Kuwait to Islamize Laws, Enforce Gender Segregation at Kuwait University

Male and female students from Kuwait University at a student fair (KUNA)
Male and female students from Kuwait University at a student fair (KUNA)
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Kuwait to Islamize Laws, Enforce Gender Segregation at Kuwait University

Male and female students from Kuwait University at a student fair (KUNA)
Male and female students from Kuwait University at a student fair (KUNA)

Kuwaiti MP Mohammed Haif, who chairs the Committee for the Promotion of Values, declared an agreement with the Kuwaiti Minister of Education, Adel al-Manea, to enforce gender segregation at Kuwait University, established 57 years ago.

Speaking to the press at the Media Center of the National Assembly, Haif announced that the Committee reached an understanding with the Minister to eliminate mixed-gender classes in all faculties that currently have them. He highlighted that the law banning mixing between genders remains in effect.

Haif lauded the Minister's collaboration in ending these mixed classes and re-registering to separate male and female students.

He commended the Minister's responsiveness, noting that the discussion was fruitful and led to a decision to end mixed-gender classes in faculties such as the Faculty of Law and others.

The lawmaker specified that the meeting was productive, during which details were discussed regarding the implementation of Law No. 24 of 1996.

The law governs education at Kuwait University and the General Authority for Applied Education and Training, emphasizing the segregation of male and female students and registering in the sections again.

Haif emphasized the importance of Law No. 96 prohibiting the mixing between genders, stressing its clauses on modesty and ethical appearances within the university.

He pointed out that the law requires the Minister of Education to submit an annual report to the National Assembly detailing its enforcement progress.

The Committee for the Promotion of Values discussed the prohibition of gender mixing and gender impersonation with Manea and other university deans and officials.

Haif noted that these actions contradict existing laws, social morals, and Islamic guidelines, which set standards to maintain the ethics of Kuwaiti youth.

He emphasized that the law was clear regarding separating students and granting authorities five years to complete the process in all university activities.

The MP expressed the keenness of his fellow lawmakers in the Committee on the need to implement the law, noting that it stipulates a modest dress code.

- Islamization of laws

The decision is seen as the latest in a series of steps toward the Islamization of laws in Kuwait.

Previous laws proposed mandates for women to wear Islamic attire when voting or running for office.

On July 21, five lawmakers introduced a proposal to ban cosmetic surgeries and tattoos, demanding that the Interior Ministry be notified before and after facial and finger cosmetic surgeries.

Violators face up to five years imprisonment and a minimum fine of KD1,000.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.