KUWAIT: In the presence of Mohammed Al-Othman, Chief Executive Officer of Consumer and Digital Banking Group at the National Bank of Kuwait and Dr Hassan Al-Fajjam, Director General of the Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Weyay Bank, Kuwait’s first fully digital bank, participated as the strategic sponsor of the orientation forum for new students organized by PAAET. The event took place on September 8–9 at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Mishref, drawing over 16,000 new students. It aimed to welcome and guide students as they embark on their academic journey.

Weyay’s presence at the event reflects its commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth by providing them with the tools and financial solutions they need to succeed. The Bank’s team showcased its seamless digital banking experience, allowing students to open accounts within minutes—without the need to visit a physical branch. This aligns with the fast-paced, mobile-first lifestyle of today’s youth. Students also explored the features of the Weyay app, including instant and secure money transfers within Kuwait and abroad. One of the key highlights was the ability to digitally transfer student allowances directly into their Weyay accounts and access the exclusive SELECT prepaid digital card.

Designed specifically for student allowance customers, the card offers up to 40 percent cashback on purchases and special discounts at popular youth-focused outlets such as Caribou Coffee and Flare Fitness. Throughout the two-day event, the Weyay team provided students with practical tips on managing their finances smartly using the app’s budgeting and tracking tools. Weyay Bank reaffirmed its dedication to supporting young people with innovative banking solutions that foster financial independence and confidence as they begin their university life.

VIENNA: Kuwait on Wednesday underlined the pivotal role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in verification and monitoring in Iran, praising the professionalism of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and his team in carrying out their mandate. This came in a statement delivered by Dr Sara Al-Ajmi, Second Secretary at Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna, during the IAEA Board of Governors’ discussions on verification and monitoring in Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

Al-Ajmi noted that the IAEA’s latest report, issued on September 3, 2025, confirmed that monitoring and verification activities had been adversely affected by recent Zionist military attacks. She explained that these developments disrupted the agency’s continuity of knowledge regarding Iran’s production and oversight of centrifuges and heavy water. Kuwait called on Iran to maintain its cooperation with the IAEA and to resume full coordination with the agency to enable it to provide credible assurances on the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Al-Ajmi stressed that such cooperation is essential to ensuring Iran’s continued compliance as a non-nuclear-weapon state. — KUNA

RIYADH: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Monday underscored the importance of employing digital technologies to support peacebuilding, humanitarian efforts and post-conflict reconstruction as pathways to stability and prosperity.

Representing Kuwait, which holds the DCO presidency for 2025, Sheikh Sabah delivered his remarks at the fifth edition of the Digital Cooperation Diplomacy series, jointly organized by the Kuwaiti Embassy in Riyadh and the DCO under the theme “Digital Tools to Enhance Post-Conflict Recovery.” The event was attended by DCO Secretary-General Dima Al-Yahya, former UK Minister of Culture and Digital Economy Lord Ed Vaizey, alongside a host of ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Riyadh.

In his speech, Sheikh Sabah stressed the urgency of deepening cooperation in the face of global challenges and advancing policies that ensure the effective use of digital tools in conflict resolution and recovery. “The participation of diplomats in this dialogue reflects their commitment to the objectives of the DCO,” he said. He reaffirmed Kuwait’s strong support for the organization’s mission to accelerate digital prosperity and inclusive growth, highlighting the importance of building a more resilient and prepared digital ecosystem through collaboration and collective action.

“The convening of this dialogue comes at an exceptional time when Kuwait attaches great importance to digital transformation as part of its Vision 2035, while working to advance the shared interests of the international community,” Sheikh Sabah said. He noted that Kuwait’s simultaneous presidency of both the DCO and the Gulf Cooperation Council this year underscores the weight of its responsibilities amid mounting global challenges. DCO Secretary-General Dima Al-Yahya, for her part, emphasized the critical role of digital technology in post-conflict recovery, noting that today’s crises have displaced more than 122 million people worldwide. “Wars and disasters tear apart institutions, erode trust and displace families,” she said.

“But digital reconstruction can help accelerate recovery, rebuild societies on stronger foundations and design systems that are more just and effective.” She called for flexible, realistic and responsive international cooperation to keep pace with rapid digital transformations, while urging stronger partnerships between governments, technology companies, academia and civil society to ensure that digital transformation benefits reach the most vulnerable.

Former UK Minister Lord Ed Vaizey also highlighted the transformative potential of technology in rebuilding societies. “From restoring basic services to creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs, digital innovation offers hope even in the most difficult circumstances,” he said. The dialogue, held under Chatham House rules, brought together ambassadors from DCO member states and international partners for an open exchange on harnessing digital tools to promote peace, reconstruction and long-term stability. — KUNA