Latest news with #Al-Ajmi
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait revives co-op Kuwaitization plan with new online hiring system
KUWAIT: Kuwait's Ministry of Social Affairs announced Thursday that it will open online applications for supervisory positions in cooperative societies starting July 27, as part of the country's broader Kuwaitization strategy aimed at placing more citizens in leadership roles across key sectors. The move comes nearly a year after the ministry temporarily suspended earlier initiatives to Kuwaitize the sector. For the first time, candidates will be required to take an electronic exam on September 9, organized in cooperation with the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), according to the ministry's Acting Undersecretary Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi. 'In a first since appointments in co-ops began, the ministry will require applicants to take an electronic test,' Al-Ajmi told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), adding that passing with a score above 80 percent is mandatory to qualify for the in-person interview stage. The exam will count for more than 80 percent of the final evaluation, while the interview will account for 15 percent. The decision is part of a wider national effort to prioritize citizens for employment and address what officials have described as the country's 'demographic imbalance.' In 2023, the ministry launched its first round of Kuwaitization efforts in co-ops, posting supervisory jobs in five co-ops — Nuzha, Qortuba, Faiha, Jabriya, and Qadisiya — for positions such as directors, deputy directors, and department heads. A special committee was assigned to oversee the process. However, sources noted that turnout was lower than expected, citing job security concerns. Since then, the ministry has been working to expand the scope of the Kuwaitization initiative. In July 2024, it introduced a new vision that included general roles such as legal accountants, procurement clerks, and store managers. In January 2025, Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the formation of a new committee tasked with overcoming obstacles in hiring Kuwaitis. Al-Ajmi emphasized that the new electronic test is intended to ensure fairness and transparency in the hiring process. 'The goal is to enhance transparency, equal opportunity, and job justice in selecting candidates,' he said, noting that a free, optional training course will be made available for applicants to prepare. Salaries for the available supervisory positions range from KD 1,000 to KD 2,000 depending on the role and its responsibilities, Al-Ajmi added. Assistant Director-General of the Public Authority of Manpower Musaed Al-Mutairi confirmed that the authority has activated a digital system to register and advertise vacancies submitted by co-ops. The job opportunities will be published through the 'Fakhrona' platform dedicated to hiring Kuwaiti nationals. Applications can be submitted via the authority's online portal or through the Sahel app, Al-Mutairi told KUNA. He added that cooperative societies are a promising space for young Kuwaitis to gain leadership experience, thanks to their community-focused and administratively flexible nature. — Agencies
Arab Times
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Kuwait Petroleum International launches operations at Berchem stations in Luxembourg
KUWAIT CITY, July 8: Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) announced Tuesday the commencement of operations at the Berchem East and West service stations on the Luxembourg motorway — regarded as the largest and most prominent motorway service area in Europe. In a statement to KUNA, KPI described the launch as a major milestone in its global expansion, following its successful bid for the concession contract earlier this year. With the addition of the two high-traffic stations, KPI has effectively doubled its network on Luxembourg's motorways, bringing its total presence to 40 service stations. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to delivering comprehensive and environmentally responsible transportation services across Europe. KPI CEO Shafi Al-Ajmi said that incorporating the Berchem sites into the company's network is a strategic step aligned with KPI's long-term vision to expand the international footprint of Kuwaiti energy. He emphasized that the initiative focuses on customer-centric innovation and praised the dedication of the teams who made the project a reality. Under the terms of the concession agreement, KPI has assumed full operational control of both Berchem stations. Al-Ajmi noted that the company is working to modernize the facilities into next-generation service centers that reflect KPI's brand identity. These upgrades include advanced electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the availability of renewable diesel fuel for heavy-duty transport. 'The Berchem stations are among the busiest highway service areas in Europe, serving tens of thousands of travelers daily,' Al-Ajmi added. 'Their strategic location along a major European transit route strengthens KPI's drive toward innovation and sustainable development.' An official ceremony was held earlier Tuesday to mark the launch of operations, attended by Luxembourg's Minister of Economy, Small and Medium Enterprises, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, alongside key business partners, KPI leadership, and government representatives. Kuwait's Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and Head of Missions to the European Union and NATO, Nawaf Al-Enezi, was also present. Speakers at the event praised the initiative as a significant step forward in strengthening economic cooperation between Kuwait and Luxembourg, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable development and supporting Europe's energy and transportation sectors. Founded in 1983, Kuwait Petroleum International is the international marketing arm of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. It operates more than 4,800 retail fuel and service stations across Europe, supplies jet fuel at over 82 global airports, and manufactures and markets premium engine oils. KPI also holds equity in refineries in Italy, Vietnam, and Oman through strategic partnerships with major global oil companies.
Arab Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
MEW targets smart water meter overhaul
KUWAIT CITY, July 6: The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy on Sunday announced in the Official Gazette (Kuwait Al-Youm) that it added a tender for the supply, installation, operation, and maintenance of smart water meters to its annual plan for the current fiscal year. Reliable sources said the tender contract includes the installation, operation, and maintenance of smart water meters, their software and networks, as well as the replacement of mechanical meters with smart meters in all governorates. Sources indicated that the contract will be floated as a public tender through the Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) to specialized companies classified by the agency, and the latter will set the date for opening the bidding envelopes. Once the companies submit their bids to CAPT, it will refer the bids to the ministry as the beneficiary entity for review and preparation of technical recommendations to decide on awarding the best financial and technical bid, sources added. Sources stated that the ministry formed a specialized committee tasked to prepare the specifications and technical requirements for the smart meter tender, affirming that the committee recently completed the task. Sources pointed out that when the committee prepared the specifications, it took into account the necessity of ensuring that the meters to be supplied are suitable for the climate of Kuwait, as is the case in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Sources added the ministry will set the terms and specifications reached through the committee, obligating the best bidder to implement them once the contract is awarded. Sources confirmed that the ministry is focusing on the tender, considering the smart water meters will contribute to ongoing efforts to rationalize water consumption and eliminate waste that costs the public treasury millions of Kuwaiti dinars in desalination and freshwater production. Meanwhile, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi held an extensive meeting with directors and supervisors at the Social Welfare and Development Sector to discuss work mechanisms and develop shared visions for improving institutional performance and meeting the needs of beneficiary groups. During the meeting, Al-Ajmi emphasized the importance of integrating roles between the departments in the sector and the supervisory bodies, as well as the need to intensify field and administrative efforts and develop work mechanisms in line with the developmental orientations of the State. Al-Ajmi confirmed that the ministry is moving forward with its development and modernization processes by reevaluating the methodologies used and strengthening partnerships among its sectors, aimed at consolidating institutional work and achieving a tangible and sustainable social impact. He said the ministry is keen on fully supporting social work and providing the necessary capabilities to ensure the success of programs and initiatives within an integrated strategy that puts citizens at the heart of its priorities, believing that social welfare is a joint national responsibility.
Kuwait Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
International Skating Union grants Kuwait full membership
LUSANNE: Salem Al-Ajmi, director of figure skating at the Kuwait Winter Sports Club, Yousef Al-Kandari, director of speed skating,ِ pose for a photo with ISU President Jae Yeol Kim. KUWAIT: The International Skating Union (ISU) granted the country full membership in its figure skating division, officially recognizing the Kuwait Figure Skating Federation. The decision, which was announced during the ISU's 2025 Congress currently being held in Switzerland, marks a major step forward for Kuwait's winter sports scene. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday, President of the Kuwait Winter Sports Club, Fahid Al-Ajmi, hailed the development as a major milestone in the country's growing involvement on the global winter sports stage. The Kuwaiti delegation attending the ISU Congress included Salem Al-Ajmi, director of figure skating at the club, Yousef Al-Kandari, director of speed skating, and club administrator Farah Al-Qallaf. Al-Ajmi said Kuwait exercised its full voting rights at the Congress for the first time following the approval, taking part in key decisions aimed at developing the sport internationally. He expressed deep gratitude to the ISU and its president, South Korea's Jae Yeol Kim, for their confidence in Kuwait's skating program and their continued support. He explained that full membership was granted after Kuwait successfully met the ISU's eligibility requirements, including consistent participation in regional and international figure skating competitions and compliance with development standards. 'This recognition will boost the sport's development in Kuwait by creating more opportunities for our athletes to compete and gain valuable experience on the international stage,' Al-Ajmi said. He also extended congratulations to all club members and supporters who contributed to the achievement. Al-Ajmi credited the Kuwait Olympic Committee, led by Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah, and Secretary-General Hussein Al-Musallam, for playing a key role in facilitating Kuwait's entry into the international skating community. He emphasized that the club remains committed to supporting all five winter sports under its umbrella. — KUNA
Arab Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait U-14 ice hockey team wraps up training camp in Al Ain
ABU DHABI, July 5: The Kuwaiti Under-14 Ice Hockey team has successfully concluded its training camp in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The camp, organized by the Kuwait Winter Games Club in coordination with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, aimed to prepare the young athletes for upcoming competitions. Head of the delegation, Ahmed Al-Ajmi, stated that the junior team engaged in intensive training sessions held twice daily at the ice rink, alongside strength and conditioning workouts in the gym. As part of their development, the team played three friendly matches against Emirati clubs, gaining valuable experience by competing with squads that featured a significant number of foreign players. Al-Ajmi praised the team's solid technical performance during these games, noting their importance in helping players enhance their skills and match-readiness. He also commended the players' dedication and enthusiasm throughout the camp, highlighting their discipline and commitment in both training and matches. Al-Ajmi reaffirmed the club's ongoing support for youth development in ice hockey, stressing that nurturing young talent is essential to the future success of the sport in Kuwait.
