https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:32:10 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-will-saudi-arabia-make-friday-a-working-day/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:45:33 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658192 In a thought-provoking op-ed published on Friday by Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Okaz, entitled "Friday is a working day," writer Mona Al-Otaibi questions whether the Kingdom's traditional Friday-Saturday weekend needs an overhaul, igniting a debate on social media. The piece highlighted the potential financial losses incurred due to Friday being an important workday in the financial world, and it has sparked discussions about whether Saudi Arabia should consider shifting its weekend to Saturday-Sunday, following in the footsteps of neighbouring UAE which made the controversial change last year, after plans were announced in 2021. At the time, the Emirati the government said it would "ensure smooth financial, trade and economic transactions with countries that follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend, facilitating stronger international […]]]> 658192 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230805-saudi-arabia-urges-its-citizens-to-quickly-leave-lebanon/ Sat, 05 Aug 2023 13:20:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658098 Saudi Arabia called on its citizens to quickly leave Lebanese territory and to avoid approaching areas where there have been armed clashes, the Saudi embassy in Lebanon said in a statement posted late on Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter, Reuters reports. The kingdom did not specify which areas in Lebanon that it was advising its citizens to avoid. The embassy stressed "the importance of adhering to the Saudi travel ban to Lebanon," the statement added. READ: Hamas, Lebanon discuss stabilising Ain Al-Hilweh ceasefire  Kuwait also issued an advisory early on Saturday calling on Kuwaitis in Lebanon to stay vigilant and avoid "areas of security disturbances" but stopped short of asking them to leave the country, according to a statement […]]]> 658098 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-kuwait-foreign-minister-invited-to-iran-amid-tensions-over-gas-field/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 19:13:15 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657957 Iran's Foreign Minister has invited his Kuwaiti counterpart to Tehran, Kuwait said on Thursday, as tensions simmer over the offshore Durra gas field, Reuters reports. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait claim exclusive joint rights to the field, while Iran also claims a stake and says a Saudi-Kuwaiti agreement to develop it, signed last year, is illegal. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reaffirmed, on Thursday, that they jointly own rights to natural resources in the field, renewing calls for Iran to negotiate on the demarcation of the eastern border of the Gulf's maritime "Divided Area". They say they want to negotiate with Iran together, as one party. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was given the invitation when he received Iran's […]]]> 657957 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-saudi-arabia-and-kuwait-reaffirm-their-sovereignty-over-disputed-gas-field/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 12:54:36 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657874 Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have reaffirmed that they have joint sovereignty over the disputed Dorra gas field in the Gulf, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. The claim was made in a statement by the foreign ministry in Riyadh. The agency quoted the ministry as saying that the two countries renewed their calls for Iran to "engage in negotiations concerning the eastern border of the gas field." It has proposed that negotiations should involve Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as one party and Iran as the other, "adhering to international law and principles of good neighbourliness." Iran has said previously that it has a right to the Dorra field. It described an agreement to develop the field concluded by Saudi Arabia […]]]> 657874 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230731-iran-threatens-to-exploit-contested-gulf-gas-field/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:44:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656673 Iran is to pursue what it believes are its rights over the disputed Durra/Arash offshore gas field in the Gulf if the other parties fail to cooperate, the country's Oil Minister Javad Owji said yesterday. "If there is no willingness to cooperate, Iran will pursue its rights and benefits, including the exploitation and exploration of the Arash gas field, and will not tolerate any violation of its rights," the minister added. However, he reiterated that Tehran is open to diplomacy regarding an amicable settlement over border and maritime issues with neighbours Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, which also claim the field. Owji's comments come after his Kuwaiti counterpart, Saad Al-Barrak said on Thursday that the Gulf state plans to commence drilling […]]]> 656673 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230731-kuwait-raises-army-enlistment-age-to-55/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 08:57:42 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656630 Kuwait yesterday raised the age of army enlistment to 55, while lifting limits of those wishing to re-volunteer in the military, KUNA reports. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah issued the decision in accordance with the controls decided by the Presidency of the General Staff of the Army, the official news agency reported. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the decision comes to provide an opportunity for the largest number of people to re-volunteer in the military, with the aim of benefiting from their scientific and field expertise to improve the level of readiness in all sectors of the Kuwaiti army. Earlier this year, the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber […]]]> 656630 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-egypt-remittances-from-abroad-down-26-1/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:37:41 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655156 The Central Bank of Egypt announced yesterday that remittances from Egyptians working abroad have decreased by 26.1 per cent this fiscal year. During the first nine months of the 2022-2023 fiscal year, remittances were $17.5 billion, compared to $23.5 billion the previous year. Remittances from Egyptians abroad are the largest source of foreign currency in Egypt, and the North African country is the fifth largest recipient of remittances worldwide. Exports, tourism and Suez Canal revenue are the largest forms of currency after remittances.  Income from remittances was higher than revenues from the Suez Canal and tourism combined in the 2021-2022 year. Remittances from abroad plummeted in March 2022, after Egypt devalued the pound for the first time. The government has since devalued […]]]> 655156 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230721-kuwait-imposes-blanket-ban-on-cryptocurrencies/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 07:23:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654234 Kuwait has prohibited the use, trade, services and mining of cryptocurrencies within the country, imposing a blanket ban on the decentralised monetary systems. In a directive issued on Monday by Kuwait's financial regulator, the Capital Markets Authority, it announced that it had imposed an "absolute" ban on all digital asset mining, and that it had prohibited cryptocurrencies as recognised decentralised currencies. It also warned the public that companies and businesses are forbidden from providing any type of crypto-related services, including payments and investment. READ: Cryptocurrencies may be the last hope for those in the Middle East It admitted, however, that "Securities regulated by the Central Bank of Kuwait and other securities and financial instruments regulated by the Capital Markets Authority are excluded […]]]> 654234 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230713-uae-releases-15-iran-prisoners/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:09:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652186 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has released 15 Iranians from prison, amid the recent warming of relations between Abu Dhabi and Tehran. According to Iran's state-affiliated Fars News Agency, Emirati authorities today released the 15 prisoners, with initial charges against them and the details surrounding them remaining unknown. The releases were reportedly conducted as part of an agreement reached during a recent visit by Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, to the UAE on 22 June, when he met with the Emirates' President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It followed trips by the Iranian official to other Gulf States such as Kuwait, Qatar and Oman, the first two of which had also, together, released over a dozen Iranians from their own […]]]> 652186 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230713-kuwait-finance-minister-quits-after-three-months-in-the-post/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:05:14 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652179 The Finance Minister of Kuwait, one of the world's biggest oil producers, has resigned only three months after his appointment by the Prime Minister, the official KUNA news agency said on Wednesday. According to the report, Manaf Al-Hajeri's resignation comes against a backdrop of perpetual political turmoil in the only Gulf Arab state with a fully elected Parliament. The report did not specify a reason for the resignation, and Al-Hajeri was not immediately available to comment. "A decree was issued in Kuwait accepting the resignation of Minister of Finance," the news agency said. He will be replaced by Saad Al-Barrak, who was named both Oil Minister and State Minister for Economic and Investment Affairs last month, KUNA said. Al-Hajeri was appointed as Finance Minister and State Minister […]]]> 652179 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230712-iran-says-foreign-ministry-will-follow-up-on-durra-field/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:45:06 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651976 Iran's Foreign Ministry will follow up on the Durra gas field known as Arash in Iran, the country's Oil Minister, Javad Owji, said on Wednesday according to semi-official Tasnim News Agency. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have "exclusive rights" in the Durra gas field in the Gulf, Kuwait Oil Minister, Saad Al Barrak, said on Sunday, and he called on Iran to validate its claim to the field by demarcating its own maritime borders first, Reuters reports. The most recent legal and technical talks about maritime boundaries between Iran and Kuwait took place in March, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Iran has previously claimed a stake in the field and called a Saudi-Kuwaiti agreement signed last year to develop it […]]]> 651976 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230711-kuwait-to-print-100000-qurans-in-swedish-to-affirm-tolerance-of-islam/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:38:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651386 The Kuwaiti government has announced plans to publish 100,000 copies of the Quran in the Swedish language for distribution in the Scandinavian country, in response to the provocative Quran burning incident in Stockholm on the day coinciding with Eid Al-Adha last month. Yesterday the Council of Ministers made the decision during its weekly meeting with the initiative put forth by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who tasked the Public Authority for Public Care with printing and publishing the copies of the Quran. According to the Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA), the move comes within the framework of "affirming the tolerance of the Islamic religion and spreading Islamic values and coexistence among all human beings." The publication of the translated Qurans is expected to […]]]> 651386 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230710-kuwait-draft-budget-estimates-22-2bn-deficit/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:45:29 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651111 Kuwait's draft budget for 2023-2024 estimates a deficit of 6.8 billion dinars ($22.2 billion), hit by lower oil prices and volumes, a local paper reported, citing a Member of Parliament, Reuters reports. The draft budget for the year from 1 April estimates oil revenue of 17 billion dinars, down 19.5 per cent from 2022-2023, according to the report by Al Dustor shared by Parliament's Twitter account, citing MP Osama Al-Zaid. The draft budget was based on an oil price of $70 a barrel, Al-Zaid told Al Dustor. Brent crude was trading at $78.44 at 1600 GMT on Monday. Kuwait has had to comply with production cuts by the OPEC+ producer group comprising the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) […]]]> 651111 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230710-kuwait-saudi-arabia-have-exclusive-rights-in-durra-gas-field-kuwait-oil-minister/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 15:13:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651078 Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have "exclusive rights" in the Durra gas field in the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait Oil Minister, Saad Al Barrak, said on Sunday, and he called on Iran to validate its claim to the field by demarcating its own maritime borders first, Reuters reports. Iran has previously said it has a stake in the field and called a Saudi-Kuwaiti agreement signed last year to develop it "illegal". "Until this moment, this is an exclusive right of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the Durra field, and whoever has a claim must start demarcating the borders. And if it has a right, it will take it according to the rules of international law," Al Barrak said in an interview with […]]]> 651078 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230706-kuwait-to-invest-300bn-in-energy-sector-by-2040-oil-minister-says/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:45:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650167 Kuwait aims to invest over $300 billion in the energy sector by 2040, the Gulf states' oil minister told the UAE's WAM news agency. Global investment in the energy sector faces significant gaps that need to be filled to prevent crises that could adversely affect the markets and the global economy, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Oil and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs of Kuwait, Saad Al Barrak, said. Speaking on the sidelines of the 8th OPEC International Seminar, being held in the Austrian capital Viennatoday, he added that oil and its derivatives are a fundamental component of the Kuwaiti economy, while the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) plays a vital role in stabilising the global oil […]]]> 650167 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-elevation-of-turkiye-egypt-diplomatic-ties-wins-arab-plaudits/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:04:52 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650029 Several Arab countries have welcomed the elevation of diplomatic relations between Turkiye and Egypt for the first time in a decade, Anadolu Agency reports. On Tuesday, Ankara and Cairo upgraded their diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level. Turkiye nominated Salih Mutlu Sen as its new ambassador to Cairo, while Egypt named Amr El Hamamy as ambassador to Ankara, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed the move, saying it "will be positively reflected on enhancing security and peace at the regional and international levels and serving common interests, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the countries and people of the region." The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also hailed the elevation of the […]]]> 650029 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-saudi-arabia-kuwait-exclusively-own-gas-rich-maritime-divided-area/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:42:23 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649986 Saudi Arabia and Kuwait exclusively own natural wealth, including Durra gas field, in the Gulf's maritime "Divided Area", Saudi state news agency, SPA, said on Tuesday citing the Foreign Ministry. The Kingdom also renewed its call to Iran to start negotiations with Riyadh and Kuwait on the demarcation of the eastern border of the area, SPA added, Reuters reports. Kuwait, on Monday, had also called Iran to start the demarcation negotiations with the two Arab countries as one negotiating party. Iran has previously said it has a stake in the field and called a Saudi-Kuwaiti agreement signed last year to develop it "illegal". READ: Kuwait renews calls for Iran to demarcate maritime borders]]> 649986 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230703-kuwait-renews-calls-for-iran-to-demarcate-maritime-borders/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:00:44 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649044 Kuwait renewed its call for Iran, on Monday, to demarcate maritime borders between the two countries, Anadolu Agency reports. The state news agency, KUNA, citing a Foreign Ministry source, said the offshore Durra gas field is located in Kuwait's sea territories. "Natural resources in this area are shared between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia," the source said. He added that only Kuwait and Saudi Arabia "have the exclusive rights to the natural resource of Durra field." READ: Kuwait releases Egyptian it intended to deport to Cairo The Kuwaiti source renewed calls for Tehran "to start negotiations over the demarcation of the maritime boundary between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, on the one hand, and the Iranian side, on the other hand." Saudi Arabia […]]]> 649044 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230701-international-statistics-egypt-ranks-first-for-warplanes-in-region-saudi-higher-than-israel/ Sat, 01 Jul 2023 09:15:43 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=648717 The latest statistics published by the international Global Firepower website, which specialises in military affairs, indicate that Egypt continues to lead in the number of warplanes owned, while Saudi Arabia ranks ahead of Israel. According to the site's 2023 rankings, which highlights the top ten air forces in the Middle East and North Africa region, Egypt ranks first with 1,069 various warplanes, ahead of Turkiye, which follows with 1,065 various warplanes, while Saudi Arabia ranks third with 897. Israel came fourth with 601 various warplanes, the United Arab Emirates fifth with 565, Algeria sixth with 547 and Iran seventh with 541. READ: Israel concern over Hezbollah's doubling of air defence systems – Israel media Coming in eighth is the Syrian regime […]]]> 648717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230622-battered-by-opposition-kuwait-royal-family-seeks-to-project-unity/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:38:40 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=646642 The appointment of additional Royals to Kuwait's new cabinet, including a convicted Defence Minister, looks like a push by the ruling family to show unity and reassert power as it wrestles with an opposition-controlled Parliament. Rivalries within the Royal family and feuding between government and the elected National Assembly have hampered reforms for years in the OPEC member oil producer. Repeated elections and opposition wins led to years of political deadlocks. The cabinet, formed by the Kuwaiti Emir's son, Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Sunday after a third parliamentary election in 2-1/2 years, included five members of the Al-Sabah ruling family, more than recent governments. It also marked the return of deputy Premier and Defence Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed […]]]> 646642 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230622-kuwait-releases-egyptian-it-intended-to-deport-to-cairo/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:19:17 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=646584 The Kuwaiti authorities released a wanted Egyptian opponent of the regime in Cairo hours after his detention and news of a decision to deport him. Human rights organisations and activists on social media said Abdul Razeq Hassan Al Shuwahi left Kuwait for Turkiye following appeals to Kuwait not to extradite him to Egypt for fear of being imprisoned and tortured. On Tuesday, the Adalah Foundation for Human Rights said the Egyptian-Turkiye citizen is threatened with forcible deportation from Kuwait and will face imprisonment and torture. Adding that he is a wanted Egyptian politician involved in political cases. The Adalah Foundation called on Kuwait to respect the UN Convention Against Torture, which prohibits the extradition of any person who may be […]]]> 646584 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230619-kuwait-forms-new-government/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 18:51:11 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=645872 Kuwait formed a new government on Sunday, naming Saad Al Barrak as Oil Minister to replace Bader Al-Mulla and re-appointing Finance Minister, Manaf Abdulaziz Al Hajri, AFP reports. According to the report, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who was re-appointed as Prime Minister last week, formed the new cabinet announced in a decree carried by the state news agency, KUNA. The Gulf Arab state also named a new Defence Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the report added. The outgoing government had resigned, following parliamentary elections held earlier this month in the Gulf OPEC+ oil producer. The report says Kuwait holds some of the world's largest oil reserves and has strong fiscal and external balance sheets, but political bickering and institutional gridlock have hampered investment […]]]> 645872 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230613-kuwait-re-appoints-prime-minister-in-new-government-following-elections-kuna/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 20:59:40 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644584 Kuwait's Crown Prince re-appointed Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah as Prime Minister and asked him to name a new Cabinet, state news agency, KUNA, reported on Tuesday, citing an Emiri decree, Reuters reports. The Prime Minister's previous government resigned, following parliamentary elections earlier this month. A long-running standoff between the government and the elected Parliament has hampered efforts by the wealthy Gulf Arab oil producer to push through fiscal reforms, including a debt law allowing Kuwait to tap international markets. READ: Kuwaitis go to the polls to elect deputies for 3rd time in 3 years]]> 644584 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230613-kuwait-signs-contract-with-turkiye-to-buy-367m-worth-of-drones/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:14:58 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644570 Kuwait has concluded a contract worth $367 million with Turkish defence firm, Baykar, to buy its TB2 drones through direct negotiations between the two governments, the Kuwaiti army said in a statement on Tuesday, Reuters reports. The statement did not reveal how many drones would be delivered to Kuwait or when. READ: Turkiye's Baykar plans production of new air combat drone next year International demand for Baykar's TB2 drones soared after they featured in conflicts in Syria, Libya and Azerbaijan and interest in them increased further following their use by Ukraine's military to thwart Russian forces. The State of Kuwait would be the 28th country in the world to conclude a contract for the Bayraktar TB2 drones. READ: Turkish defense […]]]> 644570 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230609-kuwait-tv-host-banned-from-entering-lebanon-over-after-calling-for-ties-with-israel/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 11:32:15 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643630 Kuwaiti TV host Fajr Al-Saeed confirmed that the authorities prevented her from entering Lebanon upon her arrival at Beirut airport on Wednesday evening and that she remained detained until Thursday morning when she returned to Kuwait. Al-Saeed is known for her calls for the normalisation of relations with Israel. She criticises Arab and Palestinian resistance movements, according to an interview published by Israel in Arabic, the Israeli government's Arabic language social media page. In the interview, which was broadcasted from her home in Kuwait, Al-Saeed called for peace with Israel and for opening the door to the normalisation of relations between Israel and the Arab world. She also visited the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Israeli-controlled gates. READ: Kuwaitis go to the […]]]> 643630 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230608-us-gulf-cooperation-council-say-no-military-solution-in-sudan/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:43:41 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643442 The foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stressed in a meeting that there is no military solution to the ongoing fighting in Sudan, Anadolu Agency reports. The statement was made following their meeting held in Saudi Arabia late Wednesday, according to the Council, which is made up of six Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. The statement also stressed the Council's support to diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia and the US to achieve a cease-fire in Sudan and to allow access to humanitarian aid without obstacles. READ: Sudan rivals resume ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia "Responding to the latest crisis in Sudan, we're continuing […]]]> 643442 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230607-uk-announces-major-visa-change-for-gulf-countries-to-boost-weak-economy/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:33:24 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643052 The UK government has announced major changes to visa requirements for the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan. Nationals of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, UAE and Jordan will be offered an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) lasting two years for just £10 ($12), according to a report in Arabian Business. The change will mean that Gulf travellers and Jordanians will have entry requirements in line with citizens of the US and Australia. READ UK-GCC partnership 'post-Brexit priority,' says MP Under the previous system, nationals from the seven Arab countries had to apply for a £30 ($37) document for every separate visit. The new system announced by the UK government yesterday will require them to pay […]]]> 643052 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230607-timeline-saudi-iran-ties-a-history-of-ups-and-downs/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 06:30:50 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642957 Iran reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, on Tuesday, Saudi media reported, months after the two regional rivals agreed to end years of antagonism under a Chinese-brokered deal. Protracted rivalry between the Middle East's leading Shia and Sunni Muslim-led powers has fuelled conflicts across the region, including wars in Yemen and Syria. China's role in the diplomatic breakthrough has shaken up dynamics in the Middle East, where the United States was, for decades, the main mediator, flexing its security and diplomatic muscles. 1979 – Iranian Revolution  Saudi rulers watch aghast as Iran's Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, a fellow dynast, is toppled by Shia Muslim clerics, seen in Riyadh as determined to export their Islamic Revolution. READ: Iran unveils first alleged […]]]> 642957 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230606-kuwaitis-go-to-the-polls-to-elect-deputies-for-3rd-time-in-3-years/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:17:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642878 READ: Iraq fund fully recovered from Kuwait]]> 642878 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230601-al-pacino-having-a-baby-with-kuwaiti-girlfriend/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:39:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=641952 READ: Royal wedding showpiece highlights Jordan role as Wests stable ally]]> 641952 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230531-mena-region-has-highest-diabetes-rates-in-the-world/ Wed, 31 May 2023 14:48:52 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=641360 The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has been found to have the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world, according to a report yesterday by the Daily Mail, citing the latest research. According to figures compiled by Our World in Data, using data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), countries in the MENA dominate the list of the top 20 countries with the worst diabetes rates. The study measured the prevalence of diabetes among populations aged 20-79 in 211 countries. Although South Asian country Pakistan topped the list with 31 per cent of the population having the condition, followed by French Polynesia, Gulf state Kuwait was in third position at 24.9 per cent. Diabetes rates: ?? Pakistan: 30.8%?? […]]]> 641360 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230527-kuwait-philippines-crisis-after-workers-visa-suspensions/ Sat, 27 May 2023 11:30:33 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=640125 A new conflict has occurred between Kuwait and the Philippines over the protection of domestic workers and the rights of Kuwaiti employers after the Gulf state suspended visas for Filipino workers due to the "wrong practices" by the Philippines Embassy in the country. With about a quarter of a million Filipino workers in Kuwait, most of whom are domestic workers, the differences between the two countries are not new. There have been several rounds of talks in the past to reach understandings, but it seems they haven't reached a resolution that satisfies both parties. The suspension of visas comes after the Philippines stopped sending domestic workers to Kuwait in February for the first time after the body of Jullebee Ranara […]]]> 640125 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230525-kuwait-to-continue-ban-on-visas-for-philippines-workers-after-talks-fail-to-resolve-labour-dispute/ Thu, 25 May 2023 19:46:19 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639917 Kuwait is maintaining a ban it imposed on issuing visas for workers from the Philippines amid an ongoing labour row between the two countries which talks have failed to resolve. After Filipino authorities alleged failure to comply with a labour agreement it previously reached with Kuwait, the Gulf nation suspended the issuance of all visas for Filipino workers earlier this month. According to Kuwait, the ban was imposed in response to "wrong practices" made by the Philippines' embassy in the country and the alleged crimes committed by some members of the Filipino community against Kuwaitis. Amongst the reported violations listed by Kuwait's Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) were attempts to get domestic labour recruitment offices to withdraw Filipino house workers […]]]> 639917 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230525-iraq-fund-fully-recovered-from-kuwait/ Thu, 25 May 2023 13:50:16 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639874 The Iraqi authorities recovered more than $20 million from Kuwait, after the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) held the amount for more than three decades, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reports. According to the report, head of the Commission of Integrity (COI), Haider Hanoun, said that the COI recovered more than $20.4 million from the funds of the Iraqi embassy in Kuwait. These Iraqi funds were held by the NBK, after the severance of relations between Iraq and Kuwait in 1990. Hanoun said that that the amount has been fully recovered and returned to the State Treasury through the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). The relations between Iraq and Kuwait were restored in 2003 following the overthrow of the regime […]]]> 639874 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230525-report-slavery-prevalent-in-saudi-uae-turkiye/ Thu, 25 May 2023 11:53:00 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639479 Four Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, ranked among the ten countries globally with highest prevalence of modern slavery in the 2023 Global Slavery Index. The report indicated that the sponsorship system, also known as kafala, adopted by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait restricts the rights of foreign workers, which raises the slavery index in those countries. Mauritania, which in 1981 became the last country in the world to classify inherited slavery as illegal, ranked third in the index. The basic principle of slavery, according to the index, is based on the "systematic removal of a person's freedom", from the right to accept or refuse to work, to the freedom to determine the desire to marry, when […]]]> 639479 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230525-kuwait-court-upholds-its-decision-to-dissolve-2022-parliament/ Thu, 25 May 2023 08:04:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639318 Kuwait's Constitutional Court yesterday upheld a March ruling that a September 2022 parliamentary election, in which the opposition made gains, was void, by rejecting an appeal against that decision, Reuters reported. This means 6 June legislative elections will go ahead. The head of the court, Fouad Al-Zuwaid, said: "The court decided to reject the appeal" which had been filed by members of the 2022 parliament, who said the court had exceeded its powers by declaring parliament void. After the 2022 parliament was dissolved in March, parliament was reinstated with the composition of the 2020 elections – which itself had been previously dissolved in a bid to end political feuding. However, in May it was again dissolved by royal decree in order for fresh elections to take […]]]> 639318 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230518-syria-assad-to-steal-spotlight-at-arab-summit-after-years-in-the-cold/ Thu, 18 May 2023 15:46:49 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637847 Syrian President, Bashar Al-Assad, a pariah for more than a decade, is expected to steal the spotlight at Friday's Arab League Summit in Saudi Arabia, where he will rub shoulders with regional leaders who once backed his war foes, Reuters reports. Ostracised by most Arab states following his crackdown on protests against his rule in 2011 and the ensuing civil war, his government's return to the bloc is a signal that his war-battered country's isolation is ending. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and others, for years, supported anti-Assad rebels. But Syria's army, backed by Iran, Russia and paramilitary groups, has regained control of most of the country. While Arab countries appear to have brought Assad in from the cold, they are still demanding […]]]> 637847 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230516-egypt-saudi-iran-account-for-90-of-global-executions-says-amnesty/ Tue, 16 May 2023 11:00:44 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637103 Egypt executed 24 people in 2022 and was the fourth highest executioner worldwide, according to a new report by the advocacy group Amnesty International. However, executions did reduce significantly in the country, down from 83 the previous year. The top executioner was China, which executed thousands, followed by Iran which put to death more than 576 people and Saudi Arabia which executed 196. Executions in Saudi Arabia tripled from the previous year, the highest number recorded by Amnesty in three decades. Executions in Egypt, Saudi and Iran accounted for 90 per cent of all known executions. In Iran, executions increased by 83 per cent. Earlier this month, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights denounced the "deeply alarming" high number […]]]> 637103 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230507-meet-the-first-female-kuwait-storm-chaser-hunting-tornadoes-and-flashing-lightning-bolts/ Sun, 07 May 2023 08:45:24 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=633949 Most people look forward to staying home, curled up and cosy under covers on the dreary, dark days when it is pouring outside. Many even consider it one of life's simple greatest pleasures. But for 39-year-old Sarah Al-Sayegh, her idea of all things fun and exciting, quite literally, lies within the eye of the storm. As a storm chaser who is thrilled by hunting ferocious tornadoes and flashing lightning bolts, she has felt the heat of lightning that struck a mere feet ahead of her in Colorado, and was whipped by gusting winds while watching huge rainstorms dance across the sea in Kuwait. "It's the greatest adrenaline rush capturing nature in its most breath-taking moments. We see it in movies […]]]> 633949 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230506-kuwait-to-join-shanghai-regional-bloc-as-dialogue-partner/ Sat, 06 May 2023 15:32:13 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=634057 Kuwait signed a memorandum of understanding on Saturday to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a powerful regional bloc led by China and Russia, Anadolu reports. The document was inked on the sidelines of a meeting of the SCO foreign ministers on May 4-5 in Panaji city, India, the state news agency KUNA reported. "Kuwait's joining of SCO as a dialogue partner is the first step towards joining the organization as a full member in the future," said Kuwaiti Ambassador to India Jassim Al-Najem. He added that the accession of some Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as dialogue partners to the SCO "confirms the growing importance of the organization." READ: Kuwait, UAE, GCC condemn storming of Saudi building in Sudan On […]]]> 634057 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230505-gulf-arab-states-depend-on-desalination-technology-for-their-water-supplies-report/ Fri, 05 May 2023 17:42:29 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=633981 The Gulf Arab states depend heavily on desalination technology for their water supplies as, by 2030, desalination capacity in the Middle Eastern countries is expected to almost double, Trade Arabia reports. According to the report, some 2 billion people around the world still lack access to safe drinking water. The UAE relies on desalinated water for 42 per cent of its supply, Kuwait 90 per cent, Oman 86 per cent and Saudi Arabia 70 per cent. The release of salt-loaded waste into the sea during the desalination process raises salinity in coastal areas and affects marine life. There is also the problem of transmission losses, the report added. The report also says the Gulf States have woken up to the […]]]> 633981 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230504-kuwait-uae-gcc-condemn-storming-of-saudi-building-in-sudan/ Thu, 04 May 2023 11:10:00 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=633681 Kuwait, the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have condemned the storming of the Saudi Cultural Attaché building in Sudan by an armed group. In separate statements issued by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait, the UAE and the GCC, they strongly condemned the incident and called for respecting diplomatic missions and for the perpetrators to be punished. "This internationally criminal act is a flagrant violation of all international norms, the rules of international law, and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which prohibits storming the premises of diplomatic missions and grants their buildings full protection and immunity," Kuwait said in its statement. In turn, the UAE affirmed its categorical rejection of all forms of "violence […]]]> 633681 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230429-kuwait-deports-11000-expats-violating-residency-laws-since-2023/ Sat, 29 Apr 2023 09:18:23 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=632162 The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior deported 11,000 residency law violators, of different nationalities, between January and April. On Friday, local newspaper Al Rai quoted security sources confirming that the deportation of violators comes within the framework of regulating the demographics and prosecuting violators of residency and employment laws. It noted that the deportation of the violators was carried out under the instructions of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior and Defence Sheikh Talal Al-Khalid and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Anwar Al-Barjas. The deportations were intended to intensify campaigns in all governorates of the country to maintain security and monitor and control all residency violators. The sources stressed that the ministry continues […]]]> 632162 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230427-kuwait-demands-un-hold-israel-accountable-for-crimes-against-palestinians/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:51:39 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=631775 Kuwait on Tuesday called on the international community, including the UN Security Council, to condemn the Israeli occupation and the increasing attacks against Palestinian civilians. In a statement before the UN Security Council session on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question, Kuwaiti Councillor Abdulaziz Amash demanded that Israeli perpetrators be held accountable for their repeated crimes that include settlement expansion, demolition of houses, forced evictions and restrictions on access and movement. The Kuwaiti diplomat warned of the urgency of providing international protection to the Palestinian people in accordance with UN secretary-general's proposals, approved by the UN General Assembly. He added that peace, security and stability across the Middle East will only be achieved when Palestinians are […]]]> 631775 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230423-kuwait-launches-emergency-operation-to-pull-citizens-out-of-troubled-sudan/ Sun, 23 Apr 2023 11:42:08 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630770 Kuwait said Saturday that it had launched an "emergency operation" to evacuate its citizens from Sudan amid fighting between the North African nation's army and a paramilitary group, Anadolu reports. Foreign Minister Sheikh Salim Abdullah al-Jaber al-Sabah announced the ongoing effort, underlining that it came in response to the critical security situation in Sudan and after close monitoring by the political administration. READ: Turkish, Sudanese foreign ministers discuss recent situation in Sudan He said all Kuwaitis who wanted to return to the Gulf country had safely reached the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and that efforts continued to get them to Kuwait. Clashes have continued for more than a week between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces […]]]> 630770 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230420-survey-finds-saudi-arabia-more-popular-than-iran-in-13-muslim-countries/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:18:14 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630433 Approval ratings of Saudi Arabia's leadership was found to be higher than Iran's across all 13 Muslim-majority countries surveyed by in a poll conducted by US analytics firm, Gallup. Across the countries, spanning from Morocco to Pakistan, median approval of Saudi Arabia's leadership in 2022 was substantially higher than Iran's leadership (39 per cent vs. 14 per cent, respectively). The countries surveyed were: Kuwait, Libya, Jordan, Pakistan, Morocco, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Yemen, Palestinian Territories and Turkiye. Approval of Saudi Arabia's leadership is higher than Iran's in all 13 countries surveyed in 2022, and in many, the gap is sizable. However, Kuwait and Libya stand out for their preference toward the Kingdom. https://t.co/vylGYh2Hpx pic.twitter.com/DKNDTqVTMZ — GallupNews (@GallupNews) April 19, […]]]> 630433 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230419-ukraine-fm-invites-kuwait-to-participate-in-reconstruction-projects/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 13:50:48 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630272 Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has invited Kuwait to participate in the reconstruction process of his country, whose infrastructure has been damaged by the war with Russia. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Kuleba met with Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Waleed Al-Bahar, and invited Kuwait to take part in the reconstruction of Ukraine. He also discussed social and humanitarian projects, particularly the construction of schools and hospitals, adding that Ukraine is "likely to become the largest reconstruction site". For his part, Al-Bahar said the Kuwait Fund is willing to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London at the end of June, adding that cooperation with Kyiv would be among the fund's […]]]> 630272 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230419-kuwait-denies-reports-fm-will-visit-syria/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 13:16:23 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630255 The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied media reports claiming Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah will visit the Syrian capital, Damascus, tomorrow. The ministry described the reports as "incorrect". It urged the media to ensure accuracy in news coverage, shun rumours and false information, and to seek news from official and reliable sources. Al Sabah has called on the Syrian regime to take steps to build confidence, in order to help reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, and return Damascus to the Arab League, Kuwait's KUNA news agency reported on Saturday. He also stressed his country's firm position calling for the unity of Syria and its territorial integrity, and rejecting external interference in […]]]> 630255 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230418-kuwait-purchases-united-bank-of-egypt/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:54:01 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=629847 The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) has purchased the United Bank of Egypt, one of the most famous banks in the country, the Egypt Times reported. According to the site, the bank was sold for approximately $660 million, with contracts due to be officially signed after the end of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday which is due to take place this weekend. The Egyptian government had earlier narrowed down the offers submitted to buy the bank to only two; one by the Qatari Investment Authority and another from the Kuwait Investment Authority. Further details about the deal and the submitted offers will be announced after the Eid holiday, according to the same source. The United Bank is one of more than 32 […]]]> 629847 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230416-palestinian-president-set-to-visit-saudi-arabia-for-talks-on-monday/ Sun, 16 Apr 2023 16:34:56 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=629468 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with Saudi King Salman and his Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Anadolu reports. The visit comes amid reports that Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh will visit the oil-rich kingdom on Monday for the first time in years. Speaking to the official Palestine Voice radio station, Palestinian Ambassador in Riyadh Basem Al-Agha said Abbas will discuss Palestinian developments with the Saudi officials during his visit. Abbas will speak about the "Zionist [Israeli] crimes in Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [in occupied East Jerusalem] and the Palestinian suffering from the Israeli occupation," he added. READ: EU calls for 'immediate solution' to Palestine teachers strike On Friday, Saudi Arabia […]]]> 629468