KUWAIT: With steady momentum, Kuwait continues its comprehensive reform and development drive, launched two years ago with the accession of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to power. The journey reflects His Highness’ wise vision for progress, stability and prosperity, and has translated into tangible achievements across a wide range of sectors.
Over the past 12 months in particular, the country has recorded notable progress in implementing Amiri directives that outlined a clear and integrated reform roadmap, laid the foundations for the desired renaissance and underscored the importance of justice and the rule of law without exception. These directives emphasized strengthening national unity, safeguarding Kuwait’s authentic identity, combating all forms of corruption and fulfilling citizens’ aspirations as essential pillars for sustainable development and for addressing internal and external challenges, while reinforcing Kuwait’s regional and international standing.
His Highness assumed office in December 2023 as the 17th ruler of Kuwait, following a distinguished career spanning more than six decades in public service. Raised within the Al-Sabah family and shaped by its legacy of leadership and governance, His Highness is widely recognized for his wisdom, sincerity and dedication to Kuwait’s security, stability and advancement.
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir departed for Saudi Arabia to attend the fraternal consultative meeting with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the King of Jordan and the Egyptian President.- KUNA photos
Official reception ceremony for His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in the French capital.
His Highness the Amir arrived in Scotland, United Kingdom, at the personal invitation of King Charles III.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
His Highness the Amir arrived in Oman on a fraternal visit.
Born in Kuwait in 1940, His Highness received his early education at Al-Mubarakiya School before graduating from Hendon College in the United Kingdom in 1960 with a specialization in police sciences. He joined the Ministry of Interior and rose through the ranks, becoming head of the General Investigations Department in 1967. He is regarded as the founder of the State Security Service, leaving a lasting imprint on its development and capabilities. In 2004, His Highness was appointed Deputy Chief of the National Guard, overseeing a phase of significant modernization that strengthened the Guard’s role within the national defense and security framework. An Amiri decree later appointed him Crown Prince in October 2020.
Under his leadership, Kuwait continues to advance its long-term development vision, “New Kuwait 2035,” aimed at transforming the country into a sustainable regional financial and commercial hub. Government efforts have accelerated to diversify income sources, attract foreign investment, strengthen international economic partnerships and create a favorable environment for major global companies, while promoting balanced and sustainable economic growth. His Highness has placed strong emphasis on empowering youth, expanding employment opportunities, supporting women’s participation, encouraging scientific research, knowledge and innovation, and enhancing housing, health and education services, alongside policies to support persons with disabilities.
The past year has also witnessed heightened legislative activity, including the issuance of laws and regulations modernizing judicial and administrative systems, strengthening traffic and anti-narcotics legislation and organizing the work of charitable societies. In the security and defense sectors, the Ministry of Defense launched its 2025-2030 strategy to enhance military readiness and air defense capabilities, while the Ministry of Interior upgraded technological systems and introduced unmanned maritime units to protect coastal waters. The National Guard unveiled its fourth strategic plan, focusing on advanced technologies and modern security applications.
In the oil sector, Kuwait Oil Company announced new oil and gas discoveries and signed memoranda of understanding with international firms to establish the Ahmadi Innovation Valley. Structural integration among oil companies has progressed, while Kuwait Petroleum Corporation launched its first Excellence Award to recognize outstanding contributions to sectoral performance. Economic reforms have also advanced, with the launch of the first phase of the smart license system, amendments to the Real Estate Developer Law, participation by the Kuwait Investment Authority in a global artificial intelligence infrastructure partnership, and new regulations related to state property fees and multinational group taxation.
Kuwait strengthened economic ties through agreements with several countries and approved a GCC-wide payment systems linkage to enhance regional integration. The Kuwait Stock Exchange launched its startup market and began accepting listing applications. Significant progress was recorded in the health sector, including advanced robotic surgeries, improved regional health performance indicators, new international medical partnerships and the inauguration of the Public Health Virology Laboratory.
In education and research, agreements were signed to establish the Kuwait Space Research Center, expand patent registrations and strengthen cooperation in scientific research, artificial intelligence and secure digital platforms. Curricula were updated to align with global developments while reinforcing national identity. In media and culture, the Ministry of Information advanced national archiving projects, launched the Kuwait Media Award and unveiled the digital photographic archive, while Kuwait inaugurated activities marking its selection as Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025. Major development projects continue to gather pace, including the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the new airport terminal and nationwide road maintenance programs.
On the foreign policy front, His Highness’ vision is grounded in strengthening Gulf, Arab and international cooperation. Kuwait has intensified diplomatic engagement through high-level visits and exchanges, reinforcing shared interests, regional stability and international partnership. Under the leadership of His Highness the Amir, Kuwait continues its journey of reform and progress, firmly guided by his wisdom and the enduring principles laid down by the nation’s forefathers. — KUNA
