Latest news with #KD1
Arab Times
09-07-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait Boots Out 6,300 Expats In 60 Days
KUWAIT CITY, July 9: The Deportation and Detention Department at the Correctional Institutions Sector in the Interior Ministry has completed the deportation procedures for around 6,300 expatriates in May and June 2025. This is part of the ongoing efforts of the department to expedite the deportation of expatriate violators to their home countries. Sources affirmed that the department continues to work hard to deport expatriates referred by various sectors in the ministry for violating the Residency and Labor laws, some of whom are subject to judicial rulings. Sources said the department remains committed to speeding up the completion of deportation procedures, while providing humanitarian support and meeting all other needs of violators during their temporary detention until the procedures are completed. Sources added the field sectors in the ministry refer violators of the Residency and Labor laws, who are arrested in the ongoing security campaigns throughout the country, including illegal workers. In other news, since the implementation of the new traffic law on April 22 -- about three months ago-- areas once frequented by reckless drivers, such as Kabad, Wafra, Abdally and Subiya roads, are now empty of such drivers. These areas, which used to be venues for nighttime gatherings for car races promoted on social media, are now largely deserted, marking a new era of road safety. The law introduced sweeping changes, including increased fines, tougher penalties, and stricter enforcement. These measures have led to a visible shift in driving behavior, particularly among reckless drivers. Previously, some of the abovementioned areas hosted illegal, high-risk races that resulted in fatal accidents (both among drivers and spectators), often under the cover of darkness and away from law enforcement. Under the new regulations, penalties for reckless or negligent driving and racing have significantly increased. Offenders now face fines of up to KD150 for minor violations upon settlement; and in severe cases, imprisonment of one to three years and fines ranging from KD 600 to 1,000 or any of these two penalties. Individuals who film themselves committing traffic offenses like reckless or negligent driving now face fines ranging from KD1,000 to KD2,000. The Ministry of Interior reported a substantial drop in traffic violations and accidents since the law took effect. According to the General Traffic Department, traffic camera data showed 28,464 violations recorded in May 2025; compared to 168,208 in May 2024 -- 83 percent decrease. These violations included speeding and running a red light. Violations related to not wearing seatbelts or using mobile phones while driving dropped by 75 percent -- 22,574 violations recorded in the first month of implementing the new law compared to 89,153 in the previous month. The most important development is that traffic-related deaths fell by 55 percent; with only 10 fatalities reported in May 2025, compared to 22 in the same month of the previous year.
Arab Times
03-07-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Lottery System For 1447 AH Hajj Kuwait Pilgrims – Registration Now Open Via Sahel
KUWAIT CITY, July 3: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs recently issued a circular to authorized Hajj organizers about the registration procedures for the 1447 AH Hajj season through the lottery system. This is part of the ongoing cooperation aimed at serving pilgrims better and as per the decision of the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee during its first meeting for 1447 AH. The circular states that registration for Kuwaitis wishing to perform Hajj will be through the Sahel application. The lottery-based registration ensures that all applicants are gradually screened and maintain their ranking in the queue until selected. The following are the general conditions: Applicants must be Kuwaiti nationals who have not performed Hajj; A maximum of five relatives per group is allowed Women can add one 'mahram' (who may have previously performed Hajj) and one resident relative Applicants can change or reschedule their Hajj dates during the registration period by paying a non-refundable fee of KD10 (around $32.80) Upon confirmation, an initial payment of KD1,500 (around $4,900) is required An application is canceled if payment is not made within the deadline The selected pilgrims will be registered with the Hajj caravans. They are allowed to switch to another caravan once, provided they do so before Jan 15, 2026. Vacated spots will be filled by the next candidate in the lottery queue. Candidates will have three days to complete the KD1,500 payment after selection. A full refund is possible if cancellation is made before Jan 18, 2026; hence, there will be no refund after this date. Payment methods and registration dates will be confirmed in the next circular; while acceptance notifications and further instructions will be sent through Sahel.
Arab Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Iran-Israel Conflict Fuels Delivery Market Growth In Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 17: It has been said that the misfortune of one person is the gain of another, as manifested in the remarkable increase in the activity of home delivery companies; given the escalation of war in the region between Iran and Israel, with no end in sight at present and amid the state of anticipation and caution among the public. In a statement to the newspaper, Home Delivery Company Owners Committee Chairman Abdul Aziz Al-Falih disclosed that the increase in activity in this sector has been estimated at 10 percent since the outbreak of the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. He said delivery companies were receiving 300 delivery requests per minute under normal circumstances, but this has now jumped to 330. He pointed out that water and food are the most in-demand commodities in recent days. 'Demand for essential items has increased, while the rate of non-essential deliveries has declined,' he added. He went on to say that the number of officially registered home delivery companies is about 1,902, and around 900 of these companies are active and operating nonstop. He stated that the number of bicycles used for delivery in the local market currently stands at 14,000; along with approximately 25,000 vehicles. He also confirmed that delivery prices have decreased due to the rising number of delivery companies. "Previously, the cost of delivery reached KD3, but with the increase in the number of companies in this field, the fee is now 500 fils or more, depending on the distance and the nature of the restaurants delivering the orders. The delivery market is currently witnessing competition that primarily serves the interests of consumers, while the committee meets monthly for coordination purposes,' he concluded. Fahad Al-Taraji, CEO of the delivery platform affiliated with Riders -- a delivery company-- confirmed that the delivery market has witnessed an increase in activity since the outbreak of the war; indicating it has increased even more during the current events. He expects increased activity as this sudden crisis continues. He affirmed that the delivery companies in the country are strong and active, stating that the company he manages has a capital of KD1 million and delivers orders at a flat rate of KD1,250 per order from Jahra to Umm Al-Hayman. He said the mission of home delivery companies is to facilitate the process of obtaining a personal delivery representative between individuals and homes, or for the owners of home businesses, regular stores, restaurants, companies in general, or even government institutions, banks and private companies. He said delivery companies also cover remote areas; such as Mutlaa, Sabah Al-Ahmad, Wafra, Khairan, Kabad and others, for only double the price. He pointed out that before the emergence of his company and other companies operating in the same field; there was a black market for delivery agents, in which the price of delivering an order ranged from KD3 to KD4 for nearby internal areas and KD7 to KD10 for remote areas. 'Therefore, the new delivery companies emerged to ease the financial burden on consumers and support productive families, shops, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They aim to market products at better delivery prices; and prevent unlicensed delivery agents from exploiting the delivery market or manipulating it, while preventing unjustified price hikes,' he asserted. He added that the coming period will witness cooperation with the Productive Families and Non-Traditional Crafts Association to open sales windows and support them without collecting fees. Moneim Qasim, a bicycle delivery representative, said the number of orders increased in recent days; starting Friday afternoon. He added that restaurant orders have decreased, while orders for food items from shopping centers that sell their products online have increased. He added that he used to deliver 15 orders per day, and now the number has reached 23. Adel Al-Zaki, an official at one of the major food shopping centers, stated that shopping through electronic websites are active these days due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel -- around more than 20 increase in activity.
Arab Times
05-06-2025
- Arab Times
Chalet Prices Skyrocket 60% As Eid Triggers Booking Frenzy
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: The five-day Eid Al-Adha holiday has become an opportunity for families to enjoy a relaxing time, away from the pressures of daily life. Almost everyone has resorted to chalets as a haven and the first and most attractive option, especially given the seaside atmosphere they offer amid the intense heat, as well as the comprehensive entertainment services, at a time when traveling outside the country is not feasible for many. In this context, several reservation office workers confirmed to the newspaper that chalets in Sabah Al- Ahmad Sea City witnessed a high demand and a remarkable increase in prices -- about 60 percent higher compared to normal days. This price hike is due to the increased demand during the Eid holiday, which some consider an unjustified increase. They revealed that the rent for 'deluxe' chalets -- consisting of four rooms and a swimming pool, and located on the second row from the sea -- reached about KD500 during the holiday, while the rent for those on the first row from the sea (on the creek) ranged between KD600 and KD800. They said the rent for 'super deluxe' chalets on the first row of the creek ranged from KD900 to KD1,800; while prices for VIP chalets (which consist of 10 to 14 rooms in modern buildings, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and game rooms for adults and children) reached between KD1,800 and KD2,500. They added that all these chalets are fully booked days before the holiday. They pointed out that the significant increase in bookings coincided with the school holidays and Eid Al-Adha. 'The long holiday was expected to encourage many to travel, but the reality proved otherwise, contributing to a surge in domestic bookings,' they added. They also indicated that occupancy rates reached nearly 100 percent in most locations, especially in Sabah Al-Ahmad Sea City, which has become a major destination for short vacations and special occasions. The heightened activity is not limited to chalets, as it extended to coastal hotels and resorts, where the price of a single room per night ranged between KD100 and KD140; while hotel suites reached about KD400 for two nights during the weekend. They reported that the majority of the tenants prefer chalets with a direct sea view, a private pool, daily housekeeping, and proximity to public amenities such as shopping malls, restaurants, mosques, and play areas for children. Meanwhile, Ahmed Al-Dahham said the chalets have become an indispensable annual choice for him and his family during the Eid holiday, explaining that the tranquil atmosphere and services provided make the stay a comfortable and enjoyable experience. He pointed out that gathering at a chalet restores the warmth of family relationships, which could be lost amid the busyness of daily life. He asserted, 'The cost may be high, but the psychological and social benefits are worth it.' Ali Al-Zaid believes that the high prices of chalets during Eid are unjustified, but he finds himself forced to book them due to the lack of suitable alternatives, especially for large family groups. He stated that many young people and families turn to chalets because these facilities provide a safe environment for entertainment, without having to leave the country. He called for increasing the number of local entertainment facilities at affordable prices. Umm Yousef said the chalet has become part of her family's Eid rituals, disclosing that the children eagerly await this holiday to play and swim, away from the routine of school and gadgets. She revealed that the chalets provide psychological comfort to mothers, as they can enjoy the tranquility and services offered. She called for the development of more family resorts that ensure privacy and suit different budgets. Ghada Al-Azmi described the chalet experience as a 'psychological break' from the city's traffic and work pressures, pointing out that having local options for relaxation is better than quick and expensive travel. She added the high demand for chalets is a manifestation of the community's need for organized, state-supported recreational outlets. She emphasized that the development of Failaka Island will enhance these destinations and contribute to stimulating domestic tourism and reducing reliance on foreign travel. Mohammed Akbar pointed out that chalets have become a practical alternative to travel, particularly during short vacations that do not require foreign travel arrangements. He said many families eagerly await the Eid holiday to book a chalet and spend a few days of rest and relaxation. He noted that these destinations have also become a logical choice from a financial standpoint, as they help avoid the high costs of travel, especially during the off-peak season. Abdulaziz Al-Kandari shared that he is keen on spending official holidays in a chalet due to the country's lack of family-friendly recreational facilities other than malls. Al-Kandari added, 'Unfortunately, there are no real recreational facilities that accommodate young people and families, and for them to use their free time properly. This is a clear defect, especially when we are talking about children who are considered the backbone of the future.' He stressed the importance of giving this group adequate attention by establishing appropriate facilities that meet their needs.
Arab Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Salaries On The Rise For Kuwaitis And Expats
KUWAIT CITY, June 3: The average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 0.5 percent from KD1,882 in 2023 to KD1,892 in 2024; while that of females increased by 0.8 percent from KD1,323 to KD1,334, as per the most recent labor force statistics. In the public sector, the average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 0.1 percent from KD1,951 to KD1,953; while that of females increased by 0.65 percent from KD1,366 to KD1,375. In the private sector, the average salary of males increased by 2.68 percent -- from KD1,600 to KD1,643; while that of females rose by 2.3 percent from KD1,042 to KD1,066. According to the statistics, the average monthly salary of expatriates increased by 0.9 percent in 2024, rising to KD340, compared to KD337 in 2023. The rate increased by 1.33 percent in the government sector from KD752 to KD762 and by 0.94 percent in the private sector from KD317 to KD320. The average salary of expatriate males increased by 0.63 percent -- from KD318 to KD320, while that of females increased by 0.8 percent from KD475 to KD479. In the public sector, the average salary of expatriate males rose by 1.38 percent from KD794 to KD805, while that of females increased by 1.4 percent from KD711 to KD721. Private sector In the private sector, the average salary of expatriate males increased by 0.98 percent from KD305 to KD308, while that of females increased by 0.47 percent from KD421 to KD423. Moreover, the average monthly salary of Kuwaitis increased by 6.3 percent over the past five years from KD1,474 in 2020 to KD1,568 in 2024. In the public sector, their average salary increased by 4.8 percent, compared to 13.27 percent in the private sector. In general, the average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 5.8 percent, while that of females increased by 7.14 percent. In the government sector, the average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 4.3 percent, while that of females increased by 5.6 percent. In the private sector, the average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 11.46 percent, while that of females increased by 13.64 percent. On the other hand, the average monthly salary of expatriates within the same period increased by 6.9 percent KD318 in 2020 to KD340 in 2024. This rate increased by six percent in the government sector, while it increased by seven percent in the private sector. The average salary for male expatriates increased by 6.3 percent and 3.67 percent for females. In the public sector, the average salary of males rose by 6.3 percent and for females by 5.8 percent. In the private sector, the average salary of males rose by 6.57 percent and for females by 5.22 percent.
