For some in Kuwait, last week’s parliamentary election felt like Groundhog Day, but for many others, it may have felt more like Groundhog Year.
Voters in Kuwait went to the ballot box for the third time in three years – and the 12th time in a little more than a decade – amid widespread frustration with the ongoing political gridlock that has seen the country flit between two different sets of parliamentarians.
Results of last week’s election showed Kuwaitis returning most of their lawmakers to parliament and voting in 10 first-time MPs. Out of the two incumbent women who ran in this election cycle, only one – Jenan Boushehri – managed to retain her seat. With the make-up of the parliament having been left largely unchanged, some Kuwaitis fear that the paralysis that has characterised politics in the country will persist for the next several years unless the system can somehow be reformed.
Kuwait’s directly elected parliament has constitutionally mandated powers that are unique in the Gulf. For example, it has licence to question and impeach sitting ministers as well the prime minister – all of whom are appointed by the head of state, the Emir.
In recent years, political stalemate between the appointed cabinet and the elected parliamentarians has prevented the enactment of several basic reforms.
Last year, the parliament that had been elected in 2020 was dissolved by Emir Sheikh Nawaf, leading to a snap election. Kuwaitis used the opportunity to deliver a mandate for change, sending many incumbents home. In March, the country’s Constitutional Court annulled the Emir’s dissolution decree, restoring the parliament’s 2020 composition, only for the Emir to dissolve it a second time in April. That paved the way to last week’s vote.
Feuds between the legislative and executive branches of government have seen governments boycott sessions altogether
According to Kuwait’s voter register, 793,646 citizens were eligible to vote in this election. While the government has not given an official figure on how many of them actually turned out, results from each constituency point to just over 51 per cent. While there were concerns that voter fatigue might cause large numbers of people to stay home, turnout was just high enough to give this parliament the legitimacy it needs to push for the agenda it wants.
In a speech given in April shortly after parliament was dissolved, Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal pledged on behalf of the Emir that the next round of elections would be followed by "a set of political and legal reforms that will transfer the state to a new stage of discipline and legal reference in order to prevent disagreement and prevent all kinds of abuse in the use of power by the legislative and executive authorities”.
Kuwait’s political system has been based on the “one-man, one-vote” principle (though it should be said women also enjoy the right to vote) since 2012, when a decree abolished the previous system whereby voters could cast their ballots for up to four candidates in their constituencies.
Political associations – including parties, lists and blocs – are not allowed in Kuwait, so parliamentarians tend to form loose alliances that often vote along the same lines when it comes to controversial bills. But one challenge with parliamentarians fending largely for themselves is that they have often resorted to catering to populist demands.
A recent example is a controversial debt-forgiveness bill that would see the government buy up several billion Kuwaiti dinars worth of citizens' consumer and personal loans. The government has said the move would be too expensive, costing almost $46 billion in public funds. MPs say it would cost less than $6.5 billion – a contention that led to the latest gridlock between the two branches of government.
Kuwait’s constitution also stipulates that representatives of the cabinet – commonly interpreted to mean at least three ministers – must be present in parliamentary sessions. Past feuds between the legislative and executive branches of government have seen governments boycott sessions altogether, delaying debates on important and urgent bills.
Another challenge is that the text of Kuwait’s constitution – drafted in the 1960s – can often be rather vague. It is unclear whether it grants cabinet members the right to be absent from parliamentary sessions at all, or whether their absence prevents the parliament from reaching a quorum.
The Kuwait Investment Authority holds assets of $750 billion, making it the world’s fifth-largest such fund. But ongoing political quarrelling has contributed to a slowdown in investment in the private sector, while the country maintains an expansive welfare system and a public sector that employs about 80 per cent of citizens.
It has also prevented the parliament from passing an important debt law that would allow the state to tap international markets and help diversify Kuwait’s economy. Last week, the International Monetary Fund urged Kuwait to pass the law soon and enact "substantial fiscal consolidation".
In an unprecedented move, 47 out of the 50 elected MPs met informally on Sunday night, ahead of their inaugural session on June 20, to outline their agenda priorities, including discussions on amending the law surrounding the powers of the Constitutional Court. They also discussed changing the legislature’s bylaws regarding the requirements for cabinet representation during sessions.
In a strongly worded statement, MP Mohammed Hayef Al Mutairi said he and his colleagues “will not be satisfied with a weak government”.
It is still too early to tell whether the new parliament and government will work well with each other cohesively enough to address the country’s challenges. But the alternative would be to remain trapped in a cycle of elections without clear direction for the legislature.
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Price, base: Dh228,000 / Dh232,000 (est)
Engine: 5.7-litre Hemi V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 552Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.5L / 100km
The specs: 2019 Audi A7 Sportback
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 335hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy 5.9L / 100km
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Power: 575bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh554,000
On sale: now
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TOURNAMENT INFO
Fixtures
Sunday January 5 - Oman v UAE
Monday January 6 - UAE v Namibia
Wednesday January 8 - Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 - Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid, Darius D’Silva, Karthik Meiyappan, Jonathan Figy, Vriitya Aravind, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Chirag Suri
UAE central contracts
Full time contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid
Part time contracts
Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma
Meydan race card
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Players Selected for La Liga Trials
U18 Age Group
Name: Ahmed Salam (Malaga)
Position: Right Wing
Nationality: Jordanian
Name: Yahia Iraqi (Malaga)
Position: Left Wing
Nationality: Morocco
Name: Mohammed Bouherrafa (Almeria)
Position: Centre-Midfield
Nationality: French
Name: Mohammed Rajeh (Cadiz)
Position: Striker
Nationality: Jordanian
U16 Age Group
Name: Mehdi Elkhamlichi (Malaga)
Position: Lead Striker
Nationality: Morocco
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday
Second leg
Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm
Game is on BeIN Sports
CHELSEA SQUAD
Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Profile of Bitex UAE
Date of launch: November 2018
Founder: Monark Modi
Based: Business Bay, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: Eight employees
Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The view from The National
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Super Saturday results
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, Brett Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Old Persian, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
The Sky Is Pink
Director: Shonali Bose
Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf
Three stars
