Ramadan 1435 - 2014

UPDATE: CLICK HERE for Ramadan 1436 - 2015

The ninth month of the Islamic calender 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 Month of Ramadan in Kuwait is tentatively going to start on Saturday 28/06/2014. If not, then the first day of Ramadan 1435 will be on Sunday, 29/06/2014. The exact confirmation will be cleared by the Hilal moon sighting Committee when they assemble on the evening of 27/06/2014. So heads up for the NEWS UPDATE on the evening of Friday, 27/06/2014.

If the month of Ramadan starts on Saturday, then chances of having Ramadan for 30 days is high. On the other hand, if Ramadan starts on Sunday, a month of 29 days is going to be expected. 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.

UPDATE (27/06/2014 at 9:45 Kuwait Local Time + 3 GMT)
Kuwait officially declared Sunday, 29/06/2014 to be the First day of Ramadan 1435. The Hilal Moon Sighting Committee announced at 8:45 pm Kuwait Local Time. (Source: CLICK HERE ; Other Sources: CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE)

Saudi Arabia officially declared that Sunday, 29/06/2014 to be the First day of Ramadan. (Source: CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE)

Jordan officially declared that Sunday, 29/06/2014 to be the First day of Ramadan. (Source: CLICK HERE)

Egypt officially declared that Sunday, 29/06/2014 to be the First day of Ramadan (Source: CLICK HERE)

Sudan officially declared that Sunday, 29/06/2014 to be the First day of Ramadan (Source: CLICK HERE)

United Kingdom (UK) officially declared that Sunday, 29/06/2014 to be the First day of Ramadan (Source: CLICK HERE)

Sunday, 29/06/2014 will be First day of Ramadan in the following countries : Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Palestine, Indonesia and Malaysia. (Source: CLICK HERE)

Lebanon and Syria will be having First day of Ramadan on Sunday, 29/06/2014. (Source: CLICK HERE)

Yemen officially declared that Saturday, 28/06/2014 to be the First day of Ramadan (Source: CLICK HERE)

Belgium officially declared that Sunday, 29/06/2014 to be the First day of Ramadan (Source: CLICK HERE)

Older Posts: Ramadan 1434 - 2013 CLICK HERE

Prayer Times for Ramadan 1435 - 2014 (Courtesy of Ministry of Electricity & Water)

UPDATE (28/06/2014) : 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.

Below shows how long the fast will be for people from different countries for Ramadan 1435.

Courtesy to The Daily Reminder / IslamicFinder.org / The Huffington Post

CLICK HERE to read the post about Working Hours in Ramadan in Kuwait.
CLICK HERE to read the post about the Masjids / Mosques in Kuwait that have been made ready for Ramadan.

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 )