Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Named Prime Minister of Kuwait

Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah (Kuwait Interior Ministry)
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah (Kuwait Interior Ministry)
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Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Named Prime Minister of Kuwait

Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah (Kuwait Interior Ministry)
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah (Kuwait Interior Ministry)

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah issued a decree on Sunday naming Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah as the prime minister, replacing caretaker premier Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid.

Sheikh Sabah faced a combative parliament amid a feud between the government and elected assembly, prompting him to resign four times since forming his first government in November 2019.

Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who took over most of the ruling emir’s duties late last year, signed the decree and asked the new premier to propose a new cabinet for approval.

Once formed, the new cabinet will submit to the Emir the decision to dissolve the National Assembly, in preparation for early elections.

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim congratulated Sheikh Ahmad for assuming this post, wishing him success and the ability to bear the burdens and the major national responsibility to ensure continued progress.

The government had handed in its resignation on April 5, ahead of a non-cooperation motion against then-prime minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid in the National Assembly.

The Crown Prince accepted the resignation on May 10, issuing a decree asking the government to stay on in a caretaker capacity.

Tensions have persisted between the government and parliament since the elections and they peaked during the coronavirus pandemic as Kuwait grappled with various economic and political crises caused by the pandemic and drop in oil prices.

Disputes between the legislative and executive authorities have often obstructed Kuwait's efforts for financial and economic reforms.

On June 22, Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal decided to constitutionally dissolve the National Assembly and called for new general elections, which was widely welcomed by politicians and parliament members.



Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
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Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)

Pilgrims began streaming into the valley of Mina early Tuesday to mark the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage, spending the Day of Tarwiyah on Wednesday in line with the traditions of the Prophet Mohammed.

White tents have been prepared to receive the faithful, as Saudi authorities roll out a wide range of services to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals safely and smoothly.

Crowds will swell further on Thursday, when some 2.5 million worshippers are expected to converge on Mount Arafat – the pinnacle of the Hajj – for the most sacred rite of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will listen to the Day of Arafat sermon and perform shortened noon and afternoon prayers before departing at sunset.

Strict measures

The Ministry of Interior reminded the public that access to the holy sites is restricted to those with official Hajj permits. Security forces, backed by aerial surveillance, are deployed across main highways, mountain paths, and rural roads to intercept unauthorized entrants and enforce regulations.

Authorities warned that transporting pilgrims without permits is a punishable offense. Entry points into Makkah and the holy sites are tightly monitored to prevent violations, with penalties in place for anyone attempting to bypass security measures.

Safety protocols in place

Regulations also prohibit raising political or sectarian flags and chanting slogans within the holy sites. Pilgrims are instructed not to block walkways or sit along designated pedestrian routes.

Worshippers are urged to carry personal identification, wear face masks within the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and avoid bringing sharp objects, oversized luggage, or extra garments such as blankets and spare Ihram clothes into the Haram.

Saudi Arabia, which has ramped up preparations to host one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, says these measures are vital to ensure the safety, security, and spiritual focus of the Hajj.

Tightened regulations

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, underscored the importance of compliance with official guidelines for movement within the holy sites, stressing that such measures are crucial to safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience.

“This year, there will be strict enforcement to verify that every pilgrim holds a valid Hajj permit,” Al-Rabiah said, underscoring efforts to boost the overall quality and safety of the pilgrimage.

He also emphasized the significance of the Nusuk card, calling it a key tool in organizing pilgrim movements. “Anyone without the card will not be allowed entry into the Grand Mosque, the holy sites, or access to transportation,” he stressed.

Health conditions ‘reassuring’

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Eng. Khaled Al-Taleb announced that the overall health situation among pilgrims is stable and reassuring.

More than 50,000 medical and technical staff are deployed this season, supported by three mobile field hospitals and 71 emergency response stations. The ministry has also increased hospital bed capacity by 60% compared to last year, and has delivered over 98,000 healthcare services so far.