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Arab News Travel World

Kuwait tightens travel restrictions

Kuwait imposed new travel restrictions to contain the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the country’s Centre for Government Communication said…reports Asian Lite News

According to a decision made by the Kuwaiti government on Monday, incoming passengers will be required to conduct a PCR test within 48 hours before arrival and take home quarantine for 10 days, while the decision is effective as of December 26, reports Xinhua news agency.

Kuwait tightens travel restrictions

In order to end the quarantine, they must conduct a PCR test after 72 hours of quarantine, the centre said on Twitter.

Starting from January 2, 2022, if nine months have passed since the second dose of vaccination, the person is considered not fully immunised and cannot travel unless he or she takes a booster dose of approved vaccines, it said.

ALSO READ: Indonesia allows int’l visitors from 19 countries

On November 27, Kuwait decided to suspend direct flights with nine African countries over the new Omicron variant.

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Arab News News Saudi Arabia

Kuwait, Saudi vow to strengthen bilateral relations

The two sides reviewed means to achieve common interests and meet aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) peoples in a manner that boosts security, stability and prosperity…reports Asian Lite News

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and visiting Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud have vowed to strengthen bilateral relations and boost cooperation between the two nations.

The Saudi Crown Prince was welcomed on his arrival on Friday by his Kuwaiti counterpart and several senior officials at the airport, reports Xinhua news agency.

Kuwait, Saudi vow to strengthen bilateral relations

During official talks, the two sides discussed means of boosting and strengthening bonds of brotherly ties between the two countries in all fields as well as expanding cooperation to serve mutual interests and issues of common concern, according to a state media report.

The two sides reviewed means to achieve common interests and meet aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) peoples in a manner that boosts security, stability and prosperity.

Both sides also focused on continued coordination in the issues that concern the GCC countries and the latest developments on international and regional arenas, the report added.

ALSO READ: Kuwait PM Kuwait’s armed forces prepared for any emergency

Earlier in the day, Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honored the Saudi Crown Prince with a medal in appreciation for his achievements and distinctive efforts for serving stability, security and progress of Saudi Arabia, solidifying the bonds of brotherhood between Kuwait and the kingdom and among the GCC states.

Before arriving in Kuwait, Mohammed bin Salman visited Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

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Arab News News World

Kia partners with Rafa Nadal Academy in Kuwait

The partnership now includes the academy in the Middle East and expects to accommodate a range of player-in-training per year…reports Asian Lite News

Kia announced a partnership with the Rafa Nadal Academy based in Kuwait. This sees the existing global partnership between Kia and the tennis school franchise — owned by the grand-slam champion — extend to the Middle East. The inauguration of the Academy in Kuwait took place in February 2020 in the presence of Rafael Nadal, numerous VIP Guests & members of the media.

Kia partners with Rafa Nadal Academy in Kuwait

Through the collaboration & the Certified Distributor in Kuwait, Kia Al Mutawa has become the official transport premium partner of the Rafa Nadal Academy Kuwait located at Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex, annex to the famous Mall 360. Kia Al Mutawa will provide a fleet of two vehicles for VIP shuttle. The Vehicles include Telluride, the largest Kia SUV, as well as Carnival, Kuwait’s beloved family van.

Rafael Nadal, known as one of the best tennis players of all time, said: “Kia and I share a special journey. Our partnership was founded through our united vision, which is to inspire individuals to meet their goals and unleash their inner champion. Kia has been supportive of the Rafa Nadal Academy since its inception, and I am honored to see our relationship go from strength to strength.”

Kia partners with Rafa Nadal Academy in Kuwait

Rafael Nadal has been Kia’s global ambassador since he was 19-years old. The Nadal-Kia partnership is set to go beyond the 20-year milestone as the tennis legend was first sponsored by Kia Spain back in 2004.

Boasting several locations around the world, the first academy is found in Mallorca, Nadal’s Spanish hometown. As the world is slowly returning to normal, the academy expects to accommodate a range of players-in-training per year.

YASER SHABSOGH, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, KIA REGIONAL HQs, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA: “At Kia, we have been long-standing fans of Rafa’s career and have supported him throughout his journey. We admire his ability to inspire the young and old to adopt a more mentally and physically active lifestyle. His consistent efforts of creating and introducing people to sportive opportunities where anyone can build on and fine-tune their skills is commendable. We’re proud to extend our global sponsorship with the Rafa Nadal Academy into Kuwait and hope that the academy helps foster tennis talent in the Middle East and Asia.”

The academy in Kuwait boasts 15 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, one outdoor stadium with a seating capacity of 1,500, a fully equipped gym, two squash courts, one padel court, a members’ lounge, a sports café, and a Pro Shop. The academy’s core pillars are built on the fundamental teaching principles that adopt strong educational values and aim to inspire champions to meet their full potential. It is a way to encourage different members of society to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Mohannad Ahmad Al Mutawa, Chief Operating Officer at Kuwait Distributor, National Agencies Group (KIA Al Mutawa) said: “We are proud to extend Kia’s partnership with Rafael Nadal and the Rafa Nadal Academy. As a shining example of a longstanding partnership, the academy will now have a fleet of Kia vehicles to service VIP customers, supporting the academy’s full calendar of events and tournaments.”

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Arab News News World

Kuwait PM Kuwait’s armed forces prepared for any emergency

Kuwait’s armed forces remain prepared for any emergency, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah has said…reports Asian Lite News

He made the remarks during a visit to the land troops of the Kuwaiti Army at Al-Udaire’ training range in Jahra Governorate on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Kuwait PM Kuwait’s armed forces prepared for any emergency

During the visit, the prime minister watched a drill carried out by the ground forces with the new tank M1A2K, and was briefed about its specifications and capacities to operate in various surroundings and terrains.

Kuwaiti Defence Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali pledged to pursue efforts for upgrading capacities of the troops’ military preparedness and combat capacities.

ALSO READ: Kuwait govt submits resignation to Emir

The troops will maintain their allegiance and loyalty to the homeland, the supreme commander and the faithful people, keeping their promise for further sacrifices to safeguard and defend the country, he stressed.

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Africa News COVID-19 Travel

Kuwait suspends direct flights from 9 African countries over new Covid-19 variant

Kuwait decided on Saturday to suspend direct flights with nine African countries over the new Covid-19 variant Omicron…reports Asian Lite News

Kuwait will suspend direct commercial flights with South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zambia, and Malawi, except for cargo planes, Kuwait’s Center for Government Communication said.

Kuwaiti citizens coming from those countries will be in quarantine for seven days starting from November 28, and they will be required to do a PCR test on arrival and another on the sixth day of arrival, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, non-Kuwaitis coming from those countries, whether they come directly or through other countries, will be barred from entry unless they stay in a third country for at least 14 days.

ALSO READ: Israel bans travel to 50 African countries due to Omicron variant

Kuwait’s government called on citizens to avoid travelling to those countries at present, except in case of necessity.

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Arab News News World

Kuwait govt submits resignation to Emir

The Kuwaiti government has submitted its resignation to Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah…reports Asian Lite News

The Emir on Monday received Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah who tendered the resignation of the government, Xinhua news agency quoted the state media report as saying.

Kuwait govt submits resignation to Emir

This resignation comes on the eve of a parliamentary session, the agenda of which includes interpellation against the Prime Minister and a number of members of his government.

On January 24, the Emir appointed Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Prime Minister and assigned him to form a government.

On March 2, the Emir issued a decree forming the new government under the Prime Minister.

ASLO READ: Kuwait Int’l Airport ready to operate at full capacity

Kuwait experiences frequent cabinet reshuffles.

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Arab News News World

Kuwait Int’l Airport ready to operate at full capacity

The Kuwait International Airport is ready to operate at full capacity from Sunday…reports Asian Lite News

The airport will gradually operate commercial flights of all aviation companies in accordance with the government’s decision, Xinhua news agency quoted Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Director General Yousef Al-Fawzan, as saying.

The DGCA succeeded in operating under the challenges and requirements of the coronavirus pandemic crisis, he said, calling on airliners and passengers to abide by the Covid-19 safety restrictions needed to enter Kuwait.

The Kuwaiti government announced on Wednesday the start of the last phase of the five-phase plan for a gradual return to normal life, easing health restrictions in the country.

ALSO READ: Qantas to launch a new route from Sydney to Delhi

According to the government spokesman Tareq Al-Mezrem, the government decided to allow outdoor activities without wearing masks from Sunday.

In addition, the government will issue all types of visas for those who are fully vaccinated, Tareq Al-Mezrem said.

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Arab News Dubai EXPO 2020

Kuwait pavilion based on traditional values and heritage

Kuwaiti Expo 2020 Dubai performances based on values, heritage…reports Asia Lite News

The performances in Kuwait’s pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai are based on traditional values and heritage of the Kuwaiti people, the state news agency KUNA quoted an official as saying Thursday.

EXPO 2020

Head of the Kuwaiti pavilion Dr. Bader Al-Enizi said in a press release that his country was eager to contribute to the success of Expo 2020 via partaking in various activities and events.

Kuwait’s cultural contributions to the event came in musical performances by the Kuwaiti Television Troupe, in addition to artists such as Abdullah Al Ruwaished and others.

ALSO READ: ‘Expo 2020 Dubai promotes cultural convergence’

On recent participation, he revealed that Kuwait took part in the Sustainable District, which came in line with the State’s Vision 2035.

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-Top News EXPO 2020 UAE News

Royals at the Expo

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the pavilions of Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Russia at Expo 2020…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness said, “We have a rich civilisation and cultural heritage that give us a strong base to realise our modern ambitions and aspirations. The groundbreaking projects launched across the Gulf region seek to advance the goal of enhancing human happiness and contribute to creating a glorious future for the world,”

Royals at the Expo

His Highness was accompanied during the visits by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

ALSO READ: Excited crowds flock to first day of Expo

Meanwhile, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also dropped in the UAE Pavilion.

Royals at the Expo

Sheikh Mohamed viewed the areas in the pavilion, which tells the story of the establishment of the UAE and the dreams of its founders, who created an inspiring history established on a set of human values and unlimited ambitions.

He exchanged cordial talks with the organisers of the pavilion, which was designed in the shape of a falcon ready to fly, telling the story of the UAE and the vision of its leadership.

Royals at the Expo

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi then explored the sections of the four-storey pavilion, which covers an area of 15,000-square metres and includes sections for hospitality, cultural exhibitions and showcasing Emirati achievements.

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-Top News Arab News USA

US pledges support for Kuwait’s security, stability

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthening bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various fields….reports Asian Lite News

Visiting US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has reaffirmed Washington’s supportive position for security and stability of Kuwait.

During a meeting on Wednesday with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Austin conveyed appreciation by US President Joe Biden, expressing his country’s gratitude for Kuwait’s cooperation in Washington’s evacuation process in Afghanistan while facilitating the transit of evacuees through its airport, Xinhua news agency quoted local media reports as saying.

He stressed the US’ firm and supportive position for security and stability of Kuwait, the reports said.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthening bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various fields.

They also addressed top issues of common interest and the latest developments in the region.

Austin also met Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah separately to “discuss opportunities for advancing the US-Kuwait partnership, express appreciation for Kuwait’s hospitality in hosting US forces and thank Kuwait for supporting US evacuation operations in Afghanistan” according to a Defense Department statement.

On August 24, Alina L. Romanowski, the US Ambassador to Kuwait, said that the first flight of Afghans evacuated from Afghanistan on their way to the US arrived in Kuwait for transit.

“These Afghans at risk have been safely evacuated to a coalition military facility in Kuwait,” the Ambassador said via Twitter.

ALSO READ: Special Passport For Expo 2020 Dubai Launched