Qout Market

Qout Market (Photo Courtesy of Qout Market)

Qout Market is a Kuwait Based Community Farmers Market which is held once a month on the first Saturday of the month. It started in November 2nd and this month in December, it is being held on 7th December 2013 at Ar-Raya Centre's Car Park - Roof Top (Sharq, next to NBK or Opposite to Hamra Towers). (CLICK HERE to check location on Google Maps). It is a place where produce from local farms, natural food products and crafts from local artisans are introduced. Timing for the market from 10 am till 7 pm.

Photo Courtesy of Qout Market

November 2013. Photo Courtesy of Qout Market

Qout Market Instagram : CLICK HERE.

Qout Market Facebook: CLICK HERE.

Other Bloggers who have covered about Qout Market:

• Mark 248am - CLICK HERE for the post.

GulfRun Karting Endurance Race 3

Photo Courtesy to instaq8cars (on Instagram)

GulfRun Karting Endurance Race has returned for the 3rd time. It is a 24 hours Endurance Race which starts today, 6th December 2013 at 4 pm and will continue for 24 hours till 7th December 2013 at 4 pm. The race takes place at Sirbb Circuit, Shuwaikh, Kuwait. The GulfRun team has been doing a great job on keeping the information updated on the Internet. CLICK HERE for the Gulf Run website. Even the parking space has been worked out so that people can comfortably park without roaming around searching for parking space. CLICK HERE for the Instagram link or view below. People who interested in can get to the location as it is on the corner of Jahra Road  (No 80) and Airport Road (No 55), opposite to City Center. People can catch public buses which go through Jahra Road or Airport Road to reach the location.

For Live Timing for GulfRun Karting Endurance Race timings, CLICK HERE. (You will need Adobe Flash Player, CLICK HERE and follow through)

GulfRun Links -

Website: CLICK HERE.

FaceBook: CLICK HERE.

Twitter: CLICK HERE.

Instagram: CLICK HERE.

Flickr: CLICK HERE.

Vimeo: CLICK HERE.

Google+: CLICK HERE.

Sirbb Circuit: CLICK HERE.
Instagram: CLICK HERE.

Photo Courtesy to GulfRun (on Instagram)

Sirbb Circuit Track Layout. Photo Courtesy to GulfRun

GulfRun Karting 24 hours Endurance Race Prizes

Tentative Results of the GulfRun Karting 24hour Endurance Race

UPDATE : Official Results are out. (Source: GulfRun Instagram)
In the ELITE category

1. First Place to Team #4 - Q8 Racing.
2. Second Place to Team #6 - McDonalds Racing. (Instagram)
3. Third Place to Team #14 - Gulf Cables.

In the SILVER Category

1. First Place to Team #11 - ProRider. (Instagram)
2. Second Place to Team #18 - Ali Alghanim.(Instagram)

UPDATE (8/12/2013) : Got a Direct Message on Twitter from Faisal Alloughani (Sportsspirit-kw.com) who covered the Sirbb Circuit taking Photos of the 18 karts with different drivers. You can give a look to see the photos. If one plans to get high quality images then you will have to dish out $3 for each photo. CLICK HERE to look at the photos.

Wednesday 20th November holiday for whom? and Why?

Its Raining and Pouring Rain (my English Grammar teacher is definitely going to slaughter me for my grammatical destruction). But since the news about the holidays is meant for the schools and universities, and that also due to the current weather system bring in clouds with abundant amounts of rain, I took liberty in starting the post with some jabs and puns.

Now the main point, Ministry of Education (Undersecretary) has officially declared holiday (20/11/2013) for the students ONLY. The teaching and educational staff have been told to report to the schools. The holiday applies across all grades (Elementary, Primary and Secondary) of students (Boys and Girls) from Public, Private and Special Needs schools. (Source of News: KUNA in arabic & Kuwait Times in English)

Also Director General of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training ( PAAET) that all students of colleges and institutes, except for teaching and administrative staff will be on holiday tomorrow (20th November 2013). The holiday is due to the bad weather and heavy rains and some of the PAAET's facilities had taken damage by the rain. (Source of News: KUNA and Kuwait Times)

19th Nov 2013 is Holiday

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Upto Date - shared by Mariam

The 3rd Africa Arab Summit is taking place on 19th and 20th November 2013 corresponding to Tuesday and Wednesday. As many as 71 delegations from nations and international organisation are to attend the summit, including over 34 head of state, seven deputy leaders and three prime ministers (CLICK HERE for the source). Therefore there is a lot of activity going around in Kuwait. Based on the size of the event, the Government of Kuwait has declared a government holiday for the 19th November 2013, Tuesday. This applies to Government offices and across government schools. The private companies and schools have to make their own decision. Below is the Circular released by the Council of Ministers with regard to 19th November 2013 being declared a Rest day.

Now this brings us to others subjects, like traffic management issues before, during and after the summit takes place. We should be keeping the eyes on the newspapers for more information with this regard. Already we should be feeling the presence of the Traffic Police in full action performing drills since Saturday 9th November 2013. MOI has informed us about the traffic diversions that need to be taken. KUNA articles covers this information. CLICK HERE for the KUNA article. The gist of the articles is as follows:

Closing down Sabhan Route, starting from the Seventh Ring Road en route to each King Faisal and Riyadh Motoways (opposite the area of Yarmouk). All the drivers are advised to use Sheikh Zayed Motorway. For people exiting the Kuwait International Airport are suggested to use Ghazali Road. For people heading to the Kuwait International Airport are suggest to use either Sheikh Zayed, the Sixth Ring Road or Ghazali Motorways.

• Starting on 16th November 2013, Saturday - 11:30 pm.
• Official Welcoming schedule of the guest, Sunday, 17th Nov - 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
• 18th Nov, Monday - 10 am to 1 pm for the morning.
• 18th Nov, Monday - 5:30 pm to 7 pm for the evening.

UPDATE (18/11/2013): Civil Service Commission (CSC) declares that 19/11/2013 is a holiday across government and public institutions based on Cabinet Decision number 1415 dated 11/11/2013. CLICK HERE for the KUNA article.

Road Closures for 19th November 2013 have been put up. Please take alternative routes to different destinations and also keep in mind the wonderful weather we are having to plan your movement around Kuwait.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Upto Date

The Roads that will be closed for Public use (Not throughout the day) are

• King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Motorway from Kuwait International Airport ( to and fro ) till 5th Ring Road Intersection.
• Sabhan - Magwa Road from 7th Ring Road ( to and fro ) till King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Motorway.
• Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Road ( Road Number 206 or popularly known as Khaitan Naadi/Club Road) from Khaitan Sports Club till Mishref-Bayan Area.
• Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Motorway between 5th and 6th Ring Roads.

Banks declaring holiday for the 19th November 2013 is another developing news. Confirmed reports from the Banks itself are still coming out. Kuwait Finance House, National Bank of Kuwait and Gulf Bank have declared 19th November 2013 as a holiday and they will reopen on 20th November 2013.

Tweet Courtesy to Twitter

UPDATE (19/11/2013): Kuwait Central Blood Bank (KCBB) has announced its timings for 19/11/2013. The Blood Bank will be open from 8 am until 1 pm.

Tweet Courtesy to Twitter - Official Kuwait Central Blood Bank

Beat Diabetes Walkathon 2013

Photo Courtesy to Landmark Group

A Landmark Group's Initiative in coordination with Ministry of Health, Kuwait and Dasman Diabetes Institute - Beat Diabetes Walkathon 2013. Since 2009 Beat Diabetes takes place across many countries. In Kuwait, Beat Diabetes takes place on Saturday, 16th November 2013 at 9 am from Kuwait Yacht Club for a distance of 3.2 kms ending at Green Island. Registration and Kit collection at 8 am. Online Registrations can be done at their WEBSITE.

7:30 am : T-Shirt / Cap collection.

Other Blogger's that posted about this event.

• Ladies who do lunch in Kuwait - CLICK HERE for the post.
• Kuwait Uptodate - CLICK HERE for the post.
• Expat and the City - CLICK HERE for the post.
• Chillnite - CLICK HERE for the post.

Photo Courtesy to Landmark Group

Tentative route of the Walkathon from A-Yacht Club to B - Green Island, Courtesy to Google Maps

UPDATE (24/11/2013): Beat Diabetes Walkathon made it on the Kuwait Television Channel 2's 'The Weekend Show'. Here is the video, CLICK HERE (Youtube link). Over 7,000 people participated in the walkathon.

Zul Hijjah - Eid al Adha 2013

Zul Hijjah - the 12th month of the Islamic Lunar Calender will be starting from 6th or 7th October 2013 depending on the sighting of the nascent Crescent of the moon in the evening of the 5th. The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah are given a lot of importance and emphasis by indulging in the remembrance of Allah (SWT).

The Islamic festival of Eid Al-Adha is celebrated in the Islamic month of Zul Hijjah. The yearly pilgrimage to Makkah Mukkaramah / The Honored City of Mecca takes place during this month. From the 8th Zul Hijjah till the 13th Zul Hijjah, variously rituals takes place which are enactment of the events that took place by Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (A.S), his wife Bibi Hajra / Hagar, their son Prophet Ismail / Ishmael (A.S).

In Kuwait, holiday is observed between 9th till 12th Zul Hijjah. The declaration of the official holidays will be declared by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). As of now, tentative schedule is that 14th October till 17th October 2013 will be the Eid holidays corresponding to Monday till Thursday. Sunday, 13th October 2013 will be given a rest day making this a week long or 9 days holiday from 11th Friday till 19th Saturday for Government Sectors.

UPDATE (05/10/2013): Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has announced that 06/10/2013 will be the 1st Day of Zul Hijjah. (Sources: KUNA, Al Arabiya ). Therefore, Arafat Day (9th Zul Hijjah) is 14th October 2013, Monday.

UPDATE (08/10/2013): Kuwait Cabinet declares Sunday, October 13, 2013 as a holiday, officially calling it "REST DAY" making the Eid Al-Adha holidays for 9 days for government sector employees. The private firms are to make the decision by themselves. (Sources: KUNA, Indians In Kuwait)

UPDATE (14/10/2013): Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has released information about the different Eid Congregational Prayer Site locations. Assistant Undersecretary for Mosque Affairs, Waleed Shuaib announced that arrangements have been made at 73 locations across Kuwait for the Eid prayers to take place. Break down across the six governorates are as follows:

1. Asimah (City) : 15 site locations
2. Mubarak Al-Kabeer : 8
3. Hawally : 12
4. Farwaniya : 12
5. Jahra : 10
6. Ahmadi : 16

TIMINGS FOR EID Prayers on Tuesday 15/10/2013 ~ 10/12/1434 (10th Zul Hijjah 1424 corresponding to 15th October 2013) in Eid Prayer locations and in masjids in general at 6:05 am Kuwait Local Time. (15 minutes after Sunrise)

Fajr : 4:29 am

Sunrise : 5:49 am

Eid Prayers : 6:05 am

NOTE/EXCEPTIONS: Some masjids which have permission from the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to hold prayers a little later. These masjids are mostly the ones having after Eid Prayer Khutbah / Sermons in languages like Urdu, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, Filipino and many others. One needs to find out from these masjids the Eid prayer times. 

Below is the detail list of locations where the Eid prayers will take place. In Arabic and English. (Photo Courtesy to Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and also to Kuwait Upto Date and Enlightenment into Islam Center)

Eid Prayer locations across Kuwait (in Arabic)

List of EID prayer location across Kuwait (In English)

Tips for Eid Al-Adha ( Courtesy to Islamic Online University )

Eid al Fitr 2013

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Kuwait had announced the number of official holidays on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr (year 2013 corresponding to Hijri Calender year 1434, 1st day of Shawwal - Month 10 on the Lunar Calender) to be 4 days (Four Days). If Eid falls on Thursday August 8, then work will resume on Monday, August 12. If Eid falls on Friday August 9, then work will resume on Tuesday, August 13. (CLICK HERE for source of article)

In other news, the Crescent sighting Authorities for Saudi Arabia (The supreme court) and Kuwait will be sitting out on Tuesday August 6, 2013 which is a day earlier than the previously stated one. During this time anyone who views the Crescent  can contact the Authorities. If the crescent is not seen, then the authorities will reconvene on Wednesday, August 7. (CLICK HERE for the source of Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court crescent sighting authority) (CLICK HERE for the source of Kuwait's Crescent Sighting Authority).

Now based on the re-scheduling of the crescent sighting authorities, I assume that if Eid falls on Wednesday August 7, then the 4 days official holidays will still stand, then work will resume on Sunday, August 11. No official circular/statement has been announced with regard to this. This kind of Oddity has happened before around 30 years back. (where Ramadan was for 28 days, therefore to complete fasting of Ramadan which is either 29 or 30; people kept a day extra after Eid that year.)

The EID prayer takes place in the early morning hours just after sunrise ( approx. 15 mins after sunrise) on the 1st Day of Shawwal which is an official holiday by the government in Kuwait. The time for the prayer in Kuwait works out to 5:27 am. There are Mosques/Masjids in Kuwait which have Regional language Khutbah / Sermon after the Eid prayers (under the watchful eyes of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs). These Masjids tend to start the Eid Prayers a little late at around 8 am.

CLICK on these previous Posts about RAMADAN 2013 and RAMADAN 2013 Grand Mosque Qiyam ul Layl.

UPDATE (06/8/2013): The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has informed all the masjids about tomorrow, 07/8/2013, Wednesday being 29th Ramadan 1434. So today night we get another chance to attend Taraweeh and Qiyam ul Layl prayers. Tomorrow evening, once again the Crescent sighting committee will convene to spot the crescent.

UPDATE (07/8/2013) (7:55 pm KWT time +3 GMT) : Kuwait Crescent Sighting Committee officially just announced that August 8th, 2013, Thursday will be the 1st Day of Shawwal 1434. EID MUBARAK to all.

UPDATE : List of places where Eid Prayers took place in OPEN AREAS at 5:25 am (Source of Information from Kuwait Upto Date)

• Salmiya - Salmiya sports club
 اﻟﺴﺎﻟﻤﯿﺔ - ﻧﺎدي اﻟﺴﺎﻟﻤﯿﺔ اﻟﺮﯾﺎﺿﻲ

• Maidan Hawalli - Behind Police Station opposite to the workers' union
 ﻣﯿﺪان ﺣﻮﻟﻲ- ﺧﻠﻒ اﻟﻤﺨﻔﺮ ﻣﻘﺎﺑﻞ ﻧﻘﺎﺑﺔ اﻟﻌﻤﺎل

• Hawalli - Block 7, behind Masjid As-Saan'a
 7ﺣﻮﻟﻲ - ﺧﻠﻒ ﻣﺴﺠﺪ اﻟﺼﺎﻧﻊ ق

• Farwaniya - Block 4, behind Farwaniya garden near Masjid Nuwayr Al-Rasheedi
 -ق4 ﺧﻠﻒ ﺣﺪﯾﻘﺔ اﻟﻔﺮواﻧﯿﺔ ـ ﺑﺠﺎﻧﺐ ﻣﺴﺠﺪ ﻧﻮﯾﺮ اﻟﺮﺷﯿﺪي

• Ahmadi - Block 8 , Street 244, near Fire Station South side.
 8اﻷﺣﻤﺪي - ﺑﺠﺎﻧﺐ اﻟﻤﻄﺎﻓﻲ ﻣﻦ ﺟﻬﺔ اﻟﺠﻨﻮب ق 244ش . 

• Khaitan - Block 10, opposite to the Fifth Ring Road (Da'ira Khamis)
 ﺧﯿﻄﺎن - ق10 ﻣﻘﺎﺑﻞ اﻟﺪاﺋﺮي اﻟﺨﺎﻣﺲ

• Jabriya - Bock 4, Behind Mubarak Hospital
 4اﻟﺠﺎﺑﺮﯾﺔ - ﺧﻠﻒ ﻣﺴﺘﺸﻔﻰ ﻣﺒﺎرك ق

• Salwa - Block 5, Close to Masjid Kamikh Al-Azmi
 5ﺳﻠﻮى - ﻗﺮب ﻣﺴﺠﺪ ﻛﻤﯿﺦ اﻟﻌﺎزﻣﻲ ق

• Abu Hulaifa - on the coastal road Block 1, near the Abu Halifa School Girls Joint.
 أﺑﻮ ﺣﻠﯿﻔﺔ - ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻄﺮﯾﻖ اﻟﺴﺎﺣﻠﻲ ق1 ﺑﺠﻮار ﻣﺪرﺳﺔ أﺑﻮ ﺣﻠﯿﻔﺔ اﻟﻤﺸﺘﺮﻛﺔ ﺑﻨﺎت

• Sabahiya - Block 3, behind Raja Al-Habaj Afraah Hall
 اﻟﺼﺒﺎﺣﯿﺔ - ق3 ﺧﻠﻒ ﺻﺎﻟﺔ أﻓﺮاح رﺟﺎ اﻟﺤﺒﺎج

• Fahaheel - Block 8, North of Masjid Salem Al-Ali
 اﻟﻔﺤﯿﺤﯿﻞ - ق8 ﺷﻤﺎل ﻣﺴﺠﺪ ﺳﺎﻟﻢ اﻟﻌﻠﻲ

• Mangaf - Block 3, opposite the Mangaf Clinic
 اﻟﻤﻨﻘﻒ- ق3 ﻣﻘﺎﺑﻞ ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺻﻒ اﻟﻤﻨﻘﻒ

• Mahboula - Block 2 on the the coastal street ( Shailee Street),
 اﻟﻤﻬﺒﻮﻟﺔ ق2 ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺸﺎرع اﻟﺴﺎﺣﻠﻲ

• Jleeb Al Shuwaikh - Block 4, Near Al-Dawas Afraah Hall and the Fire brigade station
 ﺟﻠﯿﺐ اﻟﺸﯿﻮخ - ق4 ﺑﺠﺎﻧﺐ ﺻﺎﻟﺔ أﻓﺮاح اﻟﺪواس واﻟﻤﻄﺎﻓﻲ

• Fintas - Block 3, beside Eqaila Beach
 اﻟﻔﻨﻄﺎس - ق3 ﺑﺠﻮار ﺷﺎﻃﺊ اﻟﻌﻘﯿﻠﺔ

• Sabah Al-Salem - Block 13, Road 7, besides Masjid Zahra Bahjat
 ﺻﺒﺎح اﻟﺴﺎﻟﻢ - ق13 ﻃﺮﯾﻖ 7 ﺑﺠﻮار ﻣﺴﺠﺪ زﻫﺮة ﺑﻬﺠﺖ

• Sabah Al-Salem- Block 2 ,road 207 besides Al-Ruya school
 ﺻﺒﺎح اﻟﺴﺎﻟﻢ - ق2 ﻃﺮﯾﻖ 207 ﺑﺠﻮار ﻣﺪرﺳﺔ اﻟﺮؤﯾﺔ

• Eqaila - Block 2, Street 233 besides Masjid Hamad Rashoud Al-Azmi
 اﻟﻌﻘﯿﻠﺔ - ق2 ﺷﺎرع 233 ﺑﺠﻮار ﻣﺴﺠﺪ ﺣﻤﺪ رﺷﻮد اﻟﻌﺎزﻣﻲ

UPDATE : 36 Ministry of Health - Health Centers / Clinics are open during the Eid Holidays. ( Source: Indiansinkuwait. Arab Times and Al-Seyyassah )

• Capital Governorate (5) - Ihqafi Health Center, Yarmouk, Al-Saqr Specialized Clinic, Kaifan's Munira Al-Ayyar, Doha Health Center.
• Hawally Governorate (7) - Mahmoud Haji Haydar, Western (Al-Gharbi) Salmiya, Al-Salaam, Salwa, Rumaithuya Specialized Clinice, Southern (Al-Junibi) Sabah Al-Salem and Bayan Health Clinic.
• Farwaniya Governorate (9) - West Farwaniya, South Firdous, North Khaitan, South Ardiya, South Jleeb, Andalous, Mannahi Al-Oseime, Abdullah Al-Mubarak and Sabah Nasser Health Centers.
• Ahmadi Governorate (8) - Fahad Al-Ahmad, Fahaheel, Ali Sabah Al-Salem Block 2, Wafra, Kheiran, Western Sabahiya, Dhohor and Bnaidar clinics.
• Jahra Governorate (6) - Qasr, Waha, Abdali, South Sulaibiya, Saad Al-Abdullah Block 2 and Kabd.

Ramadan 2013 Masjid Al Kabeer Qiyam ul Layl Schedule.

The Grand Mosque in Kuwait (Masjid Al-Kabeer) has finished with its renovation and is ready to receive Salah goers (Prayers goers) for the Qiyam ul layl (Night Prayers) during the last 10 days of Ramadan. From 28th July 2013 night, the night prayers will begin with different Qaris (Reciters) and starts at 12 midnight. One can see below the list of Qari and the Suras which they will be reciting.

List of Qaris are as below:

• Fahad Al Mutairi
• Khaled Al Jaheem
• Fahed Al Kanderi
• Ahmed Al Nafees
• Mishari Al Afasi - CLICK HERE for his website and CLICK HERE for Wikipedia Info.

Photo Courtesy of Q8india.com and Indian Muslim Association

The List in Arabic is below

Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Upto Date and Meenakon.com

The photos of the Grand Mosque are below.

Overview - Photo Courtesy of  The Grand Mosque Committee and Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs

During Previous year's Qiyam ul Layl - Photo Courtesy of  The Grand Mosque Committee and Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs

Post Renovation - Interior of the Grand Mosque - Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Upto Date and Meenakon.com

CLICK HERE to check out the post by Kuwait UptoDate
CLICK HERE to check out the post by Meenakon (Can see some more photos post renovation)
CLICK HERE to check out the Site of the Grand Mosque for more Photos and information.
CLICK HERE to check my post on Ramadan 2013

UPDATE (28/07/2013): Qiyam ul Layl (The Night Prayers) for Last 10 days of Ramadan begin tonight. The prayers begin at 12 midnight but showing up early will assist with parking and finding a place. Some tips for attending the Qiyam ul Layl :

• First and foremost Switch off the Mobile phones or at least turn it to silent and vibrate function.
• Carry some drinking water with you so that you can have it between the prayer sessions.
• Keep some dates / light snack for when you feel hungry OR probably when Suhoor / Imsak time approaches. (avoid foods have strong fragrances as it disturbs other attendees)
• Have sufficient rest OR some power / cat nap before attending the night prayers. This will help you in paying attention during the prayers and mainly if you are driving to and from the masjid / mosque. Safety is important.
• Also prepare yourself mentally and physically for standing for long duration ( roughly 2 hours).
• If you are planning to sit on the chairs or four legged furniture, then be considerate to others standing behind you in the prayers.

Official reports state that the number of people that attended the Grand Mosque Qiyam ul Layl prayers on 21st Ramadan were 15,000. The maximum turnout is usually seen on the 27th Ramadan.

UPDATE (06/08/2013) : CLICK HERE for article about Eid Al-Fitr 2013.

Ramadan 2013

Ramadan, a month recognized by Muslims (followers of Islam) is the 9th month of the Islamic Calender (which follows the Lunar cycle). Ramadan is a month of compulsory fasting which is observed by Muslims all  over the world. The importance of Ramadan is that The Divine Book from Allah (SWT) - The Noble Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The completion of the Quran took place also in this month and during the last 10 days. During this holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from Dawn to Dusk by abstaining from eatables (food and drinks including water), smoking and physical pleasure.

In Kuwait, during this holy month , non fasting people are to avoid eating and smoking in public places during the day hours. It is an offense by Kuwaiti law, if one is found doing so. Also, the restaurants are closed during day hours. So people who eat out during day hours should consider ready made foods or easy to cook foods at home. The best part is that the restaurants and supermarkets are open till dawn. Super Markets are open during the day hours for shopping purposes.

Based on the sighting of the new moon (crescent), the month of Ramadan (Islamic Year 1434 AH) may start on 9th or 10th July. The prayer times for the holy month of Ramadan can be download HERE (Courtesy to Kuwait Meteorological  Department, Kuwait).

UPDATE (08/07/2013) @ 9pm KWT local time: The Kuwait Crescent Moon sighting Committee announced that Wednesday, 10th July 2013 will correspond to the First day of Ramadan ( 01/09/1434). CLICK HERE for the source from KUNA (Kuwait News Agency).

UPDATE (08/07/2013): The Middle East and Egypt have announced that Wednesday, 10th July 2013 will correspond to the First day of Ramadan. CLICK HERE for the source from Al-Arabiya.

Ramadan 1434 - Year 2013 (Courtesy of National Bank of Kuwait NBK and Kuwait Upto Date)

The working hours for the government offices in Kuwait are reduced during Ramadan. So for this year, the Civil Service Commission has announced. CLICK HERE for the link to KUNA article. I will mention the gist of it below:

8 am to 1 pm

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Public Authority for Youth and Sports.
• Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
• Environment Public Authority.
• Ministry of Justice
• Public Authority for Industry.
• Ministry of Public Works.
• Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
• Ministry of Higher Education.
• Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
• Ministry of Communications.
• Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
• Ministry of Education.
• Credit and Savings Bank.
• Ministry of Information.
• Zakat House.
• Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
• Kuwait Municipality.
• Kuwait Ports Authority.
• Civil Service Commission.
• Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
• National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.

Rest of the government bodies working hours are 9 am till 1:30 pm.

There are many posts about Ramadan by different bloggers, one can check them out.

• CLICK HERE for the post by 'Expat and the City'.
• CLICK HERE for the post by 'Fajer Ahmed' on Blog 248am. (Talks about Kuwaiti Laws with regard to fasting in Ramadan).
• CLICK HERE for the post by 'Kuwait Upto Date'.
• CLICK HERE for the post by 'Blog 37'. (All about Ramadan TV Commercials shown in Kuwait)

Ramadan Timings for different places in Kuwait.

• 360 Mall - Shop Timings: 11 am - 3 pm and 8:30 pm - 1 am
• 360 Mall - Restaurants and Cafes Timings: 5 pm - 2 am
• 360 Mall - Geant Hypermarket Timings: 10 am - 1 am
• The Avenues Mall : 8 am - 2 am
• The Avenues Mall - Store Timings: 10 am - 4 pm and 8 pm - 1 am
• The Avenues Mall - Carrefour Timings: 10 am - 2 am.
• Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Banking Timings: 10 am - 1:30 pm ( Sunday - Thursday )
• Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Commercial Sectors Timings: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm and 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm ( Saturday - Thursday ) for Al Rai, Shuwaikh, Ahmadi and Dajeej branches.
• Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Commercial Sectors Timings: 10 am - 1:30 pm ( Sunday - Thursday ) for Hawally, Salmiya, Sabahiya, Jahra and Qasr branches.
• Wataniya Telecom - Kuwait International Airport : 24 hours / All days (Closed during Suhoor and Imsak time)
• Wataniya Telecom - Head Office : 10 am - 2 pm and 8:30 pm - 12:30 am (Fridays closed).
• The Scientific Center: 9 pm - 12 midnight (All days) and Saturdays (10 am - 1 pm) Ramadan Ticket prices: KD 1.750 (Adults) or KD 1 (Children).
• Viva Telecom - Kuwait International Airport : 24 hours / All days (Closed during Suhoor and Imsak time)
• Viva Telecom - Malls : 11 am - 3 pm and 8:30 pm - 12:30 am (Fridays only evenings)
• Daman Inspection Center - Shuwaikh Timings: For Vehicle Inspection 9 am - 1:30 pm and 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
• Daman Inspection Center - Shuwaikh Timings: For Insurance and Registration - 9 am - 6 pm and 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Saturday to Thursday), Friday (only evening) - 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm
• Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) - Counter Staff Service: 9 am - 1:30 pm, 2 pm - 5 pm and 9 pm - 12 midnight.
• Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) - ID Card Delivery Service: 7 am - 5 pm and 9 pm - 12 midnight.

Ramadan Timings for different establishment in Kuwait

UPDATE: Ramadan 2013 Masjid Al Kabeer Qiyam ul Layl Schedule for last 10 days of Ramadan. Also photos of the Renovated work done to the Grand Mosque.

UPDATE (28/07/2013): Qiyam ul Layl (The Night Prayers) for Last 10 days of Ramadan begin tonight in different Masjids around Kuwait. The prayers should begin by 12 midnight but it would be better for the people to check with the masjids/mosques about the start time. Some tips for attending the Qiyam ul Layl :

• First and foremost Switch off the Mobile phones or at least turn it to silent and vibrate function.
• Carry some drinking water with you so that you can have it between the prayer sessions.
• Keep some dates / light snack for when you feel hungry OR probably when Suhoor / Imsak time approaches.
• Have sufficient rest OR some power / cat nap before attending the night prayers. This will help you in paying attention during the prayers and mainly if you are driving to and from the masjid / mosque. Safety is important.
• Also prepare yourself mentally and physically for standing for long duration ( roughly 2 hours).
• If you are planning to sit on the chairs or four legged furniture, then be considerate to others standing behind you in the prayers.

UPDATE (06/08/2013) : CLICK HERE for article about Eid Al-Fitr 2013.

The Flying Start Triathlon

UPDATE (16/11/2013):
CLICK HERE for the Race Results. It gives all the details.
Total number of participants for the Sprint were 152. Out of which 121 finished the race. Out of which Men were 92 and Women were 23.

Total number of participants for the Olympic event were 62. Out of which 41 finished the race. Out of which 36 were Men and 3 were Women.

UPDATE (14/11/2013):
CLICK HERE for detail information on the race.
CLICK HERE for Race Map.
CLICK HERE for Race Check List.
CLICK HERE for Race Program.
The best way to get to Khiran is drive South on Road 40 (King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Motorway) and take a U-turn when one sees the signboard for Road 278.
CHECK IN time for Triathlon athletes is between 6:30 am to 7:30 am on Friday, 15th November 2013.

UPDATE (11/10/2013): New date has been announced. The Flying Start Triathlon will take place on 15th November 2013, Friday at Khiraan (South Kuwait).

Provision Sports Management Company have started registrations for The Flying Start Triathlon. The event takes place on 25th October 2013 (Friday). A combination of Swimming, Biking and Running makes this interesting.
There are 2 kinds of categories : Sprint and Olympics (2 times x Sprint).
The participants are also two categories : Individual and Team Relay.

The Registrations can be done on the Provision Website (CLICK HERE) or on Premier Marathons Website (CLICK HERE). The price for registration can be seen below, the earlier the registration the less one pays. One can also keep updated with their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. People interested in learning and getting into shape can get in touch with The 3 Club which are specially designed as a Triathlon Training Program.

Updated: Photo Courtesy of The Flying Start Triathlon

• Early Bird Registration ( June 1st for first 100 applicants)
• Normal Registration (End of Early bird to 30th September)
• Late Registration (October till 19th October)

Photo Courtesy of The Flying Start Triathlon

Kuwait Charity Run 2013

Photo courtesy of Kuwait Charity Run

UPDATE (01/12/2013): The Kuwait Charity Run Team has informed that the event has been postponed and will be announcing later. The source of the information is from their official Instagram account.

Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Charity Run on Instagram.

UPDATE (11/10/2013):  New date has been announced. The Kuwait Charity Run will take place on 25th January 2014, Saturday.

Kuwait Charity Run has announced the date for their 10k and 21k (half marathon) run. The date has been announced for 30th November 2013 at 8 am. For more information, check their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Other Marathon race taking place in November 2013 is RunQ8 2013 10k.

Previous post on last year's marathon, CLICK HERE.

The Route Map is below. (CLICK HERE to go to source website)

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Charity Run.

RunQ8 2013 10K Marathon

Photo Courtesy to RunQ8

UPDATE (02/12/2013): RunQ8 being covered by the Print Media. CLICK HERE for the article by 'The Times' - Kuwait's weekly news magazine. The Arabic Newspaper Al-Anba also had a article about it, CLICK HERE (in Arabic) to view it. To view pictures go to the Facebook site of RunQ8.

Prizes for the for the first few winners. Photo Courtesy to RunQ8 on Facebook

UPDATE (01/12/2013): RESULTS for the race are out. More than 1024 people attended the race. 690 people finished the race. Of the 690, 398  were men and 292 were women. The fastest time to complete the race was 36:01 mins. CLICK HERE to see the Race Details and CLICK HERE to see the race results.

UPDATE (29/11/2013): Approximately 1000 runners had already registered and for whom all the race kits were prepared. With the overwhelming response of many people showing interest in joining the RunQ8 event and also the limitation of race kits, RunQ8 is setting up a lane tomorrow morning 30/11/2013 dedicated to SAME DAY FUN RUN REGISTRATIONS which will start registering from 7 am. (No Race kits or bib number will be provided including medals on the race day).

FSRI has been able to get UN Goodwill Ambassador, Actor and Comedian, Dawood Hussain, as guest of honour and co-master of ceremony during the RunQ8 race.

UPDATE (27/11/2013): RunQ8 has prepared the Race Kits and these will be available from Marina Crescent on the following days. Participants can also collect their BIB number and race program from the RunQ8 volunteers.

• Thursday, November 28 from 4pm - 7pm.
• Friday, November 29 from 10am - 2pm

Photo Courtesy of RunQ8 Facebook

UPDATE (26/11/2013): Today is the last day for registering for the RunQ8 2013 (CLICK HERE for going to online registration process). If ones misses the registration process, they can do so on the day of the race in the morning (30th November 2013). There is an article in the daily, Kuwait Times about the mainly about FSRI (objective of RunQ8) and also about RunQ8. CLICK HERE to read about the article.

UPDATE (13/11/2013): Warm up exercises at 8:30am on 30th November 2013. Official Race time: 9am. Location: Marina Crescent green area beside Starbucks. (CLICK HERE to check source). (Registration packs will be available for pick up prior to race day and on the morning of the run). Manual Registration: Contact 25720338.

UPDATE (11/10/2013): New date has been announced. The Run Q8 10K will take place on 30th November 2013, Saturday.

RunQ8 2013 registrations have begun. The race takes place on 2nd November 2013. The Registrations have just started and the Early bird registration for the first 300 participants are KD 10 ( US $ 35 approx.). The regular registration charges are KD 12 (US $ 42 approx.). Pro Vision Sport Management are incharge of the event. RunQ8 has a Facebook and Twitter account also. Click Here for official website of RunQ8.

For registrations CLICK HERE. Definitely go through the terms and conditions before signing up. RunQ8 2013 is a 10 km Marathon held in Kuwait on Gulf Road. For my previous year post CLICK HERE.

Photo Courtesy to RunQ8

UPDATE (18/11/2013): RunQ8 is gearing up for the 30th November 2013 marathon. They are inviting everyone to drop by for the event and also participate. One can walk or even stroll to the finish line. The emphasis is on the objective, "FSRI's Children's Rehabilitation Initiative in Kuwait".
Website: www.runq8.org
Facebook: RunQ8
Twitter: @RunQ8official
Instagram: FSRI
Website: http://www.fsrikuwait.org

Photo Courtesy to RunQ8

Kuwait Cosplay Event

Fikra Events (Photo Courtesy of www.360Dewan.com)

Fikra Events have announced on twitter that the Cosplaying event in Kuwait will be taking place on 11th April 2013. Last year during the P2BK expo the cosplayers in Kuwait made their mark. The links below will give information related to Cosplayers in Kuwait.

• Q8Cosplayer on their Facebook Page.
• Kal01 covering during P2BK 2012 Expo. CLICK HERE for the Post.
• Kuwaitiful - CLICK HERE for the Post.
• q8dreamers - CLICK HERE for the Post.
• Tenzer's Zone - CLICK HERE for the Post.

The Cosplaying event will be organised by Fikra Events. You can check them out on their website, Twitter and Facebook.

Fikra Tweets about the Cosplaying event.

Updated

Fikra Tweets about the Cosplaying event and tournament.

 As announced by Fikra, the prize for cosplaying tournament. FikraKw on Instagram loaded the following.

Cosplaying Tournament Prize - X-23 

NBK Walkathon 2013

Photo Courtesy of www,thezacorner.com

I really donot have much to add as the internet is buzz about it. So I will just give the gist and the amazing set of blog post related to the Walkathon.

Event : The 19th Annual Walkathon
Date: 23rd March, 2013
Day: Saturday
Time:
Category:

• Mens (Scientific Center till Green Island on Gulf Road)
• Womens (Marina Crescent till Green Island)
• Kids (In Green Island)

Registrations: OPEN until 21st March 2013

Registration Location: NBK tent next to Scientific Center Kuwait in Salmiya, Gulf Road.

Registration Timings: 9:30am till 1 pm, 4:30pm till 9 pm. (On weekend Friday and Saturday 15th & 16th March 2013 available at The Avenues Mall Phase 1 from 10 am to 10 pm)

Prizes : MGS 2013 Sports Car and special Prizes.

Follow the buzz on Twitter @NBKPage, Instagram @NBKPage, Twitter #NBKWalkathon

Post by Bloggers:

• Thezacorner - CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE to check their post.
• Buzfairy - CLICK HERE to check their post.
• Expat Voices - CLICK HERE to check their post.
• Q8spoons - CLICK HERE to check their post.
• Grapevine - CLICK HERE to check their post.
• Bokhaloodie - CLICK HERE to check their post.
• Amatraveller  - CLICK HERE to check their post.
• Q8path - CLICK HERE to check their post.
• Q8allinone - CLICK HERE to check their post.
• NBK - CLICK HERE to check their Newsroom Page

Route Map for NBK Walkathon 2013 (Modified photo) (Original photo from ChillNite and link to original photo)

Photo Courtesy to www.Chillnite.com