AGP Executive Report

Kuwait Health Update: The Ministry of Health has introduced daily “quiet hours” in hospital wards from 10pm to 6am to protect patients’ rest, while expanding visiting windows and setting limits on simultaneous visitors. Education Reform: The Ministry of Education has unveiled a draft education bylaw to unify school regulations under one framework, with feedback open until July 4. Domestic Safety & Justice: Kuwait’s domestic violence protection law shows early impact, with registered cases down 33% in the first three months, as procedures become clearer. Energy & Diplomacy: Kuwait and Indonesia reaffirmed energy-security cooperation and pushed to accelerate GCC free-trade talks, while the EU held an energy seminar with Kuwaiti partners to boost collaboration. Local Life & Services: Kuwait will allow recreational fishing boats to sail 24/7 under new maritime rules, and real estate activity saw 134 contracts worth about KD106 million in one week. Sports & Aviation: Kuwait Airways reported a 13.6% loss reduction in 2025, and Kuwait’s football referee Omar Artan was appointed for the Premier League final.

Domestic Safety: Kuwait’s new Domestic Violence Protection Law is showing early impact, with domestic violence cases registered dropping 33% in the first three months (from 486 to 328), while the law keeps tighter safeguards for serious offences. Aviation & Travel: Regional flights are gradually returning to Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4, with Qatar Airways resuming daily Doha–Kuwait City service from June 21 and other carriers restoring schedules; ICAO also reiterated support for Kuwait over Iranian attacks on airport facilities. Road Enforcement: Police detained a Kuwaiti driver after radar clocked him at 186 kph on Jahra Road, while a separate campaign also caught a juvenile driving without a license. Finance & Markets: Boursa Kuwait is set to launch ETFs after CMA Resolution 80 of 2026 approved the regulatory framework, expanding investment tools for the local market. Humanitarian Tech: Kuwait’s charity sector is moving toward smarter, data-driven aid, with a web-based decision-support system for charitable organizations and a housing village project in Yemen under “Kuwait by Your Side.” Energy Diplomacy: EU-Kuwait energy cooperation continues through seminars marking 40 years of ties, as both sides discuss greener transition and long-term sector planning.

Yoga & Culture: Kuwait marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with a mass session at Boulevard Cricket Stadium, drawing over 2,200 participants, as the Indian Ambassador highlighted this year’s theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Diplomacy & Security: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reported to plan a Middle East trip next week, with expected stops including Kuwait, as Washington pushes forward talks tied to the US-Iran interim deal. Aviation & Sovereignty: Kuwait won ICAO support after the council reviewed Kuwait’s position on reported Iranian attacks on Kuwait International Airport facilities, reaffirming earlier condemnation. Energy Watch: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening after the US-Iran MoU, oil prices eased and shipping activity picked up, while Iran’s new strait authorization rules are raising questions for insurers and traders. Regional Energy Links: Indonesia and Kuwait agreed to deepen energy security cooperation, aiming to strengthen resilience in oil and gas supply chains amid global uncertainty. Health Research: Dasman Diabetes Institute researchers say completely cutting sucrose from a low-fat diet can still disrupt gut and metabolic health, pointing to the importance of balanced nutrition.

Oil & Shipping: Kuwait Petroleum Corp resumed activity after the US-Iran MoU, with crude shipments and Strait of Hormuz traffic picking up as Kuwait prepares to lift output toward pre-war levels and offer July crude via tender; KPC also reported oil prices down 57 cents to $85.90 pb. Regional Security: Reuters reports Iran’s IRGC set up covert drone-attack cells in Iraq targeting Gulf states including Kuwait, while US-Iran talks face uncertainty amid Lebanon clashes. Local Safety: Firefighters brought a blaze under control at Naayem Scrapyard on Salmi Road with no injuries reported. Travel Connectivity: Qatar Airways will resume daily Kuwait flights from June 21 (Etihad from June 23, Oman Air from June 25), and the UK eased travel advice for Kuwait and other Gulf destinations. Justice: Kuwait prison authorities are set to carry out death sentences against five convicted prisoners in the coming days. Business & Culture: Foodics launched “Table Talks” to spotlight hospitality growth with real operational data, and Kuwait marks its 65th independence anniversary.

Kuwait Oil Moves to Direct Asian Sales: Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) has offered crude to Asian buyers for the first time since the 1990-91 Gulf War, after lifting force majeure and planning to ramp output to 2 million bpd as Strait of Hormuz shipping resumes. Energy Markets Watch Hormuz: Oil prices slipped as tankers began moving through the reopened strait following the US-Iran interim accord, though traders are still cautious about whether flows will fully normalize. Kuwait UN Rights Warning: A UN expert warned that Kuwait’s nationality withdrawals are disproportionately harming women and children, with more than 70,000 affected since March 2025. Clean Power Upgrade at KNPC: KNPC expanded its Umm Al-Aish LPG solar operations and plans battery storage to run round-the-clock, cutting oil use and electricity costs. Water Security Deal: VA Tech Wabag won a major Kuwait desalination contract (Doha SWRO II) worth over $150m, marking its first Kuwait market entry. Regional Security Tension: Reuters reports Iran’s IRGC set up secret cells in Iraq to target Gulf states hosting US forces, including drone attacks linked to Kuwait. Travel Advisory Eases: The UK lifted “no-go” travel warnings for Kuwait and other Gulf states after the US-Iran MoU, signaling a cautious return of tourism.

Gulf Diplomacy & Energy: Kuwait’s foreign minister spoke by phone with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, with both sides stressing dialogue to support regional stability and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Iran memorandum moves forward. Airport Recovery & Connectivity: International airlines resumed operations at Kuwait International Airport from Terminal 4 after the June 3 attack, with Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia among carriers restarting services. Oil Update: Kuwait Petroleum Corp says force majeure linked to the war will be lifted and output could rise to exceed 2 million barrels per day within a week as Hormuz shipping normalizes. Local Economy & Costs: Kuwait’s Producer Price Index jumped 41.42% in Q1 2026, driven by higher crude extraction and petroleum refining prices. Social & Health: Kuwait opened its first joint clinic for skin complications tied to lung cancer treatments, while the Social Affairs minister launched a workshop on accessibility building codes for persons with disabilities. Sports: Burgan Sports Club won the Asian men’s club handball league title, with Kuwait’s leadership sending congratulations. Culture & Community: Young Kuwaitis are reviving handwritten letters and postcards through local mail clubs and cafés.

Kuwait Oil & Markets: Kuwait Petroleum Corp. said crude rose 63 fils to $86.47 per barrel, while global benchmarks also edged up, as markets watch the wider regional energy picture. Hormuz Watch: With the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen after the US-Iran interim deal, analysts warn flows may only recover to about 70% of pre-war levels, and mines laid during the conflict could delay a full return to normal shipping. Local Energy Planning: The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy is awaiting State Audit Bureau approval for six water-infrastructure tenders worth KD159.7 million, including Hawally storage upgrades and a Doha seawater desalination plant. Regional Connectivity: Kuwait’s Public Works Minister said the GCC railway is a key logistics and economic cooperation pillar, with ministers discussing ways to speed implementation. Sports Spotlight: Burgan SC won Kuwait’s first-ever Asian men’s club handball title, beating Saudi Al-Khaleej 34-32 in extra time and earning a Super Globe spot in Egypt. Travel & Safety: Australia eased travel advice for Kuwait and other Gulf states after the US-Iran deal, moving from “do not travel” to “reconsider your need to travel.” Fraud Alerts: CITRA reported 250 fraud and scam cases in May, urging residents to avoid sharing personal or banking details with suspicious messages.

Kuwait Airport Recovery: EgyptAir and Flydubai have resumed flights from Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4 under a phased plan (daily 4am–10pm), with Air Arabia, MEA and Emirates starting 18 June; passengers are urged to confirm schedules and arrive early. Weather Watch: Kuwait’s dusty conditions are expected to ease as northwesterly winds weaken, improving visibility overnight, though it stays hot by day. Municipal Safety & Traffic: Kuwait’s Municipal Council is moving to tackle chaotic truck and heavy-vehicle parking in public and residential areas by coordinating agencies to reorganize sites and end haphazard parking. Education Integrity: The Interior Ministry warns parents to monitor children and avoid groups promoting leaked exams ahead of Grade 12 final exams. Regional Transport: Kuwait’s transport ministry delegation discussed GCC Railway progress and logistics integration to cut reliance on trucks. Sports & Media: beIN renewed Wimbledon broadcast rights across MENA until 2030, while Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick kept him level with Miroslav Klose’s record. Business & Finance: NBK launched cashback rewards for new credit card customers via NBK Mobile Banking, and Weyay Bank teamed with Snoonu to boost digital lifestyle offers.

Kuwait-US-Iran diplomacy: Kuwait welcomed the US-Iran memorandum as a step toward wider, peaceful solutions, stressing good neighbourliness, mutual respect and ending support for proxy groups. Oil & shipping: Even with the Strait of Hormuz reopening talks, the US has been running secret ship-to-ship oil transfers to keep Gulf exports moving, using tactics similar to Iranian sanctions-evasion methods. Local aviation: Kuwait Airways launched direct flights to Mykonos, with two weekly services as part of its summer network push. Kuwait citizenship crackdown: Kuwait revoked citizenship of two brothers who shaped Gulf music, Abdulmohsen and Yousef Al Muhanna, in a wider nationality revocation campaign. Travel advisories: Australia downgraded warnings for Kuwait and other Gulf states after the interim US-Iran deal, though it urged avoiding non-essential travel. Sports: Lionel Messi lit up Argentina’s World Cup opener with a hat-trick against Algeria, tying Miroslav Klose’s World Cup scoring record.

Kuwait Security & Justice: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior arrested 14 suspects in eight drug cases, seizing crystal meth, hashish, marijuana, heroin, synthetic narcotics sheets, Lyrica capsules, pills, scales and trafficking tools. Defense & Women in Uniform: Kuwait’s Defense Minister conferred ranks on a first batch of newly commissioned female officers after an Amiri decree, calling their integration a “qualitative addition” to the armed forces. Traffic & Public Safety: The General Traffic Department announced lane and exit closures on Riyadh Road from June 17 to July 27 for road works, urging drivers to use alternatives. Housing Delivery: PAHW is expected to soon name qualified developers for its Real Estate Developer Programme, aiming to speed up housing delivery with the first phase set for nearly 5,000 units. Oil & the Strait of Hormuz: Kuwait’s KOC says the country coordinated with Gulf partners to manage the Hormuz crisis, while KPC is reportedly offering crude directly to Asian refiners for the first time since the 1990-91 Gulf War. Regional Diplomacy: Trump denied reports about a $300 billion Iran fund, calling them “fake news,” as the US-Iran framework deal continues to shape regional expectations.

US-Iran Breakthrough for Hormuz: Kuwait welcomed a US-Iran memorandum of understanding that aims to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump saying the strait is already partially opened and toll-free access expected by Friday; analysts warn oil flows won’t fully normalize overnight as hundreds of tankers and production restarts take weeks to months. Kuwait Oil Market Shift: Kuwait Petroleum Corp reportedly offered crude directly to Asian refiners for the first time since the 1990-91 Gulf War, a strategy change after force majeure halted exports earlier this year. Kuwait Court Ruling: Kuwait’s Court of Cassation sentenced former Interior Minister Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to three years in prison over secret expenditures. Aviation Update: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation announced limited resumption of Gulf, Arab and foreign flights through Terminal 4, with passengers urged to check schedules. Defense Deal: The US cleared a $236m support package for Kuwait’s KC-130J fleet. Local Infrastructure: A new service road linking Kuwait International Airport to Al-Sadeeq and Salmiya via Road 50 is set to open at midnight June 16. Women in Judiciary: Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait appointed the first group of women as court session secretaries.

US-Iran MoU and Hormuz reopening: Kuwait welcomed a US-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the Gulf war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Gulf states also urging protection of maritime routes and freedom of navigation; leaders said a formal signing is expected on June 19, but analysts warn oil and shipping flows may take weeks or months to fully normalize. Aviation updates in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Civil Aviation authority announced limited resumption of Gulf, Arab and foreign airline operations via Terminal 4, with passengers urged to check schedules; Kuwait Airways also reported a 13.6% drop in losses in FY2025 while boosting revenues. Local justice and women’s roles: The Justice Minister appointed the first group of women as court session secretaries, with 27 female employees joining after training. Sports: Burgan Club reached the Asian Men’s Club League handball final after a comeback win over Al-Duhail, while Kuwait SC fell to Khaleej in the other semifinal. Community and business: Blood donation response during World Blood Donor Day exceeded expectations, and LuLu Hypermarket/LuLu Exchange launched a loyalty tie-up linking remittances to LuLu Happiness Points.

US-Iran Peace Push & Hormuz Shockwaves: The Strait of Hormuz is at the center of a fast-moving US-Iran interim peace push, with reports saying the waterway could reopen and the US naval blockade be lifted, while markets brace for how quickly shipping and oil flows can normalize after months of disruption. Kuwait Oil & Trade Angle: Kuwait’s energy exposure is highlighted as KPC reportedly offered crude to Asian buyers directly for the first time since the early 1990s, as the region’s crisis reshapes sales routes and export timing. Local Education Updates: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education reviewed Grade 12 exam timing around the Hijri New Year, with possible start-date shifts depending on the holiday declaration and results set for early July. Housing & Development: Housing remains a top national priority, with Minister Abdullatif Al-Meshari stressing momentum on state development projects and the real estate developer program. Higher Education Links: Kuwait and Qatar University discussed expanding academic and research cooperation, including support for Kuwaiti students and joint innovation. Property Rules: Kuwait’s finance ministry warned against subleasing chalets and state land permits, warning of licence cancellation and eviction. Regional Connectivity: Turkey and Saudi Arabia plan a rail link reaching Jordan and Syria, with Kuwait flagged as a possible later participant.

Middle East Tensions & Energy: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, warning of major disruption to a route carrying about a fifth of the world’s oil and sending markets into fresh uncertainty. US-Iran Talks: Reports say a draft U.S.-Iran memorandum is being prepared with a 60-day path to a final deal, but Iran has not confirmed signing timelines. Kuwait Border Security: Kuwait foiled a cigarette smuggling attempt at Nuwaiseeb, arresting a Gulf national after 210 cartons were found hidden in a vehicle frame. Residency for Investors: Kuwait approved a new 15-year residency framework for foreign investors and eligible family members, with KDIPA recommendations and strict financial and compliance conditions. Road Safety: Kuwait’s new traffic law appears to be working, with major drops in speeding and red-light violations. Local Development: Housing and mortgage investment projects were highlighted at ENCON5, with officials stressing transparency and private-sector participation. Air Travel & Tourism: Kuwait Airways launched seasonal flights to Mykonos. Health & Community: Kuwait marked World Blood Donor Day with 45,539 donors recorded since January, and a new study warns that fully cutting sucrose may harm gut health.

Investor Residency: Kuwait issued a new 15-year residency framework for foreign investors under Cabinet Resolution No. 651/2026, setting out eligibility for owners of licensed investment entities, partners, senior executives and immediate family, with strict checks including criminal record certificates and passport validity rules. Retiree Banking: NBK expanded its “Experienced Individuals” package for retirees, offering higher deposit returns, free lifetime credit cards, home banking access and concierge document/cash delivery. Oil & Shipping Shock: Iran announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, raising fears of major global supply disruption and price spikes. Diplomacy on Iran Talks: Qatar and Kuwait reiterated support for U.S.-Iran negotiations, backing dialogue to resolve pending issues. Local Safety & Crime: Kuwait’s Fire Force reported two deaths in a Subhan vehicle rollover and fire, while detectives pursued an exhaust-pipe theft suspect. Public Services: Kuwait’s Manpower Authority stepped up summer outdoor-work inspections, issuing notices for violations. Citizenship Moves: Kuwait published decrees revoking citizenship from 2,192 people. Culture: Kuwait’s diwaniyas were highlighted again after UNESCO recognition as intangible heritage.

Middle East Energy Shock: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, warning of major global disruption as oil prices brace for chaos. Kuwait Aviation Fallout: Kuwait has filed its third complaint to ICAO over attacks on Kuwait International Airport radar, after injuries and damage were reported, and air navigation operations were temporarily adjusted before returning to normal. Diplomacy Watch: Trump says a U.S.-Iran peace deal will be signed Sunday and that Hormuz will reopen after signing, while Iran and U.S. officials keep sending mixed signals. Local Oversight: Kuwait’s Social Affairs minister ordered investigations after a surprise inspection of a Sabahiyah care center, focusing on kitchens, laundry, cleanliness and resident safety. Community & Culture: Kuwait’s diwaniyas were recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, highlighting their role in dialogue and social cohesion. Health & Society: Boursa Kuwait and Kuwait Clearing Company launched a blood donation campaign for World Blood Donor Day, while an Indian embassy drive drew hundreds of donors. Education & Recognition: A Kuwaiti religious institute won top prize at Arab Code Week’s Golden Educator competition. Work & Travel Rules: Kuwait reminded employers about a temporary labour transfer grace period until June 30, and also suspended commercial visit visas, disrupting short-term business travel.