AGP Executive Report

Education & Youth: Kuwait’s Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre kicks off its 2026 summer season (June 22–July 30) with hands-on science camps for ages 6–12, plus weekly workshops and field tours. School Calendar: The Ministry of Education moved Grade 12 second-semester exams to start June 21 (from June 17) and opened overseas scholarship registration, keeping result and graduation timelines unchanged. Higher Education Cooperation: Kuwait’s Higher Education Ministry delegation met Qatar University to deepen academic cooperation, research links, and support for Kuwaiti students. Health & Community Giving: Kuwait marked World Blood Donor Day with donor numbers reaching 45,539 (Jan 1–June 6), showing a growing culture of voluntary giving. Culture & Heritage: Kuwait’s diwaniyas earned UNESCO intangible heritage recognition in 2025, highlighting their role in dialogue and social cohesion. Lifestyle & Science: Dasman Diabetes Institute research warns that fully cutting sucrose from a low-fat diet may disrupt gut health and worsen metabolic markers in mice. Business & Residency: Kuwait unveiled a framework for up to 15-year residency for expat investors, with strict compliance requirements. Diplomacy: Kuwait urged full UNRWA protection at the UN Security Council, citing attacks and major losses among staff.

UNESCO & Culture: Kuwait’s diwaniyas have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, spotlighting them as living spaces for dialogue, hospitality, and intergenerational exchange. Diplomacy & Heritage: The Chinese ambassador visited the Al-Fayez Diwaniya in traditional bisht attire, sharing Kuwaiti hospitality online as a symbol of cultural exchange. Regional Security & Humanitarian Rights: Kuwait urged full protection of UNRWA at the UN Security Council, warning of attacks and restrictions that threaten Palestinian refugees’ lifeline services. Banking & Lifestyle: NBK expanded retiree benefits with higher deposit returns, lifetime free credit cards, home banking access, and concierge cash/document delivery. Education Leadership: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education launched training for about 8,000 applicants’ promotion cycle, targeting principals and other supervisory roles. Travel Rules: Kuwait temporarily suspended commercial visit visas for foreign nationals, disrupting short-term business travel. Investors’ Residency: Cabinet Resolution No. 651/2026 sets long-term investor residency permits up to 15 years with strict compliance and documentation requirements. Science & Health: A Dasman Diabetes Institute mouse study links fully sugar-free, low-fat diets to insulin resistance and gut changes, raising questions for “no sugar” trends.

UNESCO & Heritage: Kuwait’s diwaniyas have earned fresh international spotlight after being listed on UNESCO’s 2025 intangible heritage register, with officials stressing their role in dialogue, tolerance and intergenerational community life. Community Health: Boursa Kuwait and Kuwait Clearing Company launched a blood donation campaign with the Central Blood Bank for World Blood Donor Day, framing it as solidarity that strengthens healthcare resilience. Education & Integrity: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education is stepping up final-exam oversight with unannounced school inspections and electronic monitoring to curb violations and protect equal opportunity. Education Careers: The Ministry of Education is rolling out approved training for about 8,000 applicants in the promotion system for supervisory roles, with specialized tracks for principals, assistant principals and more. Science & Lifestyle: Dasman Diabetes Institute researchers reported that fully eliminating sucrose from a low-fat diet in mice may worsen insulin resistance and disrupt gut health, raising questions for “sugar-free” trends. Travel Rules: Kuwait temporarily suspended commercial visit visas, affecting short-term business travel for executives and consultants. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait urged stronger UNRWA protection at the UN Security Council, warning of attacks on the agency and rising humanitarian needs.

Kuwait Visa & Travel Updates: Kuwait has temporarily suspended issuance of commercial visit visas for all foreign nationals, a move hitting short-term business travellers and disrupting planned meetings and investment trips. Education & Student Rights: Kuwait-linked Gulf disruption continues to ripple into India’s exams as the Centre tells the Supreme Court it is considering a policy for CBSE private students from West Asia whose Class 12 results couldn’t be declared due to the conflict; the court deferred the case to June 22. Exams Integrity in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education says it is stepping up integrity checks for final exams with unannounced school inspections, electronic monitoring, and alerts to examination committees. Culture Spotlight: LOYAC held a tribute to Kuwaiti iconic singer Abdulaziz Al-Mufarrej (“Shadi Al-Khaleej”), celebrating his role in strengthening Kuwaiti and Gulf music and national artistic identity. Youth & Skills: Zain Kuwait and INJAZ Kuwait backed the 20th Company Program for high school and university students, awarding top student pitches. Local Community Life: Gulf Bank welcomed GUST students back for in-person summer classes with youth-focused banking offers and campus engagement. Air Travel Complaint: A woman denied boarding on a Kuwait-bound Air India Express flight won Rs 3 lakh compensation after a consumer panel ruled the visa issue was mishandled.

Kuwait Visa Update: Kuwait has temporarily suspended commercial visit visas for all foreign nationals, hitting short-term business travelers (including Nigerians) and adding uncertainty to meetings, conferences, and investment plans. Education & Exams: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education says it’s stepping up integrity checks for final exams with unannounced school inspections, electronic monitoring, and alerts to exam committees after suspected violations and online cheating. CBSE Gulf Students: India’s Supreme Court heard that the Centre is drafting a policy for private CBSE students in West Asia (including Kuwait) whose Class 12 results were delayed or not declared due to the conflict; the matter is set for June 22. Culture Spotlight: LOYAC honored Kuwaiti iconic singer Abdulaziz Al-Mufarrej (“Shadi Al-Khaleej”) at Aisha School, celebrating his decades of influence on Kuwaiti and Gulf music and national artistic identity. Youth & Tech: Zain Kuwait and INJAZ Kuwait backed student innovation pitches in AI and sustainability, awarding winners across categories.

Education & Integrity: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education says it’s stepping up final-exam oversight with unannounced school visits, national observers, and electronic monitoring to curb violations and online cheating, issuing alerts after audits of Grade 10–11 procedures. Youth & Skills: Zain Kuwait and INJAZ Kuwait back student innovation pitches in AI and sustainability, while Zain also supports the INJAZ “Company Program” for high school and university learners. Banking for Students: Gulf Bank welcomes GUST students back for in-person summer classes with on-campus engagement on youth accounts and prepaid cards, aiming to boost early financial literacy. Culture & Heritage: LOYAC honors Kuwaiti singer Abdulaziz Al-Mufarrej (“Shadi Al-Khaleej”) in a ceremony at Aisha School, celebrating his decades of influence on Kuwaiti and Gulf music and national artistic identity. Regional Context (Kuwait in the mix): Reports say Iran-linked threats and U.S.-Iran tensions continue to ripple across the Gulf, with Kuwait repeatedly named among regional locations tied to the latest developments.

New Kuwait Staycation Spot: Ray by Cloud 7 has opened in Mangaf, offering 59 rooms, coastal dining, wellness sessions, family activities, and sea adventures from Al Kout Marina. Youth & Education: Zain Kuwait backed INJAZ Kuwait’s 20th Company Program for high school and university students, supporting entrepreneurship and future-ready skills. Banking for Students: Gulf Bank welcomed GUST students back for in-person summer classes with on-campus info on its youth account and red Plus prepaid card. Community Health: Tulu Koota Kuwait ran a free medical consultation day in Farwaniya, with around 100 attendees receiving check-ups and lifestyle guidance. GCC Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch and Amnesty say Gulf states have tightened restrictions on expression and assembly, with migrant workers facing more surveillance and fear. Regional Security Shock: US-Iran tensions kept spilling into the Gulf, with Kuwait mentioned in retaliatory strikes and airspace actions amid renewed escalation.

Regional Security: The US launched a second day of strikes on Iran as Trump warned Tehran would “pay the price,” while Iran retaliated with attacks reported targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan; Kuwait closed its airspace in response. Travel & Safety: Kuwait’s Embassy in Mexico issued a travel advisory for Kuwaiti citizens ahead of the FIFA World Cup, urging visa compliance, passport validity checks, and extra caution in unrest-prone areas. Culture & Heritage: The UK Ambassador visited Kuwait’s Dickson House to highlight shared historical ties, while Kuwait and China marked a cultural dialogue through Arabic-Chinese calligraphy and art. Education & Youth: KISR kicked off its 47th summer training program for students, and Kuwait’s education push continues with scholarships and youth empowerment initiatives. Inclusion: Kuwait reaffirmed its disability rights commitments at the UN, pointing to Law No. 8/2010 and accessibility measures. Lifestyle: With regional instability and heat, many residents are delaying travel and staying closer to home. Business & Digital Life: Zain discussed Kuwait’s digital readiness for capital markets, and Boursa Kuwait promoted fixed-income investing education.

Cultural Diplomacy: Kuwait Traditional Crafts Association teamed up with the Chinese Cultural Center for “Arabic and Chinese Calligraphy: Harmony of Strings and Ink,” blending Kuwaiti craft heritage with Chinese calligraphy and performances to celebrate dialogue among civilizations. Science & Youth: KISR kicked off its 47th annual summer training program for high school and university students (July 12–Aug 13), with tracks from robotics and genetics to sustainable construction and aviation sciences. Disability Rights: Kuwait reaffirmed its CRPD commitments at the UN, pointing to Law No. 8/2010 and the Kuwait Accessibility Code as key steps for inclusion in education, healthcare, work and community life. Heritage & History: The UK ambassador visited Dickson House, highlighting Kuwait-UK historical ties and ongoing preservation efforts at the landmark museum site. Education & Careers: Kuwaiti students were praised at a Bahrain graduation ceremony for medical excellence, with emphasis on supporting national talent abroad. Finance & Lifestyle: Boursa Kuwait ran a fixed-income webinar with CFA Institute partners as Kuwait’s bond and sukuk trading rules roll out; NBK also announced Al-Jawhara draw winners, including KD 125,000 for Rana Al-Najjar. Housing Infrastructure: PAHW launched tenders for roads, utilities, water towers and power infrastructure tied to new residential cities. Regional Tensions: With US-Iran strikes and Iranian fire reported hitting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, many Kuwait residents are adjusting summer plans and staying closer to home.

Gulf Skills Build-Up: Kuwait is gearing up for the 6th Gulf Technical and Vocational Skills Competition in 2027, with PAAET leading preparations and a formal flag handover marking the start of the run-up. Education Oversight: The Education Ministry has launched an investigation into tender violations and will tighten monitoring of ministry contracts to boost accountability. Youth Empowerment: Namaa Charity rolled out its “Compass” initiative and a new Volunteer Center to help young people choose study paths and careers with practical guidance. Sports Pathways: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Sport signed an agreement with English club Salisbury Park to offer Kuwaiti players professional trial opportunities in England. Local Lifestyle & Hospitality: Ray by Cloud 7 opened in Mangaf, bringing a coastal, family-friendly staycation vibe with wellness, dining and activities. Expat Family Costs: Indian-curriculum schools in Kuwait began issuing notices for 2026/2027 tuition increases, adding pressure for families already facing rising living costs. Health Leadership: Dr. Jasim Alabbad was appointed Director General of Dasman Diabetes Institute, bringing surgical leadership and academic experience. Environment in Action: Gulf Bank joined World Oceans Day with a beach cleanup near Kuwait Towers to tackle plastic waste and boost community awareness. Culture & Theatre: “Al-Khairan Park” continues as an Eid Al-Adha theatrical production that revisits Kuwait’s history through music and family-focused storytelling. Digital Sports Access: stc partnered with TOD to let customers stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches via add-on subscriptions.

Education & Community Accountability: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education ordered an investigation into tender integrity and contract monitoring, after a review flagged administrative and organizational violations tied to specialized school equipment procedures. Youth Pathways: Namaa Charity launched its “Compass” initiative and volunteer center to help young people choose academic specializations and career paths with practical guidance. Sports & Talent Development: The Public Authority for Sport signed a cooperation deal with English club Salisbury Park for Kuwaiti players’ professional trials in England, with a June 13–16 window at Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium. Tech & Lifestyle: stc partnered with TOD to bring FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming to Kuwait customers via low-cost add-ons. Urban Smart Living: Zain and URC teamed up to power Hessah District’s connectivity and smart infrastructure. Culture & Arts: CAP Kuwait opened “Sacred Court: The Mesoamerican Ballgame,” a Mexico-Kuwait photo exhibition ahead of the World Cup. Hospital Leadership: Dr Jasim Yousif Alabbad was appointed Director General of Dasman Diabetes Institute. Travel & Leisure: Jazeera Airways launched a summer sale with 50% off select European routes from Kuwait. Environment: Gulf Bank ran a beach cleanup near Kuwait Towers for World Oceans Day.

Education & Community Impact: Kuwait’s Indian schools have started issuing 2026/2027 fee circulars after a Public Administration for Private Education directive allowed tuition hikes—up to 15% for KD 300–500 schools and up to 10% for KD 501+—with payments in three fixed installments, adding fresh pressure for families already squeezed by living costs. Higher Education Access: India’s Supreme Court has issued notice to CBSE over a Saudi-based Class 12 improvement result delay, with judges stressing it’s “about the career of a child” and urging the board to act fast. New Kuwait Lifestyle Spot: Ray by Cloud 7 has opened in Mangaf, offering 59 rooms, waterfront dining, wellness sessions, kids activities, and flexible event spaces under Kerten Hospitality. Local Culture & Art: CAP Kuwait’s “Sacred Court: The Mesoamerican Ballgame” photo exhibition (with Mexico’s embassy) brings ancient ballcourt history to Kuwait ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Tech & Urban Living: Zain and URC are partnering to power Hessah District’s full connectivity and smart-city infrastructure, including residential and commercial zones. Health Leadership: Dr Jasim Yousif Alabbad has been appointed Director General of Dasman Diabetes Institute, bringing surgery leadership experience and academic work in colorectal care. Arts & Representation: Disney+ is spotlighting Pride Month 2026 with a curated Marvel lineup featuring LGBTQIA+ stories.

Education & Families: Kuwait’s Indian-curriculum schools have started issuing circulars for 2026/2027 tuition changes after a Public Administration for Private Education directive—Category B (KD 300–500) can rise up to 15%, while Category A (KD 501+) up to 10%, collected in three fixed installments, adding fresh pressure for already stretched expat households. Higher Education Access: Abdullah Al-Salem University launched its third info campaign with digital bank Weyay at The Avenues (Phase Two), running until June 10, to help students choose majors with clearer program details. Health Leadership: Dr. Jasim Yousif Alabbad took over as Director General of the Dasman Diabetes Institute, bringing surgery leadership experience from Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital and Kuwait University. Smart Living & Connectivity: Zain partnered with URC to power Hessah District’s digital infrastructure, aiming to deliver 5G connectivity and smart solutions across residential and commercial areas. Community & Charity: Kuwait Red Crescent Society met the Police Officers Club to expand joint humanitarian and community initiatives through stronger national partnerships. Culture & Food Diplomacy: Turkey’s embassy hosted a World Breakfast Day event in Kuwait, spotlighting Turkish breakfast traditions as a symbol of sharing and togetherness. Courts & Schooling: India’s Supreme Court issued notice to CBSE over a Saudi-based student’s withheld Class 12 improvement result, with judges stressing the impact on a child’s admissions.

Hair & Identity: “What Touches the Scalp is Close to the Bone” opens June 3 in Paris, with Hunna Art and Hayaty Diaries exploring how hair carries identity, religion, and family expectations. Kuwait Courts Update: Family courts in Kuwait saw a 47.4% completion rate in April 2026, with electronic notices processed at 98.1%. Education & Exams: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education and schools are running final exams with safety plans, revision support, and rapid-response committees amid regional tensions. Scholarships & Learning: Applications are open for the Helmut Schmidt Programme (public policy, governance, social justice) and Kuwait University’s Language Teaching Center scholarship for Pakistani/AJK students to study Arabic. World Environment Day (Finance): Boursa Kuwait and KFH–Bahrain renewed sustainability commitments, pushing ESG and net-zero aligned initiatives. Humanitarian Coordination: Kuwait Red Crescent Society met police officers to expand joint charity and community relief work. Culture Diplomacy: Turkey’s embassy hosted a Turkish breakfast event in Kuwait, spotlighting food as a bridge for social connection. Regional Tensions: The Muslim World League condemned Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, urging an end to actions threatening Gulf security.

Climate & Finance: Boursa Kuwait renewed its climate action push for World Environment Day, stressing the financial sector’s role in a low-carbon transition, and also published its 5th standalone Sustainability Report for 2025. Sustainability Frameworks: NBK launched a new Sustainable Financing Framework and earned an “Excellent” rating from Sustainable Fitch for its independent SPO. Humanitarian Partnerships: KRCS met the Police Officers Club to expand joint charity and community initiatives through stronger coordination with state institutions. Education & Culture: ICSK Khaitan held its inaugural UK curriculum graduation (EQUINOX 2026), while Kuwait’s Higher Education Ministry wrapped up its “Wajhni” overseas scholarship guide drive and HEC opened Kuwait University Arabic scholarship applications for 2026–27. Diplomacy & Daily Life: Kuwait’s air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles over residential areas, as regional tensions keep spilling into everyday security and travel concerns. Community & Food Diplomacy: Turkey’s Kuwait embassy hosted a World Breakfast Day event celebrating Turkish breakfast culture with diplomats and cultural leaders.

Kuwait–Iran Security: Kuwait says it intercepted seven Iranian Emad ballistic missiles over its skies, with debris reported to have caused material damage but no casualties, as the wider Gulf region braces for renewed escalation. Regional Solidarity: The Muslim World League strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, urging an immediate end to actions that threaten regional security and sovereignty. Diplomacy Under Strain: The US is reportedly weighing a plan to redirect Iranian assets to compensate Gulf allies for damage, while officials assess costs from past attacks—an idea that could complicate fragile ceasefire talks. Local Media Rights: Kuwait upheld a three-year prison sentence for state TV presenter Zainab Dashti over social media posts seen as supporting Iran’s retaliatory operations, drawing attention from human rights activists. Education & Scholarships: Kuwait’s Higher Education Ministry wrapped up its “Wajhni” scholarship awareness drive at The Avenues, drawing 5,322 visitors, with ongoing support planned during the application period. Culture & Creativity: A Bahraini artist is gaining attention for Matryoshka-style figurines that fuse Russian craft with Khaleeji Arab aesthetics, with orders reaching Kuwait. Finance & Sustainability: Boursa Kuwait released its fifth standalone Sustainability Report for 2025, highlighting ESG reporting progress as disclosures move toward mandatory rules.