AGP Executive Report

Regional Security & Culture Diplomacy: Kuwait is listed among the 14 signatories of Saudi Arabia’s new Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance to protect Red Sea navigation, as Iran-linked tensions keep oil routes in focus. Youth & Education: Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma met Bahrain’s youth leadership in Manama, highlighting cross-border exchange of youth programmes and arts spaces. Learning & Careers: Kuwait Times runs a month-long internship for 10 students, giving hands-on newsroom training from story pitching to interviewing. Banking & Workplace Values: Bahrain Kuwait Bank (BBK) joined Hope Fund’s Employee Loyalty Rewards Programme, spotlighting appreciation and national talent. Medical Pathways: Arabian Gulf University launched a “Gulf Medical Camp” for 60 GCC students from Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to experience medical college life. Heritage for Kids: NCCAL’s puppet play “Jammoul, Guardian of the Wall” at the Americani Cultural Center brings old Kuwait’s trade routes and city wall stories to children. Scholarships & Digital Schooling: Kuwait’s private universities accepted 7,989 students for internal scholarships, while IICO accredited an Uganda school under a digital education programme using Canva Education.

MoI Security Drive: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior sent senior officials on inspection tours to boost readiness and service quality across special security, correctional, and border sectors. Youth Exchange: Kuwait’s youth minister Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma visited Bahrain’s Muharraq Model Youth Centre, focusing on sharing programs and expanding opportunities for young people. Education for Talent: The Ministry of Education launched a Gifted Schools Project for 2026-27, using its Mawhoob platform and assessments to spot gifted students and place them in dedicated schools. University Pathways: KFAS’s Sabah Al-Ahmad Center wrapped up PRE 2026 for gifted secondary students, linking them with Kuwait University and major tracks like medicine and engineering. Digital Learning Abroad: IICO accredited an Uganda school under Canva Education, expanding interactive digital tools for teachers and students. Heritage for Kids: NCCAL’s puppet play “Jammoul, Guardian of the Wall” brought old Kuwait’s trade routes and city-wall history to children at the Americani Cultural Center. Banking Leadership & Rewards: Gulf Bank finished its “Beyond Ajyal” leadership program with Euromoney, while BBK joined Hope Fund’s employee loyalty rewards scheme. Culture & Books: The 11th Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair opened, with Kuwait among participating countries. Sports & Community: Kuwait Times ran a month-long internship for 10 students to get real newsroom experience. Independence Relay: India’s “Suryapath Tiranga” global tricolour relay included Kuwait among the many missions hoisting the flag across time zones. Travel Disruptions: UAE flight updates flagged cancellations and changes affecting routes between the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain—check before you go.

Youth & Culture Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma visited Bahrain’s Muharraq Model Youth Centre, spotlighting youth as a driver of sustainable development and calling for exchange of successful youth programmes. Heritage for Kids: NCCAL’s 18th Cultural Summer Festival brought the puppet play “Jammoul, Guardian of the Wall” to the Americani Cultural Center, teaching children about old Kuwait’s trade routes, camel caravans, and the city wall’s role in protecting Kuwait City. Education Boost: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education launched the Gifted Schools Project for 2026-27, using the “Mawhoob” platform to nominate students and build specialized schools for boys and girls. Private University Access: The Council of Private Universities accepted 7,989 students into internal scholarships for 2026-27, with seat reallocation toward in-demand tech and digital fields. Digital Learning Abroad: IICO accredited an Uganda school under the Canva Education programme, expanding access to digital tools for interactive lessons. Travel Disruption Watch: UAE and regional flight cancellations and changes are affecting routes to Kuwait and Bahrain; travellers are urged to check statuses before heading out. Kuwait in the Spotlight: The Indian “Suryapath Tiranga” global relay included Kuwait among Indian missions worldwide, hoisting the tricolour across time zones. Work & Skills Debate: A report highlights Kuwait’s labour gap and argues for better professional inclusion of Bedouns to support social stability and fill needed roles.

Kids’ heritage theatre: NCCAL’s 18th Cultural Summer Festival brought the puppet play “Jammoul, Guardian of the Wall” to the Americani Cultural Center, retelling old Kuwait City life before oil through camel caravans and the city’s historic wall and gates. Education scholarships: Kuwait’s Council of Private Universities accepted 7,989 students into internal scholarships for 2026-27, with seat shifts toward tech and digital fields tied to labor-market needs. Digital learning abroad: IICO’s school in Uganda (Al-Lahib Primary) earned global accreditation under the Canva Education program, expanding access to interactive digital tools for teachers and students. Gifted students pipeline: KFAS’s Sabah Al-Ahmad Center wrapped up PRE 2026, preparing secondary students for university majors via workshops, experiments, and field visits with Kuwait University. Gifted Schools Project: The Ministry of Education launched a 2026-27 plan to identify gifted students electronically via “Mawhoob” and place them in dedicated schools for boys and girls. Youth & culture ties: Kuwait’s youth minister visited Bahrain’s Muharraq Youth Centre to exchange ideas on youth programs and arts/culture spaces. Financial awareness for youth: NBK ran a fraud-prevention awareness event on Umm Al-Maradim Island with practical tips on scams and protecting personal and banking data. Independence Day relay in Kuwait: India’s “Suryapath Tiranga” global tricolour relay included Kuwait among Indian missions worldwide, connecting celebrations across time zones. Banking rewards: NBK’s Al-Jawhara Account highlighted its KD 5 million annual prize pool and major grand prizes, including the next millionaire draw planned for September.

Kuwait Education: The Ministry of Education has approved opening and naming five new schools in Al-Mutlaa City and West Abdullah Al-Mubarak, including heritage-tied names and two schools for gifted students, aiming to expand access while strengthening Kuwaiti cultural identity in classrooms. Kuwait Youth & Tech: talabat Kuwait teamed up with AIESEC for its Next Tech Gen session, bringing youth into a real-world look at AI, product, data and digital platforms. Kuwait Financial Awareness: NBK held a youth-focused awareness event on Umm Al-Maradim Island to warn about common fraud tactics via calls, texts and fake links, as part of the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign. Kuwait Sign Language: A shortage of qualified Kuwaiti Sign Language (KSL) teachers is highlighted, with researchers calling for more structured pathways beyond short courses. Regional Security & Culture: Kuwait’s arrest of IS-linked suspects targeting a Shia mosque and “vital facilities” underscores rising local alertness amid wider Middle East tensions. Design & Lifestyle: Kaviar Collaborative’s “viewing galleries” holiday house concept adds a fresh architecture-and-lifestyle angle for design fans. Arts: Nabil Kanso’s war-haunted paintings get renewed attention for their human-centered approach to conflict. Travel Disruption: UAE-to-India flight advisories and cancellations continue, with airlines urging passengers to check status early. Business Note: GFH reported a 13.33% rise in H1 2026 net profit to US$76.20m.

Maritime Security in the Gulf: Kuwait is listed among a 14-state Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance led from Riyadh, formed to protect shipping routes after Yemen’s Houthis declared a Red Sea blockade—raising fresh concerns for regional stability and energy flows. Art & Memory: Lebanese-American painter Nabil Kanso’s war-haunted works are being framed as a needed antidote to numbness, pulling viewers into the human cost behind conflict. Education & Identity: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education is opening five new schools in Al-Mutlaa and West Abdullah Al-Mubarak, including girls’ and gifted-student schools, with heritage names tied to Kuwaiti urban and maritime memory. Youth & Skills: NBK runs youth-focused sessions on fraud awareness and supports Kon social entrepreneurship mentorship, while talabat and AIESEC host Next Tech Gen to expose young Kuwaitis to AI and product careers. Accessibility in Focus: A shortage of qualified Kuwaiti Sign Language teachers is highlighted, calling for stronger professional pathways for the deaf community. Security Alert: Kuwait authorities arrested IS-linked suspects over plans targeting a Shia mosque and “vital facilities,” including minors and drone/explosives training.

Education & Youth: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education will open and name five new schools in Al-Mutlaa and West Abdullah Al-Mubarak, including heritage-themed schools and two gifted-student schools. Youth Development: NBK keeps backing young people with mentorship for Kon social entrepreneurship participants and a youth-focused financial fraud awareness event on Umm Al-Maradim Island. Community & Inclusion: Kuwait faces a shortage of qualified Kuwaiti Sign Language teachers, with researchers calling for more structured pathways for professional training. Sports Integrity: Nazaha joined a GCC anti-corruption event focused on transparency and integrity in sports. Security: Kuwait arrested three IS-linked suspects over a plot targeting a Shia mosque and “vital facilities,” including minors, as authorities warn of ongoing threats. Regional Travel Disruptions: UAE flight cancellations and advisories continue to affect routes to Kuwait and Bahrain, with passengers urged to check updates before travel.

Education Expansion: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has opened and named five new schools in Al-Mutlaa City and West Abdullah Al-Mubarak, including heritage-themed schools and two gifted-student schools, aiming to broaden access and strengthen national identity in classrooms. Youth & Skills: NBK kept youth engaged with financial-fraud awareness on Umm Al-Maradim Island and backed the LOYAC Kon social entrepreneurship program through mentorship for young changemakers. Youth Forums: The Public Authority for Youth and Sport and the Kafa’a platform announced “Kafa’a 2026” on Oct 26 at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, focused on how Kuwaiti youth can build the future. Tech & Learning: talabat teamed up with AIESEC for its Next Tech Gen session, giving young people hands-on exposure to AI, product, data and digital platforms. Accessibility in Language: A Kuwaiti sign-language researcher warns that only a small number of people can teach Kuwaiti Sign Language professionally, pointing to limited pathways beyond short courses. Security Update: Kuwait arrested three Islamic State members over alleged plans to attack a Shia mosque and other “vital facilities,” including minors. Sports Integrity: Nazaha joined a GCC event on transparency and anti-corruption in sports, highlighting Kuwait’s integrity framework. Banking Lifestyle: Gulf Bank and NBK rolled out youth-focused account and loyalty perks, while Lulu opened a new Jaber Mall hypermarket, expanding Kuwait’s retail options.

Kuwait Security & Extremism: Kuwait’s State Security says it foiled an ISIS-linked plot against a vital facility, arresting a citizen who allegedly trained in explosives and drones; authorities also detained two adolescents over ISIS contacts, including training tied to attacks on a house of worship. Regional Safety & Borders: Kuwait called for stronger Arab coordination at airports and borders in Tunis, stressing tech use and faster information sharing to tackle illegal immigration, smuggling, trafficking, and drugs. Education Reform: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education met the OECD to review progress on a project supporting curriculum rollout, a new teacher licensing exam, and comparative studies in math, science, and English. Youth Focus: On International Youth Day, Kuwait’s youth minister urged empowering young people through trust and opportunity, while highlighting the UN theme on shared dreams. Sports Integrity: Nazaha joined a GCC event on transparency and anti-corruption in sports, presenting Kuwait’s integrity framework and practical steps to curb corruption risks. Retail & Lifestyle: Lulu opened a new hypermarket at Jaber Mall, while NBK Rewards added Best Al Yousifi to let customers earn and redeem points on purchases. Culture & Arts: Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture) unveiled shortlisted works for the Ithra Art Prize, spotlighting contemporary artists across multiple mediums. Learning & Careers: Kuwait-linked students were among international participants in a WCM-Q medical summer programme, offering virtual exposure to medicine and campus life.

Sports Integrity: Kuwait’s Nazaha joined a GCC transparency event focused on fighting corruption in the sports sector, sharing Kuwait’s legal and institutional approach to integrity. Education Upgrade: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education met the OECD to review progress on a technical assistance project covering curriculum strategy, math/science/English curriculum comparisons, and a new teacher licensing exam system. Youth & Learning: Kuwait marked International Youth Day with calls to empower young people as partners in building the future, while WCM-Q’s Medical Minds Online Programme offered high school students a medicine career glimpse. Public Safety: Kuwait urged stronger Arab coordination on airport and border security to tackle illegal immigration, smuggling, trafficking, and drugs. Culture in Focus: Kuwait’s NCCAL ran a “National Works” workshop for ages 12–17 at the Museum of Modern Art, using art to build love and belonging to Kuwait. Lifestyle & Retail: Lulu opened a new hypermarket at Jaber Mall, expanding to 19 stores in Kuwait. Banking Perks: Gulf Bank promoted its red account and red plus prepaid card for students and young customers, while NBK welcomed Best Al Yousifi into its NBK Rewards programme.

International Youth Day in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma marked Aug 12 by stressing that youth support means listening to aspirations, removing obstacles, and backing young people to turn ideas into results. The UN theme highlights shared dreams across different contexts, with calls for better education, decent work, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurship. Women’s safety in public spaces: A Kuwaiti-linked viral account alleges a female African expatriate was stalked by a man in his car while walking home, sparking renewed debate about harassment of women—especially foreign domestic and service workers—and the need for stronger protection and accountability. Education & training for jobs: PAAET and Kuwait’s Customs signed an MoU to boost specialized customs training, align curricula with labor-market needs, and develop a qualified national workforce. Youth culture & belonging: NCCAL’s “National Works” workshop at the Museum of Modern Art is helping ages 12–17 paint “ancient and modern Kuwait,” aiming to build love, loyalty, and a sense of homeland belonging. Youth sports/health camp: The “Homeland…Giving and Loyalty” camp at Jaber Al-Ahmad Youth Center runs for two months with 150 Kuwaiti girls and a wide mix of sports, health, culture, security, and skills activities. Community spotlight: Burgan Bank hosted an elite family Spider-Man premiere, while NBK announced Al-Jawhara draw winners and highlighted transparency with independent oversight. Public holiday: Kuwait’s cabinet declared Thu, Aug 27, 2026 a public holiday for Eid ul-Mawlid (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday).

Culture & Youth Creativity: NCCAL’s “National Works” workshop at MoMA Kuwait is turning small “tales of Kuwait” into colorful canvases, with 12–17-year-olds guided by artist Yaqoub Al-Jiran to express love, loyalty and belonging. Education & Skills: PAAET and Kuwait’s Customs signed an MoU to boost specialized customs training, including curriculum development and shared expertise. Sports & Empowerment: The “Homeland…Giving and Loyalty” two-month camp at Jaber Al-Ahmad Youth Center is empowering 150 Kuwaiti girls through sports, health, culture, security and skills programs. Workplace & Lifestyle: Burgan Bank hosted Elite customers and families for an exclusive Spider-Man premiere, while NBK was named LinkedIn’s top employer in Kuwait and the banking sector for 2025. Community & Learning: Zain Kuwait launched “Beyond the Role” to upskill employees via expert-led learning sessions. Public Life: Kuwait announced a public holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Eid ul-Mawlid) on Aug 27, with government offices reopening Aug 30. Regional Security Watch: Kuwait’s UN envoy condemned Iran’s “systematic aggression,” citing attacks on civilian facilities and critical infrastructure. Money & Savings: NBK revealed winners of its monthly Al-Jawhara draw, including KD 125,000 winner Jamal Qasem Ghader.

Workplace & Careers: NBK has been named LinkedIn’s top employer in Kuwait and the banking sector for 2025, praising its focus on employee well-being, professional development, innovation, empowerment and diversity. Education & Rights: Kuwait’s Supreme Court overturned the Ministry of Education’s decision to fail a seventh-grade student over absences, after she couldn’t access Microsoft Teams for nearly two months due to technical issues, ordering her promotion to eighth grade. School Culture: The Ministry of Education is drafting new dress and conduct rules for government schools, including modest, non-conspicuous attire for staff and students, with limits on sportswear, revealing clothing and visible tattoos. Regional Security (Mecca Pact): Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif says the Saudi-Turkiye-Pakistan Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is “entirely defensive,” aimed at peace and collective deterrence. Kuwait in the Mix: Dar discussed the pact with Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi, sharing key contours, while Kuwait’s ties with Pakistan were also reviewed. Travel Disruptions: UAE airline cancellations and operational changes are affecting flights to Kuwait and Bahrain, with passengers urged to check updates before travel. Culture & Heritage: Kuwait’s Cultural Summer Festival features “Hellenistic Terracotta Figurines” from Failaka Island at The Avenues. Inclusion: Kuwait’s special needs delegation wrapped up a London leadership program, highlighting inclusion and equal opportunity.

Education & Culture: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education is preparing new rules for teachers, staff and students in government schools, focusing on modest, clean, non-conspicuous dress and professional conduct, with tighter limits on sportswear and revealing clothing. Academic Year Prep: The ministry is also ramping up “educational cultural centers” during the summer break to close learning gaps, reinforce core skills and boost student motivation before classes resume. Local Heritage: Kuwait’s Cultural Summer Festival at The Avenues is hosting “Hellenistic Terracotta Figurines,” featuring artifacts from Failaka Island (Ikaros) and highlighting daily life, beliefs and social customs from 280–150 BC. Inclusion in Action: Kuwait’s special needs team wrapped up a summer program in London, with officials stressing empowerment and equal participation in international settings. Youth & Lifestyle: Kuwait’s energy drink curbs are pushing young people toward alternatives like coffee and matcha, sparking a wider wellness conversation. Regional Security Talk: Kuwait’s ties show up in coverage of the “Makkah” defense pact, with Pakistan’s leaders reiterating it is defensive and aimed at peace and deterrence. Sports & Society: A major scandal in international football over alleged sexual bribery and “massage parlour” payments has widened, with police and federations weighing probes and apologies.

Cultural Summer Spotlight: Kuwait’s NCCAL is showcasing “Hellenistic Terracotta Figurines” at The Avenues Mall, with three days of finds from Failaka Island (Ikaros) dating to 280–150 BC, bringing ancient daily life and beliefs to visitors. Inclusion & Youth Sports: Kuwait special needs teams wrapped up a London summer program under GALI, highlighting inclusion as real participation, not just support. Local Lifestyle & Health: Kuwait’s energy drink curbs are pushing youth toward alternatives like coffee and matcha, sparking a wider wellness conversation. Banking for Young Adults: NBK is moving customers from its Youth Package to the “Plus” Package after first salary, adding cash rewards and lifestyle perks. Travel & Connectivity: Jazeera Airways added 16 weekly flights from Kuwait to Egypt, boosting routes to Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria, Sohag and Hurghada. Regional Mobility Watch: UAE airlines’ Kuwait/Bahrain schedules remain mixed, with some cancellations and limited services—check before you fly. Diplomacy: Kuwait’s FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah congratulated DPM/FM Ishaq Dar on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Maritime Security: Kuwait’s Interior chief toured islands and maritime centers, reviewing coast guard readiness and border safety.

Ministry of Interior: Kuwait’s Interior undersecretary Major Gen. Abdulwahab Al-Wuhaib met Yemen’s ambassador to boost security cooperation and coordination. Youth & Lifestyle: NBK says its “Plus” package continues benefits after a first salary, with cash rewards and lifestyle perks for early-career customers. Public Health & Culture: Kuwait’s energy drink curbs are pushing young people toward coffee and other “healthier” caffeine options, sparking a wider wellness conversation. Education & Inclusion: Kuwait’s embassy in the UK welcomed a delegation of students with disabilities taking part in a leadership summer program, highlighting inclusion and equal opportunity. Community Giving: CKSK-KCWA ran its 9th Suvidya interest-free education loan disbursement programme, backing disadvantaged students to pursue higher education. Local Development & Youth Finance: Kuwait’s maritime security focus continues with a field tour of islands and ports by the First Deputy PM and Interior Minister, reviewing readiness and safety procedures. Sports & Ethics (Regional): Japan’s football body opened an investigation into alleged “sexual services” and misconduct involving referees linked to South Korea’s football association, with Kuwait mentioned via a 2012 qualifier. Charity Abroad: Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts continue across Gaza, Chad, Sudan and Yemen, including food and shelter support and an ophthalmology hospital in Marib. Regional Security (Regional): Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, framing collective deterrence after escalating Iran-linked tensions.