AGP Executive Report

Iran-US Tensions & Hormuz: Kuwait’s airport stayed open today, with flights running via Terminals 4 and 5 after earlier Iran-linked damage, as the wider Strait of Hormuz risk debate keeps pressure on shipping, insurance and energy flows. Drug Busts: In Kuwait City, two Bangladeshis were arrested in a major trafficking case, with authorities seizing marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, Captagon and Lyrica. Local Security Sweep: A Saad Al-Abdullah campaign netted 151 violators, including traffic offenders, residency violators and wanted people, plus alcohol-related cases and a narcotics arrest. Courts & Public Order: A Kuwaiti was sentenced to five years for insulting the Amir and financing ISIS, while another received three years for impersonating a counselor using forged IDs. Health & Food Safety: The Medical Liability Authority won a top Arab healthcare governance award, and food inspectors destroyed 108kg of spoiled or adulterated products in Capital Governorate. Infrastructure: The Electricity/Water ministry outlined 18 water contracts, including freshwater complexes and major pipeline links. Sports: Kuwait submitted its bid to host the 2028 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, and teams continue Gulf Cup and Asian Games preparations.

Oil & Energy: Kuwait’s crude price slipped USD 1.45 to USD 116.65 a barrel, while Brent and WTI rose on global markets. Security & Courts: A Kuwaiti citizen was sentenced to five years for insulting the Amir and financing ISIS, and another man got three years for impersonating a counselor using forged IDs and receiving gifts from ambassadors. Public Safety: An 18-year-old Kuwaiti was seriously injured in a fast-food restaurant assault; authorities are reviewing surveillance footage. Crime Watch: Police found 20 bottles of imported liquor after an apartment fight report, and customs seized 11 liquor bottles and a beer can at Sulaibiya. Infrastructure & Services: The Electricity/Water ministry plans 18 water contracts, including freshwater complexes and major pipelines; residency transfers for Palestinian travel document holders are moving to Palestinian passports with a three-month deadline. Aviation & Diplomacy: Kuwait’s civil aviation chief met Egypt and Saudi counterparts to boost cooperation. Sports: Kuwait submitted its bid to host the 2028 AFC Futsal Asian Cup; teams continue Gulf Cup and Asian Games preparations. Health & Recognition: Kuwait’s Medical Liability Authority won a top Arab healthcare governance award. Regional Affairs: Kuwait condemned Netanyahu’s illegal entry into Syria’s Mount Hermon and urged UN action.

Court & Security: A Kuwaiti was sentenced to five years for insulting the Amir and financing ISIS, including alleged training in explosives and promoting the group online. Judicial Reform: A new judicial law is set to tackle Kuwait’s court backlog by speeding procedures and reducing “judicial choking” at the Court of Cassation. Crime Watch: An 18-year-old Kuwaiti was seriously injured in a fast-food restaurant assault; authorities are reviewing surveillance footage. In another case, police found 20 bottles of imported liquor after a reported apartment fight. Public Safety: Fire Force inspections in Shuwaikh Industrial Area led to the closure of 28 facilities over fire-safety violations. Health & Food: Kuwait’s Medical Liability Authority won a top Arab healthcare governance award; meanwhile, 108kg of spoiled or adulterated food was destroyed in Capital Governorate inspections. Residency & Identity: Procedures are underway to transfer Palestinian travel-document residency permits to Palestinian passports within three months. Kuwait also revoked citizenship of six individuals. Sports & Events: Kuwait submitted its bid to host the 2028 AFC Futsal Asian Cup; the national teams continue Gulf Cup and Asian Games preparations. Foreign Affairs: Kuwait condemned Netanyahu’s illegal entry into Syria’s Mount Hermon and urged UN action. Infrastructure: Electricity and Water plans include 18 water-project contracts, including new reservoirs and major pipelines.

Foreign Affairs: Kuwait condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s illegal entry into Syria’s Mount Hermon and urged the UN Security Council to act, calling it a breach of international law and a threat to regional stability. Citizenship & Interior: Kuwait revoked the citizenship of six individuals under the Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Citizenship Verification, with the decision published in the Official Gazette. Public Safety: The Public Fire Force shut 28 facilities in Shuwaikh Industrial Area after inspections found fire-safety violations, issuing closure warnings to others. Tourism Policy: GCC states are moving toward a unified tourist visa, with Kuwait expected to benefit as the Gulf pushes a more integrated tourism and investment push. Religious Affairs: Awqaf Minister Dr. Mohammad Al-Wasmi said the ministry is preparing for the 1448 AH Hajj season, focusing on better services and coordination with Hajj campaign owners. Regional Security: Iran warned tanker crews in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports to abandon ships, as US-Iran tensions continue to disrupt shipping and raise risks for Gulf waters. Sports & Youth: Kuwait added medals at Arab youth events, while officials backed national teams ahead of the Gulf Cup with plans for improved training facilities. Health Research: A Kuwaiti doctor published ECMO-related antibiotic research on tigecycline dosing in critically ill patients. Business & Tech: Kuwait Innovation Center announced a partnership with Lonestar on space-based data storage, aiming to boost Kuwait’s tech and investment role.

Security & Crime: A driver fled police in Mutlaa, with a woman later claiming she was kidnapped; the man was arrested after abandoning the car and running on foot. Theft Crackdown: Investigators in Qadisiya arrested a suspect with prior records over the theft of a white 4x4 patrol vehicle and recovered the vehicle. Fraud Case: A retired Kuwaiti accused a military officer of KD 9,000 fraud tied to a failed investment scheme; the officer was referred to prosecutors. Health Research: Dr. Rawan Al-Raish published Kuwait-based ECMO research on tigecycline antibiotic dosing in critically ill patients. Sports: Kuwait won gold and silver at the Arab U-18 Athletics Championship, while Kuwait also took third at the Asian Jiu-Jitsu event in Abu Dhabi; Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma pledged support for the senior national football team and plans for a dedicated training facility. Education & Society: Kuwait marked International Literacy Day with near-complete female literacy figures, and the Education Ministry issued tougher school rules on gifts, donations, and student privacy. Economy & Policy: Cabinet approved faster, more flexible public tender rules; Kuwait backs OPEC+ holding output at 2.67 mln bpd for October; Kuwait and Lonestar signed a space-based data storage partnership. Regional Tensions: Iran warned tanker crews in Kuwait and Bahrain to abandon ships as US-Iran clashes push oil above $100 and raise shipping and environmental risks. Business & Connectivity: Jazeera Airways launched direct Kuwait–Addis Ababa flights and donated $2m to Kuwait’s Emergency Response Fund.

Gulf Security Escalation: Iran warned tanker crews in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports to abandon ships immediately, saying they will be targeted in retaliation after US strikes destroyed five Iranian oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. US-Iran Maritime Clash: Washington said the attacks came after repeated missile attempts on a US Navy warship, with crews told to leave before vessels were hit. Heat-Work Rules in Kuwait: PAM reported enforcement of a midday ban on exposed-site work from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (June 1–Aug 31), citing 155 company violations and 415 workers found on sites during re-inspections. Air Connectivity: Jazeera Airways launched direct Kuwait–Addis Ababa flights, with three weekly services for Kuwait’s large Ethiopian community. Health Milestone: Kuwait’s MoH inaugurated a Retinal and Vitreoretinal Surgery Unit at Jahra Hospital, after its first precision retinal surgery. Local Crime & Courts: Kuwait upheld prison sentences for former MP Al-Mutair in cases tied to insulting the Amir and spreading false news; meanwhile police reported arrests in separate robbery and wallet-theft cases.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US struck multiple Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island and Jask after attempted missile attacks on a US Navy warship, while Iran’s IRGC warned tanker crews in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports to evacuate immediately and threatened retaliation. Court & Public Order: Kuwait’s Appeals Court upheld prison sentences against former MP Mohammed Al-Mutair over insulting the Amir, spreading false news and insulting the Attorney General. Airport Crackdown: A Kuwaiti citizen was detained over an alleged assault on two airport detectives during action against unauthorized passenger transport. Crime Watch: Hawally arrested a Syrian wanted over KD 500,000 financial claims; Farwaniya police are investigating an iPhone 15 robbery; Shamiya detectives tracked a wallet thief using mall cameras and vehicle plates. Health Upgrade: Jahra Hospital inaugurated a retinal and vitreoretinal surgery unit after its first precision retinal operation. Local Services: Ahmadi Municipality removed illegal porta cabins, food trucks and an abandoned boat; traffic enforcement issued a KD150 red-light fine. Housing & Development: Kuwait hosted a Housing and Urban Development Forum and Baiti Building Exhibition, spotlighting new residential cities and private-sector roles. Education Staffing: The Ministry of Education began issuing termination notices to about 7,000 teachers via the Sahel app. Energy & Infrastructure: CAPT postponed smart water meter tender bids to Sept 22; a technical fault caused a power outage in Manqaf, with repairs underway. Sports: Kuwait heads to Doha for Gulf Cup preparations and the handball team begins its final training camp in Japan ahead of the Asian Games.

Aviation Disruption Update: Air Arabia says it is still operating a limited schedule from Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4 after Terminal 1 was damaged, urging passengers to double-check flight status with the airline and airport before travelling. Commercial Enforcement: Kuwait’s Commercial Control Department sealed a Capital Governorate warehouse over 588 prohibited items tied to violations of trade and public order rules, with the case referred for legal action. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Deputy FM Hamad Al-Mashaan met Iraq’s FM Fuad Hussein on the sidelines of the Arab League Council in Cairo to review bilateral ties and regional files. Education Reform: The Ministry of Education opened online registration for the new “Masar” course system, with 12 secondary schools set to implement it and applicants needing to meet grade requirements. Public Safety: Fire safety inspections in Shuwaikh Industrial Area led to closures and warnings for 74 establishments. Drug Crackdowns: Interior Ministry announced arrests in Salmiya over 163 heroin bags, plus another operation involving cocaine, hashish, and other seized substances. Sports: Kuwait’s U18 athletics team won three medals in Cairo, while the Gulf Cup squad was named and Kazma kept pace in the Zain Premier League. Residency Rules: Kuwait amended foreigners’ residence regulations, including 10-year fee-free permits for some people whose citizenship was revoked, and updated limits on time spent outside the country.

Courts & Rights: Kuwait’s Court of Appeals overturned a disability decision, ordering PADA to recognize a man’s moderate, permanent visual impairment under the disability law. Education Reform: The Ministry of Education opened online registration for the “Masar” course system (Sept 7–10) and began the new academic year with teachers and admin staff; meanwhile, 7,019 teachers face termination as Kuwait cuts about KD 42 million in costs. Public Safety & Enforcement: Interior arrested suspects in two drug cases, including 163 heroin bags in Salmiya and a Farwaniya stable raid involving cocaine, hashish, Lyrica and firearms; General Fire Force closed facilities and warned 74 in Shuwaikh’s fire-safety campaign. Residency Rules: Kuwait amended foreigners’ residence regulations, granting up to 10-year fee-free residency to some people whose citizenship was revoked, plus updated rules on time abroad. Economy & Tech: NBK launched the third NBK Tech Academy cohort; Kuwait-based edtech Dawraty raised $2m seed funding from Qatar Development Bank, valuing it at $10m. Sports: Kuwait won three medals at the Arab U18 Championships in Cairo and named a 27-player squad for the Gulf Cup in Jeddah. Environment: The Earth Sciences Society urged concerted action to improve air quality amid dust and sandstorm risks.

Residency Overhaul: Kuwait amended the Foreigners’ Residency Law, creating a new 10-year regular residency route for people whose citizenship was withdrawn under Article 13/Clause 4 and for those who regained another nationality, with exemptions from the usual six-month absence limit and annual residency fees; dependents face KD10 per person yearly for spouses/children/parents and KD300 for other relatives, and domestic helpers can be sponsored under the new status. Local Governance & Services: Teachers and admin staff reported for the 2026-2027 school year as schools finalized arrangements, while a power fault hit Hawally and Mubarak Al-Kabeer and electricity was later restored. Public Order & Courts: Kuwait’s Cassation Court upheld prison terms in political cases tied to “false news” posts on X, rejecting a permissible-criticism defense. Security & Drugs: Police arrested two in Salmiya with 163 heroin sachets, and a separate crackdown campaign netted residency violators, wanted people, and seized narcotics. Business & Tech: Dawraty, a Kuwait edtech startup, raised a $2m seed round led by Qatar Development Bank; Gulf Bank opened a new Fahad Al-Salem Street branch. Sports & Youth: Kuwait added three medals at the Arab U18 athletics meet in Cairo, and handball and squash federations outlined Asian Games and 2026-27 season plans. Weather & Culture: Autumn’s first phase began with milder nights, and the Dhofar film festival opened with Kuwait among participating countries.

Residency Overhaul: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has published new rules granting up to 10-year residency to people whose Kuwaiti citizenship was withdrawn under Article 13(4) of the 1959 decree—and to dependents who later regained their original nationality or obtained another one—while exempting them from annual residency fees and allowing longer absences under the updated framework. Local Administration: The Ministry of Social Affairs has started interviews for 200 Kuwaitis qualified for cooperative-sector supervisory roles, aiming to fill 90 posts (30 financial controllers, 60 administrative controllers) ahead of Sept 23-24 assessments. Courts & Speech: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation upheld prison sentences in political cases tied to social media posts, rejecting a “false news” defense and stressing that deliberate false rumors can harm national interests. Security Sweep: Police campaigns across areas including Al-Salmi and Amghara arrested residency and wanted offenders, seized narcotics-related cases, and issued traffic and food-safety actions. Drugs & Crime: Authorities arrested suspects in Salmiya over 163 heroin sachets, while another case involved a Farwaniya stable raid with cocaine, hashish, Lyrica, meth, and a firearm. Citizenship Changes: The official gazette also reported citizenship certificate withdrawals for three individuals. Daily Life: Teachers and admin staff began the 2026/27 school year with fingerprint attendance, and power was restored after outages in Hawalli and Mubarak Al-Kabeer. Sports: Kuwait’s handball team begins its final Asian Games buildup for Aichi-Nagoya, and racer Sheikh Jaber Athbi Al-Sabah took third in the UK F4 round.

Power & Utilities: Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity restored power after outages hit parts of Hawally and Mubarak Al-Kabeer following a technical malfunction at main substations. Border Security: Kuwait Customs at Nuwaiseeb seized about 43.5kg of suspected chewing tobacco derivatives hidden in a vehicle’s rear paneling and referred the driver for legal action. Residency Rules: The Ministry of Interior introduced amendments allowing some people who lost Kuwaiti citizenship to apply for regular residency for up to 10 years, with annual residency fees waived for the new category. Labour Guidance: PAM warned workers not to mix up labour complaints with reports of labour-law violations, stressing the different channels and purposes. Road Safety Crackdown: Authorities released footage of a reckless driver whose sports car was crushed after drifting; the case was referred to prison and the vehicle was confiscated. Regional Focus: Kuwait is participating in Arab Towns Organization meetings in Dhofar, Oman, with municipal officials discussing urban planning, environment and transport. Charity & Oversight: Kuwait marked International Day of Charity as officials backed a draft decree-law to regulate charitable and humanitarian work and ensure aid reaches beneficiaries.

Regional Security: Kuwait says its air defences intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks, as Iran targets U.S. bases in Kuwait and the UAE and the wider U.S.-Iran standoff keeps oil-shipping fears alive around the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Cooperation: Kuwait and Russia discussed stronger security and emergency-response ties, while Kuwait and Egypt pushed ahead on military logistics and naval coordination. Economy & Finance: The government approved regulated borrowing from the Future Generations Fund, with experts urging restraint to protect the fund’s solvency; Burgan Bank also launched a rights issue of up to KD 50m to boost capital. Public Safety & Crime: Kuwait arrested an Egyptian expatriate over alleged forged salary certificates; police also nabbed suspects in a KD 200,000 investment scam and dismantled a diesel-theft network involving 41 arrests. Traffic & Regulation: Home vehicle impoundment starts from Sept 6 for certain violations, with warnings against tampering; reckless driving cases can lead to jail and vehicle confiscation. Society & Health: Kuwait marked International Day of Charity with a draft decree-law aimed at tighter oversight; a forum highlighted rapid advances in pediatric hematology and oncology. Business & Culture: KCCI sought stronger trade and investment links with Lesotho; NBK ranked among the top Arab banks in The Banker’s 2026 list; Primark announced store openings in Bahrain and Qatar.

Iran-U.S. Escalation: Iranian media reported explosions near Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub, with claims a tanker was hit by U.S. projectiles, as the wider Gulf conflict keeps flaring. Kuwait Air Defences: Kuwait said it intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks, with the Iranian army claiming strikes on U.S. bases at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait and Al Minhad in the UAE. Diplomacy & Humanitarian Messaging: On the International Day of Charity, Kuwait’s Social Affairs Minister backed a draft decree-law to regulate charitable and humanitarian work, stressing oversight to protect aid recipients. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Kuwaiti officials said charity is increasingly used as a diplomatic channel, extending relief and recovery support across the region. Culture & Soft Power: Kuwait’s envoy to the U.S. highlighted DAI’s Al-Sabah Artifacts Collection in a major Islamic art exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Local Governance & Safety: Kuwait reported 32 food safety violations in Hawally, busted a diesel theft network with 41 arrests, and issued a road closure between Bayan and Mubarak Al-Abdullah until dawn Sunday. Business & Economy: Kuwait’s KGOC launched a tender for a gas processing facility tied to the Dorra offshore gas project, while Gulf economies recalibrate foreign investment amid war-driven uncertainty.

Kuwait Security & Air Defences: Kuwait says its air defences intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks, with the military urging residents to follow safety instructions as explosions were linked to interceptions. Regional Tensions: The wider US-Iran conflict escalated again after Iran launched missiles and drones at US-linked targets, while Kuwait documented the attacks in its Grade 10 history curriculum. Food Safety Crackdown: Kuwait’s Hawally inspections reported 32 food safety violations, with seized items destroyed and legal steps taken. Crime & Enforcement: Interior Ministry dismantled a diesel theft network, arresting 41 suspects and seizing 38 vehicles tied to siphoning and resale. Local Disruption: A road closure was announced between Bayan and Mubarak Al-Abdullah until dawn Sunday. Workplace Incident: A construction worker was injured after falling into a basement pit at Shuwaikh Industrial Area. Public Life & Community: Kuwait’s Awqaf minister met Catholic Church officials to reaffirm tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Business & Travel: Akasa Air launched direct Mumbai–Hanoi flights, with Kuwait City listed among its international network.

Iran–Kuwait Escalation: Kuwait says its air defences intercepted Iranian missiles and drones early Thursday, while the Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a breach of sovereignty and vowed the right to defend vital facilities. Community Under Pressure: Kuwaiti Iranians say the war and a crackdown have increased scrutiny and fear, with some businesses quietly removing “Iran” from names to avoid backlash. Wedding Strike Probe: The US is investigating a deadly Iranian wedding blast, with analysis suggesting a direct hit by a US munition; Iran has held funerals and reported rising civilian casualties. Education & National Narrative: Kuwait’s Grade 10 history curriculum now includes pages documenting the Iranian attacks since Feb 28, detailing impacts on infrastructure and Kuwait’s response. Local Security Cases: Police shut down an unlicensed massage operation in an apartment, arresting five expatriates, and a separate incident in Sulaibikhat followed a “glance” that spiraled into a brawl. Business & Lifestyle: Primark announced store opening dates in Bahrain (Sept 23) and Qatar (Oct 29) with Alshaya. Regional Travel: Akasa Air launched direct Mumbai–Hanoi flights, adding Kuwait City to its international network.