A Kuwaiti columnist has reflected on the stark contrast between life in Kuwait’s past and the challenges faced by society today, highlighting nostalgic memories alongside contemporary concerns about increasing fraud and social change.

Ahmad Al-Dawas, writing in Al-Seyassah daily, described Kuwait during the 1960s and 1970s as a time marked by simplicity, security, and strong community bonds. He recalled cultural practices such as listening to folk songs performed in Modern Standard Arabic and vibrant social interactions among citizens. Life was characterized by peace and friendliness, with examples such as motorists who, after minor car collisions, would greet each other warmly rather than engage in conflict.

Al-Dawas also reminisced about Kuwait’s natural environment, mentioning that in the late 1950s, rabbits were commonly seen in Al-Mutlaa, and gazelles inhabited areas west of Jahra. However, as the number of vehicles increased and urbanization progressed, these animals gradually disappeared—movement to neighboring Saudi Arabia was later followed by their extinction there due to hunting pressures.

The columnist further reflected on technological and infrastructural elements from that era, noting that telephone booths on Fahad Al-Salem Street offered free calls and were considered elegant and sophisticated. Over time, however, vandalism led to their ruin, reflecting a shift in social behavior. Public transportation buses manufactured by Mercedes featured comfortable leather seats, which were later destroyed by misuse, leading companies to replace them with less comfortable plastic seating.

While acknowledging the benefits brought by technological advancements like the internet and mobile phones, Al-Dawas warned of the significant risks they also pose. He highlighted a surge in scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic, where fraudsters impersonate Ministry of Health officials to obtain personal information under the guise of issuing vaccination certificates. Once information is compromised, criminals take control of victims’ WhatsApp accounts and trick individuals into transferring money, causing substantial financial losses. Cases reported include losses of tens of thousands of Kuwaiti dinars, often by organized gangs operating from abroad.

The Central Bank of Kuwait has issued advisories highlighting the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to mimic voices, complicating the detection of fraud. Al-Dawas cautioned that such capabilities might even escalate to fabricating false communications between world leaders, raising concerns about broader geopolitical repercussions.

Concluding his reflection, Al-Dawas expressed a preference for traditional methods of handling official matters through in-person visits, emphasizing the unpredictability and dangers of digital reliance. His commentary serves as both a nostalgic look back at Kuwait’s past and a sober warning about the evolving threats facing its society in the digital age.