Emir of Kuwait Outlines Features of New Phase, Focuses on Fight against Corruption

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, receives Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, receives Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (KUNA)
TT

Emir of Kuwait Outlines Features of New Phase, Focuses on Fight against Corruption

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, receives Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, receives Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (KUNA)

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, called on the new government, headed by Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, to fight corruption in the country and diversify sources of income, stressing that the government should develop “a targeted action plan with a specific timetable.”
Addressing the newly-formed government on Wednesday, Sheikh Meshal stressed the importance of adhering to the constitution, enforcing the law, combating corruption and nepotism, and promoting justice and equality across all ministries and institutions.
The Emir also urged the government to work on other files, including strengthening the country’s economy and investments, diversifying sources of income, enhancing financial sustainability and the role of the private sector, protecting public funds, and accelerating the implementation of vital and development projects.
Pointing that the slogan of the new phase is “reform and development,” he said that the new government’s work must be focused on “supervision, control, and accountability,” within the framework of safeguarding national duties and rights.
Addressing the ministers, he said: “Set the priorities, unify efforts according to an action plan with specific objectives and committed to a timetable, and seek the help of thinkers and opinion-makers to reach the right decisions that lead to achieving the desired goals.”
He also encouraged the ministers to adopt an “open door” policy, actively engage with the public, utilize media tools effectively, and address citizens’ needs within legal and regulatory frameworks, which he said would enhance public services in education, health, and housing.
The Emir also called on the government to consolidate “cooperation with the legislative authority in order to approve and implement legislation and laws,” and emphasized that the two legislative and executive authorities must “adhere to the provisions of the Constitution that govern the relationship between them.”
Sheikh Meshal pointed to a number of pressing issues that require careful attention and planning by the government. Those include appointing skilled top officials, focusing on youth and women, ensuring equal appointment opportunities, diversifying income resources, seeking to achieve financial sustainability and enhancing the private sector’s role, as well as safeguarding public funds, expediting vital and developmental projects, promoting digital transformation.
The new government is headed by Prime Minister Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and includes 13 ministers holding key ministerial positions.

 

 

 

 

 

 



GASTAT: Number of Umrah Performers Increases by 35% in Q3 2024

Muslims pray as they perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia - File Photo/SPA Handout via REUTERS
Muslims pray as they perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia - File Photo/SPA Handout via REUTERS
TT

GASTAT: Number of Umrah Performers Increases by 35% in Q3 2024

Muslims pray as they perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia - File Photo/SPA Handout via REUTERS
Muslims pray as they perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia - File Photo/SPA Handout via REUTERS

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced on Sunday the results of the Umrah Statistics Report for the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

The report revealed that the total number of Umrah performers reached 6,254,751 in Q3 2024, representing a 35% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Male performers accounted for 57.4%, while females constituted 42.6% of the total. Saudi nationals made up 10.7% of all Umrah performers during the quarter.
The report indicated that the total number of external Umrah performers stood at 3,348,512, reflecting a 29.2% increase compared to Q3 2023. Among them, males accounted for 51% (1,707,514), and females made up 49.0% (1,638,743).
For internal Umrah performers, the total reached 2,906,239 in Q3 2024, marking a 42.4% increase compared to Q3 2023. Of this group, Saudi nationals totaled 671,729 (23.1%), while non-Saudis accounted for 2,234,510 (76.9%). Male internal Umrah performers totaled 1,883,199 (64.8%), while females accounted for 1,023,040 (35.2%), SPA reported.
The report highlighted that among external Umrah performers, the highest proportion (17.6%) were aged 35–44, while the lowest proportion (9.2%) were over 65 years old. Similarly, the largest group among internal performers was aged 30–39 (29.2%).
A total of 2,295,747 internal Umrah performers completed the Umrah rituals once during the quarter, with males representing 64% and females 36%. August recorded the highest number of single-time Umrah performers from within the Kingdom, accounting for 40.1% of the total.
The report also provided details on visa types for external performers in Q3 2024. Among them, 60.8% arrived with Umrah visas, 29.7% with other types of visas, 6.6% with electronic visit visas, and 2.9% with Gulf visas.