Ramadan 1439 - 2018

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, the month of Ramadan is held highly by the Muslims across the world. This month which is given great importance as the Noble and Glorious Quran was first revealed during this month to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The importance of this event was more reinforced by having this month as the 'Month of fasting'. Also to reinforce a Muslim's Taqwa (God Consciousness), during this month one has to be generous and charitable. Also on a lighter note, it is said that all the divine books revealed to all the messengers were first revealed during the month of Ramadan.(Go Figure).

The Hilal Moon Sighting committee will convene on Tuesday evening, 15/05/2018 to decide whether 1st day of Ramadan starts on 16th or the 17th.

UPDATE (15/05/2018)
Kuwait: Shariah Vision Authority (Hilal Moon Sighting Committee) has declared Thursday as the 1st Day of Ramadan 2018 (CLICK HERE)
Saudi Arabia: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
UAE: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
Bahrain
Qatar:  1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
Oman:1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
North America
Australia: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)

The Month of Ramadan in Kuwait starts either on 16/05/2018 (Wednesday) or 17/05/2018 (Thursday). Since the previous Islamic month of Shaban completes 29 or 30 days is the deciding factor. This year the chances of Shaban being 30 days is high due to the previous month of Rajab being 29 and also based on the scientific astronomical calculations (ASTRONOMICAL not ASTROLOGICAL). In any case, always any decision for the start of any Islamic month can only be made based on the sighting of the Hilal moon (Nascent Crescent of the moon). Any other information made in advance is at best tentative. Wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem, hoping for all of us to better ourselves as humans (as is the need of the hour).

Muslims fast from Dawn to Sunset.

• Dawn : the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
• Sunset : the time in the evening when the sun disappears.

In Kuwait the decision factor for announcing about the sighting of the nascent moon is done by the Hilal moon sighting committee comprising of Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and other key members.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2018 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2017 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2016 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2015 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2014 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2013 Working Hours.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1438 - 2017.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1436 - 2015.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1435 - 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Masjids in Ramadan 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1434 - 2013.

Ramadan 2018 - 1439 Working hours

The Hilal Moon Sighting committee will convene on Tuesday evening, 15/05/2018 to decide whether 1st day of Ramadan starts on 16th or the 17th.

Ramadan 1439 which coincides with May-June 2018 leads to some changes in Kuwait. The working hours of employees for government sector reduces from 35 hours a week to 25 hours a week. On the other hand, for private firms, it is reduced from 48 hours to 36 hours a week. Basically, 2 hours is removed from each day. This is the privilege that the government of Kuwait provides for the people during the month of Ramadan. The official timings for the government sectors are provided by the Assistant Undersecretary for Civil Services at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are as follows (Based on Circular no 1-2018 dated 02/05/2018):

The following government bodies are functioning from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

1. Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
2. Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
3. Ministry of Justice.
4. Ministry of Public Works.
5. Ministry of Higher Education.
6. Ministry of State for Service Affairs (Previously Ministry of Communication)
7. Ministry of Education.
8. Ministry of Information.
9. Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
10. Kuwaiti Public Institutions
11. Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
12. Public Authority for Youth.
13. Public Authority for Sports.
14. Environment Public Authority.
15. Public Authority for Industry.
16. Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
17. Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
18. Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
19. Kuwait Credit Bank.
20. Zakat House.
21. Kuwait Municipality.
22. Civil Service Commission.
23. National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
24. Ministry of State for Youth Affairs.

Rest of the government bodies will work from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Words of caution, the work pace in the month of Ramadan in Kuwait slows down. Also, for the above mentioned times, people will be taking break during the Noon prayers (Zuhr/Dhur) which is around 11:45 am. So one will not find people sitting at the tables between 11:50 am till around 12:15 pm. So one should keep this in mind as one's patience will be tested.

Courtesy of Civil Service Commission

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2017 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2016 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2015 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2014 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2013 Working Hours.


CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1439 - 2018.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1438 - 2017.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1436 - 2015.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1435 - 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Masjids in Ramadan 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1434 - 2013.

Ramadan 1439 Prayer Timings

Ramadan 1439 Prayer Timings - Ministry of Information

Upcoming Marathon Events

Kuwait Sports Day

by Sportaholic
#kuwaitsportsday

Date: 27 March 2018 (Tuesday)

Time: 5 pm

Venue: Kazma Sports Club, Kuwait

Website: CLICK HERE

Instagram: @sportaholic.kw (CLICK HERE)

Facebook: @SportaholicKuwait (CLICK HERE)

Contact: 66586969

Email: info@sportaholic.com.kw

Category

- Running - Male (21-36 years) - 6 km - KD 10 (CLICK HERE)

- Running - Female (21-36 years) - 6 km - KD 10 (CLICK HERE)

- Running - Male (37 years and above) - 6 km - KD 10 (CLICK HERE)

- Running - Female (37 years and above) - 6 km - KD 10 (CLICK HERE)

Above 4 events and their qualifiers on Saturday 24th March 2018

starting at Gulf Road (Burger King) to Yacht Club at 8 am

First 25 in each of the above event will be selected 

for 27th March Kazma Sports Club

Category

- Road Bicycle - Male (21-36 years) - 12 km - KD 10 (CLICK HERE)

- Road Bicycle - Female (21-36 years) - 12 km - KD 10 (CLICK HERE)

- Road Bicycle - Male (37 years and above) - 12 km - KD 10 (CLICK HERE)

- Road Bicycle - Female (37 years and above) - 12 km - KD 10 (CLICK HERE)

Above 4 events and their qualifiers on Saturday 24th March 2018

starting at Yacht Club to Gulf Road (Burger King) at 8 am

First 15 in each of the above event will be selected 

for 27th March Kazma Sports Club

Category

- Male Wheelchair Racing - Male - 800 m - No Fees (CLICK HERE)

- Male Intellectual Disability Running Race - Male - 800 m - No Fees (CLICK HERE)

- Down Syndrome Adults Running Race - 400 m - No Fees (CLICK HERE)

- Down Syndrome Kids Running Race - 100 m - No Fees (CLICK HERE)

Above 4 events takes place on Tuesday 27th March 2018

starting at Kazma Sport Club at 5 pm

QRun Kids Marathon

by Qnet and Pro Vision
#q8runkidsmarathon

#kidsmarathon2018

Date: 10 March 2018 (Saturday)

Time: 9 am

Venue: Murouj (CLICK HERE)

Website: CLICK HERE

Instagram: @pv.events (CLICK HERE)

Category

- 500 meters (2 laps): Tiny Ones - 2 to 4 years (with adult companion)

- 750 meters (3 laps): Little Ones - 5 to 6 years

- 1000 meters (4 laps): Big Ones - 7 to 9 years

- 1250 meters (5 laps): Bigger Ones - 10 to 12 years

Race Kit collections on Thursday 8th March 2018

at Al-Khaleejia Complex, Sharq between 3 pm and 8 pm

Two Twenty KM Ultra

by Forward Sports Events
#TwoTwentyKM

#Letsgoforward
#RunKuwait

Date: November 2018

Race Course: Northern to Southern border of  Kuwait

Website: www.forwardsportsevents.com CLICK HERE

Instagram: @forwardsportsevents (CLICK HERE)

Public Authority for Sport Marathon

by Public Authority for Sport
#PASMarathon

#PASKw
#PASKwt

Date: 23 March 2018 (Friday)

Race Course: Gulf Road - Souq Sharq to KFC and U-Turn to finish at Kuwait Towers
Distance: 5 km
Category: 5 Km (15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+)
Category: 5 Km (Special Needs - 5 km - Wheelchair / Visually Impaired / DS)

Registrations: Free but Needed for Race Kit CLICK HERE

Instagram: @pas_kwt (CLICK HERE)

Instagram: @pv.events (CLICK HERE)

LadySoft Run 2018

Ladies of Arabia
#LadyMyWay
#LadySoftRun

#LadySoftArabia

Date: 24 March 2018 (Saturday) at 9 am

 Venue: Boulevard Kuwait (Salmiya)
Distance: 6 km Fun Run
Category: to all Women
Registrations: KD 5 CLICK HERE

Instagram: @ladysoftarabia (CLICK HERE)
Prizes: 1st Place (KD 300), 2nd Place (KD 200), 3rd Place (KD 100)
Instagram: @boulevardq8 (CLICK HERE)

KBA Night Run 2018

Murouj
#5kNightRun
#GlowInTheDarkRun

Date: 14 April 2018 (Saturday) at 6 pm (7-9pm)

 Venue: Murouj Kuwait

Distance: 5 km Glow in the Dark Fun Run
Registrations: KD 10 (CLICK HERE)
Instagram: @muroujkw (CLICK HERE)

Peak Race / Peak of Al Hamra

Peak Race
#Peak2018
#PeakofAlHamra
#VerticalMarathon

Date: 28 April 2018 (Saturday) at 8 am

 Venue: Al Hamra Tower, Kuwait

Distance: 60 Floors (Approx 1500 steps)
Category: Individual (60 Floors), Team Relay (30 Floors Each), Fun Run (5 Floors)
Registrations: KD 15, 30 and 10 Respectively (CLICK HERE)
Instagram: @peakrace (CLICK HERE)
Website: http://www.peakrace.com/

Wings for life World Run

#WorldRun
#WingsForLife
#SpinalCordResearch

Date: 6 May 2018 (Sunday) at 2 pm

 Venue: Boulevard Salmiya, Kuwait

Distance: 30 minutes head start until virtual catcher car catches up

Category: Runners and Wheelchair participants

DOWNLOAD APP: CLICK HERE for AppStore & CLICK HERE for PlayStore

Registrations: Around KD 7 (23 $US Dollars) (CLICK HERE)

Instagram: @wflworldrun (CLICK HERE)

Instagram: @boulevardq8 (CLICK HERE)

Website: CLICK HERE

NOTE: Running the App during the race is necessary (Keep mobile phone charged)

The Wings for Life World Run is a truly unique and global race for both runners and wheelchair participants. Instead of a finish line, competitors race side by side to keep ahead of the virtual Catcher Car. Now in it’s fifth year, on May 6, 2018 Wings for Life World Run participants in Kuwait can also run together in Kuwait City. Meet up with your friends, download the Wings for Life World Run App and join all the other people running until the virtual Catcher Car catches you of course. The race starts at exactly 14:00. The virtual Catcher Car takes off 30 minutes after the start at 15 km/hr and steadily increases its speed until the last athletes have been caught. 100% of all donations and the entry fees go directly into spinal cord research projects.

Wings for Life World Run App features:

- Be part of the global running event 

- Virtual Catcher Car - the moving finish line 

- Use the App to run on Race Day, May 6, 2018 at 11:00 UTC 

- Train using the App

- Your name and result will appear in the Global Result List

- Great for any level: you can set your goal and track your progress

- Audio feedback (choose from 10 languages) during your running sessions

- GPS tracking of your run 

- Share your achievements via your mobile device

- Get a 3-D replay preview of your run and share the full replay with others

- Available in ten languages

- Donate using the App

Ultra Desert Run

Forward Ultra
#ForwardUltra
#LetsGoForward
#RunKuwait

Date: 7th December 2018, Friday

 Venue: South desert of Kuwait
Distance: 15 km (1/2 Lap), 30 km (1 Lap), 60 km (2 Laps)

Category: Male and Female; Corporate (15km); Fitness & Run Clubs (15/30km)
Tickets: 15 km (KD 15); 30 km (KD 20); 60 km (KD 30)

Registrations: Opens June 2018 (Limited to 500 Runners Only)
Sign up for Early Access Notification to receive registration link

Instagram: @forwardsportsevents (CLICK HERE)

Facebook: @forwardsportsevents (CLICK HERE)

Website: http://forwardsportsevents.com/ultramarathon/

Exact Route will be put up 4 months before the event

Race Relay Team

#KwtRelay
#KuwaitRelay
#KuwaitRelayRace

Date: 15th December 2018, Saturday

Distance: 10 Km (4 runners, each 2.5km)
Instagram: @sports.kuwait.ev (CLICK HERE)

Previous Posts

CLICK HERE for a post on Fitness Expo.

CLICK HERE for a post on Previous Marathons in Kuwait.

CLICK HERE for a post on previous Triathlon event in Kuwait.

CLICK HERE for a post on previous Charity run in Kuwait.

CLICK HERE for a post on previous Runq8 Marathon in Kuwait.

CLICK HERE for a post on previous Marathon Ultra in Kuwait.

CLICK HERE for a post on previous Runq8 in Kuwait.

Photography Contests in Kuwait

KUNA 'CLICK' - CLICK HERE in English

CLICK HERE in Arabic

Click on the link above to see the rules and to submit the photographs.
CLICK HERE to check an article on the 'CLICK' contest

SNAP & WIN - CLICK HERE

Grand Photography Contest

Facebook: AlHafizKuwait (CLICK HERE)

Twitter: AlHafizKuwait (CLICK HERE)

Instagram: AlHafizKuwait (CLICK HERE)

Al-Farsi International Kite Festival Photography Contest

Prizes: 1st - KD 600, 2nd - KD 400, 3rd - KD 200, 4th to 6th - KD 100

5 photos can be submitted

Al Farsi International Kite Festival

(22 to 26 February 2018)

Venue: Benaider Road 258

CLICK HERE to see location on Google Maps
Instagram: alfarsikite (CLICK HERE)

Mommy & Me Moment
by Mommy and Me Market
Prizes: Chance to win Al Corniche Club Membership & Multiple service vouchers from Silkor and Everyoung Clinics

Deadline: March 16th Friday at Salwa Sabah Hall, Marina Crescent, Kuwait
Instagram: MommyAndMeMarket (CLICK HERE)

#MommyAndMePhotoContest
#MommyAndMePhoto
#MommyAndMeMarket
#MommyAndMe
#KuwaitMoms
#MomsKuwait
#Mothersday

EverydayKwt Photography Contest
(DAI Exhibition)

Last date for submission DEADLINE: (14 April 2018)

Conditions: - Photos must be of high quality, taken by a camera
- Taken in Kuwait and MUST contain a human element
- Email your submissions (max. 10 photos) to everydaykwt@gmail.com 

with the title: DAI Exhibition

Instagram: everydaykwt (CLICK HERE)
Instagram: dai_kuwait (CLICK HERE)
#EverydayKwt
#DaiExhibition
EverydayKwt In collaboration with Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah (Yarmouk Cultural Center) and sponsored by Albumii. Photography exhibition on May 4, 2018.

Kuwait's love for ice and snow

Kuwait's love for cold, snow and ice has always been there, with people making plans to visit Canada, Europe, East Europe (Bosnia, Georgia, etc) and conquering the amazing mountains of Everest, K2 and others. Kuwait had its 1st Outdoor Ice Skating Winter Carnival in 2016 between January 17th and February 13th which showed a lot of  promise with the people attending and spending their Winter and Hala February festival season with the ice skating in the open, restaurants in the oudoors, fun for kids, winter theme, shopping and other attractions. It was called Winter Land (http://www.winterlandkw.com/)

This year 2018 we have many events.

SNOW TOWN

#SnowTownKw

Date: 1st February 2018 until 10th March 2018

Time: 10 am to 10 pm

Location: Al-Shaheed Park, Phase 2

Pricing: 2 KD Entrance

Pricing: 6 KD All Day Pass

(Tickets can be bought at event)

Website: http://snowtownkw.com/

Facebook: SnowTownKW (CLICK HERE)

Instagram: SnowTown_KW (CLICK HERE)

Twitter: SnowTownKW (CLICK HERE)

Snapchat: SnowTownKW

(Organised by COZMO)

Attractions at the event:

1. Topiary

2. Polar Bear

3. Green Musicians

4. English Man

5. Colorful Musicians

6. Clockman Statue

7. Aerial Heliosphere

8. Mirror Family

9. 3D Painter

10. LED Parade

11. Ice Skating

12. Invisible Man

13. Ice Sculpture

ICE VILLAGE EXPO

#IceVillageExpo

Date: 15th - 16th - 17th February 2018

Location: Kuwait International Fairground Outside Parking H3

Instagram: icevillageexpo (CLICK HERE)

Attractions: Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

Over 90 different stalls.

WINTER FESTIVAL

Kidzania

#KidZaniaWinterFestival

#KidZaniaKuwait

Date: 14th December 2017 - 28th February 2018

Time: 9 am to 9 pm (Weekdays) except Thursday till 11 pm

Time: 10 am to 11 pm (Weekends)

Location: KidZania, Level 1, The Avenues Mall

Contact: 22283180

Ticket :

Children ages under 2 years = Free

Children ages between 2-3 = KD 8

Children ages between 4-12 = KD 12

Adults = KD 8

Visitors with disabilities - KD 6

Website: http://kuwait.kidzania.com/en-kw

Instagram: kidzaniakuwait (CLICK HERE)

Facebook: KidZaniaKuwait (CLICK HERE)

Twitter: KidZaniaKuwait (CLICK HERE)

Enjoy the Ultimate Winter Wonderland at KidZania with more ice & Chills! Snowfall, skating rink, ice cave and live performances.

ICE SKATING RINK

Touristic Enterprises Company

#IceSkatingKuwait #TecQ8

Date: Throughout the year

Time: 8:30 am to 10 pm

Location: Kuwait City, Al Soor Street, Mirqab

Entry Ticket Pricing for 1.5 hours :

- KD 3 for per person

- KD 2 for per person for group (of 50 or more)

- KD 0.5 for the child's maid

Website: http://www.kuwaittourism.com/IceSkatingRink.html

Instagram: TecQ8 (CLICK HERE)

Facebook: TecQ8 (CLICK HERE)

Twitter: TecQ8 (CLICK HERE)

Youtube: TecQ8 (CLICK HERE)

The Ice Skating Rink which contains 2 ice rinks was established in March 1980 as part of the Green Fence area in Kuwait City. The Olympic size rink which is 1800 square meters of ice and an arena that can accommodate 1600 viewers. A smaller rink of 800 square meters in size with a 600 seating arena provides ample requirements for people.

PROMENADE ICE

#PromenadeIceKW

Date: Throughout the year

Time: 10 am to 10 pm (Saturday-Wednesday)

Time: 10 am to 11 pm (Thursday-Friday)

Contact: 22277138

Prices per sessions (One hour sessions):

 Session Pass + Skating buddy = KD 8 for 1 hour

Session Pass - KD 6 for 1 hour

Skating buddy = KD 2 for 1 hour

Socks = KD 1

Gloves = KD 1

Location: Level 1, Promenade Mall, Hawally

Website: https://promenadeicekw.com/

Instagram: promenadeicekw (CLICK HERE)

Twitter: promenadeicekw (CLICK HERE)

Snapchat: promenadeicekw

Youtube: CLICK HERE

Enjoy the skating experience on ice surface of 548 square meter and a LED illuminated ice cave with a length of 226 square meters. Promenade ice offers public skating sessions, ice skating lessons and ice rink bookings such as birthday parties, school trips and other events.

BELOW ZER0°

#BelowZeroKW

Date: Throughout the year

Time: 10 am to 11 pm

One hour sessions

Contact: 22277138

Location: Level M, Jahra Mall, Jahra Industrial Area

Instagram: belowzerokw (CLICK HERE)

Facebook: belowzerokw (CLICK HERE)

Instagram: jahra_mall (CLICK HERE)

MINUS 11

#minus_11 #minus11

Restaurant & Cafe (The largest Ice lounge in Kuwait)

Date: Throughout the year

Time: 10 am to 11 pm

Contact: 22968166

Location: M1, Tijaria Commercial Tower, Al Soor Street, Kuwait City

Instagram: minus11.kuw (CLICK HERE)

Snapchat: minus11.kuw

Twitter: Minus11_k (CLICK HERE)