KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education on Wednesday presented its latest updates and preparations for the 2025–2026 school year in a detailed briefing at the center for government communication. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education Mohammed Al-Khaldi emphasized that the new academic year will serve 520,271 students — 422,744 in public schools and 97,527 in private schools — supported by more than 131,000 teachers and administrators.

School expansions

He outlined that 10 schools are set to operate in the coming year, including seven in the new city of Mutlaa, one in Ishbiliya, and two specialized schools designed for students with hearing impairments and cochlear implants. Al-Khaldi pointed out that more than 15,000 pieces of furniture, 900 computer lab devices and 100 interactive screens have already been provided to support these institutions. Staffing preparations include 800 teachers and 183 administrators, while cooperation with the Ministry of Health will ensure that school clinics are established and upgraded.

On health and nutrition, Acting Director General of Support Services Mariam Al-Enezi underscored the importance of new canteen regulations issued by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition. She explained that hydrogenated fats have been banned and schools are now required to provide healthier alternatives such as low-sugar and low-fat drinks, 100 percent natural juices,and bottled water meeting Gulf standards.

Al-Enezi stressed that canteens will also be expected to supply seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with whole-grain and gluten-free baked goods filled with fresh ingredients prepared on the same day. Biscuits and wafers will only be permitted with natural fillings like cocoa, dates or dried fruits. She highlighted that schools must also cater to students with special dietary needs, including those with lactose, gluten or nut sensitivities. Meals will be capped at 450 calories for elementary students and 600 calories for middle school students.

1,400 free buses

She also revisited the ministry’s pilot project with Kuwait Flour Mills Company, designed to improve food quality in school canteens. On services, she reaffirmed that 1,400 free buses will transport intermediate and secondary students, with registration handled by school administrations. Each school will additionally appoint a dedicated educational coordinator to supervise these measures.

Curriculum reforms were another focal point of the presentation. Al-Enezi confirmed that 88 updated textbooks have been released across all grade levels. She highlighted the introduction of artificial intelligence in Grade 10 and 11 computer science courses, the addition of programming to middle school IT classes and adjusted schedules in primary education to align with the new curricula. She stressed that the updated content also strengthens national identity, noting that social studies will now be introduced in early grades through the “My Homeland” series, while grades six to nine will include a new supplement titled “Reflections on Kuwait’s Heritage.”

To proceed with the ministry’s plan of reducing the weight of schoolbags, textbooks have been divided into four parts, while teaching methods now focus on critical thinking, problem-solving and real-world applications rather than memorization. Interactive resources — such as QR codes, audiovisual material and CEFR-aligned language units — have also been integrated, ensuring the reforms align with 21st-century skills and Kuwait’s Vision 2035.

Curriculum reforms

Al-Khaldi also highlighted “Balegh,” the digital platform that enables schools to report and track maintenance issues in real time, noting that it has already achieved an 80.8 percent completion rate for service requests. Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Hamad Al-Hamad pointed out that 1,380 teachers have been reassigned and 687 principals and vice-principals appointed, stressing that the process was carried out transparently using technology-driven systems without human interference. He also mentioned the launch of “Hamad,” an AI-powered chatbot that will support students, teachers and parents through the ministry’s website.

Al-Khaldi revisited the ministry’s five-year educational plan, which is designed to curb absenteeism, regulate staff transfers electronically and make every instructional day count toward student outcomes. As part of this framework, he reaffirmed that the last week of Ramadan will be a holiday for students, teachers and administrators, without reducing the official number of school days.

KUWAIT: Acting Director General of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) Wafaa Al-Yahya has emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination and cooperation mechanisms among technical institutions in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, noting that such efforts directly contribute to the welfare and prosperity of their peoples. Speaking to KUNA following the conclusion of the 12th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Affairs, chaired by Kuwait and hosted in Oman, Al-Yahya highlighted the significance of joint Gulf action, consistent follow-up on key files and the implementation of decisions and directives of GCC leaders.

She affirmed that Kuwait’s participation in such meetings reflects its commitment to enhancing joint Gulf action and supporting the work of regional bodies, particularly the Gulf Statistics Center, as well as international organizations concerned with statistical development. She stressed the critical role of accurate data in supporting sound decision-making that benefits the region.

Acting Director General of the Central Administration of Statistics Wafaa Al-Yahya

The meeting’s agenda included following up on recommendations of the 11th committee session, discussing the draft strategic plan for joint statistical work 2026–2030, and considering a proposal to establish a regional working group on population estimates and projections. Participants also reviewed the center’s draft budget for 2026, discussed the e-commerce and digital economy project, examined performance indicators related to the GCC Strategy for Combating Drugs 2025–2028 and reviewed the foreign trade database and environmental performance index. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The 22nd meeting of the heads of financial and accounting audit bureaus of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states commenced in Kuwait on Wednesday, with participants reaffirming their commitment to enhancing joint oversight efforts and safeguarding public funds. In his opening address, President of the State Audit Bureau (SAB) and chairman of the session, Essam Al-Roumi, underscored the importance of the gathering as an extension of earlier initiatives that have contributed to improving the quality and professionalism of supervisory work across the Gulf.

Al-Roumi noted that the agenda includes several key topics aimed at unifying the performance of GCC oversight bodies under the directives of Their Highnesses and Majesties, the leaders of the member states. He stressed that these discussions will pave the way for stronger professional advancement, greater effectiveness, and the fulfillment of the aspirations of Gulf societies.

The SAB chief expressed confidence that the meeting will take joint steps to support oversight work by strengthening cooperation, enhancing institutional capacities, and keeping pace with international and regional developments in the auditing field. He emphasized that coordination at the global level would help Gulf institutions present a unified vision within international and regional audit forums. Al-Roumi thanked GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi, the General Secretariat, and its officials for their continuous support of Gulf oversight committees, while extending special appreciation to Assistant Secretary General for Legislative and Legal Affairs, Counselor Sultan Al-Suwaidi, for his dedicated efforts in following up on the bureaus’ work.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jassim Al-Budaiwi

Chairman of the Audit Bureau of the State of Kuwait, Issam Al-Roumi

For his part, GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi praised the remarkable efforts of member states in protecting public funds and promoting accountability. He said Gulf oversight bodies play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency through coordination, integration, and the exchange of expertise. Al-Budaiwi stressed that the joint efforts of the GCC audit bureaus reflect the deep sense of responsibility entrusted to them by the leaders of the Gulf states. “This keenness has earned our bureaus a prestigious standing at the regional and international levels,” he said.

He conveyed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the current GCC Supreme Council session, for Kuwait’s effective stewardship in hosting and supporting Gulf meetings. He also congratulated Saudi Arabia on its 95th National Day and the United Arab Emirates on the Emirates Audit Authority’s election to the INTOSAI Executive Council. Al-Budaiwi explained that the General Secretariat prepared the agenda based on the outcomes of the 26th meeting of GCC undersecretaries, including discussions on the strategic training plan (2023-2025) and its extension (2026-2028) to strengthen capacity-building and enhance professional efficiency.

Other key issues on the table include the results of the sixth GCC auditing and accounting competition, the UAE proposal on auditing the accounts of the General Secretariat, the draft regulations for the Career Excellence Award, and the allocation of a Gulf week for financial auditing and accounting. Al-Budaiwi concluded by commending participants for their dedication and constructive contributions toward raising cooperation, integration, and institutional excellence in the field of financial oversight across the GCC. — KUNA