Kuwait in a Week- Nov. 6-13- 2025

Kuwait in a Week 6-13 November 2025

Amir honors distinguished teachers and schools on World Teachers’ Day

‘Teachers are the pillars of Renaissance and guardians of national identity’

  Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a ceremony was held on Tuesday to honor a group of outstanding teachers and schools on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day for the academic years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The event took place at the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Theater at Abdullah Al-Salem University in Shuwaikh.

His Highness’ motorcade was warmly received by the Minister of Education Jalal Sayed Abdulmohsen Al-Tabtabaei and ceremony officials. The event was also attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and senior state officials. The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.

In his address, Minister of Education Al-Tabtabaei highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in shaping generations, saying the occasion reflects the state’s appreciation for knowledge and its commitment to education as the foundation of national progress. He emphasized that teachers are the pillars of renaissance and the guardians of national identity, and that the Ministry’s policies prioritize developing curricula and programs that foster pride, belonging and knowledge among students.

Al-Tabtabaei noted that approximately 600,000 students in Kuwaiti public schools benefit from curricula developed through the efforts of experienced teachers, supervisors and department heads. He praised the dedication of educators involved in authoring new curricula, training peers on modern teaching methods and implementing development plans, describing them as role models of commitment and professionalism.

He further outlined the Ministry’s Education Reform Plan 2025-2027, aimed at enhancing governance, consolidating transparency, modernizing infrastructure, advancing digital transformation and improving educational outcomes in line with the New Kuwait 2035 vision. He stressed that the reforms are guided by His Highness the Amir’s directives, which prioritize the human element as the cornerstone of national development.

Teacher Khalil Saud Al-Harbi, speaking on behalf of the honored educators, expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir for elevating the status of teachers and recognizing their fundamental role in nurturing knowledge, values and national identity. He underscored the responsibility of teachers to continue building a generation committed to the homeland, science, and ethical values, inspired by the Amir’s vision.

The ceremony also featured a short film entitled “Leading Teachers”, showcasing the history and progress of education in Kuwait, the role of teachers and their contribution to national values. A performance of the song “May You Remain a Teacher” was presented in honor of the educators. His Highness the Amir personally honored the distinguished teachers and schools, presenting them with commemorative awards, before departing the venue amid warm appreciation from attendees. — KUNA

“Union of Charitable Societies and Foundations” Praises the Mobilization of Charities to Aid Sudan’s Affected and Displaced from Al-Fashir

 The Kuwaiti Union of Charitable Societies and Foundations praised the rapid humanitarian initiatives launched by Kuwaiti charities in response to the worsening crisis in Sudan, particularly in Al‑Fashir, Darfur, where tens of thousands have been displaced. Union President Saad Al‑Otaibi emphasized that this mobilization reflects Kuwait’s longstanding tradition of solidarity and generosity, describing it as a continuation of the nation’s global humanitarian legacy.

Organizations such as the Zakat House, Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and other associations have recently implemented diverse relief projects. These include distributing food, clean water, medical supplies, tents, clothing, and providing psychological support for children and families. Al‑Otaibi noted that all efforts are coordinated with associations accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure safe and efficient delivery of aid.

He highlighted that Kuwaiti charities act proactively, often present in the field before being called upon, under the slogan “Kuwait is by your side.” He stressed that Kuwait’s humanitarian voice is not political but purely human, offering aid with sincerity and without expectation of return. Current priorities focus on food, medicine, water, and shelter, with plans for sustainable projects such as schools, health centers, and wells.

Al‑Otaibi affirmed that Kuwait’s charitable response is not temporary but part of a vision for lasting solutions, strengthened through cooperation with international organizations like the World Food Programme and UNHCR. The Union plays a central role in coordinating campaigns, ensuring transparency, and unifying Kuwait’s humanitarian message.

He recalled Kuwait’s global reputation as the “Capital of Humanitarian Work,” citing decades of responses to crises in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Pakistan. He expressed pride in the ongoing field efforts despite difficult conditions and urged philanthropists to continue supporting campaigns through official channels, stressing that every dinar spent saves lives and preserves dignity.

Al‑Otaibi concluded that Kuwait views humanitarian work as a moral and religious duty, reaffirming its role as a nation of generosity and solidarity.

 Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity and Water Honors Namaa Charity

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy honored Namaa Charity of the Social Reform Society in recognition of its distinguished role in community partnership through the “Wafer” (Save) campaign, which aims to promote a culture of rationalizing energy and water consumption among citizens and residents. This initiative represents a strategic step highlighting the importance of cooperation between government institutions and charitable organizations to achieve sustainable development goals and raise environmental awareness in Kuwaiti society.

Saad Marzouq Al‑Otaibi, CEO of Namaa Charity, expressed pride in the strategic partnership with the Ministry in the “Wafer” campaign, affirming that the initiative embodies true social responsibility in serving the nation. He explained that the campaign reflects Namaa’s commitment to a responsible national vision for conserving energy and protecting resources, while spreading a culture of sustainability.

Al‑Otaibi noted that the ministry’s recognition is an appreciation of Namaa’s active role in supporting national initiatives, extending the Society’s vision of serving the public good. He stressed that the strategic partnership grants charitable work a new dimension—beyond traditional support—to include environmental awareness, resource preservation, and encouraging positive behavioral change.

He added: “Rationalization is not merely reducing consumption, but a culture and civilized behavior based on responsibility toward the blessings God has bestowed upon us.” He praised the Ministry’s leadership in this campaign, describing it as a vital partner in building sustainable community awareness, and thanked the Ministry of Social Affairs for its support of charitable initiatives.

Al‑Otaibi concluded: “At Namaa Charity, we renew our commitment to stand alongside state institutions in all that strengthens national values, entrenches social responsibility, and achieves sustainable development for our beloved homeland.”

Deputy CEO Abdulaziz Al‑Kandari emphasized that the ministry’s honor is recognition of Namaa’s significant contributions to national sustainability initiatives. He explained that the “Wafer” campaign represents a model of integration between government and charitable sectors, enhancing the effectiveness of awareness messages and achieving tangible results.

Al‑Kandari added that Namaa seeks to empower society to actively participate in rationalizing consumption and turn it into a sustainable daily practice. He stressed that joint work contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and demonstrates the importance of partnerships in creating lasting positive impact. He concluded: “This honor is not only a celebration of past efforts but a motivation to continue future initiatives, reinforcing a culture of social responsibility and building a more aware and sustainable society.”

  Charity association provides $1 million in urgent aid to Gaza

 The Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Association announced the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid worth one million dollars to the people of the Gaza Strip, in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), as part of efforts to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory. Association advisor Jassim Al-Nouri told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the aid comes in response to the severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where residents face deteriorating health, food shortages and challenging living circumstances.

He stressed Kuwait’s longstanding commitment to supporting those in distress globally. Al-Nouri noted that the association has been monitoring aid preparation at WFP warehouses in Jordan to ensure shipments meet international humanitarian standards before reaching Gaza, in coordination with Jordanian authorities. The aid package includes infant formula, nutritional supplements, and ready-to-eat meals, targeting the most vulnerable groups, particularly infants and nursing mothers. Abdul Latif Al-Dawwas, Director of Resources and Media at the association, emphasized that the assistance is provided on behalf of the people of Kuwait to their brothers and sisters in Gaza, reflecting the Kuwaiti values of solidarity and compassion. He highlighted the importance of partnerships with trusted international organizations such as the WFP, which ensure transparency and fair distribution of aid while enhancing Kuwait’s reputation in the global humanitarian arena.

Al-Dawwas added that the association prioritizes building international partnerships to maximize the impact of Kuwaiti charitable initiatives and benefit from the exchange of expertise. The aid follows a cooperation agreement signed in September between the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society and the WFP, aimed at providing hot meals and nutritional supplements to nursing mothers and infants in Gaza. The $1 million contribution is dedicated entirely to delivering essential food and nutrition to the most vulnerable groups amid the sharp deterioration in living and health conditions in the besieged territory. — KUNA

 Al-Othman Mosque restoration nears completion, set to reopen by Ramadan

Al-Othman Mosque wins Gulf Excellence Award 2025 and LEED Gold certification

 The restoration of the Late Abdullah Al‑Othman Mosque, underway for nearly 18 months, is nearing completion and expected to reopen by Ramadan. Engineer Adnan Abdullah Al‑Othman explained that delays stemmed from the design phase, as the team worked to replicate the mosque’s original structure in detail. Archival materials, including a historic 1960 inauguration video, were digitized and used to study original colors, patterns, and features.

The mosque holds deep cultural significance, having hosted Kuwait’s first charitable committee, Zakat Al‑Othman, and serving as a base for preacher Hassan Ayyoub in the 1970s. Restoration prioritized authenticity, preserving ironwork, doors, windows, and terrazzo flooring, while lost elements were carefully reconstructed.

Modern sustainability features were integrated, making the mosque “smart” with remotely controlled lighting and air conditioning, and connected systems with the Ministry of Awqaf. This balance of heritage and innovation earned the mosque the Gulf Excellence Award for Energy Efficiency and Conservation of Electricity and Water 2025, presented by Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and the GCC Secretariat. It also achieved preliminary LEED Gold certification, becoming the first mosque in Kuwait and the first heritage mosque globally to receive this recognition.

Documentation, led by Promenade Culture Center Manager Ksenija Graovac and heritage specialist Zahra Ali Baba, ensured international standards were met. Their work uncovered hidden Islamic art, Quranic scripts, and patterns beneath layers of paint, highlighting the mosque’s role as both religious site and cultural hub. The project sets a new benchmark for heritage preservation in Kuwait, merging tradition with sustainability.

K.T

 Kuwait, Saudi ink deal to organize pilgrims’ affairs

  The Kuwaiti Ministry of Islamic Affairs signed an agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Jeddah on Sunday to coordinate the arrangements for Kuwaiti pilgrims during the 1447 AH Hajj season. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dr Suleiman Al-Suwailem, said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following the signing that the agreement outlines the quota allocated to Kuwaiti pilgrims, the required health conditions, and organizational measures for receiving and facilitating the pilgrims’ performance of the Hajj rituals.

Al-Suwailem commended the significant efforts of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in serving pilgrims and ensuring the smooth and safe performance of the hajj rites. He noted that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Islamic Affairs is taking part in the fifth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, which commenced later on Sunday. Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Guests of God Service Program, the event will run until November 12.

Al-Suwailem heads the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the conference, which includes Sattam Al-Muzain, Director of the Hajj and Umrah Department at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs; Abdullah Al-Buaijan, Supervisor of Hajj and Umrah Affairs and Khalid Al-Amirah, Head of the Foreign Relations Follow-up Section at the Minister’s Office. The conference serves as a global platform bringing together experts, specialists, and representatives from various countries and organizations to explore innovative solutions in the hajj system, foster strategic partnerships, and further enhance the services provided to pilgrims. — KUNA

 Kuwait marks 34th anniversary of last oil well extinguished by Iraq

  Kuwait on Thursday marks the 34th anniversary of extinguishing the last of 737 oil wells deliberately set on fire by Iraqi forces before their withdrawal in February 1991. The annual commemoration honors the efforts of Kuwaiti specialized teams and international partners who worked day and night for months to extinguish the wells and limit the environmental, economic, and social consequences of the fires.

The final well, in Burgan field in Al-Ahmadi, was put out in 1991 in a ceremony attended by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marking the end of heroic firefighting operations. During the occupation, Iraqi forces ignited wells across major oil-producing areas, creating oil lakes, massive smoke plumes, explosions at collection centers and terminals, and widespread damage to vegetation, buildings, and marine and terrestrial life.

The fires disrupted oil production, causing losses of 4 to 6 million barrels of crude daily, with estimated economic losses of about USD 120 million per day, in addition to long-term environmental and health impacts. The disaster affected neighboring countries, with smoke and toxic rain reaching Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, Oman, and parts of Central Asia.

Despite limited experience, the Kuwaiti firefighting team extinguished 41 wells and gained international recognition, while more than 10,000 personnel from 27 foreign teams participated, supported by over 5,800 specialized vehicles and equipment, forming the largest non-military firefighting fleet ever assembled in one location.

After liberation, Kuwait launched extensive efforts to rehabilitate the oil sector, including damage assessment, infrastructure repair, production restoration, and environmental studies, supported by international experts.Global conferences and workshops were held to examine the fires’ long-term effects and promote environmental protection strategies. The 34th anniversary serves as a reminder of Kuwait’s resilience, the dedication of its citizens, and the international cooperation that helped contain one of the world’s most severe environmental disasters. — KUNA

 Kuwait prepares for 10th Arab Reading Challenge

  The coordinating committee for the Arab Reading Challenge in Kuwait held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of Education theater to discuss preparations for the tenth edition of the competition in Dubai. In a press statement, the Ministry of Education said Abdullah Al-Barrak, general coordinator of the Arab Reading Challenge in Kuwait, confirmed that the meeting brought together a select group of teachers, department heads, and supervisors involved in the initiative to explore strategies for encouraging student participation and fostering a culture of reading.

Al-Barrak noted that the Kuwaiti committee was formed under the direct guidance of Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, emphasizing the initiative’s role in nurturing a generation of students aware of the educational and intellectual benefits of reading. The meeting featured a presentation on the challenge’s mission to spark a renaissance in Arabic reading, as well as a review of its vision to instill a lasting love of reading among students.

The session also included an explanation of the participation guide, the initiative’s objectives, the organizational structure of the Kuwaiti Reading Challenge team, the elimination process, and the judging system for the student category. Afrah Al-Mutawtah, library supervisor in the Capital Educational District and recipient of the “Distinguished Supervisor” title in the eighth season of the Challenge in Dubai, shared her experiences and highlighted successful practices that contributed to her recognition.

The Arab Reading Challenge in Kuwait, organized annually by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, aims to encourage students to read Arabic books, enhance language skills and develop critical thinking. Thousands of students across grade levels participate by reading and summarizing 50 Arabic books outside the school curriculum over the course of the year.

The initiative seeks to raise awareness of reading as a daily habit, strengthen proficiency in the Arabic language, cultivate critical thinking, and foster national pride. The Ministry oversees the program’s activities across schools, conducts local qualifying rounds to select Kuwait’s representatives, and honors the winning students for their achievements. — KUNA