AGP Executive Report

Iran-Gulf Tensions: Kuwait’s oil exports are reported at a standstill as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption, while Iran warns of “blackout” retaliation tied to any US strikes on power plants. Education & Security: Kuwait ordered the closure of its only Iranian private school and revoked its license, suspending new admissions for 2026-2027 amid the wider regional conflict. Residency Crackdown: Interior authorities arrested 48 residency and labor violators in Shuwaikh Industrial Area after inspecting 120 establishments. Immigration Rules: Kuwait is also rejecting many visit-to-residency conversions after applicants fail new eligibility conditions, and a KD 150 fee is being applied for visit visa-to-residency conversion. Justice & Debt Enforcement: Kuwait’s enforcement department reported 83,380 seizure-related procedures in June, alongside 4,357 travel ban requests and 2,645 debtor arrest/detention requests. Governance & Compliance: Municipality urged businesses to license properly, warning of fines and closures; Kuwait also moved to tighten real-estate payment rules and push a digital rental-contract platform. Defense Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Army chief met Italy’s military attaché to strengthen defense cooperation. Energy & Projects: Kuwait-China cooperation advances with the North Kabd Technology Station entering implementation, and Souq Sharq is set for an 8.77MW solar project.

Kuwait–China Development: Kuwait says its strategic partnership with China is moving from signed agreements into delivery, with the North Kabd Technology Station now entering implementation to expand wastewater treatment and support sustainable urban growth. Humanitarian Aid: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed two USD 2.5m grants with UN OCHA to boost humanitarian funds for Syria and Afghanistan, bringing Kuwait’s total OCHA-linked contributions to about USD 16.1m. Citizenship & Law: Kuwait’s official gazette published a Supreme Committee decision withdrawing Kuwaiti citizenship from nine individuals, directing relevant authorities to implement the ruling. Regional Connectivity: Syria reopened Deir ez-Zor International Airport after nearly 14 years, with its first domestic flight from Damascus and its first international flight from Kuwait; Jazeera Airways is set to start Kuwait–Deir Ezzor services. Kuwait’s International Giving: Kuwait donated USD 50,000 to the UN Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus to help identify and return remains in 2026. Commerce Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Commerce Minister met Kazakhstan’s ambassador to discuss trade, economy and food security cooperation. Iran War / Hormuz: Iran and Oman are nearing a new Strait of Hormuz traffic arrangement, while Trump says progress is substantial and a deal could be announced soon; maritime groups warn tolls would breach international law.

Health & Governance: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health launched a Mayo Clinic training platform for healthcare professionals starting Aug 18, while also boosting coordination with the Foreign Ministry to advance the “right to health” in regional and international human-rights forums. Public Integrity: Nazaha kicked off the fourth phase of its Performance project with workshops for 36 government entities to strengthen ethics, transparency and anti-corruption practices. Education Policy: Kuwait University opened nominations for the 20th Khalifa Educational Award cycle and introduced a new category on Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Education; separate discussions urged students to pick majors based on skills and labor-market needs. Women’s Participation: The Women’s Affairs Committee approved working groups and reviewed a draft “Women’s Platform” project, aiming to improve data, reporting and women’s participation. Internal Security & Law: The Interior Ministry arrested an Egyptian doctor accused of illegal abortions and pill smuggling, seizing 49 abortion pills and 115 psychotropic tablets; it also ran joint inspections with manpower authorities, arresting 56 residency and labor violators. Economic & Development: The 2026/2027 budget raises construction and infrastructure spending to KD 3.1 billion; Kuwait extended freelance real-estate brokerage license validity until Sept 1, affecting 583 brokers. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Kuwait held talks with Japan on sustainability and food security, and with Malta, Indonesia and Thailand to expand trade, education and cultural cooperation. Regional Context: Kuwait’s strategic exposure to Hormuz and wider Gulf security pressures remains a recurring theme amid US-Iran tensions and shipping risks.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim and US President Donald Trump discussed de-escalation efforts by phone, stressing continued dialogue and adherence to the US-Iran memorandum, as mediators push for a Strait of Hormuz shipping framework. Regional Security: Iran says it thwarted a planned US ground assault and claims its actions hit US-linked assets in Kuwait, while the wider standoff keeps Kuwait and Gulf shipping on edge. Kuwait Governance & Services: Kuwait’s Central Agency for Illegal Residents met the Health Ministry to update and integrate illegal residents’ data across electronic systems, aiming to speed digital procedures and improve healthcare services. Cabinet & National Memory: The Cabinet reviewed preparations for the new academic year and marked the 36th anniversary of Iraq’s invasion, reiterating Kuwait’s unity and sacrifices. Public Safety & Crime: Kuwait investigated a hit-and-run in Mahboula injuring an Asian man, and also probed the death of a citizen after suspicions of foul play. FIFA Turmoil (Global): Gianni Infantino faces a leadership crisis after scrapping a World Cup commercial-rights plan; UEFA and others have distanced themselves, and Infantino is set for a Morocco crisis meeting.

Kuwait’s Security & Justice: Kuwait reported multiple criminal probes this week, including investigations into a fatal suspected foul-play death in one governorate, a hit-and-run on Mahboula’s coastal road injuring an Asian man, and a mall fall that injured an Indian expatriate in Al-Mutlaa City. Drug Crackdown: The Interior Ministry arrested 23 people in 12 drug cases, seizing methamphetamine, heroin, hashish, synthetic cannabinoids, cash, scales and ammunition. Family & Child Protection: A Court of Appeals revoked a mother’s custody and granted it to the father after ruling that heavy social-media advertising involving the children harmed their schooling. Cabinet & National Memory: The Cabinet marked the 36th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion, reaffirming Kuwait’s unity and honoring martyrs and late leaders. Housing Policy: PAHW ordered 509 East Taima beneficiaries to vacate by Sept 1 under a decree-law change tied to “those who sold their houses.” Oil & Economy: KPC plans to expand exploration and development, aiming for 4 mbpd by 2035, while Kuwait’s credit growth moderated in Q2 amid conflict-linked uncertainty. Regional Diplomacy & War Risks: Kuwait condemned continued Gaza violations and, amid US-Iran tension, reports said Iran attacked a US base in Kuwait with drones, while talks over reopening Hormuz remained fluid. Sports & Society: Kuwait Shooting Club signed a protocol with the Police Sports Union; Special Olympics Kuwait held a family health forum on Down syndrome and heart problems. International Footnote: FIFA’s Infantino faced mounting backlash after his World Cup privatization plan collapsed.

Kuwait–Pakistan Security: Kuwait condemned a bombing that targeted a police station in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing and injuring police and civilians, and reiterated solidarity with Islamabad. Gulf Diplomacy on Hormuz: As US-Iran tensions flare, Qatar urged Gulf coordination to implement the US-Iran memorandum on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said its only active talks are with Oman on a temporary shipping route. Trump’s “Last Chance” Iran Push: Trump said new talks are Iran’s “last chance” to reopen Hormuz “literally by tomorrow,” warning of “decapitation,” even as Tehran denies direct US negotiations. Kuwait on the Front Line: Reports say IRGC drones struck a US base in Kuwait and Kuwait’s air defenses intercepted “hostile drones,” with officials citing damage to vital facilities. FIFA Power Struggle: Infantino’s World Cup stake-sale fallout continues, with FIFA calling claims of seeking Trump backing “pure fiction,” while more football bodies consider withdrawing support. Local Enforcement & Governance: Farwaniya authorities shut down an illegal home-based food operation; Kuwait also moved on digital signature activation, Kuwaitization steps, and new anti-concealment and transparency measures. Energy & Investment: Kuwait’s regional ties and economic agenda also featured, including a Saudi invitation for the Amir to Riyadh’s Future Investment Initiative and a Kuwait–Gulf push for solar and storage partnerships.

Digital Government Push: Kuwait’s Justice Ministry and PACI urged Kuwaitis and expats to activate approved digital signatures via Kuwait Mobile ID/My Kuwait ID or self-service machines, enabling legally valid remote notarization and powers of attorney, plus banking and commerce transactions. Security Appointments: First Deputy PM and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef issued decrees appointing Maj Gen Hamad Al-Munaifi and Maj Gen Fawaz Al-Roumi to senior public security roles, stressing tighter coordination and stronger institutional performance. Public Security Operations: Interior traffic and inspection campaigns reported arrests of wanted people and residency/labor violators, plus cases involving illegal passenger transport. Anti-Fraud Enforcement: Criminal investigators arrested two Asian expatriates in Hawally over counterfeit official stamps allegedly used to process hospital paperwork. Energy & Environment: KNPC supplied low-sulfur fuel to power stations, cutting pollution levels by 65%, while the Electricity Ministry highlighted sustainability efforts and water/electricity conservation awareness. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM/FM held calls with Kuwait, UAE, Saudi, Oman and Bahrain to back de-escalation and dialogue, including MoU-linked commitments on Strait of Hormuz navigation. Regional Security Context: Kuwait’s oil minister said talks are underway on a crude pipeline to bypass Hormuz, as exports face disruption. Sports & Society: Kuwait’s beach volleyball teams departed for the West Asia Championship in Jordan; separate social coverage highlighted programs for elderly care and cancer patient support.

Kuwaitization Push: The Ministry of Justice says it has completed 100% Kuwaitization of the General Department of Experts, covering expert engineers, accountants and legal researchers, with next steps focused on rotating workloads, improving report quality and fully digitizing services. Business Transparency: The Commerce Ministry says a new decree-law on combating commercial concealment will tighten rules on beneficial ownership, aiming to protect fair competition and ensure state benefits reach eligible businesses. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty stressed intensifying de-escalation efforts to prevent the region’s conflict from widening. Iran-Hormuz Shockwaves: As US-Iran tensions swing, Trump says strikes will be paused and talks begin Monday, while Kuwait remains in the wider security spotlight amid Hormuz shipping risks and renewed missile/drone threats. Oil Market Watch: OPEC+ approved a September output increase of about 188,000 bpd, a move that could affect regional fuel costs and shipping economics. Security & Governance: Kuwait also issued a decree-law against commercial concealment and reported arrests and enforcement actions tied to residency and labor violations.

Commercial Crackdown: Kuwait issued Decree-Law No. 78/2026 to curb commercial concealment, banning unlicensed or “beyond-scope” business activity and penalizing offenders with 1–3 years in prison plus KD 10,000–100,000 fines (or profits), with tougher penalties for repeat cases. Residency Rules: The Interior Ministry allows certain expats to convert entry visit visas to regular residency for a KD 150 fee, with domestic helpers exempted. Health & Labor Policy: The Health Ministry approved higher nursing and midwifery allowances, topping at KD 1,510 monthly for senior roles, and PM chaired a meeting on the Dhaman health assurance hospitals project. Security Coordination: The Army chief of staff led a military-security readiness meeting, while Kuwait also reported destroying hostile drones targeting vital facilities. Regional Defense Ties: US military chiefs met Kuwait’s top brass to discuss defense cooperation and joint readiness. Food Safety: PAFN carried out inspections in Mahboula, issuing 50 violation notices and destroying 500kg of meat. Banking & Finance: NBK launched 0% interest financing for treatment costs up to five years; Boubyan Bank closed a $300m Sharia-compliant syndicated facility with Chinese participation. Energy Watch: OPEC+ agreed to raise output by 188,000 bpd in September, even as Hormuz risks keep shipping and prices volatile.

Kuwait-Iran Security: Kuwait’s armed forces said they intercepted and destroyed hostile Iranian drones over Kuwaiti airspace, with reports of material damage from falling debris after attacks targeting vital facilities and civilian vehicles on Bubiyan Island. Diplomacy to De-escalate: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held phone talks with Qatar’s PM and FM and separately with Jordan’s Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi, focusing on reducing tensions and protecting maritime navigation. US-Iran War Update: US President Donald Trump said he will order American forces to hold off on new strikes if a rapid deal is reached, citing “parameters” that include the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat; Iran warned against “adventurous action.” US Travel Warnings: US embassies across the region, including in Kuwait, urged Americans to consider departing or be ready to leave amid fears of unforeseen escalation and travel disruptions. Local Governance & Fees: Kuwait introduced a KD 150 fee to convert a visit visa into residency (with domestic workers exempted) and launched a smart home vehicle impoundment system charging a KD 10 setup fee plus KD 2 daily. Education Digital Push: Kuwait University’s Practical Education Center launched a digital transformation of its field training system, moving supervisors, schools and trainees’ reports online. Regional Ties: Kuwait and Jordan also coordinated diplomatic positions as regional security concerns mount.

Iran Attacks & Kuwait’s Response: Kuwait condemned repeated Iranian drone attacks on “vital” facilities, including a government site in the north and civilian vehicles on Bubiyan Island, saying they breach sovereignty and international law; Kuwait’s armed forces said hostile drones were intercepted and destroyed, with damage reported but no casualties. Security Crackdown: In Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said 1,253 people were arrested over security, residency and labour violations, including 36 children born out of wedlock; Kuwait Municipality issued 777 notices and removed abandoned vehicles. US Travel Warnings: US embassies across the region, including Kuwait, urged Americans to consider leaving or be ready to depart amid “unforeseen escalation,” warning of flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s FM held talks with the Czech Republic on bilateral ties and Middle East developments, while Kuwait welcomed a Gaza peace implementation plan and reiterated support for UN-backed steps. Regional Security Shift: Saudi’s proposed multinational maritime defense coalition—backed by Gulf states including Kuwait—was framed as a move to protect key shipping routes amid Iran-linked threats.

Iran Drone Attacks on Kuwait: Kuwait’s armed forces say they intercepted and destroyed hostile Iranian drones entering its airspace since dawn, targeting a government facility in northern Kuwait and civilian vehicles on Bubiyan Island; debris caused material damage but no casualties, while Kuwait’s General Staff urged residents to follow safety instructions. Foreign Policy Response: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a violation of sovereignty and international law, warning of dangerous escalation and reaffirming the right to take necessary measures to protect security. Regional Flashpoints: UKMTO reported two tanker incidents off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz—one struck near Lima and another explosion near Khasab—amid heightened shipping risk. US-Iran Escalation Signals: US President Donald Trump threatened more strikes on Iran as Washington presses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the White House accused Tehran of violating a truce memorandum by attacking commercial shipping. Gulf Security Cooperation: GCC unity and defense integration were highlighted in regional messaging as the Iran crisis deepens, alongside renewed focus on maritime protection initiatives.

Kuwait-Iran Tensions: Kuwait’s armed forces said they detected and destroyed hostile drones that entered Kuwaiti airspace early Friday, reporting material damage from debris but no casualties, while Kuwait’s Defense Ministry also condemned “Iranian aggression” targeting vital and military installations. Diplomatic Fallout: China urged restraint after an Iranian attack hit a building linked to a Chinese firm in Kuwait, saying no Chinese nationals were harmed and calling for protection of civilians and non-military facilities. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia moved to formalize a Red Sea maritime defense alliance, with a joint declaration backing a defensive framework to safeguard navigation and energy routes; Kuwait was listed among the founding supporters. Shipping Pressure: Analysts and trackers linked Strait of Hormuz disruption to fewer commercial crossings and rerouted tanker flows, with oil prices reacting to renewed risk. Humanitarian & Rights: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, highlighting technology-enabled online scams; separately, Kuwait’s food authority destroyed 195.2 kg of rotten meat after Farwaniya inspections. US Scrutiny: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin launched an investigation into DoD medical-care failures for servicemembers injured in a Port Shuaiba drone strike in Kuwait.

Kuwait’s Commerce Transparency Push: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a resolution updating beneficial-ownership rules, requiring companies to keep a special register and update it within 15 days of changes, tightening compliance on nominee board roles. Kuwait in the Iran-US Escalation: Iran’s army and IRGC claimed drone strikes on the Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, while Kuwait reported an earlier Iranian strike in northern Kuwait killed one person and said a strike hit a Chinese firm’s building, killing a worker. China Urges Restraint: Beijing called on Kuwait to protect Chinese institutions and urged dialogue to restore Gulf stability after the reported strike. Red Sea Security Coalition: Saudi Arabia moved to form a 14-nation maritime defence alliance to protect Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden; Kuwait is listed among founding supporters. Kuwait-Pakistan Defence and Security Ties: Kuwait’s foreign minister met Pakistani leaders in Islamabad, with talks covering regional security and defence cooperation amid the wider crisis. Humanitarian/Consular Fallout for Indians: India said its missions helped 1.4 lakh citizens return, including about 30,000 via Kuwait, as casualties from the West Asia conflict were reported to Parliament. Kuwait Oil Contract: L&T won a major EPC order from Kuwait Oil Company for Jurassic Light Oil export facilities and upgrades to the crude loading network.

Maritime Security: Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Khaled Al-Shuraian led Kuwait’s delegation at Saudi Arabia’s meeting on a Red Sea/Bab al-Mandeb maritime defense coalition, as Riyadh moves to coordinate protection of freedom of navigation amid Houthi-linked threats. Regional Conflict: Iran-linked strikes again hit Kuwait and the wider Gulf—Kuwait said an Iranian attack targeted a Chinese company facility in the north, killing a Nepali worker—while Kuwait’s foreign ministry condemned renewed Iranian missile attacks on Jordan and warned of escalation risks. Diplomacy & Defense Ties: Pakistan welcomed Kuwait’s ratification of the Pakistan-Kuwait Defense Cooperation Agreement, calling it a step to deepen institutional defense and broader economic cooperation. Human Rights & Labor: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower said it stepped up inspections tied to anti-trafficking and worker-rights enforcement, including action against private-sector violations. Social Policy: Kuwait launched the “Ta’afi” recovery initiative for people recovering from addiction, pairing government agencies with UN support and civil society to drive rehabilitation, jobs, and reintegration. Public Health Regulation: The Health Ministry ordered penalties and closures over confirmed private healthcare violations, including KD 5,700 in fines and license revocation for a violating facility. Citizenship Case: Investigators uncovered a decades-old citizenship fraud scheme involving a man allegedly using a deceased Kuwaiti’s identity to obtain civil documents and live under a false name for years. Travel Disruption: Qatar Airways extended its suspension of flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Erbil until Aug. 7 amid rising regional tensions.

Kuwait’s Workplace Rights Push: The Public Authority for Manpower launched “Report To Us” on the Sahel app, letting workers and employees report labor law violations to speed up action and strengthen compliance. Iran War Spillover in Kuwait: Kuwait’s military says an Iranian strike hit a Chinese firm’s building in the north, killing one worker and causing major damage, as Jordan reported intercepting five Iranian missiles. US-Iran Escalation Cycle: The US says it carried out a “heavy wave” of strikes on IRGC targets, while Iran vowed retaliation and the wider region braces for renewed escalation. Regional Diplomacy Under Strain: Pakistan’s foreign office says US-Iran talks are still ongoing, including on de-escalation and Strait of Hormuz issues, even as hostilities flare. Kuwait-Banking Sustainability Talks: The development and sustainability minister met Kuwait Banking Association leaders to boost cooperation on sustainability goals and improve reporting methods. GCC Finance Watch: A report flags a big wave of GCC bond and sukuk maturities, with Kuwait facing a smaller but still notable repayment load.