KUWAIT: Underscoring its active participation in enhancing financial awareness and inclusion among all segments of society, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) continues to promote the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait, in collaboration with local banks and Kuwait Banking Association (KBA). In this context, NBK intensifies awareness by publishing educational content including video clips and text communications, as well as awareness tips on all its social media platforms and other digital channels, in addition to re-posting of CBK’s related communications. This aims to increase awareness among all segments of society and familiarize them with different fraud schemes and the precautions to steer clear of these threats.

NBK urges customers to be cautious when making donations to any charities online, and to verify the identity of the recipient, to avoid falling victim to fraud, especially with the increasing fraud schemes and scams used by fraudsters to deceive victims. This comes within the bank’s commitment to raise customers’ awareness and keep them updated on the latest fraud trends and how to avoid them. The bank also warned against donating to unfamiliar charities, whether through links or on websites, as fraudsters may use fake websites similar to the websites of well-known charities, or claim affiliation to real charities raising funds for war or disaster-stricken people, then send the links to the victims which transfers them to the fake website page and asks them to make payments.

Furthermore, the bank called customers to beware of e-mails, text messages or phone calls asking for donations for well-known charities, warning them of responding to such fraudulent messages attempting to obtain their banking information in order to steal their money or information. NBK employs its strong customer communication capabilities as well as all its digital channels, which are the most popular among all Kuwaiti banks, to support the Central Bank’s endeavors to protect customers and the national economy.

It is worth mentioning that NBK is a key promoter and participant in all CBK’s campaigns and initiatives to increase financial and banking awareness among different segments of society. As the leading financial institution in Kuwait, the bank frequently organizes various activities to raise awareness on all topics related to the banking sector, as well as many training courses for its employees to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the areas of combating fraud and financial crime. The “Let’s Be Aware” campaign is the largest across the GCC region focusing on raising banking and financial awareness among banks’ customers. The campaign covers a variety of crucial topics including: anti-fraud tips, awareness on high-risk investments, ways to maximize benefit from banking services, promoting savings and investment culture, as well as other related topics.

KUWAIT: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Abdulaziz Sari Al-Mutairi has urged cooperatives, charitable organizations, entities and individuals to participate in the ‘Your help is their joy’ campaign, which embodies the values of goodness and generosity, reports Al-Anba daily. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Mutairi pointed out the campaign is considered the Kuwaiti people’s way of helping the needy and distressed Kuwaiti families during the blessed month of Ramadan.

He affirmed that efforts are being coordinated with many parties to guarantee the success of the campaign, indicating the donations will be used to pay the debts or fines of citizens who cannot afford to do so. He said the payment will be done as per the rules and regulations, stating it is expected that the final proceeds of the campaign will exceed KD10 million.

KUWAIT: Profiles of the winners of National Assembly 2024:
First Constituency Profiles of the 10 winners from the 1st Constituency:
1. Osama Zaid Al-Zaid: Worked in the petrochemical sector. Member of the 2023 Assembly and of the annulled 2022 Assembly.
2. Abdullah Jassem Al-Mudhaf: Born in 1983. Holds Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Administrative Sciences at the Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait. Worked in the banking and investment sectors. Member of the 2023 Assembly and the annulled 2022 Assembly.
3. Mohammad Johar Hayat: Born in 1982. Holds Bachelor’s Degree in Political science and Philosophy at Kuwait University in 2006. Journalist writer on political and sports affairs. A journalist specialized in preparing and presenting programs on radio and television. He holds many media and journalistic courses inside and outside Kuwait. Member of the Media Committee of the Kuwait Society for Human Rights 2006-2010, Member of the Freedoms Committee of the Kuwaiti Society for Human Rights 2008-2010, Member of the Social Committee of the Kuwait Journalists Association 2007-2013, Media advisor at the Economic Society from 2021 to 2023
4. Ahmad Haji Lari: Born in 1955. Holds Bachelor’s degree in Statistics. Member of the Municipal Council (1993 – 1995 – 1999). Member of the National Assembly (2006 – 2008 – 2013 – 2023, and the annulled 2022).
5. Basel Hussain Al-Bahrani: He holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in education. He worked in the Personal Protection Department at the Ministry of Interior and in Kuwaiti embassies outside the country, He currently works in the private sector. He has many contributions in the social and political field. Member of the General Secretariat of the Popular Action Movement. He adopted many social issues and initiatives, such as housing, education, financial deficit, and demographics.
6. Issa Ahmad Al-Kandari: Born in 1963. Former minister. Diploma from the Commercial Institute, specializing in banking. Member of the National Assembly (2013 – 2016 – 2020 – 2023 and the annulled 2022).
7. Khaled Marzouq Al-Ameera: Holds a bachelor’s degree in security sciences. Worked as an officer in the Ministry of Interior. Member of the 2023 Assembly and the 2022 annulled Assembly.
8. Adel Jassim Al-Damkhi: Born in 1965. PhD in Islamic Sharia. Member of the National Assembly (annulled 2012 – 2016 – 2023- annulled 2022).
|9. Saleh Ahmad Ashour: Born in 153. Holds Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and two Diplomas, military sciences and communications. A former colonel in the Air Force, He worked in the Ministry of Transportation, then he won membership in the national Assembly’s in 1999, 2003 and 2006, and a membership in a number of associations, Including the Kuwaiti Economics Society, the Kuwaiti Graduates Association, the Kuwaiti Human Rights Society, the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society, The Kuwaiti Journalists Association and Al-Thaqalayn Charitable Society.
10. Mohammad Barrak Al-Azmi: College of Sharia, Kuwait University, from which he graduated in 2001 and obtained a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies in 2009. He became a preacher in 2005, and works at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs at Marawi Al-Hadya Mosque in Salwa area. He also works as a teacher at the Holy Qur’an House of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.

2nd Constituency Profiles of the 10 winners from the 2nd Constituency

1. Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim: Born in 1968. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Member of the National Assembly (2006 – 2008 – 2009 – annulled 2012 – 2013 – 2016 – 2023). Held the position of Speaker of the National Assembly (2013 – 2016 – 2020). Former Chairman of Kuwait Sports Club – Member of the Society of Engineers and the International Association of Mechanical Engineers.

2. Shuaib Ali Shaaban: Born in 1984. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Police Sciences from Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences. An officer in the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior. Member of the National Assembly (2022 annulled) and in 2023.
3. Abdulwahab Aref Al-Essa: Born in 1988. Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Kuwait University. Worked in media and commerce. Member of the Kuwaiti Journalists Association. Member of the National Assembly (2022 annulled) and 2023.
4. Falah Dhahi Al-Hajri: Director of the Attarjah Center for Memorizing the Holy Qur’an. Member of the National Assembly and (2022 annulled) and 2023.
5. Mohammad Barrak Al-Mutair: Born in 1969. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Member of the National Assembly (2003 – 2006 – 2008 – 2016 – 2020 – 2022 annulled) and 2023.
6. Bader Nashmi Al-Enezi: Born in 1979. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in media from Kuwait University. An employee at the Public Authority for Communications. Chairman of the Board of Directors’ Union (2009 – 2011). Member of the 2023 National Assembly.
7. Nawaf Bhaish Al-Azmi: Born in 1978. Retired
8. Abdullah Turki Al-Anbaei: Born in 1983. Bachelor’s degree from Kuwait University. Worked in the private sector. Member of the National Assembly (2022 annulled) and 2023.
9. Bader Hamed Al-Mulla: Born in 1971. Holds a Doctorate in law. A lawyer and member of the teaching staff at the Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences. Member of the National Assembly (2016 – 2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023.
10. Fahad Abdulaziz Al-Masoud: Born in 1961. Holds a Master’s degree in computer engineering. is a computer engineer at Kuwait Airways. Member of the 2023 National Assembly.

3rd Constituency Profiles of the 10 winners from the 3rd Constituency:
1. Abdulkarim Abdullah Al-Kanderi: Born in 1981. PhD in business and commercial law. Works as a lawyer and professor at the Faculty of Law at Kuwait University. Member of the National Assembly (2013 – 2016 – 2020 and annulled 2022) and in 2023.
. Abdulaziz Tareq Al-Saqoubi: Born in 1986. Bachelor of Architecture from the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University 2008. Master of Architecture from University of Cincinnati. Member of the National Assembly (2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023.
3. Mohalhal Khaled Al-Mudhaf: Born in 1971. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Member of the teaching staff at the Industrial Institute in the Public Authority for Applied Education. Member of the National Assembly (2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023.
4. Fares Saad Al-Otaibi: Born in 1974. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. General Controller in Kuwait Municipality. Member of the National Assembly (2013 – 2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023
5. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Saadoun: Born in 1934. Former Speaker of the National Assembly. Member of the National Assembly (1975 – 1981 – 1985 – 1992 – 1996 – 1999 – 2003 – 2006 – 2008 – 2009 – annulled 2012 and 2022, as well as in 2023) He was also Assistant Undersecretary for Telegraph and Telephone Affairs at the Ministry of Communications. President of Kuwait Football Association from 1968 to 1976.
6. Jarrah Khaled Al-Fouzan: Born in 1989. Bachelor’s law degree. General Manager of Cyber Systems. Member of the 2023 National Assembly.
7. Muhannad Talal Al-Sayer: Born in 1981. Master of Private Law. Member of the National Assembly (2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023.
8. Ahmad Nabil Al-Fadhel: Born in 1977. Bachelor’s degree in administration science. He held leadership positions in many listed and unlisted companies. Member of the Laws Proposals and Projects team of the campaign of former MP Nabil Al-Fadhel. He Specialized in restructuring troubled projects. Author of theses and research on modern mathematical economics. Member of the National Assembly 2016. Multiple courses in the financial, analytical and financing aspects. Postgraduate degrees in finance and the Arab market. 17 years of experience in the private sector
9. Janan Mohsen Ramadan: Born in 1973. Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Kuwait University. Master of Chemical Engineering from Kuwait University. Member of the annulled 2022 National Assembly and in 2023.
10. Hamad Adel Al-Obeid: Born in 1982. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Jurisprudence from Kuwait University. Holds a Master’s degree in Islamic economics from Cairo University. Member of the annulled 2022 National Assembly and in 2023.

4th Constituency Profiles of the 10 winners from the 4th Constituency:
1. Shuaib Shabab Al-Muwaizri. Born in 1959. Holds a diploma in police academy. A former colonel in the Ministry of Interior. Former Member of the National Assembly (2009 – annulled 2012 – 2016 – 2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023.
2. Anwar Arrak Al-Dhaferi: Born in 1984. Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. President of the General Union of Students and Trainees of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training between 2005 and 2006. General coordinator of the Kuwaiti Progressive Movement. He worked as a journalist in the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai
3. Obaid Mohammad Al-Mutairi: Born in 1971, Doctorate in Law, Faculty Member in Law College at Kuwait University, former Member of Parliament in 2012-2020.
4. Mohammad Awadh Al-Ruqaib. Born in 1981. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. Former executive in Kuwait Credit Bank (KCB). Former member of the Municipal Council. Member of the 2023 National Assembly.
5. Mubarak Hmoud Al-Tasha: Holds PhD in private law compared to Islamic law. Legal advisor to the Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf. Teacher of personal status law at Kuwait University. Teacher of civil law at the Commercial Institute. Member of the annulled 2022 National Assembly and in 2023.
6. Bader Sayyar Al-Shammari: Born in 1973. Retired Major General from the Ministry of Interior. Formerly Director of Jahra Immigration. Member of the 2023 National Assembly.
7. Saad Ali Al-Rashidi. Born in 1965. Holds a high school diploma. Worked in the Ministry of Interior. Member of the National Assembly (2008 – 2009 – annulled 2012 – 2013 – 2016 – 2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023.
8. Fayez Ghanem Al-Jamhour. Born in 1971. Holds a Bachlor’s degree in Sharia. Former executive at Ministry of Public Works. Former MP in the 2020 National Assembly and in 2023.
9. Mubarak Haif Al-Hajraf. Born in 1970. Holds a Master’s degree in law and a diploma in private law. Member of the National Assembly (2016 – 2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023.
10. Mohammad Hayef Al-Mutairi. Born in 1964. Holds a BA in Islamic Studies. Imam and preacher at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. Member of the National Assembly (2008 – 2009 – 2012 – 2016 – annulled 2022) and in 2023.

5th Constituency Profiles of the 10 winners from the 5th Constituency:
1. Fahad Falah Al-Azmi: Ex-military and member of the 2023 National Assembly.
2. Hamdan Salem Al-Azmi. Born in 1968. Master’s in Civil Law. Attorney and legal researcher at the Ministry of Interior. Member of the National Assembly (2013 – 2016 – 2020 and annulled 2022) and in 2023.
3. Mutib Nasser Al-Suhali: Born in 1974. Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Police sciences. He worked in the Ministry of Interior in several departments until he reached the rank of retired major general.
4. Saud Abdulaziz Al-Hajri. Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the United States. Worked in the field of media and journalism. Member of the National Assembly (annulled 2022) and in 2023.
5. Bader Zayed Al-Dahoum: Born in 1975. He holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in fundamentals of Islamic jurisprudence. Islamic education teacher. Member of the National Assembly 2012. Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jaber Al Ali Cooperative Society.
6. Majed Musaed Al-Mutairi: Born in 1972. Bachelor’s of Business Administration. Worked for the Kuwait Oil Company. Member of the National Assembly (2016 and annulled 2022) and in 2023.
7. Abdulhadi Nasser Al-Ajmi: Born in 1974. Holds a PhD in Islamic history. Professor of History and Civilization at the College of Arts at Kuwait University. Member of the 2023 National Assembly.
8. Hani Hussein Shams: Born in 1970. Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, majoring in accounting from Kuwait University. Member of Parliament (annulled 2022) and in 2023.
9. Mohammad Musaed Al-Dousari: Born in 1976. He holds a doctorate in public law from Ain Shams University in 2015. Working as an Attorney.
10. Khaled Mohammad Al-Otaibi. Born in 1966. Bachelor’s degree in Police Sciences. Member of the National Assembly (2016 – 2020 – annulled 2022) and in 2023. (KUNA)

KUWAIT: The Court of Appeal, led by Counselor Nasr Salem Al-Heid, has overturned a previous ruling in absentia, reducing the imprisonment term of an expatriate accused in the Interior Hospitality case from 30 years to 15 years. Additionally, it upheld the imprisonment sentence of three other defendants, including a Kuwaiti businessman, for 10 years each, reports Al-Jarida daily. The defendants were accused by the Public Prosecution of money laundering and seizing over 36 million dinars from the Ministry of Interior through organized operations. They were also charged with forging fake invoices in collaboration with others, utilizing electrical companies, gifts, and hotels to conceal the illicit funds in other bank accounts.

Originally, the Criminal Court had sentenced one defendant to 30 years in absentia and the remaining defendants to 10 years each, along with fines and an order to return excess amounts exceeding 76 million dinars. The Public Prosecution published the accused individuals’ names in the Official Gazette, indicating that they must be tried before the Court of Appeal to finalize the ruling. The recent ruling by the Court of Appeal modifies the sentence for one defendant while upholding the penalties for the others, providing them with one level of recourse before the Court of Cassation.

KUWAIT: Food waste and extravagance are among the dangerous phenomena spreading in the country and have been exacerbated during the holy month of Ramadan, which is characterized by customs, occasions, and gatherings when food plays a vital role, reports Al-Qabas daily. According to statistics, about half a million tons of surplus food is wasted annually in Kuwait, which ranks 20th globally in terms of food waste. Ramadan comes with many social gatherings and events, such as family visits at Iftar tables or ghabqa gatherings, which are often characterized by manifestations of extravagance. A variety of foods including sweets are served on these tables, most of which are not consumed.

At a time that Ramadan events turned from social custom into a means of showing off and bragging; citizens confirmed that family spending doubled during Ramadan, and that the excessive cost “burned the pockets of the heads of families.” Fatima Al-Qahtani said some people publish pictures of tables and invitations on social media to show off, noting that the race to buy food is inconsistent with the purpose of Ramadan. She pointed out that a family that spends KD500 per month on normal days; spends about KD1,200 during Ramadan. Ali Al-Shammari stated that a lot of surplus food ends up in garbage containers; indicating the abundant Ramadan tables are exhausting the heads of families.

He said it has turned into a sort of imitation as many ghabqas are broadcasted live on social media during the month of asceticism and austerity. The daily’s staff toured the markets and confirmed 50 percent increase in food purchases since the beginning of Ramadan compared to the rest of the months of the year.

KUWAIT: The criminal security sector of the Ministry of Interior has put an end to the activities of a prolific thief who operated for approximately two years, specializing in thefts from residential apartments, vehicle tires from vehicles parked in open areas, power generators, and appliances from camps, reports Al-Anba daily. It has been noted that a comprehensive inventory of the crimes committed by the suspect will take some time, and the number of cases officially registered against him has already reached 40 across the six governorates of Kuwait. The culprit was arrested by detectives in Hawalli.

The man born in 1989 was staying in the country illegally and has confessed to committing numerous crimes previously recorded against an unidentified person, particularly in the Hawalli and Salwa areas. Two vehicles used in his thefts have been confiscated. Following a surge in theft cases involving vehicle tires and gas cylinders in the Hawalli Governorate, a specialized task force was formed to track the thief’s movements and vehicles. Investigations revealed that the perpetrator operated under the cover of darkness, wearing a mask.

Surveillance footage aided in identifying the vehicles used by the thief, leading to the arrest of the suspect, who called himself EM. He disclosed the locations he targeted and admitted to selling stolen goods in the scrap market. Although the accused confessed to approximately 15 thefts in Hawalli Governorate, only three cases were officially registered — theft of vehicle tires (case no. 2024/38), theft of gas cylinders (case nos. 2024/145 and 2024/148), all classified as misdemeanors.

Furthermore, the accused confessed to a broader range of thefts, including power generators and various devices stolen from camps over the years. It is anticipated that the total number of his thefts may exceed 100 cases, including those officially recorded and others that went unreported due to victims’ reluctance or the perceived insignificance of the stolen items. The suspect will be subjected to further investigation to ascertain the full extent of his criminal activities.