Kuwait Aviation Update: Kuwait Airways cut annual losses by 13.6% in 2025, lifting revenues 5% to about KD 430.2m and expanding digital services like no-baggage travel and electronic baggage tracking. Kuwait Airport Operations: Kuwait International Airport is open today, with flights running via Terminals 4 and 5, while Terminal 1 remains closed for repairs after earlier drone damage. Desalination Deal: VA Tech Wabag’s JV with Heisco won a KD 114.3m ($372m) Kuwait desalination contract (Doha SWRO Stage II), including design-build-operate and a five-year O&M period, with solar PV to offset part of energy needs. Retail IPO Watch: Boutiqaat is reportedly preparing for an IPO as early as Q1 2027, potentially valuing the business at over $1bn, with Goldman Sachs leading preparations. Regional Energy Risk: Oil prices swung after US-Iran talks in Switzerland, with Brent sliding as Tehran said it secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports—while Strait of Hormuz traffic stayed volatile amid renewed closure threats. Water Infrastructure in Bahrain: Bahrain opened bids for the Sitra IWPP project (1.4–1.5GW power plus SWRO desalination), with ACWA’s bid accepted and TAQA’s accepted with conditions. Smart Water Meters in Kuwait: Kuwait’s smart water meter tender was extended to June 23 for about 300,000 meters, aiming to automate readings, cut waste, and detect leaks. Finance Compliance: FATF kept Nepal on the Grey List, citing remaining strategic gaps, including hawala controls and tighter oversight of high-risk casinos. Shipping Governance: Maersk CEO warned that allowing Iran to charge Hormuz fees would set a “dangerous precedent” for global trade.