Kuwait sees a fourfold surge in retiree numbers in 2024
Ahmed Al-Thunayan, Acting Director General of PIFSS, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advanced insurance services and announced at a pensioners’exhibition in Mubarakiya that all outstanding salaries and contributions have been disbursed to retirees whose nationalities were withdrawn.
• The Public Institution for Social Security launched a retirees’ exhibition on the new street in Mubarakiya market, where retirees showcase their handicraft products. The event, featuring 60 pavilions showcasing retirees’ projects, will run until next Thursday.
Ahmed Al-Thunayan, the Acting Director General of the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS), announced that the number of retirees quadrupled in 2024 compared to the previous year, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive, advanced insurance service system.
Al-Thunayan, in a special statement to Al-Rai newspaper on the sidelines of a pensioners’ exhibition in Mubarakiya, stated that “PIFSS has disbursed all outstanding salaries and contributions to retirees whose nationalities were withdrawn under Article 8.”
He explained that “the retirement of an employee whose nationality has been revoked depends on the issuance of a Council of Ministers’ decision regulating this amendment in the institution’s system to allow retirement for those entitled to it.”
Retirees to showcase their handicraft products
PIFSS launched a retirees’ exhibition on the new street in Mubarakiya Market, where retirees showcase their handicraft products. The exhibition will run until next Thursday.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of the Governor of the Capital, Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali, along with Ahmed Al-Thunayan, Deputy Director General of Financial and Administrative Affairs Abdullah Al-Mutairi, and Kuwait Municipality Director Manal Al-Asfour. The exhibition is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The governor was briefed on a range of projects, crafts, and works, highlighting the contributions of retirees who continue to serve the country and society.
He emphasized “the commitment to fulfilling our social duty towards this segment of Kuwait’s sons and daughters, in line with the state’s dedication to retirees, ensuring comprehensive support for them, particularly in community-related aspects.”
Al-Ali added, “Our presence here today is to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our retired brothers, who have devoted their lives to serving the country. We say to them: Your efforts are deeply valued, and you have never fallen short. May God bless you with health and wellness—thank you all.”
He also praised the efforts of PIFSS, its leadership, and employees for organizing this special exhibition for retirees, describing it as an essential initiative that reflects the institution’s commitment to community and national support for pensioners.
Opportunity to launch commercial projects
In turn, Al-Thunayan expressed his joy in providing retirees with the opportunity to launch their commercial projects and engage in their personal ventures in one of the country’s most historic and vibrant markets, Mubarakiya.
The exhibition, featuring 60 pavilions showcasing retirees’ projects, attracted a large public turnout on its first day—an encouraging sign of its success. This was attributed to several factors, most notably the diversity of projects and activities, which effectively drew in visitors.
Additionally, the exhibition’s strategic location in one of Kuwait’s most renowned markets—a hub for Kuwaitis, tourists, and visitors—helped maximize exposure and sales opportunities for participating retirees.
Social responsibility
Al-Thunayan highlighted that “this event reflects the PIFSS’s commitment to retirees, one of its most important segments, and supports their diverse projects, ranging from perfume making and clothing to luxury goods, food, handicrafts, and other commercial and artisanal professions. This initiative stems from the institution’s strong belief in its social responsibility towards society and its talented individuals who deserve such opportunities.”
He emphasized that “due to the success of this event, which is the first of its kind, the PIFSS will seek to organize more future activities, including exhibitions and other initiatives, benefiting retirees in line with its social responsibility toward them in particular and society as a whole.”
Free booths for retirees
Sixty retirees showcased their products and handicrafts, which were well received by the audience. PIFSS provided them with free booths and allocated space for them on the new street in Al-Mubarakiya Market for five days.
Making Kuwait better
The Governor of the Capital, Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali, stated that efforts are in full swing to restore the fire-damaged section of Al-Mubarakiya Market, assuring that the work will be completed as soon as possible. He also revealed plans for tourism projects in the Capital Governorate and other regions, aiming to develop recreational facilities for citizens and residents, ultimately making Kuwait better.
