AGP Executive Report

Real Estate & Environment Policy: Economist Nasser Al-Mutairi says Kuwait’s progressive fees on undeveloped plots and enforcement of Law No. 126/2023 have eased stagnation by reducing monopolizing of residential land, boosting supply, and stabilizing prices—an indirect win for more efficient land use. Food Waste: Kuwait’s food waste problem is getting attention, with restaurants cited as a major source of surplus, especially around catering and weddings where over-ordering leaves large amounts of edible food behind. Urban Greening: A debate is heating up over Kuwait Municipality setbacks: citizens want to use front-of-house spaces for planting and greenery, but new restrictions are limiting that environmental benefit. Public Health Costs: Kuwait’s Health Ministry approved price cuts for 517 medicines and pharma products, aiming for lower treatment costs while keeping Gulf-low pricing and quality standards. Labor Inspections: PAM urged employers to display electronic attendance QR codes to speed up inspections and improve compliance. Maritime Safety: Kuwait Coast Guard ran an eastern coastal campaign, investigating 152 people, flagging 32 abandoned vessels, and recording multiple violations. Air Quality Climate Link (GCC): Bahrain and Kuwait tied for top global performance on black carbon cuts, highlighting progress that directly supports cleaner air and healthier ecosystems. Delivery Rules: New delivery regulations from Sept 1 cap delivery fees and commissions for third-party platforms, pushing businesses to adjust operations.

Labour Compliance: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower urged employers to display electronic attendance QR codes and attendance/departure policies at entrances to speed up labor inspections. Health & Access: The Ministry of Health cut prices of 517 medicines and pharma products, saying the move keeps prices among the lowest in the Gulf while protecting quality and safety. Maritime Safety: Kuwait Coast Guard ran a coordinated eastern-region campaign, investigating 152 people, flagging 32 abandoned vessels, and recording multiple violations with arrests made where warrants were found. Desertification & Climate Finance: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development backed Mongolia’s COP17 work, agreeing to expand cooperation in energy, environment, anti-desertification and infrastructure. Delivery Rules: New regulations from Sept 1 cap delivery fees at KD 1 and limit platform commissions, pushing delivery platforms and merchants to adjust to tighter costs and charges. Environment Tech (Region): Ras Al Khaimah opened a carbon-capture and utilisation plant targeting 17,000 tonnes of CO2 annually as part of net-zero efforts.

Medicine Affordability: Kuwait’s Health Ministry approved price cuts for 517 medicines and pharma products, saying the move keeps prices the lowest across the GCC and brings the three-year total to 2,760 items, covering areas from cancer and cholesterol drugs to epilepsy, antibiotics and smoking-cessation treatments. Delivery Rules: New regulations for third-party online delivery platforms take effect Sept 1, capping delivery fees at KD 1 and limiting commissions to 10% and 17%, while banning extra charges under other names—leaving restaurants and delivery firms bracing for how the caps will reshape costs and competition. Maritime Safety Sweep: Kuwait Coast Guard ran a coordinated eastern-region campaign, investigating 152 people, identifying 32 abandoned vessels, recording fire-force violations, and arresting/intensifying action on multiple suspects. Rural Development Ties: Kuwait and Indonesia discussed expanding cooperation to support rural development, with Indonesia praising Kuwait’s humanitarian projects like model villages, schools, health centers, mosques and water wells. Carbon-Capture Signal (Region): Ras Al Khaimah opened a carbon-capture and utilisation plant targeting about 17,000 tonnes of CO2 yearly, aiming to support net-zero efforts through industrial reuse.

Carbon-Capture Push: Ras Al Khaimah opened a carbon-capture and utilisation plant aimed at capturing about 17,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, turning it into high-purity gas for industry and uses like food, healthcare and agriculture—another UAE step toward net-zero. Health & Environment Costs: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health approved price cuts for 517 medicines and products, bringing the three-year total to 2,760 items covered by pricing and reductions, easing treatment costs while keeping quality standards. Desertification Cooperation: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development backed Mongolia’s COP17 work, agreeing to expand projects in energy, environment and anti-desertification. Local Wildlife & Care: A Kuwaiti cat-and-community story highlights how dedicated caretakers manage semi-feral cat colonies and respond to animal health crises. Regional Climate Pressure: Reports on the Strait of Hormuz show oil flows creeping higher despite ongoing risks—reminding the region how conflict can quickly reshape energy and emissions pressures. Kuwait–Pakistan Ties: Kuwait and Pakistan signed a defence cooperation protocol expanding training and border management, reflecting how security shifts can also affect environmental planning and logistics.

Kuwait Health Update: The Ministry of Health approved price cuts and new pricing for 517 medicines and pharmaceutical products, bringing the three-year total to 2,760 items covered by pricing and reduction orders, aiming to keep prices the lowest across the GCC while protecting treatment quality. Desalination & Water Security: VA Tech Wabag won a Kuwait DBO contract for the Doha SWRO Desalination Plant with Recarbonation System – Stage II, with a 36-month build and 5-year O&M, plus solar PV to support operations. Pharma Rules Tightened: Kuwait also issued new regulations on how medicine and medical-product promotions can be done, including limits on company representatives’ access to patients and requirements for scheduled, approved visits. Environment at UN Level: Kuwait Fund officials met Mongolia’s foreign minister at COP17, agreeing to expand cooperation on energy, environment, and anti-desertification projects. Regional Climate Angle: A new analysis argues war and military emissions are a major missing piece in global warming accounting, calling for better tracking of military-related greenhouse gases. Waterway Risk Watch: Strait of Hormuz crude flows are creeping higher as Gulf producers boost exports, but shipping remains exposed to attacks and mine threats.

Strait of Hormuz Watch: Oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are creeping higher, with estimates of about 6–8 million barrels a day as Gulf producers boost exports amid Iran-linked shipping risks—helping keep global prices in check. Kuwait Health & Environment: Kuwait’s Health Ministry approved price cuts for 517 medicines and pharmaceutical products, while a separate decision tightens rules on how medicine promotion is handled and how company reps interact with patients and MoH facilities. Water Security Deal: VA Tech Wabag won a Kuwait desalination contract for a Doha SWRO plant with a recarbonation system, including a 5-year O&M period and solar PV components. Desertification & Climate Cooperation: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development is expanding work on energy, environment, anti-desertification and infrastructure with Mongolia at COP17. Marine Learning: Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority wrapped up the “Blue Pioneer” summer camp with students learning practical sustainability and marine protection with ROPME support. Food Under Fire: Kuwait told the UN Security Council that conflict-related food insecurity is now tied to international peace and security, urging action to prevent starvation of civilians as a weapon.

Desalination & Water Security: VA Tech Wabag has won a Kuwait contract to design, build, operate a 60 MIGD seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant for the Doha SWRO project, including a recarbonation system and a 5-year O&M period, with solar PV planned to help power parts of the facility. Environment Education: Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority wrapped up the “Blue Pioneer” summer camp with 26 students, focusing on sustainability through hands-on learning, field visits, and practical steps to protect marine resources. Public Health & Clean Living: The Ministry of Health approved price cuts for 517 medicines and products, while also tightening rules on medicine promotion and how pharmaceutical representatives can interact with ministry facilities—aiming for transparency and patient safety. Regulation & Waste-Reducing Habits: A new MoH environmental health awareness pavilion at The Avenues Mall pushed prevention against insect and rodent infestations, recycling, and better environmental practices. Energy Savings: Residents were urged to cut electricity use with simple daily habits like switching off unused appliances and using efficient lighting. Regional Climate Risk: Strait of Hormuz oil flows are creeping higher despite security threats, a reminder of how conflict can disrupt energy and climate-related planning.

Desalination for Water Security: VA Tech Wabag has won a Kuwait MEWRE contract for the Doha SWRO Desalination Plant with Recarbonation System – Stage II, marking its Kuwait debut. The deal covers design, build, operate and a 5-year O&M period for a ~272 MLD seawater RO plant, with solar PV included to support sustainability. Marine & Air Quality Education: Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority wrapped up the “Blue Pioneer” summer camp with 26 students, focusing on sustainability through field learning on preserving resources, cutting pollution and improving daily environmental practices. Public Health & Clean Environments: The Ministry of Health launched a new environmental health awareness pavilion at the Avenues Mall, urging residents to prevent insect and rodent infestations and adopt recycling and better environmental habits. Regulating Medicines: Kuwait’s Health Ministry issued new rules for promoting medicines and medical products, tightening how company representatives interact inside ministry facilities to protect patient safety. Local Water/Environment Policy Link: Kuwait also highlighted desertification efforts at a UN conference, reinforcing the country’s push to tackle land degradation. Drug Abuse Prevention: Kuwait announced its biggest drug bust, seizing nearly five tons of raw Lyrica powder and millions of capsules, alongside a nationwide anti-drug awareness campaign.

Environmental Health: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health opened a second 2026 environmental health awareness pavilion at The Avenues Mall, focusing on cutting insect/rodent causes, pollution, and promoting recycling and better practices, with 24/7 support via hotline 151 (option 6) and the “Salem” app. Marine & Air Quality Education: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) wrapped up the second “Blue Pioneer” summer camp with 26 students, stressing sustainability through hands-on field learning with ROPME. Desertification & Land Protection: Kuwait is taking part in the UNCCD COP in Ulaanbaatar, highlighting efforts against desertification, land degradation, drought, and sand/dust storms. International Airport Sustainability: Kuwait’s civil aviation authority joined Airports Council International (ACI), gaining access to global benchmarks and programs covering sustainability, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. Clean Energy Finance (Regional): Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed a KD 3m loan for El Salvador’s San Matías solar project, supporting grid-connected renewable power and climate resilience. Energy-Saving Tips: Residents are being urged to reduce electricity use with simple habits like switching off unused appliances and using efficient lighting.

Aviation & Sustainability: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation has joined Airports Council International (ACI), saying the move unlocks global benchmarks, training, and programs spanning passenger experience, safety, security, sustainability, digital transformation and cybersecurity—aimed at upgrading Kuwait International Airport. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Kuwait’s Cabinet met at the new Kuwait International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) site, backing the airport project’s accelerated completion and reviewing latest developments. Public Health & Environment: The Ministry of Health opened an Environmental Health Awareness Pavilion at The Avenues, focusing on prevention of insect/rodent infestations and pollution, and promoting recycling and sound environmental practices. Desertification & Land Protection: A Kuwaiti delegation is taking part in the UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, highlighting Kuwait’s efforts to combat desertification, land degradation, drought and sand/dust storms. Clean Energy Finance: KFAED signed a KD 3m loan with El Salvador for the San Matías solar project, supporting grid-connected solar generation and climate-resilience goals. Water Security & Renewables: VA Tech Wabag won a Kuwait desalination contract for a large SWRO plant with a recarbonation system, including on-site solar PV to cut emissions.

Airport Sustainability & Standards: Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has joined Airports Council International (ACI), aiming to bring global best practices to Kuwait International Airport and boost safety, security, efficiency, service quality, and sustainability. Public Health & Environment: The Ministry of Health opened a new Environmental Health Awareness Pavilion at The Avenues, focusing on prevention of insect and rodent infestations, pollution reduction, and recycling, with services available via hotline 151 and the “Salem” app. Water Security & Clean Energy: VA Tech Wabag won the Doha SWRO desalination contract with a Recarbonation System Stage II in Kuwait, featuring a 60 MIGD plant, a five-year O&M period, and on-site solar PV to cut the facility’s carbon footprint. Desertification Fight: Kuwait is participating in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP17 in Mongolia, underlining efforts to restore land and strengthen resilience against drought, land degradation, and sand and dust storms. KISR Water Innovation: A KISR researcher won gold and a grand prize in Guangzhou for a wetland-based system to treat wastewater from reverse osmosis sewage treatment, supporting reuse and better water-resource management. Heat-Ready Community Safety: Burgan Bank and Kuwait Fire Force launched “A Safe Summer with KFF” at Al Khiran Mall, promoting beach safety and prevention measures.

Human Rights Watch: UN Committee findings flagged gaps in Finland, Honduras, India and Kuwait, including concerns over participation rights and protection of traditional lands and livelihoods, with climate pressures also noted. Energy & Environment: PSO and Kuwait Petroleum marked 50 years of partnership supplying Pakistan with gasoil and jet fuel, while Shell is reportedly considering selling its US chemicals business—an energy-industry shift that could ripple into regional supply chains. Water & Wastewater Innovation: A KISR researcher won a gold medal and grand prize in Guangzhou for a wetland-based system to treat wastewater from reverse osmosis sewage treatment, supporting reuse and better water-resource management. Heat & Public Safety: Kuwait’s “Ministry to tackle heat” idea and a Burgan Bank + Kuwait Fire Force “A Safe Summer” campaign both point to growing pressure to reduce heat risks and prevent accidents. Water/Climate Policy: Kuwait joined global efforts to combat desertification and land degradation. Local Life: Kuwait’s traffic crackdown reported 67 violations and impounded 62 vehicles and a motorcycle, as authorities push road-safety discipline.

Water & Wastewater Innovation: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) says a patented wetland-based system for treating wastewater from reverse osmosis sewage treatment won a gold medal and top international jury prize in Guangzhou, with the treated water reusable for multiple applications. Desertification & Land Protection: Kuwait is participating in UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia under “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” aligning with national efforts to fight desertification and land degradation and boost ecosystem resilience. Road Safety in Heat: Kuwait’s Traffic Directorate intensified inspections, issuing 67 violations and impounding 62 vehicles and one motorcycle to curb dangerous driving. Heat Mitigation Debate: A local opinion piece renews calls for a dedicated “Ministry for Heat Mitigation,” arguing Kuwait needs a more sustainable approach to extreme summer conditions. Business Transparency Push: Experts say Kuwait’s new anti-concealment law is creating confusion, while beneficial ownership rules aim to improve transparency and protect the economy. Community Safety at the Coast: Burgan Bank and Kuwait Fire Force launched “A Safe Summer with KFF” at Al Khiran Mall to promote beach safety and prevention measures.

Cybersecurity & Youth: US guidance warns students are prime phishing targets because school accounts link to grades, payments, cloud storage and password resets—one stolen login can open a whole chain of accounts. Gulf Energy Risk: Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority issued a “Non-Compliant Vessels” list, warning of fines, detention, seizure or confiscation—raising pressure on shipping through Hormuz. KPC Exports Watch: Kuwait’s propane and butane exports fell 4.5% in the FY to March 31, with experts citing maritime disruptions and a shift to prioritize local supply. Desertification & Land: Kuwait joins UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia under “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” highlighting efforts to combat desertification and land degradation. KNPC HSE Focus: KNPC says health, safety and environment remain top priorities, citing thousands of trainings and international safety awards. Water Security: GCCIA workshop in Kuwait studies feasibility of GCC water interconnection projects, stressing urgency to diversify sources beyond the Arabian Gulf. ESG Finance: Burgan Bank’s MSCI ESG rating upgraded from BB to BBB, citing stronger sustainability disclosures and risk management. Local Climate on Health: A Kuwait climate-and-skin report links heat, dust storms and UV exposure to worsening conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Maritime Security & Energy: Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced a new “Non-Compliant Vessels” list for ships it says violate its Hormuz transit rules, warning of possible fines, detention, seizure or confiscation—another escalation that keeps the world’s key energy chokepoint in the spotlight. Kuwait Energy Output: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation reported a 4.5% drop in propane and butane exports in the fiscal year ending March 31, citing disruptions from heightened maritime traffic and regional security pressures, plus a shift toward meeting local demand. Business Climate & Compliance: Kuwait’s new anti-concealment law is sparking confusion among business owners, with experts saying it targets symptoms without fully addressing why concealment happens in the first place. Land & Desertification: Kuwait is taking part in UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia under “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” aiming to strengthen sustainable land management and ecosystem resilience. HSE in Oil Operations: KNPC’s CEO reiterated that health, safety and environment remain top priorities, highlighting training, safety awards, and environmental responsibility. Water Security in the Gulf: GCCIA held a workshop on feasibility for GCC water interconnection projects, with Kuwait’s electricity-water authority participating as the region pushes for more resilient supplies. Local Enforcement & Environment Link: Kuwait Municipality expanded field monitoring on bachelors’ housing in private/model residential areas, coordinating with multiple ministries and authorities to enforce regulations. Desert & Climate Health: A Kuwait climate-and-skin explainer linked harsh heat, dust storms and UV exposure to worsening conditions like eczema and rosacea. Sustainability Finance: Burgan Bank’s ESG rating was upgraded by MSCI from BB to BBB, citing stronger sustainability and governance capabilities.

Water Security & Conflict: World Water Week opens in Stockholm as a new report highlights a sharp rise in water-related conflicts, driven by attacks on water infrastructure and disputes over access. Gulf Water Links: Kuwait joined a GCCIA workshop on the feasibility of GCC water interconnection, with officials calling it urgent as the region looks to diversify sources beyond the Arabian Gulf. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: GCC-China talks in Riyadh put the Strait of Hormuz front and center, with Iran’s actions dominating discussions and complicating UN efforts to reopen navigation. Kuwait Housing Enforcement: Kuwait Municipality formed field teams to crack down on bachelors living in private and model residential areas, with potential fines and electricity disconnection. Local Environment & Industry: KNPC reiterated that health, safety and environment are top priorities, while Burgan Bank said MSCI upgraded its ESG rating to BBB. Food & Aid on the Move: Kuwait’s “Kuwait Stands with You” campaign continues funding water, education and health projects across Zanzibar, Yemen and Gaza. Health in Kuwait’s Climate: A report links Kuwait’s heat, dust storms and UV exposure to worsening skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Border Infrastructure Support: NBK pledged KD 1 million to restore and rehabilitate Kuwait’s land border crossings.