GCC makes pivotal strides in development, diplomacy

DUBAI, UAE — The year 2023 emerged as a landmark period for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with each nation experiencing pivotal moments that defined their respective paths toward development and global integration. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait collectively witnessed a series of transformative events across various sectors, underlining their dynamic roles in the regional and global landscape.

In Saudi Arabia, the year was highlighted by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s announcement of the Al-Diriyah project and significant advancements in energy, finance, and sports. The UAE marked its progress through strategic international partnerships, including a key committee formation with the US and hosting important events such as COP28 and the World Government Summit 2023. Qatar’s year was notable for its diplomatic strides, economic achievements, and the successful hosting of significant international conferences.

Bahrain took significant steps in enhancing its digital and sports infrastructures, focusing on cybersecurity and Formula 1. Oman demonstrated its commitment to development and international diplomacy, particularly in enhancing its investment sector and promoting cultural heritage. Kuwait, meanwhile, made remarkable advancements in oil and energy, economy, defense, and social affairs, marking its commitment to growth and innovation. In December, following the death of Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah became the emir of Kuwait.

These collective events across the GCC in 2023 not only signify each nation’s individual progress but also reflect a cohesive effort toward sustainable development, technological advancement, and an enhanced global presence. As the year drew to a close, these developments set the stage for an even more promising and interconnected future for the Gulf region.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia witnessed many events in 2023 that touched on various fields. Following are major events throughout the year:

Jan 9: Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Mohammad bin Salman, announced the 5th major project Al-Diriyah, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

Jan 10: The Saudi Council of Ministers approved the Arab Federation of Internal Auditors.

Jan 12: CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development and Pakistani Undersecretary of the Ministry of Affairs signed an agreement to finance Pakistan with US$1 billion to support its economy.

Jan 22: The Saudi Zakat Authority launched the “Global Logistics Platform” initiative.

Jan 29: The Saudi Etihad football team won the Saudi Super Cup for the 2022-23 season.

Jan 30: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a new service for issuing entry visas for all purposes.

Jan 30: Aramco signed over 100 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) valued at US$7.2 billion to help develop a diversified and sustainable industrial system.

Jan 30: Kuwaiti Ambassador Jassem Al-Bedaiwi was appointed as the Secretary-General of the GCC.

Jan 31: The Saudi Statistics Authority confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s real GDP growth reached 8.7 percent in 2022, compared to the previous year.

Feb 1: Saudi Arabia and Oman signed a Memorandum of Understanding to finance the infrastructure project for the Special Economic Zone in Oman, estimated at about US$320 million.

Feb 1: Saudi Arabia and Oman inked 13 investment MoUs between private and government sectors, valued at US$266 million.

Feb 1: The Saudi Public Investment Fund signed an agreement with AeroFarms to establish a company based in Riyadh, aimed at establishing indoor vertical farms in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Feb 2: The King of Saudi Arabia relieved the governor of the Saudi Central Bank from his position and appointed Ayman Al-Sayyari as the new governor.

Feb 2: The Saudi Energy Minister and the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs signed an MoU to set a plan for cooperation in the energy sector.

Feb 12: Saudi Arabia sent its first female and male astronauts to the International Space Station.

Feb 15: The Saudi Ports Authority and Maersk shipping company established a logistics area for the company in the Middle East at Jeddah Islamic Port, valued at US$346 million, creating 2,500 job opportunities.

Feb 16: The Crown Prince and Prime Minister launched the new Square Development Company in line with the targets of Saudi Vision 2030.

Feb 21: Saudi Arabia signed a deposit agreement with the Central Bank of Yemen valued at US$1 billion.

Feb 22: Saudi Arabia celebrated its Founding Day anniversary.

March 1: The King of Saudi Arabia issued a royal decree designating March 11th of every year as World Science Day.

March 1: Saudi ACWA Power signed three agreements with the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh Sovereign Wealth Fund to establish a wind power plant and store renewable energy in one GWh batteries.

March 1: Aramco completed the acquisition of Valvoline Global Operations, a subsidiary of the American company Valvoline, for US$2.65 billion.

March 5: The King of Saudi Arabia issued several royal orders, including the appointment of Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan as Minister of State and a member of the Council of Ministers, and Salman Al-Dosari as Minister of Media.

March 7: The Saudi Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of tourism between the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Kuwait’s Ministry of Information.

March 10: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China agreed to resume diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran and to reopen their embassies within two months.

March 12: Aramco announced its financial results for 2022, recording an income of US$161 billion, the highest annual profit ever listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange.

March 13: Riyadh Air, the new Saudi national air carrier launched by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, announced its first order of 72 Boeing aircraft.

March 20: Aramco signed an agreement with DHL to establish a new global center for logistics services in Saudi Arabia to enhance operations.

March 22: The 155th session of the GCC Ministerial Council commenced in Riyadh.

March 23: Saudi Aramco signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to determine a strategic cooperation plan aimed at localizing the industrial system.

April 2: The Saudi Ministry of Energy announced a voluntary reduction in its crude oil production by 500,000 barrels per day, starting in May and continuing until the end of 2023.

April 13: The Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic Affairs and Development launched four special economic zones in strategic locations around the country.

April 15: Saudi Airlines suspended all flights to and from Sudan until further notice.

April 16: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology launched a satellite in cooperation with Vandenberg Space Base in the US.

April 16: The Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund announced the completion of transferring four percent of Aramco’s total shares from state ownership to the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

April 20: The Saudi Supreme Court declared that the next day would be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr for the year 1444 AH.

April 22: Saudi Arabia announced the safe return of Saudis and several other nationals, including diplomats and international officials, after evacuating them from Sudan.

May 1: Aramco and the Saudi Public Investment Fund signed an agreement with Baosteel Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. of China to establish the largest complex for steel manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.

May 2: Fourteen Saudi citizens and 206 people from four countries arrived in Jeddah from Sudan.

May 2: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the Saudi Cultural Attaché building in Sudan was stormed.

May 8: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) launched a campaign through the Sahem platform to assist the Sudanese people.

May 9: Saudi Arabia resumed the operations of its diplomatic mission in Syria.

May 12: Saudi Arabia and the US announced that representatives of the SAF and RSF signed a declaration of commitment to protect civilians in Sudan.

May 17: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the “Road to Mecca” initiative agreement as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

May 19: The 32nd Arab Summit commenced in Jeddah, fostering hopes to establish a new plan for joint Arab action.

May 19: A declaration issued at the conclusion of the 32nd Arab Summit in Jeddah reaffirmed support for Yemen’s security and stability and the aspirations of the Yemeni people.

May 19: The declaration from the 32nd Arab Summit in Jeddah confirmed ongoing monitoring of developments in Sudan.

May 23: The Saudi National Development Fund agreed to finance the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant in NEOM, valued at US$2.74 billion.

May 24: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs restored its diplomatic relations with Canada.

June 2: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the following day would be the last for issuing Umrah licenses before the Hajj season.

June 4: The Saudi Ministry of Interior implemented the death sentence against three individuals.

June 5: Saudi Arabia launched the investment and privatization project for sports clubs, completing the executive procedures for the first phase.

June 7: A Gulf-American meeting commenced in Riyadh.

June 9: Saudi Arabia and the US announced that the two parties in Sudan had reached an agreement.

June 11: The Saudi Investment Minister launched the modern Silk Road project between the Arab world and China.

June 11: The Saudi and Syrian Chambers of Commerce agreed to reopen economic cooperation.

June 15: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an electronic tourist visa.

June 15: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah opened an air route from Sanaa Airport to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

June 15: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques prepared 20 different exhibitions for the first time during the Hajj season.

June 16: The Saudi Crown Prince met with the French President in Paris, leading the Saudi delegation at the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact.

June 17: Saudi Arabia and the US announced a 72-hour ceasefire agreement in Sudan, reached by representatives of the SAF and RSF.

June 19: The Saudi Supreme Court declared June 19, 2023, as the first day of Dhu Al-Hijjah.

June 20: The Saudi Cabinet approved joining the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).

June 21: NEOM in Saudi Arabia and Germany’s Volocopter announced the successful completion of trials of vertical electric vehicles (air taxis) after obtaining a special flight permit.

June 27: The Saudi General Authority for Statistics reported that the total number of pilgrims for the year reached 1,845,045.

June 27: Saudi Arabia expressed support for the African Union’s accession as a permanent member of the G20.

July 2: Saudi Arabia condemned the extremist act of burning a copy of the Holy Qur’an in Stockholm.

July 2: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) discussed the incident of burning a copy of the Holy Qur’an in Sweden.

July 3: Saudi Arabia extended its voluntary reduction in oil production until the end of August.

July 5: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called on the media to combat Islamophobia and the insulting of religious symbols.

July 8: Saudi Arabia and France issued a joint statement on energy cooperation.

July 11: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk or Tawakkalna applications.

July 12: The General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab Planning Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in various fields.

July 16: The GCC and Japan signed a joint statement to resume negotiations on a free trade agreement.

July 16: Saudi Arabia and Japan signed 26 MoUs and investment agreements.

July 17: Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed nine MoUs at the Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum in Jeddah, along with several other bilateral cooperation agreements.

July 19: Jeddah hosted the first summit between the GCC and Central Asian countries’ central banks.

July 19: Leaders of the GCC and the five Central Asian countries participated in the summit.

July 20: Saudi Arabia condemned the repeated incident of desecration of a copy of the Holy Qur’an in Stockholm.

July 25: The Saudi Fund for Development signed an agreement with the Arabian Gulf University to finance a project supplying medical devices to the academic hospital of King Abdullah Medical City in Bahrain, worth US$46 million.

July 26: The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced the downing of an F-15SA fighter plane during a training mission, resulting in the martyrdom of its crew.

Aug 1: Saudi Arabia announced economic support for Yemen valued at US$1.2 billion.

Aug 2: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an electronic visa for citizens of Britain and Northern Ireland.

Aug 3: Saudi Arabia announced an extension of the voluntary oil production cut of one million barrels per day for a month, with the possibility of extending or increasing this reduction.

Aug 6: The Saudi Tourism Authority announced electronic visit visas for eight new countries.

Aug 6: Participants in the meeting of national security advisors held in Jeddah stressed the importance of continuing consultations to achieve peace.

Aug 6: The Air Connectivity Program and Saudi Airlines launched direct flights between Beijing and Riyadh.

Aug 6: The Saudi Public Investment Fund announced that its total assets for the year 2022 amounted to about US$595 billion.

Aug 7: Saudi Arabia signed an agreement and two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Saudi and Turkish companies for the localization and manufacture of drones.

Aug 8: The Organizing Committee of the World Combat Games added six new games to its roster.

Aug 8: The Saudi Council of Ministers announced the establishment of the Presidency of Religious Affairs.

Aug 8: Saudi Arabia declared that Al-Ula Governorate will host the Lahib Al-Alam endurance race.

Aug 15: Al-Hilal Saudi Club announced the signing of Brazilian soccer star Neymar.

Aug 22: Al-Nasr Saudi Club qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2023-24.

Aug 28: The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported that a Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado fighter plane had crashed during a training mission.

Sept 3: Saudi Arabia announced the third edition of the International Mining Conference.

Sept 4: Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman announced the establishment of a global water organization based in Riyadh.

Sept 5: Saudi Arabia extended the voluntary oil production cut of one million barrels per day until the end of 2023.

Sept 5: FIFA conducted the draw for the Club World Cup FIFA Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.

Sept 5: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported the arrival of the Saudi Ambassador-designate to Iran to commence his duties.

Sept 6: The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid signed a cooperation agreement with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) to support the Sudanese people.

Sept 7: A joint ministerial meeting between the GCC countries and Japan kicked off in Riyadh.

Sept 7: Omani Foreign Minister and Chairman of the current session of the GCC, Bader Al-Busaidi, announced the resumption of free trade agreement negotiations with Japan.

Sept 7: Saudi and Japanese Foreign Ministers signed a MoU on strategic dialogue.

Sept 9: Saudi Arabia and the US signed a MoU to define cooperation and develop a protocol contributing to the establishment of green transcontinental transit corridors.

Sept 10: The Cityscape International Exhibition was launched in Riyadh, showcasing projects worth more than US$329 million.

Sept 10: Saudi Arabia announced the operation of an air bridge to provide various relief aid to the people of Morocco.

Sept 12: The Saudi Royal Court announced that Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman would head the Saudi delegation at the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi.

Sept 14: Saudi Arabia provided humanitarian and shelter aid to those affected by floods in Libya.

Sept 20: The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included Saudi Arabia’s Uruq Bani Maarid Reserve on its World Heritage List.

Sept 23: Saudi Arabia celebrated its 93rd National Day.

Sept 26: The Saudi Council of Ministers approved an agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait regarding the railway link project between the two countries.

Sept 27: Riyadh hosted the largest global gathering of tourism leaders to celebrate World Tourism Day.

Oct 4: Saudi Arabia announced its bid to host the 2034 World Cup.

Oct 6: Tourism ministers of the GCC countries adopted the general framework of the Gulf Tourism Strategy for 2023-30.

Oct 15: Saudi golfer Khaled Al-Attiyah won the fifth Bahrain Open Golf Championship Cup.

Oct 16: The Secretary-General of the GCC announced the 43rd extraordinary session of the Ministerial Council regarding developments in Gaza.

Oct 20: The GCC summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) commenced in Riyadh.

Oct 23: Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman announced the launch of the Electronic Sports World Cup, starting in the summer of 2024.

Oct 24: The Future Investment Initiative was launched in Riyadh, focusing on strengthening global cooperation to address multiple pressing issues.

Oct 29: Saudi Arabia hosted the World Health Forum and its accompanying exhibition.

Oct 31: FIFA announced Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder for hosting the 2034 World Cup, with the application deadline having passed.

Oct 31: The Saudi Football Federation committed to hosting a unique and distinctive World Cup in 2034.

Nov 2: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center launched a campaign to provide relief to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Nov 2: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of cybersecurity.

Nov 7: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the postponement of the fifth Arab-African Summit.

Nov 9: Saudi Arabia signed five MoUs for cooperation in various energy sectors with African countries.

Nov 9: Saudi Arabia dispatched its first relief plane to Al-Arish International Airport in Egypt.

Nov 10: Foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries held a preparatory meeting in Riyadh for the upcoming Islamic Summit.

Nov 10: Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ development initiative in Africa, introducing projects and programs valued at US$1 billion.

Nov 12: The OIC announced an extraordinary Islamic summit to address the Israeli aggression against Palestinians.

Nov 15: Google Cloud opened in Dammam, offering services to beneficiaries in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

Nov 19: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced new natural gas discoveries in the Empty Quarter and the Eastern Province.

Nov 20: The Saudi Central Bank signed a bilateral currency swap agreement with its Chinese counterpart, valued at up to US$6.9 billion.

Nov 21: The Saudi Council of Ministers reiterated the nation’s call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Nov 23: The World Energy Council announced Saudi Arabia as the host for the 27th World Energy Congress in 2026.

Nov 23: The CEO of the Radio and Television Corporation and Chairman of the Saudi Media Forum set February 2024 as the launch date for the third edition of the Saudi Media Forum.

Nov 28: The International Bureau of Exhibitions declared Riyadh the winner of the bid to host World Expo 2030, ahead of Busan and Rome.

Nov 30: Saudi Arabia announced the extension of its voluntary oil production cut of one million barrels per day until the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Dec 4: On the sidelines of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, Saudi Arabia pledged to allocate US$186 billion to address climate challenges.

Dec 6: Saudi Arabia approved the state’s general budget for the fiscal year 2024, forecasting a deficit estimated at US$21 billion.

Dec 7: The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported the downing of a fighter plane during a training mission and the unfortunate loss of its crew.

Dec 13: The International Labor Market Conference in Riyadh saw the signing of over 15 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between various parties, totaling US$65.5 million.

Dec 16: King Salman bin Abdulaziz, along with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman, extended their condolences to Kuwait following the death of Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Dec 17: Riyadh Season suspended its concerts for three days to mourn the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The UAE

In 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also saw numerous significant events:

Jan 15: The UAE and the US established a committee to manage their strategic partnership, committing US$20 billion to the initiative.

Feb 12: The World Government Summit 2023 commenced in Dubai, themed ‘Exploring the Future of Governments.’

March 29: The UAE President issued several decrees, including the appointment of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Vice President. Other high-level appointments included Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al-Nahyan as deputy rulers of Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan was appointed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and reforms were made to the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, headed by the Crown Prince.

April 2: The UAE and Oman announced a voluntary reduction in oil production from May until the end of 2023.

April 28: The UAE Vice President and Prime Minister issued a decree appointing Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum as the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

June 19: The UAE announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Qatar.

July 6: The UAE committed US$15 million to UNRWA to provide urgent aid to Palestinians.

July 8: The UAE pledged 25 million Euros to establish a new specialized children’s hospital in Kosovo.

July 10: The UAE triumphed in its bid to host the 20th session of the World Federation of the Deaf Conference in 2027 in Abu Dhabi.

July 18: ADNOC Gas signed an agreement to supply 1.2 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually to the Indian Oil Corporation.

July 19: UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to establish a supreme strategic committee to strengthen and diversify strategic and developmental partnerships in various fields.

July 25: The UAE announced plans to organize the Dubai Artificial Intelligence Forum in October.

July 26: The UAE declared official mourning, with flags lowered for three days, following the death of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, representative of the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

July 28: The UAE temporarily halted the export and re-export of Indian-origin rice for four months to maintain local market supplies.

Aug 1: Official data revealed that the UAE’s gross domestic product surged by 308 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2022, amounting to approximately US$113 billion. Additionally, the UAE dispatched 250 tons of relief aid to those affected in Ukraine.

Aug 6: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism reported receiving over 8.5 million international tourists.

Aug 8: The Dubai Data and Statistics Corporation announced a 2.8 percent economic growth in the first half of the year, increasing the gross domestic product to around US$30 billion.

Aug 11: The UAE sent 13 tons of relief aid and food supplies to assist Sudanese affected in Chad.

Aug 21: The World Powerlifting Championship for People with Disabilities commenced in Dubai, featuring 555 participants.

Aug 30: The Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai announced a 14.4 percent increase in non-oil foreign trade, reaching US$337 billion in the first half of 2023.

Sept 9: The UAE initiated the operation of an air bridge to transport urgent relief aid to earthquake victims in Morocco.

Sept 11: The UAE provided urgent relief aid to those affected by floods in Libya.

Sept 12: The 12th session of the International Government Communication Forum 2023 commenced in Sharjah.

Sept 18: UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed held discussions with Egyptian President Abdulfattah Al-Sisi about bilateral relations and their development.

Sept 25: The UAE urged the Dutch government to halt the offensive actions of extremists tearing up copies of the Holy Qur’an in front of various embassies in The Hague.

Oct 6: The Arab Monetary Fund reported that the financial markets of the UAE and Saudi Arabia dominated trading on Arab stock exchanges, with a 77 percent increase in September.

Oct 10: The ADIPEC Conference and Exhibition began in Abu Dhabi.

Oct 10: The UAE dispatched 33 tons of urgent food supplies to earthquake victims in western Afghanistan.

Oct 10: The UAE announced a US$20 million aid package for Palestine.

Oct 13: The UAE sent urgent medical supplies to Gaza.

Oct 16: The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council confirmed that the UAE will host the World Investment Forum.

Oct 16: The Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi stated that the UAE’s foreign investments in renewable energy projects last year amounted to US$36 billion.

Oct 18: The Emirates International Ice Skating Championship for men and women began in Dubai.

Nov 30: The 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) commenced in Expo City Dubai.

Nov 30: The UAE announced a reduction in its oil production by 163,000 barrels per day, starting from January 1, 2024, until the end of March.

Dec 1: UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed pledged a US$30 billion fund for global climate solutions, aiming to bridge the climate financing gap and stimulate the collection and investment of US$250 billion by 2030.

Dec 2: COP28 announced its role in securing over US$5 billion in climate finance.

Dec 5: The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) declared at COP28 its commitment to allocate US$10 billion by 2030 to assist the transition to clean energy in developing countries.

Dec 13: Representatives from 197 countries and the EU ratified the “Emirates Climate Agreement” at COP28.

Dec 16: UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed mourned the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and announced three days of national mourning in the UAE.

Dec 22: The UAE dispatched 100 tons of food, humanitarian, and medical supplies to meet the needs of Sudanese refugees in South Sudan.

Qatar

In 2023, Qatar experienced a series of notable events across various sectors. Major events include:

April 12: The Qatari-Bahraini Follow-up Committee restored diplomatic relations between the two nations.

June 10: Qatar Energy Company secured a deal to supply 120 million barrels of condensate over ten years to the Emirates National Oil Group (ENOC).

July 5: Qatar Airways Group reported a net profit of US$1.21 billion for the fiscal year 2022-23.

July 17: Qatar Energy was selected to host the 21st International LNG Conference and Exhibition in 2026.

July 23: Qatar appointed Dr. Sultan Al-Mansouri as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the UAE.

July 26: The Qatar Central Bank raised interest rates for deposits and lending by 25 basis points.

July 28: The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s visit to Ukraine was part of Doha’s efforts to ease the situation.

July 28: Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman announced a US$100 million aid package to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

July 31: Hamad International Airport received accreditation from Airports Council International for enhanced accessibility for passengers with special needs.

Aug 1: The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the resumption of its air bridge for aid to Sudan.

Aug 6: Qatar’s Central Bank reported a 14.3 percent increase in international reserves and foreign currency liquidity in July, reaching approximately US$66.365 billion.

Aug 13: Qatar initiated a charitable campaign to provide ongoing treatment and medical care to cancer patients in northern Syria.

Aug 20: The Qatari Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy revealed plans to recycle polyester waste from the FIFA World Cup 2022 into new products.

Aug 21: Qatar and Hungary announced a strategic partnership.

Aug 26: The Supreme Permanent Committee organizing the Qatar Economic Forum scheduled the fourth edition of the forum in Doha for May 14-16, 2024.

Aug 30: The Qatar Fund for Development committed to supplying the Lebanese army with fuel for six months, valued at US$30 million.

Sept 9: Qatar dispatched rescue teams and urgent medical aid to Morocco in response to an earthquake.

Sept 10: Qatar Airways signed a code-share agreement with China’s Xiamen Airlines, facilitating the first direct flights between the two countries.

Sept 11: Qatar sent urgent aid to flood-affected areas in Libya.

Sept 12: The 10th annual conference of the Association of Secretaries-General of Arab Parliaments commenced in Doha.

Sept 14: Qatar Energy Company rebranded Qatar Gas Company to Qatar Energy (LNG) to align with its new vision in the liquefied natural gas industry.

Sept 17: Qatari Minister of Transportation Jassem Al-Sulaiti announced that the operation rate of electric buses in Qatar reached approximately 70 percent in the third quarter.

Sept 18: A Qatari plane carrying five American detainees from Iran arrived in Doha.

Sept 20: Qatar Central Bank decided to maintain its current interest rates, including the deposit, lending, and repurchase rates.

Sept 25: The 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World began in Doha.

Sept 30: The Qatar Public Works Authority announced that the main building of Doha Horticultural Expo 2023 set a Guinness World Record for the largest green roof globally.

Oct 4: The Local Organizing Committee of the Asian Cup Qatar 2023 unveiled the tournament slogan “Come on Asia.” Additionally, Qatar’s Central Bank reported a 12.08 percent increase in international reserves and foreign currency liquidity in September, reaching US$66 billion compared to US$59 billion last year.

Oct 8: Dutch racer Max Verstappen won the title at the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix, presented by Sheikh Joaan Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

Oct 11: Qatar signed two agreements to supply up to 305 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually to France for 27 years.

Oct 12: The Qatari Minister of Labor was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization for the 99th session, extending until October 2024.

Oct 12: Qatar Red Crescent allocated US$1 million worth of urgent aid for Gaza.

Oct 16: Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced that it would host the World Summit on AI for the Middle East and North Africa region in 2024.

Oct 16: Qatar dispatched 37 tons of food and medical aid to Gaza.

Oct 18: Qatar signed two long-term agreements to supply up to 305 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually to the Netherlands.

Nov 6: The General Foundation for Katara Cultural Village opened nominations for the tenth session of the Katara Prize for Arabic Fiction 2024, accepting submissions until January 31.

Nov 10: Qatari player Ali Al-Obaidli won the Men’s Singles World Snooker Championship.

Nov 14: Qatar sent 54 tons of aid, including a field hospital, shelter supplies, and medical and food materials, to Gaza via two planes.

Nov 24: The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the commencement of a humanitarian truce in Gaza at 7 AM local time.

Nov 25: Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 39 Palestinian civilians would be released in exchange for 13 Israelis and seven foreigners.

Nov 27: The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared a two-day extension of the humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip.

Nov 27: Qatar dispatched 156 tons of aid, including food, medical, and shelter supplies, to Gaza via five planes belonging to the Qatari Armed Forces. The same day, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 33 Palestinian civilians would be released in exchange for 11 Israeli prisoners from Gaza.

Nov 28: An additional 31 tons of aid, including food supplies, were sent to Gaza. The Qatari Ministry of Finance reported a surplus of US$32 billion for Qatar’s budget in the third quarter of this year. Furthermore, the release of 30 Palestinian civilians in exchange for 10 Israeli detainees from Gaza was announced.

Nov 29: The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed an arrangement for the release of 30 Palestinians in exchange for 10 prisoners in Gaza, alongside two Russian citizens and four Thai nationals.

Dec 3: Qatar committed to treating 1,500 wounded individuals and sponsoring 3,000 orphans in the Gaza Strip, as directed by the Amir.

Dec 4: Qatar pledged US$18 million to UNRWA for 2023-24.

Dec 7: A shipment of 24 tons of aid, including food, medical supplies, and six ambulances, was sent to the Gaza Strip.

Dec 12: Qatar sent 58 tons of aid to the Gaza Strip, comprising food supplies, medical equipment, and shelter materials.

Dec 16: Qatar declared three days of mourning for the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Bahrain

Feb 16: Bahrain was selected to preside over the Digital Cooperation Organization for 2023.

July 2: Bahrain announced its role as host for the Second International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition.

July 5: In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain will host the 2024 Formula 1 season.

July 10: The 30th meeting of the Gulf Technical Committee for Electrical and Electronic Standards commenced.

July 12: The Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States held its 36th session in Manama, Bahrain.

July 17: Bahrain’s Ministry of Health received an award for the best Arab government project, a significant achievement in the health sector.

July 17: The Bahraini government announced a two percent growth in its economy at constant prices annually for the first quarter, driven by a 35 percent growth in the non-oil sector.

July 26: The Central Bank of Bahrain decided to immediately raise the basic interest rate on deposits.

Aug 12: The Bahrain National Space Science Authority launched a pioneering initiative to spread awareness of space science and integrate people with disabilities into its activities.

Aug 13: Bahrain introduced a program targeting comprehensive economic development.

Aug 15: Bahrain signed agreements for a new solar energy project aimed at generating 72 megawatts.

Sept 5: The World Conference on Water, Energy, and Climate Change began in Bahrain.

Sept 6: The Bahrain Electricity and Water Authority’s Chairman inaugurated the fifth edition of the GPCA Responsible Care Conference.

Sept 9: Bahrain provided urgent relief aid to the earthquake victims in Morocco.

Sept 14: The Bahraini Minister of Oil and Environment inaugurated a significant aviation fuel field project at Bahrain International Airport.

Sept 17: The Royal Bahraini Humanitarian Foundation launched relief efforts for Libyan flood victims.

Oct 1: The first meeting of the Joint Security Committee between Bahrain and Jordan was held.

Oct 2: Preliminary data from the Bahraini Information and e-Government Authority indicated a two percent economic growth in the second quarter compared to the same period last year.

Oct 10: Bahrain announced urgent aid for Palestinians amidst challenging humanitarian conditions.

Oct 12: The Fifth Bahrain Golf Championship commenced with 85 participating players.

Oct 14: The Royal Bahraini Humanitarian Foundation organized a relief campaign for Palestinians affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Oct 18: The Bahraini National Committee to Support Palestinians in Gaza convened its inaugural meeting, preparing to launch its campaign.

Nov 2: Bahrain successfully evacuated six of its citizens stranded in the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.

Nov 4: The GCC agreed to establish a Gulf federation for handball during a meeting of the Gulf handball federations in Bahrain.

Nov 19: The Bahraini National Space Science Authority announced the completion of the first Bahraini satellite.

Nov 27: The Bahrain Institute for Banking and Financial Studies received the 2023 Educational and Training Initiative Award.

Nov 29: The Third World Summit for Social Innovation commenced in Manama.

Dec 15: Bahrain ranked 7th globally and third in the Arab world on the 2023 ICT Development Index, issued by the International Telecommunication Union.

Dec 16: The Bahraini Royal Court announced three days of official mourning for the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, with flags lowered.

Oman

Oman experienced numerous significant events in 2023, touching on a variety of fields. Key events include:

Feb 27: Oman launched an investor services portal to enhance the investment sector.

May 26: The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an Iran-Belgium agreement for the mutual release of detainees.

July 31: The Third Arab Forum for Tourism and Heritage, including the “Oscars of Tourism Media 2023” ceremony, organized by the Arab Union for Tourism Media, began.

Oct 10: The Secretary-General of the GCC announced that the 27th session of the Joint Ministerial Council with the EU would be held in Muscat.

Oct 29: Omani women participated in Oman’s Democratic Day, engaging in the election process and member selection.

Oct 29: Oman implemented artificial intelligence and electronic voting in the elections for the tenth session of the Omani Shura Council.

Oct 31: The 21st committee meeting of GCC housing ministers took place in Muscat.

Nov 7: The Omani Ministry of Health signed a MoU with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority regarding medical device safety and efficiency.

Nov 7: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council confirmed the unified Gulf tourism visa as an added achievement for the council.

Nov 9: Ministers, governors, and e-government program officials from GCC countries launched an electronic portal during the seventh meeting of the Ministerial Committee for e-Government in Muscat.

Nov 9: Sultan Haitham bin Tareq issued a decree granting the Sultanate’s Minister of Finance the authority to exempt from taxes.

Nov 16: Gulf Transport Ministers set December 2030 as the target date for the implementation and operation of the Gulf railway project, during the 25th meeting of the committee.

Dec 11: Oman reported a decrease in public revenues to about US$25.5 billion by the end of October, marking a 17 percent decline compared to the same period last year, which recorded US$30.8 billion.

Dec 16: Oman declared official mourning and suspended work for three days following the death of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Kuwait

In 2023, Kuwait witnessed numerous local events across various domains. Key events include:

Oil and Energy

Jan 17: Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) inaugurated the laboratories at Al-Zour refinery, one of the largest in the Middle East.

Jan 19: Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company k.s.c.c. (KUFPEC) was awarded a new exploration license PL 1174S by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

Jan 19: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) signed a contract with Worley Consulting for a detailed feasibility study on renewable energy exploitation in its fields.

Jan 22: The joint Kuwaiti-Saudi Standing Committee met in the Al-Khafji Joint Operations Area, Saudi Arabia, to review reports on onshore oil operations in the Divided Zone and the adjacent submerged Divided Zone.

Jan 25: Kuwaiti Professor of International Law at Kuwait University, Dr. Nasser Al-Rushaid, was appointed as a legal consultant at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Jan 30: Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) exported its first shipment of modified diesel fuel from the Ahmadi Refinery to the European market aboard the tanker POLAR ACE.

Jan 31: Japanese government data revealed that Kuwait’s crude oil exports to Japan in December increased by 19.4 percent year-over-year to 8.11 million barrels, or 262,000 barrels per day (bpd), marking the first rise in four months.

Feb 9: Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) disclosed that its subsidiary, KUFPEC Norway AS, divested its 10 percent equity in the Yme field.

Feb 28: Japanese government data indicated that Kuwait’s crude oil exports to Japan in January surged by 26.8 percent from the previous year to 8.45 million barrels, or 272,000 barrels per day (bpd), marking the second consecutive monthly increase.

March 1: The newly appointed Secretary-General of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), Jamal Al-loughani, began his tenure.

March 7: Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) inaugurated the second phase of the Al-Zour refinery.

March 8: An explosion at a main electrical transformer in Salmiya during routine maintenance caused a fire, injuring four people.

March 14: KIPIC announced its first shipment of 44,000 tons of solid sulfur from the Al-Zour Refinery, in collaboration with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC).

March 19: Crude oil futures experienced a 12 percent decline in the previous week’s trading, influenced by banking turmoil from the collapse of the US-based Silicon Valley Bank.

March 20: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) declared a state of emergency due to an oil leak in a location west of Kuwait.

March 22: Mina Abdullah and Ahmadi Refineries achieved advanced international rankings in risk engineering quality.

March 30: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation set new propane prices at US$555 per metric ton and butane at US$545 per metric ton.

March 31: Japanese government data revealed that Kuwait’s crude oil exports to Japan in February reached a six-month high of 8.08 million barrels, or 288,000 bpd.

April 4: Kuwait Oil Company appointed Sami Al-Sawwagh, director of offshore operations, as head of the regional organization for the preservation of seas.

May 11: The Ministry of Electricity and Water announced the connection of electricity to the first house in Mutlaa city.

May 13: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and Shell signed an MoU to exchange expertise in oil and gas industries.

June 3: Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) reported that its aircraft fueling subsidiary, Q8Aviation, secured a contract to supply fuel at Melbourne Airport in Australia.

June 5: Kuwait Petrochemicals Industries Company announced profits of KD 108.7 million (US$353.1 million) for the fiscal year 2022-23.

June 12: Kuwait Oil Tankers Company (KOTC) began constructing two solar-power stations.

June 13: KOC started operating a new gas pipeline from North Kuwait to Ahmad Port.

July 2: Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) reported a fire at Al-Zour’s Refinery Unit 12. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

July 5: The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy announced the operation of four new main transfer units to power approximately 3,265 land plots in Al-Mutlaa.

July 10: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil, and State Minister for Economic and Investment Affairs, Dr. Saad Al-Barak, affirmed that Al-Durra field is jointly owned by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

July 24: Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) exported its first shipment of low-sulfur gasoline, aligning with international environmental standards and catering to European markets.

July 25: KNPC announced record-breaking revenues for the fiscal year ending in March 2023, amounting to KD 1.016 billion (approximately US$3.32 billion).

July 30: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries reported net profits of KD 2.6 billion (approximately US$8.4 billion) for the fiscal year ending in March 2023.

July 31: The Ministry of Oil launched the book “Pioneers in the Oil Sector,” the first of its kind utilizing artificial intelligence technology to generate new content.

Aug 6: Kuwait Oil Tankers Company achieved three ISO certifications in quality control, environmental management, and security management, as well as a certification for risk management.

Aug 20: Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding (HEISCO) signed an agreement with KPC worth KD 91.7 million (approximately US$279.6 million) to provide maintenance services to Mina Abdullah Refinery for 63 months.

Sept 7: Al-Khafji Joint Operations successfully resumed production in the divided zone between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Sept 8: Several areas experienced electricity outages due to damage at the Hawally A substation and a minor fire at the Abdullah Al-Salem station. However, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy’s teams managed to gradually restore power to the affected areas.

Sept 11: KPC announced that the Duqm Refinery in Oman achieved 98.9 percent completion in July.

Sept 14: Dr. Jassem Al-Ostad, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, inaugurated a customer service center in the Sabah Al-Ahmad residential area.

Sept 16: KUFPEC announced that KUFPEC Norway AS submitted a development and operation plan for the Eirin gas field, in collaboration with Equinor, to the Norwegian Ministry of Oil and Energy.

Sept 18: KPC and OAPEC signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance research cooperation and facilitate the exchange of technical expertise.

Sept 20: KUFPEC entered a partnership agreement with Shell’s PG International Limited, wherein KUFPEC Egypt acquired a 40 percent operational share of the Nile Delta’s three sectors.

Sept 22: Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation (KNPC) reported a fire at Al-Ahmadi Refinery. The firefighting teams successfully contained it with no injuries, nor impact on production and exporting operations.

Sept 25: KIPIC achieved 60 million safe working hours without incidents, losses, injuries, damages to health, the environment, or halting operations at Al-Zour Refinery.

Oct 3: KIPIC began supplying the Western Doha station with low-sulfur fuel.

Oct 10: Kuwait Gulf Oil Company initiated the drilling of the first well in the joint Wafra operations.

Oct 19: KNPC’s Mina Abdullah Refinery scored an average of 100.5 in the latest risk engineering field survey conducted by the American company Marsh.

Oct 31: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation set new prices for propane at US$610 and butane at US$620 per metric ton.

Nov 7: Kuwaiti Oil Tanker Company received a distinguished award in maritime education and training from the Maritime Standards Organization.

Nov 9: Shamal Az-Zour Company reported net profits of KD 9.8 million (about US$29.8 million) in the first nine months of the current year, a slight decrease from KD 10 million (about US$30.5 million) in the same period in 2022.

Nov 12: Supply from Al-Zour Refinery was briefly halted due to an error in one of the main valves.

Nov 16: The fire at Al-Zour Refinery Unit 12 was completely contained.

Nov 20: KUFPEC announced divesting its shares in KUFPEC Norway AS to PGNiG.

Nov 23: KUFPEC signed Memorandums of Understanding with oil companies in India.

Nov 30: Oil Minister Dr. Saad Al-Barrak announced Kuwait would reduce oil production by 135,000 barrels daily starting January 1.

Dec 11: Deputy Premier, Oil Minister, and State Minister for Economic Affairs and Investments, Dr. Saad Al-Barrak, reiterated Kuwait’s opposition to any call for phasing out fossil fuels consumption and production in the COP28 draft final climate agreement.

Dec 15: Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) announced that its marketing arm, Q8Aviation, successfully conducted its first blending process of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at a biorefinery in the northern French port of Le Havre.

Economy

Jan 5: The Arab Planning Institute signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian National Planning Institute to collaborate on establishing a joint economic modeling unit.

Jan 10: Kuwait participated in the second roundtable meeting of ministers concerned with mining affairs. The Kuwaiti delegation included Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Mazen Al-Nahedh, and the Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Industry, Mahammad Al-Adwani.

Jan 12: The Department of Expropriation for Public Welfare in Kuwait announced that the total value of transactions last year reached KD 3.5 million (approx. US$11.4 million).

Jan 16: Aseel Al-Menifi, Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Ministry of Finance, engaged in discussions with Greek Minister of Development and Investment Adonis Georgiadis, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Openness Kostas Fragogiannis, to boost economic relations.

Jan 18: Fitch Ratings affirmed Kuwait’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at AA- with a Stable Outlook.

Jan 19: Kuwait’s trade surplus with Japan saw a 27.7 percent increase from the previous year to JPY 84.8 billion (US$663 million) in December.

Jan 19: The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman), based in Kuwait, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Export Credit Greece (ECG) to promote Kuwait-Greece trade and investment.

Jan 22: Gold prices in Kuwait surpassed the US$1,926 per ounce barrier, marking a five percent increase since the beginning of the year.

Jan 25: The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) decided to increase the discount rate by 0.50 percent from 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent, effective as of January 26.

Jan 30: The Central Bank of Kuwait reported a 0.05 percent increase in broad money supply in December on a monthly basis, settling at KD 38.4 billion (approx. US$126.7 billion).

Jan 31: The Central Statistical Bureau revealed that the average monthly income of a Kuwaiti family in 2021 was KD 3,994.9 (approx. US$13,000), excluding rent values.

Feb 12: Kuwait’s Ministry of Finance signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea to enhance cooperation through a knowledge exchange program.

Feb 13: The Arab Planning Institute signed an MOU with the organization of women’s empowerment within the Islamic cooperation agreement to bolster developmental efforts.

Feb 15: The Arab Planning Institute formed a strategic partnership with the Omani development bank through a Memorandum of Understanding.

Feb 20: Data from the Central Statistical Bureau indicated a 3.31 percent increase in inflation last month on an annual basis.

Feb 28: The Third Arab and Kuwaiti Youth Forum, organized by the Youth Public Authority at the Arab Institute, was launched.

March 1: Mazen Al-Nahedh, Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for Communication and Information Technology Affairs, inaugurated the consumer protection Gulf week activities at the Avenues Mall.

March 21: Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company reported profits of KD 52 million (approx. US$170 million) for 2022, marking a 19 percent increase.

March 24: Kuwait and San Marino inked a preliminary investment protection agreement.

March 26: The Central Bank of Kuwait reported a 0.2 percent increase in the broad money supply in February, reaching KD 39.1 billion (approx. US$129 billion).

March 26: Gold prices continued their positive trend for the fourth consecutive week, closing at US$1,978 per ounce.

April 1: Agility Company announced net profits of KD 68 million (US$221.6 million) for 2022.

April 12: The State Audit Bureau reported examining 3,222 files valued at KD 3.66 billion (US$11.94 billion) for the fiscal year 2022-23.

April 20: The Central Statistics Department reported a 3.7 percent rise in inflation in March compared to the previous year.

May 2: Boursa Kuwait recorded net profits of KD 4.3 million (US$13 million) in the first quarter of 2023, a 17.8 percent decrease from the same period last year.

May 4: The Minister of Commerce and Industry announced a ban on the export and re-export of scrap metal to preserve iron’s basic materials.

May 4: Gold prices reached an all-time high of US$2,072 per ounce.

May 11: The Central Bank of Kuwait reported a balance of payments surplus of KD 1.1 billion (US$3.6 billion) in 2022, compared to a deficit of KD 970 million (US$3.1 billion) the previous year.

May 18: Inflation rose by 3.69 percent in April year-on-year.

June 24: The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) allocated three locations for Google Cloud-Kuwait as part of the government’s digital transformation strategy.

June 12: The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) reported that Kuwait benefited from KD 2 billion (US$6.8 billion) in credit services since its establishment until 2022.

July 4: The Central Bank of Kuwait issued new guidelines for postponed payment services.

July 10: The Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for Youth Affairs, Mohammad Al-Aiban, formed a committee to organize supported food supply distribution.

July 18: The Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for Youth Affairs, Mohammad Al-Aiban, issued a decision banning the use of cryptocurrency.

July 19: A delegation from Kuwait’s Audit Bureau, the Higher Council for Planning and Development, and the state’s permanent envoy to the UN participated in a high-level sustainable development forum.

July 26: The Ministry of Finance announced a KD 6.4 billion surplus in the final account for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the first surplus in nine years.

July 27: The Central Department for Statistics launched its official website for Sustainable Development Indices 2030.

July 30: Boursa Kuwait (the stock exchange) announced a net profit of KD 8.42 million for the period ending June 30, 2023.

Aug 14: Agility Public Warehousing Company reported a net profit of KD 29.4 million (approx. US$89.6 million) in the first half of 2023, up from KD 28.8 million (approx. US$87.2 million) in the same period last year, marking a 2.3 percent increase.

Aug 16: The Kuwait Audit Bureau released a legal and judicial encyclopedia as part of its digitization plans and shift from service providers to data producers.

Aug 17: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued new requirements for auditors and listed companies, mandating a contribution of one percent of net profits to the Kuwait Fund for the Advancement of Science (KFAS).

Aug 22: The Central Statistics Bureau launched an electronic system for Sustainable Development Goals 2030, enhancing cooperation and coordination with relevant entities.

Aug 23: Kuwait ranked second in the Gulf region for exports to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s international markets in the first half of 2023, totaling AED 12.8 billion (approx. US$3.4 billion).

Aug 23: The International Monetary Fund reported an increase in Kuwait’s non-oil sector GDP from 3.4 percent in 2021 to four percent in 2022.

Aug 30: Gulf Bank announced the Central Bank of Kuwait’s approval of a capital increase of KD 26.1 million (approx. US$79.6 million).

Sept 15: Fitch Ratings affirmed Kuwait’s AA- rating with a stable outlook.

Sept 18: The Kuwait Ministry of Finance successfully countered a cyber-attack targeting one of its systems.

Sept 19: The Central Bank of Kuwait directed national and local banks to implement measures protecting customers from cyber fraud attempts.

Sept 23: The Insurance Regulatory Unit issued a decision to regulate warehouses, encouraging innovation and the development of systems and technical infrastructure.

Sept 26: The Finance Ministry revealed that the September 18 cyber-attack resulted in the copying of documents related to state property contracts, as well as valid and expired civil IDs.

Sept 27: Boursa Kuwait suspended trading with five listed companies.

Sept 27: Eurostat data indicated that Kuwait’s exports to the European Union totaled EUR 3.16 billion (approx. US$3.3 billion), while imports from the EU reached EUR 3.44 billion (approx. US$3.6 billion) during the period from January to July.

Oct 2: The Central Bank of Kuwait issued KD 240 million (approx. US$792 million) in bonds and tawarruq for six months at a return rate of 4.5 percent.

Oct 9: The Ministry of Finance introduced 18 initiatives and signed nine MoUs with Saudi Arabia to promote economic integration.

Oct 9: The Baitak exhibition was launched at the international fairground, featuring over 135 local and regional companies showcasing the latest in construction technology.

Oct 17: Boursa Kuwait indices rose to unprecedented levels before closing.

Oct 19: The Insurance Regulatory Unit reported its best performance since its establishment, with revenues of KD 7.3 million (US$23.6 million).

Nov 16: The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Basel Al-Haroun, and the Chief of the Institute of Banking Studies announced the launch of the 15th Harvard program.

Nov 20: Data from the Central Statistics Bureau indicated an increase in inflation of 3.8 percent in October.

Dec 3: The Central Bank of Kuwait announced that 62 branches and 417 employees are trained and equipped to communicate in sign language, and 67 ATMs are now ready to provide banking services for people with disabilities.

Defense and Internal Security

Jan 1: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior seized 1.2 million Captagon pills, 250 kilograms of hashish, and 104 kilograms of shabu.

Jan 19: The First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah approved the largest number of promotions in the ministry’s history, including 3,193 officers.

Jan 24: The First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah ordered the re-admittance of 759 retired Interior Ministry personnel and those with prior military service.

Jan 30: The National Guard conducted the Asad Al-Jazeerah V drills at the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali camp.

Feb 1: The Interior Ministry conducted its largest-ever seizure of illegally obtained Lyrica (pregabalin) pills, totaling 15 million pills and half a ton of the drug in raw powder form.

Feb 4: British forces arrived in Kuwait to participate in the Desert Warrior VII drills alongside Kuwaiti forces.

Feb 5: The Taawun I drills began under the sponsorship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, with the attendance of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

Feb 14: The Interior Ministry launched a project linking traffic fines in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Feb 23: A joint drill between Kuwaiti forces, the “American Spartans,” and the “British Dragons” squads concluded.

Feb 24: The Ministry of Interior thwarted a large smuggling operation involving about a quarter ton of hashish and other narcotics.

Feb 25: Kuwait Air Force jets and the Saudi “Suqoor Team” performed an air show in celebration of the country’s national holidays.

March 5: Kuwait’s general staff leadership began a second coordination meeting with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its General Secretariat.

March 8: A fire at a powerhouse in Salmiya was contained successfully.

March 11: The First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Defense Minister oversaw the seizure of 120 kilograms of hashish, 36,000 Captagon pills, and other narcotics from six siblings involved in manufacturing and distribution.

March 16: Kuwait’s Naval Force concluded the “Danah 23” drills.

April 14: The Interior Ministry launched a comprehensive campaign to search for a missing citizen, Mubarak Al-Rashidi, in the Kabd Area.

May 13: The First Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister, and Acting Defense Minister supervised the seizure of over 152 kilograms of drugs.

May 21: The Ministry of Interior intercepted around 120 kilograms of hashish and opium smuggled by sea.

May 29: The Interior Ministry located the body of Mubarak Al-Rashidi in the Salmi Area.

May 27: The Interior Ministry arrested 10 individuals charged with bribing voters in Kuwait’s parliamentary elections.

June 1: Three Asian nationals perished in a house fire in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh.

June 3: The Interior Ministry arrested two individuals working for parliamentary candidates accused of vote-buying.

June 11: Kuwaiti and Pakistani armed forces signed a cooperation agreement.

June 13: Kuwait and Qatar launched an electronic system for collecting traffic fines.

June 13: The Ministry of Defense announced an agreement with Turkey to purchase drones valued at US$367 million.

July 6: The Interior Ministry declared that expatriates with unpaid traffic fines would be prohibited from traveling.

July 7: The Interior Ministry detained 33 individuals for fabricating official documents and submitting them to various authorities.

July 9: A new firefighting station was inaugurated in the Saad Al-Abdullah area.

July 13: Kuwaiti officers Khaled Al-Najjar and Tareq Al-Saddani were honored by Colombia’s Ministry of Interior in Bogota.

July 15: The special military squad, “Maghawir 25 force,” departed for Jordan to participate in joint drills.

July 17: The Interior Ministry apprehended 22 individuals for various offenses, including possession of narcotics and undisclosed sums of money.

August 7: The Defense Ministry signed a deal with the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) focusing on innovations and streamlining work procedures.

Aug 15: The Interior Ministry arrested 21 individuals found in possession of narcotics, alcohol, bullets, and various sums of money.

Aug 16: Two women were detained by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior for attempting to smuggle three packages containing 15 kilograms of marijuana.

Aug 18: Fifteen individuals with narcotics, alcohol, firearms, sums of money, and counterfeit currency were apprehended by the Interior Ministry.

Aug 23: A fire broke out in a cement factory without any human casualties.

Aug 27: The Ministry of Interior launched an app enabling police officers to issue traffic fines.

Aug 29: In collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry launched an emergency travel permit service on the Sahel smartphone application.

Aug 31: The Ministry of Interior announced a new service for nationals needing to renew passports within 24 hours due to imminent travel.

Sept 2: The Interior Ministry detained eight people attempting to smuggle 140 kilograms of marijuana and 50,000 Captagon pills.

Sept 6: A military funeral was held for martyr Hamdan Al-Mutairi, whose body was returned to Kuwait.

Sept 10: The Interior Ministry foiled an attempt to smuggle narcotics.

Sept 13: The largest factory for alcoholic beverages in the country, operated by six individuals, was seized by the Interior Ministry.

Sept 15: Sixteen individuals implicated in 13 cases were detained by the Interior Ministry.

Sept 17: The Interior Ministry acquired 300 motorcycles to enhance traffic services.

Sept 21: The Ministry of Interior apprehended 21 individuals on charges of drug possession.

Oct 15: The Coast Guard conducted maneuvers at four sites.

Oct 20: The Interior Ministry detained 24 individuals for possession of narcotics, alcoholic beverages, unlicensed weapons, and various sums of money.

Oct 25: The Kuwait Air Force received the fifth batch of Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

Nov 1: The Kuwait Army, along with the elite squad “Maghawir 25,” carried out a drill in the desert.

Nov 18: Interior Ministry personnel seized around 800 kilograms of cannabis.

Nov 20: The Interior Ministry thwarted a smuggling attempt involving 500 kilograms of cannabis.

Nov 24: Troops from the special force “Maghawir 25” departed for Pakistan to participate in joint drills.

Nov 25: An Emirati frigate arrived in Kuwait as part of an expertise exchange program.

Dec 4: The Interior Ministry detained individuals implicated in the burning of Justice Sultan Buresli’s vehicle, who were found in possession of large amounts of drugs, firearms, and money.

Dec 6: The Coast Guard apprehended eight individuals attempting to smuggle approximately 100 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated market value of KD two million (approx. US$6.5 million).

Social Affairs, Transport, and Public Facilities

Jan 9: The Kuwait Ports Authority announced the docking of the cruise ship ARTANIA MS, carrying around 1,000 European tourists, as part of a wider Arab region tour.

Jan 15: The Fatwa and Legislation Department declared a favorable verdict for Kuwait in international arbitration presented by a consortium of Italian and Spanish companies.

Jan 17: Kuwait Airways announced scheduled commercial flights to Athens and Mykonos, Greece, starting June 14.

Jan 22: Abdulrahman Al-Asfour was appointed Secretary General of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO) during an urgent ATO meeting, as announced by Kuwait Municipality.

Jan 25: Mai Al-Baghli, Minister of Social Affairs, Societal Development, and State Minister for Women and Childhood Affairs, led Kuwait’s delegation to the 42nd Arab ministerial meeting in Doha, Qatar.

Jan 26: Kuwait Airways reported a 10 percent revenue increase in 2022 compared to 2019, with a significant improvement in profit margin (40 percent) and a 48 percent reduction in losses.

Jan 30: Kuwait Airways announced its 2023 summer and winter destinations.

Jan 31: Dr. Amani Bugammaz, Minister of Public Works and Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, held discussions with Qatari counterparts in Doha about bilateral ties and specialized issues.

Feb 8: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Societal Development held a flag-raising ceremony to kickstart national holiday celebrations.

Feb 9: Mai Al-Baghli inaugurated the “Nuwair Market,” a farmers’ market.

Feb 22: Abdulaziz Al-Mojel, Minister of State for Municipality Affairs, inaugurated the new building of the general secretariat.

Feb 23: Dr. Amani Bugammaz, Minister of Public Works and Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, led Kuwait’s delegation to the fourth meeting of the commission concerned with the high-speed railway link between Kuwait City and Riyadh.

March 7: The Central Statistics Directorate announced that Kuwait’s population reached 4,385,717 in 2021, with Kuwaitis representing 34 percent (1,488,726 people) of the total population.

March 9: The Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA) commenced its sixth annual conference in Kuwait.

March 13: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Societal Development announced donations totaling approximately KD 4 million for quake-stricken areas in Turkey and Syria.

March 16: Kuwait Airways celebrated the resumption of flights between Kuwait and Kuala Lumpur after a seven-year hiatus.

March 20: The Municipal Council approved initiatives submitted by local commercial banks to rebuild areas affected by the Mubarakiya market fire and the Shuwaikh beach development project.

March 20: Kuwait Airways and Malaysian Airlines signed a partnership agreement.

March 31: The Kuwait Port Authority commenced a project to redevelop and reform the Shuwaikh port docks.

April 17: A container ship from Abu Dhabi Ports arrived at Shuwaikh Port, initiating a direct cargo route from Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.

April 17: The Municipal Council approved a request by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) to establish oil waste recycling projects.

April 20: Mai Al-Baghli, Minister of Social Affairs, announced a campaign to assist insolvent individuals, collecting KD 11.441 million (US$37.3 million).

May 8: Kuwait and the UAE launched a strategy to provide parking lots for people with disabilities.

May 14: Kuwait and Saudi Airways signed a code-sharing agreement.

May 18: Kuwait Airways received its eighth Airbus neo-320, naming it Al Manageesh.

May 30: The Public Authority of Manpower announced it would start receiving Filipino domestic workers following the closure of an illegal shelter affiliated with the Embassy of the Philippines.

June 11: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) contracted with the Italian company Leonardo to install two radars valued at KD 6.68 million (US$21.4 million) at Kuwait International Airport.

June 20: Kuwait Airways won the “World’s Most Advanced Airlines” award from Skytrax.

June 22: Kuwait Airways signed an agreement with Rolls Royce for Total Care maintenance service for its Airbus 330-neo planes.

June 28: The DGCA and South Korean Civil Aviation signed an agreement to regulate operations.

July 31: Kuwait Airways achieved a 30 percent growth in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year.

Aug 10: The Ministry of Social Affairs announced the readiness of 12 ceremony halls for online bookings through a designated app.

Aug 15: The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) issued a decision to amend internet speed and fees for home subscriptions.

Aug 20: Kuwait Airways reduced its losses from KD 107 million (approx. US$347.1 million) to KD 55 million (approx. US$178.4 million) in 2022, marking a decrease of approximately 50 percent.

Aug 28: The Public Authority for Civil Information added a new service to the Kuwait Finder app to locate diwaniyas.

Aug 31: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry inaugurated a specialized center equipped with state-of-the-art technology to efficiently serve people with disabilities.

Sept 5: Kuwait Airways hosted a meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) focusing on digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.

Sept 9: Sheikh Firas Al-Sabah, Minister of Social Affairs, and Childhood and Family Affairs, directed all charitable societies to launch a relief campaign for those affected by the earthquake in Morocco.

Sept 12: Fahad Al-Shulah, State Minister for Municipal Affairs and State Minister for Communications Affairs, announced the approval of the Gulf building code and the launch of its electronic version.

Sept 17: Fahad Al-Shulah announced that 21 million services had been accomplished through the Sahel app since its launch.

Sept 18: CITRA reported a cut in the international cable connecting Kuwait to international networks. The issue was promptly resolved, and internet service was restored.

Sept 27: Fahad Al-Shulah announced the launch of a navigational line between Kuwait and the UAE.

Oct 8: The Ministry of Social Affairs launched a relief campaign for the Palestinian people.

Oct 9: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) signed an agreement and MoU with Bhutan.

Oct 14: The Elderly Diwaniya in west Abdullah Al-Mubarak was opened.

Oct 16: The Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs approved 18 centers for Islamic Studies and Quran affairs.

Oct 25: Dr. Jassim Al-Ostad, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, inaugurated a training center for national cadres.

Nov 9: The Public Institute for Social Security inaugurated a new center at the Avenues Mall.

Nov 9: A new online service, Sanad, was launched for foster families.

Nov 15: The DGCA signed an agreement with its Portuguese counterpart.

Nov 19: The Ministries of Social Affairs and Interior cooperated to facilitate cooperative society elections.

Dec 13: The DGCA signed a KD 6.2 million deal with the French company STERELA to implement an automatic weather monitoring system at Kuwait International Airport.

Dec 14: The DGCA signed a KD 6.7 million (US$21.7 million) deal with Finland’s Vaisala company to execute a project on surface observation and airport meteorological systems at Kuwait International Airport.

Dec 24: Kuwait Airways purchased and received “Burgan,” an Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking the ninth plane of this type to be put into commercial service.

Environment

Jan 21: The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), in cooperation with the Kuwait Diving Team, organized a beach cleaning activity.

Jan 25: The Gulf conference and exhibition for green cities and buildings launched under the slogan “An Opportunity for Green Economy.”

Jan 30: The Environment Public Authority commenced a media campaign in cooperation with the UN office, aiming to curb the use of single-use plastic products.

March 6: Environment week activities began under the slogan, “Your Home is Your Responsibility.”

March 9: The Regional Organization for the Protection of Marine Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the British Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

March 10: Kuwait’s Municipality, in coordination with the Kuwait Trade Union Federation, launched the largest voluntary beach-cleaning campaign.

May 24: The Environment Public Authority launched three projects in collaboration with the UN environment office as part of Kuwait’s compliance with the UN climate change framework agreement.

June 26: Kuwait joined the UAE’s climate initiative, launched at the COP conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022.

July 16: The Environment Public Authority was awarded the ESRI Excellence Award.

Nov 20: The Public Authority for Environment launched the Kuwait Low-Carbon 2050 Strategy.

Health Services

Jan 11: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health announced the detection of the XBB.1.5 variant of the Coronavirus, a subset of Omicron, through genetic testing.

Jan 12: The second scientific forum organized by the research and development committee at Al-Adan Hospital launched with over 300 doctors and technicians participating.

Jan 15: The national campaign for cancer awareness launched a sub-campaign targeted at youth.

Jan 18: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi inaugurated the 11th Kuwait Medica Conference and Exhibition.

Jan 21: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital announced the first instance in the Middle East of three plastic surgeries being performed simultaneously due to modern technological advancements.

Jan 21: The 18th Surgeons Conference and the seventh Surgery Association Forum were inaugurated.

Jan 22: Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi issued a decision to decrease the profit margin by five percent for pharmaceuticals at private pharmacies.

Jan 24: Since establishing the children’s stem cell transplant program in 2020, Kuwait ranked second in the Arabian Gulf, as announced by a Health Ministry official.

Jan 26: The first orthopedic surgery conference was inaugurated by Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi.

Jan 31: The Health Ministry commenced a month-long awareness campaign for cervical cancer for the second consecutive year.

Jan 31: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital announced the successful completion of the first simultaneous hip and knee replacement surgery for an 82-year-old patient.

Feb 1: The Health Ministry began a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine campaign for individuals 18 years and older.

Feb 2: A health official announced that Kuwait leads the Arab region and ranks second in the Middle East for organ donors per capita.

Feb 5: The Ministry of Health inaugurated the third operational stage of the new Farwaniya Hospital.

Feb 15: Dhaman Health Assurance Hospitals Company announced the completion and readiness of facilities at Al-Jahraa and Ahmadi hospitals, as well as five healthcare centers.

Feb 19: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital inaugurated a research and innovation center, the first of its kind locally and in the wider Gulf region.

Feb 20: Kuwait declared February 20th as the nation’s first Aid Day.

March 19: The Ministry of Health and the Environment Public Authority inked a cooperation and strategic partnership agreement.

March 19: Maternity Hospitals began providing services for prematurely born infants, enabling the performance of daily activities and skills.

March 21: The Health Ministry opened a tuberculosis-fighting unit at Mnahi Al-Osaimi Center.

March 22: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital conducted a first-of-its-kind surgery in Kuwait for nerves in a child’s back to alleviate muscle cramp symptoms and aid movement.

April 18: The Ministry of Health launched an online service for treatment abroad.

April 29: The Ministry of Health reported that 33 practitioners violated the law, resulting in the temporary closure of 33 plastic surgery clinics.

May 6: Kuwait opened a ward for Kuwaiti patients at Montefiore Hospital in New York.

May 10: Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi opened a center to monitor poison cases and provide advice and treatment plans.

May 18: Jaber Center introduced treatment for diabetes of the foot using compressed oxygen.

June 21: The Ministry of Health announced the successful implantation of an artificial heart pump in a citizen in his 60s.

June 21: Minister Al-Awadhi closed the Kuwait Health Office in Amman, Jordan.

July 12: Qortuba joined the World Health Organization’s regional healthy city network.

Aug 7: The Cardiac Hospital in Kuwait successfully completed two aortic valve replacement surgeries using state-of-the-art technology, a first in the Middle East.

Aug 15: The Health Ministry announced the discovery of the coronavirus variant EG.5.

Aug 23: Al-Shaab joined the World Health Organization’s regional healthy city network.

Aug 24: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital used free tissue grafts in a new mechanism for the first time in Kuwait.

Sept 16: The Kuwait Cancer Control Center hosted a regional training course on treating prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors using radioactive materials, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Sept 17: Kuwait ranked first in treating prostate and neuroendocrine tumors using isotopes, as announced by the Cancer Control Center.

Sept 27: Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital announced a successful highly complex cardiac catheterization operation for a 65-year-old patient.

Oct 7: The Ministry of Health announced the option of acquiring sick leave online through the Sahel app.

Oct 8: The Kuwaiti Medical Association announced it would preside over the 74th session of the World Medical Association.

Oct 10: Three Kuwaiti doctors received awards for their contributions to combating cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes in the Middle East.

Oct 11: The Ministry of Health established a communication center to connect the ministry with beneficiaries.

Oct 12: The Ministry of Health launched an online booking service for mammogram tests.

Oct 16: Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital opened seven new dermatology clinics.

Oct 19: The health sector expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people following the tragic bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital by Israeli forces.

Oct 21: A new surgical robot was utilized in a prostate removal operation.

Oct 30: Farwaniya Hospital opened a new emergency department with a capacity of 1,800 patients.

Nov 6: Kuwait was ranked first at the Arab level in combating AIDS.

Nov 7: Al-Jahraa Hospital began using modern X-ray machines for detecting tumors and infections.

Dec 11: The Health Ministry declared the success of a program harvesting organs and tissues from brain-dead individuals, saving 1,338 patients.

Tourism

Jan 1: Yom Al-Bahar cultural village reopened to visitors after a period of closure for maintenance and development works.

Feb 20: Social Affairs and Societal Development Minister Mai Al-Baghli inaugurated “Mekshat,” an entertainment project on the shores of Sulaibekhat.

Feb 20: An airshow featuring about 2,000 drones celebrated Kuwait’s national holidays.

Feb 24: Kuwait’s kites team opened the first Gulf festival with 60 large kites in the Sabbiya area.

Feb 28: A fireworks show lit up the sky next to Kuwait Towers in celebration of the national holidays.

April 19: The Tourism Enterprises Company (TEC) signed a contract with Edward Miller’s Entertainment to operate Winterland 2023 and Sabahiya 2023 entertainment projects.

May 4: TEC signed contracts to develop seafronts.

June 7: The World Tourism Organization’s Middle East committee elected the State of Kuwait as vice-chairman.

Sept 14: TEC held an event in the Avenues for three upcoming projects: Al-Blajat Beach, Winter Wonderland, and South Subahiya park.

Sept 26: TEC opened Al-Blajat Beach as part of the waterfront development project.

Oct 10: Al-Sadu Street, a new project reflecting Kuwait’s heritage and identity, was inaugurated.

Oct 15: Winter Wonderland amusement park was opened, accommodating 15,000 visitors daily.

Dec 12: The South Subahiya amusement park was opened, accommodating up to 10,000 visitors daily.

Sports

Jan 3: Kuwaiti powerlifters claimed 29 medals, including gold, at the Qatar-hosted West Asia and Qatar Cup International contests.

Jan 4: The Kuwaiti soccer team arrived in Basra to participate in the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup tournament.

Jan 5: The first local Kuwait Special Olympics for athletes with mental disabilities concluded, featuring 14 participating schools, clubs, and institutions.

Jan 10: Kuwait’s soccer team secured a victory against the UAE team with a one-goal lead in the 25th Gulf Cup tournament.

Jan 13: The third round of the 2022-23 season Kuwait speedboat championship concluded.

Jan 13: Kuwait’s national soccer team exited the Basra-hosted Gulf Cup tournament after drawing 1-1 with Bahrain.

Jan 14: The Kuwait modern pentathlon club hosted a local laser run championship for men, women, and youth.

Jan 15: Kuwait was announced as the host for the upcoming Gulf Cup tournament by the championship’s federation chief, Hamad Al-Khalifah.

Jan 17: Kuwaitis Abdulaziz Al-Saad, Mansour Al-Rashidi, and Mohammad Al-Daihani won silver in the men’s skeet team event at the 2023 ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Rabat.

Jan 19: Kuwaiti fencers earned a silver and five bronze medals in individual and team events at the Arab Championship in Bahrain.

Jan 21: Mohammad Burubaye and Mohammad Al-Baz from Kuwait secured first and second places, respectively, in the Jet Ski race (GP1) of the UAE International Aquabike Championship.

Jan 22: Kuwait placed fourth in the trap mixed team event at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Rabat.

Jan 23: Kuwaitis Shahad and Sara Al-Hawal, along with Hajer Abdulmalek, claimed bronze in the women’s trap team event at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Rabat.

Jan 25: The Sports Public Authority launched the first awareness program aimed at promoting health and sports activities among Kuwaiti women.

Jan 27: Kuwait hosted the second and third rounds of the regional Middle East Formula Championship (FR) and the Emirati Formula (F4) Championship for the first time.

Feb 1: Kuwait Football Association Chief, Abdullah Al-Shaheen, was elected to the Asian Federation Executive Office for the term 2023-27.

Feb 2: The fifth Arab Clubs Karate Championship for men and women kicked off, featuring around 150 players from 17 clubs representing eight Arab countries.

Feb 4: Kuwaiti Al-Fatat Club was crowned champion of the URC Futsal Championship.

Feb 4: The annual Kuwait International Camel Racing Championship began with wide participation from camel owners in Kuwait and several Gulf and Arab countries.

Feb 6: Al-Arabi SC was crowned champion of His Highness the Crown Prince Football Cup for the ninth time in its history.

Feb 7: The PAAET team won a silver and bronze medal in the athletics competitions at the GCC Universities tournament hosted in Qatar.

Feb 8: The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) team secured five medals – two silver and three bronze – in the swimming competitions of the Ninth Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Educational Institutes, held in Qatar.

Feb 9: The Kuwait International Camel Racing Championship concluded with a Qatari camel being crowned with the golden sword.

Feb 9: The Arab Federation of Sports Pioneers’ Executive Committee approved Kuwait’s membership in the federation, represented by the President of the Kuwaiti Athletes Association, Nawaf Al-Bughaili.

Feb 12: The second sports games tournament for higher education was launched.

Feb 13: Kuwait’s national team was crowned champion of the Arab police practical shooting championship.

Feb 14: The Kuwait women’s basketball team secured the second place in the Arab championship hosted in Doha.

Feb 16: The international championship for Arab Egyptian horses was launched as part of the Kuwaiti horses’ festival with the participation of 211 horses.

Feb 16: The 13th Kuwait International Sailing Championship, organized by Kuwait Sea Sport Club (KSSC), kicked off with the participation of 11 teams.

Feb 19: Meshari Al-Dhefiri, of Kuwait, led the second round of the 2023 Qatar International Rally, part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC 2).

Feb 21: Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, launched the annual international shooting championship with the participation of 400 shooters.

Feb 24: Kuwait’s national equestrian team made its debut appearance at the FEI Endurance World Championships (EWC) held in Abu Dhabi.

Feb 25: Kuwaiti Mohammad Burebaye claimed first place in the Pro competitions of the Qatar International Aquabike Championship.

Feb 25: Rashed Al-Dawas of Kuwait secured first place in the GB2 competitions of the Qatar International Aquabike Championship.

Feb 27: The National Day Modern Pentathlon Championship commenced for both women and men, with the participation of over 120 players.

March 1: The steed, Adham, was crowned champion of the His Highness the Crown Prince equestrian race championship.

March 11: The Sports for All Conference, organized by the Sports Public Authority, began under the sponsorship of Information Minister and State Minister for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

March 12: The Kuwait-hosted Sports for All Festival kicked off with the participation of 15 state delegations.

March 14: The Executive Office of the Arab Sports for All Federation recommended Kuwaiti Hamed Al-Hazeem to be the federation’s first vice-president.

March 15: The State of Kuwait candidate, former chairperson of the local Athletics Federation, Sayyar Al-Enezi, was elected as chairperson of the West Asian Athletics Association for the term (2023-27) without contest.

March 17: Kuwait Club was crowned champion of the 39th edition of the Gulf Clubs Men’s Handball Championship.

March 19: Kuwaiti rally champion Meshari Al-Dhafeeri claimed first place in the light vehicle category of Qatar’s international baja rally.

March 26: Kuwait won the bronze medal in the 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship Division IV, held in Mongolia.

March 27: Al-Qadsiya Sporting Club was crowned champion of Zain’s football club.

April 3: Kuwait SC secured the Kuwait Handball Association’s (KHA) premier league title for the 11th consecutive time and the 13th time in the club’s history by defeating Burgran SC 41-31.

April 4: Kuwait hosted the inaugural Arab ice hockey championship.

April 8: Kuwait SC clinched the Kuwait Volleyball Association’s (KVA) premier league championship by defeating Qadsia SC 3-2.

April 9: Kuwait SC emerged victorious in the futsal local Cup for the third time in its history after a 2-1 victory over Kazma SC.

April 15: Al-Fatat Girls SC secured the national basketball league title for the third consecutive time by defeating Salwa Al-Sabah SC 76-52.

April 17: Kuwait SC won the KVA Cup after defeating Qadsia SC with three clean sets.

April 17: The Kuwait national Karate team won the world league for the group Kata, in the event held in Canada.

April 27: Fajr Mandani registered a new personal record of 40.81 meters and finished fourth in the hammer throw at the West Asia Championship in Qatar.

April 27: Obaid Al-Enezi retained his presidency of the Asian Judo Federation for a fifth term after being nominated by the General Assembly members.

April 29: The Kuwait athletics team secured 19 medals, including three gold, at the West Asia Championship in Qatar.

May 5: The Kuwait national futsal team qualified for the World Cup after a 6-3 victory over Kyrgyzstan.

May 5: Kuwait hosted the inaugural Abu Dhabi Combat Club’s (ADCC) jiu-jitsu championship, and Kuwaiti fighters claimed 14 gold medals.

May 6: Abdulmohsen Al-Fozan won the international triathlon junior championship in Bahrain.

May 7: The Kuwait figure skating team earned seven medals – three gold and four silver – at an international championship in the UAE.

May 8: Kuwait SC secured the KHA Cup with a 31-23 victory over Burgan SC.

May 9: Kuwait SC won the Amir Football Cup for the 16th time in the club’s history by defeating Kazma SC 3-0.

May 9: The Arab ice hockey federation nominated Fuhaid Al-Ajmi, president of the Kuwait Winter Games Club, as chairman for a four-year term.

May 11: Mai Al-Bader won her first medal in the world’s free diving pool championship, securing a bronze in the static event.

May 12: Kuwait SC clinched the national futsal league title after a 5-4 victory over Kazma SC.

May 12: The Kuwait national wheelchair basketball team qualified for the Asian Games after defeating Hong Kong 52-45.

May 15: Kuwait SC won the West Asia Basketball Super Cup for the Gulf region by defeating Manama of Bahrain 95-85.

May 19: Kuwait SC secured the Zain premier football league title for the 18th time in the club’s history by defeating Arabi SC 2-0.

May 21: The Kuwait national team earned three gold medals and two silver in five categories of the world jet ski championship in Poland.

May 22: The Kuwait national triathlon team claimed nine medals – seven gold and two silver – at the Sharm El-Sheikh international championship.

May 23: Kuwait SC won the Kuwait Basket Association’s (KBA) Cup for the seventh consecutive time and the 16th time in the club’s history by defeating rival Qadsia SC 97-77.

May 28: Kuwait SC defeated Kazma SC 8-1 to win the Zain football league.

May 31: Kuwait SC secured the KBA League title after a 104-85 victory over Kazma SC.

June 3: The Kuwait national table tennis team earned two gold and three bronze medals at Jordan’s international championship for people with disabilities.

June 14: Kuwait Television’s sports channel acquired the rights to broadcast the remaining matches of the football league in Argentina in the Middle East region.

June 21: Yaqoub Al-Yoha emerged as the winner in the 110 meters hurdles race at the Arab athletics championship in Marrakech, Morocco.

June 24: Essa Al-Zankawi claimed victory in the discus throw event at the Arab Athletics Championship.

June 25: Abdulaziz Al-Raish secured the second position and won a silver medal in the 100m junior swimming championship for the masters in the fins category.

June 25: The Kuwait special Olympic team brought home seven gold, 10 silver, and four bronze medals from the summer special Olympics in Berlin, Germany.

June 26: Mansour Al-Mansour won the 50m underwater event at the junior swimming championship for the masters.

July 7: Kuwaiti teams participating in the Emirates National Championship for Professional Jiu-Jitsu in Abu Dhabi earned nine various medals, including five gold, three silver, and one bronze.

July 8: Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad Al-Sabah was elected President of the Olympic Council of Asia after receiving 24 votes, compared to 20 votes for Hussein Al-Musallam.

July 11: The Asian Athletics Association approved the recommendation of Kuwaiti Sayyar Al-Enezi for the position of deputy for the period (2023-27).

July 12: The Kuwaiti team participating in the Arab Games held in Algeria secured two gold medals, four silver, and five bronze.

July 23: Kuwaiti rally racer Meshari Al-Dhafeeri claimed first place in the overall standings for the T3 category in the fourth round of the World Desert Rally Championship.

July 25: Kuwaiti fencing champion Yousef Al-Shamlan defeated his Ukrainian rival in the 2023 World Fencing Championship competitions held in the Italian city of Milan, becoming the first Kuwaiti to rank in the top 32 fencers globally.

July 25: Kuwaiti Hussein Al-Musallam was appointed President of the World Aquatics for the next eight years.

July 27: Kuwait was placed in the first group for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 Asian Cup.

July 30: Kuwaiti champion Mohammad Borabei secured first place in the professionals’ category, while his colleague Mohammad Al-Baz achieved second place in the category at the French International Championship of the game.

August 3: The Kuwaiti Handball Federation signed Algerian coach Saeed Hegazy to lead the first team.

August 23: Former Kuwaiti club Kazma and current Emirati (Hatta) player Shebib Al-Khalidi was awarded the Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Golden Cup for the best local football player in the 2022-2023 season.

August 24: Kuwaiti shooter Khaled Al-Mudhaf qualified to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

August 27: Kuwait Club clinched the Arab Club Championship for handball after defeating Egypt’s Zamalek (1-3).

Aug 27: Kuwaiti rally racer Meshari Al-Dhafeeri secured first place in the fifth round of the Baja Rally World Championship.

Sept 2: Sheikh Salman Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah was elected President of the Asian Shooting Confederation for the next four years by acclamation.

Sept 5: Kuwait secured four seats on the permanent committees of the West Asian Diving Federation.

Sept 9: Athlete Al-Zahraa Kamshad became the first Kuwaiti athlete to achieve a global position in the Women’s World Weightlifting Championship.

Sept 12: The Kuwait Olympic football team qualified for the Asian Football Cup finals after a (2-2) draw with its Iraqi counterpart in the last matches of the sixth group of the qualifiers.

Sept 13: The Kuwaiti Taekwondo team concluded its participation in the fifth annual Beirut Taekwondo Championship with 10 medals: one gold, four silver, and five bronze.

Sept 15: The Asian Football Confederation selected a team of Kuwaiti referees to officiate matches in the finals of the Asian Cup Championship in Qatar.

Sept 17: Kuwaiti racer Rashid Al-Dawas achieved first place in an international Jet Ski Championship in Sharjah.

Sept 20: The Warriors team was crowned champion of the first Super Cup for Men’s Ice Hockey (2023-24), while the Wildcats team won the women’s category title in the tournament organized by the Kuwaiti Winter Games Club.

Sept 24: The Kuwaiti kiteboarding team received the Best Team award in the 14th session of the King of Lagoon championship, hosted by Egypt.

Sept 25: Player Yousef Al-Shamlan secured Kuwait’s first medal in the 19th Asian Games held in China by winning a bronze medal in the fencing competition.

Sept 27: Kuwaiti Abdullah Al-Terqi Al-Rashidi won the first gold medal for Kuwait at the 19th Asian Games in China in the skeet shooting competition.

Oct 2: Runner Yaqoub Al-Yoha earned a gold medal in the 110 meters race in the 19th Asian Games.

Oct 5: The Kuwait Handball team clinched a bronze medal after defeating their Japanese counterparts in the 19th Asian Games.

Oct 7: Karate player Fahad Al-Ajmi won a gold medal in the 19th Asian Games.

Oct 7: Kuwaiti Rashed Al-Dawas finished second in the annual jet ski competition in Arizona, the United States.

Oct 8: Kuwaiti rally racer Meshari Al-Dhafeeri became the champion of the Middle East Rally Championship.

Oct 8: The Kuwait national Karate team was awarded the bronze medal in the 19th Asian Games hosted in China.

Oct 9: The Kuwait Jet Ski team secured 10 medals in the world championship held in Arizona.

Oct 17: The national team won a gold medal and three bronze medals in the 13th Arab archery championship held in Riyadh.

Oct 23: Kuwaiti referees were selected by the International Ice Hockey Federation to officiate world games.

Nov 9: The Kuwait Karate team secured five medals in the Asian youth championship.

Dec 1: Qadisya club player, Abdulaziz Al-Shatti, emerged victorious in the Epee fencing competition.

Dec 3: The Kuwaiti Olympic Committee elected a new board of directors for the years (2023-27) by acclamation, with Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah as the head.

Dec 15: Equestrian Ali Al-Kharafi claimed the gold medal in the Saudi championship held in Riyadh.

Dec 15: Kuwaiti racer Fares Ramadhan from the Kuwait Water Sports Club team clinched the first place in the novice ski stock category in the Jet Ski World Cup held in Thailand.

Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED)

Feb 27: Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Sabah announced that KFAED is to provide Yemen with three additional grants worth US$5 million in cooperation with international agencies.

April 25: KFAED said its contributions to UN institutions and programs to fight malaria and pandemics reached KD 4.76 million (US$15.5 million) up until April 2023.

May 22: KFAED said its development and humanitarian assistance contributed to 1,012 projects in more than 100 countries.

June 19: KFAED Acting Director General Waleed Al-Bahar said the fund extended 27 grants to refugees and displaced persons regionally and globally, reaching US$85 million.

Dec 3: KFAED signed a joint statement with the British Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to enhance joint climate action and contribute to achieving UN sustainable development goals in the Middle East.

Achievements

Jan 3: Kuwait’s first satellite, Kuwait Sat-1, was successfully launched into space, hailed as a milestone achievement in setting up the country’s space industry.

Jan 7: The renowned Creighton University hospital and the hospitals organization, CHI, in the US State of Nebraska, have appointed Kuwaiti surgeon Waddah Al-Rifai as head of the surgery, Technical, and academic research department.

Jan 16: Kuwait’s Dr. Saqer Al-Mulla was elected deputy chief of the Asian gymnastics federation.

Jan 18: The Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for giftedness and creativity honored student Hawraa Mirza, awarded the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashed award for exceptional academic performance.

Jan 21: Kuwaiti national Saad Al-Tami, who suffered from ADHD symptoms and stuttering since childhood, became the first Arab to address the graduates’ ceremony of the Eliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.

Feb 4: Army Captain Engineer Youssef Al-Shatti achieved a new Kuwaiti world record as the fastest swimmer to cross a creek in the men’s category.

Feb 12: Kuwait nabbed yet another Guinness world record with the largest “Bisht,” traditional clothing, in the world.

Feb 13: France awarded Kuwaiti novelist Taleb Al-Refai the rank of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters for his contributions to building cultural bridges between the two countries.

Feb 25: Student Jenan Al-Sharif of Kuwait was elected president of the Arab Parliament for the Child.

March 10: Kuwaiti Member of Parliament, Dr. Jenan Bushehri, was elected by the Arab states group in the Inter-Parliamentary Union for a seat in the Bureau of Parliamentary Women’s Forum.

March 21: Three Kuwait University students, Anfal Al-Enezi, Fatema Al-Kandari, and Fahad Al-Sabah, were recognized as “Women and Environment Ambassadors” in a competition organized in cooperation with the EU Delegation in Kuwait.

April 7: Mohammad Al-Koh won the Sheikh Saud Al-Thani award for photographic projects 2023 for his project: Failaka Island, which documented all houses and buildings on the Kuwaiti isle.

April 11: Kuwait University registered a patent at the US Patent Office regarding the improvement of medicine for asthma and allergies.

April 14: The Royal Military College, Sandhurst, honored two Kuwaiti army students for their distinguished performance in a ceremony attended by King Charles.

May 2: The US Institute of Physics granted Dr. Hussain Al-Qattan the Future Star Award for his research on youth.

May 4: The GCC Secretariat honored engineers Lama Al-Uraiman and Zainab Al-Saffar of Kuwait for their excellence in science, as well as Dr. Fawaz Al-Ajmi and Dr. Hashem Al-Tabtabae of Kuwait University for their leading contributions.

May 9: Former Health Minister Dr. Mohammad Al-Haifi was appointed a member of the Board of Trustees in the anti-doping laboratory in Qatar.

May 11: Kuwait University announced that Dr. Mohammad Al-Ansari won the Illuminate Challenge Award from Durham University, UK. The award is usually given to people for their inventions, discoveries, or new applications that serve humanity.

May 12: Kuwaiti engineer Jenan Al-Shehab won the gold medal at the 34th edition of the International Exhibition for Invention, Innovation, and Technology (ITEX) for her invention of (Electromagnetic Cells).

May 25: Kuwait University’s Intisar Al-Shuhaima registered a patent at the US Patent Office for a device used by dentists to extract broken pieces of files used in treatment.

May 29: Dr. Laila Al-Haddan of Kuwait University won, as part of a research team, the Best Scientific Research Award for cancer studies. The award is given by King Saud University in Saudi Arabia.

June 6: Adnan Al-Nowwa, a photographer at KRCS, won the second-best photo award during the meetings of the Arab Organization for Red Crescent and Cross.

July 5: The British Cranfield University awarded Kuwaiti researcher Dr. Abdullah Al-Khalidi the Arthur Lefebvre Prize in Physics.

July 6: Kuwaiti photographer Mohammad Murad won two awards in the International Nature Photography Competition in northern Italy.

July 11: Kuwaiti Dr. Fawaz Mohammad Al-Awadhi won the Arab Professional Excellence Award (Best Arabs) 2023 in the field of law.

July 23: Referee Mohammed Al-Shatti participated for the first time in the finals of the Wimbledon World Cup.

Aug 1: The Kuwaiti Girl Guides Association won the Olave Baden-Powell Award for Charitable Work.

Aug 3: Sheikh Mishari Al-Afasy received United Nations membership after joining the Union of Arab Creatives as an advisor and member of the Economic and Social Council.

Aug 15: Students Abdullah Al-Saffar, Yousef Ibrahim, and Ali Al-Mutairi are among 35 winners of the World Health Organization art competition.

Sept 18: Kuwaiti candidate Dr. Talal Al-Bathali won the position of Vice President of the World Petroleum Council (WPC) for the period between 2023 and 2026.

Sept 18: Armenian Yerevan State University granted the head of the Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation, the poet Abdulaziz Al-Babtain, an honorary doctorate.

Sept 18: The Arab Union of Scouts and Guides unanimously approved Kuwaiti Nasser Abul as Secretary-General of the Arab Union of Scouts and Guides.

Sept 20: Kuwaiti Abdullah Al-Terqi Al-Rashidi won membership in the International Shooting Federation’s Players Committee in the skeet shooting category.

Sept 20: The Ministry of Oil announced that Kuwait won, for the first time, four seats in the executive committees of the International Petroleum Council for the period between 2023 and 2026.

Sept 20: Kuwait Fire Force announced that its head, Lieutenant General Khaled Al-Makrad, had received the GCC Medal for his clear mark in development and progress of fire services in the State of Kuwait.

Sept 26: The Arab Media Forum selected journalist and academic Dr. Mohammad Al-Rumaihi as the media personality of the year.

Oct 1: Kuwait Cooperative Center for Student Programs won three awards during Arab Programming Week.

Oct 24: Kuwait University registered patents in the field of technology and refrigeration.

Nov 17: Three Kuwaiti photographers won the Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashed Al-Maktoum International Photography Award.

Nov 20: KISR announced that researcher and director of the energy efficiency program at the institute, Dr. Fetouh Al-Raqam, had received an award from the Association of Energy Engineering for her contributions to the field.

Nov 22: Sheikh Dr. Talal Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was awarded the Mohammad bin Rashed Al-Maktoum Award for sports creativity in the Arab sports personality category.

Nov 24: Japanese camera manufacturers, Canon, chose Kuwaiti Mohammad Murad, the first wildlife photographer from the region, as an ambassador for its initiative.

Dec 1: KPI announced that Executive Marketing VP, Fadel Al-Faraj, has been named CEO of the year in the oil and gas sector for the year 2023 on the Forbes international magazine list in its Italy branch.

Dec 12: UNHCR honored Kuwaiti Abdullah Al-Nouri Charitable Society and its Chief, Eng. Jamal Al-Nouri, for their contributions to supporting refugees and displaced persons through a bilateral partnership extending over the past three years.

Kuwaiti figures who passed away

Jan 31: Renowned Kuwaiti author Fadhel Al-Tailjy passed away after a rich career in poetry writing, storytelling, and literary criticism.

April 8: Actor Faisal Al-Bleyyes passed away following a long struggle with the disease.

May 6: TV presenter Obaid Al-Otaibi passed away at the age of 59.

May 12: Singer Abdulkareem Abdulqader passed away at 81. His artistic journey lasted more than six decades.

May 13: Redha Marafi, former player for Qadsia SC and the National football teams, passed away.

May 25: Actor Ahmad Johar passed away at the age of 65.

July 16: Former Assistant Secretary-General of the Islamic Antiquities Sector at the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Literature (NCCAL), Abdulkareem Al-Ghadhban, passed away after a journey full of achievements.

Aug 21: Actor Bader Al-Tayyar passed away after a long journey of contributions to Kuwaiti theater and TV.

Aug 27: The imam and preacher of the Abubaker Al-Siddiq Mosque and the imam of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Khaled Al-Saeedi, passed away.

Aug 27: Lyricist Yousef Nasser passed away after a life full of contributions to modern Kuwaiti music.

Sept 25: Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, former minister of mail and telephone, and minister of news and guidance, passed away.

Dec 15: Prominent Kuwaiti writer and poet, Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain, passed away.

Dec 16: Following the death of Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah became the emir of Kuwait.

(With inputs from news agencies)