KUWAIT: Director-General of the General Administration of Coast Guard, Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yusuf Al-Sabah, affirmed that the annual celebration of the GCC Border Guards and Coast Guards Day is an occasion to honor the efforts of these agencies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. He noted that Kuwait’s Coast Guard has witnessed a significant transformation over the past years through strategic development projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the maritime command and control system, highlighting the development of an advanced coastal surveillance system combining modern infrastructure with digital technologies to boost operational readiness.
Sheikh Mubarak revealed that Kuwait is implementing a project to rebuild its patrol boats in Abu Dhabi, aiming to enhance the technical and operational efficiency of its fleet, alongside the construction of new operations centers and radar towers equipped with advanced thermal cameras. The full coastal surveillance system is expected to be completed by June 2026. He added that the administration is also upgrading navigational aids with smart alternatives to enhance maritime safety and overall operational performance. The brigadier general emphasized that human capital remains the core of development and institutional success, commending the role of Kuwaiti women in the Coast Guard who have proven their capability and professionalism in both field and technical duties.
He stressed that this empowerment reflects the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who continuously advocate for women’s leadership and participation in decision-making roles. For her part, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Duaij Al-Sabah underscored the importance of empowering women in the security sector and their effective contribution to maintaining peace and stability, noting that women have become integral partners in various security fields from investigation and advocacy to law enforcement.
Sheikha Jawaher stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to promoting women’s roles in peace and security by preparing and training qualified cadres and supervising their participation in operational and administrative missions, affirming that women’s inclusion in maritime and border security builds public trust, supports social peace and aligns with recent UN studies emphasizing women’s contribution to sustainable security.
She noted that the participation of women in border and naval forces helps combat crime, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling due to their strong communication, observation and analytical skills. She also praised GCC cooperation in this field, viewing it as a platform for establishing partnerships and sharing expertise to further empower women in security ranks. She praised the success of the Regional Forum for Women in the Security Sector held in Kuwait last February, describing it as a key milestone toward empowering Gulf women in law enforcement. She called for the forum to be held regularly and for its recommendations to be implemented.
She also announced the graduation of the first batch of Kuwaiti female officers to join the Coast Guard after completing international training programs in partnership with the United States and international organizations, calling it a testament to Kuwait’s belief in women’s national role and capabilities. She emphasized that modern security today encompasses comprehensive human security based on rights, equality and human dignity. Through its Human Rights Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to coordinate national efforts to strengthen women’s participation in security frameworks, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and international commitments.
In his turn, Head of the Marine Operations Department, Colonel Mohammed Sami Al-Harbi, presented an overview of the Coast Guard’s history in Kuwait, tracing its origins to 1938 with the establishment of the Marine Police, followed by the formal creation of the Coast Guard in 1956 with a single wooden launch to intercept sea infiltrators. The General Administration of the Coast Guard was officially established in 2001 under Ministerial Decree No. 1682.
Colonel Al-Harbi outlined the Coast Guard’s responsibilities, including securing maritime borders, protecting ports and facilities, monitoring navigation, preventing smuggling and infiltration, conducting search and rescue operations, assisting vessels and safeguarding the marine environment. He noted ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet, establish radar and coastal command centers, and deploy unmanned vessels, stressing continued cooperation with military and civilian entities, participation in GCC and international exercises, and coordination with environmental and maritime organizations.
