Latest news with #KUNA
Kuwait Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait to host 4 delegations from China as part of development push
State-owned firms to explore partnerships in infrastructure, logistics • Telecom deal in discussion KUWAIT: Kuwait is set to receive four official delegations from major Chinese state-owned companies next month to explore investment opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, and other key development projects, a senior official announced Wednesday. The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace. The session brought together members of the ministerial committee tasked with following up on agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Kuwait and China. 'The official high-level communications with the Chinese government are progressing rapidly,' said Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, in a statement published by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). 'Next month, Kuwait will welcome four official delegations representing major Chinese state-owned enterprises to discuss avenues for cooperation and investment with the Kuwaiti government in areas such as infrastructure, logistics, and other development sectors.' The meeting reviewed the latest developments in implementing a number of MoUs between the two governments, covering strategic sectors like Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, renewable energy, low-carbon waste recycling, public housing development, wastewater treatment, and free economic zones. Discussions also touched on joint efforts to combat desertification. HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah underscored Kuwait's commitment to moving forward with large-scale development plans and strengthening its strategic partnership with China. 'What has been achieved in terms of positive economic growth indicators and attracting foreign investments confirms that we are on the right path,' he said, stressing the importance of 'promoting initiative and achievement across all aspects of economic development.' He added that the deepening collaboration with China 'represents an important step toward expanding major development projects in the country and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.' As part of recent collaborative efforts, a high-level technical delegation from Kuwait's Ministry of Public Works was set to travel to China early this week to discuss the launch of a major wastewater treatment initiative, the committee noted during its meeting last week. However, no further details were provided on the visit in this week's press statement. The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Housing Minister Abdullatif Al-Meshari, Electricity and Renewable Energy Minister Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, and Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Telecom deal Kuwait's Minister of State for Communications Affairs, Omar Al-Omar, held talks this week with Liu Xiang, the Chargé d'Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, to explore deeper cooperation in the fields of telecommunications and technology. In a press statement issued Thursday, the Ministry of Communications said the meeting reviewed a proposed memorandum of understanding between the two countries and stressed the importance of aligning joint initiatives with Kuwait's national strategic goals. Both sides emphasized the value of strengthening their technical partnership, the ministry noted. The Chinese diplomat praised Kuwait's current presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization, saying it reflects the country's active role in promoting innovation and shaping digital policy across the region and globally. 'This meeting comes as part of efforts to enhance constructive dialogue between the State of Kuwait and the People's Republic of China toward sustainable and fruitful digital cooperation,' Liu said in the statement. He also invited Minister Al-Omar to attend the upcoming PartNIR Forum—a global event on Fourth Industrial Revolution partnerships—scheduled for September. — Agencies
Arab Times
16 hours ago
- Climate
- Arab Times
Kuwait to roast under ‘furnace-like' forecast
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: The Meteorological Department has forecast extremely hot weather during the day and warm to hot conditions at night throughout Kuwait this weekend. The acting Director of the Meteorological Department Dhirar Al- Ali told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the country is currently affected by the Indian monsoon low-pressure system, accompanied by an intense heatwave. Winds are expected to be northwesterly to variable in direction, light to moderate in speed, and occasionally active, which will raise dust, particularly in open areas. Scattered clouds may also appear. Regarding Friday's forecast, Al-Ali explained that the weather will remain extremely hot during the day, with northwesterly winds ranging between 12 km/h and 38 km/h. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 47°C and 49°C. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, with wave heights between one and four feet. Friday night is expected to remain warm to hot, with scattered clouds and light to moderate northwesterly winds ranging between 12 km/h and 32 km/h. Minimum temperatures are forecast to range between 32°C and 34°C. Sea conditions will remain slight to moderate, with wave heights between two and four feet. Extremely hot weather is expected during the day on Saturday, with light to moderate winds from the northwest to variable in direction, ranging between 10 km/h and 38 km/h. Scattered clouds may appear, and maximum temperatures are expected to range from 48°C to 50°C. The sea will remain slight to moderate, with waves between two and four feet. Saturday night will be warm to hot and relatively humid, especially along coastal areas. Winds will be variable to northwesterly, light to moderate, ranging from 12 km/h to 32 km/h. Minimum temperatures are expected to range from 33°C to 35°C. Sea conditions will continue to be slight to moderate, with wave heights between one and four feet (KUNA)
Kuwait News Agency
a day ago
- Politics
- Kuwait News Agency
Official: MoI's strategy enhances security, aligns with Kuwait 2035 vision
الأمن KUWAIT, July 30 (KUNA) -- The official spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, Brigadier Nasser Abu-Slaib, confirmed Tuesday that the ministry's strategic plan aims to enhance the security system and keep pace with modern changes, in line with the goals of the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision. This came during a visual presentation by Abu-Slaib, titled "Laws - Numbers - Achievements 2025", where he reviewed the strategic plan and legislative amendments to traffic, residency, and drug laws, in addition to the digital transformation that enabled 37 electronic services through the "Sahel" application, with transactions exceeding 30.8 million. He pointed to the biometric fingerprint project that has provided a database for over 16 million people, which is automatically linked with the state ministries, enhancing the procedures for identity verification and security at the borders. He explained that the new drug law aims to reduce use and trafficking by tightening penalties and expanding security powers, as 1,451 cases and 11 drug-related deaths were recorded in the first half of 2025. Abu-Slaib also reviewed the changes to visa residency services, with the launch of the e-visa platform KUWAIT VISA, which allows obtaining entry visas to the country, including the tourist visa, family visa, business visa, and government visa. In addition, he highlighted the innovation of the Kuwait Coast Guard through the inauguration of smart unmanned boats that enhance maritime security and allow them to operate for several days without direct human intervention. He pointed out the new Kuwaiti flag law, which aims to protect the symbolism of the national flag, regulate its use at events, and prohibit the raising of foreign flags or religious or sectarian slogans without official permission. (end)
Kuwait News Agency
a day ago
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
European Commission sets Oct. 12 '25 to launch new Entry/Exit System
BRUSSELS, July 30 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced on Wednesday that October 12, 2025 has been set as the official launch date for the progressive implementation of the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), a move aimed at strengthening external border security and modernizing the management of traveler movements. EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said in a press release, "the Entry/Exit System is a key tool to improve how we manage our external borders," adding that it will help "track who enters and leaves the European Union, identify overstayers, prevent irregular movements, and reduce document and identity fraud." He explained that the system would be rolled out gradually over a period of six months, allowing EU Member States, travelers, and businesses enough time to adapt to the new procedures. The Entry/Exit System is an advanced technological platform that will register the entry and exit of non-EU nationals visiting 29 European countries, including Schengen-associated states, for short stays. The system will collect biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, along with travel details, gradually replacing the current practice of passport stamping. According to the statement, the system will provide reliable data on border crossings, help detect cases of overstaying, and address attempts at identity fraud, thereby enhancing the security of EU citizens. It will also facilitate smoother travel through increased use of automated border controls, while ensuring the highest standards of data privacy and protection. The system will be introduced gradually starting on October 12, 2025, with border authorities in Member States progressively registering the data of third-country nationals crossing EU borders. Full deployment is expected by the end of the six-month implementation phase. The Commission, in coordination with the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems (EU-LISA), will continue to work closely with Member States in the coming months to ensure a smooth and effective rollout of the new system. The Entry/Exit System is part of the EU's broader Smart Borders package, which also includes the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the expanded use of Automated Border Control (ABC) systems. Together, these initiatives aim to enhance border management and ensure a safer, more efficient, and convenient travel experience. (end)
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Climate
- Kuwait Times
Hot, dusty weather to persist through Friday: Meteorologist
KUWAIT: The country will continue to experience very hot and dusty weather conditions through Friday, with reduced horizontal visibility expected in open areas, the Meteorological Department announced on Wednesday. Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dhirar Al-Ali said in a statement to KUNA that the current weather pattern is being driven by an extension of the Indian seasonal low, accompanied by a very hot and dry air mass. This system is bringing moderate to active northwesterly winds, with speeds possibly exceeding 50 km/h. Al-Ali warned that the dust-laden winds could reduce horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters in some areas, particularly in open and desert regions. He added that sea waves may rise to over six feet during this period. The northwesterly winds are expected to continue until Thursday, ranging between 15 to 45 km/h, with occasional gusts causing further dust and high sea waves. Al-Ali noted that winds will gradually ease by Friday, leading to an improvement in weather conditions and a gradual settling of dust by evening. He indicated that daytime temperatures will remain extremely high, with maximum ranging between 48°C and 51°C, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain hot to warm, ranging between 34°C and 36°C. — KUNA
