AGP Executive Report

Public Spaces: Al Shaheed Park’s third phase opened to the public in Kuwait City, drawing crowds on Oct 1. Community & Culture: Kuwait’s Indian community backed the Viksit Bharat Run 2.0, with 1,600+ participants joining fitness and cleanliness activities. Governance & Projects: The PM chaired a ministerial committee meeting urging faster delivery and streamlined procedures for major development projects. Citizenship Fraud Probe: Kuwait’s Nationality Investigations Department reported complex alleged identity and DNA-linked nationality forgery cases, including claims of false family records and Gulf identities. Security & Courts: A teacher was acquitted in a colleague brawl case after the court found no conclusive proof of assault. Maritime Risk: A Kuwait-flagged tanker (VLCC Kazimah III) reportedly caught fire after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz; crew were said to be safe. Food Safety: Authorities in Salmiya shut down a restaurant operating despite closure and seized adulterated food, destroying 114 kg. Economy & Industry: KDCow won the Amir’s Award for Industrial Excellence 2025, while KPC-linked Nghi Son moved to sell 8,000 tons of polypropylene. Sports: Kuwait Club reached the WASL semifinals; KOC began its futsal season with a 5-0 win.

Nationality Fraud Probe: Kuwait’s Nationality Investigations Department says DNA and fingerprints exposed alleged citizenship fraud, including cases where an uncle and aunt were registered as siblings in a Kuwaiti family file but were linked to different Gulf identities. Major Projects Push: PM Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired a committee meeting urging faster, streamlined delivery of key development projects. Court Update: A teacher was acquitted in a colleague brawl case after the court found no conclusive proof of physical assault. Food Safety Crackdown: Authorities in Salmiya found a restaurant operating despite closure and storing adulterated food; inspections also destroyed unfit products in Farwaniya. Drugs Seized: Ahmadi police arrested a suspect after seizing 2.5kg hashish, 2kg marijuana, and 2,500 Lyrica capsules, among other items. Digital Services: PACI launched a “Building Cancellation” service on the Sahel app, while GAC reiterated KD 3,000+ cash declaration rules via Sahel or its website. Sports: Kuwait Club reached WASL semifinals; KOC began its futsal season with a 5-0 win. Culture & Community: NBK sponsored the opening of Al-Soor Theatre at Al-Shaheed Park, and Education/Information launched the “With the Students” 2026-27 season.

Digital Services: PACI has launched a “Building Cancellation” service on the Sahel app, letting owners electronically request cancellation of building data and removal of registered units. Labor Market Oversight: PAM introduced “Report Me” on Sahel for the public to report labour-law violations, including cases involving women in prohibited jobs. Housing & Finance: A new real estate finance law is being framed as a way to ease Kuwait’s housing crunch by strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding bank-backed financing options. Public Tenders: CAPT says 154 tenders were awarded in the first six months for KD1.07bn, with reported savings of KD120.3m. Courts & Security: The State Security and Terrorism Crimes Court issued multiple rulings in “media” and other cases, including prison sentences and acquittals. Electricity & Weather: The Electricity Ministry begins routine network maintenance with possible temporary shutdowns, while forecasts point to a cooling shift with scattered rain Friday and possible thunderstorms Sunday. Transport Rules: GTD outlined how to remove a wheel clamp after paying fines via Sahel and WhatsApp. Health Breakthrough: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital performed Kuwait’s first endoscopic bile drainage through the stomach, avoiding open surgery. Sports: Kuwait’s Gulf Cup campaign ended with a winless exit after a 3-1 loss to Oman, while Kuwait shooters won five medals at the Asian Games.

Fire Safety Crackdown: Kuwait’s Fire Force shut 49 facilities in Capital and Hawalli and issued notices to 113 others after an inspection campaign targeting fire-safety violations. Medical Breakthrough: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital carried out Kuwait’s first endoscopic bile drainage through the stomach, helping a patient avoid open surgery after other methods failed. Digital Payments Push: The Central Bank’s drive is lifting non-cash payments to 84% of transactions, as Kuwait expands digital banking and payment-system rules under Vision 2035. Passport Convenience: Kuwaiti citizens aged 21+ can now renew passports via the Sahel app, with photo and validity requirements spelled out by the Nationality and Travel Documents authority. Sports & National Pride: Kuwait’s shooters won five medals at the Asian Games, and the Kuwait Club booked a WASL Semi-Finals spot after beating Indian Railways. Football Gulf Cup Fallout: Kuwait exited the Gulf Cup without a point after a 3-1 loss to Oman, prompting calls for a fresh start. Culture & Diplomacy: Peru showcased Andean retablos in Kuwait until Oct 6, while Kuwait and Switzerland marked 60 years of ties with talks on trade and investment.

UAE-Russia Aviation Probe: A Defense News investigation says the UAE has repeatedly used a sanctioned Russian “shadow” airline, linking it to more than 100 government missions since mid-2025. Fire Safety: Firefighters brought a shop blaze in Al-Rai under control with no major injuries reported. Digital Payments Push: Kuwait’s Central Bank says non-cash payments hit 84% of transactions in Q1 2026 as it expands payment systems and cybersecurity under Vision 2035. Kuwait-Switzerland Ties: Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled met Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Bern to expand trade and investment; an MoU on direct investment promotion was signed. Court Rulings: Kuwait’s courts acquitted two citizens in a manslaughter/negligence case tied to a drowning death, while the Court of Cassation ruled there’s no cap on disability-grant recipients per family. Legal/Justice Updates: Kuwait sentenced multiple people in separate social media and false-news cases, and also upheld a ruling rejecting a gold-jewelry compensation lawsuit as already decided. Security & Smuggling: Customs at Salmi foiled a narcotics and cigarette smuggling attempt, seizing Captagon, Lyrica and suspected crystal meth. Traffic Crackdown: Traffic authorities arrested reckless drivers and crushed their vehicles after reckless-driving incidents. Sports & Culture: Kuwait shooters won two gold and two bronze in trap at the Asian Games; Al-Shaheed Park Phase III opens with a two-day carnival starting 1 October.

Court Rulings: Kuwait’s Misdemeanor Court acquitted two Kuwaiti citizens of manslaughter and negligence after a disabled expat drowned following a boat trip, saying the prosecution failed to prove negligence or causation. Crime & Justice: An Egyptian expatriate was arrested in Farwaniya over alleged forgery and sale of residential lease agreements to help others change registered addresses. In separate social media cases, Kuwait courts issued multiple in absentia sentences ranging up to five years for insulting the Emirate’s leadership and publishing alleged false news, while another case saw a Kuwaiti man acquitted of WhatsApp threatening and blackmail charges due to lack of verified technical proof. Disability Benefits: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation ruled there’s no cap on the number of disability grant recipients per family, confirming KD10,000 grants for eligible severe/moderate cases. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Customs at Salmi foiled a smuggling attempt, seizing Captagon, Lyrica and suspected crystal meth plus 28 cartons of cigarettes. Traffic authorities also crushed vehicles after reckless driving arrests and explained how to remove wheel clamps after paying fines. Diplomacy & Economy: The Crown Prince met Switzerland’s President in Bern as Kuwait-Switzerland marked 60 years of ties, signing an MoU to promote direct investment. Infrastructure & Culture: Cabinet approved abolishing the Silk City development body and announced the opening of Al-Shaheed Park Phase III, including the Al-Sour Theatre.

Kuwait-Pakistan Defence Ties: A Kuwaiti Army logistics delegation visited Pakistan to discuss logistical and technical cooperation, touring military workshops, transport units and training/simulation centres. Civil ID Service Update: PACI said its Jahra branch will suspend visitor reception for one day (Sept 30) while Civil ID distribution continues. Public Safety Reminder: Kuwait Customs warned travellers not to carry others’ luggage and to check contents before crossing ports. Environment Documents Probe: A loss of official Environment Authority documents was referred to the Public Prosecution after an administrative review. Oil Route Pressure: Reports say Strait of Hormuz disruptions are pushing Gulf states to seek alternative export routes, with Kuwait still heavily dependent on maritime transit. Local Development: Al-Shaheed Park Phase 3 is set to open Oct 1 with a theatre complex, ice/snow facilities and new sports areas. Economy & Payments: The Central Bank launched the Kuwait Wage Protection and Payment System to speed and monitor private-sector salary transfers. Culture & Entertainment: Lebanese star Elissa will perform in Kuwait on Oct 2; tickets are sold out.

Finance & Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Finance Minister met counterparts from Algeria and Tunisia on the sidelines of the AIIB annual meeting in Qatar, discussing ways to boost financial, economic, investment and trade cooperation. Youth & Tech: The Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, with CODED Academy, wrapped up a three-week AI programming program for 30 young Kuwaitis, with top projects showcased at Demo Day. Regional Summit: King Salman invited Kuwait’s Emir and Bahrain’s King to the second GCC-EU Summit in October, underscoring Gulf-European partnership goals. Public Infrastructure: Al-Shaheed Park Phase 3 is set to open Oct 1 with a new theater complex, ice rink, snow hall, sports facilities and an expanded running track. Health Watch: Kuwait’s smoking cessation rate rose to 9%, as anti-nicotine warnings intensify over the growing popularity of nicotine pouches among youth. Courts & Justice: Kuwait’s Court of Appeal sentenced a Syrian man to seven years for fraudulently obtaining Kuwaiti citizenship and ordered repayment of KD600,000. Sports: Kazma were crowned futsal league champions, while Yarmouk won the Squash Federation Cup.

Industrial Push: Commerce and Industry Minister Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq said Kuwait’s industrial sector is central to a diversified, sustainable economy, urging innovation, tech, digital transformation and AI as he announced winners of the Amir’s Industrial Excellence Award. Wage Protection: The Central Bank launched the Kuwait Wage Protection and Payment System (KWPS) to route private-sector salaries through local banks, boosting speed, transparency and compliance monitoring. Capital Markets: Boursa Kuwait was named Best Exchange of the Year – Middle East, plus awards for ESG and financial literacy, as reforms and investor education continue. Gold & Oil Link: Gold prices in Kuwait slid as higher oil prices tied to Strait of Hormuz uncertainty fed inflation and rate-hike worries. Airport Update: Kuwait International Airport is operating with scheduled flights via Terminals 4 and 5, while Terminal 1 remains closed for repairs. Public Safety & Traffic: Traffic authorities outlined steps to recover impounded vehicles, while a major Capital Governorate security campaign netted hundreds of violations and wanted people. Health & Tech: Kuwait expands children’s dental services and moves ahead with an integrated electronic patient record. Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Crown Prince began a Switzerland visit after UNGA, and CITRA joined a GCC posts and telecom meeting.

Traffic & Public Safety: An Indian driver hit an Egyptian child on a scooter in Fintas, and authorities opened a separate case against the child’s father for alleged neglect of a minor. Crime Crackdown: Jleeb investigators arrested an Arab expatriate accused of stealing kitchen appliances in Jleeb homes and selling them at low prices, with claims of more than 15 burglaries. Iraq-Kuwait Security Ties: Iraq’s security media chief said a Kuwait visit aims to align security messaging and speed up rumor-checking through direct communication channels. Real Estate Rules: Tighter land regulations are reshaping Kuwait’s private residential market, with heirs among the most active sellers and some speculators stepping back. Health Services: Kuwait is expanding children’s dental care with new clinics and an integrated electronic patient record linking centers, hospitals and labs. Courts & Regulation: Kuwait’s Administrative Court canceled Article 15 of digital platform rules in a Talabat case, while the Court of Appeal lifted a travel ban tied to a KD 2.4 million bank debt. Environment & Community: UN-Habitat launched the “Kuwait Plants” greening season with participation from 60+ embassies and calls for stronger community involvement.

Iraq-Kuwait Talks: Kuwait and Iraq agreed to form new joint teams to tackle outstanding disputes, with a 30-day roadmap and meetings alternating between Baghdad and Kuwait, as Khor Abdullah navigation remains a key sticking point. Public Safety: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry urged residents to avoid stray dogs and report clusters via 112, after dog attacks injured people including a ministry employee. Food & Health Oversight: The Food Authority inspected 17 establishments in Mubarak Al-Kabeer, while the Health Ministry pushed children’s oral care and launched a “Ghadan” campaign on atopic dermatitis. Courts & Rules: Kuwait’s Administrative Court struck down Article 15 of digital platform regulations after a Talabat challenge, and the Court of Appeal canceled a travel ban tied to a KD 2.4m debt. Citizenship & Compliance: Kuwait revoked citizenship for 11 people in four decrees. Business & Procurement: A new decree-law amends public tenders, raising contract limits to KD1m and setting new rules for KPC procurement and SME preferences. Sports: Kuwait’s football team exited Gulf Cup 27 after a 3-2 loss to Iraq, while the boxing federation opened its 2026-27 junior season.

Kuwait-Iraq Diplomacy: Kuwait and Iraq agreed to form a joint working team to tackle outstanding disputes, with a roadmap and recommendations due within 30 days, meeting alternately in Kuwait and Baghdad. UN Security Message: Kuwait’s Crown Prince told the UN General Assembly that “sinful Iranian aggression” has targeted Kuwait and other Gulf states, including civilian and vital facilities, and urged peaceful settlement of disputes. Health Push: The Health Ministry expanded pediatric dental care and inaugurated a “Ghadan” campaign to raise awareness of atopic dermatitis, stressing early diagnosis and specialist guidance. Oil & Industry: KNPC issued new security, firefighting and HSE leadership appointments effective Sept 27, while Oman’s Duqm Refinery reported production at about 255,000 bpd (around 110% of design capacity). Public Safety: Interior urged residents to report stray dog gatherings via 112 after dog attacks injured people, including a ministry employee. Sports & Culture: Kuwait Football Association apologized to fans after the Gulf Cup exit to Iraq and offered free Super Cup tickets; Kuwait’s Abrar Al-Fahad won gold at the World Masters Weightlifting Championships in Athens.

Stray-Dog Safety Push: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior urged residents to avoid approaching stray dogs, especially near homes and public facilities, and to report dog gathering spots with exact locations via 112. Iraq-Kuwait Roadmap: Iraq and Kuwait agreed to form a joint working group/task force to review outstanding disputes and deliver a roadmap and recommendations to leadership within 30 days, with meetings alternating between Baghdad and Kuwait City. UN Security Warning: Kuwait’s Crown Prince told the UN General Assembly that Iran’s missile and drone attacks since February have targeted civilian infrastructure, including Kuwait International Airport, power and water stations, and oil facilities, and accused Iran of obstructing maritime navigation and closing the Strait of Hormuz. Healthcare Tech Leap: Kuwait is expanding robotic and remote surgery across multiple hospitals and centres, with the Ministry of Health citing hundreds of procedures already performed at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad. Food Safety Crackdowns: Inspections in Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Ahmadi found hygiene and licensing violations, with authorities seizing and destroying unfit food. Gulf Cup 27 Focus: Kuwait’s national team take on Iraq in Group A in Jeddah aiming for their first win after a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia. Media Win: Kuwait’s Information Ministry said Kuwait Radio and Kuwait Television won two second prizes at the 26th Arab Radio and TV Festival in Tunis.

Court & Justice: Kuwait’s Misdemeanor Appellate Court acquitted a citizen in a COVID-19 quarantine breach case, overturning an earlier KD500 fine. Food Safety Crackdowns: Mubarak Al-Kabeer inspectors found eight violations and seized/destroyed 2.457kg of unfit food; Ahmadi authorities shut down an unlicensed facility and destroyed 150kg of adulterated products. Cyber & Social Media: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation fined a Snapchat influencer KD2,000 and ordered confiscation of her phone over indecent clips and related complaints. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Crown Prince told the UN that Iran’s missile and drone attacks since February violate international law, citing impacts on Kuwait International Airport, utilities and oil facilities, and warning about Strait of Hormuz obstruction. Drugs & Enforcement: Authorities seized about 47kg of crystal meth and 45 liters of raw precursor at Abdali; separate operations also netted heroin and meth in Hawally. Sports: Kuwait coach Helio Sousa said the team must fix errors as they face Iraq in the Gulf Cup 27. Weather: A midday outdoor work ban kicks in as temperatures soar, with highs around 45–47°C.

Court & Crime: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation fined a Snapchat influencer KD 2,000 and ordered confiscation of her phone over indecent clips and related cyber complaints. Drugs & Borders: Narcotics officers seized about 47kg of crystal meth and 45 liters of raw precursor liquid at Abdali, after a land route from Iran. Public Health: Kuwait warned against counterfeit Botox, citing an INTERPOL alert and customs action to stop illegal products entering the market. Security & Justice: Appeals upheld death sentences in separate cases, including a man convicted of killing his wife and another for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old boy. UN Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Crown Prince told the UN that Iranian attacks on GCC states and Jordan violate international law, citing strikes on Kuwait’s airport, utilities and oil facilities. Sports (Gulf Cup): Kuwait coach Helio Sousa said the team must correct errors after the first round as they face Iraq seeking their first win. Media & Culture: Kuwait Radio and Kuwait TV won second prizes at the 26th Arab Radio and TV Festival in Tunis. Energy & Industry: KNPC plans a biorefinery for sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon aviation fuel, targeting a roadmap to 2050. Weather: Kuwait is set for extreme heat, with daytime temperatures reaching 45–47°C.

UN Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Crown Prince told the UN General Assembly that Iran’s missile and drone attacks have targeted Kuwait International Airport, utilities and oil facilities, violating international law and harming civilians. Security & Drugs: Kuwait foiled a crystal meth smuggling attempt at Abdali, seizing about 47kg of meth and 45 liters of raw precursor; separate operations also netted heroin and meth from a Bangladeshi suspect in Hawally. Public Safety: A parking dispute in Jahra turned into a brawl, leaving a man with a fractured jaw; traffic police also arrested four reckless drivers in Wafra, with vehicles sent to a crusher. Health & Consumer Protection: Kuwait warned against counterfeit Botox after an INTERPOL alert, and customs seized 1,996 psychotropic tablets at the airport; food inspectors destroyed 166kg of unfit meat. Housing: PAHW’s women’s housing lottery allocated 370 homes in Taima and Sulaibiya, with applicants required to update data by Oct 19. Sports & Culture: Kuwait launches a project to recruit 15 international under-12 football coaches; Kuwait’s Gulf Cup handball derby vs Bahrain headlines Asian Games action, while cinema chains cancelled “Avengers: Endgame Encore” screenings in Kuwait.