Acting Deputy Director General of Farwaniya and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorates Eng Nawaf Al-Kandari said a field tour was carried out recently in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh to remove everything that distorts public view or encroachments on State properties; resulting in the closure of seven shops for not adhering to the conditions and controls set by Kuwait Municipality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, reports Al-Jarida daily. Al-Kandari indicated in a press statement that the inspectors continue their field tours to monitor those violating the rules and regulations of the Municipality, and then take legal measures.

On the other hand, the Municipality confirmed taking the necessary measures regarding the video clip posted on social media showing the removal of a container from its designated area and placing it in the middle of the street in Khaitan.

All individuals behind the violation will be held accountable. The Municipality said the oversight team rushed to the place and after investigating, it was found that containers were removed from the places allocated for them. It added that removal stickers were placed on vehicles, which blocked the parking of the garbage truck to empty the containers, in preparation for impounding them if the owners do not cooperate.

The WhatsApp instant messaging application is still being used by scammers today, but they have advanced to a higher level.

Al-Jarida daily reports that it has returned to the fore in terrifying and dangerous ways, so users should be careful and pay attention and delete it immediately.

Internet experts have received reports that fans of chat apps are once again being targeted by the dreaded 6-digit code texts.

Despite the fact that hackers have used this fraudulent technique in the past to gain full access to devices and personal data, they are warning now of its seriousness.

According to them, the trick starts when you receive a message from a real friend that seems like a normal conversation with you, but at the same time you receive a 6-digit code.

According to Mirror, the friend will say that the code was accidentally sent to your device. Please forward it to him.

You must stop and end the conversation immediately if this happens to you, as your friend's phone is definitely hacked.

Additionally, they explained that the scam works because WhatsApp will not allow a new device to access an account without a random 6-digit code.

These are the numbers hackers need to access your account through the green app. It is noteworthy that once you send them the code, WhatsApp believes that it is a real attempt to log into your account and because of your action, the platform will also enable hackers’ smartphone chat.

And if hacked, it means that hackers will access your calls and messages, and they can target friends and family and request money via Paypal links.

There are some vital tips that all WhatsApp users should know to avoid falling victim to this attack, the most important of which is setting up two-step verification. To give an extra layer of protection to your account: Tap Settings > Account > 2-Step Verification > Enable.

According to an official at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), news about suspending 16,000 work visas for expatriates in the private sector pending validation of their academic certificates is inaccurate; citing sources, Al-Qabas daily reports that the authority works continuously to verify the integrity of certificates issued by private sector workers according to procedures and laws.

According to sources, there is no plan to suspend 16,000 work visas to ensure their procedures remain fair, stressing that the authority continues to suspend those whose papers or academic certificates are invalid, and each case is audited separately. The authority is working hard to organize the labor market, facilitate procedures for young Kuwaiti business owners, and continue demographic changes.

Sabah Al-Jalawi, the head of professional accreditation at the Kuwaiti Association of Accountants and Auditors, has stated that certificates and academic qualifications of expats in Kuwait holding accountant positions are currently undergoing an audit. This is the first joint cooperation between government agencies, namely the Public Authority for Manpower, and public benefit associations to verify academic qualifications and link them to work permits.

Al-Jalawi stated, based on the initial figures 18,000 expatriates have obtained work visa as accountant. Currently, 13,000 graduation degrees are being examined, and 5,000 individuals with accounting titles in their work permits have not provided proof of obtaining a suitable educational qualification for their profession.

According to him, the association has partnered with a specialized company to investigate academic certificates through Dataflow. He disclosed that in the first phase of the project, the majority of forged certificates were from India, totaling 40 certificates, reports Al Qabas. He also stated that they anticipate the number of individuals targeted by the “accreditation of accounting titles” project to increase in the upcoming period to 30,000 expats holding accounting titles, whose certificates will undergo screening and auditing in collaboration with the workforce.

According to Al-Jalawi, the members of the accreditation committee are all Kuwaitis who are part of the Association of Accountants and Auditors. Additionally, there is collaboration with Kuwait University to conduct exams for applicants seeking accreditation in accounting professions, which is a first.

In terms of requirements, Al-Jalawi specified that individuals seeking an accounting title in targeted professions must present evidence of obtaining a bachelor’s or diploma in the respective field, which will be reviewed by the concerned committee. Those registering for the first time must also take specialized exams conducted by Kuwait University. Passing the exam on the first attempt guarantees the acquisition of the title, and applicants have two more opportunities if they fail the first exam. They can also apply for courses provided by the association.

As for individuals with expertise, Al-Jalawi affirmed that a specialized committee conducts personal interviews, particularly for those with over a decade of experience in accounting.

He highlighted that individuals intending to enter Kuwait with accounting titles must prove their academic qualifications and present them to the appropriate committee before being issued a visa to enter the country.

After ten days since announcing the plan of flexible working hours in most government agencies, the Ministry of Communications decided to start implementing the decision, starting Sunday, reports Al-Qabas daily. According to the decision, the working hours start at 9:45 am and the time of departure is 3:15 pm, indicating that flexible working hours include all employees except those working in shifts.

The decision stipulates each employee must put in four and a half hours of work. In this regard, sources told the daily that the Ministry, throughout the past period, was confused about the flexible working hours mechanism and had sent a letter to the Civil Service Commission on March 29 regarding the official working hours during the month of Ramadan, inviting it to report on the possibility of adopting the flexible working hours system. The sources indicated that the flexible working hours allowed government agencies to choose more than one of the scheduled work times.

 The weekly report issued by the ‘Al-Shall’ Center said that more than a quarter of the total expatriate workers in Kuwait are domestic, as their number in 2022, according to the Central Administration for Statistics, reached about 753,000, of whom 347,000 are males and 406,000 females, reports Al-Jarida daily. The report indicated that India leads the male labor sector with about 239,000 and the Philippines lead the female sector with about 199,000.

The Indian labor occupies 44.8 percent of the total domestic labor, and the Philippines 26.6 percent, indicating that India, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka account for about 94.9 percent of the total employment out of 10 nationalities, including Ethiopia (1.1 percent), Benin (0.6 percent), and Sudan (0.2 percent).

The report added, “If the numbers of domestic workers with other categories of expatriate workers are combined according to their nationalities, the number of Indian workers would have reached about 835,000, which is equivalent to 29.9 percent of the total labor force and about 35.6 percent of the total expatriate labor force, followed by the Egyptian labor force with about 483 thousand, representing 17.8 percent of the total employment, then Kuwaiti workers with about 443 thousand, or 15.9 percent of the total, then the Philippines fourth with 267 thousand, and Bangladesh fifth with 241 thousand.

Security Media of the Ministry of Interior announced that the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigation raided a fake office for recruitment of domestic workers.

According to Al-Rai daily, the office, which is run by a taxi driver and a cleaner, helps domestic workers escape and find work.

According to the newspaper, the two men also dealt in domestic visas.

The Minister of the Interior has formed a committee to withdraw driving licenses from expatriates whose salary is less than 600 dinars and who do not hold a university degree, a step that has taken by surprise a wide segment that serves the country and confuses the actions taken in this regard, reports Al-Jarida daily. The Ministry will reportedly implement the decision retroactively to deal with traffic jams. However, private sources say traffic crisis is solved by improving roads and building bridges and tunnels, not by discriminatory decisions.

Traffic jams happen due to poor street planning. Returning to decisions targeting vulnerable groups in the country, and trying to address the problem of traffic jams with easy discriminatory decrees, is not the solution. Al-Jarida has learned from its sources that the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Defense, Sheikh Talal Al-Khalid, has formed a committee to study the status of expatriate driving licenses and review data, revealing that the ministry will place a “block” on the license of any expatriate who does not hold a university degree and whose salary is less than 600 dinars and withdraw this license. The sources said that this decision will put about 300,000 licenses under the guillotine of withdrawal, noting that when it enters into force, it will be applied immediately and retroactively, causing endless confusion and chaos for those whose licenses have been withdrawn, as well as their business owners who are also citizens.

The sources say dealing with traffic jams does not require difficult discriminatory solution that includes unfairness to a wide segment of expatriates serving the country and contributing to its business process, pointing out that when countries of the world think about dealing with the traffic problem, they do not take into account the possibility of reducing the number of vehicle drivers, and rightly so.

Unjustly, inasmuch as it searches for radical multi-faceted solutions, including improving roads, constructing bridges and tunnels, improving the work mechanism of public transport companies, and regulating the taxi sector, in addition to many other elements, that do not include this repeated approach that puts Kuwait in the crosshairs of international accusations regarding the treatment of immigrants. In late 2021, Al-Jarida launched a campaign against the decision of the former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Lieutenant General Sheikh Faisal Al-Nawaf, when he instructed the traffic sector to “filter” driving licenses for expatriates and link them to academic qualifications and job titles, in preparation for withdrawing them from those who do not meet these conditions, which resulted in about canceling this unfair trend that is coming back today with force.

Trade between India and Malaysia can now be settled in Indian Rupee in addition to the current modes of settlement, the foreign office announced on Saturday. This follows a decision by the Reserve Bank of India in July last year to allow the settlement of international trade in Indian currency.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the RBI's initiative is aimed at stimulating the interest of the global trading community in the Indian Rupee by weaning them off the US dollar. India International Bank of Malaysia, based in Kuala Lumpur, has operationalised it by opening a Special Rupee Vostro Account through its corresponding bank in India, which is the Union Bank of India.

Malaysia is the 27th largest investor in India with foreign direct investment of USD 1,161 million from April 2000 to September 2022. Bilateral trade touched USD 13.86 billion in April-November 2022.

“This new mechanism is also aligned with Malaysia’s foreign exchange policies (FEP) as part of which Malaysian banks are allowed to undertake the settlement of international trade in goods or services in any foreign currency, subject to the rules and regulations of Bank Negara Malaysia,” the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur said.

The mechanism will allow Indian and Malaysian traders to invoice their trade in rupees, though how the Malaysian counterpart would benefit by receiving Indian currency was not immediately clear. At present, Indian exports to Malaysia include machinery, instruments, electronic goods, fresh vegetables and meat.

In a bid to alleviate the escalating issue of traffic congestion on Kuwait's roads, authorities are gearing up to evaluate the driving licenses of all expatriates residing in the country. Local Arabic news outlet, Al Jarida, reports that this initiative aims to revoke nearly 300,000 driving licenses held by expats.

Top-level officials have issued stringent guidelines for the revocation of driving licenses for expatriates who do not possess a university degree and earn less than 600 KD per month. This measure is expected to significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, thereby easing traffic jams and streamlining transportation in Kuwait.

As the country grapples with the challenges posed by increasing traffic, this proactive step to reassess expatriate driving licenses demonstrates the government's commitment to finding viable solutions for maintaining smooth road transportation. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the expat community and the overall transportation system in Kuwait.

If your visa designation changes in Kuwait, it could potentially impact your eligibility to possess a driving license. Nevertheless, you can follow specific procedures to recover your license after a change in your visa status. In this article, we will detail the process of regaining your driving license in Kuwait after a visa designation change, common causes for losing a driving license, and advice on how to avoid such issues.

Step 1 - Regaining your driving license after a visa designation change in Kuwait:
a. Visit the General Traffic Department (GTD): Approach the GTD in the governorate where your driving license was initially issued., and inquire about your blocked driving license. Present your civil ID at the counter , and the staff will provide you with a document containing your details.

Step 2 - Go to the Asma Muroor Maktab Wakil office: Meet with the manager  at the Asma Muroor Maktab Wakil office, who will direct you to the appropriate office. Provide necessary documents: Submit your original driving license, passport, Civil ID, and a copy of your updated employment contract, which reflects the new designation.The officials there will check your original documents and unblock your driving license online.

Step 3 - Prepare a BADLE TALAF application: Visit any typing center to type up a BADLE TALAF application, which should mention your current designation. Get your sponsor's signature on the application.

Gather necessary documents: Carry a salary certificate in Arabic, as well as all original documents supporting your previous and current designations.

Pay the required fee: Purchase a 5 KD stamp for the designation change.

Step 4 - Submit your application, the 5 KD stamp, and other necessary documents to the concerned GTD office. They will then issue a new driving license.

By following these steps, you can efficiently unblock and regain your driving license in Kuwait after a designation change on your visa. Remember to share your experience to help others who may encounter similar situations.

 The victims of electronic robbery crimes in the country lost about KD50 million in the last 15 months — KD38 million in 2022 and KD12 million from the beginning of 2023 until Monday, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting a reliable security source. The source told the daily that about 20,000 citizens and expatriates have fallen victim to cyber crime gangs over the past 15 months, indicating that majority of the victims are elderly and those who lack experience in modern technology.

The source stressed the need to be armed with informational and technological awareness in order to avoid falling into the trap of cyber robbery gangs, which have become a threat to the security of individuals and institutions. He pointed out the Cybercrime Department faces a major challenge in raising awareness to protect privacy, especially after the spread of artificial intelligence applications in this field. He explained that cybercrime aims to harm electronic infrastructure by disrupting digital systems or stealing data of public and private institutions. He said people’s data can be obtained easily now due to the presence of social networking sites. He underscored the importance of strengthening cybersecurity in government and private institutions, unifying efforts, raising public awareness, and developing information security techniques and systems to address cybercrimes and raise safety indicators in various fields and levels.

The source confirmed that majority of cybercrime victims are elderly, as this age group has no sufficient experience with technology to confront the professional methods used globally in electronic fraud, especially since WhatsApp messages and anonymous calls are the most common means for fraudsters to seize the funds of this category.

The source also warned about the danger of downloading applications, which give remote access to smart phones without knowing how to use them, as misusing them enables anyone to have full access to the content of the mobile phone remotely.

Consequently, the Ministry of Interior warned citizens and expatriates about fraudulent operations that surfaced recently; carried out by some weak-minded people from outside Kuwait who impersonate police officers while using telephone numbers and electronic communication apps.

In a press statement, the ministry advised the public to be wary of such gangs; reiterating that any official authority in the country — whether banks or security agencies — does not require citizens or expatriates to provide bank data that are considered the property of the customers and may not be disclosed to any party. Also, the source warned of fraud and swindling by impersonating K-Net Company, stressing the need to verify each link before paying, and the need to distinguish between a trusted link and a fake link.

In an effort to prevent scammers from accessing users' banking information, Kuwait's Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) warns against opening fake links, sending short messages, or sending sponsored ads using the ministry's name. The ministry said in a press release that it does not ask users to provide personal banking information or an image of their ATM card when they file a complaint via its digital platforms or the government's Sahel app.

Additionally, it does not send verification or OTP messages to complainants. The ministry advised the public to make sure that the link they received ends with “moci.gov. kw”, not with “.net or .com” or any other domain extension. When submitting commercial complaints and reports, please use the official portal of the ministry’s commercial control and consumer protection sector “ccas. Alternatively, you can download the government (Sahel) app by going to moci.gov.kw.

Al-Rai daily reports that the Civil Service Commission is waiting for approval from the Ministry of Finance to increase wages and salaries under the 'strategic alternative' project.

Sources explained that this study is part of the government's work program under the title "Manpower" for the 17th legislative term (2022-2026). According to the study, implementing the strategic alternative will take place over three stages, and procedures for implementing the first stage will be initiated after the CSC study has approved the plan.

Al-Ujairi Scientific Center said “the instability of the weather in the country comes due to the transition from one season to another and the overlap between seasons, which results in unstable movement of winds accompanied by thunderstorms and hail,” reports Al-Rai daily. The center said in a statement that “the two periods of the Sarayat that preceeds, and the Sarayat that we are living in now, are an overlap between the two intimate seasons, which end on April 2, followed by the entry of the Dra’an season, and thus we witness a set of climatic changes and unstable weather.”

He pointed out that the next season, known as Dra’an, is characterized by the Sarayat, which is considered one of the distinctive signs in it, and it is a phenomenon that is transient before hot air replaces cold air, causing rising dust. He indicated Dra’an is considered one of the most dangerous seasons, given that the winds change their speed and directions making them to predict accurately.

Meanwhile, the Kuwait Municipality announced that the Public Cleanliness and Road Works Departments in the Municipality Branch of the Capital and Hawalli Governorates have recently dealt with more than 1,257 reports of water pools presence in a number of areas of the two governorates, following the recent rains the day before yesterday.

The municipality said in a press statement on Tuesday, that the two aforementioned departments immediately dealt with reports received regarding water pools in order to drain them and restore the flow of traffic in the streets due to the rainy situation that the country was exposed to yesterday. They explained that the efforts of the cleaning teams pay all attention to raising the level of cleanliness in all areas, in addition to dealing promptly with the complaints of citizens and residents that are received through WhatsApp service and hotline service (139) from the Emergency Department of the Services Department, or which are monitored through social media.

After heavy rains hit the country last Sunday evening, the engineering affairs departments in the educational districts inspect the conditions of the schools, especially in the low-lying residential areas, reports Al-Rai daily.

According to engineering sources, even new schools suffer from leaking water, ceiling damage, and water collecting inside some air conditioners that ultimately damage them.

Also damaged by the rain water were the school furniture, walls, and interior decoration, showing that leakage of water has damaged the entire structure of the school, a problem experienced by almost all schools.

The Safety Department of Farwaniya Governorate in Kuwait has issued a violation report against the contractor responsible for a soil slide in the Ardiya Industrial Area. This was announced by the Kuwait Municipality on Tuesday. According to the municipality’s press statement, the supervisory team inspected the site and found that the building under construction was in the basement excavation stage and that the contractor had a valid safety and demolition license.

Pictures taken before the collapse showed support from the street side where the collapse occurred, and work had been stopped to ensure the safety of passers-by and services.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy reported that the soil collapse caused a collapse in the services area of an industrial plot under construction, leading to the interruption of all services adjacent to the plot. The ministry has taken necessary measures, and the water line has been isolated, resulting in water interruption in the Ardiya industrial area until the line is repaired, reports Al Rai. The municipality has also coordinated with the judicial police team to take legal action against the contractor responsible for the collapse of the service area.

A field tour conducted by the members of the Municipal Council’s Environmental Affairs Committee at the waste and asbestos dumping sites in Mina Abdullah and Shuaiba areas recently revealed an unsatisfactory situation, reports Al-Rai daily. This situation entails a new environmental disaster that will negatively affect the air, water and soil as well as the population, in the event that things remain as they are and the environmental authorities do not come together to deal with it and solve it. 

The reports issued by the Environment Public Authority (EPA) described the environmental situation in Kuwait’s landfills as “highly dangerous” due to the volume of gases emitted from those landfills. In this regard, the Chairperson of the committee Eng. Alia Al-Farsi stressed the need to work towards generating electric power by using the technology of incinerators with international technical and environmental specifications, in addition to converting waste into RDF-produced fuel, fertilizers, and other waste treatment methods. She insisted that the approach must be serious about these projects, announcing that the fourth structural plan identified the sites designated for solid waste management to establish treatment sites at these sites in the future. In a statement issued on the sidelines of the tour, Eng. Al-Farsi affirmed that the committee’s strategy is in line with EPA to limit some waste dumping sites, and to work on converting them into treatment sites, as well as to work on treating and rehabilitating existing landfills, and restoring their lands.

Waste
She said the aim of the visit was to benefit from waste and residues in accordance with the terms of reference of the Kuwait Municipality and to keep pace with future urban development, especially since the landfill site in Mina Abdullah is one of the operating landfills with an area of about two million square meters and receives municipal waste (solid, household, agricultural, commercial, miscellaneous, sand and non-hazardous industrial waste.

Furthermore, a member of the environmental committee Eng. Munira Al-Amir said, “The tour offered a closer look at the real situation of landfills, and to know the mechanisms used in the collection, sorting, backfilling and recycling process. It also revealed all the details to ensure that our legislative decisions are compatible with the real solution, for what we see on the ground. We also observed the shortcomings, especially in terms of urban cleanliness, which is one of the first concerns because of its great impact on the environment and human health. I took several steps to help develop the hygiene file in general, as I submitted many questions that were discussed during the parliamentary sessions. I also submitted two proposals, one of which was approved by the parliament, and by the minister, and a decision was issued, which is the use of expert offices to develop technical foundations for cleaning contracts, setting control standards, and cost levels, with an emphasis on the need for national cadres to work along with this advisory team throughout the study period to receive expertise from them.

As for the other proposal, it is related to the classification of cleaning companies and a review of the tenders and mechanisms for offering these works to get out of the current situation. It will be discussed in the council committees to make the right decision in this regard.” She highlighted the reality of the current situation in landfills, which requires attention, adding, “Unfortunately, it is not reassuring, especially after the recent reports issued by EPA about the volume of gases emitted from landfills, including the Mina Abdullah landfill where a high-risk impact on air, water and soil was observed. This will in turn affect the population because of the emissions emanating from it, which requires prompt action on the authority’s part as well as by MPs, the Environmental Affairs Committee, and everyone who has a role in this regard.”

Also, the committee member Eng. Farah Al- Roumi said, “During the tour, the waste collection and sorting mechanism was reviewed, along with the size or area of the available landfills, their compatibility with nature, and the quantity of waste. The amount of waste that is received at the Mina Abdullah landfill is about 2,500 tons per day.” She explained that the current situation in landfills will be assessed to determine the needs and solutions required to enact appropriate regulations and laws.

Cleanliness
The council is in the process of preparing a new regulation for cleanliness. Therefore, a shift must be made from the system currently used in landfill sites for the disposal of municipal solid waste by replacing it with a modern environmental system for waste treatment, recycling, and reducing the waste of large areas used for backfilling.

The Shuaiba site is used for asbestos waste (hazardous waste), which is asbestos fibers. The site was handed over to the municipality in 2016, and the municipality operates and manages it according to the directives of EPA. Article 8 of the environment law No. 42/2014 obliges the concerned authorities to make a complete inventory of the types, quantities, and locations of asbestos waste in the country, within a period of 5 years from the date of issuance of the law, and to dispose of these hazardous wastes in a qualified site.

In addition, Eng. Munira Al-Amir revealed that the Municipal Council is currently working on issuing a new hygiene regulation that will contribute to the development of an integrated work system for the disposal of various wastes, to develop the status quo as quickly as possible through the use of modern technology for sorting and recycling. She urged the national cadres and the private sector to be part of this system and save the natural resources from exposure to further pollution. Eng. Al-Amir affirmed her confidence that all concerned parties in the hygiene file will work to provide all means of cooperation required to solve this crisis as quickly as possible and with the required effectiveness.

The Public Authority for Manpower and the Ministry of Interior are collaborating to implement measures that will halt the processing of files of non-compliant companies. These companies have failed to pay for travel tickets of individuals listed in their records, including those who have violated residency laws, been registered for absconding, or work at sites outside their companies.

Reliable sources have indicated that the suspension encompasses all companies that have not shown adherence to monitoring the cases of their detained employees at the Residence Affairs Department, reports Al Qabas. These cases involve individuals who have received deportation orders from the country due to violations of the Labor Law or the Residence Law.

The spokesperson also noted that the Ministry of Interior and the Public Authority for Manpower are working together to automatically block the files of non-compliant companies until corrective action is taken and the process of deporting the violating worker is completed. Furthermore, the tripartite committee, led by the Public Authority for Manpower and in partnership with residence affairs investigations, apprehended a total of 493 individuals who violated the residence and labor laws across six different regions during March.

The committee conveyed the detained violators to the Residence Affairs Investigation facility to undergo legal proceedings and be deported from the country. The individuals committed a range of offenses, including expiration of residency, violation of public morals, absconding from sponsors, migrant labor, and begging.

On March 23, the world marked the first day of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. For 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar calendar, practicing Muslims around the world refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset — yes, even water is off limits. The act of piety and sacrifice is meant to strengthen their relationship with God.

While the worship aspect is more or less the same for all Muslims observing Ramadan, different communities have distinct cultural rituals they uphold during the month. If you’re new in Kuwait, some of these traditions may leave you confused, or even dumbfounded. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: Here’s our attempt to demystify some of the confusing situations you might come across in Kuwait during Ramadan.

You can’t eat, either

You’re not fasting and you feel hungry, but you’re in a public place; do you eat? Well, the answer is no. Eating or drinking in public between dawn and sunset is illegal in Kuwait, even if you’re not Muslim. If you’re caught, you face a maximum fine of KD 100 and/or a maximum one month in prison.

Free food for all

Picture this: A car pulls up at the entrance of your favorite coop. Someone steps out of the vehicle and begins calling passers-by to come grab one of the many rectangular boxes in his open trunk. What’s going on, you might ask? That person is distributing boxes of pre-packed hot meals – it’s also probably the only time when it’s safe to get an opaque box from a stranger’s car. The boxes typically contain food you would eat to break your fast: rice and meat, water, dates, a yogurt drink and a vegetable stew. Anyone is welcome to get a box, regardless of nationality, race, socioeconomic status or religion.

Closer to iftar time, it’s not uncommon for strangers to hand out water and dates at traffic lights. Some parents set up free-water-and-date stands with their children at street corners within residential areas. Don’t feel taken-aback if you find yourself getting approached by a stranger who gives you an envelope of money. The gesture is one of many acts of generosity displayed by Muslims in Kuwait during the holy month.

Why the long lines?

It’s ironic that food is the running theme in a Ramadan list. But socially, the month has become synonymous with hours-long gatherings over a full course meal — and inevitably overconsumption. This explains the uptick in campaigns asking people not to waste food during Ramadan. It’s also the reason behind the extra-long lines at your favorite restaurants or grocery stores. You will notice that certain types of food surge in popularity during the month, such as samosas, lentil soup, tashreeb and one infamous deep purple berry drink.

Watch out for road rage

Although Ramadan is all about patience, the way many people behave during the month could leave you scratching your head. One thing to look out for is the blatant disregard of all driving rules, especially during the last hour before Maghreb prayers. If you’ve driven in Kuwait — or commuted as a passenger — you probably know that road etiquette is close to non-existent. But the closer you’re driving to the time people break their fast, the more you’re likely to encounter road rage and drivers zigzagging through traffic. So be extra careful.

Counterintuitive slacking

You might be surprised to find that some of your Muslim colleagues are not putting in their best effort at work, despite the emphasis Islam puts on self-discipline in Ramadan. Unfortunately, it’s become somewhat socially accepted for people to slack during the month, with many demanding that it becomes mandated as a holiday. The opposite is also true for some people who make it a point to work harder during the month for larger spiritual rewards or to distract them away from their cravings.

A night owl’s haven

If you’re a night owl, Ramadan will become your favorite time of the year. Most, if not all, shops and restaurants stay open past midnight. The ambiance at night, especially towards the end of the month, is always lively. Crowded streets and shopping centers are a trademark for this time of the year, with many people choosing to do their Eid shopping last-minute.