KUWAIT: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Civil Service Commission proposal to introduce evening shifts in the public sector, and assigned the commission to implement the system. The new system’s benefits include opening up extra time slots for people to finalize their government-related paperwork, thus improving productivity and the efficiency of work at state departments.

It also helps reduce traffic during the morning period by spreading out employees’ working hours and giving more options for the public to visit state department offices, Cabinet explained in a statement following its weekly meeting. The ministers, during their weekly session, also examined efforts to curb bids to smuggle drugs into the country, preparations for the forthcoming Gulf Cup tournament and roads’ overhaul ahead of the coming winter season.

Foreign relations

The Cabinet began by reviewing messages received from the Amiri Diwan addressed to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, from leaders of several brotherly and friendly countries regarding ways to enhance bilateral relations and activate cooperation in various fields.

The Cabinet was also informed about the formation of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir’s representative, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who left the country for Belgium to chair the Kuwaiti delegation at the first joint summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union, which includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and several senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Minister of Defense and Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah also briefed the Cabinet on the results of his official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain last Wednesday, aimed at enhancing the bilateral relations and activating avenues of mutual cooperation.

Local matters

The Cabinet listened to a report on the successful interception by the General Administration for Drug Control and the Coast Guard of a smuggling operation attempting to bring large quantities of narcotics into the country via the sea. The Cabinet extended its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Captain Pilot Mohammed Mahmoud Abdul-Rasoul, a member of the Kuwaiti Air Force, who tragically died during a training mission due to the crash of an F-18 fighter jet.

The Cabinet reviewed a presentation from the Minister of Information, Culture, Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi regarding Kuwait’s preparations to host the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup from December 21, 2024, to January 3, 2025. The presentation highlighted the collaboration among various governmental bodies to ensure the event is organized to reflect Kuwait’s esteemed reputation. Minister Al-Mutairi affirmed that a contract had been worked out with a foreign company specialized in gates’ systems, e-tickets and spectators’ movement. He noted that the selected company had taken part in organizing the World Cup held in Qatar in 2022.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan addressed the session revealing that up to 18 contracts would be signed, in the coming few days, for comprehensive maintenance of all major roads and internal streets in Kuwait with international, Gulf, and local companies. Cabinet reviewed recommendations from the Economic Affairs Committee regarding the annual report of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), noting its significant contributions to attracting investments across various sectors, thereby creating job opportunities for national workers. The report included information about investments in industries, information technology, oil and gas services, infrastructures, energy, power, health, education and training. — KUNA