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

The Golden Age Circus

Touristic Enterprises Company of Kuwait brings Cirque Madona Bouglione's 'The Golden Age Circus' to the people of Kuwait starting from 20/01/2018 (January 2018). It features more than a dozen of the world's finest circus performance acts. (All images courtesy to TEC Kuwait)

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

WEBSITE: https://circus.kuwaittourism.com

CLICK HERE

Date: 20/01/2018 until 31/03/2018

Time: Weekdays 1 show (6:30 pm-8:30 pm)

Time: Weekend 2 shows (3 pm - 5 pm and 7 pm - 9 pm)

Venue: Entertainment City, Doha, Kuwait

(Transportation available from Ice skating rink, Al Soor Street, Mirqab, Kuwait City)
The timings for the buses as below (arrive 15 mins before departure time)
Weekdays
Departing Ice Skating Rink at 5 pm
Return Trip departing Circus at 9 pm
Weekends
For 3 pm Show
Departing Ice Skating Rink at 1:30 pm
Return Trip departing Circus at 5:30 pm
For 7 pm Show
Departing Ice Skating Rink at 5:30 pm
Return Trip departing Circus at 9:30 pm

Ticket pricing

Weekdays

VIP KD 70

Zone A KD 35

Zone B KD 20

Zone C KD 10

Free Admission for children under the age of two (Without individual seats)

Weekends

VIP zone KD 80

Zone A KD 45

Zone B KD 30

Zone C KD 20

Free Admission for children under the age of two (Without individual seats)

FOR BOOKING CLICK HERE

For more information on the seating arrangements have a look at the seating area below

For information on the history, experience and what is offered for VIP experience.

The date selection while booking

The Trailer for The Golden Age Circus (in English)

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work
CLICK HERE to see Youtube Channel for TEC Kuwait
Touristic Enterprises Company
Instagram: @tecq8 CLICK HERE
Facebook: @Tecq8 CLICK HERE
Twitter: @tecq8 CLICK HERE
Website: www.kuwaittourism.com (opens in Arabic)
CLICK HERE to open in English

Kuwait Aviation Show 2018

Your Aerospace gateway to the G.C.C

With $25 billion dollars to be spent in the coming years in the Kuwait Aviation Industry. That includes the ongoing construction of the three airport terminals (New Main International Airport Terminal, Kuwait Airways Terminal and Jazeera Airways Terminal). Also some of the upgrades needed for the current airport terminal, Amiri terminal and Sheikh Saad terminal (Fly Dubai terminal along with private charters) are very much a good proposition for the Kuwait Aviation Show to take place in Kuwait. Along with the new terminal constructions, new runways and taxiways are also being constructed. Kuwait also has multiple military airbases which will benefit from this Aviation Show. Kuwait just completed the first drop zone for skydiving in Kuwait. CLICK HERE for that post.

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

The expansion of the cargo terminal is also expected as Kuwait keeps developing and targets to be an economic hub for the region. With that in mind, Kuwait has been working on a long term development of the Boubyan Port for Sea Cargo (It has been an ongoing project for a decade and still is expanding by adding more piers and cargo areas which could take another decade)

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show 2018

Kuwait currently has 3 airline companies which deal with commercial passenger traffic and are all looking to expand.

• Kuwait Airways Corporation which started to upgrade its fleet by placing an order of 25 new planes which have started its deliveries since 2016. Also with the under construction of their new terminal, they should be able to take advantage by dedicating and smoothing their operations and passenger comfort.
• Jazeera Airways which has a fleet size of 7-9 currently operating on Middle East - North Africa sector. Jazeera airways had cancelled orders in 2011 (for 25) as they had to make hub (Dubai) changes and had to shutdown the Asia sector operations. In November 2017, Jazeera Airways has made its first Asia operation by having straight flights from Kuwait to India (Hyderabad) and looks to start expanding in this sector in the coming months. There are high chances of Jazeera Airways looking to expand its fleet.
• Wataniya Airways started operations in January 2009 until it ceased operations in March 2011. Right now it is back on track with its operations starting off on July 2017 with 2 planes to 3 destinations (Baku, Tbilisi and Sarajevo) and slowly increasing from their on. It is still expecting to receive 25 planes to increase its current fleet.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show 2018

Kuwait also has ALAFCO (Aviation Leasing and Finance Company) which is a aircraft leasing company which also has been expanding with its previous fleet size at 15 in 2005 to 80 in the coming years. These are usually in demand during peak seasons, all around the world and also if one wants to start operating immediately compared to the aircraft that are delivered by Airbus or Boeing which can take years.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show 2018

Kuwait Aviation Show 2018

Date: 17 - 20 January 2018

(Wednesday to Saturday)

Venue: Kuwait International Airport

Instagram: @kas.2018 (CLICK HERE)

Facebook: Kuwait Aviation Show (CLICK HERE)

Twitter: @kas2018_ (CLICK HERE)

Youtube: Kuwait Aviation Show (CLICK HERE)

Website: kuwaitaviationshow.com

Book your tickets: CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show

Kuwait Aviation Show summarizes 

The importance of the Arabian Gulf has been increasing steadily over the last two decades. Strategically located between the West and the East, the GCC aviation industry has shown impressive and consistent growth rates while outperforming most other regional markets around the globe. Supported by the constant increase in global aviation markets along with the generally liberalized approach by the countries of the GCC will ensure the continuation of this positive trend in the years and decades to come. This growth is evident in not only the region’s airlines but also with the wider aerospace sectors, constant investment in new airport facilities, growing aviation infrastructure requirements and increasing defense spending by the region’s countries providing an attractive market proposition to companies from across all segments of the global aerospace industry.

As a key center of commerce, trade and culture, it is with great pride to launch the inaugural KUWAIT AVIATION SHOW 2018, scheduled to take place from the 17th till the 20th of January 2018. We invite you to join us where your company will find the perfect platform to meet your existing clients, access new markets and networks with colleagues from the commercial and defense sectors from both Kuwait and the wider region.

To download the brochure of Kuwait Aviation Show.

CLICK HERE 

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show

People will have to purchase tickets to attend the Kuwait Aviation Show 2018. The show is open for the public for 2 days (19th and 20th January 2018 - Friday and Saturday) The first two days of the show is for Government officials, VIPs and traders. CLICK HERE to book your tickets. KNET and TAP payments are also available other than the usual Credit Card Visa/Mastercard option.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show

AIR SHOW timings

Wednesday - 17th Jan 2018 - Day 1 - 11:30 am

Thursday - 18th Jan 2018 - Day 2 - 4:00 pm

Friday - 19th Jan 2018 - Day 3 - 4:00 pm

Saturday - 20th Jan 2018 - Day 4 - 4:00 pm

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show

Kuwait Aviation Show is taking place under the support from the Ministry of Defense, Kuwait Interior Ministry, Directorate General of Civil Aviation and many more.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show

DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has announced the timings for various air shows as the Airspace around the airport will be cleared during that duration of time. Have a look below.

Photo Courtesy to DGCA and Kuwait Aviation Show

DGCA has announced the rescheduling of regular flights based on the above air show times, Have a look at the schedule from 16th until 20th.

No regular flights will take off between 

16/01/2018 - 1 pm to 1:30 pm

 17/01/2018 - 10:55 am to 12:05 pm

 18/01/2018 - 10:15 am to 10:30 am

18/01/2018 - 1:00 pm to 1:20 pm

18/01/2018 - 4 pm to 4:30 pm

 19/01/2018 - 10:15 am to 10:30 am

19/01/2018 - 1 pm to 1:20 pm

19/01/2018 - 2 pm to 2:20 pm

19/01/2018 - 3:55 pm to 4:30 pm

  20/01/2018 - 10:15 am to 10:30 am

20/01/2018 - 1 pm to 1:20 pm

20/01/2018 - 2 pm to 2:20 pm

20/01/2018 - 4 pm to 4:30 pm

Location Map

The Kuwait Aviation Show has provided buses to its visitors from the visitor parking lot to aviation show site.

Photo courtesy to Kuwait Aviation Show

Venue Coordinates: 

Latitude: 29.242645

Longitude: 47.977122

Lat,Long: 29.242645,47.977122

DMS (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds)

Latitude: 29° 14' 33.5" N

Longitude: 47° 58' 37.6" E
CLICK HERE to see the google maps coordinates.

Google Maps

Kuwait Camping Season 2017-2018

Duration: 15 November 2017 until 15 March 2018
Number of Locations: 18 (North, West and South Kuwait) (4 Locations for Public Services)
Main Website: http://www.baladia.gov.kw
Portal Page: CLICK HERE
Online Reservation and available location on GIS map: CLICK HERE
Online Application Page: CLICK HERE
Camping Area: 1,000 sq.m (square meter) per license
One License per person
Fees: KD 50 (Non-refundable) (Using K-NET)
Deposit: KD 300 (Refundable) (Using K-NET) (Will be returned after Kuwait EPA Environment Public Authority issues Certificate of cleanliness at the end of the camping season of the camping site)
Open to people with the age above 21 years - Citizens and residents (Male or Female)
Removal Period of Camp - 1st March 2018 until 15 March 2018 (along with cleanliness of site and returning it to the same state at the time of setting up)

Photo Courtesy to www.baladia.gov.kw

18 Locations around Kuwait with a lot of options. 

EPA has issued precautions to be taken while setting up of camp. Please have a look at the video below. The distance of 500 meters should be maintained from the electrical power overhead lines and also the camp goers should maintain at all times their distance from the power lines.  Using of Cement and construction materials to make permanent fixtures at the site is totally prohibited and can lead to penalties and fines. Also Kuwait Municipality can take action in tearing these illegal constructions at any given moment. It is important for the camp goers to properly dispose of their trash/garbage at their given/designated sites where provisions have been made. CLICK HERE to see an instagram video of what not to do. (under the EPA circular 42-2014 and 99-2015)

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work
Original Instagram Video: CLICK HERE

Ministry of Interior have issued a video to make one's camping experience a happy one by taking some simple cautions during their stay at the camps. Drive carefully to the camp sites by keeping in mind of pedestrians around the camp sites. Avoid areas near power utilities, Military installations, Oil Wells and drive at safe speeds, wear seat belts and avoid mobile phones while driving. Also keep an eye out while using the Charcoal based cooking units, with proper ventilation or at least extinguishing it when not using or in absentia. Watch out for power cables at camp sites and try not to overload the power outlets or extension cords. Do not set fire to any of the trash/garbage at the camp site nor at the designated trash bins. People are advised to not drive the all terrain vehicles (ATVs, Dirt bikes, buggies) on the highways.  The Ministry of Interior officials and police officers are there for assisting and keeping the law and order so that the camping experience can be memorable and safe. Take a look at the video issued by Ministry of Interior below.

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Kuwait Fire Service Directorate Safety instruction video

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Newspaper Articles

Kuwait Times: CLICK HERE
Al Rai : CLICK HERE
Al Rai: CLICK HERE
Al Kuwaityah: CLICK HERE
Al Kuwaityah: CLICK HERE
Al Anba: CLICK HERE
Al Anba: CLICK HERE
Al Shahed: CLICK HERE
Al Nahar: CLICK HERE
Al Hadath: CLICK HERE
Al Shahidm3y: CLICK HERE

Ramadan 2017 - 1438 Working hours

Ramadan 1438 which coincides with May-June 2017 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 Diwan Affairs and Manpower at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are as follows (Based on Circular no 1-2017 dated 23/05/2017):

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

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
• Ministry of Justice.
• Ministry of Public Works.
• Ministry of Higher Education.
• Ministry of Communications.
• Ministry of Education.
• Ministry of Information.
• Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
• Kuwaiti Public Institutions
• Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
• Public Authority for Youth.
• Public Authority for Sports.
• Environment Public Authority.
• Public Authority for Industry.
• Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
• Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
• Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
• Kuwait Credit Bank.
• Zakat House.
• Kuwait Municipality.
• Civil Service Commission.
• National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
• 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 11:40 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.

Photo Courtesy to Civil Service Commission Circular No 1-2017

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.

Ramadan Prayer Times

Photo Courtesy to The Times - Ramadan Prayer Times

Kuwait Bank Timings announced by Kuwait Banking Association (CLICK HERE for source). The working hours for the employees are 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. While Customer / Client services will be 10 am to 1:30 pm. This was issued by the Kuwait Banking Association which was received from Central Bank of Kuwait.

Ramadan 1438 - 2017

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).

UPDATE on the exact date will be made after the ANNOUNCEMENT by Moon Sighting Committee.
Saudi Arabia - The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia announces tomorrow,Friday to be 30th Shaban 1438 as the nascent moon was not sighted. The council observed the nascent moon on 26/05/2017. Therefore, 1st Day of Ramadan to start on Saturday, 27th May 2017.

The Month of Ramadan in Kuwait starts either on Friday 26/05/2017 (Friday) or 27/05/2017 (Saturday) .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. This year the committee will be gathering on 25/05/2017 around 7 pm after Maghreb (Sunset) prayers at Kuwait Institute for Judicial & Legal Studies.

Photo Courtesy to the Official Gazette for the State of Kuwait 'Kuwait Al Youm'

In Saudi Arabia, the decision factor is done by the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia.

Twitter Handle of Fatwa Council in Madeenah, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia update:

Moon not sighted on 25/05/2017 - Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Update (26/05/2017)

1st Day of Ramadan on Saturday - 27/05/2017 - Saudi Arabia

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid'

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2016 - 1437 Working Hours'.

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 1436 - 2015'.
CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2015 working hours in Kuwait'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 1435 - 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 2014 working hours'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Masjids in Ramadan 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my post 'Ramadan 1434 - 2013'.