Kuwait City: Today in Kuwaiti history marks several pivotal moments, showcasing the nation's evolution and strides in various sectors. Notably, in 1938, large quantities of oil were discovered in the first well in the Burgan field, located 3,672 feet below the earth's surface. This discovery marked the inception of Kuwait's thriving oil industry, with drilling having commenced on January 16th, 1937.
According to Kuwait News Agency, another significant milestone occurred in 1972 when Al-Qabas Newspaper published its inaugural edition. The newspaper's establishment was driven by the shareholding Al-Qabas for Press, Printing and Publication, which consists of five board members. This event marked a new era in Kuwait's media landscape.
In 1981, a decree signed by Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah led to the formation of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), further cementing the country's commitment to scientific advancement. Furthermore, in 1988, the Kuwait Yacht Club opened a 120,000 square meter harbor capable of accommodating 265 boats, marking a significant development in the nation's maritime facilities. The same year witnessed the inauguration of a 21-kilometer-long Kuwait Sea Front stretching from the Shuwaikh Area to Salmiya Area.
Kuwait's prowess in sports was highlighted in 2004 when the nation won the Asian Handball Cup for the second consecutive time, defeating Japan 28-24 in the final match held in Doha, Qatar. This victory underscored Kuwait's growing influence in regional sports.
In diplomatic efforts, 2018 saw Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah presiding over an informal UN Security Council session called by Kuwait to address the Palestinian issue, reflecting Kuwait's active role in international diplomacy.
As part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, significant decisions were made by the Kuwaiti cabinet in 2021. As of February 24, the cabinet extended prior decisions regarding the percentage of government workers and the capacity of public transport, which remained at 30 percent. Additionally, the cabinet decided to close land and sea borders, with exceptions for cargo, starting February 24, to combat the pandemic's spread.