Kuwait Tobacco Crackdown: Kuwait’s Health Ministry issued Resolution No. 237/2026 tightening tobacco and nicotine rules, banning online sales and deliveries, setting the minimum purchase age at 21, and extending restrictions to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco—effective 1 Jan 2027. Digital Identity for Telecoms: CITRA urged residents to use the Sahel app’s “My Numbers” to check all phone lines and telecom services registered under their names, helping spot unknown services and improve data transparency. Cybersecurity Talent Push: The Central Bank of Kuwait launched the 6th cohort of its Cybersecurity Leaders Program to build local specialists for protecting banking and financial information systems. Airline Systems Upgrade: Kuwait Airways signed a KD 5.8m ERP contract to modernize and unify its administrative, financial and operational systems over three years. Payments Standards Update: KFH-Bahrain renewed its Electronic Funds Transfer System certification under ISO 20022 MX, aiming for faster, safer and more accurate digital transfers. Education & Health Tech: Arabian Gulf University kicked off the “Gulf Medical Camp” for 60 students, while Kuwait also highlighted new kidney dialysis capacity via a donated center in Ahmadi. Energy & Industry: Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) posted KD 23.8m net profit for FY2025/26 despite market headwinds, and Kuwait’s Public Works ministry approved 24 tenders/contracts for the current fiscal year. Regional Tech Angle: China’s e-truck exports to Asia are surging as Iran-war fuel shocks accelerate electrification across South and Southeast Asia.