AGP Executive Report

Education Reform: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education is rolling out a new credit-based secondary-school tracks system in 12 schools for 2026/2027, letting students retake only failed courses instead of repeating the full year, with graduation tied to earning at least 54 credit units. Student Privacy & School Rules: New directives also tighten school conduct rules for 2026/27, banning schools from soliciting donations, and prohibiting recording or posting photos/videos of students on social media, plus limits on sharing exam results. Gifted Education: 1,071 middle school students took gifted identification tests as Kuwait prepares to open gifted schools for 2026/2027. Applied Learning Abroad: PAAET students will travel to China to visit tech and innovation sites, including Huawei and BYD, linking training with real-world industry. Culture & Community: Kuwait University’s engineering programs renewed ABET accreditation, while a Kuwaiti spotlight on women’s volunteer work traces decades of social impact. Arts in Kuwait: Bahraini artist Abdulaziz Alasfoor’s work is displayed at a coffee shop in Kuwait, bringing suq scenes, calligraphy and traditional games to a local audience. Regional Travel Watch: UAE flight disruptions continue, with passengers urged to check cancellations and delays. 9/11 Reflections: Multiple pieces mark 25 years since Sept 11, focusing on politics, lessons, and personal grief across the region.

Education Reform: Kuwait is rolling out a new credit-based secondary-school tracks system in 12 schools for 2026/2027, so failing one course won’t force students to repeat the whole year; students progress by earning credits across Grade 10–12. Gifted Education: 1,071 middle school students took gifted identification tests from Sept 6–13 as Kuwait prepares gifted schools for the new academic year. School Rules & Privacy: The Ministry of Education issued tighter school conduct rules for 2026/27, banning donations and commercial use of school facilities, restricting outside events and photography, and tightening controls on teachers’ phone use plus student image/data sharing. Literacy Push: Kuwait marked International Literacy Day with near-complete female literacy figures and renewed focus on adult education centers. Higher Education Quality: Kuwait University’s engineering programs renewed ABET accreditation, reinforcing international recognition of its engineering education. Regional Culture & Learning: Kuwait joined ICESCO’s extraordinary session and also discussed GCC tourism cooperation with Saudi Arabia, linking culture, travel, and knowledge exchange. Arts & City Life: Local features spotlight Kuwait’s creative scene—from an artist working across painting, music and theatre to a study of how people improvise through Kuwait’s public spaces. Tech & Skills: PAAET students are set to visit China for technology and innovation exposure, while PAAET continues efforts to connect training outcomes to the job market.

Kuwait Education Rules: The Ministry of Education issued new school conduct directives for 2026/27, banning donations and gifts, commercial promotions, and unauthorized photography or sharing of students’ data; teachers are also barred from using mobiles during class except for approved educational purposes. School Timetable Overhaul: A unified schedule sets kindergartens and primary schools to start at 7:15am, with secondary schools at 7:45am, aiming for smoother class flow across stages. Teacher Contract Cuts: Kuwait has begun issuing termination notices to 7,019 teachers via the Sahel app as part of a phased plan to reduce a reported surplus and cut about KD 42 million in annual costs. Literacy Spotlight: Kuwait marked UNESCO International Literacy Day (Sept 8) with a “Literacy for People, Planet, and Prosperity” theme, highlighting near-complete female literacy and adult education efforts. India–Kuwait Ties: The 8th India-Kuwait Foreign Office consultations in Kuwait reviewed cooperation across culture, people-to-people links, energy, trade, defense and security. EU–Kuwait Partnership: The EU ambassador discussed 40 years of EU-Kuwait diplomatic relations, stressing shared values and cooperation on green transition and digitalization. GCC Tourism Move: GCC leaders signaled a unified tourist visa for Kuwait and the other five states is “soon,” modeled on a one-permit travel idea.

School Rules & Privacy: Kuwait’s Education Ministry issued new directives for 2026/27, banning gifts and donations, commercial use of school facilities, and unauthorized photography or sharing of students’ images/data; staff can’t use mobiles during class except for approved teaching. School Hours: A unified timetable sets kindergartens 7:15am–12:05pm, primary 7:15am–1:25pm, intermediate 7:30am–1:40pm, secondary 7:45am–1:55pm (with Masarat and gifted schools following stage-specific times). Teacher Cuts: The ministry began sending Sahel app termination notices to 7,019 teachers in the first phase, aiming to reduce costs by about KD 42 million. Education Readiness: Capital and Hawally Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem inspected schools to ensure facilities and services are ready for the new year. KU Kuwait University Hiring: Kuwait University welcomed new faculty and academic support staff ahead of 2026/27. Literacy Milestone: Kuwait marked UNESCO International Literacy Day, citing near-complete female literacy and ongoing adult education efforts. Culture & Literature: Taleb Alrefai’s “Shadow of the Sun” became the first Gulf novel translated into Greek. Youth & Banking: Gulf Bank joined PAAET student orientation events, while NBK announced Al-Jawhara draw winners. Regional Travel: GCC leaders signaled a unified tourist visa for Kuwait and the other five Gulf states is “nearing launch.” EU-Kuwait Ties: EU Ambassador Anne Koistinen highlighted 40 years of EU-Kuwait relations, with renewed focus on security and the green transition.

Education & Workforce Reform: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has started issuing contract termination notices to 7,019 teachers via the Sahel app, as part of a phased plan to cut a reported surplus of about 33,268 staff and reduce annual salary costs by KD42 million, with affected specialisations spanning Arabic, English, Islamic education and more. School Scheduling Update: The ministry also set new unified school hours for the 2026/2027 year, with kindergarten running 7:15am–12:05pm and primary 7:15am–1:25pm, while intermediate and secondary timings vary by stage and programmes like Masarat. Student Transfers & Fees: A new ministerial decree requires students to get a financial clearance certificate before schools issue academic documents or process transfers, blocking requests with any unpaid tuition or outstanding obligations. Youth & Skills: PAAET says it’s aligning training outcomes with the labor market, including cooperation with Kuwait’s customs authority on programmes tied to major projects. Literature & Culture: Taleb Alrefai’s “Shadow of the Sun” (“Zill al-Shams”) is being translated into Greek, marking a first for a Gulf novel and spotlighting a Kuwait-linked story of chasing prosperity. Heritage & Outdoor Lifestyle: Qatar’s Katara S’hail 2026 hunting and falconry exhibition opened this week, with Kuwait among participating countries and a decade-long focus on heritage, craft and outdoor innovation. Travel & Regional Mobility: The GCC’s unified tourist visa is expected to “see the light soon,” aiming for easier single-permit travel across Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. Regional Context (Gulf): Escalating US-Iran tensions are driving oil prices higher and prompting warnings around tanker routes near Kuwait and Bahrain, adding pressure to everyday cost-of-living concerns.

S’hail 2026 & falconry: Katara’s 10th International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition opened Tuesday, running to Sept 12, with 14 countries and 155 exhibitors—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and more—showcasing falcon care, outdoor tech and heritage. Literature & culture: Kuwaiti novelist Taleb Alrefai’s “Shadow of the Sun” becomes the first Gulf novel translated into Greek, spotlighting a story that follows an Egyptian teacher’s dream of prosperity in Kuwait. Back-to-school lifestyle: A local guide urges families to ease children into September routines with earlier bedtimes, less screen time, and planning ahead for Kuwait’s traffic-heavy mornings. Education rules: The Ministry of Education now requires financial clearance before issuing certificates or processing transfers, and it has started terminating about 7,019 teachers in the first phase of a surplus-reduction plan. Learning & careers: PAAET says it’s aligning training outcomes with the labor market, while NBK wrapped up summer programs reaching 500+ youth through skills, AI and digital media. Tech & funding: Kuwait’s edtech Dawraty secured a $2m seed from Qatar Development Bank, valuing it at $10m, to expand bilingual healthcare learning and exam prep. Community support: Gulf Bank distributed 400 school bags to underprivileged students as part of its annual “Back to School” drive. Travel & visas: Thailand will shift from its 60-day visa exemption to 30- and 15-day categories from Sept 15, with Kuwait listed among 30-day eligible nationalities. Business spotlight: Zain Group’s MSCI ESG rating rose from A to AA, making it Kuwait’s top-rated company in the MSCI ESG universe.

Education Shake-Up: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has begun a major restructuring, terminating 7,019 teachers as part of a plan to cut surplus staffing and save about KD 42 million, with the first phase targeting specific specializations and based on seniority. School Registration: Parents can now register online for kindergarten (2026/27) and for Grade 10 “Masarat” tracks, with applications tied to exam results and school assignments by educational district. Health Awareness: The Ministry of Health marked Arab Health Day with hospital-based nutrition and integrated healthcare awareness events, highlighting the role of social health work in patient support. EdTech Growth: Kuwait-based Dawraty secured a $2 million seed investment from Qatar Development Bank, valuing the company at $10 million, to expand bilingual AI learning for healthcare education and professional certification. Culture & Sports: Kuwait honored athletes and students who represented the country abroad, including table tennis and powerlifting medalists, as youth sports support continues. Travel Lifestyle: Wego reports Kuwait travellers are shifting toward shorter September getaways, with Dubai, Cairo, Istanbul and Bahrain among the top searches. Brand Backlash: Adidas apologized after a local Israel campaign featuring disabled amputee athlete Shalev Biton sparked boycott calls, reigniting debate over sports, inclusion, and politics.

Education Reshuffle: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has terminated 7,019 teachers in the first phase of a plan to cut surplus staffing, targeting specializations with overcapacity and aiming to save at least KD 42 million this fiscal year. School Access & Tracks: Online registration opened for kindergarten 2026/27 (until Sept 24) and for Grade 10 “Masarat” tracks (until Sept 10), with 12 secondary schools set to run the system by educational district. Health Awareness: The Health Ministry marked Arab Health Day with hospital-based nutrition and integrated healthcare awareness events across Al-Jahra, Al-Amiri and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Community Support: Gulf Bank handed out 400 school bags with supplies to underprivileged students as part of its “Back to School” and charity-focused volunteering push. Tech & Learning Growth: Kuwait edtech startup Dawraty secured a $2m seed investment from Qatar Development Bank, lifting its valuation to about $10m as it expands medical education and professional training across the Gulf. Culture & Boycotts: Adidas apologized after backlash over an Israel in-store “Single Shoe” campaign featuring a former IDF soldier with an amputated leg, with critics linking the choice to Gaza’s limb-loss crisis. Youth & Talent: Kuwait’s youth sports authority honored athletes and students representing Kuwait abroad, including medal winners in bowling, table tennis and powerlifting.

Local Tech & Education: Kuwait-based edtech Dawraty secured a $2m seed round from Qatar Development Bank, aiming to expand AI-powered accredited learning across healthcare education, professional certification and exam prep in Arabic and English, with institutional partners already including Kuwait University and Johns Hopkins. Sports & Youth Recognition: Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Dr Tareq Al-Jalahma honored Kuwaiti athletes and students representing the country abroad, from table tennis and powerlifting medals to Earth Sciences Olympiad participants. Culture & Heritage Expo: Qatar’s S’hail 2026 hunting and falconry exhibition opens Tuesday at Katara Cultural Village with 14 countries and 155 exhibitors, blending falconry, heritage, culture, commerce and tourism. Education Policy Update: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education issued new rules for transferring Arab students into Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL) classes, with eligibility categories and an electronic application process. Courts & Media Freedom: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation detailed why it rejected a “permissible criticism” defense in a false-news case tied to social media posts on X. Health & Lifestyle: A local OB-GYN said there’s no proven link between Kuwait’s summer heat and menstrual irregularities, pointing instead to stress, travel, dehydration and lifestyle shifts. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Kuwait marked International Day of Charity, highlighting aid work as a form of humanitarian diplomacy and recovery-focused cooperation.

Education & Youth: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has started preparations for the 2026/2027 school year, with teachers and admin staff reporting to schools and registering attendance via fingerprint systems, while the ministry also resolved thousands of readiness “Report” submissions through an electronic system to fix maintenance and cleanliness needs. School Policy: A new ministerial decree sets eligibility rules for transferring Arab students into Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL) classes for schools following foreign curricula, with applications handled electronically and documents required for cases like diplomats’ children and students returning from abroad. Innovation & Learning: KFAS’s Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity wrapped up its Global Technology Competitions 2026, drawing 180+ young contestants across Maze, Line Follower, Sumo and Drone events. Media & Speech: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation detailed why it rejected a “false news” defense in a case tied to former MPs’ social media posts. Health & Society: A pediatric hematology and oncology forum highlighted rapid advances in treatments, including immunotherapies and gene therapy, while local experts urged caution over online claims linking Kuwait’s heat to women’s menstrual changes. Culture & Heritage: Qatar’s Katara S’hail 2026 falconry exhibition opens Tuesday at Katara Cultural Village with 14 countries and 155 exhibitors, blending heritage, culture, commerce and tourism. Community & Charity: Kuwait marked the International Day of Charity, framing humanitarian work as a form of diplomacy and long-term recovery cooperation.

Kuwait-Iran Tensions in Schools: Kuwait has added its experience of Iranian attacks to the Grade 10 history curriculum, with pages 56–57 in a national textbook describing “sinful Iranian attacks,” their impact, and Kuwait’s response—part of a push for unity and belonging among students. Community Under Pressure: An AFP report says a Persian restaurant in Kuwait removed “Iran” from its name, reflecting the strain on Kuwait’s Iranian community since the war escalated. Education Readiness: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education says it resolved 8,602 reports via its “Report” program for the 2026/2027 school year, linking schools and districts through a unified electronic system to speed up maintenance and readiness. Health & Learning: A Pediatric Hematology and Oncology forum in Kuwait highlights rapid advances in diagnostics and treatments, from stem cell and immunotherapies to gene therapy, plus training on patient care. Lifestyle & Travel: Thailand’s visa-free rules change from Sept 15, with Kuwait listed for a 30-day exemption category—so travellers should re-check entry plans. Sports & Youth: Kuwait placed third in the UAE-led AJP Tour Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu standings in Abu Dhabi, with juniors and youth competing across 90 countries. Banking Perks: NBK promotes its Aura Cards with up to 8% loyalty points and premium shopping benefits through Alshaya.

Education Readiness: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education says it has cleared 8,602 school reports via its “Report” program for the 2026/2027 year, hitting 65.2% completion, with readiness teams tracking fixes like air-conditioning, water coolers and cleanliness. Women’s Health & Climate Talk: A Kuwaiti OB-GYN resident pushes back on viral claims linking extreme heat to menstrual changes, saying local proof is limited and that stress, travel, dehydration, diet and sleep shifts are more likely culprits. Pediatric Care Advances: The Third Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Forum highlights rapid progress in diagnostics and treatments, including stem cell work, immunotherapies, cellular therapies and gene therapy—plus training on pain management and Port-A-Cath care. School Agriculture Skills: Capital Secretariat schools launch agricultural awareness activities with the Education and Agriculture sectors, aiming at food security, self-sufficiency and hands-on student participation. Humanitarian Diplomacy: On International Day of Charity, Kuwaiti officials and the Red Crescent describe humanitarian work as a form of diplomacy and long-term recovery across regional crises. Religion & Peace: A Gulf Christian leader urges Gulf Christians to be witnesses of peace amid rising tensions. Curriculum Update on Attacks: Kuwait documents “sinful Iranian attacks” in the Grade 10 history textbook, detailing missile/drone strikes and their impact on key infrastructure and civilians. Banking Lifestyle: NBK expands shopping perks with Aura Cards, offering up to 8% loyalty points and app-based tracking and redemptions. Culture & Community: A veteran art triennial exhibition, “A Revolution of Values,” opens at Elmhurst Art Museum, spotlighting veterans’ experiences through art.

Education & Identity: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has added pages 56–57 on “sinful Iranian attacks” to the Grade 10 history textbook The State of Kuwait: The Journey and the Entity, detailing missile/drone strikes on key infrastructure and Kuwait’s response to build national unity. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Officials and charities marked the International Day of Charity (Sept 5), saying Kuwaiti aid is increasingly used as a diplomatic bridge for recovery and development across Yemen, Syria, Gaza and more. Workplace Safety: With September heat still high, a labor welfare consultant urged businesses and consumers to protect outdoor workers after the midday outdoor work ban ended, warning of heat stress and heatstroke risks. Education Reform: The Education Ministry approved a secondary-school “tracks” system for a pilot in 12 schools in 2026/27, letting students choose pathways while the current system continues for others. Higher Ed Digitisation: Kuwait’s Higher Education ministry signed with DataFlow Group to digitise and verify academic qualifications and documents more accurately and faster. Community Updates: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association held its General Body Meeting in Salmiya and cancelled its Monthi Fest Novem Jevan for Sept 4 due to regional conditions. Regional Travel Mood: International advisories and airlines reported mixed flight disruptions affecting Kuwait and the Gulf amid ongoing regional tensions. Business & Culture: Yum! Brands named KFC India’s Moksh Chopra as Taco Bell market lead for India, Sri Lanka and Kuwait from Sept 7, signaling more regional brand push.

Education & Youth Identity: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has added pages 56–57 to the Grade 10 history textbook, “The State of Kuwait: The Journey and the Entity,” documenting the “sinful Iranian attacks” and Kuwait’s response, with details on missiles/drones and impacts on sites like Kuwait International Airport and desalination facilities. Higher Education Digital Services: Kuwait’s Higher Education ministry signed an agreement with DataFlow Group to speed up and improve verification of academic qualifications and documents using digital solutions. Secondary School Reform: The Ministry of Education approved a new secondary school “tracks” system for 2026/2027 in 12 schools, with the option for students to choose the new pathway while the current system continues for others. Workplace Safety: Kuwait urged businesses and consumers to protect outdoor workers as summer heat risks persist, even after the midday outdoor work ban ended. Culture & Community: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association held its General Body Meeting in Salmiya and cancelled its Monthi Fest Novem Jevan amid regional conditions. Sustainability Education: GORD signed an MoU with Korea’s HUSS Environmental Consortium to bring climate sustainability modules into university curricula and expand training and research. Hospitality & Tourism Business: Ascott’s MEAT expansion continues under Vincent Miccolis, while Taco Bell appoints Moksh Chopra as market lead for India, Sri Lanka and Kuwait from Sept 7. Outdoor Heat & Health: The manpower authority continues monitoring compliance with occupational health and safety rules for outdoor work.

Education & Youth: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has added the 2026 Iranian attacks to the Grade 10 curriculum, dedicating pages 56–57 to “The Sinful Iranian Attacks on the State of Kuwait,” detailing strikes on infrastructure, airport damage, and Kuwait’s response, with a focus on unity and readiness. Education Reform: The Ministry of Education approved a new secondary school “tracks” system to run experimentally in 12 schools in 2026/27, while the existing system continues for students not opting in. Higher Ed Digital Services: Kuwait’s Higher Education ministry signed an agreement with DataFlow Group to digitize and verify academic qualifications and documents more accurately and efficiently. Community & Culture: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association held its General Body Meeting in Salmiya, sharing updates on education loans and cancelling its Monthi Fest Novem Jevan due to regional conditions. Workplace Safety: Kuwait urged businesses and consumers to protect outdoor workers as heat risks remain high even after the midday outdoor work ban ended. Food & Lifestyle Business: Yum! Brands named KFC India GM Moksh Chopra as Taco Bell International market lead for India, Sri Lanka and Kuwait from Sept 7. Religion & Coexistence: Kuwait’s Awqaf ministry reaffirmed tolerance and peaceful coexistence in talks with the Catholic Church spokesman in Kuwait. Regional Tensions: Kuwait continues documenting and responding to Iranian attack impacts, as international travel advisories warn of possible flight disruptions in the Gulf.

Interfaith Harmony: Kuwait’s Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Mohammad Al-Wasmi reaffirmed the country’s commitment to tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing dialogue and respect for freedom of belief. Regional Security & Community Pressure: As Iran-U.S. tensions flare, Kuwait warned that Iranian attacks threaten Gulf stability, while reports say some Kuwaiti businesses linked to the Iranian community are changing names to avoid backlash. Education Updates: The Ministry of Education approved a new secondary school “tracks” system for a pilot in 12 schools, and higher education signed a deal to digitally verify academic qualifications and documents. School History & National Unity: Kuwait documented the 2026 Iranian attacks in Grade 10 history textbooks, highlighting defense readiness and calls for dialogue and de-escalation. Workplace Safety in Heat: With summer temperatures still high, labor officials urged employers and consumers to protect outdoor workers even after midday restrictions ended. Culture & Film Funding: A Kuwaiti filmmaker says local talent is strong, but the industry needs consistent funding, production support, and distribution pathways. Health: Kuwait launched its seasonal winter vaccination drive against influenza and pneumonia for vulnerable groups.