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Legislators

Kuwait's Historical Milestones and Developmental Progressions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The State of Kuwait has been witnessing various significant developments and milestone achievements since its ruler, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, visited Britain in 1935 to discuss boosting bilateral ties. The country has since then experienced a robust growth trajectory, marked by various strategic initiatives, infrastructure developments, and improvements in its social and economic sectors.

Key Takeaways:

  • In 1951, the first customs regulation was introduced, reducing customs tariffs from 6.5 to four percent.
  • The Kuwait Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, signed a decree regarding the National Assembly's Statute in 1963, outlining the membership of the parliament, which consisted of 50 MPs and cabinet members not exceeding a third of the Assembly's membership.
  • In 1963, Kuwait became a member of the United Nations, with its Foreign Minister, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, hoisting the country's flag among UN member states' flags after the Security Council accepted Kuwait's membership request on May 14, 1963.
  • The Kuwait Cement Factory was opened in 1972 in Shuaiba, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 tons.
  • By 2000, Kuwaiti security personnel had arrested infiltrators recruited by Iraqi intelligence to gather information on Kuwait and spread rumors, who were found in possession of narcotics.
  • In 2002, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed a KD 15.4-million loan with Lebanon to fund the construction of 22 schools in Beirut.
  • The National Assembly approved the resignation of five MPs, including Riadh Al-Adsani, Abdulkareem Al-Kanderi, Hussain Guwai'an, Ali Al-Rashed, and Safaa Al-Hashem, in 2014.
  • In 2015, the National Assembly approved a proposal to lower the age of retirement and early retirement in its second deliberation.
  • The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) announced that European Patent Office awarded Kuwaiti doctor Mansour Ahmad two patents in 2018 for constructing water desalination plants and desalination and high salinity water desalination.
  • Kuwaiti National Assembly approved a bill to amend the Social Security law in 2018, granting voluntary retirement right for a male with 30 years in service and a female with 25 years in service.

Statistics:

  • 1951: Customs tariffs reduced from 6.5 to four percent.
  • 1972: Kuwait Cement Factory production capacity - 300,000 tons annually.
  • 2002: KFAED signed a KD 15.4-million loan with Lebanon for 22 schools in Beirut.
  • 2010: Mohammad Ahmad Al-Rushaid, member of the first legislative council of 1963, passed away at the age of 90.
  • 2012: Ibn Sina Hospital announced success of the first surgery to implant a device in two patients to decrease their Epileptic episodes.
  • 2014: Kuwait Petroleum International (Q8) opened the third largest fuel station in Luxembourg.
  • 2015: The National Assembly approved a proposal to lower the age of retirement and early retirement.
  • 2016: Former MP and prominent politician Hamad Al-Jo'an passed away at the age of 69.
  • 2018: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) awarded two patents to Kuwaiti doctor Mansour Ahmad for water desalination plants and high salinity water desalination.
  • 2024: Kuwait Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, vowed to pursue with reforms and told the cabinet members to accelerate development projects, develop health care and education, as well as protecting public funds.

Sources:

  • Kuwait News Agency
  • [Source 1 - 1935: Kuwait ruler Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited Britain]
  • [Source 2 - 1951: Customs regulation issued]
  • [Source 3 - 1963: Kuwait Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah signed a decree]
  • [Source 4 - 1963: Kuwait became a UN member state]
  • [Source 5 - 1972: Kuwait Cement Factory opened]
  • [Source 6 - 2000: Arrest of Iraqi intelligence infiltrators]
  • [Source 7 - 2002: KFAED loan with Lebanon]
  • [Source 8 - 2010: Mohammad Ahmad Al-Rushaid passed away]
  • [Source 9 - 2012: Ibn Sina Hospital announced success]
  • [Source 10 - 2014: Resignation of MPs approved]
  • [Source 11 - 2015: Proposal to lower retirement age approved]
  • [Source 12 - 2016: Hamad Al-Jo'an passed away]
  • [Source 13 - 2018: KISR awarded patents to Mansour Ahmad]
  • [Source 14 - 2018: Kuwaiti National Assembly approved social security law amendments]
  • [Source 15 - 2024: Kuwait Amir vowed to pursue reforms]

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