Kuwait Times

11/12/2025

French private equity firm Ardian plans to open an office in Kuwait, Bloomberg reported, joining a growing cohort of global financial companies in establishing a presence in the Gulf state as it looks to position itself as a regional business hub.

The office, slated to open in 2026, is expected to serve as a gateway to Europe for Kuwaiti investors, the report said. Ardian, which manages about $196 billion, would be the first major European private equity manager to set up in Kuwait.

The plans come weeks after Wafra Inc., a $28 billion money manager owned by the state pension agency of Kuwait, purchased a minority stake in Ardian.

Global firms have been expanding across the Middle East, and Kuwait has begun to attract several high-profile entrants in recent months.

BlackRock Inc. opened a branch in the country in September, followed shortly by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Franklin Templeton. Buyout giant Carlyle Group Inc. and State Street Corp. are also looking to establish local offices, Bloomberg News has reported.

11/12/2025

Nemo, last year's Eurovision winner, said Thursday he was returning the 2024 trophy in protest over Israel's continued participation.

"I no longer feel like this trophy belongs on my shelf," the Swiss vocalist said on Instagram.

"Eurovision says it stands for unity, for inclusion, and dignity for all people, and these are the values that make this contest so meaningful for me," Nemo said.

"But Israel's continued participation, during what the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded to be a genocide, shows there's a clear conflict between those ideals and the decisions the EBU is making.

"When entire countries withdraw, it should be very clear that something is deeply wrong," said Nemo, 26.

"That's why I decided that I'm sending this trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva with gratitude and with a clear message: live what you claim. If the values we celebrate onstage aren't lived offstage, then even the most beautiful songs become meaningless. I'm waiting for the moment those words and actions align. Until then, this trophy is yours."

Widespread opposition to the genocide in Gaza had led to mounting calls for Israel to be excluded. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland have announced they are boycotting the 70th edition of the song contest, to be held in Vienna in May.

11/12/2025

Kuwait to sign executive contract for Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port

KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan announced on Thursday that the executive contract to complete the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port will be signed th...

11/12/2025

Zain puts human wellbeing at the heart of its digital transformation, inclusion journey

KUWAIT: Zain Kuwait’s partnership of the Hearth Kuwait 2025 Summit marked the first regional event of its kind in Kuwait dedicated to individual, institution...

11/12/2025

Canada marks 60 years of diplomatic ties with Kuwait

KUWAIT: The Embassy of Canada to Kuwait marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Embassy hosted a reception on Wednes...

11/12/2025

KFF opens Al-Joun and Sheikh Jaber Causeway fire stations

KUWAIT: Director General of the Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) Major General Talal Al-Roumi inaugurated on Thursday the Al-Joun and Sheikh Jaber Causeway fire station...

11/12/2025

NBK organizes awareness session on digital fraud for Ahmed Al-Adwani secondary school students

KUWAIT: As part of its commitment to promoting banking culture and spreading financial awareness among various society segments, National Bank of Kuwait organi...

11/12/2025

France highlights strength, potential of Kuwait relations

KUWAIT: France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Nicolas Forissier praised the strength and future potential of French–Kuwa...

11/12/2025

Kuwait, France discuss boosting economic ties

KUWAIT: Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah received on Thursday French Minister of Foreign Trade Nicolas Fourier ...

11/12/2025

Baghdad airport reopens after weather disruption

BAGHDAD: Baghdad International Airport reopened Thursday after a 12-hour halt due to bad weather, the transport ministry said. Authorities announced at around ...

11/12/2025

Bangladesh to hold elections on Feb 12, president to resign

DHAKA: Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on Feb 12, authorities said, its first national vote since a deadly student-led uprising forced then Prime ...

11/12/2025

IEA lowers 2026 oil glut forecast on brighter macroeconomic outlook

LONDON: The International Energy Agency trimmed its forecast of next year’s global oil supply glut for the first time since May on Thursday, flagging higher ...