AGP Executive Report

Court & Security: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation upheld a three-year prison sentence for a citizen convicted of joining ISIS and receiving military training in Syria, after State Security arrested him on return via Kuwait International Airport. Health Regulation: The Ministry of Health issued new rules governing cosmetic surgeries and procedures, defining eligible specialties, physician qualifications, consent requirements, and limits on high-risk interventions. Public Safety & Crime Trends: Justice Ministry statistics show kidnapping cases fell 45.5% in H1 2026, alongside drops in honor/reputation crimes and forced sexual assault cases. Food Safety Crackdown: Al Jahra inspections logged 40 violations and shut five facilities, while Capital Governorate inspectors seized about 180kg of rotten beef and mutton after seal tampering. Digital Transparency: Zain and CITRA launched “Arqami” on the Sahel app, letting users view all mobile lines registered under their names across operators. Tobacco Controls: Kuwait set stricter tobacco and nicotine rules, banning sales to under-21s and restricting vaping in enclosed public spaces. Humanitarian Aid: Kuwait-backed voluntary return flights began for Sudanese refugees in Uganda, aiming to bring back over 1,000 people over about six weeks. Economy & Tenders: PIC reported KD 23.8m net profit for FY2025/26 despite market headwinds, while Public Works plans to float 24 contracts and tenders in the current fiscal year. Environment & Training: NBK partnered with the Kuwait Dive Team to protect coral reefs via environmentally friendly moorings, and CBK launched the sixth cohort of its Cybersecurity Leaders Program.

Tobacco Crackdown: Kuwait’s Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi issued Ministerial Resolution No. 237/2026 tightening tobacco and nicotine rules, banning sales, display, advertising and online/delivery marketing, and restricting products in schools, youth facilities and many public venues. Hormuz & Regional Security: Iran and Qatar remain locked in a dispute over alleged captured pilots, with Iran urging Qatar to allow an expert team and also claiming Kuwait is withholding information about four Iranians held in Kuwait. US-Iran Fallout for Kuwait: A Washington Post report says Gulf states including Kuwait are increasingly frustrated with Trump’s Iran approach, raising doubts about the cost of hosting US bases and pushing talk of new security arrangements. Family Safety & Interior: First Deputy PM and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef visited stabbed children, vowed zero tolerance for crimes threatening families, and said legal action is underway. Kuwait Economy & Investment: Kuwait’s Shaheen Project deal—KD/US$16bn via a sale-and-leaseback for crude pipelines—was highlighted as a major foreign investment push to fund KPC plans. Public Works: Qurtuba infrastructure contract progress hit 82%, with sewage/stormwater near completion and telecom and lighting networks largely advanced. Youth & Culture Links: Kuwait’s youth minister met Bahrain counterparts, while Kuwait’s ambassadors marked India’s 80th independence anniversary and reaffirmed Kuwait-India ties.

Hormuz Security & Energy: Kuwait condemned Iran’s attack on an ADNOC vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a breach of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, while the UAE also blamed Iran and warned of piracy; the wider crisis keeps Kuwait’s oil exports under pressure. Public Safety & Interior Crackdown: First Deputy PM and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef visited stabbed children, vowing zero tolerance for crimes endangering families, as the Interior Ministry also ran a nationwide security campaign including arrests, traffic enforcement, and action against bladed weapons and drug cases. Economic Reform & Investment: Kuwait’s investment push got a major boost with KPC’s $16bn Shaheen Project (sale-and-leaseback for crude pipelines), framed as Kuwait’s biggest foreign direct investment deal and a financing tool for higher production capacity. Kuwaitization in Cooperatives: The Social Affairs Ministry said Kuwaitization for a branch supply manager role is underway in 12 cooperative societies, with more vacancies planned. Education & Talent: The Education Ministry launched the Gifted Schools Project for 2026-27 via its Mawhoob platform, while KFAS’s PRE 2026 program prepared students for university majors. Justice System Update: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice reported an 84.1% case completion rate in the Court of Appeals for June 2026. Charity Compliance: Social Affairs warned charitable societies against dealing with unaccredited foreign entities, stressing coordination with the Foreign Affairs humanitarian framework. International Ties: Kuwait marked India’s 80th Independence Day through embassy celebrations and the global “Suryapath Tiranga” tricolour relay that included Kuwait.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Trump renewed threats to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory, while Iran’s deputy foreign minister said the waterway can only be opened or closed under Iran’s command and dismissed the claims as baseless. Maritime Security: ADNOC reported another attack on its vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with Kuwait and Qatar condemning the strikes as violations of international law and pledging solidarity with the UAE. Kuwait Security Drive: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry carried out a nationwide security campaign, recording 1,300 traffic violations, arresting 27 for expired residencies, and detaining suspects tied to drugs and other offenses. ISIS Plot Foiled: Kuwait authorities said they thwarted an ISIS-linked plot targeting a vital facility and arrested a Kuwaiti suspect; separate action also involved minors accused of communicating with ISIS and planning an attack on a place of worship. Interior Leadership: First Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah visited injured children at Adan Hospital after a stabbing incident, stressing the state will not tolerate crimes threatening family safety. Local Governance & Services: Power was fully restored to Fahaheel after a technical fault, and Kuwait announced weeklong maintenance on transformer stations across six governorates. Diplomacy & Community: India marked 80 years of independence at its Kuwait embassy, highlighting strong Kuwait-India ties and the Indian community’s role in the country. Regional Security Architecture: Commentary and coverage continued around the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and broader shifts in Gulf security cooperation.

Maritime Security & Hormuz: Kuwait joined Qatar, Egypt and Bahrain in condemning Iran’s attack on two UAE ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and urging an immediate, unconditional reopening of the strait. Counterterrorism: The Arab Parliament President Mohammed Al Yamahi backed Kuwait after security forces foiled a Daesh-linked plot targeting a vital facility and arrested a Kuwaiti citizen. Interior Ministry Enforcement: Kuwait’s Emergency Police ran a nationwide security campaign, recording 1,300 traffic violations, making 33 arrests, detaining people over expired residencies and missing IDs, and handling drug/alcohol cases. Family Safety: First Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah visited two injured children at Adan Hospital after they were stabbed by their mother, stressing the state will not tolerate threats to family and societal security. Regional Diplomacy: World leaders sent greetings to Pakistan on Independence Day, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighting cooperation on mediation, energy and counterterrorism. Public Safety Incident: A Bangladeshi bus driver was crushed to death in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh after being trapped between two buses during a vehicle inspection.

Citizenship & Rule of Law: Kuwait revoked or declared the loss of citizenship for 30 people after a government nationality review, with decrees issued Aug 11 and decisions published in the official gazette, following Interior Minister recommendations and Council of Ministers approval. Regional Security & Energy: As US-Iran tensions intensify, CENTCOM’s chief reportedly urged renewed strikes on Iran’s oil, gas and electricity infrastructure, while the US also moves to create a multinational attack-drone task force. Aviation Disruptions: Middle East flight schedules remain volatile amid Strait of Hormuz risks, with airlines issuing advisories and some routes reduced or suspended; travellers are urged to check status before departure. Health Policy: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health set up two pediatric units for stem cell and gene therapy at Kuwait National Bank Specialized Children’s Hospital, aiming for equitable access and independent operations. Public Safety & Licensing: Interior arrested an Azerbaijani woman for running an unlicensed clinic from her home and selling herbal mixtures, seizing KD 11,651 and medical equipment. International Solidarity: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to Egypt over a deadly traffic accident in Ismailia. Environment & Governance: Ahmadi Governorate launched a “Sustainable Conservation” push with EPA support, including plans for governorate-level carbon footprint tracking.

Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia is moving toward operational activation of a new 14-nation maritime defense coalition, with 15 countries signing a joint statement to protect navigation and energy routes around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, and Kuwait named among the signatories. Public Health & Regulation: Kuwait’s Health Ministry issued a decree creating two independent pediatric units for stem cell transplantation and gene therapy at KNB Specialized Children’s Hospital, while also upgrading services at the Jaber Center with Level IV hyperbaric accreditation. Internal Security: Police arrested an Azerbaijani woman for running an unlicensed clinic from her home, seizing KD 11,651 and herbal mixture materials; separate reports also highlight Kuwait foiling ISIS-linked plots targeting vital facilities. Education & Services: The Education Ministry opened and named five new schools in Al-Mutlaa and West Abdullah Al-Mubarak, and Kuwait’s Civil Aviation authority cleared seven airport tenders worth KD 7.006m for commercial leasing. Energy & Economy: KUFPEC is evaluating new Alberta exploration opportunities in Canada, and KPC reiterated its focus on youth as key partners in the future of Kuwait’s oil sector. Environment & Digital Life: Ahmadi launched “Sustainable Conservation” with governorate-level carbon footprint reporting plans, while Commerce received 17,135 complaints in Q2 via Sahel and its portal. Citizenship: Kuwait revoked citizenship for six people and declared 24 others’ citizenship lost via official gazette decisions.

Security & Counterterrorism: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry says State Security foiled an alleged ISIS-linked plot targeting a vital facility, arresting a Kuwaiti national before he could carry out the plan after training in explosives and drones. Youth & Extremism: Kuwait also arrested two minors over alleged ISIS connections, including training related to making explosives, with the aim of attacking places of worship. Regional Security Cooperation: First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah met Jordan’s General Intelligence chief to discuss ways to deepen security coordination and exchange expertise. Regional Flashpoint—Hormuz: Iran and the US remain deadlocked over reviving a June interim deal, with Iran insisting the Strait of Hormuz stays closed unless US conditions are met, while the US claims “total control” and shipping disruption continues. Public Safety: Kuwait’s traffic campaigns (Aug 3–9) issued 29,060 citations, detained 21 people, referred nine juveniles to juvenile prosecution, and handled 2,249 traffic reports including 859 patrol responses to accidents.

Counterterrorism: Kuwait’s State Security Service foiled an IS-linked plot targeting a vital facility, arresting a Kuwaiti suspect trained in explosives and drones and referring him for legal action. Interior Operations: The Interior Ministry also stressed enhanced services and security readiness after an expanded leadership meeting, while traffic campaigns issued 29,060 citations and impounded 341 vehicles. Foreign Affairs: FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber received a written message from Qatar’s PM on strong bilateral ties. Justice & Rule of Law: The Justice Ministry formed a committee to select Junior Legal Researchers, with electronic exams and automated grading. Anti-Corruption in Sports: Nazaha highlighted Kuwait’s integrity and transparency efforts in the sports sector at a GCC event. Health Regulation: New MoH rules tighten licensing for private pharmacies, including a 1,000-metre distance requirement. Education Development: MoE reviewed with the OECD progress on curriculum planning, teacher licensing exams, and curriculum comparisons. Energy & Economy: KPC reported KD 2.155bn net profit for 2025/26, and the PM chaired the Supreme Council for Petroleum meeting reviewing key projects. Regional Security Context: Iraq says it will end foreign military presence by Oct. 1, as US-Iran tensions keep Hormuz risks in focus.

Kuwait Public Holidays: Kuwait’s Cabinet has approved a public holiday on Thursday, Aug. 27 for Eid Miladun Nabi, with ministries and state institutions closed and work resuming Sunday, Aug. 30. Youth & Sports: On International Youth Day (Aug. 12), Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma urged young Kuwaitis to shape the future through initiative and hard work, echoing the UN theme on shared aspirations. Security & Justice: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior says it arrested a citizen in Al-Dohah over an alleged marijuana cultivation farm, seizing drugs, equipment and cash. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to push “peace, stability and constructive engagement,” as reports say the US-Iran 60-day ceasefire under the Islamabad MoU may be extended beyond Aug. 17. Regional Shipping Risk: Fresh attacks tied to the Iran war keep the Strait of Hormuz issue at the center of global energy concerns, with Iran reiterating conditions for reopening. Kuwait in Sports: Al-Arabi SC (Kuwait) face East Bengal in the AFC Champions League Two preliminary round in Kolkata.

Aviation & Security: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved a draft decree-law to regulate drones, unmanned aircraft, light sport aircraft and air sports, setting licensing, prohibited activities and penalties under the Public Authority of Civil Aviation. Health Regulation: The Ministry of Health issued new rules tightening bariatric surgery and non-surgical interventional procedures, including patient selection standards and updated procedure categories. AI in Healthcare: MoH published a practical guide for using AI language tools and large language models in healthcare, stressing that AI can’t replace clinical judgment and banning staff from uploading patient identifiers or confidential medical data to unapproved platforms. Counterterrorism: Kuwait’s state security arrested two minors allegedly linked to ISIS and trained to make explosives with plans to target a place of worship. Public Administration & Digital: CAIT reviewed Google Cloud and Microsoft digital transformation projects and training under national digital skills efforts, while PAAET and Customs signed an MoU to boost customs-focused specialized training. Foreign Policy: Kuwait condemned Colombia’s recognition of the occupied Golan, calling it a breach of international law and UN resolutions. Regional/UN: Kuwait’s UN envoy in Geneva condemned Iran’s “systematic aggression,” citing attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure. Public Holiday: Kuwait declared Thursday, Aug 27, 2026 a public holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (1448 AH).

Consumer & Market Oversight: Kuwait’s Commercial Control and Consumer Protection teams issued seven enforcement reports against cooperative societies in the Capital Governorate after inspections found breaches like unclear pricing, missing exchange/return conditions, and missing country-of-origin labels. Public Services & Compliance: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said it received 17,135 complaints via its electronic portal and Sahel in Q2 2026, issued 5,155 violation reports, and opened 51 shops while closing 52. Emergency Preparedness Funding: The Kuwait Emergency Response Fund reached KD 75.37 million from 68 public and private contributors, with early requests now under technical review across key ministries. Regional Security Politics: The “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan continues to spark debate over whether it’s a true operational alliance or mostly symbolic, as Gulf and regional officials trade calls and statements. International Spotlight: US President Trump said replacing FIFA chief Gianni Infantino would be “a terrible mistake,” as UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC renew pressure over governance and trust issues. Business & Economy: NBK was named LinkedIn’s top employer in Kuwait and the banking sector for 2025, highlighting workplace culture and development programs.

FIFA Governance Crisis: UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF renewed their open attack on Gianni Infantino, saying football “belongs to no individual” after his abandoned plan to sell part of World Cup commercial rights, with the dispute now pushing toward calls for an independent review. Regional Security: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan “Makkah” defence pact is “entirely defensive,” aiming at peace and collective deterrence. Kuwait Trade & Business Oversight: Kuwait issued 4,989 certificates of origin for KD 481.6m in Q2 non-oil exports, while Kuwait Municipality stepped up inspections and warnings against licensing and advertising violations in Farwaniya and continued its campaign against encroachments. Public Services & Regulation: PAHW reported 223,000+ e-services in H1 2026; Kuwait also moved to regulate surgical procedures and tightened rules on professional conduct in schools, including a new teacher/student dress and appearance framework. Security & Justice: Interior Ministry arrested an Egyptian suspect over the killing of two expats in Kabd, and launched a new Sahel “Report” service for labor violations. Health & Economy: Health Ministry issued surgical regulation decrees; Zain posted a 73% jump in H1 2026 net profit to $717m.

Kuwait–Pakistan Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah congratulated Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, in calls that also covered Occupied East Jerusalem and ways to deepen Kuwait–Pakistan ties. Regional Security Coordination: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also discussed strengthening coordination to confront regional security challenges and stressed dialogue over interference. Commercial Concealment Crackdown: Kuwait tightened rules on commercial concealment, warning foreigners against running economic activity via fronts or license violations, with penalties including jail and fines up to KD100,000. Food Safety Enforcement: Farwaniya warehouse inspections led to five violation reports and the destruction of 173kg of rotten food. Civil Information Updates: PACI cancelled residential address records for 287 people and ordered new address registration within 30 days via PACI or the Sahel app, with fines for non-compliance. Aviation Disruptions: Emirates and some other UAE–Kuwait/Bahrain services remain suspended or limited as airlines adjust schedules amid regional uncertainty. Energy Shock Context: Coverage highlighted how the Strait of Hormuz closure is driving up costs for Gulf states that rely on sea imports, including Kuwait.

Gaza Ceasefire Conditions: UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov says any Israeli pullback would only happen area-by-area after Hamas disarmament is verified on the ground, with the process able to pause if commitments slip. Public Safety & Justice: Kuwait’s Justice Ministry reported violent crimes down 53.2% in H1 2026, with assault and battery cases falling 63.6% after recent penal reforms. Crime Crackdown: Interior Ministry announced the arrest of an Egyptian suspect in the Kabd double murder case after he was tracked while trying to flee via the border fence. Health Services: The Jaber Al-Ahmad Kidney Dialysis Center opened in Ahmadi with 83 units and capacity for 600+ patients, funded by the late Amir’s heirs. Business Compliance: Kuwait Municipality warned businesses to follow licensing rules or face KD 5,000 fines and closure; separate new Decree-Law tightens penalties for commercial concealment, including jail and fines up to KD 100,000. Digital Government: PACI ordered 287 residents to update demolished or removed addresses via Sahel within 90 days, or face KD 100 fines. Women’s Housing: The Women’s Housing Committee activated an online update service on Sahel for rented housing applications, with cancellations starting Oct 16, 2026. Foreign Affairs: Kuwait welcomed a UN Security Council statement condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels, reaffirming support for Yemen’s legitimate government. Regional Security: Russia floated exploring a rail link to the Indian Ocean to reduce reliance on chokepoints like Hormuz.

Fish Prices Protest: Kuwait consumers are urging a boycott of fish after prices surged, with protesters saying monopolization and speculation are driving costs and that official responses haven’t gone far enough. Residency Rules Tightened: Hundreds of expatriates report rejected visit-to-residency conversion requests under new Interior Ministry conditions, with family reunification tied to specific eligibility and approvals. Maritime Security Focus: The Interior Minister toured Kuwait’s islands and maritime centers, reviewing coast guard, ports, customs coordination, and directing faster completion of works and better conditions for personnel. UN Diplomacy on Yemen: Kuwait welcomed a UN Security Council statement condemning Houthi missile attacks and reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s legitimate government. Digital Government Service: PACI launched an online entity-deletion request service via the Sahel app, letting property/unit owners submit, track, and receive approvals electronically. Credit Rating Update: Fitch affirmed Kuwait’s AA- long-term rating with a stable outlook, citing strong fiscal and external positions while flagging governance and oil-linked risks. Regional Security & Air Travel: Kuwait condemned an Iran-linked missile attack on an ADNOC tanker in the Strait of Hormuz; meanwhile, Emirates flights to Bahrain and Kuwait remain suspended while other carriers adjust schedules. FIFA Fallout Reaches Kuwait’s Region: FIFA’s disciplinary process and Infantino’s crisis continue to draw global scrutiny, with more associations withdrawing support.