AGP Executive Report

Kuwait Citizenship Overhaul: Kuwait issued a decree-law amending its nationality rules, including electronic Kuwaiti nationality certificates, tighter controls on fraudulent additions to citizenship files, and a ban on naturalized citizens voting or holding representative posts. Kuwait–China Strategic Ties: Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah met China’s Wang Yi in Beijing, reaffirming the strategic partnership and diplomatic coordination ahead of the 55th anniversary of Kuwait–China ties. KISR Water Innovation Wins Global Prize: A KISR researcher won gold and the International Jury Grand Prize in Guangzhou for a wetland-based system to treat reverse-osmosis wastewater and enable reuse. Labor Market Tech Push: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower signed an MoU with Saudi Takamol Holding to build smarter electronic labor services, including AI-based skills measurement for expat recruitment. Cyber & Security Focus: Kuwait’s Criminal Security Sector arrested a government worker accused of stealing storage disks and selling them to a computer shop, using modern investigative methods. Tech for Everyday Life: FedEx opened a new retail location in Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Free Trade Zone to expand digitally enabled shipping access for businesses and individuals. Samsung Foldable Launch: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is highlighted for a lighter build, wider cover screen, and AI-powered features. Heat and Roads Reality Check: A local commentary calls for a dedicated ministry to tackle Kuwait’s extreme heat while noting persistent road pothole problems.

Kuwait Citizenship Overhaul: Kuwait issued a decree-law amending the Nationality Law, introducing electronic nationality certificates and tightening rules on fraudulent additions to citizenship files; naturalized Kuwaitis will lose voting and eligibility for representative bodies. Digital Labor Screening: PAM signed an MoU with Saudi Takamol Holding to build smarter online labor-market services, including AI-based skills accreditation and testing for expats. KISR Water Innovation Wins Global Gold: KISR researcher Dr. Mishari Khaja won gold and a grand prize in Guangzhou for a wetland-based system to treat reverse-osmosis wastewater and enable reuse. Kuwait–China Strategic Push: Kuwait’s FM met China’s top officials in Beijing, reaffirming the strategic partnership and coordination on regional de-escalation. Tech for Everyday Life: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 highlights lighter foldables with a wider cover screen and AI features, while FedEx opened a new retail location in Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Free Trade Zone to expand digitally enabled shipping. Cyber Safety Reminder: A student-focused guide warns that phishing targets school accounts and can open doors to broader account takeovers. Local Crime Tech Misuse: Kuwait police arrested a government employee accused of stealing storage disks and selling them to a computer shop.

Kuwait Tech & Finance: FedEx opened a new retail location in Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Free Trade Zone, aiming to make shipping and rate checks easier for local businesses and residents while plugging into its wider air, freight and road network. Digital Citizenship & Security: Kuwait issued major nationality-law amendments, including electronic nationality certificates and tougher rules that can strip citizenship if someone deliberately adds unrelated people to nationality files; naturalized citizens also lose voting and representative-body eligibility. Local Crime Tech: A Kuwaiti working for a government agency was arrested for allegedly stealing storage disks and selling them to a computer shop, after inventory checks and modern investigative methods traced the devices. Gulf Mobility & Travel Rules: Kuwait will end temporary visa extension measures from September 1, 2026, affecting visitors and expatriates who previously benefited from emergency relief tied to regional airspace disruptions. Health & Research: Kuwait’s health ministry met Lebanon to expand medical training, expertise exchange, scientific research and new technologies. Education & Youth: Gulf Bank launched a back-to-school campaign with in-person activities, financial literacy and school visits via INJAZ Kuwait, while Commercial Bank of Kuwait ran a Mastercard rewards campaign for cardholders. Regional Tech Policy: India and the GCC reviewed progress on a free trade agreement in Riyadh, with Kuwait included as part of the bloc’s push to boost trade and investment.

Kuwait Nationality Overhaul: Kuwait’s Amir issued decree-law No. 79/2026 amending nationality rules, including an electronic Kuwaiti nationality certificate, a crackdown on fraudulent additions to nationality files, and removal of voting and representative-body rights for naturalized citizens. Digital Banking in Kuwait: NBK rolled out fully end-to-end digital onboarding for minors’ Zeina accounts via the NBK Mobile Banking app, letting parents open accounts without branch visits. Health Tech & Services: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health reported a minor electrical short circuit at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital that was contained quickly, with patients temporarily moved as a precaution. Health Cooperation: Kuwait’s Health Minister met Lebanon’s ambassador to expand medical training, research, health infrastructure, and technology exchange. AI Skills in Kuwait: IMA Kuwait ran an AI training workshop focused on productivity, media, and Islamic knowledge, stressing responsible use. Environment & Land: Kuwait joined UNCCD COP17 efforts in Mongolia to fight desertification and land degradation, aligning with “New Kuwait 2035.” Local Investment Push: Kuwait is considering amendments to its Direct Investment Promotion Law, including up to 100% foreign ownership and a more integrated, faster digital investor service center.

Kuwait–India Trade Boost: Indian Ambassador Paramitha Tripathi met Kuwait’s Commerce Minister to push cooperation in trade, industry, energy, tech and food security, reflecting growing bilateral momentum. AI for Local Skills: IMA Kuwait ran an AI training workshop on “Master AI for Productivity, Media & Islamic Knowledge,” focusing on practical generative AI use plus ethics and responsible applications. Kuwait Investment Rules: KDIPA’s proposed Direct Investment Promotion Law amendments could allow up to 100% foreign ownership and faster approvals via a new Investor Service Center with tighter timelines. Banking Digital Push: NBK launched fully end-to-end digital onboarding for Zeina Children’s accounts in its mobile app, enabling minors’ account opening without branch visits. ESG Upgrade: Burgan Bank received an MSCI ESG rating upgrade from BB to BBB, citing stronger sustainability and governance integration. Health Tech & Safety: A minor electrical short circuit at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital was contained quickly, with precautionary patient transfers and services restored. Psychotherapy Ban: Kuwait banned Reiki, EFT and other non-scientific psychotherapy methods, setting licensing and compliance rules for approved practices. Energy & Markets: Oil prices edged up as the US threatened tougher sanctions on Iran, raising supply disruption fears amid Strait of Hormuz constraints. Humanitarian Reach: Kuwait’s “Kuwait Stands with You” campaign continues cross-border aid, including education, healthcare, water and food projects from Zanzibar to Gaza.

Kuwait Humanitarian Reach: Kuwaiti charities under “Kuwait Stands with You” and “Kuwait by Your Side” are extending education, health, water and relief projects from Zanzibar and Yemen to Gaza, Chad and Palestine. Hospital Safety: A minor electrical short circuit in a computer at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital’s administrative area was contained quickly; patients were temporarily moved as a precaution and services resumed normally. Investment Rules Update: Kuwait’s proposed Direct Investment Promotion Law amendments could speed approvals via a new Investor Service Center and allow up to 100% foreign ownership, aiming to make entry and incentives more predictable. Banking ESG Boost: Burgan Bank’s MSCI ESG rating was upgraded from BB to BBB, signaling stronger sustainability and governance maturity. Digital Banking for Kids: NBK launched fully end-to-end digital onboarding for Zeina Children’s accounts through its mobile app, removing the need for branch visits. Psychotherapy Ban: Kuwait’s health ministry banned Reiki, EFT and other non-scientific psychotherapy/energy healing practices, setting licensing and compliance rules for centers. Oil & Sanctions Watch: Oil prices edged up on renewed US threats of tougher sanctions on Iran, with Strait of Hormuz disruption risks still in focus. Tech & Security in Kuwait: Authorities arrested four Indian nationals over diesel theft and telecom tower vandalism in the Jaber Al-Ahmad area, using surveillance and modern tech during investigations.

Kuwait Health Regulation: Kuwait bans Reiki, EFT and other non-scientific psychotherapy practices, with MoH licensing rules cracking down on energy/spiritual therapies, fake hypnosis and NLP-style guidance. AI + Energy Efficiency: Kuwait’s Electricity and Water ministry backs an “AI in Action” smart-meter project to analyze consumption patterns and boost conservation. Water Tech from KISR: KISR researchers will showcase a wastewater treatment wetland system designed to reuse reverse-osmosis wastewater, with a US patent granted in 2025. Cybersecurity in Kuwait: Criminal Security arrested four Indian nationals over diesel theft and telecom-tower vandalism in Jaber Al-Ahmad, using surveillance and modern tech. Gulf Energy + AI Race: Gulf states are investing heavily in data centers and AI, but water availability is the bottleneck for cooling and industrial growth. Oil Markets: Oil prices stayed elevated as US sanctions threats on Iran’s partners raised supply disruption fears. Education in Kuwait: Arabian Gulf University wrapped up a “Medical Student Experience” camp for 60 GCC students, mixing hands-on medical exposure with soft skills. Humanitarian Aid: Kuwaiti charities expanded “Kuwait by Your Side” projects from Zanzibar to Gaza, including education, health centers and water support.

Kuwait Health Regulation: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has banned Reiki, energy/spiritual healing, NLP and other non-scientific psychotherapy practices, setting new licensing and training rules under Ministerial Decision 225 of 2026. AI & Water Security: Gulf states are pouring money into data centres and AI, but water is the bottleneck—UAE’s massive AI infrastructure push highlights how cooling needs can make or break growth. Smart Energy Tech: Kuwait’s electricity ministry is backing an AI-in-action project using smart meter data to improve efficiency and conservation. KISR Water Innovation: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research researchers will showcase a wastewater treatment and reuse wetland system that targets pollutants and supports water recycling. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Kuwait Municipality is moving to align business activity classifications with international ISIC codes, while Yarmouk infrastructure works are reported at 92% completion. Cybersecurity & Security: Kuwait’s Criminal Security Sector arrested four Indian nationals over diesel theft and telecom tower vandalism in Jaber Al-Ahmad, using modern surveillance tools. Oil Markets: Oil prices climbed as Trump threatened tougher sanctions on Iran, raising supply disruption fears around the Strait of Hormuz.

Kuwait Security Crackdown: Kuwait’s Criminal Security Sector says it has solved four diesel theft and vandalism cases at telecom towers in Jaber Al-Ahmad, arresting four Indian nationals linked to a maintenance contractor; investigators used modern surveillance and say the suspects allegedly stole excess diesel over two years and resold part of it, with the probe still ongoing. Psychotherapy Rules: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health issued a new framework for psychotherapy licensing and practice, banning energy/spiritual therapies, Reiki, pranic healing, false hypnosis and other non-scientific methods, while requiring accredited credentials and supervised in-person training. Smart Energy Tech: Kuwait’s Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy ministry backed an AI project for smart meter efficiency, aiming to analyze consumption patterns to boost conservation and support its digital transformation. Water Innovation: KISR researchers will showcase a wastewater treatment and reuse wetland system for reverse osmosis effluent at an international invention exhibition in Guangzhou, highlighting lower pollutants and reuse potential. Local Infrastructure Progress: Kuwait’s Yarmouk infrastructure works are reported 92% complete, with sewage and stormwater drainage at 100% and telecom and lighting networks nearing completion. Advanced Air Mobility: Knetco signed an MoU with Skyports Infrastructure to develop advanced air mobility infrastructure in Kuwait, including helipad development and digital coordination. Oil & Markets: Oil prices edged higher for a second week as the US threatened tougher sanctions on Iran, keeping Brent above $90. Solar Supply Shift: United Solar in Oman says it has started polysilicon production outside China, targeting a second production line later this year.

Healthcare Regulation: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health issued a new psychotherapy decision that tightens licensing and bans a long list of non-scientific practices, including Reiki, pranic healing, false hypnosis, NLP, “chakra/aura” manipulation, and other unfounded therapeutic claims. Energy & Water Tech: Kuwait’s electricity ministry is backing an AI project for smarter meter efficiency, using smart meter data to spot consumption patterns and improve conservation. Clean Water Innovation: KISR researchers will showcase a wastewater treatment and reuse wetland system at an international invention exhibition in Guangzhou, built to improve water quality and enable reuse. Oil & Gas Output: KNPC’s LPG bottling plants merger is boosting production and sales, with cooking gas cylinder output topping 17 million. Smart Infrastructure: Kuwait’s Yarmouk infrastructure works are reported at 92% completion, with sewage and stormwater drainage fully done. Business Standards: Kuwait Municipality is moving to align local business activity classifications with the UN’s ISIC Rev.4 codes, supported by a “License Your Business” awareness campaign. Youth & Science: KFAS’s Scientific Center wrapped up STEAM-focused summer programs for children and youth, blending camps, field training, and volunteering. Digital Mobility: Knetco signed an MoU with Skyports to develop advanced air mobility infrastructure, including helipad and communications ecosystem planning. Public Safety & Health: Kuwait warned iPhone users about fake delivery messages and suspicious links. Environment & Education: ROPME and EPA ran the Blue Pioneer marine camp to teach kids that the sea is an ecosystem tied to food and water security.

Healthcare Leadership in Kuwait: Eli Lilly appointed Tayllit Aherdan as VP and GM to lead business across the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar, aiming to push innovation and earlier access to advanced treatments. AI TVs Across the Gulf: Samsung Gulf rolled out its 2026 TV lineup in Kuwait and the region, expanding Vision AI Companion features across OLED, Micro RGB, The Frame, Mini LED and UHD models. Digital Skills for Youth: Burgan Bank wrapped up its “Path” Summer Internship Program with CODED Academy and LOYAC, mixing banking exposure with digital and financial literacy. Women in Tech: talabat renewed its strategic sponsorship of CODED’s Academy X in Kuwait, backing STEM training and entrepreneurship for young women. Banking Leadership Training: NBK launched four new cohorts of its Middle Management Program, adding modules on digital leadership and AI applications. Kuwait’s Legal Tech Push: Kuwait’s economic courts law advances electronic litigation and enforcement, with specialized circuits across first instance, appeals and cassation. Aviation Tech for Kuwait: KNETCO and Skyports signed an MoU to build Kuwait’s Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure, including vertiport development and digital integration. Cybersecurity Alert: Bluesky reported a second DDoS disruption linked to Iran-aligned hackers, highlighting ongoing platform resilience challenges. Oil Route Reality Check: Multiple reports focused on Strait of Hormuz traffic and alternative routing, underscoring how shipping choices are shifting under Iran-U.S. tensions.

Kuwait’s Advanced Air Mobility push: KNETCO and Skyports signed an MoU to build Kuwait’s vertiport and AAM infrastructure ecosystem, pairing telecom and critical-infrastructure know-how with Skyports’ global AAM experience. Digital courts for faster investment disputes: Kuwait’s Justice Ministry backed economic courts covering economic, commercial and investment cases, with electronic litigation and enforcement plus settlement tracks to speed up rulings. Nationality law overhaul: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved stricter nationality fraud penalties, electronic nationality certificates, and political limits on naturalized citizens (including no voting or parliamentary roles). Healthcare tech in focus: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital performed advanced limb-sparing tumor surgery using muscle/nerve transfers and microvascular flap reconstruction to preserve foot function. Cybersecurity & online safety: Kuwait warned iPhone users about fake delivery messages and suspicious links, as regional fraud tactics keep evolving. STEM and women in tech: talabat renewed its sponsorship of CODED’s Academy X, while Burgan Bank wrapped up its “Path” internship program with digital and entrepreneurship projects. Banking leadership training: NBK launched four new cohorts of its Middle Management Program, adding modules on digital leadership and AI applications. Data and infrastructure finance: Linklaters advised AirTrunk on a USD 2.3bn green financing for a Malaysia data centre campus, with Kuwait’s NBK among the arrangers. Tech platform resilience: Bluesky reported a DDoS attack that disrupted services for about a day, highlighting ongoing platform security challenges.

Kuwait Nationality Overhaul: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved nationality law amendments, including stricter penalties for nationality fraud, digital nationality certificates, and political limits on naturalized citizens. Digital Security Push: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior says it’s accelerating digital transformation to boost security operations and service quality. Cyber Scam Warning: CITRA warned iPhone users about phishing messages in iMessage that mimic delivery notifications and trick people into clicking links or paying fake charges. Banking Tech Upgrade: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS certification under ISO 20022 MX, strengthening digital payments compliance and performance. Healthcare Breakthrough: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital team removed a cancerous leg tumor and rebuilt function using advanced reconstructive surgery. Regional Energy Stress: Coverage highlights how Strait of Hormuz disruptions are reshaping Gulf oil logistics and pushing countries to reroute exports. Tech & Finance in the Gulf: Coinbase plans an Abu Dhabi tokenization hub under ADGM rules, signaling faster growth for tokenized securities infrastructure. Renewables in Kuwait: A consortium led by Masdar and Fouad AlGhanim & Sons was selected for Kuwait’s 1.1 GW Al-Dibdibah solar project.

Kuwait Digital Governance Overhaul: The Cabinet approved major nationality and judiciary reforms, including electronic citizenship certificates, stricter penalties for citizenship fraud, and limits on naturalized citizens’ political participation. Security Tech Push: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior says it’s accelerating digital transformation with advanced systems to speed security operations, improve accuracy, and strengthen information exchange. Banking Innovation: NBK rolled out a more integrated NBK Mobile Banking App, including Kuwait’s first fully digital loan journey for housing, consumer and auto loans. Payments Standards Upgrade: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS certification under ISO 20022 MX, aiming for faster, more compliant electronic payments. Cyber Scam Alert: CITRA warned iPhone users about fake delivery/phishing messages on iMessage that try to steal personal and banking details via links. Health Tech in Action: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital team removed a cancerous leg tumor and restored movement using advanced reconstructive surgery and microvascular techniques. Renewables Deal: A consortium led by Masdar and Fouad AlGhanim & Sons was selected for Kuwait’s 1.1 GW Al-Dibdibah solar project and related renewable capacity. Regional Tech & Sustainability: Ericsson and Hack for Earth launched a Gulf-wide sustainability challenge for startups and young innovators, using AI/IoT to build practical climate solutions.

Digital Banking in Kuwait: NBK rolled out a fully integrated digital loan journey inside its Mobile Banking App, letting customers apply for housing, consumer and auto loans and complete procedures electronically without branch visits. Cyber & Consumer Safety: CITRA warned iPhone users about fake shipping/delivery messages on iMessage that push suspicious links and delivery-fee scams, urging users to verify via official channels and report/delete threats. Sustainability Hackathon: Ericsson and Hack for Earth launched the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, challenging youth to build AI/IoT connectivity solutions for sustainability with a pathway to a six-month accelerator. Local Digital Services: Zain Kuwait and CITRA support Sahel’s Arqami feature, letting people view all mobile lines and subscriptions tied to their Civil ID and quickly flag or disconnect unwanted services. Oil & Shipping Pressure: With the US-Iran MoU expiring, Hormuz tensions continue to shape regional energy logistics, while experts discuss how Gulf producers are shifting routes and what it could mean for prices. Kuwait Tech & Telecom Deals: LG deepened its stc tv integration on LG webOS in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain via a Quick Access feature. Education & Health Tech Pipeline: Arabian Gulf University ran a medical summer camp for students from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with hands-on lab and clinical training.

Medical Education in Kuwait: Arabian Gulf University ran a five-day “Medical Student Experience” camp for 60 students from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with lectures, lab and clinical skills training, and hospital tours. Diabetes Research Pipeline: Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) wrapped up its 2026 summer program with 46 students and recent graduates presenting research posters after two months of supervised diabetes-focused projects. Youth Skills & Inclusion: Mama Kefaya Center and KISR launched “Partners 11” at KISR, training young people (including persons with disabilities) in civic, social, environmental, technological and economic skills until Aug 26. Cyber & Consumer Safety: CITRA warned Kuwait iPhone users about fake delivery scam messages on iMessage, urging users to avoid links and verify via official apps; Kuwait Fire Force also cautioned against unsafe charging of smart devices. Oil & Tech in Practice: KOC reported drilling 2,428 crude-oil wells over five years using advanced tech, while Kuwait’s oil-sector analysts urged more efficient capital returns and new export routing resilience. Smart TV Streaming: LG and stc tv added “Quick Access” on webOS TVs across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, cutting steps to reach stc tv content. Digital Payments Standards: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS certification under ISO 20022 MX, aligning with Bahrain’s national payment system requirements.