Inaugurated by the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on April 8, 2013, this New Museum hosts rare historical items and antiques for old Kuwaiti houses. Decorating the walls of its Art Gallery are paintings & belongings of Kuwaiti Artists. There are also the crafts & Kuwaiti dhow models on display.Fee: KD 2 per person. Limited Seats. Advance reservations are required at joumana@aware.com.kw
The founder of Operation Hope, Sheryl Mairza has informed me that OH has been shortlisted in the "Spread Some Inspiration" contest from Philly Arabia!
Quote from Sheryl:
"Dear Friends ~ please take a moment from your day to place your vote for Operation HOPE Kuwait. We have been shortlisted from the numerous submissions for this year's "Spread Some Inspiration" campaign sponsored by Philly Arabia. Kindly click on the link just below and click on the word "vote" located on our photograph. The public will now determine which order the shortlisted three will be awarded prizes: First, second, or third... Will you cast your vote today? Also, kindly share this with friends, colleagues and family, so that they, too, may support our standing with this campaign. Your support is most appreciated...! Blessings, Sheryll and the OH team! "
OH must gather all votes by May 8th, please share and put Kuwait on the map!
No more fu-fu hairstyles, gel and tight fitting girlfriend jeans....
KUWAIT CITY, April 27: The Interior and Defense Affairs Committee at the Parliament will discuss a draft bill on the compulsory military service on Monday, reports Al-Rai daily quoting Committee Chairman MP Askar Al-Enzi.
Al-Enzi revealed the government presented the proposal based on a similar suggestion presented in 2008 to obligate all Kuwaiti men, from 18 to 35 years old, to render military service. He said the bill includes a stipulation allowing Kuwaiti women, from 18 to 30 years old, to perform national duties as permitted by the nature of their gender.
According to the lawmaker, the compulsory military service includes training in one of the Kuwait Army units. He explained the compulsory service for graduates will be nine months and one year for non-graduates. He added the students who joined training courses affiliated to the Army, Interior Ministry, National Guard and Firefighting Department or volunteers in these institutions, those who are not physically-fit, the only son in a family, and the elder son or brother of martyrs are exempted from the compulsory service.
Al-Enzi disclosed the service may be postponed for one year if the applicant is the only guardian of his elderly parents or if the father is handicapped, if he is the only guardian of his elderly mother if she is divorced or a widow, if his wife is dead and he has children below the legal age, students in the secondary stage provided they have not reached 18, and university students who have not reached 28.
It's hard to imagine spoiled Kuwaiti guys serving in the military although it was required of all youth when my husband was younger. I think it's a great idea!
This is pathetic! Justin Bieber fans have 'converted to Islam' on television in a bid to secure tickets to one of his shows. The fans - known as 'beliebers' - tried to see their Canadian hero in concert by taking part in the stunt on Norwegian station TV Norge. The girls were told to remove all make-up, put on hijabs and recite what was reported to be an Islamic statement of belief in Arabic before reading a piece of Arabic text aloud. (link)
People play around with their faith for tickets to a little boy's concert? Really?
The Sadu House is the place to discover the Bedouin art of weaving, its styles and history. Established in 1979 and now renovated it exhibits a wonderful collection of textiles. Souvenirs are also available for purchase in it’s on site shop. Perfect and unique gifts for friends and family back home. Fee: KD 2Advance reservations required at joumana@aware.com.kw
It has happened again, another bus accident involving our FN employees and unfortunately four guys lost their life on Wednesday, two from our employees and two driving the water tanker. Unconfirmed reports say there was a police check point set up in the middle of the highway yesterday morning and the loaded water tanker couldn't stop in time ramming the back of the bus and hitting a Camry driven by an American guy. The workers were sitting outside of the bus and the Kuwaiti police told them to get back on the bus and go to work.
They came on base and when they got to their work stations they collapsed in pain so someone from our section had to take them to the hospital. The cleaning guy for our BLK has a broken leg and another had broken ribs and internal bleeding. I don't understand the reasoning behind setting up check points on the highway when they know people are speeding. I remember once there was a check point on the fifth ring bridge coming from highway 40.
As we rounded the bridge we had to come to a complete stop and avoid hitting the other vehicles, if someone were to crash they would have flown off of the bridge. So much for following safety rules.
It is an awful tragedy and I pray for their families.
Dubai fashion photographer and actor Omar Borkan Al Gala has been revealed as one of three Emirati men deported from Saudi Arabia this month for being deemed too handsome.
The men were ejected from a festival in the conservative Gulf kingdom as authorities feared women could become attracted to them, it was reported.
According to Arabic language Elaph newspaper, the UAE nationals were taking part in a heritage event in the capital Riyadh when they were thrown out by Saudi’s religious police.
Saudi Arabia, a strictly conservative Sunni Muslim society, prohibits women from interacting with unrelated males.
“A festival official said the three Emiratis were taken out on the grounds they are too handsome and that the Commission members feared female visitors could fall for them,” the newspaper said.
What a coincidence considering his pic is the same one I happened to use for my previous post, I am amazing, lol!
If you like what you see you can visit his Facebook page.
Not content with a $500,000 Lamborghini to chase down criminals in Dubai, the emirate's police chief has announced that it will soon be adding a Ferrari to its fleet.
In a tweet on the official Dubai Police twitter account, Lt General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim said: "Soon Ferrari will join Dubai police fleet".
He added: "Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and its police cars should reflect that.
"We have been pleasantly surprised for the reaction of people on the Lamborghini so we said a Ferrari would be a good choice too."
Last week, Dubai Police unveiled its latest addition to the force: an AED2m ($500,000) Lamborghini.
Dubai’s police chief has said that a number of Ferraris to be introduced to the force will be driven by female officers.
Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan tweeted that he expected to see Dubai Police’s female recruits getting behind the wheels of the Ferrari FF supercar, which costs about $500,000 and has a top speed of 335 kmph.
Dubai Police made the announcement that the Ferrari FF was joining its fleet via Twitter earlier this month.
The Ferrari FF is a three-door, four-wheel drive grand tourer with a top speed of 335 kmph, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kmph in 3.7 seconds.
Earlier this month, Dubai Police also revealed that it was also adding an AED2m ($500,000) Lamborghini to its fleet.
Cops in the emirate said the Italian supercar had a top speed of 350 kmph, meaning police should have no trouble chasing down offenders.
The two-door roadster, which was first unveiled by Lamborghini at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, boasts a 6.5 litre V12 engine with 690 hp.
Dubai Police’s current fleet includes the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Kia Mohave.
And coming soon perhaps?
Doesn't the UAE hire non-emirate police? Where do I apply?
This tour is a marvel of innovative architecture displaying modern technologycombined with traditional artisan craftsmanship from Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Egyptand contributions from Kuwaiti designers. Cameras are welcome. This tour meets directly at the Arab Org. HQ. Limited Seats. Advance registration required at joumana@aware.com.kw Registration Deadline: Thursday, 18 April 2013. Children below 14 years & pets are not allowed.
It appears Prince Jackson may have met his match in Kuwaiti princess Remi Alfalah.
On Friday Michael Jackson's 16-year-old son escorted the royal beauty to hotspot Madeo in Los Angeles, where the two shared a romantic dinner. Remi couldn't contain her smile as she exited the restaurant at the end of the evening, indicating that the date must've been a success.(link)
I don't think she's really a "princess" as they say but she's giving Kuwait some Google time these days. Does anyone know who she is?
When I volunteer on Saturdays I usually take the 30 highway to fifth ring to get to Rumaithiya and I knew the police were stopping people there in the early hours of the morning. I didn't realize they had switched to radar cameras until it was too late and I got pulled over along with 20 + other people. Since that day I haven't taken that route again until last weekend. I knew I must drop down to 80 km right after I get onto fifth ring so I was going slower than most people heading that way and then I saw him, barely a shadow of a policeman hiding behind one of the posts on the first bridge pointing his radar gun right at us!
I was under 80 km but the van who passed me up was going much faster and as he approached the crowd the police officer motioned him to pull over along with the other 20 + people. This was around 8 am so anyone who takes that route this is a warning for you. They are making some serious cash off people!
There is a distinct air of frustration swilling around in Kuwait City. The oil-rich Gulf capital has long benefitted from a stream of black liquid cash that has kept its books in check for fourteen years, but it has little to show for it and with the gravy train expected to slow well before the end of the decade, those with any sense of forward thinking are begging the question: what will become of Kuwait?
“The reliance on oil is quite dangerous. I think we have completely failed in addressing this major imbalance,” chairman of Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) and Ahli United Bank, Hamad Al Marzouq said during a recent finance conference.
“We lack a clear strategic vision here in Kuwait.”
While its neighbours Qatar and the UAE have ploughed much of their oil wealth into investments as varied as ambitious real estate developments, landmark buildings in Europe, sports sponsorship and major new infrastructure projects such as solar power systems, Kuwait has been the sleepy cousin in a corner of the Arabian Peninsula.
Little new infrastructure including roads, ports and airport facilities has been built or renovated for years, while the nation is known for little more than oil and its war with Iraq.
And time is running out for Kuwait to make the most of its spoils. The International Monetary Fund warns that by as early as 2017, the country’s oil revenues will no longer out-weigh its spending, causing the first deficit since 1998. The IMF forecasts that in 2017-2018 Kuwait’s oil revenues will be about KD25bn ($87.9bn) compared to KD29bn in spending.
“Kuwait is at a crossroads for conserving wealth [for] the future,” IMF deputy division chief of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, Ananthakrishnan Prasad says. “Our estimates shows that government expenditure will exhaust all oil revenues by 2017, which means no portion of these oil revenues would be available for future generations.
“There has to be a shift in policy in Kuwait and Kuwait will have to start saving more and have to start reducing their spending.” (story continues)
It seems like the world is taking notice of Kuwait and it's problems, now will someone here listen before it's too late?
Kuwait: Policemen were sent to the Surra area, along with Acting Capital Security Director Brig. Hussein Al- Shirazi, to investigate the reason behind a traffic jam in the area and the presence of a large crowd at a house there. After reaching there, the policemen were surprised to find the house owner telling them, “Welcome, I will get the evil spirit out of your chests, and I do treat those who are under a magic spell. Whoever among you feel that there is an evil spirit in him, I will treat him for free.” The police asked the crowd to disperse, but many stayed out to find out the exorcist’s fate.
As police tried to arrest him and started procedural formalities, he pushed the policemen away and shut the door in their face. Policemen then returned with a warrant, entered the house and arrested him.
A golden Faberge egg worth around $1.3m has been found after being stolen from its Kuwaiti owners four years, it has been reported.
The jewel-encrusted egg, which contains more than 1kg of gold, was recovered by French police near the Swiss border, according to AFP.
The bejewelled egg was stolen during a burglary of a Geneva-based Kuwaiti import-export firm in 2009, the news agency said.
The egg was found on Thursday during a routine roadblock in a BMW driven by two Belarusian men, while a third was arrested later. They claimed they had found the work of art lying on the ground, or had purchased it at a flea market.
“They’re not talking much. We have the impression we’re dealing with a team tasked with transporting and negotiating the sale of the artwork,” an official was quoted as saying.
The three men were charged with receiving stolen goods and possession of a weapon. They had previously been sought in France and Switzerland in connection with several burglaries.
The report did not mention if or when the item would be returned to its Kuwaiti owners.
Who in their right mind keeps a 1.3 million dollar egg in their office without a bodyguard keeping an eye on it? #richpeoplesproblems
It's time for the Samsung follow up- Galaxy S4 already, it seems you can't catch a break in Kuwait with technology. Every year people have to buy new phones if they want to keep up with the trend, what a headache. If my phone can make calls and takes reasonably good pictures then I'm ok.
It's supposed to come out on April 26 at a cost of over 200 KD.
Three men were forcibly ejected from a cultural festival in Saudi Arabia amid concerns they were 'too handsome' for women to resist. Religious police in the conservative Islamic kingdom removed the trio, all from the United Arab Emirates, from the Jenadrivah Heritage and Culture Festival in Riyadh on Sunday. The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vices in Saudi - where there are strict rules governing interaction between men and women who aren't related - had the men deported back to Abu Dhabi in case women should 'fall for them'.(link)
"I'm too sexy for for KSA, too sexy for the festival, so sexy it hurts!"
It has been a long time since I had to venture out to the city of Salmiya. I had to go to Mowasat for some check-ups and I counted around 6 accidents during the time I was out of my area.
I don't know which of these accidents happened first but I think the cars off to the side were first and maybe the above accident happened because people were paying attention to the wrecked cars.
Last Saturday OH held their yard sale and we had a huge turn out! A big thanks to everyone who attended and helped support those who are in need.
There were so many items to choose from at bargain prices. The blue dress pictured above would be perfect for a school play! Good news, OH clearance sell will be held this Saturday, April 20 with prices starting under 1 KD! It will be the last day for OH/Esther's Attic shopping as we close during the summer and will open again once the weather cools down so don't miss this opportunity to help those in need.
One more cool concept added to Dubai- their addition of a Lamborghini Aventador! Dubai's police force just gets better.
(google)
In a written statement, the force said the car, which bears the number 8 on a customized license plate, would be a step towards confirming the stature of Dubai as "a city of luxury in all of its facilities."(link)
Qatar has a Lamborghini as well but it's only a Gallardo
Well, everyone currently working for ITT APS-5 on Arifjan have been given their 90-day layoff notice although it really only applies to about 91 people, cuts are coming. For those who want to continue contracting overseas with ITT they have been awarded a contract in Romania.
ITT Exelis Awarded $5.7m Base Operations Contract in Romania
The U.S. Navy Facilities Engineering Command for Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia, based in Naples, Italy, has awarded ITT Exelis a contract worth $5.7 million for base operations support services at Deveselu Air Base near Caracal, Romania.
This is a combination firm-fixed-price with indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract. It includes the base year plus two options that run through December 2015. The services include base operations and administration, fire and emergency services, supply services, housing and environmental operations.
We are very pleased to be selected as the base operations provider for the Navy's Deveselu location, said Ken Hunzeker, president of the Mission Systems division of Exelis. We look forward to providing support to this critical foothold and to the Navy's operations in central Europe and elsewhere. This was a new procurement and did not replace an existing contract. Exelis is a global leader in base operations, logistics and facility services at other U.S. government locations in the U.S. and overseas.
Foreign wives of Kuwaiti are to receive social and children allowances.
Panel okays provision of allowances to Kuwaiti
women Decision forwarded to assembly for
voting and ratification
KUWAIT CITY, April 8: The Parliamentary Committee on Women and Family Affairs
has approved the provision of social and children allowances to employed Kuwaiti
and non-Kuwaiti wives of Kuwaiti citizens and has forwarded this decision to the
National Assembly for voting and ratification.
According to an informed
source, six committees attended a meeting on Monday during which major decision
were made to ensure justice and equal opportunities among citizens as well as to
eliminate discrimination against women.
He revealed that the committees
did not allow the upcoming 19th Arab Parliament Conference to affect their
activities, explaining that the conference is scheduled to be launched in Kuwait
on Tuesday under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad
Al-Sabah.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Women and Family
Affairs MP Maasouma Al-Mubarak explained that Kuwaiti women will be entitled to
receive social and children allowances if the husband does not receive them from
the national treasury.
She expressed delight that the committee was able
to find a lasting solution to this issue which has been pending since 2009,
adding that she hoped the National Assembly will adopt the decision unanimously
and the government will not obstruct its execution.
I wonder how long it will take for them to implement it.
AWARE CENTER PRESENTS: Failaka Island for a cultural experience! Fee: KD 20. Activities include: (Horse rides, Mini Golf) 3:00 pm: Buffet Lunch Registration / Payment Deadline: Thursday, 11 April, 2013. Seating is limited; therefore registration is through cash payment only. Tickets are non-refundable. This is an adults-only outing. Children and Pets are not allowed.
I found this while searching YouTube, for those who want to know about Kuwait during the invasion this video gives an insight to life as a child before and after the invasion.
It's a little long but very interesting, it kind of gives you an idea as to why people have changed since the invasion.
For a rewarding, spiritual and informative experience. This is a 1 ½ tour of one of Kuwait’s most famous landmarks. Ladies are required to cover - long sleeves and long ankle length skirt, otherwise the mosque will provide a cloak. If you have your own scarf you’re welcome to bring it. Camera’s allowed. Children welcome. This tour meets directly at the Grand Mosque at 9.15am. Directions to the Grand Mosque. Take Gulf Street towards the Kuwait Towers. Pass the Towers with them on your right. Pass Souq Sharq with it on your right. Pass the Dickson House and Ministry of Planning with them on your left. By Seif Palace there is a large roundabout. Take the 2nd exit off the roundabout. The Grand Mosque is now on your left. At traffic lights turn left. Grand Mosque is on your left. To park go down to the roundabout and come back so Grand Mosque is on your right. Car Parking -If you are driving you can park at the mosque. The entrance is found by taking the side road between the Al-Babtain library and the Grand Mosque. Then you will see a barrier on your left. Tell the guard you are there for a tour and he will let you in, you follow the road round and can park in front of the mosque.
The "Rowdy Taco" is located in Alia and Ghalia Towers in Mahboula.
Update: The restaurant is now open 24 hours serving tacos, quesadillas and breafast items. I will upload pictures as soon as I get my home computer fixed.
According to Arabian Business there may be a new chain heading our way, just what the fattest country in the world needs, more hamburgers.....
Sweden’s Max Burgers plans to open 50 outlets across the Gulf in the next five years as it ramps up its global expansion plans, its CEO told Arabian Business.
Max, which claims it is more profitable than McDonald's or Burger King in its home country, will open in Dubai before launching its operations across the rest of the Gulf, said Richard Bergfors, the son of founder Curt.
“Our mission and goal is to grow in the whole GCC area,” he said. “The plan is to launch here in Dubai and then take it from there. We’d like 60 plus outlets [in the next five years] but it could be more.”
Enough food chains already! Build some gyms with really cool indoor climbing walls, basketball courts, indoor volleyball and Zumba classes!
I could just see this chick saying "Oh no he didn't" when he made and obscene gesture....hehehe
KUWAIT: A police patrol in Abdullah Al-Salem noticed a fight in the middle of the street, between a woman who was beating a young man, who was discovered to be a homosexual. Policemen learned that the homosexual made an obscene gesture towards the woman, who pulled him out of his car and beat him. The woman refused to file charges adding that he is not worth it and already had what he deserves.(link)
Is Prince Michael Jackson dating a Kuwait "Princess"???? Ever since he took Remi Al-Falah on a bowling date rumor has it she's his gf now. Well let's see, his dad loved Bahrain, his uncle became Muslim and his aunt married a Qatari millionaire so maybe he's following in their foot steps and chilling with the Gulf peeps too.
I've had readers ask about Mental Health in Kuwait, recently I recommended a reader to Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation Institute after doing some research about Mental Health providers in Kuwait. I had a hard time finding some one who spoke English clearly and understood Western ways of life. Recently I received feedback from the reader who is currently attending sessions with FSRI and she has given positive feedback about the clinic.
FSRI offers many services from physiotherapy to speech therapy as well as occupational therapy and psychological services. The clinic is located in Salmiya on Baghdad street in the Amaia residence. The clinic is clean and the doctors respect patient confidentiality, there are English speaking and bilingual doctors available. If you would like more information visit their website or call 2572-0338 for more information.
According to Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs Kuwait is relatively safe to visit just excercise a high degree of caution. For the full map click here
Everyone who knows about the Gulf knows about guys driving on two wheels and if you live out here you have probably seen it at some point. I saw it a couple months ago on highway 30 when I was going home from Arifjan.
(Reuters)
Now the Saudis have dubbed it "sidewalk skiing" in which they hang on to the side of the vehicle while it is being driven on two wheels. Driving on two wheels was on my bucket list but the list has changed after marriage but secretly I really would like to try it.
Three people — a bedoun, a Saudi and a Pakistani — will be hanged to death Monday, April 1, 2013. This is the first time hanging takes place in Kuwait after a lapse of five years, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
The men were sentenced to death by lower courts, the verdict was upheld by the Court of Cassation and ratified by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
According to reliable information, the gallows have already been prepared in the Central Prison. Earlier all death sentences were carried out at the Nayef Palace now they are carried out at the Central Prison.
The bedoun was sentenced to death for killing his wife and five sons, the Saudi sentenced to death for killing his friend and the Pakistani for killing an unidentified woman and her husband.
I guess there won't be people from the general public watching since it is at the central prison.
UPDATE: There was an article about the kuwait executions today which contains GRAPHIC IMAGES, if you are sensitive then I would suggest avoiding the article.
Kenzo has just released their new Spring/Summer 2013 collection of footwear from their ongoing collaboration with Vans.
The news shoes are now in the new Kenzo store that opened in the Avenues. In the states they cost around $115.00 but I'm not sure how much they will cost in the Kenzo store.
