KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing, Zain organized a blood donation drive for its employees at the company’s headquarters in Shuwaikh. The initiative was held in collaboration with the Central Blood Bank and aligned with World Blood Donor Day, observed globally on June 14. This annual initiative reinforces Zain’s strong partnership with the Ministry of Health and its affiliated institutions, reflecting a shared goal to support Kuwait’s national healthcare system. By helping maintain a strategic supply of blood and its components, Zain contributes to the country’s medical readiness and underscores the vital role of private-public collaboration in advancing national priorities, particularly in health.

Zain employees donate blood during the company’s blood donation drive.

The campaign saw strong participation from Zain employees and management, who came together in a spirit of unity and responsibility. The drive was supervised by the Central Blood Bank’s medical team, which ensured adherence to all health and safety protocols. Through such engagement, Zain continues to foster a culture of giving and social contribution within the workplace. In addition to its humanitarian impact, the campaign highlighted the personal health benefits of regular blood donation. By promoting awareness around these benefits, Zain encourages employees to embrace healthy, community-focused habits and reinforces the company’s belief in individual responsibility as a driver of collective impact.

Zain considers this initiative a core part of its integrated corporate sustainability strategy, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is one of many efforts through which the company brings its brand promise of a Wonderful World to life, through action, impact, and meaningful partnerships that enhance quality of life in Kuwait. World Blood Donor Day was launched in 2004 by the World Health Organization and its international partners to raise awareness of the need for safe, regular blood donations and to honor voluntary donors whose contributions save lives every day.

KUWAIT: For the third day in a row, senior Kuwaiti officials have convened emergency meetings in response to the escalating conflict between Iran and the Zionist entity, assuring that essential services are secure and the country remains prepared for any scenario.

On Saturday evening, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired a meeting of the Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace, where senior ministers and security officials reviewed the latest regional developments and discussed Kuwait’s precautionary measures. “The council reviewed key regional developments and received briefings from ministers and top state officials on the preparedness of relevant agencies and the precautionary steps taken to confront all possible scenarios,” the government said in an official statement.

While officials have not disclosed details of the emergency plans, they emphasized that all government bodies are operating in coordination to ensure the continuity of services and the security of citizens and residents. “All entities are working to secure basic services, ensure the availability of all necessary supplies, and facilitate the continuity of public services, with the goal of preserving security and stability in the country,” the statement added.

Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwaila convens a meeting with undersecretaries to review the strategic stockpile of essential goods.

The heightened state of alert follows a dramatic surge in regional tensions. On Friday, the Zionist entity launched an unprecedented series of airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting nuclear, military and civilian infrastructure. According to Iranian officials, the strikes have so far killed 128, including senior Revolutionary Guard commanders and children. Iran and the Zionist entity have exchanged strikes since then, with Iranian attacks killing 13 people in the Zionist entity. The escalation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict that could impact Gulf nations, including Kuwait.

In response, multiple Kuwaiti institutions have held emergency meetings to assess readiness. On Sunday, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah convened a broad meeting with ministry undersecretaries to review the strategic stockpile of essential goods and assess the readiness of affiliated sectors. “The meeting focused on institutional readiness in light of current and potential challenges, and ways to enhance proactive planning to support Kuwait’s social safety net,” the ministry said. “Strategic inventory levels and future planning mechanisms were reviewed to ensure continued stability and responsiveness.”

The meeting follows a statement released by the minister on Sunday, in which she 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.

On the environmental front, Acting Director-General of the Environment Public Authority Nouf Behbehani confirmed that Kuwait is “closely monitoring the environmental impacts of regional developments,” and that a comprehensive assessment is underway to detect and respond to any cross-border environmental risks.

Her remarks come amid international concern after Zionist airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. While no radiation leaks have been detected, global experts and agencies have warned of potential risks if the escalation continues. “The authority is coordinating with relevant official bodies and remains committed to providing accurate environmental information and taking appropriate measures as needed,” Behbehani said.

Similarly, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources held an internal session to review its own contingency plans. Director-General Salem Al-Hai emphasized that all departments are “fully prepared to deal with any emergency” and highlighted the authority’s commitment to reinforcing national resilience in food security and agricultural services. Despite repeated official reassurances, the government has yet to publicly share the full scope of its emergency planning. However, the pace of back-to-back meetings and continuous public updates reflects a coordinated national effort to remain vigilant as the regional situation unfolds. — Agencies

KUWAIT: Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei conducted an inspection tour on Sunday of several Grade 12 examination committees in the Farwaniya Educational District, reviewing the progress of final exams for the second semester of the 2024–2025 academic year. In a press statement, Al-Tabtabaei stressed that the ministry places “utmost importance on creating a supportive environment for students during the exam period,” adding that Grade 12 students represent “the elite of Kuwait’s youth, upon whom future hopes are pinned. The hard work they put in today will be their foundation for university education and future career paths.”

The minister praised the efforts of school administrations, the preparedness of schools and national monitors, and the high level of organization he witnessed during his visit. He also commended the students’ adherence to exam rules and guidance, describing it as a reflection of their awareness and understanding of the significance of this critical phase in their academic journey. He noted that the ministry is working through an integrated educational vision led by a unified team focused on supporting students. “All logistical and technical resources have been mobilized to ensure an ideal exam environment free of obstacles,” he said.

Al-Tabtabaei pointed to positive signs in the first few days of exams, including a high student attendance rate and a noticeable drop in disqualification cases compared to the previous academic year. “This reflects the students’ awareness and commitment to the exam regulations,” he stated. He expressed hope that the decline in disqualifications will continue throughout the remainder of the exam period. “The instructions on implementing rules and regulations are clear and strict,” he said, noting that school administrations and exam committee supervisors play a key role in ensuring fair procedures and the integrity of the exam process.

The minister also commended the ongoing efforts of ministry teams working in collaboration with educational regions to uphold the highest standards of discipline and fairness, both in exam organization and in grading procedures. He affirmed that answer sheets are being corrected promptly and accurately, with full respect for students’ rights and transparency in assessment.

“Correction teams are working with complete neutrality and professionalism, applying unified standards that guarantee fairness and objectivity,” he said, stressing that the ministry closely monitors all stages of the examination process and takes seriously any feedback or complaints received from the educational field. — KUNA