Latest news with #Sahl
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Dust storms to batter Kuwait until Saturday
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Kuwait will continue to experience active to strong northwesterly winds accompanied by dust storms and reduced visibility through Saturday, according to the Meteorology Department. Speaking to KUNA, Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said the country is currently under the influence of an extended Indian monsoon depression, bringing a hot and dry air mass along with moderate to strong northwesterly winds. These winds are expected to range between 20 and 60 kilometers per hour. "The prevailing conditions will stir up dust, particularly in open areas, reducing horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters at times," Al-Ali noted. He added that the intense winds and dust storms will cause a slight drop in maximum temperatures by about four to six degrees Celsius. Sea conditions are also expected to deteriorate, with waves rising to over six feet. Al-Ali said the general weather during this period will be hot and dusty during the daytime and hot to warm at night. Dust is expected to gradually settle during the evening hours. Maximum daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 43°C and 46°C, while nighttime lows are expected between 30°C and 33°C. The Meteorology Department urged motorists to exercise caution on highways due to poor visibility and advised beachgoers to avoid the sea because of high waves. Individuals with asthma or allergies were also advised to wear protective masks when venturing outdoors. Al-Ali encouraged the public to stay informed by following updates via the department's official website, mobile application, and social media accounts, as well as through the government app (Sahl), to receive the latest weather developments.
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Strong winds, dust storms to persist in Kuwait until Saturday
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Kuwait will continue to experience active to strong northwesterly winds accompanied by dust storms and reduced visibility through Saturday, according to the Meteorology Department. Speaking to KUNA, Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said the country is currently under the influence of an extended Indian monsoon depression, bringing a hot and dry air mass along with moderate to strong northwesterly winds. These winds are expected to range between 20 and 60 kilometers per hour. "The prevailing conditions will stir up dust, particularly in open areas, reducing horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters at times," Al-Ali noted. He added that the intense winds and dust storms will cause a slight drop in maximum temperatures by about four to six degrees Celsius. Sea conditions are also expected to deteriorate, with waves rising to over six feet. Al-Ali said the general weather during this period will be hot and dusty during the daytime and hot to warm at night. Dust is expected to gradually settle during the evening hours. Maximum daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 43°C and 46°C, while nighttime lows are expected between 30°C and 33°C. The Meteorology Department urged motorists to exercise caution on highways due to poor visibility and advised beachgoers to avoid the sea because of high waves. Individuals with asthma or allergies were also advised to wear protective masks when venturing outdoors. Al-Ali encouraged the public to stay informed by following updates via the department's official website, mobile application, and social media accounts, as well as through the government app (Sahl), to receive the latest weather developments.
Arab Times
15-06-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Scorching temperatures hit Kuwait, peaking at 51°C in several regions
KUWAIT CITY, June 15: Kuwait experienced extreme heat on Saturday, with temperatures soaring to 51 degrees Celsius in Al-Rabiya, Al-Jahra, and Al-Abdali, while Kuwait International Airport recorded a high of 50 degrees Celsius, according to Acting Director of the Meteorology Department, Dharar Al-Ali. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Ali explained that the severe heat wave is due to the country being affected by an extension of the Indian monsoon depression, accompanied by a very hot air mass. This weather pattern is expected to persist until Monday. He noted that the current conditions include light to moderate northwesterly winds, occasionally active, which may stir up dust — particularly in open areas. Weather maps and numerical models indicate that the country will continue to experience extremely hot daytime temperatures, and nighttime conditions will remain hot to very warm. Al-Ali forecast a slight drop in temperatures starting Tuesday, with highs expected to range between 46°C and 48°C. However, active northwesterly winds will likely continue to cause dust storms across parts of the country. The meteorological official emphasized the importance of taking precautions during this heatwave. He urged the public to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially during peak hours, stay hydrated by consuming adequate fluids, and use sun protection to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Citizens and residents are encouraged to stay updated by following official weather forecasts through the Meteorology Department's website, mobile app, social media accounts, and the government's 'Sahl' application.
Arab Times
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Now You Can Book Your Driving Test Online with Sahel
KUWAIT CITY, May 19: As part of its ongoing initiative to modernize public services and streamline procedures for both citizens and expats, the General Traffic Department, through the Traffic Affairs and Operations Sector, has announced the official launch of an online driving test appointment booking service. This new service will be available through the "Sahel" mobile application, beginning June 1, 2025. Designated Driving Test Days The new system outlines specific days for conducting driving tests based on the type of license: General Driving Licenses: Tests will be conducted every Sunday and Wednesday. Motorcycle Licenses: Tests will take place every Monday and Thursday How to Book a Driving Test Appointment via the "Sahl" App To schedule a driving test, applicants must follow these simple steps within the "Sahel" application: Open the app and log in to the Ministry of Interior's services.n Navigate to the Traffic Services section.n Select the option labeled Driving Test Appointments.n Choose your preferred date and license category, then confirm the appointment.n Enhancing Access Through Digital Transformation This new digital service is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving the overall efficiency of traffic-related services by leveraging modern technology. The online booking feature is designed to save time, reduce administrative burdens, and provide users with a convenient and user-friendly experience. By adopting this initiative, the General Traffic Department reaffirms its commitment to embracing digital transformation and ensuring that essential government services are more accessible and responsive to the needs of the public.
Arab Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Deletes 12,500 Fake Addresses in Post-Mangaf Fire Reforms
KUWAIT CITY, May 18: Nearly a year after the devastating Mangaf fire that claimed at least 50 lives, Kuwait has moved decisively to tighten civil registration procedures and clamp down on false residential address reporting. The government's response includes rigorous enforcement by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), mandating that the address on an individual's civil ID must now match their actual place of residence. To update their address, expats are required to submit proof of residency— a measure that has resulted in the cancellation of over 12,500 fake or fictitious addresses, particularly in high-density areas such as Hawalli, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, and Mahboula. The Municipality has also stepped up monitoring of bachelor accommodations in residential zones, further contributing to the rise in address change requests. PACI has launched a new service through the 'Sahl' app to facilitate address updates for both Kuwaitis and expatriates. Real Estate Impact and Rental Surge The crackdown has had notable repercussions on the real estate sector. Individuals whose addresses are deleted are given a 30-day grace period to register a valid address or face fines of up to KD 100. This has led to a reshuffling of population distribution and contributed to rising rental prices across governorates. By the end of 2024, average apartment rental values in investment areas rose by 3.1% year-on-year. The increases include: Hawalli: KD 364 (+2.5%) Farwaniya: KD 341 (+3.4%) Ahmadi: KD 304 (+3.4%) Mubarak Al-Kabeer: KD 360 (+2.9%) Jahra: KD 335 (+3.9%) Regulatory and Political Dimensions Businessman Qais Al-Ghanim emphasized that the move is a regulatory correction, aimed at reinforcing laws long ignored. He noted that accurate civil ID address registration is vital for electoral integrity, legal processes, and national security. Al-Ghanim acknowledged that some citizens previously registered under false addresses for tribal or electoral gains, a practice now under strict scrutiny. He further explained that the crackdown aligns with recent actions related to the withdrawal of Kuwaiti citizenship. Individuals stripped of their citizenship (particularly those occupying state-owned housing) must relinquish these properties, as Kuwaiti law prohibits real estate ownership by non-citizens. Toward More Accurate Data Real estate expert Abdulaziz Al-Dughaishim welcomed the stricter enforcement, highlighting the resulting improvements in data accuracy and regulatory efficiency. 'With clearer geographic distribution, the state can make better-informed decisions,' he said, adding that the shift also enhances legal traceability and reduces manipulation in cooperative society and parliamentary elections. Al-Dughaishim also noted a shift in corporate housing practices. Employers who previously registered large numbers of workers at a single property are now distributing tenants across multiple buildings to stay within legal bounds. A Black Market Emerges Despite the progress, some property owners have sought to exploit the system. Observers report a growing black market where landlords charge KD 100–150 to register workers (particularly Asians) under fake residential addresses to fulfill civil ID requirements. Authorities are now working to curb this underground practice, which undermines the ongoing reform efforts. As Kuwait continues to tighten enforcement and streamline its civil registry, officials stress that accurate address data is not only a regulatory concern but a national imperative—rooted in lessons from a tragedy that the nation is determined never to repeat.
