KUWAIT: Cabinet ministers made key decisions Tuesday to centralize the country’s geographic data and explore a new mechanism for retirement in the public sector. Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Prime Minister, Tuesday’s Cabinet session included discussions on government projects, particularly the hosting of the Gulf Cup and the utilization of unused government-owned lands and buildings.

At its weekly meeting, the Cabinet designated the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) as the central authority for all Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Kuwait. PACI is responsible for managing national identification systems, including issuing civil ID cards for citizens and residents. It maintains comprehensive demographic databases, supports e-government services, and facilitates access to various public services through digital platforms. PACI also plays a key role in voter registration and collecting demographic data for national planning and development.

The Cabinet’s decision is expected to streamline data management across various government departments. Analysis of geographic data is typically crucial for developmental projects, such as urban planning, environmental management, and infrastructure development.

Optimizing the data across various governmental departments will likely enhance the country’s ability to plan, monitor, and implement projects effectively. The Cabinet directed all government bodies to cooperate with PACI and share relevant data in a timely manner.

‘Revitalize the workforce’

The Cabinet also approved a plan to review and optimize the employee retirement process within government agencies. The Civil Service Commission (CSC), in coordination with the Public Institution for Social Security, has been tasked with preparing a study to evaluate the current retirement system and propose improvements. The study is expected to be completed within one month, and a detailed report will be submitted to the Cabinet for further review.

The decision is part of efforts to “revitalize the workforce” and “provide opportunities for young national talents to contribute to the development and enhancement of work,” the Cabinet said in a statement. Cabinet ministers said they hoped the outcomes of the study would help “improve the administrative systems in government entities.”

Expediting development decrees

For the second consecutive week, the Cabinet emphasized the importance of speeding up the completion of key infrastructure projects. These include new urban developments, housing projects, and other major initiatives that are critical for providing new job opportunities, particularly for Kuwaiti youth.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah directed ministers to expedite the submission of decrees related to these development projects, which will have a significant impact on the national economy and job creation. These projects are expected to enhance Kuwait’s infrastructure and provide much-needed housing options, contributing to both economic growth and social development.

Another key topic discussed was a report on unused government-owned lands and buildings. The Cabinet reviewed the findings of the Committee for Surveying Unused Lands which had coordinated with various government entities to identify areas and properties that are not being utilized. The committee presented recommendations on how to best utilize these lands and properties for public benefit and economic growth.

The Cabinet decided to move forward with the recommendations, tasking the Ministry of Finance to collaborate with relevant authorities to implement measures that will ensure these properties are put to productive use. The initiative is expected to optimize the value of public assets and contribute to the country’s development.

Update on Gulf Cup

The Cabinet also received an update on the preparations for the Gulf Cup, which Kuwait will host from December 21, 2024, to January 3, 2025. Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi presented a report on the status of the tournament’s preparations.

Al-Mutairi highlighted the extensive support for the event from Kuwait’s political leadership and the careful planning undertaken by the higher organizing committee. He confirmed that all sports facilities are ready to host the games and that the organizing committees have completed all logistical arrangements. Additionally, the government has launched a ticketing application (Hayakum) for fans in both Arabic and English, ensuring easy access to tickets for the games. The Gulf Cup is expected to be a major sporting event for the region, with significant international attention.