Saturday, January 5, 2019

Kuwait's ambition for High Speed Internet

Kuwait's thirst for faster internet speed has been growing. All the Service providers are moving in that direction, be it Fiber Optic cables or 5G networks. CLICK HERE to read the article about projects being executed towards that direction.

Ministry of Communication has been upping their game with Fiber Optic cable replacements of older cable networks in existing cities and installation of fiber optics in all newer cities. This is already helping in increasing the current 10 -14 Mbps to even more higher speed of 50-100 Mbps speeds. Current internet plans by the different Internet Service Providers (ISP) are as below (as of 5th January 2019).

With the Landline ISPs moving ahead in the game, the Mobile ISPs have also been eyeing the 5G networks,  with current speeds of 21 Mbps to 42 Mbps being provided on the 4G networks. Lots of Offer packages are out on all of ISPs.

CLICK HERE for the previous posts about the Internet in Kuwait.

Internet Service Providers of Kuwait

Quality Net
Instagram: qualitynet_q8 (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: qualitynet_q8 (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: QualityNetkw (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 1808888 , 1804444

FastTelco
Instagram: fasttelco (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: fasttelco (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: FASTtelco (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 1886666

KEMS
Instagram: kemsinternet (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: KEMSinternet (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: KEMSinternet (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 1822822

BOnline
(previously Gulfnet)
Instagram: bonlinekw (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: bonlinekw (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: bonlinekw (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 1816666

Mada
Instagram: mada_kuwait (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: Mada_Kuwait (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: Mada.Kuwait (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 1822888

BWireless
(previously WiMD)
Instagram: bwirelesskw (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: bwirelesskw (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: BWirelesskw (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 1800055

Zain
(Previously MTC)
Instagram: zainkuwait (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: zainkuwait (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: zainkuwait (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 107

Ooredoo
(Previously Wataniya)
Instagram: OoredooKuwait (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: OoredooKuwait (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: OoredooKuwait (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 121

Viva
Instagram: VivaTelecom (CLICK HERE)
Twitter: VivaTelecom (CLICK HERE)
Facebook: VivaQ8 (CLICK HERE)
Customer Care: 102

UPDATES (01/10/2019): OCTOBER 2019



Monday, May 14, 2018

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.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

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

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

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.

Friday, February 23, 2018

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.