KUWAIT: Health Minister Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah yesterday approved three ministerial resolutions on adding 31 medicines to the list of drugs and psychoactive drugs. The Ministry of Health (MoH) explained that the decisions were made responding to recommendations made by the joint committee formed to implement laws 74/1983 and 48/1987 headed by MoH assistant undersecretary for medicine and food control Dr Abdullah Al-Bader.

In another health concern, Sabah Medical Zone Director Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Farhoud expressed the zone’s pride after a number of the zone’s hospitals, including Al-Sabah Hospital, were awarded national accreditation for quality health services. Speaking at a special ceremony held on the occasion at Sabah Hospital, he thanked all the hospital staff for their sincere efforts. Sabah Hospital Manager Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Enezi announced preparations to move to the new hospital building soon. He added that winning the national accreditation award was only the beginning of a long path of hard work, cooperation and dedication to provide top quality health services.

By A Saleh

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Amir meets Dutch FM, European Parliament’s delegation

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday at Bayan Palace His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem. His Highness the Amir also met His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah along with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok. The meetings were attended by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah.

Minister Blok said that the Netherlands highly appreciates Kuwait’s efforts to keep stability in the region intact. He said he was deeply honored to have met His Highness the Amir, describing his country’s ties with Kuwait as enduring and amicable. He emphasized bilateral investment ties, saying the two countries enjoy a robust trade relationship. The Dutch foreign minister commended Kuwait for the Gulf state’s contributions towards peace in the Middle East, naming Iraq and Yemen as examples. He went on to say that Amsterdam and Kuwait see eye to eye on world issues, hoping for more ‘progress’ in relations.

Kuwait mediation
Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir met the head of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula, Michele Alliot-Marie, and a delegation accompanying her. Alliot-Marie said that the EU completely backs Kuwait’s mediation in settling Gulf differences. Saying that she was honored to have met with His Highness the Amir, she added that the European Union and Parliament attach great importance to His Highness the Amir’s efforts in the region, and fully support mediation efforts exerted by the State of Kuwait to resolve the existing dispute between the GCC countries. She noted that the presidents of the European Council and Parliament had invited His Highness the Amir to visit the European Parliament and EU to talk about all dimensions of the issue.
The EU’s MP went on to say that she and her accompanying delegation had listened to His Highness the Amir’s views on the Gulf differences and the current regional situation. She added that they had also addressed the ongoing war in Yemen and the Kuwaiti role in putting an end to this conflict, in addition to the relationship between Gulf countries and Iran. She concluded by saying that it was very significant to listen to His Highness the Amir in order to have a clear understanding of the region’s geopolitical situation. His Highness the Prime Minister also met separately with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok and head of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula Michele Alliot-Marie.

Crown Prince’s receptions
Also yesterday, His Highness the Crown Prince Received Ghanem and His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak. He also received Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan, along with the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and CEO of Kuwait’s Capital Market Authority Dr Ahmad Al-Melhem. His Highness the Crown Prince also met the Director General of Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Mishal Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who also heads a committee tasked with improving the business environment in Kuwait.
Against the backdrop of S&P Dow Jones’ classification of Kuwait’s stock exchange as an ’emerging’ market, His Highness the Crown Prince was given the Capital market regulator’s annual report for the fiscal year 2017-2018, in addition to a World Bank report over creating an alluring business environment in Kuwait. His Highness the Crown Prince commended these measures that aim to transform the country into a financial and economic hub, which is part of a broad Kuwaiti vision for development.

Janadriyah Festival
In other news, His Highness the Crown Prince is set to leave today, with an accompanying delegation, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Nawaf’s visit comes at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to attend the inauguration of the 33rd Janadriyah Festival 2018. The two-week annually held cultural heritage festival convenes this year under the title ‘Fulfillment and Loyalty.’ – KUNA

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KUWAIT: Kuwait, a conservative Muslim country, allows Christians to practice their faith and there are several churches in the country. On a social level, however, some view celebrating non-Muslim holidays as an invasive foreign practice. Although no statistics are available, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that more and more Muslims in Kuwait are celebrating the social and cultural aspects of Christmas. This has led to pushback from some who view this celebration as wrong.

Niqashna, a local community platform, organized a debate Tuesday evening around this theme: “Merry Christmas: Are foreign holidays endangering our identity?” Dozens of attendees came to hear the two speakers – one for, one against – offer their views on the impact the celebration of Christmas in Kuwait is having on society.

Speaking against, Mohammad Al-Sadani, an Arabic language instructor and TV broadcaster, argued that the celebration of Christmas, even as only a cultural practice without any religious meaning, is harmful to the Kuwait identity.

“The identity is all about our culture, religion, language, clothes… We should believe in the importance of our identity as Muslims and Kuwaitis,” Sadani said, noting that most foreign holidays do not relate to Kuwait’s traditions. “We do not have to celebrate the pure religious concept of the celebration about the birth of Jesus and Christianity.”

“What is the role of the government in protecting our identity?” Sadani wondered. He also complained that the government has allowed the installation of Christmas trees in some areas including Ahmadi, arguing that this goes against Kuwait’s Muslim identity.

Speaking for, Dr Sheikha Al-Jassem, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Kuwait University, said that Kuwait’s identity is more inclusive and does not forbid the celebration of Christmas holidays. “Our identity is dynamic, always changing,” she said. “Our Kuwaiti identity changed by time, where we are not all originally from Kuwait, but we came from different backgrounds and religions. Therefore, we have to accept the differences among us.”

“The danbora dance is originally from Africa. Our biriyani dish is from India,” she added. “The Kuwaiti culture is a mix from everywhere when international trade was one of Kuwait’s main sources of income before oil. All of these are Kuwait’s identity. We cannot choose who is wrong or right. We cannot change the fact of the changing elements of our identity. The identity remains the same even when we celebrate other holidays. That does not change anything. Christmas is about celebrating the winter. The tree is a symbol of life remaining green in spite of the cold world outside.”

The audience seemed divided, with many supporting the right to celebrate Christmas as a cultural tradition and practice, but others also clapped when Sadani noted that the pervasive growth of English had begun to erode the role of Arabic in the society.

Christmas as a holiday has long been a controversial topic in Kuwait. In previous years, members of parliament have complained about the sale of Christmas trees in shops and Christmas decorations in local malls. At the same time, there are more than three million expatriates in Kuwait and a large segment of these are Christian or from Christian backgrounds, while shops, restaurants and malls often decorate their premises in acknowledgement of the holiday.

By Faten Omar

The post Celebrating Christmas in Kuwait: Yay or Nay? appeared first on Kuwait Times.

KUWAIT: Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower Ahmad Al-Moussa met yesterday with deputy head of Ghana’s diplomatic mission and discussed a possible recruitment of labor from Ghana. In a press release, Moussa said they discussed the mechanism of organizing the recruitment process for employers in the field of construction, agricultural activity and domestic employment.

He expressed his happiness at this meeting, assuring the authority is fully prepared to cooperate with those involved in the recruitment of labor from Ghana. The Ghanaian official praised the excellent relationship between Kuwait and Ghana, thanking Kuwait for its services to his country. – KUNA

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Opposition warns ruling strips Assembly of powers

KUWAIT: The constitutional court yesterday ruled that article 16 of the National Assembly’s charter is unconstitutional, in a verdict that means unseating opposition MPs Waleed Al-Tabtabaei and Jamaan Al-Harbash. Opposition MPs described the ruling as “very dangerous”, saying it represents an interference by the court in the Assembly’s authority and called for introducing legislation to restrict the powers of the country’s highest court, whose rulings cannot be challenged.

Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem declined to comment on the ruling before receiving it through official channels, but at least 10 opposition lawmakers decided to send a letter to the Assembly to discuss the consequences of the verdict on the future of the parliament. Article 16 was used by the Assembly in October to retain the membership of Tabtabaei and Harbash even after the court of cassation sentenced them to jail for storming the Assembly building in Nov 2011.

Tabtabaei, Harbash and about a dozen former MPs and opposition activists who were convicted have left the country to avoid serving the jail terms. After the two lawmakers received the jail sentences, a constitutional controversy erupted on whether they should lose or keep their seats. The Assembly decided that it has the right to vote on the issue based on article 16 of its internal charter. It voted in favor of keeping the seats.

In its 11-page verdict, the court insisted that the voting process the Assembly undertook and its decision to keep the membership of the two lawmakers represents a “flagrant interference” in its authority. The court also said that members of the Assembly automatically lose their seats once they receive a final condemnation in a criminal case, and accordingly Tabtabaei and Harbash should have lost their seats immediately after they were sentenced.

Constitutional expert Mohammad Al-Fili said the verdict means that both Harbash and Tabtabaei have lost their seats and the Assembly must officially announce procedures for holding by-elections. Harbash warned in a tweet that the consequences of the verdict will prevent the Assembly from considering the membership of its members. He said that this would mean that the membership of MPs can be easily stripped through a governmental administrative decision without allowing the Assembly to do anything.

Following the ruling, 10 opposition MPs held an urgent meeting to discuss its impact. MP Al-Humaidi Al-Subaei said it was decided that a letter will be submitted to the Assembly to discuss the consequences of the verdict. He regretted that the verdict calls for stripping the lawmakers of their seats, adding the ruling deals a heavy blow to the Assembly’s constitutional powers and prevents it from practicing its supervisory powers, which is a very dangerous matter. MP Thamer Al-Suwait denied he has resigned from the Assembly because of the verdict, adding that the response to the ruling will be through issuing legislation to restrict the constitutional court’s powers to achieve a real separation of authorities.
A number of MPs however welcomed the verdict as a victory of the constitution, saying that the voting on the membership was unconstitutional. MP Mohammad Al-Dallal said the court was not neutral in its ruling and its verdict violates article 50 of the constitution on the separation of the executive, legislative and judicial authorities. Dallal said that the ruling deprives the Assembly from one of its powers to determine the fate of its members. He said the verdict is unconstitutional and surpasses the authority of the Assembly and interferes in its powers, and will drag the country into a political crisis.

By B Izzak

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Bicycling on the seaside has become very popular, especially during winter when the weather is pleasant. But it’s rare to see people using bicycles to head to work, mainly due to the extremely hot weather in Kuwait most of the year. One of such people is Nadal Casenove, a 41-year-old French resident, who cycles to work not only in winter, but during summer as well. What is more impressive is that it’s not due to not owning a vehicle or a driving license, but for it being a faster way to reach office and a form of exercise too.

“Most days I use the bicycle to reach the office, but sometimes I choose to walk. By bicycle it takes me around 10 minutes, and 15 minutes by walking,” Casenove told Kuwait Times. “I very rarely use my car to get to work, as it takes me 20 to 25 minutes due to the traffic. I also save time when I use the bicycle as I don’t need to spend time looking for a parking spot, which sometimes takes around 30 minutes, as my office is downtown, which is always packed,” he said.

Casenove is able to use the bicycle as he lives near his workplace. “I live in Bneid Al-Gar and work in Sharq in Al-Hamra Tower, so it’s easy for me to bear the summer heat. I have been bicycling to work for about a year and a half. As the trip is short, I can wear a formal suit too and don’t need to carry an extra outfit,” he pointed out.

“I used to cycle back home in France before coming to Kuwait, and I enjoy it. Riding a bicycle is good for my body, and it’s less stressful due to the traffic and parking. There are around three other people who cycle to work at Al-Hamra Tower but not in the same company, so we have a special space to keep them,” he said.

Sometimes, riding a bicycle can be dangerous. “Once a driver almost hit me and I fell off the bicycle as he overtook me and made a sudden turn without bothering to see that I was there. People here are not used to cyclists on the roads and are not careful. Also, the roads are not meant for bicycles unless on the seaside. I hope the authority in charge of roads considers the needs of cyclists and makes practical arrangements to use a bicycle,” stressed Casenove.

The bicycle doesn’t need much maintenance. “I bought my bicycle for KD 400, as it’s of a good quality. I only change the tires every six months. Apart from using it for work, I ride the bicycle during the weekend with my wife and kids, who all have their own bicycles,” he said. “I advise people to try it. If more people use the bicycle as their means of transportation, the authorities will make it easier for us. Also, it’s a way to exercise on a regular basis. I encourage people to cycle, with precautions,” concluded Casenove.

By Nawara Fattahova

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Bad experiences can sometimes lead to creative outcomes. Being bullied at a young age in school inspired and motivated 14-year-old Kuwaiti student Noor Qaddoumi to compose beautiful songs that have useful messages. Noor, a talented student of Kuwait English School, participated in the ‘Little Big Stars’ talent show broadcast on MBC.

“I saw an advertisement about the audition of this program on TV. The same day I went to the audition with my family. It took place in September in Kuwait, and the team chose those who qualified. Then we traveled to Lebanon in October, where the show was filmed. The episode where I participated was broadcast earlier this month (December),” she told Kuwait Times.

Noor’s talent is in writing and composing songs about humanitarian issues such as bullying, pollution, injustice and others. ‘Little Big Stars’ is not a competition but rather a platform to showcase children’s talents. It includes various themes such as singing, mathematics, exercise, athletics, cooking and other talents.

Kuwait Times: Why choose humanitarian issues for your songs?

Noor: I feel it’s important to be able to discuss and present a message. Some people are feeling depressed due to being bullied, and I want to help them. This is a kind of support for them, and to tell them they are not alone. Through my songs, I want to encourage them to speak loudly about their problems.

‘Don’t Hide It’ is the name of the song that I composed on bullying. Through this song I tell victims of bullying not to keep this bad experience to themselves, but to speak about it to get help from others. As I went through this experience, it made me able to compose this song. I also presented this song at an anti-bullying conference and during a school show, where I ranked third among the participants.

When I was a child at school, some older students used to bully me, especially since I wear glasses. They used to threaten me and ask me to do things that would make me get in trouble. At first I kept it to myself and was sad, as I didn’t want my mom to get upset. I even told my mom I don’t want to go to school. But later I decided to tell my parents, who informed the school administration.

KT: Which musical instrument do you play?

Noor: It’s called a ukulele. It’s kind of a small guitar with four strings. I like this instrument as it makes me happy whenever I play it. I learnt playing it on YouTube, and now it’s almost a year that I’m playing the ukulele. I feel it produces happy melodies. I only write songs in English but I wish to write in Arabic as well in the future, when my Arabic gets better. I’m also learning to play the guitar and piano, in addition to ballet.

KT: When did you start composing songs?

Noor: I started at the beginning of this year, so it’s been almost a year now. I registered with the school choir in third grade. They trained me how to sing and taught me how to do notes. I also participate in the British School in Middle East music festival every year. I compose songs on injustice, pollution, gossiping and bullying, and am working on ideas for new songs. I would like to become a lawyer. I want to defend those who suffer from injustices, as I lived through this experience. I also want to become a popular singer. Music is a great way to express yourself and your feelings – it’s my way to send a message.

The post Local student turns bullying into songs appeared first on Kuwait Times.

KUWAIT: Ahmadi detectives identified the person who forced a child to smoke a cigarette in a video that went viral on social media and was shown by a satellite channel. The Arab expat, who was summoned, said the child is the son of his friend and it was the father who was filming them for fun. The father admitted making the video, and was sent to the child protection department and charged accordingly. Further investigations revealed that the person who appeared in the clip forced children under 18 to work in a Fahaheel market shop in violation of the residency law. Both men were sent to concerned authorities.

Quad ban in 2 areas

Traffic department added Khairan and Seaside Sabah Al-Ahmad City to residential areas where all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not allowed to be driven, implementing the Council of Ministers law 900/2009 regarding banning small vehicles from main roads, highways and neighborhoods.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

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KUWAIT: The Civil Service Commission is considering a proposal to increase the allowances of members overseeing and grading exams at the request of the education ministry. The commission asked for the amount of the proposed allowance and the current annual cost of such allowances, in addition to the requested annual increases. Sources expected the proposal to be approved, especially since it was made on the instructions of the education minister.

The sources said the ministry told the commission the annual cost according to what is being paid now (2017-2018) is KD 6 million over two semesters, after canceling the four semester system. The ministry said the total value of the proposed allowance for those handling the examinations for the next fiscal year 2019-2020 is estimated at KD 7.5 million.
The CSC also announced that Tuesday, Jan 1, 2019 will be an official holiday.

Health insurance tender woes

The tender for providing health insurance for expats is facing many technical issues that may lead to canceling and reissuing it, which means that official authorities are not comfortable with it. It was found that five companies from the same group were trying to win it through different offers, although they are directly and indirectly related. The fatwa and legislation department said if the health ministry wants to sign contracts to provide the service of registering subscribers for health insurance, then they should follow the contracting routes mentioned in law 49/2016 with regards to public tenders.

7 new schools to open

Sources said the education ministry is preparing to open seven new schools in January. They said the ministry is putting the final touches on five schools in Sabah Al-Ahmad residential city (one kindergarten, two elementary, one intermediate and one secondary), in addition to an elementary school with female teachers in Qairawan and a school in Jaber Al-Ahmad.

By A Saleh

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KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah attended yesterday the opening of the new expansion project of Amiri Hospital, under the patronage of HH the Amir. Jaber Al-Mubarak toured the facilities of the new building, including medical departments, clinics, wards and reception units.

The premier, in a press release, praised efforts exerted in building the new expansion, expressing confidence in the abilities of national cadres to operate and manage the facility. He noted that the project is a great addition to the hospital in order to provide good care to citizens and residents. – KUNA

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KUWAIT: Fire broke out in a store’s basement in Souq Mubarakiya, prompting firefighters respond and put out the blaze. An investigation revealed that faulty wiring caused the fire. No injuries were reported.

Fatal crash

A citizen was killed and three were injured during a collision between a dump truck and a car on Rehayya road in Jahra, Al-Rai reported. Police, paramedics and firemen responded and worked on freeing the deceased, as the injured were taken to hospital. The body was recovered by the coroner.

Theft

An alleged thief deployed a new method to steal phones and computers from the cars of company representatives he contacted online to deliver goods he ordered, and gave them addresses that do not belong to him. He opened their cars without having to break in, and used phone numbers registered in the names of deported expats. The affected companies complained to police and said that cars’ contents were stolen without any signs of breaking in, reported Al-Rai.

Detectives found the thief used to select buildings in suitable locations, then gave the building’s number, floor and flat number and to companies who take orders online and accept payment on delivery. He then waited for the deliveryman to go inside the building. He then opened the delivery vehicle and stole its contents. They found he stole 12 mobile phones and two computers. Investigations are ongoing to arrest him.

Abnormal condition

Firemen and policemen brought a citizen, who was in an abnormal condition, under control after he set his family house on fire and locked them in. Police received a call about a fire in a Saad Al-Abdullah house, so firemen were dispatched there. A man appeared with a knife, and when asked to make way to put out the fire, especially since the family was locked inside, he refused in a manner that showed he was not in a normal condition. He was brought under control and the fire was put out without injuries, Al-Rai reported.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun and Agencies

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KUWAIT: An informed source at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said results of the first year of implementation of the government’s the replacement plan resulted in terminating the contracts of 2,799 expatriates from various ministries and state departments. These results were to evaluate the first year of the plan in implementation of the CSC decision, Al-Anbaa reported yesterday, quoting the source. He revealed that the education ministry topped the list of ministries in implementing this policy by terminating 1,507 expats during the first year – 54 percent of the total of 2,799. The awqaf and Islamic affairs ministry was second by terminating 436 expats at 16 percent.

The source said the replacement plan requires the termination of 41,741 expats who are still at work, adding that the number of expats in ministries varies, as there are 31,171 expats in the education ministry and the number goes down gradually until it ends with four expats at the secretariat general of the awqaf ministry. The oil ministry is 100 percent ‘Kuwaitized’ as no expats are working there.

The number of non-Kuwaitis working in the government whose contracts ended on July 1, 2018 in implementation of the replacement policy 2017/2018 are as follows: Education Ministry: 1,507; Awqaf Ministry: 436; Health Ministry: 273; Ministry of Electric Water: 158, Interior Ministry: 155; Justice Ministry: 62; Council of Ministers: 50; Public Works Ministry: 40; Information Ministry: 35; Civil Service Commission: 20; Social Affairs Ministry: 14; Finance Ministry: 11; Foreign Ministry: 11; Defense Ministry: 6; Higher Education Ministry: 4; Services Ministry: 3; Fatwa and Legislation Department: 3; National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters : 2; State Ministry for Youth: 2; Central Statistical Bureau: 2; General Secretariat of Supreme Council for Planning and Development: 2; General Customs Department: 2; Commerce and Industry Ministry: 1.

According to Central Service Commission (CSC) statistics, the total number of unemployed citizens is 13,523 – 3,540 males (26.18 percent) and 9,983 females (73.82 percent), reported Al-Anbaa daily, noting that 45.66 percent have been jobless for over 12 months, while only 10.31 percent have been unemployed for 6 to 12 months, which strongly indicates a drop in unemployment compared to previous years.

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh told Al-Qabas daily that the total number of citizens working for the private sector and receiving national labor support allowances is 59,802 until last September.

Sabeeh added that according to the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program, citizens working for the private sector include 8,716 managers, 3,059 heads of departments, 2,562 supervisors, 2,310 secretaries, 415 mandoubs (representatives), 218 in safety and security, 205 storekeepers, 167 mechanics, 165 electricians, 155 light vehicle drivers, 128 security guards, 78 cashiers, 62 electrical technicians, 38 hairdressers, 31 maintenance technicians and 20 operators.

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KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately owned companies in the region, restated its commitment towards aiding displaced Syrian families in refugee camps by supporting a recent Kuwait Red Crescent Society relief campaign. This collaboration further underscores both entities’ commitment to help the underprivileged.

The company supported the campaign with funds to cover the costs of thousands of blankets and fuel needed for heaters. The supplies are distributed to thousands of families braving the sub-zero temperatures in the region of Bekaa valley in the east of Lebanon. Further supporting the cause, Alghanim Industries promoted this campaign to thousands of its followers on social media channels.

Commenting on this recent collaboration with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Chairman of Alghanim Industries, Kutayba Yusuf Alghanim said: “This winter, thousands of refugees face severe weather conditions. Partnering with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, we are eager to address some of the many difficulties endured by these families. Through this campaign, we hope to have positive impact on their lives, and make a difference in this protracted crisis. We thank the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for their noble efforts, and the continued aide they provide to people in need.”

Alghanim Industries is committed to its strategy of giving forward to the community by empowering underprivileged people, supporting education and encouraging entrepreneurship as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program. The company was previously named ‘Diamond Partner’ by Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) in recognition of its efforts to support KRCS by facilitating treatment for needy patients in Kuwait. The company also covered the expenses of restoring houses for the Children’s Home – an orphanage launched by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor’s Social Welfare Sector for all orphans in Kuwait.

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KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service provider in Kuwait, proudly received four titles as part of the Advertising Creativity Award 2018. The award, organized by the Arab Media Forum, came for the sixth year under the patronage and attendance of the Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri, as well as the attendance of Director of the Arab Media Forum Madhi Al-Khamees.

During the awards ceremony, Zain received four titles; Special Award for Zain LIFE 2018 TVC, National Campaigns Award for Zain’s Kuwait National Day 2018 TVC, Corporate Sustainability Creativity Award which recognized Zain’s various social and humanitarian campaigns launched throughout the year 2018 in line with the company’s Corporate Sustainably and Social Responsibility strategy, as well as the Creativity in Public Relations Award (PR Star) presented to Zain Kuwait’s Chief Corporate Communications and Relations Officer Waleed Al-Khashti.

In the National Campaigns category, Zain won for its Kuwait National Day 2018 TVC, which was released on the occasion of Kuwait’s National Day celebrations in February. For this TVC, the company utilized 300 drones in a spectacular aerial show for the first time in Kuwait, which was held in collaboration with Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center (JACC).

 It is worth noting that Zain, represented by Zain Kuwait’s Chief Corporate Communications and Relations Officer Waleed Al-Khashti, participated in a Public Relations and Marketing panel discussion that came as part of the Advertising Creativity Award 2018 organized by the Arab Media Forum. The event featured a number of prominent experts, academics, and specialists in the fields of public relations, marketing, and advertising.

This awarding comes in light of Zain’s distinguished advertising and media involvement, and it further showcases the company’s role as a leading private sector company launching several marketing and advertising campaigns all year round. Zain will continue supporting this very important field which carries significant and informative messaging to the public at large and the communications world as a whole, whether through traditional or modern media tools.

The Advertising Creativity Award 2018 was organized for the sixth year by the Arab Media Forum, which has proven itself to be one of the region’s most prominent events that attend to Arab Media. The event brought together many ministers, media executives, journalists, academics, authors, actors, businessmen, and social figures from all around the Arab world.

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KUWAIT: A domestic helper was rushed to Mubarak Hospital following a suicide attempt by ingesting a large quantity of medicine, but the sponsor’s action saved her life. The sponsor called police, who rushed to the scene with paramedics and found the Sri Lankan woman in critical condition. Doctors performed gastric lavage and her condition stabilized.

Domestic violence

An Egyptian man beat his wife due to a domestic dispute, causing various injuries. Police had to intervene to rescue the woman after she called them for help. The couple was taken to the police station, where the woman insisted on lodging a complaint and submitted a medical report stating her condition.

Fight

A fight broke out following a car accident. Policemen intervened and referred the incident to the police. The incident began when the vehicles collided and sustained damage. The two motorists exchanged blame, which evolved to exchanging blows.

Abnormal condition

Hawally police arrested three citizens who were in an abnormal condition and had psychoactive tablets on them. All were sent to concerned authorities. A police patrol spotted the three in a parked car in Hawally.

Addict arrested

Hawally police arrested an Egyptian man who lay down on the pavement in Nugra after consuming too much drugs. Interior ministry operations received a call from passersby about a man in an abnormal condition behaving strangely in Nugra. Police and paramedics went to the scene and found the suspect lying on the ground. When a policeman approached him, he attempted to escape on foot but failed when a police patrol cut him off. He was treated, then sent to the police station to face legal action. – Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Rai

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KUWAIT: A motorist died in an accident reported yesterday afternoon at the Sixth Ring Road. The victim was driving towards Jahra when his vehicle lost balance and turned over, Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) reported. The man had succumbed to his injuries by the time firefighters and paramedics arrived to the scene. It was not immediately known whether other vehicles were involved in the accident. An investigation was opened to determine what caused the accident.

Cigarettes’ smugglers caught

Customs officers at the Nuwaiseeb border outlet south of the country arrested a passenger who was leaving Kuwait with 70 cartons of cigarettes he tried to smuggle out of the country. Meanwhile, in another case, officers found 2,000 cartons of cigarettes hidden in a pick-up truck. The vehicles was impounded. Smuggling of cigarettes from Kuwait has increased since Saudi Arabia imposed heavy taxes on the commodity in April 2017.

Police station fire

Firemen fought a blaze in the Jabriya police station file room. The fire was put out without injuries, as investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education’s administrative sector is currently finalizing lists including the names of 1,000 expat employees who will be replaced by citizens during the current academic year 2018-2019, said informed sources. The sources explained that the employees due to be terminated by the end of June 2019 include 300 teachers, 100 social workers and 600 service staff (office boys). The sources added the education sector has targeted the 300 teachers according to the subjects they teach, due to the abundance of Kuwaiti teachers of the same subjects to replace them.

Job opportunities

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) announced that the total number of citizens working for it with degrees in petroleum and chemical engineering is 2,021 while expats are only 329. KPC also announced that there are 750 job opportunities for citizens holding degrees in petroleum and chemical engineering starting with fiscal year 2019-2010 until 2023-2024.

Stateless doctors

Health Minister Dr Basel Al-Sabah announced taking serious measures in collaboration with related bodies to resolve the problems faced by stateless doctors working for the ministry. “The state needs those doctors,” he stressed, pointing out that one of the suggested solutions is to enroll them to work for private sector hospitals and medical centers. He added that he had already met a number of stateless doctors and promised to resolve the problems they are facing.

Bone marrow transplant

Al-Sabah Medical Zone Director Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Farhoud opened the blood diseases and bone marrow transplant ward at Yaqoub Behbehani center after it was refurbished. The opening ceremony was attended by Aqeel Yaqoub Behbehani. Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC) Manager Dr Khloud Al-Ali said the ward includes eight beds and it serves bone marrow transplant patients aged 14 and above. She added that the new ward will help boost bone marrow transplants, which began in Kuwait in 2011.

New trademarks

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announced that its trademarks and patent rights department received 2,552 applications to register new trademarks through its web portal in November.  The ministry announced that it processed 924 trademark registration applications, 1,143 applications to publish trademarks and 484 trademark registrations.

Property taxes

The secretariat of the Jordanian capital Amman announced that Kuwaitis’ real estate, apartments and lands are exempted from fines on property taxes till the end of the year. In this regard, the secretariat’s financial affairs manager Samer Yaseen said that the opportunity is open for all owners, including Kuwaitis, to benefit from the exemption provided they pay the tax in full, noting that the exemption during the first quarter of 2019 will drop to only 50 percent.

By A Saleh and Meshaal Al-Enezi

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AMMAN: Kuwait’s Al-Najat charity has launched a humanitarian endeavor encompassing medical aid for Syrian refugees residing in Jordan, including 1,500 orphans. The charity has sent a contingent to Jordan to provide medical attention to Syrian refugees, many of whom are in dire need of such care, Oud Al-Khamis, the head of a committee affiliated with Al-Najat, said in a statement yesterday.

The medical aid package includes “social support and psychological help,” he added, saying that orphans are among the main recipients of aid given by the charity. Concerning Syrian refugees in Jordan, he said even those residing in the most remote places have been taken into account, pointing out that the frigid weather conditions usually augment their misery. He thanked the charity’s supporters and all those who have contributed to its altruistic projects in any way.

Financial aid

Meanwhile, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), alongside its partners in Jordan, doled out pecuniary aid yesterday to some 500 Syrian refugee families across the Hashemite kingdom. The principles of altruism form the bedrock of Kuwait’s foreign policy, as evident by the moniker of ‘Humanitarian Leader’ the UN has given the Gulf state’s Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s ambassador to Amman Aziz Al-Daihani said.

The aid Kuwait has given the legions of Syrian refugees in Jordan is part of a ‘prolonged’ humanitarian endeavor it has launched since the conflict in Syria commenced, he added. The venerable Kuwaiti charity provided the families with 500 coupons worth $70 each, the director of KRCS’ volunteer center Dr Msaad Al-Enezi revealed. Jordan National Red Crescent Society’s chairman Dr Mohammad Al-Hadid was grateful for the copious amounts of Kuwaiti aid, saying it helped the Jordanian government cope with the influx of Syrian refugees. Jordan is home to 1.3 million Syrian refugees, 655,000 of whom are registered.

Cancer patients

In the meantime, KRCS and Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Center yesterday inked a deal in the vicinity of KD 40,000 ($132,000), purposed to offer medical care to Syrian cancer patients living in Jordan.The sum was provided by Kuwait Finance House (KFH).The agreement was signed by KRCS volunteers section head Mesaed Al-Enezi and the Jordanian center’s chief Nesreen Qatamesh, with Kuwaiti Ambassador in Amman Azeez Al-Daihani and Jordan National Red Crescent Society Chairman Mohammad Al-Hadeed attending.

Following the signing of the deal, Daihani said that it was the second-of-its-kind grant to have been extended by the KFH to the Jordanian cancer center. It is nothing but emblematic of Kuwait’s humanitarian line aiming at helping the needy across the world at the behest of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, he boasted. The move reflects the deep humanitarian cooperation between the KRCS, with all Kuwaiti charities working under its umbrella, and Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Center, which caters for Syrian refugees in Jordan, he said.

Meanwhile, Qatamesh said the Kuwaiti move was intended to provide necessary medical treatment for Syrian patients at the Jordanian cancer center. She spoke highly of Kuwait’s relief efforts and incessant strive to aid in medically treating thousands of Arab patients in Jordan. – KUNA

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace yesterday His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. He also hosted President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Chief Judge of the Court of Cassation and the Constitutional Court Yousef Jassem Al-Mutawaa.

Earlier, His Highness the Amir received Minister of Finance, acting minister of oil, water and electricity, Nayef Al-Hajraf, along with the visiting Bahraini Minister of Finance and Economy, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa. Separately, His Highness hosted Hajraf, accompanied by oil and energy ministers of member states of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), participating in OAPEC’s 10th meeting, hosted by Kuwait. He also received the acting Audit Bureau chairman, Adel Abdulaziz Al-Saraawi, accompanied by Chief of the Turkish Court of Accounts Seyit Ahmet Bas. Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah attended the meetings.

Separately, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. His Highness also received Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh.

In other news, His Highness the Amir on Saturday sent a cable to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to extend condolences over the death of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. In his cable, His Highness the Amir prayed to God Almighty to bestow his mercy on the late prince and bring solace to his brother King Salman and all the Saudi royal family. His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister sent similar condolence cables to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent yesterday a cable to Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud offering sincere condolences over demise of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. – KUNA

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KUWAIT: The Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Limited Liability Company (NSRP) in Vietnam is considered to be part of a vast and important project to all shareholders in the energy sector especially the Vietnamese government, CEO of Kuwait Petroleum International Ltd (KPI) and head of the Kuwaiti delegation Nabil Bourisly said. When contacted by yesterday after the official ceremony of the refinery’s commercial operation, Bourisly explained the significance of this step forward due to the increased demand of oil production and the cooperative efforts by all the sponsors of this project showing a strengthening of relations between all three state owners (Kuwait – Japan – Vietnam).

This strategic venture focuses on investing in the major developing markets specifically in Asia and areas that help strengthen the relations of KPI, mentioned Bourisly. He also added this major investment in the refinery and petrochemicals sectors which will support KPI in its relations with other associations and open new doors for even more investments and partnerships and diversifies Kuwait’s Crude oil outlets, while also an opportunity for small and upcoming companies.

When asked how this project could benefit the Vietnamese government, Bourisly said that the NSRP as the second refinery in Vietnam along with the existing Dung Quant refinery together meets around 70 percent of local demand for oil production. He also added that NSRP provides premium products to the market like premium diesel and gasoline in addition to LPG, jet fuel, and many petrochemical products like polypropylene and Benzene. All this production needs a large workforce which provides hundreds of jobs to the local Vietnamese population.

The NSRP also secures KPI’s production for the long term as the complex is a Greenfield refinery with a capacity of 200 KBPD, said Bourisly. The partnership with Petro Vietnam and Japan’s Idemitsu Kosan Co. is very beneficial in marketing the products in the local and international markets as the Japanese experience and support are very valuable especially in the world market.

Other than the economic benefits of this investment, Boursily emphasized the high level of experience KPI’s employees will obtain from such a project from the challenges they will face, as well as gaining safe depositories for Kuwaiti crude oil. The three Kuwaiti banks that financially contributed to the NSRP project are the National Bank of Kuwait, Commercial Bank of Kuwait and Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait, which is worth around $112 million and “they have always been supporting KPI in its international venture,” said Bourisly. – KUNA

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