Kuwait City: Today, Kuwait’s rich history was highlighted by a series of significant events ranging from maritime regulations to advancements in aviation and healthcare. The Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah once issued a pivotal decree regulating maritime trade, ensuring that no ship could sail without proudly hoisting the Kuwait Flag.
According to Kuwait News Agency, a tragic incident occurred in 1988 when a booby-trapped car exploded near the offices of Kuwait Airways in the city center, resulting in the loss of two lives. In a positive turn, 2003 marked a historic moment as the first Kuwaiti civil plane, Kazma, landed at Baghdad International Airport. This event ended a 13-year hiatus caused by the 1990 Iraqi aggression, with the aircraft bringing much-needed medical aid to the Iraqi people.
In 2010, Lebanon’s President Michel Suleiman honored Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with the “National Cedar” medal at a ceremony in Beirut. Fast forward to 2014, the Kuwait Oil Tankers Company took a significant step by signing a contract to construct a power station at Al-Ahmadi oil refinery port, boasting an output of 240 megawatts.
Kuwait’s role in international diplomacy was evident in 2018 when, as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, it presented a draft resolution aimed at ensuring the safety of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories. In 2020, the cabinet made a pivotal decision to double civil servants’ payments, showcasing a commitment to improving the livelihoods of its citizens.
The year 2021 saw several measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including allowing entry into eateries and cafes with strict adherence to health measures, lifting quarantine for arrivals who underwent PCR tests three days post-arrival, and exempting specific citizen categories from the travel ban.
In 2023, Kuwait Airways expanded its fleet by receiving its eighth Airbus Neo-320A. Additionally, the Jaber Hyperbaric O2 and Diabetic Foot Center was inaugurated at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital in the South Surra area, reflecting Kuwait’s dedication to advancing healthcare facilities. Looking ahead to 2024, Kuwaiti athlete Faisal Al-Rajhi is set to make the nation proud by winning gold in the 5,000 meters wheelchair competition at the World Para Athletic Championship in Japan.