Kuwait Crown Prince Vows to Fight Corruption: No One, Including Royal Family, is Above the Law

An aerial view shows Kuwait City after the country entered virtual lockdown, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. (Reuters)
An aerial view shows Kuwait City after the country entered virtual lockdown, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. (Reuters)
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Kuwait Crown Prince Vows to Fight Corruption: No One, Including Royal Family, is Above the Law

An aerial view shows Kuwait City after the country entered virtual lockdown, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. (Reuters)
An aerial view shows Kuwait City after the country entered virtual lockdown, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. (Reuters)

Kuwaiti Deputy Emir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah urged the need for government and parliament unity in tackling corruption, following the leak of videos that he deemed were an "encroachment on people's freedoms and privacy".

In a televised address to the public, Sheikh Nawaf said “no offender will escape punishment.” Members of the Royal Family are a "part of the Kuwaiti people, and the same laws apply to them. Whoever makes a mistake bears responsibility for that mistake," he said. "No one is above the law."

The social media revelations, he went on to say, are "manifestations of meddling and chaos in the nation, particularly in relation to the recent leaks that affect some employees in our security institutions."

This matter has been an "attempt by some to cause disharmony and stir up strife," he underlined, according to the Kuwait news agency (KUNA).

According to the leaks, security officials had spied on the social media accounts of prominent figures, including lawmakers and journalists. The revelation prompted uproar in Kuwait.

The issue "in its entirety and all of its details" is under investigation, Sheikh Nawaf added.

He expressed full confidence in the efforts of the security institution and judiciary in delivering a "just punishment" for any wrongdoing.

"This requires everyone to stop the spread of such harmful material, which only the enemies of the nation will benefit from, and those who seek to achieve their own interests and goals at the expense of our national security," he said.

Emir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, had himself, repeatedly warned of the "harmful nature" of some social media reports, he said, noting their "destructive" effects on Kuwaiti society.

"We will not allow a misguided few to drag our country towards division and chaos in the name of false freedom," warned Sheihk Nawaf.

However, he highlighted that his "belief in freedom of expression is firm and our commitment to the democratic approach is unquestionable." The country has been bound from "generation after generation" by an "honest model of national consensus... governed by the constitution, the rule of law and public interest," he added.

He conceded there were crucial matters and issues that needed to be resolved, "resulting from long accumulations," such as education and youth, administrative reform, the country's demography, public services and economic reform - through resolving the waste in public funds and corruption.

In addressing these issues, the Crown Prince expressed "huge confidence" in the Prime Minister and Kuwaiti people, calling on the government and parliament to take effective measures to deter corrupt officials and practices.

Sheikh Nawaf threw his support behind PM Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Hamad al-Sabah despite parliamentary demands for his resignation over the leaks and corruption.

These are "actual and grave challenges that cannot bear the luxury of procrastination and preoccupation with political wrangling, settling scores and scoring points, and deviation in the use of constitutional monitoring tools that do not achieve reform," continued the Crown Prince.

He went on to describe corruption in the country as a "devastating plague," which may lead nations to "poverty, ignorance and disease."

"We have a serious and resolute opportunity to confront this devastating danger with full determination and strength as fighting corruption is not an option, but rather a legitimate duty, a constitutional entitlement, a moral responsibility and a national project, whose responsibility everyone shares," he went to stress.

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim said Sheikh Nawaf’s call on the government and parliament to assume their duties in these files is “necessary”, adding that the Crown Prince’s speech to the people was “firm and clear.”

He highlighted his call to combat corruption because no one is above the law, even if they were members of the Royal Family, noting that the Crown Prince will personally oversee these efforts.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry announced Sunday that an independent panel was probing the national security agency recordings that were leaked on Saturday. The leaks date back to 2018 and the National Assembly was informed of the issue on August 4.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anas al-Saleh vowed to carry out a swift investigation in the leaks, saying: “Spying on the people’s social media accounts was a grave violation of the constitution.”

He announced the detention of the national security chief, former head of the money laundering department and several officers in the case.



Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
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Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)

Kuwait has handed its annual $2 million contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA reported on Thursday.

UNWRA said on Tuesday it had sufficient funds to run its operations until the end of May after many donors paused their funding over Israeli accusations that some staff took part in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which triggered war in Gaza.

UNRWA provides aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and across the wider region.


Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
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Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections

Kuwaiti authorities are investigating a case involving the manipulation of special elections targeting a specific group in Kuwaiti society ahead of the 2024 National Assembly (parliament) elections.

In a statement released on “X”, Kuwait’s Public Prosecution stated that it has ordered the arrest of two suspects and is in the process of apprehending the remaining individuals, with investigations ongoing.

Over the past two years, the Kuwaiti government has implemented reforms to curb political corruption and reduce the influence of powerful tribal groups, including cracking down on by-elections and enforcing voter registration through civil ID cards to prevent vote-buying.

Several candidates for the 2024 National Assembly elections have been disqualified for failing to meet eligibility criteria, including previous convictions related to by-elections.

Candidates must not have prior felony convictions or convictions for crimes compromising honor, integrity, or religious and royal entities, unless rehabilitated.

As Kuwait's National Assembly elections approach, candidates are using gatherings during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan to connect with voters.

These gatherings, usually held in diwaniyas, are fewer this time. Candidates talk about everyday concerns like financial support and debt relief, promising solutions.

While some discuss political reform and anti-corruption measures, most focus on appealing to voters with immediate promises.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Kuwaiti writer Nasser Al-Abdali expressed concern about the lack of serious agendas in the elections, blaming it on the absence of clear ideologies.

He pointed out that without strong political movements, proposals have become purely populist.

Al-Abdali criticized the government’s role in this trend, saying they now face a choice between meeting populist demands or risking the integrity of the parliamentary system.

He also noted a surge in young candidates offering fresh ideas based on their own experiences in various fields, unlike older deputies who tend to repeat past strategies.

According to lawyer Abdulaziz Boumajdad, there’s nothing groundbreaking in the candidates’ proposals.

“While each presents solutions in their own way, the overall approach remains similar,” Boumajdad told Asharq Al-Awsat.

It is noteworthy that these elections are the third in Kuwait within two years, following previous rounds in September 2022 and March 2023, which were invalidated due to legal issues.


Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim discussed in Riyadh with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region, Luigi Di Maio, the Saudi-European economic and commercial relations, the Saudi Press agency said on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields between Saudi Arabia and the EU, and other topics of mutual interest.


Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
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Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions to mark their 31st annual meeting, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
During the reception, the Crown Prince was briefed on the most prominent topics discussed at the annual meeting of the Governors of regions, lauding their efforts in serving the homeland, citizens and residents.
The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior.


43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
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43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)

The 43rd and 44th Saudi relief planes, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived in Egypt on Wednesday.

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The assistance is in keeping with Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.


Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron for talks on bilateral relations.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including developments in the Gaza Strip.


MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley
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MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s announcement that it was confiscating 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley in the occupied Palestinian territories.

It deemed the decision a flagrant violation of all international laws and relevant resolutions.

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the ongoing Israeli violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

He considered it a blatant challenge to the international community and an impediment to the prospects of achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region.


Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has “strongly condemned” Israel’s seizing of 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley area of the occupied Palestinian territories.

It said in a statement that “such actions violate international laws and relevant resolutions, and undermine the chances of a just and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.”

The Kingdom “called on the international community to halt the systematic violations by Israeli settlers and to ensure the return of confiscated Palestinian lands.”


Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has received a telephone call from Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Stephane Sejourne.
The two ministers discussed the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts exerted in this regard.


Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA

Deputizing for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday the credentials of a number of ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.

The Crown Prince welcomed the ambassadors in the Kingdom and wished them all success in their missions to enhance and develop relations between Saudi Arabia and their countries.
For their part, the ambassadors conveyed the greetings of their leaders to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to the Crown Prince, expressing their thanks for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Chief of the Royal Court Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Issa.