different sectors, including health awareness and illness prevention campaigns. At the forefront of these campaigns comes breast cancer awareness and early detection, diabetes, prostate cancer and many others.