AGP Executive Report

Gulf Tensions: President Donald Trump says he was “an hour away” from restarting strikes on Iran, but paused after talks involving Qatar, the UAE and other Gulf partners; he warns Iran has only days to reach a deal, with another attack possible within “two or three days” or over the weekend. Border Crackdown: Kuwait’s Al-Abdali crossing stopped five travelers trying to leave with forged customs transit documents. Sports Spotlight: Kuwait’s women’s shooting team won gold in team trap at the Gulf Games in Doha, while Kuwait’s Al Arabi beat Kuwait SC 3-0 to lift the Crown Prince Cup. Municipal Enforcement: Kuwait Municipality removed 99 abandoned/scrap vehicles and issued cleanliness and road-occupancy violations nationwide. Gulf Cup Draw: Oman landed in a tough Group A with Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait for Gulf Cup 27 in Jeddah.

Middle East Tensions: US President Donald Trump says he has paused a “scheduled” attack on Iran after Gulf leaders asked him to hold off, adding there’s a “very good chance” a deal could limit Iran’s nuclear program—while warning the US is still ready for a large-scale assault if talks fail. Energy Pressure: The Strait of Hormuz remains a key worry for oil flows, with the UAE accelerating plans to bypass it via a new pipeline to boost exports through Fujairah. Kuwait Security & Order: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry reported 17,834 traffic violations and 1,466 accidents during a week-long crackdown, alongside arrests in drug and burglary cases. Local Governance: Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau set rules for trustees managing frozen funds, and the CAPT approved a “Paperless Government” push. Business Watch: Action Energy secured/expanded KD40.9m credit facilities to expand its drilling rig fleet. Sports & Culture: Kuwait Municipality logged 10 Hawally road-encroachment violations; Al-Arabi won the Crown Prince Cup 3-0.

Drone Tensions: Iraq’s foreign ministry says its air defences detected no drones launched from Iraqi territory toward Saudi Arabia, after Saudi Arabia reported intercepting and destroying three drones from Iraqi airspace and said it “reserves the right to respond”; Baghdad says an investigation is underway and urges Riyadh to share information. Regional Security: The latest flare-up comes amid a wider Gulf drumbeat of drone and missile incidents, with Kuwait among states that have previously demanded Iraq stop attacks from its territory. Kuwait Spotlight: Kuwait International Airport continues a phased recovery after a drone-strike closure, with operations gradually returning as safety checks continue. Human Rights: Amnesty International reports executions worldwide hit the highest level since 1981, with Iran and Saudi Arabia among the biggest drivers—and Kuwait also listed among countries where executions rose sharply in 2025. Local Life: Gulf Bank honoured INJAZ Kuwait’s “Best Student Company of the Year 2026” winners, backing youth entrepreneurship as part of its long-running programme.

Drone Tensions Escalate: Saudi Arabia says it intercepted and destroyed three drones coming from Iraqi airspace, after Kuwait and other Gulf states condemned similar attacks linked to Iraq-based launches. Nuclear Alarm in the UAE: A drone strike sparked a fire near Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear plant; Kuwait condemned the attack as a violation of UAE sovereignty and international law. Air Travel Hit: American Airlines will not fly to Tel Aviv until 2027, with Delta and United planning a September return, as the wider regional drone-and-missile threat keeps Israeli airspace risky. Markets Under Pressure: Gulf bourses fell, with Iran uncertainty weighing sentiment, while Iraq reported April oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz at just 10 million barrels. Kuwait Security Crackdowns: Kuwait arrested an Asian woman over a fake domestic worker scam targeting 25 Kuwaitis, and seized meth in Zahraa after drivers allegedly dug up hidden drugs. Human Rights Spotlight: Amnesty says global executions hit the highest level in 44 years, driven largely by Iran, with Kuwait’s executions nearly tripling in 2025.

Gulf Games Glory: Kuwait’s athletes struck gold again on day five in Doha—Aisha Al-Khader won women’s triple jump gold, while Kuwait added silver in mixed doubles skeet (Saud Al-Kandari and Afrah Mohammed), hammer throw (Fajr Mandani), and 3,000m steeplechase (Haya Al-Tawajer), plus bronze via Sheikha Al-Saghan; the women’s padel team also started strong with a 3-0 win over Bahrain. Sports Leadership: Youth and Sports Minister Dr Tareq Al-Jalahma said the Crown Prince’s attendance at Monday’s Kuwait Crown Prince Cup final underlines top-level backing for local football and youth talent. Market Crackdown: Kuwait’s Commercial Control teams seized 1,430 counterfeit items at the Friday Market and issued enforcement actions across governorates, including closures over expired products and licensing breaches. Healthcare Cost Relief: The Ministry of Health approved price cuts for 1,922 medicines and supplements, aiming to make key treatments more affordable. Business & Finance: Action Energy secured KWD 40.9m in expanded credit facilities for rig fleet growth, while Kuwait Finance Minister Al-Rifai met the UK ambassador to discuss deeper investment ties. Infrastructure: Kuwait International Airport fully resumed commercial operations on May 17 after a phased reopening.

Nationality Crackdown: Kuwait’s Supreme Committee for Nationality Affairs revoked citizenship of 31 people over dual nationality violations, citing Article 11 and sending cases for legal and administrative steps. Gulf Security Tech: Britain rushed a low-cost anti-drone missile system (APKWS) into RAF service for Typhoon jets in the Middle East, aiming to counter drone threats more cheaply. Energy Finance: Action Energy secured new and renewed credit facilities worth KWD 40.9m to fund rig expansion tied to Kuwait Oil Company contracts. GCC Games Doha 2026: Qatar kept pulling away, reaching 96 medals overall, while Kuwait sits sixth with 38; Kuwait also added medals in shooting and fencing as competitions run to May 22. Food Safety: Jahra inspections found 52 violations at the Central Vegetable and Fruit Market, and Kuwait seized 234kg of frozen shrimp allegedly rebranded as “fresh.” Sports & Local Football: Kazma moved up to second in the Zain Premier League after a 2-0 win over Al-Shabab, while Kuwait Club and Al-Arabi fine-tuned ahead of the Crown Prince Cup final.

Fire Safety Crackdown: Kuwait Fire Force rushed to a blaze at a central market in West Abu Fatira Industrial Area and contained it quickly, with no injuries reported—coming just days after an inspection campaign recorded 64 fire-safety violations and led to administrative closures. Hajj Readiness: Kuwait’s Fire Force delegation has started checking Kuwaiti hajj campaign headquarters in Makkah to ensure fire-prevention compliance ahead of pilgrims’ arrival. Regional Energy Pressure: As the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted by the Iran war, Iraq said it exported 10 million barrels in April—far below pre-war levels—while Kuwait and other Gulf producers face export curbs. Women’s Day Spotlight: Kuwait marked May 16 with renewed emphasis on women’s political rights since 2005 and their role across national development, with officials highlighting leadership in public and economic life. Business & Youth: InvestGB launched its 4th IGB internship edition, backing Kuwaiti talent with hands-on training and pathways into jobs. Sports: Kuwait’s presence at the GCC Games continues to draw attention as regional teams chase medals in Doha.

Gulf Games Glory: Qatar closed the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026 swimming with a big final-day haul—eight medals including two golds—highlighting a record-breaking 4x100m medley relay and Saadeddin’s 1500m freestyle title. Kuwait Crackdown: Kuwait authorities kept up enforcement in Amghara’s scrap yard area, launching a joint inspection drive that found violations and led to arrests of undocumented workers. Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s UN mission hit back at a US-led draft resolution on Strait of Hormuz navigation, warning co-sponsors they’d share responsibility if escalation follows. Energy Pressure: Gas prices abroad are staying near historic highs as summer demand meets tight supply, with the wider Iran-war disruption still reshaping routes and costs. Local Watch: The Kuwait National Guard warned the public about a fake statement circulating on social media, urging people to rely only on official accounts.

Drug Crackdown: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior says it smashed nine narcotics cases, arresting 15 suspects and seizing hashish, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin and Lyrica powder and capsules, plus scales and cash tied to trafficking. State Property & Residency Enforcement: In Al-Hajin, a joint inspection drive netted 17 people over residency and labor violations and flagged four plots being used for carpentry, factories and wedding-supply warehouses; electricity was cut to deter encroachments. Fire Response: Kuwait Fire Force contained a blaze at Abu Fatira’s central market and a separate warehouse fire in Salibiya Agricultural Area, with no major injuries reported. Regional Energy Pressure: The UAE is fast-tracking a West-East pipeline to double exports via Fujairah by 2027, while global shipping and prices remain strained by Strait of Hormuz uncertainty. Diplomatic Tension: Iran’s foreign minister again demanded Kuwait release four detained Iranians, escalating a dispute over an alleged boat incident.

Public Safety Rollout: Intersec says Kuwait’s national public warning system is being deployed nationwide in under 10 days, sending geo-targeted emergency alerts to phones via Cell Broadcast through Zain, Ooredoo and STC—part of an ITU push for “Early Warning for All.” Gulf Tensions & Shipping: Near the Strait of Hormuz, a ship anchored off the UAE was seized and taken toward Iran, while an Indian-flagged cargo vessel near Oman was attacked and sank; the incidents add to fears of disruption on a route that carries a fifth of global oil. Regional Energy Pressure: Iran-war fallout continues to rattle supply chains, with reports linking refinery damage to a broader fuel crunch and India’s crude stocks down 15% amid import declines. Kuwait Digital Services: PACI is rolling out Sahel app steps for merging civil ID records electronically, while Kuwait also expands health services with a new oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic at primary care level. Local Watch: Kuwait vows zero tolerance for encroachments on state property as inspections continue.

Gulf Finance Tightens: Kuwait’s banks are cutting personal loan limits and linking them to end-of-service (indemnity) benefits, with some refusing financing for jobs seen as most exposed to Kuwaitization or layoffs and raising minimum salary thresholds to above KD 500. Sports Spotlight: Kuwait Club roared to the AFC Challenge League title, beating Cambodia’s PKR Svay Rieng 4-3, with the Amir, Crown Prince and Prime Minister sending congratulations. Regional Energy Shock: Saudi Arabia told OPEC its oil output fell more than 40% to the lowest since 1990, as Hormuz disruption keeps pressure on markets. Business & Growth: Action Energy reported Q1 2026 results with revenue up 69.2% on a bigger rig fleet, while KIPCO posted Q1 net profit of KD 3.5m. Local Watch: Kuwait Municipality issued 27 safety warnings at Hawally construction sites after field inspections.

Gulf Tensions: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi renewed pressure on Kuwait after Tehran accused it of an “illegal” attack on an Iranian boat and demanded the release of four detained Iranians, while Kuwait says the men were IRGC-linked and involved in an infiltration attempt near Bubiyan Island. Diplomacy Under Fire: The dispute is unfolding as the wider Iran war reshapes regional ties, including fresh claims that Israel’s Netanyahu made a secret UAE visit during the conflict—UAE denies. Oil Shock Watch: With Hormuz traffic still disrupted, global energy markets remain jittery, and OPEC data points to major output strain across the region, including Kuwait. Local Culture: In Kuwait’s arts scene, Dom Art Projects opened “Time That Grows Slowly” at Art Dubai, exploring time through ecological and vegetal rhythms.

Kuwait-Iran Tensions: Kuwait says it arrested four IRGC-linked men after a sea attempt tied to “hostile acts” near Bubiyan Island, while Iran rejects the claims as baseless and says the detainees were on a routine patrol that strayed due to a navigation malfunction. Regional Security: Saudi jets reportedly struck Iran-linked militia targets in Iraq, and retaliatory strikes were said to have been launched from Kuwait into Iraq—part of a wider, mostly hidden pattern of Gulf responses. Hormuz Shockwaves: With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupted, oil markets stay jittery; Morgan Stanley says US-China trading shifts have “shielded” the world economy from worse price spikes. Energy Crunch: A Reuters analysis warns Iran and Ukraine wars have knocked out nearly 9% of global refining capacity, likely delaying recovery and keeping refined fuel tight. Kuwait Economy & Services: CBK launched a revamped CBK Mobile app, and the Central Bank issued KD 50m bonds via tawarruq for seven years. Transport & Trade: Kuwait Customs rolled out a pre-clearance system for land imports to speed up releases and cut paperwork.

Gulf Security Shock: Kuwait says Iran’s IRGC-linked team tried to infiltrate Bubiyan Island by sea on May 1, with a clash that wounded a Kuwaiti serviceman; four suspects were arrested after admitting they were tasked to carry out hostile acts, while Kuwait summoned Iran’s ambassador and Iran called the claims “baseless.” Ceasefire Strain: The US-Iran truce is described as increasingly shaky after Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal, warning it’s “on massive life support,” as Iran demands sanctions relief and the US insists on stopping Iran’s nuclear path. Hormuz Pressure on Prices: The US Energy Department now assumes the Strait of Hormuz stays effectively shut through late May, with fuel forecasts rising and oil prices jumping on renewed escalation fears. Regional Military Signals: Israel’s Iron Dome deployment to the UAE was publicly confirmed, and reports also point to covert UAE and Saudi strikes on Iran. Kuwait Watch: Kuwait’s aviation authority urged travelers to avoid tickets with unauthorized airlines, directing complaints to the Sahel app.

IRGC Infiltration Row: Kuwait says it foiled an IRGC-linked sea attempt to reach Bubiyan Island, arresting four men who admitted IRGC ties and a mission to carry out “hostile acts,” after a clash left one Kuwaiti serviceman injured; Diplomatic Fallout: Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador and delivered a formal protest note, while the Arab League condemned the incident as a threat to regional stability; Hormuz Pressure on Prices: with Iran-US talks stuck and Trump calling the ceasefire “on life support,” the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut through late May, pushing up fuel forecasts and oil prices; UAE Secret Strikes Claim: the Wall Street Journal reports the UAE attacked Iran’s Lavan Island refinery in April, adding to fears of wider Gulf escalation; Local Watch: Kuwait warned residents about fake traffic-fine messages and urged use of official Sahel/Interior apps, as it also seized counterfeit goods and banned chewing tobacco in inspection drives.

Strait of Hormuz standoff: Trump said Iran’s latest peace response was “a piece of garbage” and that the ceasefire is on “massive life support,” as Iran demanded an end to the US blockade and release of frozen assets—pushing oil prices higher and raising fears of renewed fighting. UAE shadow role: The Wall Street Journal reports the UAE secretly struck Iran’s Lavan Island refinery in early April, with Iran later hitting the UAE and Kuwait—while the US is said to have quietly welcomed Gulf participation. Kuwait security & health: Kuwait Coast Guard arrested 7 for reckless jet-ski use; authorities are investigating the death of an Asian expat found hanged in workers’ accommodation; Kuwait’s health ministry says hantavirus risk remains low and is monitoring globally. Local projects: Kuwait’s Health Ministry is expected to award a consultancy tender for the Al-Adan Hospital Dental Centre in Q3 2026. Energy industry: ADNOC Drilling says its rig count has reached 30 across Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Regional sport: The GCC Games kicked off in Doha with Kuwait’s participation highlighted as GCC unity takes center stage.