AGP Executive Report

Drug Smuggling Tactic: Kuwait’s anti-narcotics unit arrested an Asian man after surveillance found 10 A4 papers soaked with mind-altering substances, plus 5 grams of shabu, in a bid to hide drugs in plain sight. Identity Fraud Crackdown: A Gulf woman sentenced to seven years with hard labour for living for 30 years under a dead Kuwaiti man’s identity—after forged documents helped her access salaries, pensions and housing—adds to Kuwait’s widening citizenship fraud cases. Regional Security & Iran Rhetoric: Iranian clerics used Friday sermons to warn of escalation, including threats aimed at Tel Aviv and Gulf capitals, as Kuwait continues referring alleged IRGC-linked suspects to court over security breaches. Humanitarian & Health: Bangladesh sent Kuwait its first food consignment as goodwill, while Kuwait reaffirmed strict meat inspection rules and stepped up border health checks amid Ebola concerns. Digital Infrastructure: Beyon signed Kuwait’s KD 825m fixed telecoms PPP, a 50-year push to upgrade the national network with fibre and next-gen systems.

Telecom PPP: Beyon has signed a 50-year PPP commitment with Kuwait’s Ministry of Communications and KAPP to build, run and maintain Kuwait’s fixed telecom network, with investments topping KD 825 million (about $2.7bn)—a major push for Kuwait’s digital backbone. Citizenship crackdown: Kuwait courts continue to hit fraud networks hard, including a 30-year citizenship forgery case that jailed a Saudi man and his daughter for 7 years, as authorities expand checks after “ghost sons” and fake lineage claims were uncovered. Security & courts: The Public Prosecution has referred IRGC-linked suspects to court over alleged infiltration and attacks on military/security sites. Humanitarian spotlight: The ICRC praised Kuwait’s humanitarian role and announced new funding figures for regional relief. Education tweak: The Education Ministry moves to lighten school bags by embedding activities into textbooks. Travel & operations: Kuwait International Airport Terminal 1 is set to resume flights gradually from June 1. Health alert: Border measures are being intensified over Ebola concerns abroad, with no cases reported in Kuwait.

IRGC Infiltration Case: Kuwait’s Public Prosecution has referred IRGC-linked suspects to court over alleged illegal entry by sea and an attempt to infiltrate a restricted military zone, with charges including violating sovereignty and attempted murder after firing at security personnel. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait also condemned a drone attack on Saudi Arabia launched from Iraqi airspace, while Kuwait and Saudi officials coordinated on regional developments. Digital Push: Kuwait signed a KD 825 million deal with Beyon to build a fixed telecom network under a 50-year public-private partnership, aiming to power cloud, AI and smart-city services. Trade Boost: The UK and GCC concluded talks on a modern Free Trade Agreement, framed as the first GCC-G7 trade deal. Municipal Enforcement: Jahra’s inspection drive issued 120 violations for illegal encroachment of public property. Everyday Services: My Kuwait ID now offers a QR code option for Civil ID collection in select cases. Sports: Kuwait won gold in women’s padel and bronze in men’s padel at the Gulf Games in Doha.

Oil & Industry: Duqm Refinery posted $7bn revenue in 2025, with $276m EBITDA and $270m savings from its transformation plan, while KNPC is weighing a sixth LPG unit as output rises. Healthcare: Kuwait opened its first pediatric post-ICU recovery clinic at Al-Jahra Hospital to track children’s long-term recovery after critical illness. Consumer Protection: Kuwait intensified market control with 2,063 violations recorded from late February to late April, including price and labeling breaches. Digital & Media Heritage: CITRA says April saw 172 cyber-scam reports, led by websites; meanwhile the Information Ministry launched a radio archive digitization project. Justice & Crime: Courts handed heavy sentences in a cooperative societies bribery case and set a precedent that crypto mining without a license is criminal. Public Services: Government offices shut for Eid; Civil Service work pauses May 26-31, and Eid prayers are set for 5:05am with 8,400 pilgrims flying for hajj. Sports: Kuwait Club looks to bounce back after its Crown Prince Cup loss as league fixtures continue.

Cyber Fraud Watch: CITRA says the National Cyber Security Center handled 172 scam reports in April—websites led with 87 complaints, followed by WhatsApp (34) and social media (31). People can report attempts via the Sahel app’s “Aman” service or CITRA’s website. Court Orders Mental Check: Kuwait’s Court of Appeal ordered a psychiatric evaluation for a man convicted in the brutal Al-Mutlaa murder of his wife, to assess his mental condition and responsibility. Fraud via Power Bills: Three Egyptian nationals were sentenced to 5 years and fined KD5,000 each for forging electricity invoices by hacking the ministry’s automated system. Drug Raids: Police arrested three Asian expats in separate Hawalli cases, seizing bags of suspected narcotics, while another operation netted four suspects with heroin, hashish, methamphetamine, Lyrica and alcohol. Tragedy in Jleeb: A house fire in Al-Jleeb killed five, and demolition is underway for 37 unsafe buildings in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Heat Rules: PAM bans outdoor work in open areas from 11:00am to 4:00pm, June 1–Aug 31, with penalties for violators.

Road Safety Warning: During secondary school exams, Kuwait’s General Directorate of Traffic urged parents to stop minors from driving or even handing over keys, stressing KD75 on-the-spot fines for unlicensed driving and tougher penalties if the case goes to court, including possible imprisonment and vehicle impoundment. Workplace Heat Rules: The Public Authority for Manpower issued a resolution banning outdoor work in open areas from 11:00am to 4:00pm daily between June 1 and Aug 31, with exemptions only for urgent/technical operations after approval. Sports & Culture: Kuwait’s women’s trap shooters won gold at the Gulf Games in Doha, while Porsche unveiled a Kuwait-only 911 “Sadu Edition” limited to 20 units. Local Governance: The Municipal Council approved the path for the Kuwait–Saudi railway project and other infrastructure routes, as Eid sacrifice preparations are confirmed for all authorized slaughterhouses. Diplomacy: New Kuwaiti ambassadors presented credentials in Doha and Singapore.

Border Security: Kuwait Customs at Al-Abdali stopped five travelers trying to leave with forged transit documents and carnets, after checks showed the papers weren’t issued through the official international guarantee chain; the suspects were referred for further legal action. Public Cleanliness & Roads: Kuwait Municipality stepped up inspections across governorates, removing 99 abandoned/scrap vehicles and issuing 87 violations plus 1,419 warnings and pledges. Airport Recovery: Kuwait International Airport is still in phased recovery after drone strikes, with Terminals 4 and 5 running limited services while Terminal 1 remains largely offline. Regional Tensions: Kuwait condemned drone attacks launched from Iraqi airspace targeting Saudi Arabia, reiterating solidarity with Riyadh. Sports Spotlight: Kuwait’s women’s trap shooting team won gold at the Gulf Games in Doha, while Al-Arabi lifted the Crown Prince Cup with a 3-0 win over Kuwait SC. Business & Services: Action Energy secured KD40.9m in credit facilities to expand its rig fleet, and the “Paperless Government” project got CAPT approval for a direct three-year cloud services contract.

Oil & Finance: Action Energy Company secured a new KD7.3m credit facility and expanded another by KD33.6m (total KD40.9m) to fund expansion of its drilling rig fleet tied to Kuwait Oil Company contract awards. Weather Watch: Kuwait’s north saw unsettled conditions with thunderstorms, dust-raising winds and rough seas as a low-pressure system moved in from the northwest. Municipal Crackdown: Hawally recorded 10 road-encroachment violations as Kuwait Municipality stepped up inspections, while Farwaniya–Jahra saw electricity cutoffs over misuse of state land. Road Safety: Interior Ministry logged 17,834 traffic violations and handled 1,466 accidents during a week-long nationwide campaign. Security: MoI arrested 11 in separate drug cases and detained a burglary gang linked to a cooperative society cash theft. Digital Government: “Paperless Government” got green light for a three-year direct contract under the CAPT. Regional Tensions: Kuwait condemned drone attacks from Iraqi airspace targeting Saudi Arabia, calling them violations of international law. Sports & Culture: Al-Arabi won the Crown Prince Cup 3-0; Porsche launched a limited 911 Turbo S “Sadu Edition” for Kuwait’s 70-year Porsche milestone.

Airport Recovery: Kuwait International Airport is fully open again today, continuing a careful phased restart after a nearly two-month closure tied to regional security fears and drone damage—Phase 2 is still ramping up routes and frequencies. Security & Crime Crackdowns: A Kuwaiti doctor was detained in a narcotics operation over alleged cocaine and prescription stimulants for sale, while police also arrested suspects in multiple drug cases, including “Meth” pouches and a father accused of using his son as a cover. Cyber & Consumer Safety: Authorities warned against fake traffic fine links, and stepped up food and market enforcement—hundreds of outlets inspected, dozens of violations issued, counterfeit goods seized, and illegal home-based confectionery production busted. Labour Digitisation: Work permit renewals for “partners” can now be done online via the Ashal Services portal. Foreign Affairs: Kuwait condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia launched from Iraqi airspace, and also protested a drone strike near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear site. Business/Sports: Action Energy secured KWD 40.9m in rig financing, while Kuwait’s teams keep collecting medals at the Gulf Games.

Crime Crackdown: Kuwait arrested an Asian woman accused of defrauding 25 Kuwaitis via an Instagram “domestic worker” scam, allegedly taking KD300–KD500 advances before blocking victims. Drugs & Arrests: Police also detained a father accused of drug trafficking after he allegedly used his minor son as a cover, and nabbed two Asian drivers in Zahraa after 12 bags of “Meth” were found buried. Food Safety: Ardiya and Bneid Al-Gar raids uncovered illegal, home-based confectionery and underground-style food operations, with expired or unfit items seized; Ahmadi and Jahra inspections logged dozens of violations and ordered closures/reopenings. Cyber Warning: Interior Ministry urged residents not to click fake traffic-fine links, stressing official payment channels only. Diplomacy & Sports: Kuwait condemned a drone attack near the UAE’s Barakah plant; meanwhile, Kuwait’s medal push continues at the Gulf Games and Kuwait Club and Al-Arabi set for the Crown Prince Cup final. Regional Security: Bahrain and Kuwait reaffirmed security cooperation as Iran-linked tensions keep spilling into the news.

Market Crackdown: Kuwait’s Commercial Control and Consumer Protection teams, with Interior support, seized 1,430 counterfeit items in a major Friday Market operation, while separate Jahra and Farwaniyah drives logged dozens of violations including unsafe produce and illegal cash practices. Health Costs Down: The Ministry of Health approved price cuts for 1,922 medicines and supplements and set prices for 268 new products, aiming to make key treatments more affordable. Airport Back to Full Speed: Kuwait International Airport fully resumed commercial operations on May 17 after a phased reopening following months of disruption. Work Permits Go Online: The Public Authority for Manpower launched an online self-service option for partners to renew work permits via the Ashal Services portal. Energy Financing Boost: Action Energy secured expanded KWD 40.9m credit facilities to grow its rig fleet. Diplomacy & Trade: Finance Minister Yaqoub Al-Rifai met the UK ambassador on investment ties, while Uzbekistan approved an aviation protocol with Kuwait. Sports Spotlight: Kuwait added medals at the 4th Gulf Games in Doha, including gold in women’s triple jump and more podium finishes.

Nationality Crackdown: Kuwait’s Supreme Committee for Nationality Affairs has revoked citizenship for 31 people found to have violated dual-nationality rules, citing Article 11 of the Nationality Law, with cases now set to move through legal and administrative steps. Food Safety Push: In Jahra, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition inspected about 280 food outlets, recorded 52 violations, and seized spoiled fruits and vegetables for improper retail distribution. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s PM met Finland’s president in Athens and discussed ways to strengthen ties and regional security, including the US-Iran ceasefire and de-escalation efforts. Women’s Day Spotlight: Kuwait marked May 16 with multiple official remarks praising women’s expanding role across public life, the judiciary, and development. Sports & Culture: Kuwait’s Gulf Games momentum continued with medal wins, while Al Najma’s handball draw put them in a tough “group of death”; locally, Kazma moved up after a 2-0 win in the Zain Premier League.

Hajj Fire Safety: Kuwait Fire Force teams have started inspecting Kuwaiti hajj campaign headquarters in Makkah, running morning and evening checks with Saudi counterparts to ensure fire-prevention compliance before pilgrims arrive. Women’s Day Spotlight: Kuwait marked May 16 with fresh official messages praising women’s role since full political rights in 2005, while Kuwait National Petroleum and the Foreign Ministry reiterated women’s contributions to national progress and economic development. Gulf Tensions Watch: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi renewed demands for the release of four Iranians detained by Kuwait, as Kuwait continues to accuse IRGC-linked attempts near strategic waters. Energy & Trade: Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery received over 950,000 barrels of Congo crude, citing supply diversification amid regional disruptions. Local Enforcement: Authorities carried out joint crackdowns in Amghara scrap yards and Al-Hajin, while Kuwait Customs seized 2.3kg of narcotic liquid hidden in UK postal shipments. Business & Youth: InvestGB launched the fourth edition of its IGB internship program, aiming to place more Kuwaiti youth into professional roles.

Gulf Security & IRGC Tensions: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior says it arrested 15 suspects across nine drug cases, seizing hashish, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin and Lyrica powder, as well as cash and weighing scales. Local Enforcement: A joint crackdown in Amghara’s scrap yard targeted encroachments on state property and regulatory violations, while a separate Al-Hajin operation netted 17 people over residency and labor breaches and led to electricity cutoffs for violating plots. Public Safety: Firefighters brought a blaze under control at Abu Fatira’s central market and contained a warehouse fire in Salibiya Agricultural Area, with no major injuries reported. Information Integrity: Kuwait National Guard warned of a fake statement circulating on social media, urging people to rely only on official accounts. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain kicked off its GCC Games medal bid in Doha with men’s volleyball and a winning start in handball against Kuwait.

Anti-Drug Crackdown: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry says its Drug Control directorate foiled multiple operations, arresting 15 suspects across nine narcotics cases and seizing hashish, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin and Lyrica powder, plus scales and cash linked to trafficking. State Property Enforcement: In Al-Hajin, a joint inspection campaign led to 17 arrests over residency and labor violations and recorded misuse of four land plots, with electricity cut to violating properties as authorities push back against encroachments. Fire Response: Firefighters brought a blaze under control at Abu Fatira’s central market and also contained a warehouse fire in Salibiya Agricultural Area, with no major injuries reported. Customs Seizures: Kuwait Customs stopped two UK-linked postal smuggling attempts, uncovering 2.3kg of narcotic chemical liquid hidden in “body wash” parcels. Gulf Tensions: Iran’s foreign minister demanded Kuwait release four detained citizens, as Kuwait accuses IRGC-linked infiltration near strategic waters. Hospitality Appointments: United Hospitality Management named Shadi Refai Cluster General Manager for Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait.

Gulf Security Tensions: Kuwait is at the center of a fresh diplomatic storm after it vowed zero tolerance for encroachments on state property while also trading accusations with Iran over a Bubiyan Island incident—Kuwait says IRGC-linked suspects were detained after an attempted infiltration, while Tehran calls the claims baseless and demands the release of its nationals. Digital Government: PACI rolled out Sahel app steps to integrate dependents’ civil IDs under the main sponsor, and Kuwait also launched online issuance of domestic driver entry visas through Sahel. Health Services: The Ministry of Health opened the first oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic at primary healthcare level in Al-Saqr. Courts & Compliance: An administrative court struck down a 7-day salary deduction penalty over alleged electricity/water meter tampering. Local Life & Safety: Kuwait banks tightened personal loan rules, while Hawally safety inspections issued 27 warnings and Kuwait Fire Force closed 44 Shuwaikh shops for fire-safety violations. Sports: Kuwait Club won the AFC Challenge League, booking AFC Champions League 2 entry.