AGP Executive Report

Education & UNESCO: Kuwait’s Prime Minister met UNESCO’s education quality chief to boost cooperation and exchange expertise, while the Education Ministry signed a new agreement with UNESCO to align reforms with Kuwait Vision 2035. Universities & health training: The Council of Public Universities advanced the MD program curriculum at Abdullah Al-Salem University and reviewed new academic partnerships, including with the British Council. Youth wellbeing: A student-led Kuwait Youth Health Coalition audit found heavy burnout and sleep deprivation, with most students getting six hours or less on school nights. Tech for teens: Zain Kuwait powered the “Kuwait Codes” season with CODED Academy, giving students hands-on exposure to AI, media, and cybersecurity. Teachers’ standards: Kuwait approved a unified Teachers’ Code of Conduct for public and private schools. Social sector skills: Social Affairs met PAAET to better match training specializations to labor market needs, including disability services. Culture & community entrepreneurship: Zain and LOYAC wrapped up KON social entrepreneurship for high schoolers, while a local bakery story highlights how a dorm-room cookie business grew into a Kensington bakery-café. Regional security & diplomacy: Kuwait ratified a broad defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan, formalizing training, intelligence sharing, logistics, and even cultural/sports activities. Energy & security backdrop: Kuwait condemned attempted drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and reaffirmed solidarity with Riyadh.

Defense & Security: Kuwait has formally ratified a five-year defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan, published in the official gazette after the 2023 signing. The pact sets a framework for military training and education, intelligence sharing, logistics, defense technology and research, plus cultural and sports cooperation, overseen by a joint military committee and with strict rules to protect confidential military information. Education & Youth Culture: Kuwait’s Education Ministry approved a unified Teachers’ ‘Code of Conduct’ for public and private schools, aiming to standardize professional ethics and create safer learning environments. Family & Society: Kuwait launched its Family Protection Program, built around 86 initiatives across 13 government entities, with a push to move from planning to measurable implementation. Digital Lifestyle: The government signed an MoU with stc’s E-Portal to expand digital services through the Sahel unified government app. Community Entrepreneurship: Zain Kuwait and LOYAC wrapped up the KON Social Entrepreneurship Program for 12–16-year-olds, showcasing student projects on social and environmental challenges. Heritage & UNESCO: Kuwait’s KISR researcher joined the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan to support natural heritage evaluations and conservation discussions. Workforce Development: Kuwait’s Social Affairs Ministry met PAAET to align specialized training with labor market needs, including services for people with disabilities.

Defense & Diplomacy: Kuwait ratified a wide-ranging defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan (Decree-Law No. 73/2026), signed in 2023, covering military training, education, logistics, intelligence sharing, tech and research, plus a joint committee to oversee exercises and visits. Family & Social Stability: Kuwait launched its Family Protection Program with 86 initiatives across 13 government entities, aiming to protect families through coordinated social, legal, educational, health, media and tech actions. Education & Teachers: The Ministry of Education approved a unified Teachers’ Code of Conduct to set ethical and professional rules for public and private schools, focusing on integrity, accountability and a safer learning environment. Culture & Heritage: A Kuwait researcher from KISR joined the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Committee delegation in Busan to support natural heritage evaluations and conservation discussions. Sustainability in Finance: Mnakh Sustainability Index 2025 ranked Zain, KFH and NBK at the top (AA), while several others earned A ratings, reflecting stronger sustainability reporting compliance. Youth & Entrepreneurship: Zain Kuwait and LOYAC wrapped up the KON Social Entrepreneurship Program for 34 high school students, showcasing student projects at The Avenues. Digital Services: Kuwait’s Sahel app gets a boost via an MoU with stc’s E-Portal to expand integrated digital government services. Community Aid: Gulf Bank donated $3 million to the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund to strengthen national emergency preparedness. Sports Recognition: Sheikh Mubarak praised Prime Minister support for an athletes’ honor ceremony, spotlighting Kuwait’s backing for sporting achievements.

Kuwait’s Family Protection Program: Kuwait is rolling out a national family-protection push with 86 initiatives across 13 government entities, aiming to strengthen social stability through coordinated social, legal, educational, health, media and tech actions. UNESCO & heritage work: A Kuwait delegation at UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Busan includes KISR researcher Dr Sarah Al-Ateeqi, helping assess natural heritage nominations and conservation policies, while NCCAL reiterates Kuwait’s commitment to cultural and natural protection. Citizenship shake-up in culture circles: Reports say Kuwait has stripped citizenship from up to 300,000 people in two years, leaving prominent cultural figures stateless, including novelist Talib al-Rifai. Digital services for Sahel: Kuwait’s communications ministry signed an MoU with stc’s E-Portal to expand digital government services via the unified Sahel app. Fitness tech trend: Wearables like Apple Watch, Garmin and smart rings are booming among Kuwait’s youth, with subscription-based WHOOP sparking debate over value. Regional travel disruptions: UAE airline cancellations and schedule changes are affecting some Kuwait routes, while most Gulf airports remain operating. Pakistan-Kuwait defence ties: Kuwait approved a defence cooperation framework with Pakistan, enabling deeper training, logistics and intelligence coordination.

UNESCO & Heritage: Kuwait’s NCCAL and KISR experts are in Busan for UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, backing protection of cultural and natural sites and reviewing conservation and nominations. Family & Social Stability: Kuwait launched a government Family Protection Program with 86 initiatives across 13 entities, stressing shared responsibility and measurable implementation. Digital Kuwait: The communications ministry signed an MoU with stc’s E-Portal to expand Sahel, aiming for smoother, more integrated digital government services. Sports Culture: Sheikh Mubarak praised the Prime Minister’s support for an athletes’ recognition ceremony, highlighting leadership backing for sporting achievement. Fitness Tech Trend: Wearables like Apple Watch, Garmin, and WHOOP are gaining traction among Kuwaiti youth, with debate over subscription-based devices. Citizenship Shock: A report says Kuwait stripped citizenship from thousands in recent decrees, including prominent cultural figures, raising concerns about statelessness. Humanitarian Solidarity: Kuwait’s charities delivered aid across Gaza, Yemen and parts of Africa, including infant formula, food baskets, and healthcare support. Religious Mourning: Mourning councils in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia marked Safar remembrance for Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba, with Quran, lectures and elegies. Travel Disruptions: Gulf flight disruptions continue, with advisories urging passengers to check status and expect cancellations on some routes.

GCC Education Cooperation: Kuwait took part in a UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan, with NCCAL backing international efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage. Education & Youth Skills: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education is running free summer school clubs and launching evening cultural/educational clubs at 12 campuses to strengthen Arabic, English and math ahead of the new term, while NBK and Gulf Bank back youth programs and internships to build practical skills. Family & Community Support: Kuwait launched its first national Family Protection Program, bringing together 13 agencies and 86 projects to safeguard families and children. Sports & Lifestyle: PM honored 771 Kuwaiti athletes, and there’s renewed talk of a dedicated bike park for cyclists. Citizenship & Culture Shock: Reports say Kuwait stripped citizenship from up to 300,000 people in two years, including major cultural figures like novelist Talib al-Rifai. Regional Tensions Impacting Daily Life: Iran-linked attacks and threats are raising Kuwait’s water and power worries, with authorities urging conservation as desalination and electricity systems face strain. Travel Disruptions: Gulf flight cancellations and advisories continue to affect routes involving Kuwait.

Citizenship & Culture: Kuwait says it is “correcting” citizenship errors, but decrees have stripped up to 300,000 people in two years—leaving prominent writers, historians and artists stateless, including novelist Talib al-Rifai, historian Hisham al-Awadi and the composer duo Youssef and Abdul Muhsin al-Muhanna. Heritage Diplomacy: NCCAL backed Kuwait’s continued support for UNESCO work to protect cultural and natural heritage, as Kuwait took part in the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan. Family & Youth Policy: Kuwait launched its first national Family Protection Program, built from 86 projects across 13 agencies, while the Ministry of Education expanded free summer clubs and added evening cultural/skills clubs at 12 campuses. Education & Skills: Summer clubs saw strong enrollment, and new courses (including AI) aim to close learning gaps before the school year. Energy & Daily Life: With Iran again striking power and desalination-linked infrastructure, Kuwait urged residents to cut electricity use—especially AC—to protect water and power continuity. Sports & Lifestyle: The PM honored 771 national athletes, and momentum continues for a proposed Kuwait bike park for all levels. Regional Tensions: Iran-linked attacks and threats around Kuwait and the Strait of Hormuz are driving wider travel disruption fears and raising costs across the region.

Kuwait Security & Daily Life: Iran’s renewed drone and missile attacks are again hitting Kuwait’s power and desalination network, with authorities urging people to cut electricity use—especially AC—to protect water and power supplies. Family & Community: Kuwait launches its first national Family Protection Program, with 86 projects across 13 agencies aimed at safeguarding children and tackling root causes. Education & Youth: The Ministry of Education expands summer clubs and adds evening cultural/skills clubs at 12 campuses, focusing on Arabic, English and math; meanwhile, NBK backs the ALT summer program for ages 11–15 with workshops and hands-on store experience. Employment Reality: New data highlights Kuwait’s stubborn public-private employment divide: Kuwaiti citizens dominate the public sector, while the private sector relies heavily on expatriate labor. Sports & Lifestyle: PM honors 771 Kuwaiti athletes, and a renewed push for a dedicated bike park signals growing cycling culture. Regional Migration & Documents: Arab immigration chiefs in Tunis call for a unified anti-forgery database and stronger action against trafficking and illegal migration.

Public Employment Divide: Kuwait’s labor market still splits sharply: Kuwaiti citizens make up 80.1% of the public workforce, while expatriates dominate the private sector (96.4%), with the gap tied more to wages and incentives than labor shortages. Water & Power Anxiety: Iran again hit Kuwait’s power and desalination infrastructure, prompting calls to cut electricity use—especially AC—to protect water supply in a country that relies on desalination for most drinking water. Family Protection Program: Kuwait launched its first national Family Protection Program, with 86 projects across 13 agencies aimed at safeguarding families and children through coordinated prevention. Education Clubs Boost Skills: The Ministry of Education’s summer clubs are exceeding expectations, and new evening core-skill clubs (Arabic, English, math) roll out across 12 campuses. Youth & Sports Momentum: PM honors 771 Kuwaiti athletes; NBK backs the ALT summer program for ages 11–15; Gulf Bank supports youth via the INJAZ Internship Fair. Immigration & Documents: Arab immigration chiefs push for a unified anti-forgery database and stronger regional action against trafficking and illegal migration. Energy-Saving Culture: Kuwait’s electricity and water ministry runs awareness sessions urging practical conservation at home and work. Cycling Community: A renewed push for a dedicated Kuwait bike park gains traction, with plans for tracks for all levels and community facilities. Regional Security Shockwaves: Iran-linked strikes and wider Red Sea/Houthi actions keep disrupting maritime and regional stability, with Kuwait repeatedly mentioned in the fallout.

Kuwait Security & Youth: Kuwait’s Cabinet condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks as a violation of sovereignty, while the government visited Al-Adan Hospital to check on injured residents and pledged full medical support. Humanitarian & Community Resilience: Zain Group backed the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund with a $10m contribution, boosting preparedness as regional tensions disrupt daily life. Drug Law Awareness: Kuwait’s “A Nation That Protects You” campaign held a youth-focused seminar, warning about tougher drug laws and new trafficking tactics. Volunteerism in Action: KRCS hosted students to promote humanitarian values, including first-aid training and tours of its relief and volunteer work. Population & Expat Life: Kuwait’s population hit about 5.31m by end-June 2026, with expatriates at roughly 70% and Indians the largest community. Culture & Entertainment: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season announced its early lineup—Mo Amer, Morgan Jay, Russell Peters and Maz Jobrani—bringing global stand-up to the Gulf. Regional Travel Disruptions: Airlines adjusted or cancelled some UAE–Kuwait and UAE–Bahrain flights, urging passengers to check updates before heading to the airport.

Drug & youth protection: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice, via the “A Nation That Protects You” campaign, held a seminar “I’m Stronger” warning young people about drug abuse and highlighting tougher legal treatment under updated narcotics rules. Humanitarian volunteering: KRCS hosted students from an IICO summer program to build volunteerism and humanitarian values, including first-aid training and a tour of KRCS relief work. Immigration & documents: Kuwait took part in the 22nd Arab Conference in Tunis on immigration and passport cooperation, with a focus on tackling human trafficking, illegal migration, and document forgery using new tech. Regional travel disruptions: Airlines have cancelled or adjusted flights from the UAE to Kuwait and Bahrain, with Emirates listing specific affected routes for July 23. Economy & daily life: Kuwait’s inflation rose 2.19% year-on-year in June, driven by food, transport, healthcare, education and other categories. Education & health ties: Kuwait expanded cooperation with Gulf universities and discussed medical collaboration with Arabian Gulf University, while a Kuwait researcher contributed to a major study linking higher dietary fiber to lower type 2 diabetes risk. War spillover: Iran-U.S. tensions continue to escalate, with Kuwait repeatedly mentioned in reports of attacks and regional military alerts.

Kuwait–Iran Fallout: Kuwait’s Cabinet condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks, saying they violate sovereignty, while the Electricity Ministry reported fires at power and desalination plants after a fourth straight day of strikes—an issue for a country where most drinking water comes from desalination. Emergency Preparedness: Zain Group pledged $10 million to the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund, backing a national push to strengthen readiness and keep essential services running during exceptional circumstances. Regional Security: GCC, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the Muslim World League condemned Houthi allegations against Saudi Arabia and stressed protecting maritime navigation and Red Sea trade routes. AI & Work Skills: A Coursera report highlights how GCC states—including Kuwait—are treating AI literacy as a workforce and governance pillar, not just a training add-on, with Saudi and UAE singled out for strategy-linked upskilling. Culture & Lifestyle: Kuwait’s audience also got a taste of wider Gulf life—an Oura Ring 5 review focused on sleep and recovery insights, plus fashion coverage of Egyptian star Yasmin Abdel Aziz’s “quiet elegance” look.

Kuwait’s Cabinet Response: Kuwait’s government strongly condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks, calling them a violation of sovereignty and saying it will take all necessary measures to protect security and vital interests, as the Prime Minister visited Al-Adan Hospital to check on injured people. Emergency Preparedness: Zain pledged $10 million to the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund, backing a national push to strengthen readiness and keep essential services running during exceptional circumstances. Regional Humanitarian Impact: UN humanitarians warned that renewed fighting across the Middle East is hitting civilians and infrastructure, including reports of Kuwait power and water attacks over several days. War Overshadowing Daily Life: The Iran–US escalation continues with repeated strikes and retaliations involving Kuwait, while officials warn of wider disruption to the region and shipping routes. Local Economy & Health: Kuwait’s inflation rose 2.19% in June, with food, transport, healthcare, education and recreation among the drivers; meanwhile, a Kuwait University researcher contributed to a major study linking higher dietary fiber intake to lower type 2 diabetes risk. Gulf Education Cooperation: Kuwait’s health and higher-education ministries met Gulf partners to expand medical training, research ties, and academic cooperation. Culture & Style: Egyptian actress Yasmin Abdel Aziz drew attention for her “quiet elegance” look during her latest film promotion.

Kuwait–Iran fallout: Iran says it launched missile strikes on a US base in Kuwait (Camp Arifjan), while the US continues a 10th straight night of strikes aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Kuwait also reports intercepts amid wider regional attacks, keeping energy and security worries front and center. Regional security: The US says 17 personnel have died so far, with two identified killed in Jordan and another in Iraq, as Trump warns Iran will “pay” for troop deaths and diplomacy remains active through intermediaries. Cost of living: Kuwait’s inflation rose 2.19% year-on-year in June, driven by food, transport, healthcare, education and recreation/culture—an immediate lifestyle hit for residents. Education & fairness: Kuwait-linked Gulf students face a Supreme Court hearing on a CBSE evaluation policy after exam cancellations tied to the conflict, with students arguing the scheme is unfair and discriminatory. Culture & creativity: A Kurdish artist’s plan to build an eight-metre statue of a beggar from old Iraqi coins turns hardship into public art, while Kuwait’s broader cultural scene continues to draw attention through regional arts and education cooperation. Health research: A Kuwait University researcher contributes to a major global study linking higher dietary fiber intake to lower type 2 diabetes risk.

Kuwait Inflation Watch: Kuwait’s CPI rose 2.19% year-on-year in June, with the biggest pressure coming from food and beverages (+5.55%), plus higher transport (+4.83%), healthcare (+1.03%), education (+1.02%) and recreation/culture (+1.13%), while tobacco prices stayed flat. Health & Lifestyle: A Kuwait University researcher helped publish a major global study linking higher dietary fiber intake to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, stressing that the source and quality of fiber matter. Education & Regional Cooperation: Kuwait’s Health Minister met Arabian Gulf University leaders in Bahrain to boost medical education, training and research ties across GCC. Higher Education Push: Kuwait’s Higher Education Minister also called for deeper GCC integration among universities, meeting AGU officials and scholarship students. Culture & Community: Kuwait marks 65 years since joining the Arab League, highlighting decades of diplomatic and humanitarian support for Arab unity. Travel & Daily Life: Jazeera Airways added 16 weekly flights to Egypt from Kuwait, expanding direct links to Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria, Sohag and Hurghada. Regional Tension Spillover: Amid the wider US-Iran escalation, reports say Iran attacked Kuwait with missiles and flights were suspended, underscoring how regional conflict is affecting everyday life and travel.

Regional Security: The US pressed its ninth straight night of strikes on Iran as Kuwait reported intercepting incoming drones and Bahrain sounded missile alerts, with Iran also claiming attacks on US-linked sites across the region. Religious Governance: Kuwait issued a new decree-law setting strict rules for building and managing houses of worship, including licensing and bans on political or non-religious exploitation. Education & Youth: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education joined a Gulf education council session, while a local expert urged students to choose university majors through self-understanding and career assessments, not just grades or trends. Student Services: PAAET rescheduled and relocated aptitude tests for high school graduates, with updates to be shared via the Sahel app. Finance & Skills: Boursa Kuwait and INJAZ Kuwait empowered 931 students through financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs. Economy Watch: A government report flagged Kuwait’s industrial sector as contributing just 0.02% to FDI, raising questions about diversification. Culture & Community: Kuwait’s cafe culture and community-focused events continue to draw attention, alongside STEM and youth initiatives.