KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Al-Rushaid, Senior Vice President – Head of Digital Communications at National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), emphasized the bank’s integral role in supporting the nationwide banking awareness campaign “Let’s Be Aware” (Diraya), launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) in collaboration with local banks and Kuwait Banking Association. The campaign aims to foster financial literacy, promote financial inclusion, and educate customers across all segments of society.

Speaking during an interview on the Kuwait TV show “Good Evening Kuwait”, Al-Rushaid stated: “At NBK, we operate around the clock to track the latest fraud schemes, raise customer awareness, and provide guidance on how to avoid falling victim to these scams through educational content shared across our social media platforms.”

He also underscored the importance of the Virtual Central Room, launched jointly by Kuwait Banking Association, local banks and relevant authorities including the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecution, under the direction of CBK. Al-Rushaid described this initiative as the first line of defense against cyber fraud, noting that it operates 24/7 to receive fraud reports and monitor suspicious activity – enhancing customer safety and reinforcing confidence in the banking sector.

Al-Rushaid further noted that the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign is the largest of its kind in the region, significantly contributing to improved financial awareness among the public. He urged the public to remain vigilant, follow the bank’s security guidelines shared across all digital platforms, and refrain from disclosing any personal or banking information to unauthorized parties. He also cautioned against responding to messages or calls that falsely claim to be from the bank and request sensitive data.

He explained that the bank will never request personal information via email, text messages, or phone calls, warning that any such communication is likely a fraud attempt designed to steal banking credentials, sensitive data, or funds. Furthermore, he reiterated NBK’s strong commitment to promoting banking awareness, especially among older generations who are more vulnerable to scams due to the advanced technologies and artificial intelligence tools used by fraudsters.

Al-Rushaid also warned against booking accommodations through unverified websites or brokers. He advised verifying the legitimacy of any company or platform by inspecting properties in person before making payments, to avoid fraud. In cases of suspicious activity, customers are encouraged to contact the bank immediately and activate transaction alerts via the NBK Mobile App to receive real-time notifications.

Leveraging its robust communication infrastructure and leading digital presence among Kuwaiti banks, NBK aims to ensure maximum reach and effectiveness for the campaign’s educational messages.

Digital excellence

Mohammad Al-Dakhil, Assistant Vice President – Digital Business at NBK, confirmed that customers can now temporarily suspend their bank cards through the NBK mobile banking app if they suspect any unusual account activity.

During the interview, Al-Dakhil stated: “At NBK, we are committed to advancing our digital leadership through the services offered on our mobile banking app, which is a key platform for customers conducting their day-to-day banking. We continually strive to introduce new features and enhancements that deliver a superior digital banking experience – one that not only meets, but exceeds, customer expectations.”

He added that the bank is consistently innovating to enrich the digital journey, citing the recent launch of the full account opening service via NBK mobile banking app – making NBK the first bank in Kuwait to offer this function digitally. The NBK mobile banking app also allows customers to issue digital prepaid gift cards. These virtual cards can be easily created, loaded and sent to friends or family for use in stores or online, both within Kuwait and abroad. The recipient can instantly add the card to their digital wallet and begin using it for purchases.

Al-Dakhil also highlighted the success of the WAMD service, developed in partnership with KNET. The service allows for fast, seamless money transfers at any time of day, offering users a streamlined transfer process with just a few steps.

In the meantime, Al-Dakhil further spotlighted the cutting-edge services offered by Weyay Bank – the first digital bank in Kuwait. Among its key innovations is the introduction of a fully digital loan application process for both personal and housing loans, allowing customers to submit documents, receive approvals, and sign contracts entirely through the app.

Weyay has also launched Jeel, a first-of-its-kind digital experience in Kuwait tailored for children aged 8 to 14. The service enables young users to manage their spending under parental supervision, fostering early financial literacy through a dedicated child-friendly app interface.

Thanks to its pioneering digital services, Weyay Bank has earned several prestigious accolades, most notably being named Best Digital Bank in Kuwait by Euromoney at the 2025 Middle East Excellence Awards. The recognition affirms Weyay’s leadership in delivering innovative digital banking solutions tailored to evolving customer needs.

Since its launch, Weyay Bank has transformed the digital banking landscape in Kuwait by offering a comprehensive suite of services – from account opening and savings management to local and international transfers, and digital loan access – empowering customers to manage their finances flexibly and efficiently.

Abdulmohsen Al-Rushaid:

•Vigilant around the clock to detect fraud and educate customers

•NBK reinforces its commitment to promoting banking awareness across all segments

•Leading digital engagement among Kuwaiti banks to maximize public outreach

Mohammad Al-Dakhil:

•Advancing digital excellence through innovation and service enhancement

•NBK empowers customers to suspend cards instantly via the NBK mobile banking app in case of suspicious activity

•First bank in Kuwait to offer fully digital account opening through the NBK mobile banking app.

KUWAIT: Kuwait and Egypt are in discussion to form a joint technical committee to coordinate the recruitment of Egyptian skilled labor, in a step aimed at addressing labor market needs while upholding regulatory standards, Egypt’s State Information Service said on Monday. The announcement follows a meeting between Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Osama Shaltout, and Acting Director General of Kuwait’s Public Authority of Manpower (PAM), Marzouq Dhaifallah Al-Otaibi, at PAM headquarters in Kuwait City. According to Egypt’s State Information Service, the committee is expected to include representatives from Egypt’s Ministry of Labor and will align labor supply with sector-specific demands in the local economy, the statement added.

The move comes nearly 14 months after Kuwait suspended the issuance of new work visas for Egyptian nationals in April 2024. The suspension aimed to impose stricter controls on recruitment and prioritize applicants with higher education credentials and skills relevant to the Kuwaiti labor market. Local media at the time cited complaints from employers as one of the primary drivers behind the policy change. While the visa suspension remains in place for now, the new coordination mechanism signals a potential step toward resuming regulated labor flows – albeit under stricter qualifications and oversight.

During the meeting, Ambassador Shaltout commended Kuwaiti officials for the services provided to Egyptian workers. He also praised PAM’s efforts to advance bilateral cooperation on labor issues. “We are pleased with the continued efforts to strengthen ties and ensure the protection of workers’ rights while supporting the development goals of both countries,” he said.

The Public Authority of Manpower welcomed the Egyptian initiative, describing it as part of a shared commitment to “enhancing the historical relations between the two countries” and improving labor market outcomes through tighter coordination. Both sides stressed the importance of sustained communication to ensure the success of the plan and affirmed that the initiative serves the mutual interests of Egypt and Kuwait, said the statement.

KUWAIT: Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Totonji praised the positive stance of the Kuwaiti leadership, led by His Highness the Amir, for condemning the “brutal assaults on residential areas,” stressing that Iran did not initiate the aggression, which he described as a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter.

In a press conference held at the Iranian Embassy on Monday, Totonji reassured that there are no issues concerning Kuwaiti nationals in Iran, confirming their return to Kuwait is proceeding smoothly via land borders. “Arrangements have been made to facilitate their safe return through land border crossings, in coordination with the Kuwaiti authorities,” he said. “There is no obstacle to their return, and coordination has also been made between Kuwaiti and Iraqi authorities to ensure smooth entry via Iraq.”

The ambassador stated that the attacks against Iran were coordinated with and supported by the United States, which he held “fully responsible as the main backer of the Israeli entity.”

He described the events as an “outright declaration of war and a flagrant violation of international law,” noting that this aggressive and illegitimate conduct directly threatens regional and international peace and security.

He affirmed Iran’s legal right to self-defense, saying “The decision to stop the war lies with the country that was attacked. Iran does not fear escalation and will respond with strength and determination. The Israeli regime must bear full responsibility for the consequences of its actions.”

Ambassador Toutonji indicated that Zionists had crossed every red line targeting civilians and scientific facilities, including nuclear sites under IAEA supervision, endangering the entire region with the risk of a radiological disaster. “These attacks were not preemptive; they were intended to sabotage diplomacy,” he said. “Iran will not remain idle.”

He added, “The Israeli entity had crossed all red lines,” urging the international community not to remain silent in the face of such serious violations.

Gulf security

On the implications for Gulf security, Totonji reiterated that Iran was not the aggressor, but the victim of a premeditated attack amid active diplomatic efforts regarding its nuclear program. He warned that targeting civilian infrastructure at such a sensitive time represented a dangerous escalation and grave misjudgment.

Regarding regional policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to good-neighborly relations and respect for national sovereignty. He emphasized that Iran is not seeking to widen the conflict but will defend its interests by all means if confrontation is imposed upon it.

“Iran remains open to dialogue and cooperation, particularly with its Gulf neighbors,” expressing Iran’s keenness on regional stability, including the security of sisterly Kuwait, a country he said Iran holds in high regard for its balanced and constructive positions.

He concluded with a firm message “Iran will not collapse. It will not surrender. Under pressure or in peace, we will continue to defend our sovereignty and independence. Standing with the Iranian people today is not just a political choice it is a moral one.”

Iranian ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Totonji, speaking during a press conference at the iranian embassy in Kuwait City on June 16, 2025.