Kuwait in a Week- Nov. 27- Dec.4 2025

 Ministry of Islamic Affairs Opens Integrated Service Center for Persons with Disabilities

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs inaugurated a fully integrated service center at its headquarters to serve visitors with disabilities, in the presence of Acting Undersecretary Dr. Suleiman Al‑Suwailim. The initiative comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance the quality of services provided to people with disabilities.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Al‑Wosmi, said in a statement issued Wednesday that the center represents a strategic step reflecting the ministry’s vision of promoting inclusion, empowerment, and improving the experience of all visitors.

He added that the opening of the center aligns with laws supporting the care and rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring an accessible service environment that facilitates their access to ministry services. Al‑Wosmi stressed that people with disabilities receive special attention in the ministry’s plans and programs, including the establishment of specialized Qur’an memorization centers tailored to their needs.

The minister explained that the new center has been designed and equipped to the highest standards, with dedicated reception areas fully prepared to accommodate visitors, sign language interpretation services for the deaf and hard of hearing, assistive tools for the visually impaired, and trained staff specialized in serving all categories of persons with disabilities to meet their needs effectively.

Kuwait Showcased as a Regional Model in Disability Care and Empowerment

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al‑Huwaylah, reaffirmed the country’s position as a pioneering model in disability care and empowerment. She emphasized that Kuwait’s integrated legislative and service framework aims to build an inclusive society that advances social progress.

Al‑Huwaylah noted that attention to persons with disabilities is not merely a legal or administrative obligation, but a central pillar of Kuwait’s development strategy and a practical translation of the leadership’s directives to ensure a dignified and independent life for citizens with disabilities. She highlighted the state’s transition from traditional welfare to comprehensive empowerment and full rights, offering a wide range of services including monthly financial allocations, full housing support, advanced healthcare, and rehabilitation.

The minister explained that services also extend to education and employment opportunities tailored to individual capabilities, streamlined administrative procedures, reduced working hours, and exemptions from fees for medical supplies and specially equipped vehicles. Specialized teams provide home‑based healthcare and physiotherapy when needed, as well as overseas treatment in critical cases, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to the highest standards of service quality.

She pointed out that this year’s theme—“Building Inclusive Communities that Advance Social Progress”—aligns with the efforts of the Public Authority for Disability Affairs to strengthen community partnerships and support initiatives that showcase the talents of persons with disabilities through exhibitions, events, and specialized programs.

Al‑Huwaylah stressed that Kuwait remains committed to investing in human capital among persons with disabilities, affirming that the true measure of a nation’s progress lies in its ability to embrace all citizens and provide them with the environment to innovate and contribute to nation‑building.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3, established by the United Nations in 1992 to promote awareness, rights, and empowerment.

 Namaa Charity Marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Empowering People of Determination is a National and Human Duty

As part of its participation in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Namaa Charity, an affiliate of the Social Reform Society, reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to its humanitarian and developmental mission in support of people of determination in Kuwait and abroad. Over the past six years (2020–2025), the organization has implemented specialized programs that have made a direct impact on the lives of thousands of beneficiaries.

Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Deputy CEO of Namaa Charity, stated: “The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is not merely a global occasion; it is a reminder of the importance of building a more inclusive and just society that guarantees the full rights and opportunities of people of determination without discrimination. At Namaa Charity, we have turned this day into an added motivation to continue our systematic work that places humanity first.”

Al-Kandari highlighted that the organization has carried out a series of humanitarian, developmental, and educational projects aimed at enhancing independence, improving quality of life, and promoting social integration. Among the most notable initiatives was vocational and cultural training, through which 397 young men and women with disabilities were equipped with professional and technical skills, enabling them to enter the labor market, boost self-reliance, and develop essential life skills.

He added that Namaa Charity launched an educational initiative providing 495 copies of the Holy Qur’an in Braille, empowering the visually impaired to read independently and with confidence. The organization also supplied modern devices such as Braille Note to support digital learning and facilitate writing and reading through electronic Braille technology.

In its efforts to improve the lives of those with physical disabilities, Namaa Charity distributed 119 manual and electric wheelchairs to beneficiaries unable to afford them, granting greater mobility and dignity. The charity also extended medical and humanitarian support to amputees by fitting 32 prosthetic limbs, helping them regain mobility and reintegrate into daily life. Additionally, more than 1,000 beneficiaries in Kuwait and abroad received diverse medical supplies, including wheelchairs, supportive devices, and assistive equipment, easing their hardships and improving their daily routines.

“Our mission at Namaa Charity goes beyond providing support,” Al-Kandari emphasized. “It is about empowerment—transforming need into ability and weakness into strength. People of determination possess immense potential, and our role is to provide them with the tools to achieve self-realization and active participation in society.”

He concluded by affirming that Namaa Charity will continue to implement new, impactful projects in the coming phase, focusing on education, training, technical support, and humanitarian aid, in line with Kuwait’s vision of strengthening humanitarian action and empowering the most vulnerable groups. “Humanitarian work for persons with disabilities is a moral, social, and national duty,” Al-Kandari said, stressing that Namaa Charity will remain a strong presence in supporting this cherished community through sustainable programs that bring real change to their lives.

 Namaa Charity Implements Relief Project Targeting Over 3,000 Families in Gaza

The Kuwaiti association Namaa Charity announced on Tuesday the launch of a major relief project in the Gaza Strip, providing food parcels to 3,353 families—benefiting a total of 20,118 individuals, with an average of six members per household.

Khaled Al‑Shamari, Head of Development and Relief at Namaa Charity, stressed the importance of the initiative in alleviating the suffering of thousands of families and improving food security amid the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He noted that reaching more than 3,300 families despite logistical and humanitarian challenges reflects the strength of field partnerships and the effectiveness of Namaa’s relief system.

Al‑Shamari explained that each food parcel contains essential items that meet daily needs and significantly ease the hardship of families facing acute shortages. He added that the average household size of six members highlights the urgent need for regular food support, particularly given rising displacement and loss of income sources.

He emphasized that Namaa operates through precise field mechanisms to ensure aid reaches those most in need without discrimination, prioritizing the most vulnerable families. The success of the project, he said, relies on the generous support of donors and the trust of Kuwaiti and Gulf communities in Namaa’s humanitarian mission.

Al‑Shamari further noted that Namaa is expanding its relief interventions in Gaza beyond food assistance to include water, clothing, shelter, and child care, as part of a comprehensive humanitarian plan. He concluded by affirming that standing with the people of Gaza is not merely about temporary aid, but a message of solidarity and a moral duty that reflects Kuwait’s values of generosity and compassion.

 Union of Charitable Societies Leads the Shift toward Comprehensive Social Protection in Kuwait

The  Union of Charitable Societies  in Kuwait, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs, convened a national workshop at the Regency Hotel under the theme  “Social Care in Kuwait: Current Challenges and Future Vision.”  The event brought together government officials, charitable organizations, private sector representatives, and social policy experts to discuss the future of social protection in Kuwait. 

Dr. Khaled Amer Al‑Ajmi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs, emphasized Kuwait’s longstanding commitment to placing human welfare at the center of national identity. He highlighted the ministry’s role in supporting diverse groups, including nearly 40,000 families receiving monthly assistance worth over 220 million dinars, more than 4,000 senior citizens, juvenile offenders, and 817 children of unknown parentage. He noted the success of the centralized assistance system, which has processed 70,950 applications since inception, approving 16,375 cases and disbursing around 30 million dinars. Al‑Ajmi called on charities to strengthen this system, describing it as an investment in family stability and social cohesion. 

Dr. Saad Al‑Otaibi, President of the Union of Charitable Societies, urged a shift from traditional welfare to modern social protection based on rights, empowerment, and collective responsibility. He stressed that social protection must rest on three pillars—care, rights, and empowerment—within a unified national framework involving the state, charities, and the private sector. He also called for inclusion of groups currently excluded from public assistance, such as women married to non‑Kuwaitis, unemployed unmarried women, and families facing sudden crises. 

Abdulaziz Al‑Kandari, Deputy CEO of Namaa Charity, affirmed the organization’s role in building integrated programs in shelter, education, health, and economic empowerment. He underscored the importance of cross‑sector partnerships to close gaps and deliver support effectively. 

The workshop concluded with a shared vision: building a comprehensive, just, and sustainable social protection system that safeguards dignity and strengthens Kuwait’s humanitarian legacy.  

 Kuwait Roundtable Highlights Urgent Humanitarian Response to Crises in Sudan and Bangladesh

The Social Reform Society – Namaa Charity hosted a high‑level roundtable in Kuwait, organized by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in cooperation with the Union of Kuwaiti Charitable Societies. The meeting brought together government officials, charity leaders, and international representatives to discuss the escalating humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh.

Participants included the Ministry of Social Affairs, UNHCR, the Union of Charities, and more than 22 Kuwaiti associations. UNHCR field teams joined virtually from Sudan and Bangladesh, offering firsthand accounts of urgent needs in education, health, shelter, and seasonal aid.

Dr. Saad Al‑Otaibi, President of the Union of Charities, emphasized that humanitarian crises, however severe, can be addressed through organized joint work combining UNHCR’s global expertise with Kuwait’s charitable reach. He noted the Union coordinates over 70 registered charities, ensuring unified efforts and efficient resource allocation. Al‑Otaibi highlighted Sudan’s worsening displacement crisis and the harsh conditions facing Rohingya refugees, stressing the need for swift, sustainable interventions.

UNHCR Representative Nisreen Rubaian praised Kuwait’s humanitarian leadership, calling it a “symbol of solidarity.” She warned of funding shortfalls, noting that the Rohingya response is only 35% funded, while Sudan’s crisis has expanded into a protracted international emergency.

Government support was reaffirmed by Abdulmohsen Al‑Mukhayyal of the Ministry of Social Affairs, who stressed Kuwait’s pioneering role in humanitarian action. Abdulaziz Al‑Kandari, Deputy CEO of Namaa Charity, underscored the importance of transparent reporting, sustainable solutions, and empowering affected families beyond immediate relief.

The roundtable concluded with a call to accelerate joint action, directing resources toward shelter, health, education, and winter assistance. With 14 million displaced in Sudan since April 2023 and Bangladesh hosting the world’s largest Rohingya refugee population, participants agreed that unified efforts are essential to protect the most vulnerable.

 Kuwait’s Minister of Awqaf: Charitable Work is a Cornerstone of National Policy

Kuwait’s Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Al‑Wosmi, affirmed on Sunday that Kuwait has made charitable and humanitarian work a fundamental pillar of both its domestic and foreign policy, guided by wise leadership and a generous people.

Speaking on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al‑Abdullah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, at the opening of the 29th Seminar on Contemporary Zakat Issues, which will run for three days, Al‑Wosmi underscored the strategic importance of such gatherings. He said the seminar aims to serve as a bridge between the authenticity of Islamic texts and the realities of a changing world, describing it as an investment in “intellectual capital” that ensures the continued relevance and impact of zakat in society.

The minister also highlighted the achievements of Kuwait’s Zakat House, calling it a national success story. He praised its efficiency and transparency in collecting and distributing zakat funds, noting that its work embodies Kuwait’s commitment to humanitarian values and social solidarity.

Kuwait Reinforces Social Care System with 40,000 Monthly Beneficiaries

Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the social care system and protecting vulnerable groups, placing human welfare at the heart of national identity and values. Speaking at a workshop titled “Social Care Categories in Kuwait: Current Challenges and Future Vision”, Undersecretary Dr. Khaled Al‑Ajmi highlighted the ministry’s responsibility for diverse groups, each with unique needs and challenges.

Al‑Ajmi noted that family welfare assistance reaches around 40,000 cases monthly, with annual allocations exceeding 220 million Kuwaiti dinars. He added that services extend to more than 4,000 senior citizens, juvenile rehabilitation programs, and over 817 children of unknown parentage in foster care. To modernize support, the ministry established a centralized assistance system, which has processed more than 70,000 applications, approving over 16,000 cases worth nearly 30 million dinars. He praised the Union of Charitable Societies for strengthening community partnerships and reinforcing Kuwait’s social care framework.

Union President Dr. Saad Al‑Otaibi emphasized the need to shift from traditional welfare to modern social protection based on rights, empowerment, and collective responsibility. He said the workshop aims to create a joint government‑community framework to identify priorities, gaps, and fair eligibility standards, while addressing demographic changes and rising pressures on social programs. Al‑Otaibi stressed that charities are essential partners but not substitutes for the state, working alongside government and the private sector to deliver sustainable initiatives in education, health, housing, and economic empowerment.

Dr. Yaqoub Al‑Kandari of Kuwait University presented a paper outlining 13 key challenges to achieving an integrated social protection system, along with eight recommendations to enhance community partnership between the ministry and charitable institutions. He underscored the university’s role in providing academic support to national social issues

 Kuwait Reaffirms Support for UNHCR and Humanitarian Contributions Worldwi

Speaking in Geneva before the UN General Assembly’s pledging committee, Kuwait’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Counselor Nasser Al‑Ramzi, highlighted Kuwait’s contributions of more than $560 million over the past decade, in addition to annual voluntary donations of $1 million to UNHCR programs. He stressed that Kuwait’s commitment is not only financial but also a deep humanitarian and moral obligation, rooted in the conviction that standing with vulnerable populations is a duty that cannot be neglected.

Al‑Ramzi reaffirmed Kuwait’s confidence in UNHCR’s pivotal role in protecting vulnerable groups and delivering essential aid amid unprecedented challenges facing the humanitarian system. He pointed to Kuwait’s longstanding strategic partnership with UNHCR, which this year included the first strategic dialogue chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al‑Ahmad Al‑Sabah in Geneva—a milestone in strengthening cooperation and coordination on refugee issues.

He underscored Kuwait’s prominent role during the Syrian crisis, noting that the country ranked among the world’s top five donors in 2013 and 2014, contributing more than $2 billion since the conflict began. Kuwait also hosted three international donor conferences between 2013 and 2015 and co‑chaired others. Al‑Ramzi pledged Kuwait’s continued support for stability as Syria enters a transitional phase, including efforts to ensure safe and dignified voluntary returns for refugees in line with international law.

UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, in his opening remarks, warned of severe funding cuts, noting UNHCR lost nearly one‑third of its financial contributions in 2025, forcing reductions in core programs, the elimination of 5,000 jobs, and closure or downsizing of 185 offices worldwide. He stressed that international solidarity remains essential to protect millions of refugees and host countries, especially as UNHCR prepares for new leadership in 2026.

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 Contemporary Zakat Seminar Recommends Unified Fatwas and Collective Ijtihad

The 29th Seminar on Contemporary Zakat Issues concluded in Kuwait with strong recommendations to advance jurisprudential studies addressing modern financial developments while safeguarding the core principles and objectives of zakat. Participants emphasized the importance of collective scholarly effort (ijtihad) and the establishment of clear standards to unify fatwas related to contemporary zakat matters.

In their final statement, scholars and experts praised Kuwait’s role in supporting charitable work and academic research in the field of zakat, noting the country’s continuous contributions to developing legislation and practices that uphold the values of social justice and solidarity.

Dr. Majid Al‑Azmi, Director General of Kuwait’s Zakat House, said the seminar produced recommendations beneficial to individuals, Islamic institutions, and banks, particularly in addressing emerging issues that require jurisprudential guidance on calculating and distributing zakat. He explained that discussions covered a wide range of jurisprudential and economic topics linked to zakat in light of modern financial developments, including zakat on sukuk (Islamic bonds), zakat on venture capital, and the impact of financial provisions on the zakat base.

Al‑Azmi noted that the seminar featured extensive scholarly debates among jurists, researchers, and specialists in zakat jurisprudence and Islamic economics from across the Arab and Islamic world. The focus was on strengthening collective ijtihad and presenting contemporary Sharia‑based perspectives to support zakat institutions and enable them to address financial developments with clarity and efficiency.

The seminar was inaugurated by Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohammed Al‑Wosmi, representing Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al‑Ahmad Al‑Sabah. Over three days, participants examined diverse zakat topics, including sukuk, venture capital, financial provisions, and related jurisprudential challenges.

The event underscored the need for unified scholarly approaches to ensure zakat remains a dynamic and effective tool for achieving Sharia objectives in social justice and communal solidarity.

  Kuwait Distributes 170 Housing Units to Eligible Women in Sulaibiya and Tayma

The Women’s Housing Committee of Kuwait’s Public Authority for Housing Welfare held its first lottery on Tuesday, allocating 170 housing units in Sulaibiya and Tayma to Kuwaiti women with rental housing applications dating back to 2001 and earlier.

Committee Chairperson Sheikha Bibi Al‑Yousef explained that the committee was formed to address the housing needs of Kuwaiti women married to non‑Kuwaitis. She revealed that more than 4,000 applications exist, some dating back to 1980, but only 600 women have updated their records. She urged applicants to update their data to activate their housing requests, stressing that only those meeting 10 eligibility conditions can enter the lottery.

Al‑Yousef noted that the updated requests were divided into three batches. The first draw was held this week, the second is scheduled for December 23, and the third will follow two weeks later to complete the 600 updated requests. She emphasized that allocated homes are strictly for residence, warning that misuse—such as renting to others or converting houses into shops or nurseries—will result in immediate legal action and reallocation to other eligible families.

She expressed gratitude to the Ministries of Interior and Defense for providing additional housing units and supporting inspection teams that monitor violations. Al‑Yousef also highlighted upcoming coordination with the Public Authority for Disability Affairs to review more than 150 cases before conducting a second lottery for persons with disabilities.

She clarified that the distributed homes are temporary until women move to new housing areas, and that non‑resident Kuwaiti women are not entitled to rental housing. For the first time, the committee allowed the transfer of housing units from non‑Kuwaiti military husbands to their Kuwaiti wives if the wife has a housing application.

Al‑Yousef concluded by affirming that humanitarian cases, such as persons with disabilities and elderly women, will receive special consideration, reflecting Kuwait’s values of compassion and social responsibility.

KD 220 Million in Annual Social Assistance

Kuwait’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dr. Khaled Al‑Ajmi, revealed that more than KD 220 million is disbursed annually in social assistance, benefiting around 40,000 cases.

Speaking during the workshop “Social Care Categories in Kuwait: Current Challenges and Future Visions”, Al‑Ajmi emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening the social care system.

He noted that 70,000 applications for assistance have been submitted through the centralized charitable platform, of which more than 16,000 were approved, with disbursements totaling KD 30 million.