Kuwait City: Today marks significant anniversaries in Kuwait’s storied history, reflecting its progress in education, trade, media, and international cooperation. Notably, in 1942, the British Bank commenced its operations in Kuwait. The bank underwent a rebranding in 1971, becoming the British Bank of the Middle East, before departing the country following the nationalization of foreign banks. It made a comeback in 2005 as HSBC Middle East Limited.
According to Kuwait News Agency, in 1952, the Kuwait Teachers Club embarked on a commendable mission to eradicate illiteracy. They launched a project across four schools where 70 teachers volunteered their nights to educate 1,100 individuals, marking a significant stride in the nation’s educational development.
In 1955, the country mourned the loss of Abdulmohsen Al-Kharafi, a prominent figure in trade and public service, who played a vital role in the first Council of the Department of Knowledge. His contributions have left a lasting imprint on Kuwait’s socio-economic landscape.
The year 1965 saw the birth of Osrati (Family) Magazine, a publication dedicated to women’s affairs, and the convening of over 200 Arab journalists in the inaugural conference of the Federation of Arab Journalists, aiming to formulate a unified Arab press bill.
In 1981, a decree by Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah led to the establishment of the Arab Fisheries Company, further diversifying the nation’s economic ventures. Fast forward to 2003, when GCC Defense and Foreign Ministers, during a meeting in Jeddah, approved Kuwait’s request to deploy Peninsula Shield Forces, addressing the persistent threats from Iraq.
The nation witnessed a ceremonial decree in 2006, as Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah conferred the title of His Highness upon Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. In 2010, the aviation community bid farewell to Air Vice Marshal (retired) Marzouq Al-Ajeel, Kuwait’s pioneering pilot who earned a degree from Britain in 1954.
In maritime security, Kuwait Oil Tankers Company’s vessel, Burgan, successfully thwarted a pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden in 2015, ensuring the safety of its journey from Kuwait to Djibouti. In 2017, Kuwait National Petroleum Company embarked on a significant project with Gulfspic General Trading and Contracting Company to construct sulfur treatment facilities at Al-Ahmadi Refinery, enhancing its production capacity.
The sporting world saw Stars Club of Kuwait clinch the Arab Ice Hockey Championship in 2020, defeating UAE’s Theebs with a score of 6-4. Meanwhile, in 2022, the Abdulaziz Al-Rashed Center for Allergy Diseases gained international recognition as a distinguished center for allergy and immunology.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Ministry of Health announced that the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) has identified Asad Dermatology Center as a Center of Excellence in the field of atopic eczema, marking yet another milestone in Kuwait’s healthcare achievements.