AGP Executive Report

Housing & GCC ties: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Housing Welfare acting chief Rashed Al-Enezi said Gulf integration and shared expertise are key to developing the housing sector, as Kuwait participates in the fourth Gulf Housing Week in Bahrain, focusing on resilience, financing models, and the role of modern tech and AI. Public health: Kuwait’s National Cancer Awareness Campaign launched its annual breast cancer awareness drive for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, urging early detection and self-awareness, and noting it has trained 197,000 secondary school students since 2010. Health policy: The Ministry of Health closed its Duchenne muscular dystrophy awareness month, highlighting prevention, early diagnosis, access to care, and Kuwait’s push for a UN resolution designating Sept. 7 as World Duchenne Awareness Day. Aviation operations: Jazeera Airways delayed the restart of transfer and transit services through Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 5 after a request from the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority, offering refunds or free date changes. Digital finance: The Central Bank of Kuwait reported non-cash payments hit 84% of transactions in Q1 2026 as it expands payment systems, digital banking rules, and cybersecurity under Kuwait Vision 2035. Governance at PAM: Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah called for stronger governance and transparency at the Public Authority for Manpower, urging better efficiency and enforcement of labor market regulations. International diplomacy: Kuwait and Switzerland marked 60 years of ties with talks on expanding trade and investment, including a MoU for direct investment promotion. Regional security: Iran warned of “highly dangerous consequences” after Netanyahu’s secret UAE visit, urging Gulf states to stay vigilant over security risks.

Diplomatic Ties: Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled met Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin in Bern, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations and signing an MoU to promote direct investment. Cabinet & Governance: The Cabinet approved repealing the 2012 decree creating the Silk City and Boubyan Island development body, while also briefing on the opening of Al-Shaheed Park Phase III and the “Al-Sour” theatre event. Judicial Ruling: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation ruled there is no cap on disability-grant recipients per family, overturning a KD 10,000 grant refusal. Public Safety & Enforcement: Kuwait’s Drug Control arrested 12 suspects in eight cases, seizing hashish, crystal meth, psychotropic tablets, alcohol and a firearm; Traffic authorities also crushed vehicles after reckless driving arrests. Legal Accountability: A court acquitted two Kuwaiti citizens of manslaughter/negligence over a drowning death, citing lack of established criminal negligence. Foreign Affairs: The White House sent Dino LaVerghetta’s nomination to the US Senate for confirmation as Ambassador to Kuwait. Economy & Industry: OPEC’s secretary general praised Kuwait’s role in building the OPEC+ alliance; Kuwait also highlighted industrial diversification and new tech moves like KOC’s “Sanad” AI drilling knowledge tool. People & Services: Kuwait launched a digital wage system to ensure private-sector salaries are paid on time, and announced Sahel app passport renewals for citizens aged 21+.

Strait of Hormuz Risk: Gulf states are scrambling for alternative oil and gas export routes as the Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic choke point, with Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain still dependent on maritime transit and only Saudi Arabia and the UAE having pipeline bypass capacity. Kuwait-Qatar Finance: Kuwait and Qatar signed an MoU to deepen financial cooperation on the sidelines of the AIIB annual meeting in Doha, aiming to exchange expertise and expand investment and trade links. Kuwait-Pakistan Military Links: A Kuwaiti Army delegation visited Pakistan to discuss logistics and technical cooperation, including supply, armament and equipment, plus training and simulation exchanges. Environment Authority Documents: Kuwait’s sustainability minister said missing official documents at the Environment Authority were referred to the Public Prosecution after an administrative review. Customs Warning: Kuwait Customs urged travelers not to carry others’ luggage, warning of legal liability if prohibited items are found. Food Waste Push: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition called for public awareness to cut food loss and waste. Q8 Italy Fuel Caps: Q8 said it will cap fuel prices in Italy for a month, following Eni and SOCAR, as Europe faces energy-cost pressure. OPEC+ Credit: OPEC’s chief praised Kuwait’s role in bridging differences that led to the Algiers Agreement and OPEC+. Local Business: Adel Alghanim Automotive opened a new MG 4S facility in Shuwaikh, touting a full sales and aftersales setup under one roof.

Wage Protection Push: Kuwait’s Central Bank launched the Kuwait Wage Payment System (KWPS) to route and monitor private-sector salary transfers electronically, with the Public Authority of Manpower overseeing employer compliance. Judicial Backlog: The Court of Cassation president said about 20,000 appeals were handled and urged faster case disposal and more digital justice as the new judicial year begins. Radiation Rules: The Ministry of Health approved limits on radioactive isotopes in food, drinking water and animal feed, with bans on products exceeding set concentrations. Finance Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Finance Minister met counterparts from Algeria and Tunisia at the AIIB annual meeting, and Kuwait and Qatar signed an MoU on financial cooperation. Public Health & Youth: Kuwait’s anti-smoking society reported the cessation rate rising from 7% (2024) to 9%, warning against nicotine pouches’ marketing tactics. Local Enforcement: Kuwait Municipality stepped up action against state land encroachments in Farwaniya, removing an unlicensed structure. Court Case: Kuwait’s Court of Appeal sentenced a Syrian man to seven years for fraudulently obtaining Kuwaiti citizenship and ordered KD 600,000 repayment (plus fines). Tech & Data Center: CAIT is awaiting CAPT approval to start procurement for consultancy services tied to the National Data Center. International Defence Links: Canada’s CCC signed an MoU with Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence to set a government-to-government procurement channel for defence and security modernization. Capital Markets: Boursa Kuwait rolled out the third edition of “The Bell” financial literacy drive for October.

Disability & Inclusion: Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Athbi Nasser Al-Athbi Al-Sabah backed opportunities for people with disabilities at “Threads of Hope,” a skills and integration event run by Tanmia Charity with Jusour and the Arab Open University. Culture & Economy: Acting Information Minister Omar Al-Omar reviewed preparations for the 49th Kuwait International Book Fair, while Commerce and Industry Minister Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq said the industrial sector is central to a diversified, sustainable economy as he announced winners of the Amir’s Industrial Excellence Award. Security & Diplomacy: Kuwait National Guard met a Finnish delegation to boost military and security cooperation, including a tour of a chemical defense and radiation monitoring center. Labour Rights: The Central Bank launched the Kuwait Wage Protection and Payment System (KWPS) to speed and secure private-sector wage transfers and improve compliance monitoring. Regional Energy Watch: Middle Eastern crude exports rose to 12.8m bpd in September, the highest since February, as Hormuz flows resumed; markets now watch the Oct. 4 OPEC+ meeting. Public Safety: MoI reported narcotics arrests (including 708g shabu) and a separate crackdown on reckless driving in Wafra, with vehicles impounded. International Relations: Kuwait and South Korea discussed dialogue and tolerance, and Kuwait’s envoy to El Salvador pushed tourism cooperation ahead of World Tourism Day.

UN Diplomacy & Security: Kuwait’s Crown Prince delivered a UN address stressing Iranian aggression toward Kuwait and the Gulf, calling for UN and Security Council reform and highlighting more than 15 bilateral meetings, including with Iraq to reset ties and address outstanding disputes. Iraq-Kuwait Security Coordination: Iraq’s Security Media Cell said its Kuwait visit aims to unify security messaging and set direct contacts to curb rumors, with plans for expertise exchange and joint security communication. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Kuwait condemned settler storming of Al-Aqsa and renewed calls for UN Security Council action to protect Palestinians and uphold international law. Domestic Oversight & Courts: The Administrative Court annulled Article 15 of Kuwait’s delivery regulations, striking down delivery-platform penalties and raising enforcement concerns; the Social Affairs Minister ordered an urgent review of cooperative society supervisory-position exam procedures. Public Safety: Interior officials reported a major capital security campaign with hundreds of actions, plus dog-attack follow-ups and negligence cases. Health & Services: The Health Ministry said it is building an integrated electronic patient record and expanding children’s pediatric dentistry clinics. Energy & Economy: KPC highlighted overseas refining gains; Kuwait’s real estate market saw a calmer phase after tighter vacant-land rules. International Links: Kuwait and Finland discussed education and sustainability cooperation; KISR joined the Arab Atomic Energy Agency for peaceful nuclear collaboration. Sports & Events: Kuwait will host the Saudi Super Cup this December with Zain as hosting partner; Kuwait’s Gulf Cup exit renewed calls for more experience.

Kuwait-Iraq Talks: Kuwait and Iraq agreed to form a joint working team to review outstanding disputes, with a roadmap and recommendations due within 30 days, as the UNGA week continues. UN Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Amir’s Representative at the UN condemned Iranian attacks on GCC states, including strikes on Kuwait’s civilian infrastructure, and reiterated calls for freedom of navigation through Hormuz and Bab el-Mandab. Public Benefit Crackdown: Kuwait ordered the dissolution of the Al-Hajj Mahmoud Haidar & Sons Charitable Foundation, with its funds to be transferred to the Social Affairs ministry pending a final decision. Digital Commerce Ruling: Kuwait’s Administrative Court canceled Article 15 of regulations for intermediate digital platforms, saying the minister exceeded legal authority in creating punitive administrative penalties. Travel Ban Overturned: Kuwait’s Court of Appeal canceled a travel ban tied to a KD 2.4 million debt, ruling the legal conditions for keeping the restriction were not met. Procurement Reform: Kuwait amended the Public Tenders Law, raising the contract limit without Central Agency approval to KD1 million and setting new rules affecting KPC procurement and SME participation. Citizenship Withdrawals: Four decrees revoked Kuwaiti citizenship and certificates from 11 people and dependents. Humanitarian/Foreign Affairs: Kuwait’s FM met Tunisia, Djibouti and the WFP acting head to discuss cooperation and humanitarian efforts. Food Safety: Authorities inspected 17 establishments in Mubarak Al-Kabeer and seized adulterated meat in another operation, destroying 249kg. Residency Service: PACI launched an online Sahel app service allowing eligible residents to amend residency status under Article 7 bis.

UN Diplomacy & Iran: Kuwait’s Amir’s Representative and Foreign Minister used the UNGA to condemn “sinful Iranian aggression,” citing attacks on Kuwait’s civilian and vital infrastructure and stressing freedom of navigation through Hormuz and Bab el-Mandab. Kuwait-Iraq Files: Kuwait and Iraq agreed to form a joint working team to review outstanding disputes and deliver recommendations within 30 days, with meetings alternating between Kuwait City and Baghdad. Maritime Boundaries: An Iraqi maritime expert said Iraq’s maritime zones need legal and technical clarification under international law, after Iraq’s UN coordinate submissions prompted Kuwait and the GCC to object. Domestic Violence Law: Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait said domestic violence cases fell 36% in the first six months under the 2026 Domestic Violence Protection Law, linking the drop to bans on waivers and reconciliation in certain abuse cases. Public Safety: Interior authorities investigated dog-attack injuries after a negligence case was filed, while traffic police arrested reckless drivers in Wafra and crushed seized vehicles. Food Safety: Authorities seized and destroyed 249kg of adulterated meat from a vehicle distributing unfit products. Health & Awareness: Kuwait expanded pediatric dental services and launched campaigns on breast cancer awareness (Sept 30) and atopic dermatitis (“Ghadan”). Oil Sector Management: KNPC issued circulars reshuffling Security/Firefighting and HSE leadership following the KIPIC merger. Sports & Society: Kuwait Football Association apologized after a Gulf Cup 27 exit; Kuwait also saw boxing and weightlifting milestones, including Abrar Al-Fahad’s historic masters gold.

Domestic Security & Justice: Kuwait’s Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait says domestic violence cases filed with the Public Prosecution fell 36% in the first six months under the Domestic Violence Protection Law, with 646 cases recorded from March 15 to Sept 13 versus 1,011 in the same period last year; he links the drop to a new decree-law that bans waivers, reconciliation and pardons in certain abuse cases. Kuwait-Iraq Diplomacy: Kuwait and Iraq agreed to form a joint working group and task force to review outstanding disputes and deliver recommendations to leadership within 30 days, with meetings alternating between Baghdad and Kuwait City; key issues cited include maritime navigation around Khor Abdullah and related border demarcation. UNGA Outreach & Regional Ties: Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah held UN sidelines talks with Hungary and Comoros leaders and met UNHCR officials, while Kuwait’s PMO-linked diplomacy also featured broader regional engagement during UNGA 81. Health & Tech: Kuwait is expanding robotic and remote surgery services across multiple hospitals and centres, with Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital reporting 1,145 robotic procedures by Sept 4, 2026. International Cooperation: Kuwait and El Salvador signed a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports. Energy & Industry: Oman’s Duqm Refinery reported output at about 255,000 bpd (around 110% of design capacity) and revenues near $7bn in 2025, underscoring the Kuwait-Oman energy partnership.

UN Diplomacy & Regional Security: Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled told the UN General Assembly that Iran’s missile and drone attacks since February are “illegal aggression,” citing strikes on Kuwait International Airport, power and water stations, and oil facilities, and warning Iran is also obstructing maritime navigation and closing the Strait of Hormuz. UNGA Walkouts: Nearly 70 countries—including Kuwait—walked out or left seats vacant as Israeli PM Netanyahu began his UN address, with Netanyahu later calling those who left “moral cowards.” US-Iran Talks & Hormuz: Reports say US-Iran negotiations in New York are moving toward a phased deal to reopen Hormuz in exchange for US concessions, while Iran denies some “technical talks” claims and keeps escalation risk in play. Kuwait Legal & Public Safety: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation fined a Snapchat influencer KD 2,000 and ordered confiscation of her phone over indecent clips. Separately, traffic authorities arrested four for reckless driving in Wafra and crushed five vehicles; in Al Wafrah, they also impounded vehicles and referred suspects to prison. Food Safety Crackdowns: Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Ahmadi inspections found licensing and hygiene breaches, seizing and destroying unfit products (including 2.457 kg in Mubarak Al-Kabeer and 150 kg in Ahmadi). Bilateral Ties: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman met Kuwait’s Crown Prince in New York to expand labour recruitment, trade, investment, and regular high-level coordination. Tech & Investment: Microsoft pledged over $10bn for Middle East AI and cloud resilience through 2030, including Kuwait.

UNGA Walkout: Nearly 70 countries left or skipped seats as Benjamin Netanyahu began his UN address, with Kuwait among those joining the protest over Gaza and wider regional attacks; Netanyahu hit back calling walkouts “moral cowards.” Kuwait-Iran Tensions: Kuwait’s Crown Prince told the UN that Iranian strikes since February have targeted civilian infrastructure including Kuwait International Airport, power/water stations and oil facilities, calling them violations of international law and UN Charter. Court & Cybercrime: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation fined a Snapchat influencer KD 2,000 and ordered confiscation of her phone over indecent clips and related complaints tied to electronic crimes. Road Safety Crackdown: Kuwait’s traffic authorities arrested four for reckless driving in Wafra and crushed five seized vehicles after stunts endangered road users. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Bahrain and Kuwait discussed stronger coordination between anti-corruption bodies on prevention, transparency and technical cooperation. Tech & Investment: Microsoft pledged over $10bn for Middle East cloud/AI and digital resilience through 2030, including Kuwait, alongside connectivity and large-scale digital skills training. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Amir representative met NATO chief Mark Rutte and Irish PM Micheal Martin at Kuwait’s UN mission, reviewing cooperation and bilateral ties. Climate Focus: Kuwait urged global solidarity on sea-level rise and adaptation funding at a UN meeting, highlighting KFAED support. Air Travel Disruptions: UAE flight delays and Emirates cancellations continued amid restrictions affecting Iranian airline operations.

UN Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Crown Prince told the UN General Assembly that Iran’s missile and drone attacks violate international law, targeting civilian sites and vital infrastructure including Kuwait International Airport and energy facilities. Regional Security: Kuwait and Iraq are pushing tighter security-media coordination, with Kuwait urging both sides to exchange information and align messaging to counter rumors and organized crime. Military Training: Kuwait’s Defense Minister visited the Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College, calling for modernized training tied to latest scientific and military concepts. AI & Investment: Kuwait is placing AI and human capital at the center of Vision 2035, including a 10-year strategic partnership with Microsoft; Microsoft also plans $10B+ in Gulf cloud and AI through 2030. Energy Transition: KNPC is advancing plans for a biorefinery to produce sustainable and low-carbon aviation fuel, with feasibility studies and a roadmap toward 2050. Public Safety & Law: Kuwait warned against counterfeit Botox products; meanwhile, police reported a KD 7,500 fraud case, a parking dispute brawl in Jahra, and a meth smuggling bust at Abdali. Social Oversight: The Social Affairs Ministry is strengthening oversight of cooperative societies through stricter supervisory selection and monitoring.

Iran-US Aviation Sanctions: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council warned that countries cooperating with US sanctions on Iranian airlines could see their own airports “paralyzed,” as multiple states suspended or canceled Iranian routes amid secondary sanctions pressure. Kuwait Diplomacy at UNGA: Kuwait’s FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah met Kyrgyz and Singaporean counterparts in New York to expand bilateral cooperation, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held UNGA-side talks aimed at de-escalation and postwar planning. UN Security Council Coordination: Bahrain hosted a UN Security Council ministerial dinner for current and incoming elected members, with Kuwait among the hosts, focusing on improving Council effectiveness and coordination. Kuwait-Syria Links: Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on UNGA sidelines to discuss bilateral ties and regional issues. Local Governance & Health: Hawally inspectors issued multiple food safety violations and destroyed 166kg of unfit meat. Civil Aviation Update: Kuwait’s Civil Aviation authority denied reports of resuming transit flights from Oct 1. Tech & Investment: Microsoft announced a $10bn-plus Middle East cloud/AI investment framework through 2030, including Kuwait, alongside digital resilience and connectivity plans. Sports & Public Life: Kuwait opened its Gulf Cup campaign with a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, while Kuwait’s athletes also featured in regional and international events.

UN Diplomacy on Iran: US and Iran officials held mediated talks at the UN in New York after Trump told Gulf leaders there was “a lot of momentum” toward an agreement, while warning of continued economic pressure. Kuwait in the Gulf line-up: The UNGA sidelines meeting included Kuwait’s Crown Prince and senior Kuwaiti officials as regional leaders discussed security and energy impacts. Amir’s Dialogue Push: Arab and international media spotlighted Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim’s call for dialogue, a regional collective security system, and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Kuwait Health & Integrity: Kuwait’s Health Ministry announced seven visiting doctors for October, and Nazaha trained teachers for its “My Bank” values project with NBK. National Guard Selection: Kuwait National Guard stressed transparency and equal opportunity in cadet selection. Banking & Markets: Burgan Bank completed a KD 50m rights issue, oversubscribed 1.34x; KIB won a real-estate banking innovation award. Sports & Youth: Kuwait will select 15 international youth coaches; Kuwait’s Al-Nasser won weightlifting bronze in Athens; Kuwait’s Gulf Cup campaign continues with KFA urging positive results. Tech Investment: Microsoft plans $10bn+ in cloud/AI across Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE by 2030, including digital resilience.

Customs & Trade Controls: Kuwait’s General Environment Authority set a three-step customs release process for imported chemical shipments—document checks, lab testing, then technical approval—to speed paperwork while tightening hazardous-material compliance. Oil Sector & Environment: KPC CEO Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah said environmental sustainability is central to oil-sector responsibility, highlighting crisis reporting, updated emergency plans, and modern spill monitoring. Anti-Counterfeit Enforcement: Kuwait Customs seized 568 fake shoes and jackets from a China shipment declared as furniture, after air-cargo inspections found trademark violations. UN Diplomacy (Kuwait): Kuwait’s envoy represented the country at UN events on children’s rights in the AI age and at the CTBT ministerial meeting, reaffirming Kuwait’s nuclear-test-ban commitments. Governance Reform: Kuwait’s Ministry of Finance launched a four-year Program to Enhance Integrity, Transparency and Governance in government entities’ financial performance (2026–2030). Humanitarian Cooperation: Kuwait’s Awqaf minister met UNHCR officials to boost humanitarian and community coordination. Regional Security Talks: Kuwait joined US-hosted UNGA discussions on Middle East security, focusing on protecting trade corridors and maritime/overland supply chains. Sports (Kuwait in spotlight): Kuwait’s national team won silver in men’s skeet at the Asian Games, finishing behind Qatar.

UNGA Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah led Kuwait’s delegation at the 81st UN General Assembly, meeting leaders including Canada’s Mark Carney and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as regional tensions and energy security stay in focus. Housing Finance: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved a draft decree-law for mortgage financing for housing-welfare beneficiaries, sending it to the Amir for consideration as part of wider housing-city plans. Regional Security Talks: Kuwait and Pakistan discussed joint military coordination, while Kuwait’s Army Chief met South Korea’s military attaché to deepen defense cooperation. Housing & Real Estate Policy: Cabinet also cleared a new real estate financing draft law, reinforcing the government’s push to expand credit options for citizens. Healthcare Oversight: Kuwait’s Health Ministry fined and suspended a private internal-medicine consultant (KD 7,000 total; 3-month suspension) and suspended an ophthalmologist’s license for a year over malpractice findings. Aviation & Energy: KAFCO expanded overseas fueling services to Colombo, Salalah and Najaf, and Kuwait denied reports of transit flights from Oct 1. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Kuwait foiled heroin smuggling hidden in iron crankshafts and arrested two suspects; separate cases saw deportation referrals after gambling raids. Sports: Kuwait’s “Blues” opened the Gulf Cup buildup with coach Helio Souza saying they aim to compete for more than participation.