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

Parents residency renewal procedure for Expats in Kuwait

Photo Courtesy to MoI - Article 22 F Sample

Parents (Dependent) Residency Renewal as of 11/09/2017. (Article 22 for sponsor’s parents) – Around 12,000-13,000 people in Kuwait under this article need to get their residency upgraded in the 4 months since the Executive bylaws were added on June 20, 2017. That is before 20 October 2017.

IN SHORT version: Process is same as previously done. Get Government Health Insurance for KD (50+2) for 1 year. Then with that insurance paper approach any Private Insurance Company – Head offices only (Kuwait Insurance Company, Gulf Insurance, Warba and others). Mention Keyword – “Insurance for Residency”. They will issue insurance (for KD 3000) by charging an amount of KD 150 + 1. The set of papers they give should be attached along with your Residency Renewal Application process. Get to Jawazat and follow procedures (Additional step before final submission and payment of KD 200 – sign by Director General of the Governorate – Mudeer Aam) 

Therefore – Current charges of process (For ONE, 1 Dependent/Parent) are as follows:

• Government Health Insurance – KD 50 + 2
• Private Health Insurance – KD 150 + 1
• Application Typing – KD 0.5 or KD 1
• Residency charges at MoI Passport (Jawazat) Office – KD 200
• Civil ID Renewal – KD 5
• Final Satisfaction – PRICELESS.

Total amount spent - KD 409 (for one parent for a year)

Duration of Process – Minimum 2 working days to 5 working days.

DETAILED Version 

1. Government Health Insurance – (Duration 1 session Morning or Afternoon) Timings 7am till 4pm with break.

Documents Needed - Civil ID Copy of Parent, Civil ID Copy of Sponsor, Passport Size photo of Parent (which will be returned after scanning). KD 50 + 2 (KD 50 per year) (Mention Mobile number on civil Id copy of Parent)

2. Private Health Insurance – (Duration 15 minutes) only done at Head Office branch of any private Insurance Company. Since this is a newly added process, it will be difficult to get to the right person handling it. Hence, the keyword “Insurance for Iqama – Residency” Timings (7:30 am till 3pm on weekdays)

Documents Needed – Just the Government Health Insurance Receipt and Cash or KNET of KD 150+1 (KD 150 per year)

3. MoI Residency Renewal Application Typing – (Tajdeed Iqama Lil Aba wal Ummi ) KD 0.5 or KD 1 (Any Typing Center or Translation Centers)

Documents Needed – Civil ID Copy of Parent and Sponsor, Passport and Residency copy of Parents, Also mention mobile number and Sponsor will need to sign application form.

4. MoI Passport Office for Expatriates – (Duration 1 day to 2 days depending on Coupon/Token number, Quantity of people [more] or employee [less] and mood factor.) (Timings 7:30am till 1:15pm - weekdays)

Documents Needed – Application Form with Photo pasted, Sign of Sponsor on application form, Attachments – Government Health Insurance Receipt, Private Health Insurance Receipt documents, Passport and Residency page of Parent, Civil ID copy of Parent and Sponsor, Original Passport of Parent.

a. TOKEN to be taken at SECTION for Application checking section (Welcome/Istaqbal). Original Passport need not be submitted here.

b. TOKEN to be taken at Cashier Section where KD 200 needs to be paid (CASH).

c. TOKEN to be taken at the Director General office (or just ask for a signature – Tajdeed Iqama Lil Aba wal Ummi)

d. TOKEN to be taken for Section for Final submission of documents – HERE submit documents along with PASSPORT.

5. Civil ID Renewal through Website, Phone or Mobile Application. KD 5 to be paid Online using KNET (Timings for Delivery 7 am till 8pm weekdays)

References (Newspaper Article):

• 09/09/2017 – Dual Health Insurance for Parents (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 26/07/2017 - Entry on Family Visas Awaits MP approval on Health Fees - Nod to Above-Quota Foreign Hires for KD 250 (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 20/06/2017 - Rectify Status of parents, Siblings in 4 months or Leave - Insurance of KD 3,000/- Mandatory for Annual Medical expenses (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 20/06/2017 - Bylaws issued for Parental Residence - Parents cannot sponsor Children above 24 yrs on Family Visa (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 19/06/2017 - KD 3,000 Docus Mandatory for Sponsoring Parents or Siblings (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 14/06/2017 - Parents and Siblings Residence Fees to increase to KD 300, Health Insurance KD 200- Sponsors Salary KD 1000 (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 13/06/2017 - Parents and Siblings, can now Renew their Visas, Insurance cost may reach KD 300 per year per person (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 10/06/2017 - MP Queries Family Visa Policy - Fees Questioned (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 04/06/2017 - Rethink on Family Visas - Decision Expected to Freeze (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 01/06/2017 - Interior's decision to limit family visas taken after conducting many studies (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 31/05/2017 - New visa ban puts families in serious crisis (CLICK HERE)

Photo Courtesy to Arab Times

• 21/06/2017 - Al Rai Newspaper. Residency for Parents will cost KD 1100 and 1700 yearly. (Arabic and English Translation)

Photo Courtesy to Al Rai Newspaper (Arabic)

Photo Courtesy to Al Rai Newspaper & Google Translate (English Translation)

Currently still searching for the MoI Bylaw copy.

Kuwait Siren Test

UPDATE: Tuesday 08/11/2016 at 10 am, SIREN TEST will take place. (CLICK HERE for source - Ministry of Interior). For any queries, you can call Hotline number 1804000.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013: The Civil Defense Department plans to test the sirens on 27/11/2013 (27th November 2013) at 10 am ( +3 GMT). The Civil Defense Department (officially referred as General Administration of Civil Defense, under the Operations Affair Sector of the Ministry of Interior) conducts the siren test periodically for checking the functionality (periodical maintenance) of the devices and create awareness among the residents of Kuwait.

Modular Speaker Arrays; Photo Courtesy to Bananaq8.com

Currently the type of Sirens installed across Kuwait since 2010 have been Modulator Speaker Arrays (Federal Signal Modulator) which are electronic warning devices. These sirens can also act as a Public Address System and play digital recorded messages. These are omni-directional electronic arrays which mean that they have 360° coverage without any sound variation in all directions. For more information on the MOD / Modulator Speaker Arrays, CLICK HERE. For Wikipedia article on Federal Signal Modulator, CLICK HERE. Also for a newer version of the Modulator II Electronic Siren Series which has been launched in 2013, CLICK HERE. These Modulator Speaker Arrays have been placed around Kuwait and are visible in locations like schools, parks and other places.

MOD II , Photo Courtesy to Federal Signal Distribution

What do all the different sounds / tones of the siren mean? The Civil Defense Department has come up with 3 types of sounds or tones. We as residents in Kuwait should be familiar with these sounds as each have a specific meaning. Another reason for the siren test, is for the emergency services to start preparing themselves accordingly after hearing the different sounds.

1. Sound : A Single Tone which is not continuous; Intermittent
   Meaning :  Indicates imminent / possible danger ( Caution / Warning )
2. Sound : A wave sound (continuous ascending and descending tone)
   Meaning : Something has already happened or taking place. ( Danger / Attack )
3. Sound : A continuous tone (continuous single pitch tone)
   Meaning : Danger is over ( All Clear / Danger has passed )

CLICK HERE for the video (13 mins) (on Youtube by uploader AliUltimate009), which was recorded during the last Siren Test in Kuwait. (22/05/2013) The sounds mentioned above can be heard in proper sequence. Below is the video for the first Federal Signal Modulator test taking place in Kuwait on 13/10/2010 uploaded by the same Youtuber AliUltimate009, CLICK HERE if the embedded video does not work (8mins video).

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Nostalgia brings back the older yellow sirens which were used during 1993 and 2003 for warning people when the Air Raids were going on. Also the siren tests which use to take place. Those Thunderbolt (CLICK HERE for Wikipedia Article) models really use to stand out.

Thunder Bolt; Photo Courtesy to Civil Defense Museum and Froyonation

Below is a video of the Thunderbolt in action in Chicago Heights, IL, USA. 

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

References for the Sirens:

• BananaQ8 - CLICK HERE for the post.
• ofwkuwait - CLICK HERE for the post & CLICK HERE for another post.
• Ladies who do lunch in Kuwait - CLICK HERE for the post.
• Q8NRI - CLICK HERE for the post.
• Ansam518 - CLICK HERE for the post & CLICK HERE for the post.
• Froyonation - CLICK HERE for the post.
• Kuwait Cosmopolitan - CLICK HERE for the post.
• Civil Defense Museum

Eid Al Adha 1437 - 2016

The day for Eid Al Adha has been declared. First Day will be on 12th September 2016.

Photo Courtesy to E-Fatwa online

On the evening of Thursday, 1st September 2016, The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia convened to observe the Hilal Moon sighting. As the moon was not sighted, the next day was declared as the 30th day of that Islamic month. Therefore, the start of the Islamic month, Dhul Hijjah is to be from 3rd September 2016. Based on this information the following is the important dates:

• 3rd September 2016 - 1st Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437
• 11th September 2016 - 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - Arafat Day
• 12th September 2016 - 10th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 1st Day of Eid Al Adha
• 13th September 2016 - 11th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 2nd Day of Eid Al Adha
• 14th September 2016 - 12th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 3rd Day of Eid Al Adha

The countries that declared similarly to Saudi Arabia are Kuwait, UAE and Turkey. The Fiqh Council of North America and European Council of Fatwa and Research also declared 12th September 2016 as the 1st Day of Eid Al Adha (10th of Zul Hijja) (Source: Saudi Arabian Press Agency, Fiqh Council)

Photo Courtesy of The Fiqh Council of North America

The greatest next topic usually after the declaration of Eid Al Adha is how many days of holidays are people going to get. So let the list begin.

• Kuwait - 9 days - 9 September 2016, Friday - 17 September 2016, Saturday
• UAE - 9 days  (government) - 9 September 2016, Friday - 17 September 2016, Saturday
• UAE - 3 days (private) - 11 September 2016, Sunday - 13 September 2016, Tuesday
• Turkey - 9 days - 10 September 2016, Saturday - 18 September 2016, Sunday

Source: Gulf Business (UAE Private), Gulf Business (UAE Goverment)

Photo Courtesy to Twitter - HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Makhtoum UAE

Kuwait's Civil Service Commission has declared in their Circular 14-2016 that official holidays observed will be on Sunday 11th, Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th. Thursday 15th will be given as rest day. Official working day resumes from Sunday, 18th September 2016.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Civil Service Commission (CSC)

About Eid Al Adha/Bakrid/Bakr-Eid/Eid Al Thani/Qurban Bayram:

The Islamic festival of Eid Al-Adha is celebrated in the Islamic month of Zul Hijjah. The yearly pilgrimage, Hajj 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). The muslims that do not participate in the pilgrimage, Hajj celebrate Eid Al Adha on the 10th, 11th and 12th. They perform the congregational prayer on the first day morning after sunrise. After that until the end of the third day, muslims that are financially sound sacrifice an animal and share it with their family, friends and others.

The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah are given a lot of importance and emphasis by indulging in the remembrance of Allah (SWT).

Photo Courtesy to Islamic Online University

Eid Prayer times for Kuwait on 12th September 2016 at 5:45 am. (All Eid prayers are to be held in Masajed, No outdoor arrangements this year)

Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Police Department

• Fajr - 4:10 am
• Sunrise - 5:31 am
• Eid Prayers - 5:45 am
• Zohar - 11:45 am
• Asr - 3:16 pm
• Magreb - 5:58 pm
• Isha - 7:17 pm

Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Police Department
Translation: Cancellation of Outdoor Eid Prayers due to Security Concerns.

42 Emergency Medical Center will be functioning during the Eid Holidays (24 hours) across all of Kuwait - All six Governorates.

Photo Courtesy to Ministry of Health and Kuwait Police Department

Also, the estimated time for the Eid Prayer to take place is 15 minutes after Sunrise (Sunrise at 5:31 am) Therefore time is 5:45 am). The prayer consists of 2 Rakats and is accompanied by a sermon after. It is highly recommended to listen to the Sermon. Some Masjids in Kuwait start the Eid Prayer a little later around 7 am - Urdu, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali (Check with the Masjids earlier to know the exact time). The only main condition for Eid Prayers is that it takes place after Sunrise. This year, the Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs has requested most of these masajed to perform the Eid prayers earlier. Most people prefer to pray earlier in the day as they will be busy with the sacrifice ritual immediately after the prayers.

The list of temporary slaughter houses have been put up by the Kuwait Municipality. These are to support the 5 main slaughter houses in reducing the burden. The 5 main slaughter houses will be working in full capacity throughout the Eid Holidays. The 12 temporary slaughter houses are in accordance to Environment Public Authority (EPA) rules and regulations. It is highly recommended not to take photography or videos (snapchat, instagram, vine, facebook, twitter, periscope and others) at the slaughter houses. (Another source : ARAB TIMES)

Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House (Asimah) City Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Shuwaikh	Next to the Car Park of Asimah Immigration Opposite Al Khaldiya Area
2	Kaifan	Block 3, Next Afrah Boodi Hall
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Hawally Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Salwa	Area 5, Next to the Co-op Society
2	Zahra	Opposite Public Authority for Housing Welfare
3	Rumaithiya	Opposite to the Main Co-op Society
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Farwaniya Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Farwaniya	Street 106, Near to Masjid Monawar Al Monawar
2	Abdulla Al Mubarak	2nd Street, Opposite to Masjid Taiba Al Rooeh
3	Ardhiya	Block 5, Street 55, Next to KFH, Opposite Saraj Al Muneer Center
4	Ishbilya	Street 216, Block 2, Opposite Amar Bin Rabeah Primary Boys School
5	Sabah Al Nasir	Street 106, Block 4, Masjid Al Marjah
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Ahmadi Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Ali Al Salem (Umm Haiman)	Entry into the area from Kind Abdulaziz Expressway Next to Main Co-op Society
2	Jaber Al Ali	Entry into the area from King Fahd Expressway Next to School near Co-op Society

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Municipality - Baladia

Kuwait Municipality prepares 12 Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter Houses for Eid

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work

Kuwaiti Currency/Banknotes information

Logo courtesy to CBK

Modern paper banknotes have come a long way in the last few centuries, with most or nearly all of the countries across the world adopting it. After Kuwait's independence in 1961, the creation of its own paper banknote led to the first issue of banknotes (before that the Indian Rupee was used). Over the years, the responsibility of the issuance of banknotes and coins is that of the Central Bank of Kuwait. (CLICK HERE for the website). There has been a total of 6 issues till date. The currency of Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KD) - (الكويتي دينار) (د.ك). The paper banknotes are divided into 6 denominations - Quarter Dinar (1/4), Half Dinar (1/2), One Dinar (1), Five Dinar (5), Ten Dinar (10) and Twenty Dinar (20).

The latest issue of the banknotes is the sixth which was put into circulation on 29 June 2014. (CLICK HERE for the article on the sixth issue on CBK website). The currency was revealed to public during the event which was held on 19 May 2014 and was taken in excitement in Kuwait as the fifth issue has been in circulation for the past 20 years since April 1994. (CLICK HERE for the article on the fifth issue on CBK website)

Sixth Issue - Photo Courtesy to CBK

The fifth issue of banknotes have successfully been in circulation for the past 20 years and was nearly removed from circulation during the first 2 months of the new - sixth issue. The initial process of removal of fifth issue banknotes was by a simple process. Since the circulation came into effect on 29 June 2014 (end of the month), the people receiving salary when withdrew from the ATMs received all new banknotes and initially all deposits into the bank was only the old banknotes (fifth issue). This was a successful idea but with little downsides as people who had loan amounts or bills to be deposited into the bank account could not deposit the new banknotes through the ATM. Therefore long queues were seen at the banks - at the tellers. Soon after that all the machines were able to take in the new banknotes also. By the 2 month deadline, nearly 80-90% of the old (fifth) issue banknotes were out of circulation.

Fifth Issue - Photo Courtesy to CBK

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) will be officially withdrawing the Fifth issue of Kuwaiti Banknotes from circulation by 01/10/2015 (1st October 2015). What that means is that public cannot use the fifth issue currency for trading purposes or in depositing with the regular banks in Kuwait. (The funny thing is that by 15th September 2015 itself, no one was accepting the fifth issue) The life of the fifth issue is still for another 10 years in which if anyone that has a fifth issue banknote can exchange with the Central Bank of Kuwait. For any kind of damage banknotes and exchange of banknotes can be done at the Banking Hall of the Central Bank of Kuwait.

Photo Courtesy to Central Bank of Kuwait - Arabian Gulf street - Kuwait City

The internet has a lot of articles and blog posts with regard to the new banknotes. I still remember people around Kuwait showing off the new banking notes on the 29th June 2014. Lots of comments about how the new banknotes were different and might not look good, but now everyone is using it daily without any issue and nearly have forgotten the old. The video below is presented by the Central Bank of Kuwait about the new banknotes and was video was created with the help of Cinemagic.

Unveiling of Kuwait's new banknotes (In English)

CLICK HERE if the above embedded video does not work

CLICK HERE to watch Unveiling of Kuwait's new Banknotes in Arabic.

BBC covered a story about the company responsible for printing of the New Kuwaiti Banknotes (6th Issue). I came to know that the banknotes have atleast 25 security features out of which few were mentioned to the public and across Kuwait Business. Some of the features have been reserved by Central Bank of Kuwait to thwart counterfeiters.

CLICK HERE if the above embedded video does not work

References & others discussing about the new banknotes.

• CLICK HERE for the Central Bank of Kuwait website
• CLICK HERE for the New banknotes at CBK website
• CLICK HERE for the video by Cinemagic in Vimeo created for CBK
• CLICK HERE for the post by Kuwaitiful about the new banknotes
• CLICK HERE for the post by Kuwaitiful about the designers of the new banknotes
• CLICK HERE for the post by 248am 
• CLICK HERE for the post by q8path
• CLICK HERE for the article in Kuwait Times
• CLICK HERE for the article in IndiansinKuwait
• CLICK HERE for the post by TheTrendin
• CLICK HERE for the article by Peter Symes
• CLICK HERE for the wikipedia page about Kuwaiti Dinar
• CLICK HERE for the Quartz article - New KD 10 wins third place
• CLICK HERE for the bank notes - old and new - view