American in Kuwait American in Kuwait offering useful information to American citizens living in Kuwait. TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 Kick Ass Gym in Kuwait (CORE FITNESS) Now how many time you see this in a Gym description? - 20-Minute Pro Caliber Total Body Annihilation - Not to be mistaken for an ordinary gym, Core Fitness emphasizes on developing full physical potential of its clients through proper implementation of Performance Management. Key Points:- 1) Every workout is 20 minutes, provided a scheduled appointment and personal trainer. 2) Each membership is based on the client's specific needs. We do not have a set membership because people do not have common requirements and goals. 3) We aren't a spa, we don't have a jacuzzi, a steam room or a swimming pool; as far as we are concerned, those things are only for pussies and deliver no significant results. 4) We are a facility that delivers results. We provide the necessary tools to promote healthy lifestyles to our clients. 5) Failure to witness results will be strictly held against a client, since he was too busy eating his hamburgers and nesting on some couch rather than busting ass at Core Fitness. In short, we own you for 20 minutes of your life (be it 2,3, or 4 times per week) and push you to the point of no return till you go home and cry like a baby. Personal diet and demoralizing dietician included. Contact us on 2 252 0407 and find out 101 ways on how we can make your life a living hell. LOL, I know these guys and they are no joke, if you really looking to loose weight or get buffed that is one gym who mean business. Posted by American in Kuwait at 3:30 PM 7 comments: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008 REAL Christmas Trees in Kuwait A repost from Desert Girl Incase anyone is interested in buying either a Norway Spruce (Picea Abies - top photo) or Norman Blue Spruce (Picea Pungen - bottom photo) tree, they will be arriving at Janayen Nursery on Sunday, December 7th. Trees are coming in air frieght from Holland and are available in 1.5 to 3 meter selections. I don't have pricing information yet. The difference: Norway Spruce doesn't last as long as the Blue Spruce (needles fall faster). The Blue Spruce also has a silvery tone to the needles). Personally, I prefer the scent of the Blue Spruce. Janayen is located on 4th Ring Road in front of the Friday Market in Shuwaikh - along the row of nurseries. Their phone number is 2472-2074 or you can reach the Showroom Manager, Mr. Mohammed Al-Zean at mobile 9952-0231. This is an unpaid public service announcement by Desert Girl. Posted by American in Kuwait at 8:45 AM 3 comments: Expat Associations in Kuwait Here is another list of expat associations in Kuwait also prepared by Desert Girl BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS American Business Council http://www.abckw.org/ American Business Council – Kuwait Salwa, Blk 11, St. 7 or 10, Bld 15 (Pillars), Apt. 2 Tel-fax: 2563-4042 Mobile: 6698-4999 Email: mibrahim@abckw.org Website: www.abckw.org British Business Forum T: 66841114 F: 25624903 www.bbf.org.kw business@bbf.org.kw Canadian Commercial Circle http://www.ccckw.com/ French Business Council fbc-k@fbc-k.com http://fbc-k.com/ German Business Council Tel No : 965 - 66919950 Fax No : 965 - 66919951 E-Mail : information@gbck.net www.gbck.net Indian Business Council T: 22510891 F: 22525811 www.ibckuwait.org indecomk@qualitynet.net Kuwait Austria Business & Friendship Assoc Postal Address: PO Box: 863, Safat, Code: 13009 - KUWAIT Tel.: +(965) 240 2175, Extension 230 or 224 Fax: +(965) 240 2176 Mobile: +(965) 683 6817 Email: info@kabfa.com Web-site: http://www.kabfa.com Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry Phone (965) 1805580 Ext.#555 Business Center (965) 22423555 - (965) 22423666 Fax (965) 22404110 P.O. Box 775, Safat 13008 - Kuwait Emai kcci@kcci.org.kw http://www.kuwaitchamber.org *Registered companies in Kuwait are invited to attend foreign trade delegation meetings for business development and networking Pakistan Business Association Kuwait www.pbak.org ASSOCIATIONS Association of the US Army (AUSA). AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members. AUSA provides numerous Professional Development Opportunities at a variety of events both local and national. AUSA conducts many projects aimed to support the US Army personnel located in Kuwait. Darrell.crawford@chenega.com, Kuwait_chapter@ausa.org, http://www.ausa-kuwait.com ANZAK, for Australians & New Zealanders Associating in Kuwait, functions as a network for expatriates from the smallest continent and its off-shore islands, and has strong links with the Australian and New Zealand Embassies in Riyadh for whom it acts as the umbrella organisation for the Australian and New Zealand warden systems. The following Indonesian associations are in Kuwait. Canadians in Kuwait: Kuwait is a country that is aggressively opening itself to trade and foreign investment and which is offering great opportunities for Canada. Aims at fostering an effective and active social network among Canadian citizens who live and work in the State of Kuwait. E-mail: CiKmembership@gmail.com , website: http://canadiansinkuwait.community.officelive.com/default.aspx Indonesian Communities in Kuwait. Head of the Association - Mr. Muhammed Hasbi (Tel: 4839927-53). *Indonesian Nurses Association, Head of the Association - Mr. Suprivanto Suhadi Pawiro (Tel: 4713419/4882875).Indonesian Students Association Head of the Association - Mr. Miftah Arif., P.O. Box 22358, Safat 13084 Kuwait. The Indian Arts Circle (IAC) is the umbrella organisation for over a hundred Indian organisations and is the only association in Kuwait recognised by the Government of India. The IAC organises family dinners, stage shows, arts festivals, and sporting events. The IAC promotes cultural activities and provides exchange facilities. Hon. President is Mr Mathews. Mob: 9825675 The Kuwait-America Foundation (KAF) (with offices in Kuwait) is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1991. Its core mission, inspired by Kuwait’s liberation by Allied Coalition forces in the Gulf War, is to express gratitude for American sacrifice during the Gulf War, and to strengthen ties between the peoples of the United States and Kuwait. 910 17th Street, NW Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20006, Tel: 202.293.4740, Fax: 202.293.4485, Email: info@kuwaitamerica.org Kuwait Arts Association. Celebrating the 40 years anniversary with over 22 events varying from solo to group exhibitions, workshops to presentations, annual and biannual competitions. Beirut Street, Behind the college of Business Studies Hawally, Kuwait Phone: +965-2611863, e-mail: info@kuwait-arts.org, http://www.kuwait-arts.org/ Kuwait Economic Society. KES focuses on promoting economic growth and reform within Kuwait economy , capacity building for its members, promoting small businesses, lobbying for legislation reform, improving transparency and curbing corruption within public institutions and reducing "Wasta" (connections ) in order to provide equal opportunities among citizens, and strengthening its relationship with private and public sectors and international organizations. Northern Shuwaikh – Block 7 – Street 71 – Villa 18, P.O Box: 20513 Safat - 13066 Kuwait. Tel: 24847979 – 24847946, Fax: 24804048, E-mail: info@kesoc.org, Web: http://www.kesoc.org/ The Kuwait Irish Society promotes the coel, craic and culture of the most ancient civilisation in Western Europe as well as providing a network of Irish social connections. The Polish Cultural Society (PCS) exists to promote Kuwaiti-Polish friendship. It provides social, cultural and sporting activities, as well as a library and information service, for the Polish community in Kuwait. All Poles and persons interested in Poland are cordially invited to contact Tel 2513704 Fax 5631008. Portes Ouvertes is a cultural group for French-speaking women, from many countries living in Kuwait. Meetings are held every first Monday of the month. A lecture and visit to a place of interest is organised monthly, which gives members a chance to practise their French. For information contact portes_ouvertes@hotmail.com or may contact Ms. / Helen Bubiyan 9136249, Ms. Gabriel Kogiayk 9142902. SOFFSIK, the Society of Filipinos and Foreign Spouses in Kuwait, aims to bridge the cultural gap between Filipinos and their foreign spouses by organising informal meetings and social gatherings every end of the month. New members are welcome from all sections of the local community. Contact (tel 241 0411 Fax 2429674) The Kuwait Sri Lanka Cultural Association is for all Sri Lankans in Kuwait and meets regularly at the Sri Lankan Embassy. The Association undertakes charitable works in Kuwait and in Sri Lanka, and organises cultural activities such as stage shows and arts festivals. Contact Mr. Karannagoda tel 4833819 Social South Africans in Kuwait (SOSA-Q8) organizes socials events for South Africans and their friends to help expatriates to meet each other and to learn more about the culture.For membership and information contact: Dave Esmonde-White, chairmanTel. 5713389/7222134, Email: sasocialgroupq8@yahoo.com There are several Bangladeshi cultural organisations active in Kuwait. These include the Bangladesh Association, Nirjan Cultural Organisation, United Cultural Organisation, Satadal Cultural Organisation, Sonar Tari Cultural Organisation, and Joy Bangla Sangscritic Ukya Jote. The British Ladies Society is a social and contact group for British citizens, the wives of British citizens and all ladies from countries whose affairs are handled by the British Embassy. The Kuwait Caledonians organise social events for Scots and other nationals to promote and celebrate Scottish culture and traditions. The Canadian Women's League is an informal support group for expatriate women living in Kuwait. To help members learn about and enjoy the culture they live in, the league organises tours to local museums and art galleries and holds meetings with guest speakers. Further details from Ms. Sherlin Tel 5319429. Association Francophonie, was established instead of the French Cultural Center. It is a library of 18000 books and literature, in 2000, DVD, 2000 cassette and video. Many of the Association's activities including film presentations, and various other exhibitions such as Christmas Bazaar, Francophonie week .... Etc., registration tel: 2582075, fax: 2574803. COOL, the Council of Leaders of Filipino Communities in Kuwait, is the coordinating council for all Filipino sports, regional, cultural, ethnic and religious organisations. Its aim is to promote harmonious relations among the Filipino communities in Kuwait. Chairman Efren Rivera Tel 9535305. Filipino Cultural Club (FCC) promotes the cultural heritage of the Philippines and develops Philippino talents in Kuwait, by presenting dances, songs, plays and even painting workshops. President Maria Socorro Palacios Al-Ameri. Tel 532 5924/ 4836632 The British Council in Mansouriya arranges cultural activities and English classes. Its Information & Media Centre, which charges fees for membership, has a wide range of library and related services such as details on study opportunities in the UK. Tel 2515512 / 2520068. The British Schools are a group of 14 local schools that provide tuition in a range of academic and leisure pursuits, including ballet, basketball, ballroom dancing, creative arts, computing, drama, languages, music, martial arts, jassercise, soccer, swimming, skating and tennis, for children and adults. The Language Circle is an informal gathering of people from various countries who practice speaking a foreign language together. Main languages are French, Italian, Spanish and German, though other languages are often spoken depending on the current members. Contact June Gowing, tel:5655728. e-mail: june_gowing@hotmail.com Despite its name, the Landscape Execution Association of Filipinos (LEAF) welcomes members from all nationalities. Its objects are to promote professional relationships among persons who work in landscaping and irrigation. LEAF organises seminars, workshop, training on landscaping. President Lito Mercado tel :6519668/572 3194. English Speaking Club Kuwait offers opportunity to converse regularly in English with professionals to ensure fluency, vocabulary and grammar. Membership open to all nationalities. For details contact co-ordinator: Moonirah tel 9465502. Posted by American in Kuwait at 8:18 AM 3 comments: Volunteering in Kuwait Here is a well collected list of places you can volunteer in Kuwait prepared by Desert Girl Volunteering in Kuwait As an expat in Kuwait, you may occasionally find yourself with free time on your hands. Your spouse and children might need something to do as well. Like being in your home country, there are many people in your local community who could use your assistance. Volunteerism in Kuwait isn’t terribly different from what we are used to. There are still special needs, elderly, animal rights, and environmental groups. If you worry about a language barrier, when it comes down to compassion, no one really cares what language you speak. You will find that you will get your point across one way or another; and perhaps learn more about the local culture than you thought. The listings below (in alphabetical order) represent ways in which you can help your local community. Remember that if you are too busy to donate your time, you can always donate resources. Abeer2. Abeer2 is part of the Kuwait Voluntary Work Center (KVWC) (see below). It is a volunteer program in assistance of children with special needs in Kuwait. The program includes various activities: After school program, summer camp, life skills training, horseback riding, field trips, sports, workforce training. For additional information, contact: Phone/fax: 25382802, phone: 7400062, 7550443, http://www.abeer2.com/ or see their sub-page on the KVWC site listed below. Al Kharafi Activity Kids Center. The center was developed to help special needs children play with their peers within a safe and enjoyable environment whilst developing their physical, emotional, social, and verbal abilities. We concentrate on training the children to deal with each other and communicate in a nurturing non-discriminatory environment. Volunteers play a vital role in running the center. For information visit http://www.kharafi-akc.org.kw/ Animal Friends League (AFL). “We strive to improve the quality of animals' lives in Kuwait by rescuing animals and providing them with shelter, food and medical attention; educating people about the basic needs and proper treatment and care of animals. We also encourage spaying and neutering to control the animal overpopulation. The need of animals in Kuwait has never been greater. Once cherished family members, pets can now be found in alarming numbers wandering the streets in a pitiful condition. A number of people discovered this need and realized that something had to be done; thus, Animal Friends League of Kuwait was born.” For more information visit http://www.animalfriendskuwait.org/ Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice. A hospice is a program or facility that provides special care for people who are near the end of life and for their families. Volunteers make a difference in a child's life in hospital, bringing about a sense of normality, care, and fun. Throughout the years volunteers have unselfishly given their time by contributing in many different ways, helping provide children in hospital with a friendly positive atmosphere. Whether it is by playing with the children in hospital, decorating the pediatric wards to promote a child friendly environment, helping in the office or at fundraising events, volunteers play a significant role in supporting KACCH in its aims and goals. For information on how to volunteer, visit http://www.kacch.org/ or phone 2246-4723. Down Syndrome Center. Phone 24821541 or 24824542. Fax: 24821540. Website http://wwww.q8ds.com/ Indian Women’s Association. The Indian Women’s Association IWA is pleased to announce the start of its ‘Spread a Special Smile’ project. The project seeks to provide students with the opportunity to become involved as volunteers, in a summer project during June till August, spending time with the Special Needs Children of the Kuwait Society for the Handicapped. The goal of this project besides the enriching and positive experience of ‘Spread a Special Smile’ will help students explore their feelings, examine their values, discover their own special individuality and promote awareness and understanding of special needs children. Contact the IWA at kuwait@hotmail.com (Note that the IWA coordinates other volunteer projects throughout the year.) Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital. (See “Bayt Abdullah” above.) Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH) is a non-governmental charitable organization registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in 2003. It was founded informally in 1989 to help children and their families cope with the stresses of hospitalization. It is managed by volunteers and funded by donations from organizations, businesses, banks, schools and individuals within Kuwait. Volunteer to play with / read to children in hospitals through http://www.kacch.org/ Kuwait Blind Association. Volunteer to accompany the blind on trips and read to them by calling 25654105 / 25654160 / 25622245 / 25622300 in Maidan Hawalli. Kuwait Center for Autism. Phone: 22540351 or 22540179. Fax: 22540247. Website: http://www.q8autism.com/ Kuwait Dive Team. The Kuwait Dive Team volunteers regularly tackle marine projects in Kuwait including freeing trapped turtles, installing boat mooring buoys away from coral reefs, adding to the coral environment, salvaging sunken boats, fishing nets, debris and waste. If you would like to volunteer your diving skills in assistance of these endeavors (or provide resources), Visit http://www.freekuwait.org/ or http://www.kdt.ksclub.org/, Phone: 24826777 Kuwait Orphanage. (Department of Family Nursery), Ministry of Social Affairs & Labor. The orphanage is located at the UN roundabout in Sulaybikhat. Director: Dr. Fahad Al-Wardan. Phone: 24878949. Fax: 2487-9636 Kuwait Red Crescent Society. The Red Crescent is a volunteer organization which helps those in need in times of disaster. Membership to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society is open to all persons supporting its objectives and principles without discrimination. Its activities are spread through the following committees: Relief Committee, Social Committee, Info - cultural Committee, Public Relations & Income Generating, International Affairs Bureau, Emergency Committee, Training and First Aid Program, Youth Group Office, " BALSAM " Project, Prison office, Search for Missing Persons, Membership. For information on how to volunteer, visit http://www.krcs.net/. Kuwait Sea Turtle Rescue Network. Volunteer to rescue/care for sea turtles by calling 2656 6623/4/5. E-mail: kuwaitturtles@hotmail.com Kuwait Society for the Handicapped. http://www.kshkw.com/. handicapped@kshkw.com. Phone: 22632343 or 22631277. Fax: 22642630 LOYAC (Lothan Youth Achievement Center) LoYAC is a non-profit organization working towards the overall development of youth in Kuwait. K4K (Kuwait for Kenya) is a project of volunteers will fundraise, promote, and volunteer in order to assist the Youth Counseling Center in Mombassa, Kenya to continue to provide and develop its services and programs to the child/youth community. K4K is a divisional project under the K4W (Kuwait for the World) initiative. In addition to volunteer programs, LOYAC places young Kuwaiti interns through summer programs. Your company may be able to assist. Visit http://www.loyac.org/contact.htm Operation Hope. Operation Hope is a mission that seeks to Help Others Practically & Evangelically by providing gifts of coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and socks for those less fortunate during the colder season in Kuwait & to share the love of Christ by serving them as He called us to do. Operation Hope is a non-profit, non-political organization operating in the State of Kuwait. Founded in 2005 by Sheryll Mairza, Operation Hope relies on volunteers and donors to fulfill its mission.http://www.operationhopekuwait.com/. Protecting Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). PAWS strives to provide assistance to homeless, neglected and abandoned animals by providing veterinary care, rescue and adoption services, to animals in Kuwait in partnership with their rescuers. You can assist Kuwait’s rescued pets in many ways. You can donate your time. Even a hour or two each week or month would help provide comfort to sheltered pets. If you can’t donate time you can help us with donations of money, food or supplies. For information on how to volunteer, visit http://www.paws-kuwait.org/index.php?vol. Kuwait Voluntary Work Centre (KVWC). The KVWC is Chaired by Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The KVWC works on various volunteer projects including work with children with special needs, protection of the environment (desert and sea – including desert/sea clean-up activities). The group is often in the local media working with His Highness the Emir on environmental protection activities. (Arabic website – Google translator) http://www.kuwaitvolunteers.com/. Phone: 24750746 2فاكس:4768443 Fax: 24768443. البريد الالكتروني:info@kuwaitvolunteers.com E-mail: info@kuwaitvolunteers.com The Ultimate Volunteer: Become an Organ Donor God forbid, but accidents do happen everywhere. Consider becoming an organ donor in Kuwait by contacting the Kuwait Transplant Society and requesting an organ donor card. Phone 22520147, 22520230, Fax: 22560751. Posted by American in Kuwait at 8:15 AM 7 comments: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2008 HAPPY THANKSGIVING HAPPY THANKSGIVING Posted by American in Kuwait at 8:37 PM 4 comments: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2008 (Repost from Desert Girl) How to find an Apartment in Kuwait There is a great post from Desert Girl on how to look for apartments in Kuwait for Expats. http://desertgirlkuwait.blogspot.com/2008/11/how-to-find-apartment-in-kuwait.html Christopher all the way from Cambridge, Massachusetts ("Ma shooft Yousef" bil Arabi), sent me a little e-mail recommending that I “write a few lines” about how to find an apartment in Kuwait. Well Christopher, it like dis: I can’t ever just write a FEW lines about anything, so here goes the entire deal on how to find a home in Kuwait. By the by, this goes for finding a villa also (pretty much). What you will need A good attitude: Patience. Lots of it; However you can get it, get it. A “happy place” Chocolate (or whatever your crutch is) Kleenex (incase it gets to be too much for you and you need a good sob). A car (taxi) Lots of relaxing/tranquil music (maybe Yanni or Kenny G). Gas. Someone who speaks Arabic Copies of Waseet or Alhadaf classified papers The process Remove all weapons and sharp objects from your vehicle and/or person. This will help avoid a prison sentence when dealing with realtors and building guards (called “hariss” here). Ok, seriously, if you are an English-only speaker, you really do need someone to help you translate – either from the classified ads or by going around building-to-building and asking the guards if there are vacancies. Sometimes, you can find a mandoob (expeditor/gopher guy) where you work or you can ask them to refer you to someone who can translate for a small amount of money. If you can’t find someone at work, or don’t feel comfortable asking for personal favors, taxi offices can often help and they can play a dual role in driving you around to find a place if you are new. Zero to 30 days in Kuwait If someone is new to Kuwait, they probably won’t get their civil ID for the first 30 days, so the employer should provide accommodations during the first month. 30 days to 6 months in Kuwait After the first 30 days in Kuwait, I strongly recommend getting into a short term or furnished place first, so you have the time to look for your ideal home. It isn’t a quick/easy process. During this timeframe, you are still in culture shock, but you are beginning to get it. You have to look for a place to live, but you are still freaked out by the idea and don't really want to be locked into something permanent because it is all so new. AAA Housing and Frost Real Estate are the two most reputable companies in Kuwait. I see them as "halfway houses" for people who are new to Kuwait and transitioning into life here. They provide the comforts of home in familiar surroundings and se haba English. AAA only does furnished accommodations; Frost will provide unfurnished with benefits (phone, satellite TV, maid and laundry services on request). Both AAA and Frost furnishings are to western standards (both have websites). Expect to pay more for both. 6 months plus in Kuwait So you are ready to find your ideal place. You have a pretty good "lay of the land" since you've been here for 6 months. You know what the traffic is like. You have either seen or heard about the places that you want to live. You have several options: Realtors, classifieds, and “hoofing it” by driving around to places you might want to live and asking for vacancies. Realtors Don’t expect miracles: Bait and switch is common. Untruths are common. It will be frustrating to say the least. You will make an appointment to meet and they will be late or send someone else. Some realtors will smoke and have poor personal hygiene. They will never ever have photos of their properties. Finding a realtor: Ask questions of people you work with, check online and in the Kuwait Pocket Guide. Classified papers like Waseet and Alhadaf will have listings of available apartments and realtors (in English when/if you can find them). Realtors generally work in specific areas: Seaside/Salmiya, Salwa/Rumaithia, Fahaheel/Mangaf. Ask what areas they work out of. Work the list: Compile lists of realtors and go through the list to touch base. Don’t expect them to follow up; they’re generally not that professional. Don’t expect them to respond to you through their websites as many don’t ever check their e-mail. Call. Realtors who commonly deal with Westerners: Target, Q8Expats, Eastern Homes, York Real Estate, Century 21. (There are more, but these are the ones I deal with.) Commission: Note that realtors take a half month rent commission from you as the renter and another half month rent from the building owner. This is standard. Write to me (mailto:amerab@gmail.com) you would like to get my personal list of favorite realtors. I'm not going to post it as it is subject to change and I'm too damn lazy to update it all the time. Hoofing it – going building-to-building Driving around in an area where you might want to live is probably the best way to find a good deal in the exact area you want to live. This is where your interpreter/cabbie comes in handy. “Fee shuqqa fathi?” means “Is there an apartment available?” Kuwaitis generally drive around Kuwait looking for apartments because landlords often don’t advertise or use realtors (both cost money). Wear comfortable shoes because there will be lots of running in/out of places. Most apartments in villas won't have elevators. Note: if you find a place you LOVE and it is completely occupied, make friends with the hariss and offer to give him some money (I recommend 30 to 50 kd) to get you in as soon as one becomes available. I take this money to be an investment. Get the guy's number and call him back every now and then to see if anyone has moved. Take him some cookies. (I have my eye on 3 properties for both myself and The Romanian right now.) Dreams of grandure Please don’t expect to find what you are used to in the West in Kuwait’s local apartment market. Aint gonna happen. Many buildings don’t even use interior designers for placement of walls. Most places do not require occupants to re-paint or even clean the apartments once they have vacated. Many landlords won’t even sweep the floors before showing the apartments to potential tenants. Some apartments still have squat toilets (which you can ask the landlords to remove/replace; they are stinky. Purchasing your own sanitary equipment is not expensive either.) Landlords often won’t change water boilers, so that is an expense you may have – don’t freak out. They aren’t expensive compared to the West (around 70 kd). The building guard can generally get you another and have it installed. Zoning - We Don't Need No Stinkin' Zoning! If you live on a farm (in Western countries), you might hear roosters crowing in the morning. If you live in a high-rise residential complex in Kuwait you might hear roosters crowing in the morning. You might see a sheep tied to a lamp post in your neighborhood (means that it will be slaughtered by homeowners/landlord - take your children away from windows). Get used to it. "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore." Unfurnished apartments in Kuwait often do not have kitchen appliances or closets. If you have a lot of clothes and are a single occupant, consider getting a 2 bedroom so you can create your own walk-in closet (SHOOOOOES!). Many apartments here also have a “maids” room (which is more like a cell) that can be used for storage (I had shelves put in). (Large wardrobe closets can be found at the Friday Market for around 85 KD each. There are also lots of carpenters (inexpensive) if you have something special in mind (Carrie Bradshaw, eat your heart out!) The good thing is that many places in the local market don’t ask you for a security deposit – although that trend is changing. Things to look for/things to ask Who are the neighbors? If a building is full of single guys, it will most likely be used as a party place only on the weekends. “F flats” as they are known is where many a married guy will bring his mistress on the weekend for a drink and more. If the apartment has 2 doors and the windows are covered by either aluminum foil or lining sticker rolls, for sure, it has been used for either a party or an F flat. Be cautious as you may have unwanted visitors at night if they don't know that the former occupant has moved. The best way to find out what is going on in a building is to go back and visit on a weekend night after 10:30 pm. Keep in mind that the audio systems used for parties here can be heard from passing planes (I jammed out on a BA flight leaving Kuwait one night, flying over a party in the desert playing 50 Cent…) Something to consider: While you think it might be nice to be in a complex with 100% Westerners, know that the company housing the majority of Western employees in Kuwait (CSA) has a policy specifically against this. They house their employees in buildings with a percentage of westerners to a percentage of occupants of other countries (locals, etc.) for security purposes. Don't make yourself an easy target, even though I personally have never found this to be a big concern (it may be to others). (I've always lived in multi-national buildings/areas in the US.) Where is the mosque? If the mosque minaret is next to the bedroom window, you might want to consider another place unless you like to be woken up at dawn and reminded to pray. Westerners usually aren’t accustomed to the call to prayer; No disrespect to anyone's religious beliefs. Does the apartment have both central A/C and heat? Lots of apartments here won’t have heat in the winter and it gets coooooold. When they tell you that you don’t need it, consider getting out of the shower in the morning when the temperature is down around zero (not saying that it will actually get that cold in Kuwait – but it has). Do the windows have double-paned glass? A big selling point for apartments in Kuwait is that they are “on the main road”. As Westerners, we might not like the fact that the place is 5 feet from a highway. People like to honk their horns in the morning – especially when they are picking up kids for school. Double-paned glass is also important when the temperature gets up to holy-shit-that’s-hot. Are there temperature controls on the water? This is kind of a trick question because most realtors and building guards won’t know the answer. Consider this – it is holy-shit-that’s-hot degrees outside and you want a cold shower: if there is no temp control on the water, you gonna boil like a lobster at a Cape Cod outing and there is nothing you can do to get cold (turning off the water boiler and using the hot for cold in the summer sometimes resolves this issue). Does the apartment have internet/DSL and satellite TV? If not, no big deal. There are lots of places who will install it for you, but that means additional running around and cost. Who pays for electricity and water? Often, the landlord will pay or you can pay slightly extra per month (around 5 kd) and they will take care of it for you. If not, refer to "Utilities" section below. Is parking provided? Believe it or not, I know of 3 new buildings with a maximum of seven spaces to each building. Don't assume that there will be underground parking. Don't assume that there will be any parking! If you are looking for an apartment during the day, go back there at night to see how people are parked. Drive by and see what the traffic conditions are. Also, it gets holy-shit-that’s-hot here and shaded parking is a factor. Responsibilities of the building guard (hariss) Takes out your trash. Kuwait buildings are not equipped with something as simple as a trash shoot. Trash is generally left in the stairwell and the hariss collects it at night. Washes your car. If you drive a high-end car, you might want to consider buying and providing cleaning equipment to your hariss and asking him to wash it only with water. Sometimes they will just wipe it down with a rag and your paint job suffers tiny little scratches. Porter: Assists you in carrying items to your apartment. Assists in small handyman jobs. Brings cooking gas. Payment to the hariss: For washing the car and taking out the trash, the standard payment is 5 kd per month (required or your trash will pile up). If he demands 10kd (1. too much and b. he shouldn't demand), then there is a problem, Houston; unless it is your decision to pay him extra. I’ve found that if you bring your hariss a covered plate once in a while, tip a little extra, or maybe even bring him some used/new clothing, he will do just about anything in the world for you. Lease agreements You will need a civil ID in your name for the lease and perhaps a copy of your passport. Make sure that they provide you a copy in English. I freaked out when I came to Kuwait because I didn’t know if I was going to like the place that I selected after a few months. I was new and I couldn’t tell, so I was worried about breaking the lease and having to pay up (as it is in the US). Not so in Kuwait. You have a 1 year lease, but you can leave by giving your landlord 30 days written notice. Furnishings There are lots of furniture stores in Kuwait: Ikea, Midas, Safat Al-Ghanim, The One/Bo Concepts. Kuwaitis like to change furniture all the time, so there is lots of competition. However, the prices are high compared to the US (dunno about the UK cause I’m ‘merican). Dhajeej area (between 6th Ring Road and the airport) has lots of small places that will build furniture for you. I brought one of these guys a photo of a Roche Bobois sofa and Crate & Barrel table and I had both of them made within 2 weeks at 1/3 of the price. After 5 years, both pieces have weathered very well. The cool thing is that I’m indecisive and so I had 3 sets of sofa covers made. These shops will also coordinate curtains to furniture. If you are into decorating, it can be a lot of fun. There are also antiques places around Kuwait, but most of the treasures aren't Kuwaiti, they're Indian. Write to me for info on antiques places around Kuwait. Decor Now, this is something that you might not think about right away, but in the US, most landlords are very particular about what you can and can not do to decorate apartments. I lived in one building where they wouldn't even allow you to hang pictures on the wall. Kuwait is a free for all on interior decor. Don't like the flooring? Change it. Don't like the kitchen tiles? Change them. I'm leaving my apartment now after 11 years and I have changed just about everything. It was fun. Consider this: There is no minimum wage in Kuwait, so anything labor-intensive will be less. You can have things done cheaper than in the US. Appliances Al Ghanim is the biggest and most reputable. Their service is pretty good and they pick up/deliver. You can purchase appliances through them on monthly installments. Considerations: If you are buying a refrigerator with an ice maker, check the water hook up in the apartment first. Most stoves ("cookers") are heated with propane gas. Tanks are switched out once they are used. The hariss or the neighborhood convenience store (called "dikan" or "baqala") will deliver for less than a dinar. Utilities Landline phone: Ask your company's mandoob for his help. You can get a landline for 100 kd per year and all local calls are free. You will need your civil ID. You will not receive a bill or notification when payment is due. You should go to the ministry of communications in the area where you live (or have a mandoob go for you) annually to pay up. Electrity and Water: Often provided by the landlord. If it isn't, again ask the mandoob for his assistance. You will need to go to the Ministry of Electricity & Water in your area with your civil ID and 100 KD deposit to have the electricity put on. 90% of the time, you will never receive an electricity bill. The average is 5KD per month on an apartment. You should have your mandoob (if possible) go to check with the ministry annually to see how much you owe and to pay up. (Personal note, I got busted after 11 years with an 800 KD bill. I giggle.) Miscellaneous Convenience stores: Lots of neighborhoods have convenience stores that you can call and they will deliver just about anything (including propane for the stove) Addresses in Kuwait are almost non-existent. Until very recently, most streets weren't named/identified. Note your address on your lease. Mail will usually NOT be delivered to your residence. Consider a post office box (at your areas Ministry of Communications for 4 kd per year) or having mail delivered to your office. Emergency Services: 777. They may/may not answer. Have a plan. Know where the closest ER is. Know who to call (your employer, a friend, etc.) Security: If your apartment doesn't have a peep-hole in the front door, have one installed. Beggars often find out where a Westerner lives, and will knock on your door relentlessly. Inform your hariss. Security cams are available at some places in Hawalli and you can have them installed over your door. Consider an apartment starting on the 2nd floor and up because thieves can break in through windows while you are out. If you are away for a long time, put your valuables in a bank safe deposit box. Break ins are becoming more common in Kuwait. Be Aware of Con Artist Realtors: I met with a building owner and discovered something quite scary: Harisses who work with realtors to dupe you into paying a commission that they don't deserve. What happens is that YOU go to see a building and the hariss tells you that the building is being managed by a third-party realtor and that even though YOU have gone to the building and found it yourself, you must pay the commission to the realtor handling the building rental/management. I have had 2 experiences with this lately. At one building, the hariss didn't speak English and a bee-bop realtor man walked right past the hariss and told me that I had to pay a commission to him. Thankfully, I knew the building owner and dropped his name. Here's the skinny: They may ask you to sign a rental agreement with the realtor and you might not know that you actually have to sign with the building owner. Since the hariss is the one working the deal, you wouldn't know it. The building owner told me that this is a very dangerous con because then you are out not only your deposit but you don't have a valid rental agreement. So, how do you find out what is real and what isn't? The hariss should immediately tell you who the building owner is: if the Realtor commission is legitimate, then they will have no problem with you contacting the building owner's office. If they are hesitant, then you know something is hinky. I'll write more about this when I find out more. - end - I thought it was really weird the first time I drove to a complex and asked the hariss if there were any free apartments. After he showed me a beautiful place, I was ready to sign the rental agreement. As soon as I sounded interested in it, he said, "By the way, you have to pay a commission to the real estate office. It is standard. They manage the rental of the building." I thought it was really weird, and I almost paid it, but it was a bait-and-switch deal so I just walked anyways. I had a Kuwaiti friend who was with me and he didn't even question it. He didn't think more about it until I talked to him tonight, so he said he is going to ask around and look into it. The UAE had a big problem with unscrupulous Realtors - majority from Egypt. What happened was that they would find a property and ask the owner to sign an agreement at x amount of money (let's say 500 kd per apartment). Then, they would turn around and rent the apartment at y amount (lets say 800 kd). So, the real estate prices were going sky high. The Sheikh finally canceled all the Realtor visas and kicked everyone out. It was like a mafia. If you have any questions, you can always feel free to write to me at amerab@gmail.com an I will try to assist. Posted by American in Kuwait at 8:26 AM 3 comments: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008 Full Vice Presidential Debate with Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden For those who couldn't watch the debate; Posted by American in Kuwait at 5:45 PM 3 comments: Job listings in the GCC Here is a group that send job posts from all GCC newspapers to your inbox. Just email them at: : jobs_gulf_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Arab News (Saudi Arabia) (Jan 01, 2007 to date ) Sep 29, 2008 Sep 28, 2008 Sep 27, 2008 Sep 26, 2008 Sep 25, 2008 Sep 24, 2008 More.............. Arab Times (Kuwait) (Jan 01, 2007 to date ) Sep 28, 2008 Sep 27, 2008 Sep 26, 2008 Sep 25, 2008 Sep 24, 2008 Sep 23, 2008 More............. Khaleej Times (UAE) (Jan 01, 2007 to date ) Sep 29, 2008 Sep 28, 2008 Sep 27, 2008 Sep 26, 2008 Sep 25, 2008 Sep 24, 2008 More............. Gulf Daily News (BAHRAIN) - (Aug 04, 2008 to date ) Sep 29, 2008 Sep 28, 2008 Sep 27, 2008 Sep 26, 2008 Sep 25, 2008 Sep 24, 2008 More.......... Miscellaneous Jobs Sent by Members / Friends (Jan 01, 2007 to date ) Sep 29, 2008 Sep 28, 2008 Sep 27, 2008 Sep 26, 2008 Sep 25, 2008 Sep 24, 2008 Sep 23, 2008 Sep 22, 2008 More............. Posted by American in Kuwait at 10:23 AM No comments: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2008 REGISTER TO VOTE NOW! Elections are getting close Register to vote now Sunday October 5th, 2008 You can register at the US Embassy in person from 1500 - 1900 Kuwait City, Kuwait September 29, 2008 MEMORANDUM To: All American Wardens From: Consular Section Subject: Warden Notice 2008 – 19 Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all American citizens within your area of responsibility. Begin Text. The deadline for voter registration for November election is getting close but it is still not too late to register. Don’t miss the opportunity to exercise one of your most important rights as an American citizen. There are two ways to register to vote while you are abroad. For most states you can register online via the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov or you can register in person at the Embassy during American Citizen Services hours Sunday through Thursday 1-3 or Monday through Thursday 9-11. The Embassy will also be open for extended hours, on Sunday, October 5th from 1500-1900 to allow Americans who are unable to come to the Embassy during regular hours to register to vote. These special hours are for voting assistance only; no other American Citizen Services will be performed. All citizens should bring two forms of ID, including a U.S. issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Please ensure that you bring your U.S ID inside, as you will need information from it for your voter registration form. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the embassy at VoteKuwait@state.gov or KuwaitACS@state.gov. End Text. American citizens with any questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at 259-1581, 259-1583 or 259-1240. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer by calling 259-1001. For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.) This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov American citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Warden Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com American citizens resident and visiting in Kuwait who are not registered with the Embassy, or whose registration information has changed, are urged to register as soon as possible. They may now do so on-line at the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp Please note that the Consular Section is closed for American and most local holidays. The current list of holiday schedule for the year 2008, may be viewed via the link below: http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html Posted by American in Kuwait at 1:22 PM No comments: Labels: register, us embassy, vote Newer Posts Older Posts Home Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) About Me American in Kuwait View my complete profile Kuwait Pocket PC Kuwait Pocket PC A Complete Guide to Kuwait in your Pocket PC KUWAIT CULTURE HOTELS BANKS KUWAIT STOCK EXCHANGE RESTAURANTS SHOPPING MALLS AIRLINES AIRLINE RESERVATIONS BUSINESS IN KUWAIT KUWAIT VISIT VISA KUWAIT RESIDENCE VISA CIVIL IDENTITY CARD WORKING IN KUWAIT PRIVATE SECTOR LABOUR GOVERNMENT ORG's EMBASSIES IN KUWAIT EMERGENCY SERVICES IMPORTANT TEL Int. TEL. Codes Live Traffic Travel abroad and learn foreign languages! 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