AGP Executive Report

Gulf Tensions & Kuwait Alerts: The US carried out a second straight day of strikes on Iran, with Washington saying it aims to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Fallout: Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, while Kuwait reported intercepting hostile missiles and drones and sirens were activated across the Gulf. Ceasefire in Question: Trump said the interim US-Iran ceasefire is “over,” as the tit-for-tat exchange threatens to derail any lasting deal. Local Diplomacy: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Kuwait’s foreign minister to discuss the Gulf conflict’s impact and review cooperation in energy, trade, defense, tech, food security and health. Sports & Youth: Dubai’s Arab Elite Football Academies Tournament wrapped up with 1,230 players from 72 teams, including youth squads from Kuwait, across Under-9 to Under-14 categories. Culture & Heritage: A new India-Indonesia initiative will see India’s Archaeological Survey conserve Indonesia’s UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple. Entertainment (Light Note): A giant panda cub at Chengdu’s breeding base was filmed gnawing on a tree branch.

Kuwait Security Update: Kuwait’s General Staff says air defences intercepted hostile missiles and drones early Wednesday, with any explosions attributed to interception efforts and residents urged to follow official safety instructions. Regional Security: The flare-up follows fresh US strikes on Iran after Trump said the US-Iran interim ceasefire is “over,” while Iran retaliated by targeting US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. Diplomacy Under Strain: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned the exchanges of fire are derailing efforts to end the war, stressing freedom of navigation and the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under the MoU. Global Impact: The IMF cut its global growth forecast and flagged the Middle East conflict as the biggest risk, while markets reacted with oil jumping and risk sentiment slipping. Arts & Culture (Local): Kuwait’s Museum of Modern Art hosted a Portugal cultural handover ceremony, receiving two artworks from Portuguese artist Miguel Rodrigues and late photographer Manuel Correa. Lifestyle Tech: Zain Kuwait added 4Sale to Zain Perks, letting customers redeem deals via the Zain app.

Middle East Tensions: The US and Iran traded fresh blows after attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with the US striking “over 80” Iranian targets and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards hitting US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, including Ali Al Salem Air Base, while air raid sirens sounded across both countries. Trump’s MoU Call: At the NATO summit, Donald Trump said the Iran memorandum of understanding is “over,” adding negotiators could keep talking but it’s a “waste of time.” Oil Watch: The renewed fighting pushed Brent crude up more than 3%, as sanctions and shipping risks raise fears of longer disruptions. Kuwait Security Rules: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry renewed reminders for covered businesses to install CCTV and keep footage for 120 days under Law No. 61/2015. Sports & Law: Al Arabi won a binding arbitration ruling ordering Kuwait Football Association to register player Saud Abdullah Al-Anbari. Entertainment Censorship: Disney confirmed “Dragon Striker” will reach Middle Eastern audiences later, after reports linked a delay to regional censorship concerns.

CCTV Compliance Push: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry is reminding covered businesses to install and maintain security cameras under Law No. 61/2015, and to keep unaltered footage for at least 120 days for security use—hotels, malls, banks, hospitals, mosques, fuel stations, clubs, and more. Surveillance Rules & Penalties: The law bans cameras in private areas like bedrooms and fitting rooms, with penalties for tampering (up to 3 years, rising to 5 years for defamation/blackmail), and fines for installation or privacy violations. Retail Finance Boost: deema’s Buy Now, Pay Later is now available across all Lulu Hypermarkets in Kuwait, letting shoppers split eligible purchases into four installments with instant approval and no extra cost on qualifying transactions. Heritage in Business: Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) signed an MoU with the Al-Sadu Handicrafts Society to promote Kuwaiti heritage, using approved Al-Sadu patterns in development projects while protecting intellectual property rights. Sports & Community: ABK and Suffix are partnering to launch the ABK Tour cycling race in Kuwait from 2026 to 2028, aiming to build a new sports initiative and community impact. Handball Celebration: Burgan Sports Club will hold a ceremony honoring its first Asian Handball Championship title, with officials and supporters expected to attend. Oil Watch: OPEC+ agreed to raise output by 188,000 barrels per day from August, a move that could ease fuel prices as markets stabilize.

Summer Rider Care: Deliveroo Kuwait rolled out a summer rider support push with hydration stations, iced coffee and snacks, ice cream stops, cooling essentials, UV protection and summer kits to keep riders safe and motivated. Kuwaiti Heritage Spotlight: Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) signed an MoU with the Al-Sadu Handicrafts Society to promote authentic Al-Sadu patterns in community and development projects, including protection of intellectual property. Sports & Community: ABK and Suffix inked a three-year deal to launch the ABK Tour cycling race (2026–2028), aiming to boost healthy lifestyles and corporate social responsibility. Handball Celebration: Burgan Sports Club will hold a ceremony honoring its first Asian Handball Championship title, with top officials and the Youth and Sports minister in attendance. Equestrian Season Plans: Al-Roumi and sponsors outlined the 2026–2027 Arabian racing season, including weekly trophy races, prize money and upcoming sponsor horse auctions. Tennis Win: Kuwait’s Essa Qabazard and Bader Al-Abdullah captured the men’s doubles title in Morocco, setting up further Davis Cup preparations. Youth Training: stc launched a month-long summer youth training program with workshops, field visits and team challenges to develop new product/service ideas. Cinema Access Upgrade: VOX Cinemas in Dubai earned a compliance certificate for accessibility, improving ramps, facilities, counters and People of Determination spaces.

Sports Diplomacy: A football piece highlights how Arab fans filled stadiums from Kuwait to Cairo, Rabat and Doha, cheering across borders and reminding people that shared identity can outshine politics. Handball Glory: Burgan Sports Club will hold a ceremony tonight at Grand Hyatt to honor its first Asian Handball Championship title, with top sports officials and the Youth & Sports minister in attendance. Cycling for Community: ABK and Suffix have teamed up for the ABK Tour, a three-year cycling race running 2026–2028—Kuwait’s first of its kind. Tennis Win: Kuwait’s Essa Qabazard and Bader Al-Abdullah captured the men’s doubles gold at the Morocco International Professional Tennis Tournament. Equestrian Update: Al-Roumi and sponsors backed the 2025-26 Arabian racing season and announced three sponsor horse auctions ahead of the 2026-27 run. Arts & Heritage: KPI signed an MoU with the Al-Sadu Handicrafts Society to promote authentic Al-Sadu patterns in public and development projects. Summer Lifestyle: Deliveroo Kuwait launched a rider support program with hydration stations, refreshment packs, cooling kits and rewards for safer summer shifts.

Women in Defense: Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense opens military volunteering recruitment for women, with applications tied to education, fitness, health checks, and entrance exams, as part of a wider armed-forces modernization push. Oil & Markets: OPEC+ approved a further August oil output increase of 188,000 barrels per day, including Kuwait, while stressing future moves could be paused or reversed if conditions shift. Youth & Tech: stc launches a summer youth training program, selecting 10 participants for a month-long mix of workshops, field visits, and team projects to pitch new product/service ideas. Sports Spotlight: Kuwait’s tennis duo Essa Qabazard and Bader Al-Abdullah win the men’s doubles title in Morocco, and Qadsia’s handball commercial-management proposal remains under review with detailed financial and operational conditions. Community & Culture: INFOK wraps up its 2026 chess tournament in Kuwait with 200 players, while YouTube rolls out supervised kid accounts across MENA including Kuwait, adding age controls and Shorts limits.

Youth & Tech: stc has launched a month-long summer youth training program, selecting 10 participants for workshops, field visits, and team challenges to pitch new product/service ideas, with the winning concept reviewed for possible implementation. Sports Glory: Kuwait’s Essa Qabazard and Bader Al-Abdullah won the men’s doubles gold at the Morocco International Professional Tennis Tournament, beating a French pair in three sets, as they now turn to Davis Cup qualifying prep. Handball Watch: Qadsia’s board is still reviewing Fahad Al-Baker’s proposal to convert and manage the club’s first handball team as a commercial entity, with conditions including a full operational and financial plan and a bank guarantee. Chess Community: INFOK wrapped up its INFOK Chess Tournament 2026 with 200 players across four categories, featuring international participation and a six-round format. Banking & Lifestyle: Gulf Bank won Asian Banking & Finance 2026 awards for Branch Innovation and a Gen Z Product, highlighting greener, digitally enabled branches and youth-focused offerings. Digital Safety: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across Kuwait and MENA, adding age-appropriate settings, stronger privacy, and parental controls for Shorts limits. Arts & Culture: Jerash Festival’s new Hippodrome stage debuts in its 40th edition, bringing free music, folklore, and international performances to the ancient Roman landmark.

Kuwait–Brunei Tech Boost: Kuwait’s Omar Al-Omar met Brunei’s ambassador to deepen cooperation in digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, including support for Brunei’s “Sahel” digital government programme. YouTube Family Safety: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA including Kuwait, adding age-appropriate settings, stronger privacy, and parental controls like Shorts feed timers and bedtime reminders. Local Sports Watch: Al Jahra is weighing a handball return to domestic competition after a full technical, admin and financial review, while Kuwait Volleyball Federation approved new working committees and the national team continues preparations in Cairo. Football & Streaming in Kuwait: TOD by beIN and talabat marked their World Cup 2026 campaign success, reaching 214M across key MENA markets including Kuwait. Arts & Culture: Direct Tales Media and Acting Unleashed hosted a storytelling-focused evening blending theatre and film creatives, while Kuwait’s “Reclaiming stories in Kuwait through cinema and theatre” spotlights local screen-stage storytelling. Travel & Leisure: Kuwait collectors keep World Cup sticker memories alive across generations, and YouTube’s kid accounts plus Gulf Bank’s “Break the Routine” wellness initiative add more family-friendly lifestyle news.

Kuwait Sports & Culture: Al Jahra is weighing a comeback for its senior handball team, with the club assessing the technical, admin and financial needs before committing to a return to domestic competition. Regional Tourism: Dhofar’s Khareef season is warming up in Salalah, with early visitors from Kuwait and across the Gulf starting to fill beaches, cafés and family spots ahead of the peak rush in July and August. Kuwait Tech & Media: Omar Al-Omar met Brunei’s ambassador to discuss digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity cooperation, including support for digital government services. Youth & Sports Governance: Kuwait Volleyball Federation approved new working committees for the 2026–27 season, while the national team is in an intensive Cairo camp ahead of the West Asia Championship in Oman. Entertainment & Community: Kuwait’s “Our Father Meshal Said” art exhibition opened at 360 Mall, featuring teachers translating Amir’s quotations into paintings promoting national unity. Digital Safety: YouTube launched supervised kid accounts across MENA including Kuwait, adding age-based settings and parental controls like Shorts feed timers. Sports Streaming in Kuwait: TOD by beIN and talabat wrapped up a World Cup 2026 campaign across Kuwait and other MENA markets, reaching 214 million with in-app and bilingual promotions.

YouTube for Families in Kuwait: YouTube has rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Kuwait, with age-appropriate settings, stronger privacy, and parental controls like daily Shorts feed timers and bedtime reminders. Kuwait Arts & Education: The exhibition “Our Father Meshal Said” opened at 360 Mall, with teachers turning Amir’s quotations into patriotic artworks, while Kuwait also marked a major school milestone: three students scored 100% in Grade 12 exams despite the shift to online classes during the Iranian attacks. Kuwait Sports Updates: The Kuwait Volleyball Federation approved new working committees ahead of the 2026–27 season, and the national team is in an intensive Cairo camp before the West Asia Championship in Oman; meanwhile, Qadsia handball got a boost with a 30,000 KD pledge toward an investment initiative. Regional Entertainment & Media: TOD by beIN and talabat said their World Cup campaign reached 214 million across eight MENA markets including Kuwait, and Soul Sounds is set to return to Sri Lanka’s Lionel Wendt Theatre with “The Pop Era” on 12 July.

YouTube & Kids Safety in Kuwait: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Kuwait, with age-appropriate settings, stronger privacy, and parental controls like daily Shorts limits and bedtime reminders. World Cup 2026 Viewing (Kuwait fans): With Round of 32 underway, guides say you can watch key matches for free via BBC/ITV/SBS, plus regional streaming options. TOD by beIN x talabat Results: The beIN and talabat campaign that unlocked World Cup 2026 access in Kuwait and other MENA markets reached 214 million people across the region. Kuwait Sports Admin & Training: Kuwait Volleyball Federation approved new committees, while the national team is in an intensive Cairo camp ahead of the West Asia Championship. Handball Support: Qadsia handball gets a boost as Ahmed Al-Raddaan pledges 30,000 KWD toward an investment initiative. Arts & Patriotism: An exhibition at 360 Mall, “Our Father Meshal Said,” turns Amir Meshal’s quotes into teacher-made artworks celebrating national unity. Education Win: Kuwait’s Grade 12 results saw three students score 100% despite disruptions from Iranian attacks.

Kuwait Arts & Culture: A new Kuwait exhibition, “Our Father Meshal Said,” opened at 360 Mall, with teachers turning Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s quotations into patriotic artworks. Local Sports: The Kuwait Volleyball Federation approved new working committees for the 2026–2027 season, while the national team is in an intensive Cairo camp ahead of the West Asia Men’s Volleyball Championship in Oman. Handball & Talent Abroad: Kuwaiti coach Walid Al-Anzi was selected by Montenegro to join its U18 and U20 handball youth technical staff as a fitness and conditioning coach. Media & Streaming: Joseph Samaan, behind Greece’s record-breaking film output and a new streaming push for Greek cinema abroad, spoke about his journey from Kuwait to Athens after the 1990 Gulf War. Digital Life for Families: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Kuwait, adding tighter privacy controls and parent-set limits for Shorts. Sports Spotlight: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal retirement buzz is growing ahead of World Cup action, with reports saying this could be his last international tournament.

Kuwait Arts & Film: Direct Tales Media and Acting Unleashed teamed up for a storytelling night blending live theatre with filmmaker and performer talks, spotlighting how stage work builds confidence and authentic expression. Local Sports (Volleyball): The Kuwait Volleyball Federation approved new working committees ahead of the 2026–2027 season, while the national team is in Cairo for an intensive camp and friendly matches as it gears up for the West Asia Championship in Oman. Handball (Coaching): Kuwaiti coach Walid Al-Anzi was selected by Montenegro to join the youth handball technical staff as a fitness and conditioning coach for U18 and U20. YouTube for Families: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Kuwait, adding age-appropriate settings and stronger privacy controls plus Shorts viewing timers. Education Achievement: Kuwait announced Grade 12 exam results, with three students scoring 100% despite the shift to online classes during the second semester. Patriotism Through Art: An exhibition at 360 Mall, “Our Father Meshal Said,” turned teachers’ interpretations of Amir Meshal’s quotes into national-themed artworks. Media & Business (Global): YouTube’s move and Paramount-Warner merger updates also drew attention, with Kuwait among countries that have cleared the deal.

Kuwait Education & Youth: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education announced Grade 12 results for 2025/2026, with three Kuwaiti students scoring 100% despite the shift to online learning after Iranian attacks. Kuwait Sports: The Kuwait men’s volleyball team has started an intensive training camp in Cairo ahead of the West Asia Championship in Oman (July 11–22), with daily sessions and friendlies to lock in tactics. Qadsia Handball: Ahmed Al-Raddaan pledged 30,000 Kuwaiti dinars to back a new investment initiative for Qadsia’s handball program, aiming to rebuild the team through a more professional structure. Local Arts: The art exhibition “Our Father Meshal Said” opened at 360 Mall, featuring teachers’ works inspired by Amir Meshal’s quotations to promote national unity and loyalty. Regional Entertainment & Tech: Zain was awarded a 25-year telecom license in Syria worth $747 million, with a planned Q1 2027 launch after a six-month transition. Digital Safety Debate: Kuwait experts are debating whether to follow the UAE’s move to ban social media for under-15s, weighing child protection against the benefits of online learning and creativity. Global Football Politics: FIFA’s handling of Israel-related disputes continues to spark controversy, with critics arguing the World Cup message “Football Unites the World” rings hollow.

Kuwait Arts & Education: Hawally and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governor Sheikh Sabah Bader Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah inaugurated the “Our Father Meshal Said” art exhibition at 360 Mall, featuring teachers’ works inspired by Amir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s messages. Kuwait Sports Prep: The Kuwait men’s volleyball team has started an intensive training camp in Cairo ahead of the West Asia Championship in Oman (July 11–22), with two daily sessions and friendly matches. Qadsia Handball Investment: Businessman Ahmed Al-Raddaan pledged KD 30,000 to back Fahd Al-Bakr’s initiative to invest in and rebuild Qadsia’s handball program. Local Football Celebration: Zain honored the 2025–2026 Dawri Zain Premier League stars at its Excellence Awards ceremony. Lifestyle & Hospitality: Ray by Cloud 7 opened in Mangaf, offering coastal stays, dining, wellness, and family activities. Design & Fashion Crossover: RAK Ceramics signed a licensing deal with Roberto Cavalli to produce branded tiles, sanitaryware and faucets across Kuwait and the region. Tech & Kids Safety: Kuwait experts are debating whether to follow the UAE’s move to ban social media for under-15s, weighing risks against benefits.