Kuwait city: The Kuwaiti cabinet has directed the Ministry of Public Works to expedite the implementation of the Gulf Railway and other fast transport projects. This strategic move aims to enhance connectivity and economic integration in the Gulf region.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) has announced a reduction in the discount rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 3.5 percent. This change will take effect on Thursday, December 11. Moreover, in a gesture of international solidarity, Kuwait has renewed its voluntary contribution to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund for the year 2026, pledging USD 1 million.
In Beijing, Kuwait's Ambassador to China, Jassem Al-Najem, emphasized the importance of accelerating joint projects with China. The goal is to achieve mutual benefits for both nations. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Kuwait submitted the "Diwaniya" file for consideration on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, showcasing its cultural heritage. In a related development, UNESCO has inscribed "Bisht: Skills and Practices" as a joint Arab element on its Representative List.
In Manama, Nasser Al Dosari, CEO of EQUATE petrochemicals group, reiterated Kuwait's commitment to supporting Gulf petrochemical production. This includes efforts to strengthen Kuwait's presence in both regional and global markets. On a human rights note, Kuwaiti and UN officials highlighted the significance of safeguarding human rights on World Human Rights Day.
In other news, Palestinian prisoner Abdulrahman Al-Sebateen, aged 21, passed away in an Israeli occupation jail in Jerusalem. The Palestinian Presidency condemned Israel's plan to construct 764 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank. In Cairo, the Arab League urged the International Criminal Court to classify medical negligence by Israeli authorities as a deliberate murder crime against Palestinian detainees. Additionally, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed concern over an "unprecedented deterioration in global human rights."