CSC directed to implement evening work hours in government agencies

• His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received messages from leaders of friendly nations on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation across sectors.

The Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting at Bayan Palace, chaired by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, as reported by Al Qabas.

During the meeting, the Council reviewed messages received from the Amiri Diwan addressed to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-JaberAl-Sabah. These messages came from leaders of friendly and allied nations, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing joint cooperation between Kuwait and those countries across various sectors.

The Council of Ministers was briefed on the official delegation accompanying the representative of His Highness the Amir, Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who departed for Belgium to lead Kuwait’s delegation at the first joint summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and European Union (EU) member states. The delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and key officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Strengthening bilateral relations

Additionally, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah reported on his official visit to Bahrain, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and fostering joint cooperation in various fields. During the visit, he met with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and other high-ranking officials to discuss cooperation between the two nations.

Furthermore, the Cabinet was briefed by Sheikh Fahad on the Ministry of Interior’s recent success in preventing a large drug smuggling attempt via sea, thanks to the efforts of the General Department for Combating Drugs and the General Department of Coast Guard.

Condolences on passing of Captain Pilot Mohammed Mahmoud Abdul Rasoul

The Council of Ministers expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of the late martyr, Captain Pilot Mohammed Mahmoud Abdul Rasoul of the Kuwaiti Air Force, who tragically died last Wednesday in an F-18 fighter jet crash during a training mission in northern Kuwait. The Council prayed for God’s mercy on the deceased, asking that he be granted a place among the martyrs in heaven and that his family be given patience and solace.

Additionally, the Council reviewed a visual presentation by Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Championship (Gulf 26), along with leaders from the Public Authority for Sports.

Preparations for ‘Gulf 26’ tournament

The presentation detailed Kuwait’s preparations for hosting the Gulf 26 tournament from December 21, 2024, to January 3, 2025. Al-Mutairi highlighted the coordinated efforts of government agencies and civil society institutions to ensure the tournament’s success. Notably, a contract was signed with an international company specializing in gate systems, electronic tickets, and crowd management, drawing on its experience from organizing the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022.

Eighteen road maintenance projects across Kuwait

Furthermore, the Council was briefed by Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan on the ministry’s and the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport’s progress. All necessary approvals from government bodies have been obtained, and contracts for eighteen major road maintenance projects across Kuwait will soon be signed with international, Gulf, and local companies. This marks an unprecedented achievement for the ministry in terms of contract volume and coverage across the country.

Enhancing the work environment

The Council of Ministers reviewed a presentation by Dr. Essam Saad Al-Rubaian, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, regarding the recently approved evening work system for government agencies. The proposal, part of efforts to enhance the work environment in the public sector, aims to streamline procedures and boost productivity in service-providing agencies.

Dr. Al-Rubaian highlighted several benefits of the evening work system, including reducing traffic congestion and offering citizens and residents flexible options to complete transactions at a convenient time. The Council assigned the Civil Service Commission to proceed with implementing the proposal.

Additionally, the Council was briefed on recommendations from the Ministerial Committee for Economic Affairs regarding the annual report of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA).

Achievements in attracting new direct investments

The report detailed the authority’s achievements, including attracting new direct investments in industries such as services, information technology (IT), oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, and more.

The Council praised the efforts of Sheikh Dr. MeshaalJaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of KDIPA, and the authority’s employees for their role in encouraging foreign investments and creating a favorable investment environment, as well as generating direct job opportunities for Kuwaitis in various sectors.