AGP Executive Report

Kuwait–South Korea Ties: HH the Amir sent a written message to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, delivered by FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Seoul, with both sides also discussing ways to de-escalate regional tensions. Airport T2 Push: The Cabinet met at Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 2 site and backed faster completion, while the PM inspected progress across the project’s main bundles. Security Sweep: MoI carried out major campaigns in the Capital and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, arresting 246 wanted persons and violators and issuing 445 traffic violations. Co-op Crackdown: Social Affairs and the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition will keep running surprise inspections of cooperative societies, with enforcement steps for serious violations. Court Win for Taima Residents: Kuwait’s Administrative Court overturned a PAHW eviction decision, protecting East Taima residents. Aviation Partnerships: Kuwait is moving to expand global aviation partnerships and boost investor incentives, alongside Cabinet praise for civil aviation joining ACI. Sports & Youth: Kuwait kicks off the 2029 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers against Oman, while Kuwait’s U-17 volleyball team was honored after winning Arab bronze.

Crime in Kuwait: Police in Jahra say an Ethiopian man stabbed his wife to death inside an apartment, arresting him after he hid at a friend’s home; investigators suspect marital infidelity as the motive. Kuwait-China ties: Kuwait’s FM met China’s Wang Yi in Beijing, with both sides stressing de-escalation in the Gulf and reaffirming the strategic partnership as China marks 55 years of diplomacy with Kuwait. US-Iran spillover for Kuwait: Reports say the US may start returning evacuated diplomats to Middle East posts, including Kuwait, as staffing rises from emergency levels; meanwhile, Kuwaitis say US troops are drawing Iran’s fire and “we’re paying the price.” Aviation status: Kuwait International Airport remains open, with flights running from Terminals 4 and 5 while Terminal 1 stays closed after earlier strike damage. Energy markets: Basrah crude rose, and Kuwait Export was reported up to about $93.71 a barrel amid Middle East tensions. Sports: Kuwait’s Kazma and other Gulf clubs learned group opponents for the expanded 2026-27 Gulf Club Champions League.

Kuwait–China Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah met China’s Wang Yi in Beijing, with both sides stressing de-escalation and coordination as 2026 marks 55 years of diplomatic ties. Drug Crackdown: Kuwait courts issued tough sentences under amended narcotics laws, including a Bangladeshi life term and a Kuwaiti 10-year prison term for hashish and psychotropic trafficking. Nationality Overhaul: Kuwait published the goals behind nationality law amendments, including tighter controls on citizenship files and electronic citizenship certificates, plus limits on voting and office for naturalised citizens. Business Transparency Push: A Kuwait Chamber seminar highlighted new beneficial ownership and anti-commercial concealment rules aimed at protecting the economy and fair competition. Public Safety Campaign: Burgan Bank and Kuwait Fire Force launched “A Safe Summer with KFF” to promote beach safety and prevention measures. Science Win: KISR researcher Dr Mishari Khaja won gold and a grand prize in Guangzhou for a wetland-based wastewater treatment innovation. Sports—Football & Handball: Kuwait’s Zain Premier League expands to 12 teams and kicks off with Kuwait Club vs Al-Arabi, while Kuwait’s junior handball team lost to Iran 18-21 and faces Saudi Arabia next. Regional Sports Draw: Kazma learned its Gulf Champions League group rivals after the draw in Doha. Consular Update: The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait added online visa interview booking.

Kuwait-China Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah met China’s top leadership in Beijing, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice President Han Zheng, to review ties and push de-escalation as the Middle East and Gulf face fresh strain. Gulf Security Talks: China urged all sides to return to dialogue, warning the region has reached a “critical juncture,” amid US threats of new economic measures targeting Iran’s trade partners. US-Iran Pressure: Iran’s foreign ministry said repeated US sanctions will fail and called them harmful to ordinary people, while Washington signals “unprecedented” economic pressure. Kuwait-India Trade: India and the GCC, including Kuwait, reviewed free trade agreement talks in Riyadh and discussed next steps ahead of a ministerial meeting. Kuwait Business & Energy: Shell’s US chemicals assets—potentially worth up to $8bn—are drawing interest from ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, Apollo, and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Travel Rules: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior will end temporary visa extension measures from September 1, returning to standard validity periods. Sports: The Gulf Club Champions League draw sets Kuwait’s Kazma in Pot Four for the expanded 12-team tournament.

Kuwait Security & Crime Watch: The Ministry of Interior ran major campaigns in Farwaniya, Khaitan and Riggae, arresting 64 wanted people and 47 residency violators in one sweep, and 36 violators/wanted persons in Riggae. Public Safety & Inspections: Kuwait Municipality continues shop and advertisement inspections across governorates, issuing citations and warnings after finding violations. Justice Update: Justice Ministry figures show theft cases down 43.4% in H1 2026, with robbery falling 66.4%. Citizenship & Voting Rules: The Amir approved changes to nationality law, including electronic nationality certificates and stripping political rights from naturalised citizens; separate reporting says naturalised Kuwaitis can’t vote or run for office. Business Compliance: Experts say Kuwait’s new anti-concealment law is confusing, targeting “license in one name, business run by another” setups. Domestic Violence Plan: Social Affairs chaired a committee meeting to build a national strategy and rapid-response mechanisms under the 2026 domestic violence law. Economy & Energy: KPC propane and butane exports fell 4.5% in the FY to March 31, while gold ended the week higher at $4,603 an ounce. Diplomacy & Health: Kuwait and Lebanon discussed expanding health cooperation; Kuwait also pushed stronger ties with India on food security and trade. Regional Tensions: Iran issued a new “non-compliant vessels” list for Strait of Hormuz transit, warning of fines and possible seizures. Sports & Culture: Kuwait’s junior handball campaign continues with a key match vs Iran; Kuwait and China marked 55 years of ties through a tea-focused cultural festival.

Pakistan-Iran Talks: Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir will visit Tehran on Monday for security talks, as Iran says the trip aims to boost cooperation and revive stalled US-Iran negotiations over issues including Strait of Hormuz navigation. Airline Update: Kuwait Airways denied rumours that confirmed First and Business Class bookings were being changed to Economy, saying any changes would follow procedures and passengers would be informed with rights preserved. Security Crackdown: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry carried out a Riggae campaign arresting 36 violators and wanted people, including cases tied to expired residency, absconding, drugs, and unlicensed medication sales. Food Safety: Kuwait’s food authority ordered closure of two Jleeb restaurants after inspectors found adulterated products of unknown origin, with further monitoring promised. Local Crime: A Bedoun man in his 30s was detained and charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a Kuwaiti over a parking dispute at Al Jahra mall. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait condemned a Damascus bus attack targeting Syria’s Internal Security Forces and expressed solidarity with Damascus. Humanitarian & Finance: NBK pledged KD 1 million to restore and rehabilitate Kuwait’s land border crossings, while Kuwait’s “Kuwait Stands with You” aid continues across multiple countries.

Kuwait Security & Justice: A Bedoun man was detained and charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a Kuwaiti over a parking dispute at a mall in Al-Jahra; investigators are also probing why he had a knife in his vehicle. Public Safety & Housing Rules: Kuwait Municipality has launched field teams to crack down on bachelors living in private and model residential areas, with possible fines and even electricity disconnection for violators. Humanitarian Reach: Kuwait’s “Kuwait Stands with You” campaign is extending aid across borders, including education, healthcare, water and food support reaching communities in Zanzibar, Yemen, Gaza, Chad, Palestine, India and parts of Africa. Banking & Infrastructure: NBK will contribute KD 1 million to restore and rehabilitate Kuwait’s land border crossings at Abdali, Salmi and Nuwaiseeb. Investment Policy: Kuwait is considering amendments to its Direct Investment Promotion Law, including allowing up to 100% foreign ownership and creating a faster, more integrated KDIPA digital service center. Regional Tensions: Iran warns Gulf states against hosting U.S. military presence, naming airports in Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. Sports: Al-Sulaibikhat’s judo team topped the Arab Open Championship in Egypt with 26 gold medals.

Kuwait Immigration Update: Kuwait will end automatic visa and leave-permit extensions from September 1, with residents abroad told to use the Sahel app residency status certificate to track deadlines and return on time. Health Regulation: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health bans Reiki, EFT and other non-scientific psychotherapy methods, setting licensing and compliance rules for mental health services. Security & Crime: Kuwait’s Criminal Security Sector arrested four Indian suspects in Jaber Al-Ahmad over a two-year diesel theft and telecom-tower vandalism case, after surveillance and technical monitoring. Regional Diplomacy: The Emir of Kuwait met GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi, stressing GCC integration for security and stability. Gulf Travel Disruption: With Strait of Hormuz tensions ongoing, UAE flight schedules are mixed; passengers are urged to check cancellations and status before flying. Aid & Community: Kuwaiti charities under “Kuwait by Your Side” are running projects from Zanzibar to Gaza, including education, health centers and water initiatives. Sports: Bahrain beat Saudi Arabia 100-86 in Doha as part of preparations that include Kuwait in the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifier group. Oil & Markets: Oil prices rose after Trump threatened tougher sanctions on Iran’s trading partners, raising supply-tightening fears.

Kuwait Crime Crackdown: Kuwait’s Criminal Security Sector says it has arrested four Indian suspects caught stealing diesel and damaging telecom towers in Jaber Al-Ahmad, after investigations using modern monitoring and surveillance linked the men to a contracted maintenance firm; authorities say the suspects allegedly siphoned “double” fuel amounts over two years, used some to cover shortages at other sites, and sold the rest. Oil & Sanctions Watch: Oil prices held firm on Friday and stayed on track for a second weekly gain as Trump threatened “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran’s trading partners, with analysts warning supply disruptions could worsen as Strait of Hormuz traffic remains below normal. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is set to visit China on Aug 23-24 amid US-Iran tensions, with Kuwait-China trade reported at $18.58bn last year. Housing Court Ruling: Kuwait’s Administrative Court upheld the Housing Welfare Authority’s decision to withdraw East Taima government homes, saying residents don’t have an absolute right to state housing without a valid legal basis. Humanitarian Case: A Nepalese woman held captive after being sent to Kuwait as a domestic worker was rescued, with police arresting a suspect accused of trafficking and arranging illegal departures.

Kuwait Housing Ruling: Kuwait’s Administrative Court backed the Housing Welfare Authority’s move to withdraw state homes in East Taima, saying residents don’t have an absolute right to keep government housing and must vacate under the law. Visas & Residency Rules: Kuwait will end automatic extensions for entry visas and leave permits from September 1, restoring standard validity periods; the Interior Ministry says Sahel is the official reference for leave-permit expiry dates. Kuwait-China Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah will visit China on August 23-24, as Beijing highlights growing trade ties and Kuwait’s 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Regional Tensions & Oil: With the US-Iran ceasefire deadlocked, oil prices are set for a second weekly rise despite small daily dips, as supply concerns keep Kuwait and other Gulf producers in focus. US Claims on Straits: Trump says the US is “essentially controlling” key waterways linked to Iran and will soon take full control, while insisting Iran won’t get nuclear weapons. Sports: Kuwait-linked handball and table tennis coverage continues across the region, including Kuwait clubs set for Bahrain’s Gulf handball cup and Kuwait athletes featuring in West Asian table tennis results.

Immigration Update: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior will end the wartime automatic extensions for visit visas and absence permits from Sept 1, but those leaving Kuwait by Aug 31 can keep the extension; the Sahel app certificate will be used as the official reference for expiry. Business & Economy: Kuwait Municipality is moving to replace local business classifications with international ISIC Rev.4 codes, alongside its “License Your Business” awareness push to help owners pick the right activity and stay compliant. Anti-Money Laundering: The PM chaired a meeting on Kuwait’s FATF observations and readiness, with key ministries and the Central Bank discussing coordination to meet anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing requirements. Energy & Industry: KNPC’s merger of liquefied gas bottling plants boosted output and sales, with cooking gas cylinders surpassing 17 million. Education: Higher Education accepted 33 students for the overseas scholarship program (2026-27), while Education opened registration for gifted school screening tests via Sahel. Sports: Kuwait opened the Asian Junior Handball Championship with a 29-19 win over Syria; Al-Arabi and Al-Qadsia learned their AFC Challenge Cup groups. Public Safety: Authorities registered deaths from a fall in Al-Qusour and a multi-vehicle crash on the Seventh Ring Road toward Fintas, and opened an investigation into an alleged assault and insults case inside a government office. Culture: NCCAL highlighted efforts to keep Kuwaiti heritage alive through exhibitions and events reaching younger audiences.

Kuwait Housing: The PAHW Women’s Housing Affairs Committee held a draw to distribute 330 rented homes in Taima and Sulaibiya, prioritizing divorced women, widows, women with disabilities and low-income applicants, with eligibility rules unchanged and applications dating back to 2017–2018. Kuwait Governance & Finance: Kuwait’s Prime Minister chaired a meeting on FATF observations, focusing on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance and coordination among key ministries and the Central Bank. Kuwait-US Defense: Kuwait Army Chief Lt Gen Khaled Al-Shuraian met US Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen Dan Caine at the Pentagon to discuss expanding military cooperation and regional security. Regional Security: The US is weighing reducing its Persian Gulf troop footprint after Iran-war damage, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as the US says it keeps the waterway open and patrolled. UAE-Iran Trade Shock: The UAE suspended all trade with Iran after renewed missile fire, tightening economic pressure on Tehran. Kuwait in Sports: Kuwait won bronze at the Arab U17 Men’s Volleyball Championship in Bahrain, completing the podium behind Egypt and hosts Bahrain. Diplomacy: South Korea’s FM Cho Hyun will meet Mexico and Kuwait counterparts in Seoul next week to discuss cooperation, including energy security.

Local Economy & Courts: Kuwait’s Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait backed new economic courts aimed at speeding up rulings for economic, commercial and investment disputes, with special court circuits and more electronic litigation and enforcement. Food Safety: Kuwait’s food inspectors destroyed 100kg of meat of unknown origin at Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Market, issued violations, and deported one individual as part of intensified market checks. Housing Materials Rules: Kuwait’s commerce ministry updated subsidized building-material distribution rules, tying eligibility to Kuwait Credit Bank loans and requiring electronic permits for demolition and reconstruction. Media & Tech: KUNA hosted GCC defense delegations to showcase its media mission and latest digital services, including Arabic/English/French operations and “KUNA Smart Oasis.” Charity Management: IICO ran a three-day “Lean Management in Charitable Work” Kaizen program with Kuwait Digital Academy to improve performance in the charitable sector. Green Urban Projects: Ahmadi’s governorate committee reviewed 12 green urban initiatives, with some deferred for final approvals before referral to the Council of Ministers’ Public Services Committee. Regional Energy Tensions: The US reportedly set up a shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz to keep oil moving, while the UAE suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran after renewed missile-related warnings. Sports (Youth): Kuwait’s under-11 girls swept singles medals at the West Asian Table Tennis Championships in Jordan, and Kuwait’s junior handball team began its Asian campaign in Amman.

Kuwait Nationality Overhaul: The Cabinet approved draft nationality law amendments tightening penalties for nationality fraud and introducing digital nationality certificates, with new rules that can revoke nationality from children/descendants if fraud awareness is proven. Hormuz Shockwaves: Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz appears to be weakening as more than 80% of ships reportedly shift to an Oman route, while Trump says no Iran talks are planned and insists Hormuz remains open—fueling oil-price pressure and uncertainty for Gulf shipping. UAE Hits Iran Economically: After detecting two ballistic missiles aimed at maritime traffic, the UAE suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran, escalating a dispute that has already disrupted regional markets. Local Enforcement: Kuwait authorities issued violations after a Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh inspection campaign, including missing prices and receipts, and launched food-safety crackdowns—one restaurant was closed over Salmonella contamination and live cockroaches. Sports & Culture: Al Rayyan were drawn in AFC Champions League Two Group C; Kuwait’s Badriyah Alsalem is among artists featured in Saudi’s CONTINUUM ’26 new media exhibition.

Cabinet & Courts: Kuwait approved major nationality and judiciary reforms, including stricter citizenship fraud penalties, electronic nationality certificates, and limits on naturalized citizens’ political rights, alongside plans for economic courts and updated judicial procedures. Security Tech & Public Health: The Ministry of Interior is pushing digital upgrades to speed security operations, while the Health Ministry tightened tobacco and nicotine rules—banning sales to under-21s, restricting outlets and online sales, and requiring licensed, registered products. Citizenship Crackdown: Kuwait also set a deadline for employees/foreign workers to update academic certificates, as authorities tighten compliance. Food Smuggling Bust: Customs seized subsidized food supplies worth for diversion—2,200+ items hidden in containers headed to Sri Lanka—aimed at protecting Kuwait’s food security. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait condemned Israeli strikes on a Syrian airbase and urged the UN to stop repeated attacks, while Kuwait’s FM held calls with Egypt, Jordan, UAE and Oman on de-escalation. Sports & Youth: Kuwait’s junior handball teams completed final training for the Asian Championship in Jordan, and Kuwait Club strengthened its volleyball squad ahead of the new season. Business & Travel: Jazeera Airways launched flights to Aswan, and NBK-Bahrain reported $160.45m net profit in H1 2026.

Kuwait Foreign Policy: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held phone calls with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Egypt and Jordan to review regional developments and push de-escalation and stability. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and Kuwait also discussed ways to contain widening tensions and keep Arab coordination strong to avoid escalation. Strait of Hormuz & Oil: With the 60-day US-Iran MoU deadline expiring, Iran warns it will shift to a “fully offensive” posture if diplomacy fails, while shipping through the Strait remains sharply curtailed and a vessel was reportedly hit by a projectile. Kuwait Civil Service Update: Kuwait sets Aug 27 deadline for government and private-sector employees, including foreign workers, to update academic qualifications via the ministry’s portal. Digital Services: Zain Kuwait and CITRA back the “Arqami” feature on the Sahel app, letting people view mobile lines and subscriptions tied to their Civil ID. Sports: East Bengal FC were drawn in AFC Champions League Two Group D with Al Hussein, Al Shorta and Al Seeb. Entertainment Tech: LG and stc tv expand Smart TV integration across Saudi, Kuwait and Bahrain.