Dispatches 76

Autumn 2014 ISSUE 76

BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM

DISPATCHES Dear Reader,

Telephone 2232 2038 Fax 2232 2040 www.bbfkuwait.com

On behalf of the BBF, let me welcome all our new British arrivals, including Her Majesty’s new ambassador Matthew Lodge. We are very glad to have you here. Of course, we are always delighted with the return of friends who head home for the summer.

Administration and Advertising Sheeba Pius/Rose William Telephone (965) 2232 2038 Fax (965) 2232 2040 Email: business@bbfkuwait.com

In addition to the new ambassador, there is a new BBF Chairman and many new faces on the board. All the board members are volunteers who give their time and energy to supporting the British business community in Kuwait. The British Business Forum has many purposes. Some are serious, like helping grow the presence and impact of British business in Kuwait; others are more convivial, like providing networking opportunities and the occasional small touch of home.

The meetings and special events,

including the upcoming Poppy Ball, are great sources for both interactions. Dispatches is also a useful tool for connecting with Kuwait and staying connected with the UK. So, grab a cuppa and have a “shouf” . . .

Sue

Take care,

Susan Day Editor

British Business Forum Kuwait

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Contents • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

BBF Board of Directors A Greeting from the Chairman Ambassador’s Message BBF Elects 2014 – 2015 Board of Directors BFF August Members Meeting Be A BBF Thought Leader Doing Business in Kuwait Multi Award- Winning Range Rover Evoque Leads The Way With In-Car Technology Third generation BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle arrives in Kuwait. New BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupé Expands BMW’s X Model Range in Kuwait Mini Unveils New Kuwait Home Kuwait Residents Can Now Hold Flights When Booking With British Airways British Jewelry Business Finds Inspiration in Traditional Arabian Themes It Takes Two to Tango Now You’re a Landlord UK Inland Revenue Has Its Say Kuwait Blogs New Horizons Just Get On a Plane . . . ‘Crossing Borders With Performing Arts’ Q&A on Education In Kuwait Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah Launches CS 20 DAI Children’s Programmes DAI Cultural Season BBF Forum Membership Renewals 2014-2015 BBF Membership Benefits British Embassy Kuwait Announces Important New Changes to Notarial and Documentary Services British Ladies Society Community Groups Membership Form

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 22

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25 27 30 32 34 36 38 42 46 49 53 58 63 68 69 72 74 76 82

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BBF Board 2014/2015

Tareq Al-Oun

Graham Kenny Chairman

Donald Teale

Arthur Barber

Paul McKay

Venkat Chowdary

Steve Gardner

Colum Cantillon

Treasurer

Director

Vice Chairman

General Secretary

Director

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Darren Craven

Russell Byrne Director

Rose William Sheeba Pius

Adminstration Administration and Manager and Dispatches Coordinator Dispatches Coordinator

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inter 2012

An Swinnen

Barry Stokes

Retail Sector Group

David Batterby

Director Commercial

Director

George Mhawech Rose William

Events Manager Advertising Manager

Anwar Tararwa Director

Jennifer Mas Jennifer Mas Photographer Photographer

Business Women Sector Group

Musaed Al Najjar Director

George Mhawech Sheeba Pius Ofď&#x192;&#x17E;ce Events Assistant Manager

BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM

A Greeting from the Chairman

elcome to the 2014 autumn edition of Dispatches and my first penned introduction as Chairman of the BBF. In this ‘new era’ I am also delighted to welcome the new British Ambassador to Kuwait, H. E. Mr Matthew Lodge who I applaud for having set aside time and effort to make an introductory contribution to this edition of Dispatches, within his first weeks. The theme of this issue is ‘Expat Life’. A theme that I am sure we all have an opinion of and any number of anecdotal examples that offer insight into our characters and/or the characteristics of our environment What is an expatriate, or to use the shortened vernacular “expat”? One definition offered is a person temporarily or permanently resident or residing in a country other than that of the person’s upbringing. In common usage, the term is often applied to professionals or skilled workers sent overseas or employed in foreign location by their companies. A migrant or immigrant worker is a term used often in the context of manual labourers or service industry operatives. The differentiation found in common usage usually comes down to socio-economic factors, labels applied so that skilled professionals working in another country are described as expatriates, whereas a manual labourer who has moved to another country, ostensibly through financial motivation to earn more money might be labeled as an immigrant or migrant worker. There is no set definition and usage varies with context, for example the same person may be seen as an “expatriate” by their home country and a “migrant worker” where they work. As I pondered through the recent weeks on how I may approach and write this opening article as well as anticipating, with not a little element of trepidation how it may be received, I reviewed some previous content of the back catalogue of Dispatches. I was struck by the diversity and breadth of the content, not only the pieces supplied by members and other contributors as articles but also the range of

editorial pieces and even the services mentioned either through the advertisements or the information sections. As I viewed a number of back issues over some years enjoying the tapestry the range of content, elemental and informative, colourful, patterned, its contrast and homogeneity, the laying of different themes, subject matter and diversity. To me this sums up an expat life, a canvas of opportunities, of experiences and learning to be converted to knowledge. We may immerse ourselves at different depths within a host country through opportunity, time constraints or inclination but at some level I think we all take some element of colour from our exposure to the landscape we visit. Perhaps surprisingly, in terms of outbound expatriation, in 2009 the United Kingdom had the most expatriates among developed OECD countries with more than three million British living abroad, on an annual basis, emigration from Britain has stood at about 400,000 per year for the past decade. In Dubai the population is predominantly expatriates, from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, with only 20% of the population made up of Emirati citizens. The declared results of the 2011 census in Kuwait show this figure is nearer 40% for Kuwaiti nationals. As a contribution to the success of the expat experience, before entering the host country, an expatriate must understand, appreciate and accept the values, norms, beliefs, and behavioral patterns of the host culture. One way to acquire knowledge

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is to take the Cognitive Approach. This includes learning about the country through lecture-type orientation and fact-orientation. This involves briefing of the environment and becoming oriented with the culture so that the expatriate may understand things such as the history, the geography, the religion, the people, and the economy. According to Hsiu-Ching Ko and Mu-Li Yang, in their book The Effects of Cross-Cultural Training on Expatriate Assignments, one of the best ways to acquire knowledge about the culture is through experiences. This can be done through experiential exercises and cultural assimilators, undergoing field simulations or to take part in first-hand, practical, hands-on training even including role-playing, and workshops. Taking part in such training will allow the expatriate to develop a better understanding of the host culture and its details. Field experiences can also be used to acquire more knowledge. This is where the expatriate goes into another culture for a short period of time, to become accustomed to the feeling of being out of their homeland.

barrels of proven oil reserves, roughly 6 percent of the world total sits as a comparative oasis of stability. This small state we reside in and that we ought to consider ourselves privileged to be experiencing describes all visiting workers as expats when referencing through the press and media. The rules of residency and employment define a structure and system more classically migrant in its nature of personnel providing working services across many business sectors. So in short enjoy the experience, the diversity, consider not that we are expats but migrants, given opportunity to change locations and scenery as does a migratory bird, though perhaps not with the frequency of seasons. We may consider and take advantage of a shrinking globe to increase the breadth of worldly education and experiences that this life we have chosen can offer us.

There are very few readers of this article who would have undertaken such a formal orientation and knowledge acquisition process as the model above. However in truth we all do a little of these methods, the internet and social media are wonderful tools. There are significant employing companies in Kuwait who have successfully used business trips for UK based personnel as ‘field experience’ to acclimate the prospective candidate for an expatriate assignment here in Kuwait.

The British Business Forum takes pride in being an effective member based networking organisation that wants to develop open mindedness and ideas to generate opportunity amongst the business community at a number of social or commercial levels. New persons and corporate organisations are encouraged to join the Forum and participate in our development of British-Kuwait business opportunities and growth, as well as to contribute to healthy dialogue across a range of subject matter at our monthly members and regular Special Interest Group/Sector meetings. Please contact the administration office for details by emailing business@bbfkuwait.com or calling 2232 2038.

But are we expatriates or migrant workers? I put it that the answer is steeped in the perception of our status within the World, based upon our history, our empire or nation, opinions of self import and the self belief of our value, firstly to our own objectives and then to the country of residence.

May I wish all readers the best in your endeavours wherever you may be based or transiting, I hope to see a number of you at the BBF Annual Poppy Ball in Kuwait to be held on the 14th November with the proceeds generated being awarded to British Forces Charities.

We live in a world that currently in an increasing number of cases demonstrates a turbulent geographic environment of socio-political change often through idealism fuelled by a process of unrest even violence. Kuwait, this country of immense opportunity and wealth that according to Oil & Gas Journal, as of January 2013, had territorial boundaries containing an estimated 102 billion

In closing, under the subject of expatriate life and the learning experiences that we may take from our international travels, it is appropriate that I and the British Business Forum are able to congratulate H.H the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and the State of Kuwait as recently named by the United Nations as a “Global Humanitarian Leader” and “Global Humanitarian Centre”.

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THE BRITISH EMBASSY

Message from

Her Majesty’s Ambassador

Matthew Lodge

It is a great pleasure to be here in Kuwait. I arrived with my wife, Alexia, and our two boys, on 27 August. The first few weeks have flown by as I get to know the Embassy team, introduce myself to our Kuwaiti hosts and meet members of the UK and wider expatriate community. Without exception, everyone we have met has been friendly and welcoming. There is a wonderful positive energy. And, if I hadn’t already been aware of it before my arrival, the breadth and depth of the UK-Kuwaiti relationship is striking. It is based, as anyone who has lived here for a while or who visits regularly will know, on a close bond, built up through years of shared history, political, economic and social interaction and a steady flow of people between the United Kingdom and this wonderful country at the northern end of the Arabian Gulf. It is a huge privilege and honour to have been appointed as the new British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait. I am conscious of the responsibility that brings, but also the exciting opportunities it offers. One of my early introductory meetings has been with the British Business Forum. Graham Kenny, Tareq Al Oun, Martin Hall (UKTI) and I talked about the excellent work that the BBF does, and how we can continue the strong partnership that exists between the BBF and the British Embassy. I was glad to have this conversation. The work the Embassy does on “Prosperity” (as the Foreign Office in London calls it) is at the heart of our efforts here. Whether it is our UK Trade and Investment team working to support British businesses within Kuwait, or encouraging Kuwaiti investment in the UK; our economic officer following developments in the Kuwaiti economy; our public diplomacy team promoting the UK as a world leader in innovation, advanced engineering and modern business practices (along with a host of other areas); our political officer championing good governance, transparency and accountability; our British Council colleagues promoting UK education and the global value of English language skills; or our events team organising showcase events at the Embassy or in The Avenues to promote the Best of Britain – all these elements and more contribute to our mission to help support the UK’s prosperity as part of our broader relationship with Kuwait.

But, whether one is talking about business, trade and shared prosperity, or political and historical ties, at the end of the day it all comes down to people. The volunteers who give up their own time to make the BBF and a host of other groups and organisations, charities and networks, function; the long-term residents who add so much to the mutual understanding and appreciation between the people of Kuwait and the UK; the travellers and new-arrivals who bring fresh energy and ideas; and the younger generation for whom the UK and Kuwait form an indelible part of their experience and identity, past, present and future. I want the Embassy to go from strength to strength, building on the success of recent years and achieving even more, across the whole range of UK interests here in Kuwait and the region. I am a strong believer in the power of a team effort. This has been shaped by my early career in the Royal Marines, but reinforced during the 18 years I have been a diplomat. Kuwait is my second Ambassadorial appointment. From July 2010-December 2013 I was Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Finland. Quite different from Kuwait in a number of obvious ways – but I have long subscribed to the view that “variety is the spice of life”! But however different Finland and Kuwait may be, the fundamentals remain the same. To represent the United Kingdom and to promote UK interests through the strengthening of the relationship between the UK and our hosts – the Government and people of Kuwait. I am delighted to have seen already that there is no shortage of ideas, of enthusiasm or of talent. As the Embassy, the British Council, the British Military Mission and parts of the UK Government presence here in Kuwait embrace this challenge, I very much hope we’ll be able to continue to work closely with the British community, with all those many Kuwaitis who have a strong affection for the UK and with the BBF and other organisations, so that together we can realise the full potential of this very special and unique friendship and connection that exists between the UK and Kuwait.

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You are invited to attend The British Business Forum

Poppy Gala Dinner In aid of the British Forces Charities on Friday, 14th November 2014 7 pm until late We are taking bookings for the Poppy Gala Dinner Full ticketing details will be available shortly and available from BBF ofďŹ ce To book please contact sheeba.pius@bbfkuwait.com or phone: 50554114 or 22322038

The Forces Charities look after the interests, welfare and memory of British serving and ex service personnel and their dependants, including those who served during the liberation of Kuwait and those whom continue to make sacriďŹ ces through to the present day.

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BBF Elects 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2015 Board of Directors

he British Business Forum (BBF), a non-profit association of British business people in Kuwait held the Annual General Meeting at the Crowne Plaza hotel Wednesday to elect the board members for 2014-2015. The proceedings of the meeting were conducted by Arthur Barber with Donald Teale who gave a brief account of the activities of the BBF over the past year and shed light on future events. based Project Management and Engineering Services Company and where he is project director. Tareq Al-Oun who holds an MBA from the Gulf University for Sciences and Technology, Kuwait, and BA (International Business) Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, Washington), USA, has more than 13 years of experience in banking and investment fields in Kuwait and MENA region.

The newly elected members are Graham Kenny, Chairman; Tareq Al Oun, Vice Chairman; while Arthur Barber and Donald Teale have been re-elected as General Secretary and Treasurer respectively. The five directors are former BBF Chairman Paul McKay, Steve Gardner, Venkat Chowdhary, Colum Cantillon, Dr Musaed Al Najjar and Russell Byrne. Following is the brief profile of BBF officers who have been elected for 2014/2015. Graham Kenny has been in Kuwait for the past 8 years with AMEC, the UK-

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Venkat Chowdhary is Managing Director for Space Al-Arabi General Trading Co WLL and Avanti Palace Restaurant Co WLL. Column Cantillon, now on a second tour in Kuwait is managing an office for WorleyParsons – Engineering Consultants in the oil/gas sector. Dr. Musaed Al Najjar, is a retired police officer with 29 years of service. He has a PhD from the Nottingham University in psychology and usually gives lectures that teach PTSD to the emergency responders (police, firefighters, EMS). Russell Byrne has over 23 years of practical experience in the education, retail and financial services sector.

Arthur Barber has 25 years of professional experience in the Middle East including 19 years in Kuwait in the oil and energy industries, in environment and in risk and emergency management. Donald Teale heads the Managing Consultancy practice for the KPMG in Kuwait and has been based in Kuwait for just over four years, having relocated from Eastern Europe. Paul McKay, an active and enthusiastic BBF member for 15 years has served as board chairman (2010 – 2014), Vice Chairman (2008 – 2010) General Secretary ( 2006 – 2008) and as Open Place Director (2004 – 2006). Steve Gardner is an accomplished professional in entrepreneurial business development in Europe, Caribbean, the USA and Middle East.

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BBF August Meeting

he British Business Forum (BBF) Kuwait held its first members meeting after summer recess at the Crowne Plaza. The smaller and more intimate venue fostered a healthy environment for dialogue and networking amongst the members present. The evening was hosted by the BBF chairman Graham Kenny who introduced the board members present before outlining proposed BBF activities in the short and longer term. A number of special interest (sector) groups were introduced and the focal points of those communicated to the audience. These included the health group that will be hosted by Carole Gillam, the education and training group to be hosted by Zeina Nehume and the Thought Leadership Community (TLC) group to be hosted by Russell Byrne. There will be other groups initiated in the next few months, in the meantime all interested parties may communicate through Sheeba Pius in the BBF office -sheeba.pius@bbfKuwait.coom

As far as future events are concerned, the BBF will be hosting its prestigious charity event â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Poppy Ballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in November as well as the Excellence Awards in early 2015. Monthly members meetings are scheduled and normally occur on the third Wednesday. The evening ended with a raffle for prizes donated by the Regency hotel.

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Be A BBF Thought Leader Russell Byrne

Why Join the BBF TLC? Global research indicates a strong deficit in the advancement of management practice, technology and INNOVATION. More input is needed by the private sector motivated to make improvements and a difference – ordinary people like you and me – hence the establishment of this Thought Leadership initiative. You will: 1. Mix with smart people 2. Collaborate commercially 3. Engage in leading-edge learning through fabulous member only events. Who may join? Kuwaiti or non-Kuwaiti; Member or non-Member – it doesn’t matter – as long as you believe you have a “knockout” IDEA! The TLC ideology is to unleash the power of your great idea. We welcome the rare few who want to create something amazing – Original Thinkers – who are passionate and crave creation. Our mission is to encourage and help clever people to be commercially smart so that they can achieve the most amazing things imaginable. “A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Are you a Thought Leader? Thought leaders are the informed and trusted opinion leaders; the go-to people in their field of expertise; the movers and shakers who inspire, create and innovate – solution focused Original Thinkers! Three TLC categories: 1. Infopreneur – People interested in speaking, writing, consulting, training, coaching, mentoring or facilitating; who don’t want to build a business with lots of staff and who are happy to build a personal profile and brand around their name. 2. Entrepeneur – For business people who think outside the square to identify and capitalise on opportunities; who want to start, grow or exit a

business. Someone who would like to develop the mindset of a master entrepreneur and be able to make better decisions and run a more successful business. 3. Intrapreneur – A subject matter expert that commercialises their intellectual property to sell it to the world. An innovator within an organisation whose ideas have the power to change a company’s future. You may specialise in speaking, authoring, training, facilitating, mentoring or coaching or any combination in between. Your engagement may be as an employee or executive, a layman or leader, within a dynamic organisation or a monolithic corporation. Can I become a Thought Leader? Irrelevant of who you are or where you come from: 1. If you have knowledge and expertise in a particular niche; a certain level of commitment and a willingness to buck the status quo; 2. If you have worked in your area of expertise but have not yet created something you can call your own; 3. If you are willing to do the work to codify what you know and you have the patience and fortitude to build momentum over time; then, join us to build an amazing community of likeminded individuals united by a common agenda: to use innovation and commerce to create projects and businesses that make a positive difference on the planet. What makes us different? • TL can be directed up as well as down or sideways • TL has nothing to do with position or managing people • TL is the basis of innovative change • TL is egalitarian because it can shift rapidly from one person to another • TL cannot be monopolized – it has nothing to do with climbing a hierarchy • TL changes how people think, hence no action is necessarily implied • Implementation is a separate phase – a managerial undertaking Thought leaders are ideas people. They originate new ideas or are quick to champion the creative ideas of others. Join us today. Russell Byrne is co-founder and CEO of Education Consortium. You may contact him at russell@edu-kw.com or +965 2295 1919.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Doing Business in Kuwait Jeremiah Emanuel Josey

eci Group provides mergers and acquisition, transaction advising and consulting services. As Kuwait’s oil and gas industry begins major upstream and downstream projects and is looking to attract more international players and investors, senior consultant Jeremiah Emanuel Josey argues that understanding KPC and its subsidiaries’ structure is key to project execution in the country.

Petroleum products account for almost 93 per cent of Kuwait exports and most government revenues. The original Kuwaiti trades of shipbuilding and pearling are now only hobbies, and long-distance commerce, once the business heart of Kuwait, has been replaced by long-distance investing. The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) for instance, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, has taken a portion of oil revenues since 1953 and positioned itself as one of the GCC leading investors overseas. Global

watchdog Transparency International ranks Kuwait 69 out of 177 countries in its corruption perceptions index. The country is fluid in its politics. The national assembly has been reformed five times in the past eight years, and government decisions are often formally questioned. Despite these apparent obstacles, rewards can be reaped. $75 billion is to be spent in the upstream oil industry over the next five years, and much more is to be spent on infrastructure. Upcoming projects include Silk City, a business and residential centre for more than 700,000 people, and the Sheikh Jaber Bridge now under construction, both included in the country’s $130 billion development plan adopted in 2010. Investment opportunities abound in this small coastal territory and

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with the right attitude and approach, navigating the waters correctly will yield results, especially in the oil and gas industry. Doing business in Kuwait’s oil sector requires a multipronged, multi-faceted approach. There are four informal levels of influence in the K oil industry companies and particularly with the Kuwait Oil Company, which is responsible for oil production, and the Kuwait National Petroleum Company, which is responsible for oil refining. These levels are upper management, uppermiddle management, lower-middle management, and lower management. When providing a service to the K companies (or any ministry in Kuwait), managing all

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR SOME OF OUR KES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Natasha Chakraborty –University of Bristol Yasmeen AL Sadek – Cardiff University Hannah Matthew– St. Andrews Riya Bains – University of Warwick Imogen Reid - University of Exeter Abdullah Khalil – University of London Tarek Hafez – Charles University Adam Koval – University of Exeter Tariq Al Akkad – University of Manchester Lina Najem – Yale University Mahmoud El Bahnasawi –University of Cambridge Iman Al Gubari – Oxford University Sabeeh Siddiqi – University of Pennsylvania Arnaf Al Rafi – London School of Economics Ramsay Ronalds- Leeds College of Music Zaina Najem – Univeristy of Edinburgh Anushka Wadhawan – University of California:Berkeley KUWAIT ENGLISH SCHOOL

‫ﻣﺪﺭﺳﺔ ﺍﻟﻜﻮﻳﺖ ﺍﻻﻧﺠﻠﻴﺰﻳــﺔ‬

Salwa area 11 street 9—P.O.Box 8640 – PC 22057 Tel 2565 5 216/218-KG 2565 5208 -Fax: 2562 9356 Email: keschool@kes.edu.kw —web: www.kes.edu.kw

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four levels is equally important for a successful, profitable venture. Their relative importance changes over the duration of a project and the way each level is formed.

other K companies, retirement or entering the private sector. Engagement of this level is important to ensure full support across all other levels within each company.

Staff rotations typically occur every two years in the K companies. The lower level consists mainly of eastern (Indian) expatriates. A good number of them have 20 or more years’ experience at their respective K company, in the same or very similar positions to the day they started. They have an excellent working knowledge of their position, their company and in particular their Kuwaiti managers. Their friends and relatives also often find positions within the same or related companies, or in the EPC companies of the country. As a result, tightly knit, well-connected and very knowledgeable groups throughout the oil industry companies can exercise significant influence across all levels of the business.

All four levels must be engaged at carefully staged times during a project, each requires a different success strategy. For instance the fourth level is best approached with personnel from the same geographical region. For the two middle levels, one must focus on positive performance and communication. The approach to the top level is similar to the middle levels only with less frequency.

The two middle levels of K company management are made up of Kuwaiti nationals. They rotate normally within the same company and the result is twofold: a heavy reliance upon the lowest stationary level for operational information and a high level of competition for upcoming promotions. Decisions that may adversely affect a promotion may be deferred or passed to other departments. Therefore output-based performance is generally not the focus of activities, and often resolutions can be delayed for some time. For profitable business, managing projects proactively and maintaining the support of these management levels through regular positive communications is necessary. The top-level rotation for senior management is not as regular. Rotation means more senior positions across

Work with the K companies is normally awarded through a competitive tendering process, but there are other ways to do business in Kuwait such as the country’s legislated Offset Programme, which is necessary for projects more than KWD10 million ($35.3 million) and administered by the National Offset Company, and “Unsolicited Projects” of the legislated Public-Private Partnership Programme, where private investors can bring their own projects. Both schemes are new in Kuwait, and if properly approached they can offer significant opportunities in Kuwait leading to further profitable ventures. For example, Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan is following the PublicPrivate Partnership route for a 280-MW integrated solar combined cycle power station in the southwest of Kuwait. Jeremiah Emanuel Josey is a senior consultant with the MECI GROUP. To learn more about the group, visit www.Meci-Group.com or email Jeremiah at Jeremiah.Josey@Meci-Group.com.

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Multi Award- Winning Range Rover Evoque Leads The Way With In-Car Technology

• Range Rover Evoque wins reader award for incar technology

• Named ‘SUV of the Year’ and ‘Best Premium SUV’ taking total awards to over 160

• Evoque drivers benefit from the latest Land

Rover customer focused in-car technologies and safety features

The Range Rover Evoque has won three more awards, taking its global haul of accolades to a total of 161 in just over three years. Already widely acclaimed by journalists, critics and owners, the most recent successes have come from the readers of key global titles. In one recent survey the Evoque scored a nearperfect 94 per cent when participants were asked to rate their cars’ audio and entertainment systems as well as other technology, such as phone connectivity and the user-friendliness of on-board computers. Mr. Yousuf Al Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive – the exclusive importer of Land Rover in Kuwait – said: “This recognition by magazine readers serves as testimony to the tremendous feedback that the Evoque has generated in the Kuwaiti market. Undoubtedly, as a unique premium SUV that buyers find truly desirable, Land Rover has indeed raised the standard of in-car technology to class-leading levels.”

The Range Rover Evoque includes a suite of customer focused in-car technologies and safety features with some dedicated purely to off-road capability. Class Leading Off-Road Features The 4x4i system monitors the vehicle dynamics continuously, providing illustrated information through the infotainment display on the centre console. In addition to this, the Land Rover off-road navigation system provides a comprehensive aid to driving in unmapped areas. Land Rover Wade Sensing™ uses sensors in the door mirrors to provide the driver with information when driving through water, which is particularly beneficial when visibility is poor and at night. A visual display and warning chimes alert the driver as the water level rises around the vehicle. Maximum wading depth for the Evoque is 500mm.

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Innovative Safety Features Surround Cameras improve visibility and driver awareness using five digital cameras, discreetly placed around the vehicle, providing a near 360-degree, realtime view of the surrounding area. Blind Spot Monitoring uses side-mounted radar sensors to survey potential blind spots behind or either side of the vehicle, whilst Closing Vehicle Sensing detects vehicles which are closing quickly from behind and could cause a threat during a lane change manoeuvre. Drivers are alerted by a rapid flashing of the Blind Spot warning light in the corresponding door mirror helping to improve awareness for faster reactions. Reverse Traffic Detection is an additional enhancement to these systems and monitors traffic approaching from either side of the vehicle during a reversing manoeuvre (eg reversing out of a parking space). If a hazard is detected, the driver is swiftly informed via both audible and visual warnings. The ECO-Drive feature provides a continuous flow of information and feedback via the 8-inch touchscreen, including instantaneous fuel consumption readings, historical data comparisons as well as tips on improving driving styles. Since its launch in 2011, the Range Rover Evoque has won 161 international awards for its combination of leading-edge design, striking interior craftsmanship, in car technology and off-road capability. With highly competitive pricing, a range of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;on demandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; active driveline to enhance agility and a responsive, fuel-efficient 9-speed automatic ZF transmission, the Evoque continues to appeal with more than 310,000 sales worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time.

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Third generation BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle arrives in Kuwait. More versatile with attractive design and engine modifications

ver a decade ago, BMW founded the new mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the launch of the X3. Racking up sales of over one million units since its 2003 inception, the third generation of the BMW X3 is poised to continue the legacy of sporty dynamics, premium ambience and robust agility, coupled with low fuel consumption.

With a new sporty design, excellent driving dynamics and spacious interior, the new BMW X3 is instantly recognisable as a member of the BMW X family that includes the popular X6, X5 and X1 models. “The BMW X3 epitomizes the bold and daring personality that lies deep within us,” said Mr. Yousuf Al Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive. “Along with its elegantly designed exterior, and its luxuriously functional, generous and technologically advanced interior package, the new BMW X3 creates the perfect balance between its sporty and adventurous appeal and its sophisticated and stylish character that every car enthusiast in this market will easily fall in love with. It therefore does not come as a surprise that our sales figures for the BMW X3 increased by 23% from 2012 to 2013.” Making almost every adventure seem like child’s play, the new BMW X3 inspires its driver as it accelerates. Its sporting character is revealed by an extremely dynamic driving experience that comes with a simultaneously impressive efficiency powered by xDrive28i four-cylinder

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engine with 180 kW/245 hp and the xDrive35i top-of-therange engine with 225 kW/306 hp that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. As the driver decides where the road goes: the new BMW X3 knows how to assert itself where there is no fixed route. The four-wheel drive BMW xDrive system ensures greater traction and safety on every surface, making every journey an unforgettable experience – no matter how far from the city you venture. Significantly, its fascinating design emphasises the athletic character of the BMW X3 and captivates anyone who sees it. Dynamic appearance and exclusive ambience Major design upgrades include a redesigned kidney grille, modified twin headlights and new front and rear bumper that make the car look more sporty, dynamic and powerful. In addition, four new exterior paint colours and five types of alloy wheel designs are able for more individuality.

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High level of quality in the interior The new BMW X3 leads the way in its segment in terms of both interior spaciousness and rear load capacity (550–1,600 litres). Understated chrome finishes, the centre console with automatic climate control system in high-gloss black-panel look, and wood panelling with pearl-effect chrome highlights contribute further to the high-quality surroundings. The modern, high quality interior design also includes new trims, high-quality materials with an outstanding level of spaciousness and comfortable seating for five people. xLine and Sport individualisation

packages

offer

Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive

boundless

The new BMW X3 has two additional individualisation options: the xLine package features matt aluminium inserts in the bumpers, aluminium satiated side cladding and bars in the air intakes. It also allows customers to choose from additional cloth or leather upholstery in a variety of different colours with contrasting stitching. In addition, there are two exclusive 18 and 19-inch lightalloy U-spoke wheel options. The superb dynamic qualities of the new BMW X3 can be showcased to even greater effect by specifying the optional Sport package, with the aerodynamic package and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim maximising the car’s sporty presence on the road. In addition, customers can choose from six exterior paint colours including Carbon Black metallic and exclusive light-alloy wheel options in 18 and 19-inch. BMW ConnectedDrive: connectivity

driver

assistance

and

The new BMW X3 advances the company’s commitment to link the driver and vehicle with outside world, an area in which BMW is an undisputed leader. Among the outstanding new features from BMW ConnectedDrive on board the BMW X3 are the iDrive Controller with integrated touchpad (for text input using finger movements). The other optional features includes Parking Assistant, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, the anti-dazzle function and High Beam Assistant for improved visibility in the dark and Driving Assistant Plus, including Lane Departure Warning that detects vehicles in the driver’s blind spot. Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and surround view (360°) for optimal visibility when manoeuvring in tight spaces. The new BMW X3 is now available at Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive’s BMW showroom and offer an array of design, technology and performance options that is expected to strengthen BMW’s leading position in the Sports Activity Segment (SAV). For further information about the new BMW X3, please contact our hotline number 1846464.

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New BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupé Expands BMW’s X Model Range in Kuwait

ifteen years ago the automotive landscape changed when BMW introduced the Sports Activity Vehicle with the launch of the X5 in 1999. What started as a single model has spawned an entire X range comprising the BMW X1, X3, X5, X5 M, X6 and X6 M variants; and now these successful models will be joined by the all new BMW X4. Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive

and its dynamic contours and coupé-style silhouette transforming every road into a stage on which it is the undisputed star of the show, we are extremely confident that it won’t be for long before the X4 becomes another undisputed market leader in Kuwait,” he added.

“We are extremely proud to present another pioneering concept and design from the BMW X family,” said Yousuf Al Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive. “The new BMW X4 stands out from the crowd with its striking design that makes a statement. We are indeed thrilled to be able to bring to the Kuwaiti market the all new BMW X4 which will add to our X model success story.”

Visually, the new BMW X4 combines impressive sports car performance and Sports Activity Vehicle versatility with the elegance of a coupé.

“As the new BMW X4 fuses the quintessential power of an X model with the aesthetics of a classic coupé,

From the front, the car is immediately recognisable as a member of the BMW X family: The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the precise character lines in the front apron lend the X4 a more muscular and agile appearance. And the car’s wide track, visually low centre of gravity, long wheelbase and pronounced wheel arches emphasise its good road holding. The coupé-like roofline of the BMW X4 reaches its highest point over the front seats, reflecting the traditional driver focus of BMW cars, before dropping gently down towards the trailing edge of the tailgate. These stretched lines underline the sporting coupé character of the X4 particularly effectively. The standalone design of the BMW X4 is further reinforced by the fresh interpretation of the signature swage line running along the sides of models.

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During its launch at the Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive’s BMW showroom, the first-ever BMW X4’s character was unleashed at the BMW X display area in the presence of distinguished members of the media who were invited to the event. “We are extremely proud to present another pioneering concept and design from the BMW X family,” said Yousuf Al Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive. “The new BMW X4 stands out from the crowd with its striking design that makes a statement. We are indeed thrilled to be able to bring to the Kuwaiti market the all new BMW X4 which will add to our X model success story.” “As the new BMW X4 fuses the quintessential power of an X model with the aesthetics of a classic coupé, and its dynamic contours and coupé-style silhouette transforming every road into a stage on which it is the undisputed star of the show, we are extremely confident that it won’t be for long before the X4 becomes another undisputed market leader in Kuwait,” he added. Visually, the new BMW X4 combines impressive sports car performance and Sports Activity Vehicle versatility with the elegance of a coupé.

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model enjoy an elevated seating position, with the front and rear seats. Equally impressive is the load capacity available (500–1,400 litres), which can be used in a wide variety of ways thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat bench. Everyday usability is further enhanced by the standard-fitted automatically opening tailgate. This can be further specified with the Comfort Access Option for extra convenience, which allows it to be opened with a movement of the foot. The BMW X4 is equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive features that comprise a plethora of Driver Assistance systems that provide the driver with safety, convenience and infotainment at an unmatched level. Some of these include high-resolution, full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects all important driving information and the assistance systems displays into the driver’s field of view. What’s more, the latest-generation Navigation System Professional with ECO PRO route guidance now teams up with the iDrive Touch Controller whose touchpad

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allows texts e.g. a navigation destination – to be easily inputted by using a finger. Safety and convenience can be further enhanced by optional premium features like the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus including Pedestrian and Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Lane Departure Warning. Available as options are Lane Change Warning, Surround View and the Parking Assistant, which steers the car autonomously into parking spaces parallel to the road. The BMW X4 will be available with two powerful engines, all with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Topping the range is the BMW X4 xDrive35i with a 3.0-litre straightsix petrol engine delivering a maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp and propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. In addition, the xDrive28i has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 180 kW/245 hp and goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.

BUSINESS NEWS

Mini Unveils New Kuwait Home Providing further excitement to the tremendously positive response of the Kuwaiti market to the MINI brand, Ali Alghanim & Sons has opened an all-new MINI showroom that delivers a best-in-class, action-packed and fun experience to customers when purchasing the MINI model of their choice in Kuwait. Located at the Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive facility along Airport Road 55 in Shuwaikh, the all-new MINI showroom exudes with contemporary and attractive colours that go along with the iconic and dynamic profiles of MINI cars on display. Spread over a 315-square meter area, the all-new MINI showroom has the capacity to display six cars that include the latest models of the MINI Hatch, MINI Paceman, MINI Countryman, MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster, and MINI Cabrio.

In addition, its totally new environment includes an area to display the fun cool range of MINI lifestyle merchandise, a delivery area, a John Cooper Works (MINI’s performance subbrand) area, and a MINI Hub where customers can relax and interact with the MINI brand . The new showroom also has a dedicated colour and trim sampling space where customers are given the opportunity to view several options in customizing their MINI’s. With sales of the MINI have recorded 225% growth from 2010 to 2013, this paved the way for the opening of the all-new MINI showroom. “What better way to celebrate a constantly increasing number of units sold in the last four years than to launch a dedicated new showroom for our MINI brand,” said Yousuf Al Qatami, General Manager. “Its eye-catching, colourful and everything MINI theme is a perfect match to the strong enthusiasm of a growing number of MINI lovers from all ages in Kuwait. “More importantly, this new showroom enables us to provide customers with all the fun and convenience in choosing and buying the MINI they desire,” he added.

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The MINI showroom working hours will be from 8:00 am until 12:30 pm, and then from 4:30 pm until 8:00 pm. The service working hours will be from 7:00 am until 4:00pm. The all-new MINI Hatch launched a few months ago, is on display at the new showroom and continues on with the global success story of the first ever premium automobile in the small car segment. The premium small car with a big personality boasts a new design, new generation engines, improved driving comfort and a vast range of new quality materials and colours. In addition, it comes, for the first time, in both three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines with six-speed automatic gearbox and MINI TwinPower Turbo technology in Cooper and Cooper S variants. The Cooper is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, with outputs of 136hp, while the Cooper S 2.0 litre 4-cylinder unit outputs 192 hp with maximum torque of 280 Nm reaching 0-100 in 6.7 seconds. Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Company is the exclusive importer for MINI & BMW Group in Kuwait.

Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive

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BUSINESS NEWS

Kuwait Residents Can Now Hold Flights When Booking With British Airways

nyone searching for the best airline deals from Kuwait to London, Europe or North America will now be able to hold their British Airways flight for up to 72 hours for as little as GBP 5 or approximately KWD 2.3* through ba.com. This will give customers the time to make sure they’re happy with their flight choices before paying for them. If within 72 hours customers want to pay for their flights, the hold deposit is refunded and the ticket can be bought.

Holding reservations per person on short-haul flights from London Heathrow costs just GBP 5 (KWD 2.3)* while those wanting to secure seats on long-haul flights would pay GBP 10 or approximately KWD 4.7* per person. Drew Crawley, British Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a great flight price but not being able to book it straight away, either because you may need to get the time off work or check it’s ok with family or friends – then coming

back and finding there are no seats left or the price has changed. “Now customers can see the price, hold their seats and be sure that’s all they’ll pay, up to three days later. Feedback from customers means we are confident that this reassurance will prove very popular and give them the time to book the flights they want and give certainty they have a great deal.”

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Only one personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name is needed to hold the flights. The names of everyone travelling can be added within 72 hours of the booking being held. Seats can be held up to 21 days before departure. The new hold option is the result of a joint project between British Airways and Iberia, both owned by IAG. It applies to reservations for all flights operated by British Airways, including code-sharing flights, Iberia, Iberia Express, and Air Nostrum, including any combinations of flights of British Airways and Iberia, as long as they are on the same ticket.

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This is latest in a series of initiatives by British Airways to make flying even easier and more convenient. And with new routes starting from Gatwick to Fuerteventura, Grenoble, Friedrichshafen, Cagliari, Rhodes, Crete, Bodrum and Dalaman itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier than ever to fly when and where customers want with British Airways. The airline offers one daily flight from Kuwait to London Heathrow with convenient connections to onward destinations for those looking to travel further than London.

BUSINESS NEWS

British Jewelry Business Finds Inspiration in Traditional Arabian Themes

esert sands, elegant camels, beautiful dhows and Arab hospitality: these are the themes of a new collection being launched by Arabesque Designs, a British silver jewelry company established in Kuwait last year. in shapes representing the Desert Camel, the Hand of Fatima or the Dallah, the traditional Arabian coffee pot. Other unique designs use traditional Arabic calligraphy with its various fonts and shapes such as the teardrop. Highly symbolic associations The Hand of Fatima is one piece with deep symbolic meaning. Also known as the Hamsa meaning “five”, it depicts the open right hand and is a symbol used as a sign of protection in many societies across North Africa and the Middle East. But it is best known in the Arabian Peninsula where it is believed to ward off evil. It is worn by men and women alike and often to offer protection in times of need, such as during travel or when a baby is born.

Arabesque offers personalized Arabic silver calligraphy jewelry to the growing clientele of expatriates living in Kuwait.

The Arabian camel is admired for its ability to travel long distances in unforgiving circumstances. This beautiful animal is trusted and cherished, by Bedouins and is associated with endurance, protection and nobility. Culturally there is a very strong attachment to this animal and it has been at the heart of Kuwait’s history through Bedouin and nomadic connections.

Traditional themes growing in popularity The new Desert Sands collection is being launched in time for Eid Al Adha, Al Hijra (the Islamic New Year) and the forthcoming Christmas festive period. Arabesque’s owner, Maryann Horne, says traditional Arabian themes are growing in popularity: “Our clients want pieces of jewelry inspired by Arabian themes that capture the essence of Kuwaiti and regional identity”. The new range seeks to reflect this enthusiasm by focusing on traditional themes. This collection enables clients to order bespoke personalized jewelry with the names of their loved ones

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Another example of the rise in popularity of traditional activities was the Pearl Diving Competition. The annual event, which brings together competitors from the GCC, culminated this year in August with an all day festival commemorating Kuwait’s maritime heritage. The Dallah is one of the oldest Arab objects still in use across the region today. Its distinctive and unique shape is synonymous with hospitality, tradition and atmosphere. This beautiful every day accessory will be found at all special celebrations and family occasions. Rich cultural heritage So why this popularity for such old themes? Kuwait is indeed often viewed in a very modern light, with a strong emphasis on progress, modernity and internationalism. Everything that is new is attractive and sought after, from the newest cars to franchised restaurants. “Paradoxically, this race for modernism is also encouraging many to stop and think about what has made Kuwait so special. Many seek ways to celebrate and remember Kuwait’s immensely rich cultural heritage and place in history at a time so much change has taken place in so few years”, says Maryann Horne. This trend has resulted in a growing number of exhibitions, such as those at the Dar al Ithar Museum, Sadu House and the Maritime Museum. Events and exhibitions in art galleries across the city also do great work in capturing the real spirit of Kuwait.

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The event was attended by hundreds of enthusiastic youth, celebrating their forefathers pearl diving traditions and lifestyle. As they sailed into the marina, their mothers, wives and sisters gathered on the beach to welcome their sons home, replicating a tradition dating back thirty years when husbands and sons would sail the seas for months at a time. If Arabesque’s new range is a reflection of what is popular, tradition and cultural heritage themes are definitely making a come back. This year’s many arts and cultural events around Kuwait are likely to reflect that and may give the customer a welcome alternative to the omnipresent modernism. And if you want to get even closer to the local customs and traditions, the perfect retreat is on the doorstep. The desert is only a short drive away, with its open peaceful beauty, elegant camels, Bedouin traditions and crimson sunsets. To find out more about the Arabian Sands collection, contact Maryann Horne on Tel. 90 90 38 68 or email arabesquedesigns@hotmail.com Photos: Lynda Higgs

EXPAT LIFE

It Takes Two to Tango

f you are new to Kuwait, this is your first expat experience, and you’ve been here for more than 90 days (so the bloom is off the rose), you may be feeling a bit out of sorts. This is not like home. You can’t find the things you need at the grocery store, the traffic is crazy and everyone drives on the wrong side of the street. Getting simple information can be a chore and, truth be told, you really aren’t sure you want to be here anymore. culture is essential. Because incoming expatriates are new organisational members, it is likely that boundaries between organisational and national culture will not always be recognised as such.

Relax. It’s not you . . . it’s normal. Turns out that adjusting to a new community (more than adjusting to the new job) requires interaction and support from the new community. Dr Ben van den Anker describes this change in thinking below. After you read his article and understand what YOU have to do, head out. Visit the museums and talk to the people you find there. Tour the Grand Mosque and ask questions. Stand in line for a coffee and get suggestions for what you should see and do in Kuwait. Kuwaitis are very friendly and proud of their country. They’ll be happy to help you feel more at home. Whereas traditional views considered the expatriate the sole actor in his/her adjustment process; recent literature suggests an important role for host country nationals in the expatriate adjustment process. It seems that socialisation tactics of the organisation and the information-seeking process of the individual have been overlooked as factors in the success of expatriates. As well, expatriates will also experience socialisation in the host country national culture. This distinction between socialisation in organisation and host country national

Socialisation in this context can be defined as the process by which an individual fits in or becomes adjusted to a new role in the organization and learns the content of information necessary for adjustment to this new role. Socialisation is, therefore, essentially a learning process and has been described as an expatriate coping strategy (Stahl and Caligiuri, 2005). Six socialization dimensions can be distinguished: politics, performance proficiency, language, people, history and organisational goals/values. Lueke and Svyantek (2000) suggested that combining knowledge gained through research on both socialization and information seeking processes is essential in gaining an understanding of expatriate turnover. Their suggestion is supported by research confirming that the use of these socialization tactics would affect job satisfaction and commitment to the organisation. Overall, financial costs of expatriate turnover/failure have been estimated between $2 and $2.5 billion in recent research. Post-entry socialization experiences then may affect expatriates’ experience of fit and value in the new organization. Consistent with the general nature of socialization described above, Florkowski and Fogel (1999) link perceived acceptance of expatriates in the new organization to host socialization efforts. Socialisation is dependent on two players, the host country nationals and the expatriates themselves. Discordant behaviour by either party can disrupt the socialization process. It appears that expatriates at times display behaviours that are unhelpful to their own adjustment process.

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Best practice in socialization strategies can assist relocating staff members in achieving their new fit to both the organization and a new community. However, expatriate motivation is key in achieving this fit and, at the same time, reducing expatriate turnover.

www.deklad56.com

Information and feedback seeking, relationship building, negotiation of job changes and positive framing are suitable tactics for proactive socialization. Positive framing, which in contrast with the other techniques does not involve interactions with others, is a personal technique whereby individuals change their understanding of a situation by explicitly controlling the cognitive frame they put on the situation. Relationship building and positive framing were found to have positive effects on expatriate adjustment. Findings in literature suggest that one size fits all approaches to socialization may not be effective. In order to benefit from the possible positive outcomes related to diversity at the workplace organizations should individualize their socialization tactics within, in particular, collectivistic organizational cultures. Collectivistic cultures tend to favour groups and behave according to values and norms within these groups. Organisational culture can be defined as the underlying values, beliefs, and principles that serve as a foundation for the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management system, as well as the set of management practices and behaviours that both exemplify and reinforce those principles. This definition emphasizes the role of unique organizational context in socialization processes. Individualised socialization tactics therefore may provide tailored solutions for the individual, which may

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also increase the efficiency of the learning process as it would build on established skills and knowledge. In summary, deliberate socialization is clearly related to expatriate adjustment and turnover and requires participation of host country nationals. It takes two to tango! Dr B.J.L. van den Anker received his PhD in Business and Management from the International Graduate School of Business of the University of South Australia. Dr van den Anker hails from the Netherlands and has extensive experience living and working in SE Asia. His (I)HRM and cross-cultural consultancy assignments focus primarily on western-Asian contexts. He can be contacted at vandenanker@yahoo.com

EXPAT LIFE

Now You’re a Landlord

or most of us, our biggest investment and our greatest single asset is our house. As an expat working in Kuwait, unless you’re really into commuting, chances are someone else is currently calling your house “home”. If you own a property and rent it out, the council may decide to do an HHSRS inspection because:

• your tenants have asked for an inspection • the council has done a survey of local

properties and thinks your property might be hazardous

HHSRS hazard ratings

Protecting your investment (financial and emotional!) means being a good landlord. www.gov.uk/rentingout-a-property spells out what that means in England and Wales. 1. Landlord responsibilities You’re a landlord if you rent out your property. This means you have responsibilities, including:

• keeping your rented properties safe and free

Financial responsibilities You’ll have to pay Income Tax on your rental income, minus your day-to-day running expenses. If you have a mortgage on the property you want to rent out, you must get permission from your mortgage lender. 2. Making repairs

• making sure all gas and electrical equipment you

You must keep your property in good condition, and any gas or electrical systems must meet specified safety standards.

• following fire safety regulations - download

When you can enter the property

from health hazards

supply is safely installed and maintained

‘Housing: Fire safety’ (PDF, 1.6MB)

• providing an Energy Performance Certificate for the property

• protecting your tenant’s deposit in a governmentapproved scheme

Health and safety inspections The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used by your council to make sure that properties in its area are safe for the people who live there. This involves inspecting your property for possible hazards - for example, uneven stairs leading to increased risk of falls.

Inspectors look at 29 health and safety areas and score each hazard they find as category 1 or 2, according to its seriousness. You must take action on enforcement notices from your council. You also have the right to appeal enforcement notices.

You have a legal right to enter your property to inspect it or carry out repairs. You must give your tenants at least 24 hours’ notice, although immediate access may be possible in emergencies. Your tenants have the right to stay in the property during the repairs. You’re normally responsible for repairs to:

• the structure of your property • basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings

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• how long the works will last • the tenants’ right to return • details of any alternative accommodation You can’t repossess a property to do repairs. However, if you’re planning substantial works, or want to redevelop the property, you can apply to the courts for an order for your tenants to leave. The courts are more likely to grant this if you provide alternative accommodation. Repairs and charging rent

• heating and hot water systems • anything you damage through attempting repairs

If your property is seriously damaged by a fire, flood or other similar incident, you don’t have to rebuild or renovate it. However, if you do, you can’t charge your tenants for any repairs made. Common areas If you own a block of flats, you’ll usually be responsible for repairing common areas, like staircases. Councils can ask landlords to fix problems in common areas, or to repair a tenant’s flat that’s been damaged by another tenant. What happens if repairs aren’t done properly If you refuse to carry out repairs, tenants can:

• start a claim in the small claims court for repairs under £5,000

• in some circumstances, carry out the repairs

themselves and deduct the cost from their rent

If the repairs are very disruptive, your tenants may be able to claim a reduction on their rent known as a ‘rent abatement’. This will depend on how much of the property is unusable. You may have the right to increase the rent after carrying out repairs and improvements, depending on the tenancy agreement. 3. Rent increases The tenancy agreement should include how and when you’ll review the rent. When you can increase rent For a periodic tenancy (rolling on a week-by-week or month-by-month basis) you can’t normally increase the rent more than once a year without your tenants’ agreement. For a fixed-term tenancy (running for a set period) you can only increase the rent if your tenants agree. If they don’t agree, you can only increase the rent when the fixed-term ends. General rules around rent increases

If you don’t make repairs to remove hazards, your tenants can ask the council to inspect the property under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and to take any action that is necessary. If the council finds serious hazards, it must take enforcement action to make sure the hazard is removed.

For any tenancy you must get your tenants’ permission if you want to increase the rent by more than previously agreed.

If the property is temporarily unfit to live in

How you can increase the rent

You can ask tenants to move out during major repairs. Before this happens, you should agree in writing:

If the tenancy agreement says how the rent can be increased, you must stick to this. Otherwise, you can:

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The rent increase must be fair and realistic (i.e. in line with average local rents).

EXPAT LIFE

• agree a rent increase with your tenants and

In Wales, you can contact Shelter Cymru. A solicitor can also help you, but they might charge a fee. If you have to go to court, you can get advice on the day of the hearing from the housing duty desk at the court.

• use a ‘Landlord’s notice proposing a new rent’

5. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

• renew the tenancy agreement at the end of the fixed term, but with an increased rent

produce a written record of the agreement that you both sign form, which increases the rent after the fixed term has ended

You must give your tenants a minimum of 1 month’s notice (if they pay rent weekly or monthly). If they have a yearly tenancy, you must give 6 months’ notice. Rent assessment committee If your tenants think the rent increase is unfair, they can ask a rent assessment committee to decide the rent amount. 4. Settling disputes You can often sort out disputes with your tenants without going to court:

Your property is an HMO if both of the following apply:

• at least 3 tenants live there, forming more than 1 household

• toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities are shared A household consists of either a single person or members of the same family who live together. It includes people who are married or living together and people in same-sex relationships.

1. Speak to your tenants about your concerns.

Licences

2. If this doesn’t work, write a formal letter setting

An HMO must have a licence if it is both:

out the problem.

3. Use a mediation service, which is usually cheaper and quicker than going to court.

4. As a last resort, you can take your tenants to court.

Going to court If you take legal action, the case may go to a small claims court. Small claims cases are those worth less than £5,000 (or £1,000 if the case is about repairs to a property). The courts provide a free mediation service for small claims cases, which can take place over the phone. If you want to get your property back because your tenants owe you rent money, you can make a possession claim online. Free advice for disputes You can get free advice about disputes or housing problems fromCitizens Advice or Shelter.

If you let your property to several tenants who aren’t members of the same family, it may be a ‘House in Multiple Occupation’ (HMO).

• 3 or more storeys high • occupied by 5 or more people A council can also include other types of HMOs for licensing. Find out if you need an HMO licence from your council. Risk assessment The council has to carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) risk assessment on your HMO within 5 years of receiving a licence application. If the inspector finds any unacceptable risks during the assessment, you must carry out work to eliminate them. Reporting changes You must tell the council if:

• you plan to make changes to an HMO • your tenants make changes

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• your tenants’ circumstances change (e.g. they have a child)

Do all that and you’ll keep the government happy. It’s also important to keep your tenants happy and give them a reason to remain faithful to your property. To that end, www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk offers this list of “golden rules”: 1) Don’t ignore your tenant If your tenant attempts to make contact, don’t be a typical landlord and ignore the reach. Be responsive, it could be important. 2) Maintain your property If anything needs fixing, FIX IT, fix it promptly. I guarantee, the one thing that is sure to piss off tenants is a landlord that is either too cheap or lazy to maintain their own property. Even if it’s not your legal obligation to make the repair, try to be as accommodating as possible. 3) Give your tenants space Tenants don’t want to be hassled by their landlord. You’re not their friend or neighbour, so don’t try and be one. Leave them to enjoy their home in peace. 4) Trust your tenant Trust your tenant until they give you reason not to. It’s a simple rule, and it won’t go unnoticed. If you start looking through letterboxes and appearing through bushes to see what your tenants are up to, you’ll freak your tenants out and you’ll most likely find yourself in a padded room. 5) Be compromising Don’t automatically dismiss every request your tenant makes, even if it sounds totally absurd. Listen to what is being said, take every suggestion on board and take appropriate action.

6) Don’t be tight-fisted If you’re fortunate enough to land yourself with a great tenant, then treat them like a great tenant. A great tenant is priceless, and you may need them more than they need you. Remember, they pay your mortgage. Refusing to repaint, recarpet, or upgrade necessary appliances for a great tenant makes no sense. If you don’t do it for the great tenant you already have, you’ll have to do the work when they leave in order to attract new tenants anyways. 7) Think before increasing rent Landlords love increasing rent, and for obvious reasons. Trying to increase rent is a dangerous game and shouldn’t be attempted unless you’re certain it’s necessary. More often than not, increasing rent is motivated by greed as opposed to necessity. If your tenant refuses to pay the new amount, you’ll either a) look stupid for backing down in attempt to keep your tenant b) spend more money on trying to find new tenants, even if you manage to get the new rate from someone else. White hat or black hat, it’s up to you. You’re the landlord now.

Whenever you choose to be declining, make sure you give valid and understanding reasoning behind your decision.

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EXPAT LIFE

UK Inland Revenue Has Its Say

s far as the UK Inland Revenue is concerned, along with the Revenues of many other countries, you are considered to resident for tax purposes of you’re in the country for 183 days or more per tax year. Days of arrival and departure are ignored. Additionally, if you go and work abroad for more than one year, you must not be back in the UK for more than 91 days, on average, in any 365 day period, for the duration of your time abroad. the countries you are considered resident in, you could be caught twice for tax — so get some advice. If you go and work abroad, you are considered not resident as long as you’re away for more than one full tax year, and you don’t spend more than 183 days in any one tax year back in the ‘home’ country or more than an average of 91 days per tax year over the duration of your years abroad.

As far as the UK Inland Revenue is concerned, along with the Revenues of many other countries, you are considered to resident for tax purposes of you’re in the country for 183 days or more per tax year. Days of arrival and departure are ignored. Additionally, if you go and work abroad for more than one year, you must not be back in the UK for more than 91 days, on average, in any 365 day period, for the duration of your time abroad. Another concept that many countries use is that of ‘ordinarily resident’. This is the country that is your normal home, year on year, with no big foreign excursions.

The UK Inland Revenue, though, makes exceptions to these rules if you have to return to the UK for ‘compassionate reasons’ in a tax year. That means the death or serious illness of a loved-one. They will not sting you if you just exceed the limit through no fault of your own. What About My Spouse? So-called ‘trailing spouses’ are considered by the Revenue to be non-resident under similar rules to the main bread-winner — that is, 183 days in or out of the country. What If I Move Abroad Permanently — Buy A House, That Sort Of Thing. Will I Be Caught In The Uk Tax Net If I Return To The Uk Regularly?

As such, you can be ‘ordinarily resident’ but not ‘resident’. This is where you move overseas (or just go on a very long holiday) for a short time period — a year or so. Even if you spend more than a tax year abroad, you can still be ‘ordinarily resident’ in the country that’s your normal home. Like all rules governing taxation, the categories are never hard and fast.

It depends how regularly. If you go abroad permanently, for a start you have to be able to convince the Revenue of it. Just buying a house is not enough, although it helps. You will still be caught for tax purposes if you return to the UK for more than 91 days per year overall.

You can also be resident in more than one country at once, depending on how your time is split between them, and depending on what their Revenue rules are. Unless there is a double taxation agreement between

No. some jobs come under special rules. These include civil servants, members of the armed forces, EU employees, workers in oil and gas exploration and sailors in the Merchant Navy.

Does This Apply To All Occupations?

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So What Is The Difference Between All This Residency Stuff And ‘Domicile’? For a start, watch out for this one because according to the Revenue’s own guidelines, “It is not possible to list all the factors that affect your domicile”. But basically, there are two ‘domicile’ concepts: One is where you have your permanent home (not the same as residency, since that is where you spend your time for tax purposes). The second is your ‘domicile of origin’, which is where your father’s permanent home was. So, you could have been born in France, but if your father was English, your domicile of origin is Britain. Domicile and residency usually go together, it’s true. But for certain taxation purposes — the taxation of securities income, for instance, or for inheritance tax — your particular mix of residency, ordinary residency, domicile and domicile of origin will matter. In Summary Generally, if expatriates work abroad for more than one full tax year, they become non-resident for tax purposes in their home country. This allows them to enjoy a number of tax advantages. For instance, normally they would not pay income tax in their home country and instead pay income tax at the local, often lower rate; they also avoid paying capital gains tax on any chargeable gains made on assets acquired and disposed during that period of non-residence. However, failing to plan ahead for a hasty departure could leave ex-pats with heavy losses. Whilst expatriates often enjoy significant financial benefits working abroad, failing to transfer their assets out of the foreign country in the most tax-effective way could result in significant losses. Even if ex-pats are not immediately thinking of returning to their home country, political instability has led to an increase in the possibility of a sudden relocation and they should definitely be planning how their financial assets will be transferred. Top Five Tax Tips If you return home before a full tax year has been completed, returning ex-pats should consider taking

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a holiday in a non-UK country to extend the period out of the country until after the start of the next UK tax year. Doing so will qualify them for non-resident status. Otherwise a concession has to be applied for in the UK to avoid paying UK rates of tax. Dispose of and reacquire any assets which are sitting at a capital gain immediately prior to returning to the UK. In this way the gain is crystallised during the period of non-residency, avoiding UK capital gains tax. All gains arising during the period of nonresident ownership would effectively be wiped clean. This could apply to stocks, shares and property. Do not dispose of any capital assets which are sitting at a loss since such losses, if realised after they resume UK residence, could be set against future taxable gains. Close any interest-bearing bank accounts and reopen them immediately before returning to the UK. This will crystallise the crediting of interest to the account during the period of non-UK residence. Whilst working abroad, open an offshore bank account where interest will be credited gross – i.e. with no UK tax deducted at source. NB. This advice applies to British expatriates who have worked not less than 25 hours per week, and where no material duties have been carried out in the UK. Candour Consultancy is one of the leading independent financial and insurance consultants to both the corporate and individual sectors. As impartial offshore advisers, they provide complete financial planning and wealth management solutions. ©Candour Consultancy.

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Sunset in Kuwait

he cover photo captures one of the finest moments of expat life in Kuwait: sunsets that are truly picture perfect. The photographer is Tony Hiscock, who spends his working hours in one of Kuwait’s leading banks. We’re very glad he spends in off hours with a camera. What do you think?

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Kuwait Blogs

ne of the great frustrations of living in Kuwait is finding out some amazing event when you read about it in the English newspapers . . . AFTER it’s happened. Kuwait has many, many wonderful qualities, but organised communication is not one of them. [Editor’s note: it took me six years to find out about a falconry demonstration in time to actually go watch!] Luckily, there is an alternative to official communication sources: BLOGS. Kuwait has a rich and active blogging community in English and Arabic. The best way to find the blog that’s right for you is to google Kuwait blogs. Visit the ones that sound interesting and then bookmark any that are relevant to you. In the meantime, here are some that have proven helpful in the past.

www.248am.com

www.expatandthecity.blogspot.com

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www.expatwoman.com/kuwait/

www.khaleejesque.com

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www.kuwaitful.com/en/

www.danderma.com

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www.kuwaitmomsguide.com

www.expat-blog.com/en/directory/middle-east/kuwait/

www.crazyinkuwait.blogspot.com

www.ladieswhodolunchinkuwait.blogspot.com

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New Horizons

ne of the best parts of being an expat far from home is the new travel opportunities that are right next door. From London, a quick trip meant a visit to France or Ireland. Here in Kuwait, a quick trip could mean visiting the Great Pyramids, the Taj Mahal or Jordan’s Rose City (Petra). Let’s be honest, the idea of seeing these wonders is exciting . . . and maybe a little bit scary. After all, you definitely won’t be “in Kansas anymore.” But that’s OK because if you do your homework before travelling you’ll have some amazing stories to write home about.

Travel homework varies person to person. Some like to outline a complete itinerary, with dates, times, and locations defined in great detail; others have a more cavalier “have passport and credit card, will travel” attitude. No matter your style, there are a few things you need to sort out before you go and that includes vaccinations. The NHS has two sites that should be among your early sites: NHS Fit for Travel (www.fitfortravel.nhs. uk) and National Travel Health Network and Centre (www.nathnac.org). Both sites list which vaccinations are necessary and/or recommended for a long list of countries. They also include information on what vaccination related documents (if any) the countries require for entry. It is recommended that you check this information before booking your trip, especially if you aren’t booking well in advance. Some of the vaccinations must be delivered over a period of weeks, so it may not be a simple matter of visiting your doctor here

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for a couple of quick jabs. In fact, some of the most important vaccinations require an 8- 10 week course of treatment. According to the NHS, there are several things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including: •

the country or countries you are visiting –some diseases are more common in certain parts of the world and less common in others

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when you are travelling – some diseases are more common at certain times of the year, for example during the rainy season

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where you are staying – in general, you will be more at risk of disease in rural areas than in urban areas, and if you are backpacking and staying in hostels or camping, you may be more at risk than if you were on a package holiday and staying in a hotel

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how long you will be staying – the longer your stay, the greater your risk of being exposed to diseases

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your age and health – some people may be more vulnerable to infection than others, while some vaccinations cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions

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what you will be doing during your stay –for example, whether you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, such as trekking or working in rural areas

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if you are working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases if you are working in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster

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if you are working in a medical setting – for example, a doctor or nurse may require additional vaccinations

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if you are in contact with animals – in this case, you may be more at risk of getting diseases that are spread by animals, such as rabies

Cholera vaccination Vaccination against cholera is recommended for travellers to areas where the infection is widespread, particularly for aid workers and people likely to have limited access to medical services. Most cases of cholera are confined to regions of the world with poor sanitation and water hygiene, such as parts of subSaharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, South East Asia, the Middle East and South America.

Diphtheria vaccination A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria, polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK. You should ensure you and your children are up to date with your routine vaccinations before you travel. Further booster doses are usually only recommended if you’re going to visit parts of the world where diphtheria is widespread and your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago. Areas with high rates of diphtheria include sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia, South America and the Indian subcontinent. Additional doses of the vaccination are given in a single 3-in-1 Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) injection. Hepatitis A vaccination Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if you’re travelling to countries where hepatitis A is widespread, particularly if you are staying for a prolonged period or you are staying somewhere with poor levels of sanitation and hygiene. Areas with a high risk of hepatitis A include Africa, the Far East, eastern Europe and the Indian subcontinent. The vaccination against hepatitis A is usually given as a single initial injection, with an optional booster dose 6-12 months later that can protect you for at least 20 years if necessary. You should preferably have this initial dose at least two weeks before you leave, although it can be given up to the day of your departure if needed. Jabs that offer combined protection against hepatitis A and hepatitis B or typhoid are also available if you are likely to also be at risk of these conditions.

The vaccine is usually given as a drink in two separate doses, taken one to six weeks apart (children aged two to six should have a third dose taken one to six weeks after the second dose). You should make sure you have the final dose of this vaccine at least a week before you travel.

Hepatitis B vaccination

A single booster dose or full re-vaccination is usually recommended if you have previously been vaccinated against cholera and you are planning to travel to an area where the infection is common.

As hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids, activities such as having sex, injecting drugs or playing contact sports on your travels can increase your risk.

Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended if you’re travelling in parts of the world where hepatitis B is common, especially if you will be doing activities that increase your risk of developing the infection.

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Anyone travelling for long periods or who is likely to need medical care while abroad is also at increased risk. Hepatitis B is found worldwide, but it›s more common in sub-Saharan Africa, most of Asia, the Pacific islands, parts of South America, southern parts of Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The hepatitis B vaccination generally involves a course of three injections. Depending on how quickly you need protection, these may be spread over a period as long as six months or as short as three weeks. A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B jab is also available if you are likely to be at risk of both these conditions while travelling. Japanese encephalitis vaccination Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is usually recommended if you’re planning an extended stay (usually at least a month) in a country where the condition is widespread. It›s particularly important if you are visiting during the rainy season, if you are going to visit rural areas (such as rice fields or marshlands), or you will be taking part in any activities that may increase your risk of becoming infected (such as cycling or camping). Japanese encephalitis is present across huge areas of Asia, stretching from the Pacific islands in the east to the borders of Pakistan in the west. It is found as far north as Korea and as far south as Papua New Guinea. Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis usually consists of two injections, with the second dose given 28 days after the first. Ideally, you need to have the second dose a month before you leave. Meningococcal meningitis vaccination Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis is usually recommended if you’re travelling to areas at risk and your planned activities put you at higher risk, for example if you’re a long-term traveller who has close contact with the local population. High-risk areas for meningococcal meningitis include parts of Africa and Saudi Arabia. All travellers to Saudi

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Arabia for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages are required to show proof of vaccination. If travelling to a high-risk area, you should be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis with an ACWY vaccine (also known as the quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine). This is given as a single injection and it should be given two to three weeks before you travel. You should have the ACWY vaccine before travelling to high-risk areas even if you had the meningitis C vaccine as a child. MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination The MMR vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella is routinely given to all children in the UK. You should ensure you and your children are up to date with your routine vaccinations before you travel. If you›ve not been fully vaccinated against these conditions or you›re not already immune, the MMR vaccination is recommended before travelling to areas where these conditions are widespread or where there has been a recent outbreak. The MMR vaccine is given as two injections. These are usually given when a child is 12-13 months old and when they start school. However, adults can have the two doses one month apart and children can have them three months apart if necessary. You should ideally have the final dose at least two weeks before you leave. Polio vaccination A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria, polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK. You should ensure you and your children are up to date with your routine vaccinations before you travel. Further booster doses are usually only recommended if you’re going to visit parts of the world where polio is widespread and your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago. Currently, the condition is most common in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, but it’s also a risk in other regions of the world.

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Additional doses of the vaccination are given in a single 3-in-1 Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) injection. Rabies vaccination Vaccination against rabies is advised if you’re travelling to an area where rabies is common in animals, particularly if you are staying for a month or more, there is limited access to medical services and you will be carrying out activities that could expose you to rabies (such as cycling or running). Rabies can be found in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and some parts of Eastern Europe. Vaccination usually requires a course of three injections. The second dose is given seven days after the first and the third dose is given 14-21 days after the second. Further doses are not usually recommended for travellers, unless it has been more than 10 years since you were first vaccinated and you are visiting an area with a high risk of rabies. Tetanus vaccination A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria, polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK. You should ensure you and your children are up to date with your routine vaccinations before you travel. Further booster doses are usually only recommended if you›re travelling to areas where access to medical services is likely to be limited or your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago.

Parts of the world that have high rates of TB include sub-Saharan and west Africa, South East Asia, Russia, China, South America and the western Pacific region. The BCG vaccine is given as a single injection. Typhoid vaccination Vaccination against typhoid fever is recommended if you are travelling to parts of the world where the condition is common, particularly if you will be staying or working with local people or you will have frequent or prolonged exposure to conditions where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor. High-risk areas include parts of Africa, Central America, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, South America and South and South East Asia. Ideally, the typhoid vaccine should be given at least one month before you travel, but it can be given closer to your travel date if necessary. The protective effect of the injectable vaccine lasts about three years. After that time, another injection is necessary. The long term protection after a booster dose is not known. A booster dose is recommended one year after the oral vaccine unless you remain in an area of risk, when a boost at three years may be sufficient. So, should you travel? Yes. Should you take full advantage of being in a new neighbourhood to explore? Yes. Should you make sure you’ve done all you can to ensure that your trip is as safe as it is exciting? Yes. Even if that means a visit or two to www.fitfortravel. nhs.uk and a doctor? Yes.

Additional doses of the vaccination are given in a single 3-in-1 Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) injection. Tuberculosis (TB) vaccination Vaccination against tuberculosis (TB) is given to some children in the UK who are at increased risk from tuberculosis. For travellers, the BCG vaccination (which protects against TB) is recommended for people under 16 years old who will be living or working with local people for three months or more and have not been previously vaccinated.

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Just Get On a Plane . . . Nihal Sharaf

he Cattle Egret looked questioningly at the tourists hiding in the section separation cage from the torrential rain. It was a silly tourist thing to do, forgetting one’s umbrella in the hotel room while exploring one of the rainiest cities in Asia. But at least ‘learning through experience’ is a common foreigner trait and it was quite amusing to witness wildlife staring at humans in cages for a change. As an Egyptian, it is not easy to pick any random country to travel to on the spot without thinking about acquiring visas. Going through the hassle of preparing large amounts of paperwork and waiting anxiously for weeks is a total drag. Fortunately, Malaysia is not one of those countries overly suspicious of Egyptians; therefore a visa is graciously granted upon arrival. I had been to Malaysia once before and remembered admiring the seemingly harmonious multi-cultural society and wonderful natural environments. I can go on in descriptive travel-guide detail about all the beautiful places I’ve visited, about how breath-taking and serene Cameron Highlands were and how Kuala Lumpur (KL for short) makes a good place for people watching. But I believe the majority of you, gracious readers, concur that it is sufficient to briefly outline my perspectives as it’s all been written down and read before. You must never underestimate the power of misconception that arises from the perception of others (unless they are on the Travel Channel of course). For a truly enlightening opinion it is healthier to go places yourselves and experience them first hand. It was the well-travelled Mark Twain who said that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” I travelled to Malaysia on a whim, based on sever boredom and visa requirements. It took me exactly an hour and half to book my solo three-week trip through budget-friendly Expedia and Booking dot com. This is after deciding on the spot that that is what I’d like to do right now and then. Being unemployed and single, also living rent-free, allowed me to make this spontaneous resolution that day without too much thought. Even then it took me a while to let go of my anxiety, worrying about the numbers in my bank account and posting hundreds of copies of my CV.

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Getting caught in the rain (that one and only time I assure you) occurred at the “World’s Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary” – the KL Bird Park. It is the first place I decided to spend time and money. The park is located in the Botanical Gardens, next to the Orchid Park and the Deer Park, where a nature lover such as myself can walk around and admire, contemplate the beauty of civilized life and all its caged creatures and such cathartic mumbo-jumbo. Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s capital and the most developed and populous city. Within the bustling business

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A bus stop for the famous Hop-On Hop-Off can also be found right next to the hotel where travellers are offered a comprehensive city tour for 48 hours per ticket. It is especially convenient for a day-dreaming spontaneous traveller to see all major attractions passing by without even having to hop-off. Truly going up the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower is rip off; however, journeying along the streets and districts and taking in the sights and sound is a worthwhile experience for those who love to sit back and just observe.

district are places that can satisfy all touristic urges walkways, museums, nature, shopping, restaurants, bars and so forth. The advanced transportation network is easy to use and figure out to get to anywhere around the city and nearby towns and villages, such as the KL Sentral Station, the GO KL CityBus and bus terminals and monorails. It is advisable, however, to avoid taxi cabs as they are the most expensive modes of transport, and drivers usually cheat unsuspecting foreigners by setting the fare beforehand.

The second week of my trip was spent on the island of Langkawi, off the north-western coast of Malaysia mainland. Unluckily, the month of June happened to be a rainy month (the shortcoming of spontaneous travelling), so the main public beaches were full of

I was fortunate enough to book my stay in a hotel (Geo Hotel) located right next to famous China Town and Central Market. The market town district contains a variety of local restaurants and shops that sell reasonably priced traditional clothing and souvenirs for friends and family back home. The market also holds one of the best soup shops you will ever come across. For only half a Kuwaiti dinar, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mee Bakso Gabungâ&#x20AC;? (meat-ball Indonesian noodle soup) by Angeko Sup is truly a delicious and fulfilling experience. That is where you would have found me for dinner during my oneweek stay in KL.

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strong waves making it difficult to have a decent swim. The breath-taking green mountains and landscapes, however, compensated for the lack of sun-tanning time. Langkawi (the jewel of Kedah) also happens to be a duty-free island. Locals and tourists could pile up on three-dinar bottles of Jack Daniels and Black Label as well as imported bags of chips and chocolate. Nature enthusiasts have various options with mangrove kayak rides and forest trekking expeditions. I was informed of a story that appeals to the feminist senses and which many locals believe to be true. Mahsuri was fair lady native of the island during the 19th century who was unjustly accused of committing adultery and then brutally murdered. The village chieftain’s wife was jealous of Mahsuri’s beauty and spread rumours of adultery while Mahsuri’s husband was away. It was said that she bled white blood during her execution, thereby signifying her innocence, and, upon her last breath, cursed Langkawi for the next seven generations. Funnily enough, it seems that, after a history of invasion and barren land, Langkawi only became a viable tourist destination following the birth of the seventh generation descendent of Mahsuri, according to the locals. That will teach society not to accuse innocent women of adultery! Mahsuri’s Tomb is now one of the major tourist attractions on the island.

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them and taking pictures. Their expressions were quite human-like, as they should be since apparently we are ape descendants according to evolution. The park closed off after feeding time as visitors were not allowed to trek through the forest due to the high potential of orang-utan aggressive behaviour. I would have been aggressive too if people invaded my territory, running after me and taking photo.

The city of Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on Malaysia Borneo, was my third and final leg of the trip. Most of the time was spent daydreaming on the magnificent cloud formations in the clear blue sky, which seem you can almost touch them. This is partly because I was really tired already from travelling three weeks solo and partly because I just love staring upwards and contemplating, always wishing I was on another less self-destructive planet.

The Fairy Cave and Wind Cave was also a therapeutic experience, but I advise those with respiratory problems and bat poo phobia against it. The intense naturesmelling and humid atmosphere seriously takes your breath away. A change of shirts is also advisable and those with curly frizzy hair should definitely tie them up. In conclusion, I can say my spontaneous trip was a successful and enlightening experience that I will happily repeat again once I acquire more money. At least there was some relief from the 50 degree oven temperatures of Kuwait.

Nevertheless, I pushed on and paid a visit to the Semonggoh Orang-utan Nature Reserve. I was lucky that a few orang-utans appeared the day of my visit during feeding time, or so I was told. Grandmother ‘Seduko’ and grandson ‘Guro’ orang-utan delighted the wide-eyed tourists and their cameras with their playful antics. It was a lovely experience but I couldn’t help but feel that the wild animals were thinking how unnerving it is all those humans kept staring at

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I quite my mediocre reporting job a year ago in hopes of “putting myself out there” and rediscovering my purpose and potential in life. While this struggle was full of really low lows and I have not yet found my “dream career”, I can attest that the venture proved positive in regards to inward reflection. While it is important to heed recommendations of family and friends on what they believe you should do in your current circumstance, it is equally important to focus on your inward self and how you matter in this world. “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac Nihal Sharaf is a freelance journalist and photographer. She is currently in Egypt exploring easy tourist opportunities for those needing a getaway.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Crossing Borders With Performing Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: An Interview with One World Actors Centre Founder and Director Alison Shan Price Eleni Rebecca

elebrating 30 years in Kuwait this year, Alison Shan Price is the Founder and Director of UK social enterprise One World Actors Centre CIC. Over the past years, she has introduced LAMDA Examinations in Communication and Performance to Kuwait under the patronage of HM The British Ambassador, launched and directed the annual One World Shakespeare Festival, gained the support of Academy and Emmy Award winners and provided countless opportunities for multi-cultural artists to develop their skills with international experts in London and Kuwait. In 2008, Alison was awarded the BBF Award of Merit for Excellence in British Business.

How did you develop the idea of One World? As with music, performance in Theatre crosses cultural barriers regardless of political or religious differences. The abundance of multi-cultural talent in Kuwait is outstanding and One World Actors Centre was devised to present and develop such talent by facilitating cross-cultural exchange with international experts. Our production companies now consist of professional performers, designers and production engineers from 35 countries around the world. One World Actors Centre is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to the development of the Arts. We are as such extremely grateful to have received tremendous support from companies such as TAQA Productions, Al Ghanim Industries, Al Mulla Exchange, Agility, CAMCO Global Events, BBF, AUK, Al Abjar Holdings, Agapanthus and Bayt Lothan Cultural Centre.

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How has One World Actors Centre developed in the past year? Our major developments have been to form an association with Bayt Lothan Cultural Centre through which we present our educational programmes. In addition, the introduction of Open Auditions for productions resulted in the production of a network of experienced performers. The cast of our sell-out A Night In The West End at the British Embassy last season consisted of thirty international musical theatre performers. We have sponsored the training of artists from Kuwait in the Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End and were delighted to welcome one of our consultants, Emmy Award winner Adam Darius, back to Kuwait in November 2013 in association with LOYAC at National Museum and TAQA Productions at Bayt Lothan and DAI Cultural Centres. 2013/14 saw the introduction of our professional VOICES Network for presentations, radio and corporate promotions and in March 2014 we were honoured to receive the support of Academy Award Winner Dame Judi Dench for our annual Shakespeare Festival. How do you see One World Actors Centre expanding? We believe that the future of Stage and Screen lies with our next generation of new creative directors. Young graduates work with experienced professionals across the world to incorporate latest technology in new work and fresh approaches to popular classics aimed at multigenerational and multi-cultural audiences. In 2013 we launched our first team of new directors and production engineers through our Directors Programmed and One World Craftshop. Such original concepts and dedication to detail have produced tremendous directorial debuts. We opened the season with the Roald Dahl Musical (dir: Yousef al Nasser) followed by the horror-thriller The Woman in Black (dir: Hamad Al Jenaie) and the

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enchanting charity production of Into Narnia (dir: Nader Abdullah) in association with Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice. Our latest debut was the sell-out Steampunk version of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland (scriptwriter and creative director: Eleni Rebecca). We are delighted to have formed a recent association with Andrew Lloyd Weber’s company the Really Useful Group Ltd to create licenses for productions in Kuwait and look forward to presenting the production of Evita in December. What is your favorite genre to direct having directed in excess of 100 productions in your career? As a stage director my personal favorites are Shakespearean comedies and tragedies, combining historical costume and traditional speech with high physicality. I have been fortunate to direct talented actors in UK and now in Kuwait as part of One World

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Shakespeare Festival, which has been held annually since 2012. We are excited to begin preparations for two productions as part of the festival this year Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night. We are planning to take the latter to the UK in 2015 to combine UK and Kuwaiti actors and production engineers. What was your defining moment last year as Founder? Being invited by the Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah (DAI) as part of its prestigious 20th Cultural Season in Feb 2015 with a production of Jean Anouilh’s Antigone in both English and Arabic. Having our actors and directors recognized in two cultures is a defining moment for One World Actors Centre. What are your favourite memories at One World Actors Centre? Where to begin? Definitely the fun of participating in One World Craftshop, led by Nader Abdullah, which has brought about exquisitely original creations including the full scale Aslan the Lion for Into Narnia, Roman weapons for Julius Caesar and authentic Steampunk costumes for Alice in Wonderland. All creations are hand-made, in-house, by members of the production team and require hours of careful planning and dedication to bring them alive on stage. This includes all photographs and advertising materials, designed to perfection by One World Actress and Creative Designer Michelle Van Zyl. Sundus Hussein’s musical Annie with One World Youth Theatre at The Live Theatre in February was a delight to present for charity. I think the most memorable of all would be witnessing standing ovations half way through songs during Crowne Plaza Hotel’s silver service dinner at A Night In the West End. These are just a few of the glittering moments that made last year so special.

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How do you believe developing talent helps a person? Holistic development is vital but development of individuality and strength zones are vital. With training, mentoring and project support a person can achieve his/her vision. You are LAMDA Examinations Representative to Kuwait. How has LAMDA developed since you brought examinations to Kuwait in 2001? It has been wonderful to have the patronage of H.M. Ambassador since its launch in 2001 under the auspices of His Excellency Mr. Richard Muir. There are now five UK registered LAMDA Examination centres in Kuwait and over 1500 candidates have taken UK accredited examinations from Introductory to Advanced Levels in Public Speaking, Spoken English, Acting, Mime, Musical Theatre, Speaking of Verse and Prose. I was delighted to have the opportunity to introduce these practical examinations into Kuwait, which over the years have enhanced qualifications and soft skills of Managers, doctors, lawyers, teachers and students who receive University entry credits at advanced level. You will be taking 16 young actors up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Tell us more about that and how you hope to develop the Centre through it. Yes, we are extremely excited about taking 16 of our finest performers to the international Edinburgh Fringe Festival (UK) in the summer of 2015. With over 800 productions and over 5000 performances set to take place over 2 months, we hope that our actors will experience the thrill of the competitive international industry with the production of Twelfth Night in our first international festival. It is a fantastic opportunity for the performers, many of whom have never performed outside of Kuwait, and so we hope that this will lead to more international opportunities and exposure for the Centre itself and what we offer to the community of Kuwait.

Any final words for the readers? In an electronic world, Creativity is more important than ever before. To be creative is to be original. Forthcoming productions: In association with the Really Useful Theatre Company we proudly present Andrew Lloyd Weberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Evita on 4-6 December Jean Anouilhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Antigone will be performed as part of the DAI 20th cultural season on 19(English) and 22 February (Arabic) One World Shakespeare Festival will present Romeo and Juliet/ Twelfth Night and workshops throughout Kuwait in March 2015 For more information please contact info@oneworldactorscentre.com or visit us at oneworldactorscentre.org.

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Q&A on Education In Kuwait Dr Hanan Al-Mutawa Q: Education is one of the main pillars of any developed nation. In your view, how should this sector accelerate Kuwait’s diversification? Our education system needs upgrading! But don’t just take my word for it. This has been an ongoing concern for Kuwait, and indeed, in most parts of the developed world. According to the World Economic Forum (2014), Kuwait has a strong macroeconomic environment, however this compensates for a number of weaknesses in other areas. It is noted that energy resources contribute to a healthy fiscal situation coupled with low government debt (7.35% of GDP). This, combined with good levels of physical security and good protection of property rights, contribute to a stable and predictable business environment. However, despite these advantages, a number of challenges remain to be tackled for Kuwait to become more competitive. Most importantly, the education system needs upgrading. Enrolment rates, in particular for tertiary institutions, are low, and the quality of education is assessed as poor and not attuned to the needs of the business sector when it comes to primary, math and science and management education. Other important challenges are related to the efficiency of goods, labour and financial markets, which has deteriorated significantly over the past few years due to political tensions between the Government and the Parliament (dominated by the opposition). Intensifying foreign competition to raise efficiency of domestic producers would be a step in the right direction. Although tariff rates are rather low, domestic rules on Foreign direct investment (FDI) keep foreign investment from coming into the country, thereby depriving the economy of beneficial spillover effects in management practice, technology and innovation. Labour markets would benefit from making the use of talent more efficient and in particular relying more on professional management skills as opposed to hiring relatives and friends. Last but not least, financial markets need stabilisation to raise confidence in the system. More collaboration is required from the Government and the Parliament to issue the necessary regulations to overcome these weaknesses to improve Kuwait’s competitiveness.

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Whilst Kuwait is fortunate for having vast reserves of fossil fuels that have been in high-demand worldwide; sole economic dependency on fossil fuels is an inherent risky strategy. To move away from this dependency will require innovation and entrepreneurship. The Government’s main function in addressing this issue should be to legislate and encourage new highly innovative industries; specialised and glocalised, to be driven to export talent and thus be neither directly or indirectly dependent on oil-income. For such companies to thrive, they must have a worldview and compete in their sector with the best of their global competitors. Just as the foreign personnel of those competitors will have enjoyed the highest standards of education, Kuwaitis must also have access to education of the same quality. There are just a handful of schools in Kuwait that are recognised as World Class. Parents who choose an education for their children at these schools understand that the world is a highly competitive environment and for their children to succeed, they must be allowed the cognitive and critical abilities afforded in a mature, innovative and entrepreneurial environment. In my opinion, the authorities would do well to consider how to further support the aims and aspirations of newly proposed World Class schools to be established in Kuwait. Education is available to both genders on an equal basis but is not currently being delivered in a format that is internationally recognised and approved. By format, I mean the hours that students spend in the school should be comparative with the world average standard especially in developed nations such as first world countries. A national committee for standards exists but only works at the macro level – the micro level is often neglected and not analysed in real time. An intermediary needs to be established to consult to the Ministry of Education (MoE) to ensure that standards are delivered, assessed and developed in real time as opposed to simply looking at it after the event. This is critical to accelerate Kuwait’s diversification and economic growth. Another very practical area to accelerate Kuwait’s diversification is enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurship and what role these factors play in

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Kuwaiti society. I personally believe that Kuwaitis are exceptionally entrepreneurial because they do come from a very strong trading background. It’s in their genes. This entire region has been built on trade from pearl diving and fishing through to international boating where they took their wares and fares across to India, the surrounding islands, Africa and many other parts of the world. These days we have to be much smarter with the levels of entrepreneurship we expose our students to; for instance, biotechnology, ICT, etc. We don’t find too many new inventions, gadgets, IT programmes or medical breakthroughs coming out of the state of Kuwait – the simple fact is... it’s not promoted. Given there are many smart people here – the problem is that they are usually held back. We need to work with these smart people and give them the outlet and platform to perform and succeed. It is my strong recommendation that we build an entrepreneurship academy within each secondary school to vocationally train our students and prepare them to make informed career choices. We must also build an incubation facility to tap into the funding that is available from the Kuwait government for Kuwaitis, other Arab expats and expats in general, to help develop the social sciences and core sciences here in Kuwait. Allowing our youth to learn how to perform to the best of their abilities is crucial.

Q: How should education in Kuwait improve its standards in order to provide the right resources to develop students personally and professionally? It is a common assumption here in Kuwait that we definitely do need to increase and improve our standards, but to what extent? Are our accreditations recognised outside of Kuwait? Are our students able to

take their Kuwaiti qualifications outside Kuwait and have them recognised as well? The answer generally is: No. More often than not, our students have to do bridging courses to get their existing qualifications and studies officially recognised. And what of our current “brain trust”? Are we engaging them and keeping them motivated in Kuwait? After schooling, our students head off to countries like the UK, USA and Australia to undertake further study. They then return with stellar degrees and a solid exposure to, and understanding of, new theories, world affairs, global interests, international affiliations and world-class ideas. Upon their return to Kuwait, they attempt to work with colleagues who may not have had this exposure, causing problems of acclimation to arise. They feel disheartened, disgruntled, isolated and get picked upon because if they do perform higher than expected within their own cadres they are frowned upon and made to feel as though they have done something wrong. This social and professional climate in Kuwait has to change to adapt and evolve from a tribal society to a 21st century forward-thinking, competitive and egalitarian society. The provision of, or further inclusion to, a superfluity of resources is too simplistic a solution. Kuwait is a wealthy country with the ability to buy any resources they choose. But is this strategy sustainable? Is it the right way to address this current conundrum? Kuwait must address its issue of talent management first. Kuwait must educate its current cadre to think outside the box, to act professionally, to be, deliver and give more than just what they believe they can rather than simply go with the flow. Embracing our wonderful Kuwaiti heritage and culture with the view to cater for our new generations is paramount – and, Yes – this will require generational change. Kuwait must embrace the new breed that is now coming through who have been trained overseas and have these wonderful new ideas and ideologies. They need to be accepted and folded into society as valuable members of future Kuwaitis, not made to feel like outsiders. Perhaps an incubation system and an innovative internship / apprenticeship system for these graduates is required to allow them to assimilate to acclimate to the Kuwait they once knew two to four years ago, or even six or more years ago. We need to develop these people with a softer approach and really work through their skills and encourage sound knowledge management and sharing. Vocational training will also be prudent to really build their knowledge and their skills to enable them to acclimate into current society; learning by doing rather than learning by telling.

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Q: What is the value that you see in bringing UK education to Kuwait? The British system of education is recognised throughout the world as being innovative, dynamic and responsive to the demands of the business world. British qualifications are recognised as a gold-standard because of the centralised system that requires examinations to be written and marked in Britain under the control of the Government’s Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). There is no university in the world that does not recognise the quality and authority of British qualifications. British universities are among the highest ranked in the world, especially the Russell Group, which is an association of 24 leading British public research universities. The recent initiative to inspect and award British School Overseas (BSO) status to leading British schools worldwide has added further to the reputation of this gold standard. There are fully-fledged British schools in Kuwait, but where do our children go if they wish to pursue further British education in Kuwait? We should really

be thinking about a stronger British vocational system and a British university to provide our students with a ubiquity of choice here in Kuwait. These systems need to be subject to, and be assessed bilaterally, under Kuwait / UK law.

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The value that the UK can bring within the education sector is simple – Quality Assurance. You can be assured that your children do get a high level of education, especially if the systems are not tampered with, watered down or customised. Certainly, the training and assessments can be done in-house but the marking of the assessments needs to be validated in the UK to assure the quality of what is being delivered. Opening the system up to external audits is tantamount to its ongoing sustainable success. Enabling our students to realise their scholarships in Kuwait at a Kuwait-British university of repute with the added value of having their degree recognised internationally as well as regionally would be an invaluable asset. This cannot be within the public space but needs to be privatised and governed by very strong academics in-country. We have the best of breed in Kuwait. Q: How would you describe Kuwaiti youth? What are their main strengths and areas of improvement? The Government of Kuwait has provided its people with arguably the best social security system in the world. One example of this would be the astonishing and extraordinarily generous ‘Merit Scholarship’ system that entitles Kuwaiti students to funding at a range of top universities throughout the world, including the UK. Of course, with such amazing generosity on the part of the Government, there will be a section of society that do not appreciate the protected ‘bubble’ in which they live. Such persons tend to be less motivated to compete in the ‘real’ world and, should the Government be unable to fund the social security system in the future as a result of dwindling revenues or population increase, will face a shock to their expectations if they are not prepared. Parents of these Kuwaiti students are very perceptive and have considered these future issues. Even though free education through the Government’s system is available to both genders equally, these Kuwaitis choose to pay private school fees and have their children compete in the global British examination system. Kuwaiti youth are, in my estimation, highly entrepreneurial with strong personalities who really want to succeed. Every Kuwaiti wants to be a manager and a leader, but many just don’t know how! Originating from a very tribal society with strong traditional values, gossip

and hearsay is usually favoured over objective fact. Kuwaitis will often listen to their friends, family and peers as opposed to actually reading and researching. This is a problem – one that will not be solved in the near future. Q: In your view, what are the resources needed by the young leaders of Kuwait to be fully capable of taking over and transforming the nation into a more competitive economy? The same principle of over-generosity applies to entrepreneurship as it does to education. With such a large proportion of Kuwaitis working in the public sector, the challenge is how to attract and inspire entrepreneurs to the private sector when the public sector benefits are so generous? Perhaps our society can simply recognise achievement and participation as rewards in themselves and value them higher than trivial material possessions. In a way, this would be a return to the values of the pre-oil era in Kuwait when, one might argue, Kuwaiti society was a closer-knit community and had different, non-fiscal values. This is not to say that persons should not aspire to lead a wealthy lifestyle, but rather that today’s material wealth is not as important as the future of Kuwait society.

We need to establish and identify champions within Kuwait and empower them to mentor fellow young Kuwaitis with the view to then train them up to be capable of inheriting and transforming this nation into a more competitive economy. Thinking about their

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thinking, critical thinking, objective facts, reading, research – this is what is lacking with the young leaders of Kuwait. Kuwaitis are known to be ever ready and effervescent but not research orientated. We need to inspire, motivate and invite the youth to take an active role in Kuwait’s development. Q: What is your message to inspire, motivate and invite the youth to take an active role in Kuwait’s development? There are no people in the world that better understand the strength of Family than the people of Kuwait. This country has been blessed with fantastic resources that have provided amazing opportunities. It is our duty to make the most of our talent for the benefit of our families in the present and in the future. We need to rise to the challenge and just do it. Why should there be a message? The message should be ‘flipped’. It should not be a message, but really a call to action. The youth today are incredibly passionate. We just have to find what their hot buttons are. We know that inbuilt into all Kuwaitis is their love for Kuwait. At the very heart of it, when it is necessary, Kuwaitis are incredibly patriotic who band together to a common cause. This is how it has always been and how it should be done. There should not have to be a message or a basic rudimentary ploy or trick to get people involved. It should come from within – selfefficacious and empowered with passion and faith. Our remit is to identify and develop these key projects that WILL inspire and WILL motivate youth to participate where a call to action is required. Q: What would you say defines and makes Kuwait authentic? Simple – KUWAIT! Kuwait is magnificent, a very special place as is every other country to their own. In my estimation, being born to a Kuwaiti father and western mother, I find that Kuwait’s culture is being whittled away more and more by the youth today. Although the youth learn the traditions – what is really missing is strong ties to the past – for example, Kuwaiti architecture. The Kuwaiti culture, beliefs and thinking are not documented appropriately in English and Arabic so that

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outsiders can also understand. We only need to look at fellow GCC countries like Qatar or the UAE to see how beautifully they represent their own heritage and culture to the outside. What it is is an openness and a transparency. Kuwait definitely needs to open itself up to outside people to visit, to boost its economy. Oil and gas will only take us so far, but if we really want Kuwait to be authentic, our people need to recognise its authenticity – our children today need to recognise Kuwait’s authenticity. To know what makes Kuwait authentic, answer these questions: • Where would you go for authentic Kuwaiti food? • Where and which building would you go to for authentic Kuwaiti architecture? • Where would you find authentic Kuwaiti art and crafts? • Which authentic Kuwaiti tour would you take to learn more about Kuwait? • Which area of Kuwait is the most authentic? Such information should be public, embedded into the Kuwait national curriculum and in every bit of paraphernalia that expats and tourists have access to. It’s not about the local souk or markets, but the true heritage and culture within the makeup of authentic Kuwait. For instance, along the shoreline in the Sharq area of Kuwait are the ancestral homes of a number of Kuwaiti families. In comparison to the lavish homes of these Kuwaitis in other areas of the country, these buildings, called “diwaniyas”, can appear old-fashioned and sometimes small. And yet, when there are great occasions within the family, these modest buildings become the focal point for the whole family and are revered beyond their intrinsic ‘market’ value. They are priceless. Authentic Kuwaiti family values are inestimable and can never be corrupted by greed and material wealth. It is in these modest houses that visitors receive the finest hospitality and the warmest of welcomes. It is this spirit that is the authentic Kuwait. Long may we prosper :) Dr Hanan Al-Mutawa is founder and chair of Education Consortium. She can be reached on +965 2295 1919 or via email at hanan@edu-kw.com

KUWAIT LIVING

Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah Launches CS 20

n Monday, 29 September, the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI) launched its 20th Cultural Season. The “Tareq Rajab Museum Lecture” by Ziad Rajab on “Lady Jane Digby” inaugurated a season rich with lectures, concerts, films, theatre, workshops and other cultural offerings.

“The Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah promotes the fusion of people, cultures and ideas,” said National Council of Culture, Arts and Letters Assistant Undersecretary Abdulkareem al-Ghadban. “Our exhibitions do that by bringing together objects created by different people, in different places, from different periods and highlighting their shared humanity. This, our 20th Cultural Season features activities that do the same: through lectures, educational opportunities, cinema, theatrical and musical performances, workshops and special events.” The Amricani Cultural Centre, on the Gulf Road next to the National Assembly buildings is, in itself, a masterpiece of cultural fusion. It will host the early portion of Cultural Season 20 and a wealth of special events and workshops through May. It will also host a new exhibition, Long Ago Zoo, in addition to Splendors of the Ancient East: Antiquities from The al-Sabah Collection, Splendors Loaned from the Kuwait National Museum, and The Story of Amricani. The last quarter of 2014 will see a dozen Monday night lectures on subjects close to home, like Piotr Bieliński’s lecture on “How the ‘Kuwaitis’ Lived More Than 8 Thousand Years Ago: exploration of the Bahra 1 settlement”; others more galactic, like Adel AlWugayan’s “Cosmic Thinking: Universe beyond Earth”. Tuesday nights will feature classic films and hands-on creative workshops. There are three films this quarter, starting with The Story of Qiu Ju, a Chinese film with English subtitles. There are also eight workshops on the calendar covering a variety of subjects from music to textile arts.

Music fills the calendar Sundays and Wednesdays this quarter and throughout the season. Musicians visiting from abroad are featured on the Sunday night “Music of Diplomacy” programme, as embassies in Kuwait arrange to present performances of traditional music from their countries. Before the New Year, audiences will have the chance to enjoy music from Europe, the Gulf and Latin America. Wednesday night’s programme is equally diverse, featuring musicians from the region performing a wonderful blend of local and regional music, with a bit of opera and classical mixed it for good measure. “In short, DAI’s Cultural Season 20 will bring people together to share knowledge, to enjoy music, films and theatre from around the world, to discuss big ideas and little insights, and to sip many cups of tea,” Al-Ghadban concluded. All Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah activities are free of charge and start at 7 PM. For more information on any aspect of the programme, visit www.darmuseum.org.kw or email info@darmuseum.org.kw To see the full programme, turn to pages 72 - 73.

‫الموسم الثقافي‬

Cultural Season

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DAI Children’s Programmes

he Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah’s children’s education programmes have expanded for Cultural Season 20. In addition to the Children’s Art Workshop (CAW) for 10 – 12 year olds and the CAW JRs for 6 – 9 year olds, two new programmes have been added. We have a new CAW programme for 3.5 – 5 year olds called CAW Tots and Amricani Minis, a programme for 18 month – 3 year olds. These programmes, like all DAI education programmes, are free and open to everyone. For more information, visit our website www.darmuseum.org.kw or email info@darmuseum.org.kw. Programme

General Description and Schedule

Amricani Minis Children ages 18 months – 3 years old AND a family member

Gallery-based storytelling programme designed to support developmental goals as defined by the National Art Education Association (USA) and introduce children (and families) to the Amricani. Each session will include story-time and a related activity designed to foster creativity.

NOTE: Registration is required; class size is limited to 12 children

14 October 18 November 16 December 20 January 17 February 24 March 14 April 19 May

All sessions start at 10 AM at the Amricani Cultural Centre. Children’s Art Workshop (CAW) Children ages 9 – 12

CAW Juniors Children ages 6 - 8 Themes are shared with CAW BUT related activities are age/skill appropriate.

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Using objects from The al-Sabah Collection and other cultural institutions in Kuwait to promote an appreciation for and understanding of the art and culture around us. In addition, the promotion of the important 21st century skills (including critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, decisionmaking, proactive learning, and collaborative working) is planned into each session. Schedule for both CAW and CAW Juniors on page 70

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18 October 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 6 December 13 December 20 December 10 January 17 January 24 January 7 February 14 February 7 March 14 March 21 March 4 April 11 April 18 April 9 May 16 May

Shapes in art Shapes in art Animals in art field trip: KSC Animals in art Art and architecture Art and architecture Art and architecture Identity: Hats Identity: Hats Storytelling through animation Storytelling through animation Contemporary art field trip: Dar al-Funoon Contemporary art Selected art periods field trip: DAI library Selected art periods Selected art periods Annual play: storytelling and play writing Annual play: sets and rehearsal Annual play: costumes and rehearsal Annual play: Rehearsal Annual play: perform play for IMD

Themes are shared with CAW Juniors BUT related activities are age/skill appropriate. All sessions start at 9:30 AM at the Amricani Cultural Centre. CAW Tots Children 3. 5 - 5 (MUST be potty trained) NOTE: Registration is required; class size is limited to 10 children

New this season, the group is limited to 10 potty trained, children, preregistered, on a 1st come – 1st serve basis for each of the two six-week sessions. Fall Block: Be Art Smart will help define art and look at different elements that are used to create art. 15 November

What is art? Are you an artist?

22 November

What’s a line?

29 November

Where does colour come from?

6 December

Shapes in art

13 December

What does art feel like?

20 December

Putting it all together

Spring Block: Imagine That! will concentrate on imagination and how that is important in both creating and seeing art. 7 March 14 March 21 March 4 April 11 April 18 April

What is imagination? Imagine seeing more In art there are NO MISTAKES! What “perfect” looks like Ideas from the Heart It’s a . . . what?

All sessions start at 9:30 AM at the Amricani Cultural Centre.

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Cultural S

Ziad Rajab

NOVEMBER

2 Sunday

Fabric Painting Workshop

3 Monday

Embassy Austria

Adel al-Wugayan

1 Monday

DECEMBER

Yasmine al-Saleh

Hijazi Music

MARCH

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

4 Sunday

APRIL

1 Wednesday Stephanie Cheng

4 Tuesday

Indian Music

2 Tuesday

5 Monday Nasser Rabbat

3 Wednesday Persian Music

7 Wednesday Iraqi Music

12 Sunday

al-Ammari

5 Wednesday

Recycling Workshop

David Miller Mood Swings Music Graffiti Wkshp Wkshp

9 Sunday

Embassy Switzerland

8 Monday

9 Tuesday

12 Monday

Film A Moment of Innocence

13 Tuesday

Embassy Germany

Mansour Aboukhamseen

Calligraphy Workshop

Piano Recital

al-Yagout

Film The Story of Qiu Ju

Prudence O. Harper

15 Wednesday

Poetry Reading Nejoud

11 Tuesday

Doris BehrensAbouseif

7 Sunday

14 Tuesday

Ricardo Camacho

10 Monday

Embassy Greece

11 Sunday

13 Monday

Embassy Serbia

12 Wednesday Piano & Violin Recital

10 Wednesday Kuwait Youth Piano Recital

14 Wednesday

Nuqat

14 Sunda Yemeni Music

17 Saturday Play Nassar al-Nassar

Kuwait Flamenco

4 Wednesday

7 Saturday

9 Monday Deborah Freeman

10 Tuesday

Film Nostalgia for the Light

11 Wednesday

2 Monday

3 Tuesday

4 Wednesday

8 Sunday

9 Monday

10 Tuesday

11 Wednesday

Salam Kaoukji

5 Sunday Embassy UK

MAY

Sharon Shaffer

Film Being There

6 Monday

Yousif Almutrif Music

Lebanese Night

Festival CAW

Embassy Argentina

Jewellery Decoration Workshop

‫مرسل فالح‬ ‫العجمي‬

Hubban

‘Ud Concert

2 Monday

Embassy Spain

13, 14, 15

1 Sunday

For Children’s Art Workshop and all educational dates, see programme.

Theatre Workshop runs from *31N.B. January to 22 February, daytime

1 Wednesday

30 Tuesday

OCTOBER

29 Monday

‫سبتمبر‬

SEPTEMBER

September 20

‫ري‬

7 Tuesday

8 Wednesday Turkish Night

12 Sunday

Embassy Philippines

13 Monday

14 Tuesday

15 Wednesd

‫محمد محمد‬ ‫الكحالوي‬

Film The Act of Killing

3 Sunday

4 Monday

5 Tuesday

6 Wednesday

10 Sunday

11 Monday

13 Wednes

Embassy India

Heather Ecker

Film Kings of Pastry

Rashid Alhemeli

Barbara D. Boehm

Embassy Hungary

Animation Workshop

‫عبد الهادي‬ ‫العجمي‬

LoYac

Abdulkare Abdulqad Music

except Fridays. (Arabic language)

www.facebook.com/DAI.KWT

www

@dai_kuwait Film

Lecture

Autumn 2014

Season 20

014 - May 2015

18 Saturday

19 Sunday Embassy Cuba

16 Sunday

18 Sunday

Film Cyrano de Bergerac

19 Monday Shahrokh Razmjou

Malini

Indian Music Wkshp

Tarek Yamani Jazz

Film Sweet Smell of Success

19 Wednesday

26 Sunday Embassy France

Makram Abbes

28 Tuesday

‫حملة تقبل‬

29 Wednesday Oriental Concert

‫الحملة الوطنية‬ ‫للتوعية بالصحة‬ ‫النفسية‬

Crochet Workshop

22 Saturday

23 Sunday

Family Day

Preslav Marinov

27 Monday

Embassy Mexico

24 Monday

25 Tuesday

Piotr Bieliński

Film Man on Wire

27 Saturday

31 Wednesday

26 Wednesday N. African Music

Woodwork Wkshp

17 Wednesday

20 Tuesday

Amani al-Hajji / Lubna Quntar

22 Monday

23 Tuesday

Calligraphy Workshop

‫مخلد نصري‬ ‫الزيودي‬

21 Wednesday Baligh Hamdi Music

25 Sunday Embassy Canada

24 Wednesday Liwa & Tanboura

26 Monday

‫يوسف محمد‬ ‫عبدالله‬

Family Day

27 Tuesday

Candle Photography Workshop

Egyptian Night

28 Wednesday Firas Barbar

31 Saturday

Family Day

‫يناير‬

Play Nassar al-Nassar

16 Tuesday

18 Tuesday

22 Wednesday

‫ديسمبر‬

Christian Robin

‫جورج ميرتى‬

Children’s Exhibition

‫نوفمبر‬

15 Monday

21 Tuesday

Leïla el-Wakil

17 Monday

Embassy Poland Film

20 Monday

‫اكتوبر‬

Family Day

Theatre Workshop

4 Saturday

16 Monday

day

Embassy Iran

17 Tuesday

Conservation Club

19 Sunday

18 Wednesday Richard Bushman Opera

20 Monday François Déroche

17 Tuesday Conservation Club

18 Wednesday Piano & Cello

19 Thursday

22 Sunday

23 Monday

Play One World Productions

‫هيفاء الحبايب‬

28 Saturday

29 Sunday

30 Monday

Persian Carpet Workshop 22 Sunday Embassy Italy

21 Tuesday

Conservation Club

24 Tuesday

Film The Bicycle Thief

22 Wednesday Muwashahat

Family Day

25 Saturday

Family Day

Embassy Belgium

Hussain Dashti

26 Sunday

27 Monday Lisa Urkevich

26 Tuesday

27 Wednesday

Play Suleiman al-Bassam

28 Tuesday

Film Tokyo Story

29 Wednesday Organ Compositions & Male Choir

Suleiman Persian al-Bassam Carpet Play Workshop

sday

16 Saturday

International Museum Day

18 Monday Nader Ardalan

19 Tuesday Glass Painting Workshop

w.darmuseum.org.kw Music

Theatre

20 Wednesday Samy & Malini Fusion

@DAI_Kuwait Workshop

25 Monday Finbarr Barry Flood

Film Egyptian Film (TBA)

Bin Hussein

DARkuwait

‫مايو‬

eem dir

Amricani Cultural Centre Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah Yarmouk

‫ابريل‬

Embassy Czech Republic

16 Monday

Mohammed Reza Owlia

‫مارس‬

‫فيصل الكندر‬

15 Sunday

‫فبراير‬

Family Day

KUWAIT LIVING FORUM BRITISH BUSINESS

BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM

British Business Forum 2014-2015 2013-2014 Membership and Membership Renewals The time of year is with us again: Time to join or renew your membership in the British Business Forum (BBF). For current members: We hope you will have found value, not only in your business activities, but also in the social activities that have been arranged by the Forum and that you have been able to broaden the scope of your operations as a result. If there is any change in previously submitted form (20122013), please take a moment to complete/update the attached 2013-2014 application, which along with your KD 45 membership fee can be given either to any Board Members or dropped in at BBF office (attached map). The coming year promises to be an exciting one and we believe that your continuing support will cause us to grow and become stronger. If you are a member who has reached the end of their tenure in Kuwait we

wish you well, wherever you go and would thank you for all your support during your time here. Please let me know if you wish to be removed from the mailing list. For potential members: As youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve surely discover just from flipping through this magazine, the BBF is an active group of professionals working â&#x20AC;&#x201C; directly or indirectly with British businesses here in Kuwait, in the region, and beyond. Please join us for a meeting to see for yourself how the BBF can enhance both your professional life and your social life. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or require any information regarding the BBF and its activities. Sheeba Rose William Pius BBF BBF Administration Manager P: +965 2232 2038 F: +965 2232 2040 Email: business@bbfkuwait.com

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BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM

Membership Benefits 2014-2015 with Valid BBF Membership Card

As a member of the BBF you enjoy discounts on many exciting goods and services. We encourage you to patronise these friends of the BBF who are going that extra step to serve you. Al Soor Clinic

Inchcape Shipping Services Worldwide Movers

Alyaseen Co. for Bath Sanitary Ware

Jumbo Travel

20% discount on Dental Treatments Tel: 23711103

10% discount on bath sanitary ware and plumbing services Al Rai-behind Carrefour the Avenues. Tel: 66194682 www.alyaseenco.com

Ann Digital Media Concept 5% discount on photography Tel: 90921117

5% discount on individual bookings 5% discount on group bookings • Personal Travel of all BBF members • Official Travel • Group Travel • Group of Teachers travelling for a short period • Customized holiday breaks as per requirements • Student Group travel ( educational or leisure ) BBF members can contact various Jumbo Travel

Avanti Palace Restaurant

offices: Head Office (Opp. Municipal Park, Fahad Al Salem St., Kuwait City) T: 1801234 Avenues Branch (Opp. Carrefour, Avenues Mall), T: 22597277 / 78 Fahaheel Branch (Al Anood Complex, Fahaheel), T: 23922501 / 02 E-mail: holidays@jumbotravels.com

IBIS Salmiya & Sharq

Maidan Dental Clinic

15% discount on all restaurants Salmiya Branch Tel: 25751081 – 25751082 Hawally Branch Tel: 22641678 - 22641681

Discount offer (to members & friends, family, colleagues & clients when booked by members) 10% discount on rooms on published rates 15% discount on food & beverage in all outlets Tel: 25734247

10% discount on packing and removals for any domestic moves within Kuwait. Tel: 22434752

15% off on all our services Free scaling to be offered (over treatment done in KD 300 and above) Tel: 1883322

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BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM

The Palms Hotel

10% - 30% discount on various services Tel: 1824060 ext 30

Qatar Airways

12% discount on Business and First Class 8% discount on Economy Class Tel: 22465118

Swiss-Belhotel Plaza Kuwait 20% discount on dining for Al Dallah Restaurant • Invoice including drinks • Shisha is not discounted

Top to Toe Hair & Beauty Salon 10% discount on all Beauty Services (excluding hair) Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other seasonal promotion Tel: 99389356

DINING DISCOUNT: Enjoy 25% discount on food bill and 20% discount on beverage from 1 up to 15 persons. Your dining discounts are valid for breakfast, lunch and dinner upon presentation of your membership card at the following restaurants: Crowne Plaza Kuwait (Farwaniya) Holiday Inn Kuwait (Salmiya) Al Noukhaza - Seafood Restaurant Ayam Zaman -Lebanese Restaurant Ayam Zaman - Lebanese Restaurant L’Aroma Café Al Ahmadi - International Buffet Tang Chao – Chinese Restaurant Rib Eye - Steak House Rib Eye - Steak House Sakura - Japanese Restaurant Al Diwan – International Buffet Shabestan – Iranian Restaurant Sakura – Japanese Restaurant Abu Halifa Complex (Mangaf) Laila Gallery (Salmiya) Al Noukhaza Seafood Restaurant Sakura Express – Japanese Sakura Xpress–Japanese Zone Restaurant (Shaab Park) Holiday Inn Downtown Al-Noukhaza-Seafood Restaurant Downtown - Buffet Ayam Zaman Restaurant Il Centro - Italian Sakura Japanese Restaurant Layalaki – Lebanese restaurant Shabestan - Iranian Restaurant Viaggio Italian Restaurant 360° Mall Shabestan Iranian Restaurant Sakura – SOON TO OPEN • You are also entitled to 15% discount on your food bill (drinks not included) for maximum of 15 persons in all Ruby Tuesday outlets (Sharq, Salmiya, Abu Halifa, 360° mall and Zone) and Peppes Pizza (Salmiya, Abu Halifa, and 360° mall). • Your card also entitles to 33% discount on all home delivery and take away orders at Crowne Plaza Kuwait restaurants. Terms and Conditions: • Your card is personal and cannot be transferred. • Only one card may be used per table. • The card cannot be used with any other promotional vouchers. • Card is not valid for room service, banqueting and special promotions or events as determined by the hotel and participating outlets. • Separate checks on the same table or during the same visit is not allowed. • For lost/damage card, a fee of 10 KWD will be charged to issue new card. We issue lost card only once and cannot be re-issued.

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KUWAIT LIVING

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KUWAIT LIVING

Book before the 30 sepTemBer

KUWAIT

and benefit from our

reader Offer

and save up to $700

24-25th november 2014 The regency Hotel Kuwait, Kuwait city, Kuwait

www.meedkuwaitprojects.com promoting international participation in Kuwait’s $160bn project market

Key speaKers include HE Hind Al-Subaih Minister of State for Planning and Development Affairs, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Supreme Council for Planning & Development A Prasad Deputy Division Chief & Mission Chief for Kuwait and Oman International Monetary Fund

Adel Alroumi Director General Partnerships Technical Bureau (PTB)

Suhaila Marafi Director Dept. of Studies & Research Ministry of Electricity & Water

Jan van Schoonhoven Executive Program Leader UNECE PPP Center of Excellence Economic Cooperation and Integration Division Office United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Waled Alghanim Assistant Undersecretary Ministry of Public Works

Break-out sessions with sufficient content for 2 full days for both energy and infrastructure players

BENEFITS oF aTTENDINg 1

secure competitive presence and gain market share during Kuwait’s record year for project awards and period acceleration in project activity. Kuwait led the GCC in project awards for the first time during 2014 and MEED predicts a record of USD $34bn worth of project awards. learn directly from foreign contractors on how they have successfully entered a locally driven market and learn how to cultivate your business through winning local partnerships

Bronze Sponsor:

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align your investment intentions with Kuwait’s national development plan through an exclusive insight into the rarely discussed national procurement driver and the next 5 year plan

Transfer relevant examples of global best practice to the Kuwait market from other countries with a proven track record in project delivery e.g. how to make metro projects and PPPs happen (Dubai Metro project and PPPs according to the UN)

Conference Sponsor:

participate in candid discussions with Kuwait’s project movers and shakers on political reform, decision making and entity coordination and find out ways to minimise the challenges and safeguard your company

Access details on Kuwait’s top projects including bid requirements, budgets and timelines to plan your strategy in the market and win business

Networking Sponsor:

Conference Sponsor:

BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM THE BRITISH EMBASSY

BRITISH EMBASSY CONSULAR SERVICES IN KUWAIT

We welcome British nationals newly-arriving in Kuwait! This notice is to introduce ourselves and remind the British community of the support we can provide to British Nationals abroad. Below is a list of the kind of consular services we can (and cannot) provide: What kind of help we can provide…

Consular Warden Network The Consular Warden Network gives you the opportunity to contact someone in your residential area. When necessary, the Warden will pass Embassy Consular notices, issued in Kuwait, on to you.

We offer help which is appropriate to the individual circumstances of each case, including: • issuing Emergency Travel Documents; • providing appropriate help if you have suffered rape or serious assault, are a victim of other crime, or are in hospital; • helping people with mental illness; • providing details of local lawyers, interpreters, doctors and funeral directors; • helping persons in detention, including doing all we properly can to contact you within 24 hours of being told that you have been detained; • offering support and help in a range of other cases, such as child abductions, death of relatives overseas, missing people and kidnapping; • advising and helping British nationals in need in cases of terrorism, civil disturbances, natural disasters or other crises. UK law says we have to charge for some services. We display the current fees and the standards of service you can expect.

However we cannot...

• get you out of prison, prevent the local authorities from deporting you after your prison sentence, or interfere in criminal or civil court proceedings; • help you enter a country if, for example, you do not have a visa or your passport is not valid - we cannot interfere in another country’s immigration policy or procedures; • give you legal advice, investigate crimes or carry out searches for missing people – we can give you details of people who may be able to help you in these cases, such as Englishspeaking lawyers; • get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to locals; • pay any bills or give you money – only in very exceptional circumstances we may lend you small sums of money from public funds, which you will have to pay back; • make travel arrangements for you, or find you work or accommodation; • make business arrangements on your behalf; • in some circumstances, there may be limits to the assistance we can provide in a crisis – please take your own sensible precautions.

you

would

Warden

please

send

contacted an

e-mail

by to

consularenquirieskuwait@fco.gov.uk with your name, telephone number, residential area and dependent’s details (if applicable), and we will pass on your information to the Warden. You can also follow us on @ukinkuwait

@ukinkuwait

www.facebook.com/ukinkuwait Web: www.gov.uk/world/kuwait

Registering For Travel Updates For the latest FCO travel advice please visit: www.gov.uk/forgein-travel-advice/kuwait where you can read travel advice for Kuwait and subscribe to updates. You may also follow FCO travel news on twitter (@fco travel) and Facebook (www.facebook. com/fcotravel)

‘For more information: www.gov.uk/world/kuwait’ Follow us on: www.facebook.com/ukinkuwait www.twitter.com/ukinkuwait Consular Section British Embassy Kuwait Tel: +965 22594320 Fax: +965 22594359 www.gov.uk/world/kuwait

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Head of UK Trade & Investment Martin Hall – (+965) 22594362 First Secretary, Defence & Security Richard Meadows – (+965) 22594336

First Secretary, Defence & Security

Senior Trade & Investment AdviserRichard Meadows Sara El-Khatib – (+965) 22594365

Tel: (00965) 22594336 richard.meadows@fco.gov.uk Trade & Investment Advisers

Gula Al-Sharafi – (+965) 22594366 Head of Trade & Investment Romeo Rosario – (+965) Deputy 22594364 Maryann Horne – (+965) 99693020 Sara El-Khatib

Tel: (00965) 22594365

Commercial Assistants sara.khatib@fco.gov.uk Megan Taylor – (+965) 22594356 Nuha Ali – (+965) 22594363

Senior Trade Advisers: Gula Al-Sharafi (Healthcare) General Enquiries Tel: (00965) 22594366 Email: ukti.kuwait@fco.gov.uk gula.al-sharafi@fco.gov.uk Fax: (+965) 22594368 Romeo Rosario (Transport)

Tel: (00965) 22594364

British Embassy Switchboard romeo.rosario@fco.gov.uk Tel: (+965) 22594320 Fax: (+965) 22594339

Megan Taylor (Infrastructure) Tel: (00965) 22594356 megan.Taylor@fco.gov.uk

Trade Adviser Nuha Ali Tel: (0095) 22594363 nuha.alihassanein@fco.gov.uk Trade Assistant Gehan Tawfik Tel: (0095) 22594323 gehan.tawfik@fco.gov.uk General Enquiries ukti.kuwait@fco.gov.uk British Embassy Switchboard Tel: (00965) 22594320 Fax: (00965) 22594339

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BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM THE BRITISH EMBASSY

British Embassy Kuwait Announces Important New Changes to Notarial and Documentary Services Following some recent policy changes that the Kuwaiti government have made we are no longer able to process certain notarial and documentary services at the British Embassy of Kuwait. This move to reduce services is actually in line with the Foreign and Commonwealth Officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longer term consular strategy to streamline services to British Nationals overseas where there are alternative providers. Following are some of the major changes currently affecting notarial and documentary services at the British Embassy Kuwait: Legalisations (Fee 1iii): The Kuwait government requires that all UK documents be legalised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and then the Kuwaiti Embassy in London before they can be used in Kuwait. In the event that you need a document legalised by the FCO you should subsequently have that document legalised by the Kuwait Embassy in the UK rather than obtaining a legalisation at the British Embassy of Kuwait as in the past. For information on how to obtain legalisations through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Milton Keynes, please visit their web-site at www.gov.uk/get-documentlegalised Driving Licenses (Fee 6): The previous process for driving licenses attestation has also changed as it is also no longer being accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kuwait. The new procedure to start the process of transferring your DVLA driving licence to a local Kuwaiti one is as follows:

Send the attested copies to the FCO legalisation office in Milton Keynes (see above address for FCO Office). Once legalised by the FCO, take your documents to the Kuwaiti Embassy in London for legalisation http://kuwait. embassyhomepage.com/#embassy-address-london Once back in Kuwait, translate your documents and take the translations to the Ministry of Justice of Kuwait for attestation. Finally, take your documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait for a final legalisation. Note 1: If you are currently in Kuwait on a Visitor Visa, you may drive using your UK or international or any other valid license. However, once you have obtained your residency and have your civil ID card, it is illegal to drive without a valid Kuwait driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license; doing so may result in incurring fines and possibly even detention and/or deportation. Note 2: Please note there are organisations that can arrange legalisations for you in the UK; while we do not recommend one over another, you may contact: http://www.vitalcertificates.co.uk/kuwait-legalisation-of-ukdocuments-108-p.asp https://www.ukofficialservices.co.uk/ KuwaitLegalisationExistingDocumentOrder.aspx https:www.argentum-llc.com Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Consular Section should you have questions consularenquirieskuwait@fco. gov.uk or visit our website www.gov.uk /world/kuwait

Take your driving licence (card and counterpart (paper)) to a solicitor for attestation in the UK (please see Note 2 below)

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THE BRITISH EMBASSY

During the last year (2013) the Kuwait visa section processed over 98,000 applications for visas, a rise of over 30% in comparison to 2012. Numbers continue to rise, year on year, demonstrating that the UK is the destination of choice for tourism, business and higher education for the residents of Kuwait. During May-August 2014 we are seeing a continued rise of around 28% on the same period in 2013, with a staggering 28000 applications for visas made in June and July alone.

The Visa Application Centre is located on the 25th floor of the new iconic building, Al Tijaria Tower. The VIP lounge, which can be accessed for an additional fee provides extra special customer service. The VAC offers a 360 degree panoramic view of Kuwait City, the coastline and famous landmarks such as Kuwait Towers. Former UK Ambassador to Kuwait Frank Baker said: “The new visa application centre will provide a first class experience for our high value Kuwaiti customers. The centre is much bigger than the old one, and will provide far greater comfort, especially for those customers opting to use the VIP facility. Last year we welcomed more Kuwaitis to the UK than ever before, with demand for UK visas growing by over 40 %. We hope the new streamlined services will encourage ever move visitors to come to the UK.” Applications are made for UK visas at the application centre run by VFS Global on behalf of UK Visas & Immigration. The Visa Application Centre is located at Level 25, Al Tijaria Tower, Al Sharq, Al Soor Street, Kuwait City Kuwait

UK Visas & Immigration Kuwait is an extremely efficient visa operation, processing high numbers of visa applications and consistently meeting the UK government Customer Service Agreements. All applications for visas are made online, with payment and appointment reservations also made online, increasing efficiency and reducing the time spent at the Visa Application Centre. All applications should be completed online via the website www.visa4uk. fco.gov.uk Once the application form is completed, customers can choose an appointment and make the payment for their visa online. This change is part of a global initiative from the UK home office to improve visa customer service by reducing the time it takes to complete and submit a visa application. The new online application system allows people to create an account and stores their personal details which can be used for repeat applications, making the system faster and even simpler. Online payment can be made using visa, mastercard and the e-wallet Skrill service.

Visa applications are made online; visa applicants who arrive at the VAC without an appointment, or who arrive late for their scheduled appointment, will need to rebook their appointment. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are 09:00 - 17:00 from Sunday - Thursday, with visa applications made from 09:00-16:00 and collection of passports from 16:00-17:00. Prime Time appointments are also available from 08:00-09:00 and from 16:00-18:00 for an extra fee. The Visa Application Centre is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. A Priority Visa service is available throughout the Gulf, and visa applicants can use this service to have their visa application processed ahead of others. All Kuwait nationals and residents may apply for this service in any category of visa application, an extra charge is payable; a higher charge is made if this service is requested for Settlement applications. For more information on appointments and the services available please visit the VFS Global website http://vfsglobal.co.uk/ kuwait/ Applications for UK visas should be submitted a minimum of fifteen working days before the date of travel, especially

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during the busy seasons for travel, such as national holidays. If a visa is needed quickly, especially at busy times, we recommend the Priority Visa Service is used. Applications are currently taking three working days for applications made using the Priority Visa Service, and around seven working days for standard applications; but at peak periods standard applications can take up to fifteen working days. Students going to the UK in order to follow a course of Higher Education need to ensure they read the Rules and guidance carefully and make sure all the required documents are submitted with their visa application. Applications should be made in good time to ensure the visa can be issued before the start of the course. Guidance for students is available at

In 2013 we issued over 3500 visas to residents of Kuwait to enable them to go and study in the UK. VFS Global Kuwait also has a number of Visit Britain products available for sale at the VAC, including tickets to major tourist attractions throughout the UK; please enquire during your visit if you would like to purchase any of these items. We hope that all our visitors and students from Kuwait enjoy the time they spend in the UK.

https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

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COMMUNITY GROUPS

British Ladies Society Kuwait - Expat Life

he life of an expat in Kuwait is not always the glamorous lifestyle depicted of “ladies who lunch”. It can be quite a difficult place to initiate friendships and finding areas to socialise. The British Ladies Society Kuwait has been a much welcomed starting block for over 20 years for many women who have just arrived to Kuwait and find that whether they are alone, or with their family, a foreign country is all a bit daunting. Our mission as a Ladies Society is to provide women living in Kuwait with the opportunity to meet one another, form lasting friendships and learn more about the customs, history and culture of Kuwait. Socialising is a very important part of expat life with so many of us being away from our loved ones and far away from home. It is lovely to be able to sit and chat over coffee with old friends and make new ones too. Some lifelong friendships have been made over a cup of tea, biscuit and a chat at many of our coffee mornings or at our monthly Ladies Night Out. Our coffee mornings are our most popular activity and are held on Monday mornings at a variety of venues. Sometimes we are invited to Members’ homes and sometimes we receive invitations from businesses such salons, restaurants, boutiques and hotels, where we usually get spoilt and discounts on their products.

As well as a social network we are also a Society that donates funds raised through all of our activities, membership, events and so on to two charities, one in the UK and one in Kuwait. This year our two charities, as voted by our Members, are Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and Operation Hope, both very deserving charities.

We were also pleased to meet newly arrived wife of the British Ambassador to Kuwait, Mrs Alexia Lodge, who came to visit us at our Open Day and see what the BLS

Founded in 1993, with a membership of over 250 ladies from varied backgrounds and nationalities, we started our twenty-second year by hosting an Open Day at our BLS Premises in Salmiya. We had over 50 ladies in attendance, coffee, tea and snacks flowing, babies crawling and toddlers playing. We also had members and non-members trading their many varied wares from financial management, salons, artists, crafts ladies and WH Smith!

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COMMUNITY GROUPS

Available for 5KD

was all about. Alexia graciously agreed to be our Patron continuing the tradition and maintaining the strong ties between the BLS and the British Embassy in Kuwait. We are truly grateful to Alexia for this commitment and wish her and her family the very best for their time here in Kuwait. One of the many benefits that the BLS offers to all expats in Kuwait is our BLS Guidebook. The BLS Guidebook, was revamped, resized and reprinted this year following lots of hard work by the Project Team, where hours have been spent proof reading, updating information and hassling printers!, It is widely believed that our Guidebook is “an must-have handbook for every expat in Kuwait”. It contains essential information for new arrivals to Kuwait on how to obtain residency, a driver’s license and provides some handy advice on living in Kuwait. There is also a “yellow pages” and several maps showing the road network, hospitals, schools and of course the shopping malls. Many companies in Kuwait

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purchase these Guidebooks from us for their new staff and use them as part of their induction packages. Our Membership Ladies were very busy at the Open Day signing up new members, doing renewals and dealing with enquiries. For those of you who don’t know, our membership year runs from September to July and the fee includes the BLS Guidebook, a BLS Calendar and a complimentary Christmas Dinner held at a top notch Hotel in Kuwait. Your BLS Membership Card also gets you numerous discounts in many shops, restaurants, salons and other businesses here in Kuwait. So we do believe it is well worth the money!

COMMUNITY GROUPS

It would have to be said, that, the best thing about being an expat in Kuwait is the friendships that are made and the experiences that are shared for a long time afterwards. If you are interested in joining the BLS or want to find out more about the Society and its activities or come along to one of our events, please do, as all nationalities are welcome. Information on Membership and Events can be found on our website www.theblskuwait.com. The BLS is a voluntary organisation and we are always looking for venues to hold our coffee mornings, events and activities and are always grateful for anyone who is willing to help out with the running of the BLS, please contact Viv Anthony, BLS President on 6604 0723 or Inga Kenny, Vice President on 6625 1938 or email info@theblskuwait.com.

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COMMUNITY GROUPS

Community Groups Kuwait Scorpions Welcome to the Kuwait Scorpions, the oldest rugby football club in the Gulf. We were established in the late 1940’s after the Kuwait Oil Company and the British Army played the region’s first ever recorded rugby fixture. In 2010 the club reverted to its original name of ‘Scorpions’ and no longer uses ‘Nomads’ as its name. Today the Scorpions have over 200 playing members of all ages from more than 18 different countries including Kuwait, Iran, Lebanon and Egypt. In addition there are many hundreds of supporting members in Kuwait and throughout the world. The Scorpions is now the biggest expatriate organisation in the country and association with the Club provides widespread exposure both here and throughout the Gulf region.

Jon Law Chairman jon@bd-wm.com Qais AlDoub Vice Chairman casealdoub@yahoo.com Steve Allan Club Captain s_allan@yahoo.co.uk

Kuwait Saracens It is our mission to continue to preserve the spirit of rugby and to promote and develop the game of rugby at all levels in Kuwait society. We ensure that: • Training is structured, progressive, and presented by coaches that are qualified for the age groups they coach. • Our players have access to the best possible training equipment and the most up to date coaching methods. • All players can learn, practice and play in a safe environment. • All our teams have the opportunity to travel and play enough competitive matches to enable them to continue to develop their skills. • We provide training for age groups from 5 – 19 years old. All coaches are IRB certified.

Email: Info@q8saracens.com

K’S PATH Ahmadi Music Group The Ahmadi Music Group is a choral group which rehearses and performs at the New English School, Jabriya. The Group sings a wide variety of music and encourages small group and solo performances as well. AMG usually performs two concerts a year; one in December and the other in May. A wide variety of nationalities have been attracted to sing with the Group, which has a very professional approach to singing, but makes sure that being part of the choir is fun for everybody. If you have an interest in choral singing and would like to find out more about the Group, and what it does, please visit our website where you will find up to date contacts and information.

Email: info@ahmadimusicgroup.com Web: www.ahmadimusicgroup.com

K’S PATH (Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitat) is a local non-profit volunteerbased organisation committed to animal welfare and habitat conservation, founded by Ayeshah Al Humaidhi in 2005. K’S PATH’s open-door shelter in Wafra, primarily set up for adoption and surrender of companion animals, provides sanctuary for indigenous and smuggled wildlife, abandoned and abused farm animals and injured migratory birds. K’S PATH works to stop illegal wildlife trade and conducts a marine conservation programme, a humane animal control/TNR programme, and a school/university education program. K’S PATH depends entirely on community donations and private sponsorships, and organises annual fundraisers. Please get in touch to know how you can help: adopt an animal, volunteer, donate, sponsor or other partnerships.

Email: info@kspath.org/angelique@kspath.org Web: www.kspath.org Blog: www.kspath.wordpress.com Facebook: ‘K’S PATH’ Twitter : @K’S PATH Tel: (+965) 6700 1622 DISPATCHES A utumn 2014

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Kuwait Little Theatre Kuwait Little Theatre (KLT) is an amateur dramatic society supported by the Kuwait Oil Company. Established in 1948 and has staged productions over 60 annual seasons. Membership is open to all who are willing to work towards the society’s objective of providing a variety of events for the enjoyment of those interested in theatre.

Web: www.theklt.com

Kuwait Netball Association If you are interested in playing netball then come and join us on a Tuesday night at The English School, Salmiya. We have 2 leagues that run weekly and cater for all abilities, aged 17+, from 6.30pm ‘till 8pm. For more info contact:

Laura McDermid (97786485) Sarah Allison (66962993) Email: kuwaitnetball@live.com

Game for Volleyball Come join us! We play twice a week. Both males and females are welcome. If you are interested, email us at Email: q8volleyball@live.com and we will tell you the place and time.

Meetup Meetup is a group established for socialising and helping Western like-minded expats in Kuwait. The goal is to meet new people, share experiences and ideas and explore Kuwait. For more information visit:

Web: www.meetup.com/ExpatsinKuwait

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Operation HOPE Kuwait (OH) Operation HOPE- Kuwait (OH) is a mission of mercy, founded in late 2005, humanitarian relief primarily to expatriate laborers in Kuwait in a manner that restores their God-given dignity. Our purpose is to alleviate despair and bring hope to third country national laborers and domestic workers whenever possible. We also help equip every embassy shelter operating in Kuwait with clothing, non perishable foods, toiletries etc. To volunteer a few hours of your time, or donate gently used clothing or household items, or to make a financial contribution, do email us at:

Email: hope@ohkuwait.org www.ohkuwait.org

Play Volleyball in Kuwait We are a group of people playing volleyball once a week. For more information, visit us on Facebook:

Play-Volleyball-in Kuwait/2172882650329

Field Hockey in Kuwait Hockey has been played by our passionate bunch for almost 20 years at the Ahmadi, KOC grounds. We have league tournaments every Friday and training sessions during the week at 7:30. For more information call:

Tel: 97292757

Kuwait Harps GAA Club Kuwait Harps GAA Club Gaelic (Irish) football is a fun sport which is essentially a mixture of soccer and basketball. The club trains on Fridays with both ladies and men’s teams. All new players to the sport are very welcome! Futher information:

Web: www.kuwaitharpsgaa.com or like us on facebook. Tel: 65639761 or kuwaitharpsgaa@gmail.com

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Kuwait Caledonians The Kuwait Caledonians is a group interested in promoting and celebrating Scottish culture and heritage while at the same time raising money for both Scottish and local charities here in Kuwait. All who wish to support these goals are encouraged to become members. We hold regular informal social gatherings (Ceilidhs) to celebrate all things Scottish, a rather more formal event to mark our National Day, St. Andrew’s (30 November), and a black-tie occasion to celebrate the birth (25 January 1759) and honour the memory of Scotland’s national poet, Rabbie Burns. Other events often on the annual agenda are a Highland Games and a Treasure Hunt. Members will receive early notification of and be given favoured access to forthcoming events. All proceeds go to charity.

Sheena Alcock (Membership Secretary) Tel: 6606 2301 Roger Alcock - Tel: 6614 0714 Email : kuwaitcaledonians@gmail.com

Q8BBall Q8BBall runs training and competition for basketball players between the ages of 12 and 18. They also have a team in the Desert Hoops Adult League. They are also organising a Senior team.

For more information: Coach T on 9712 8884 or visit the Facebook page Q8BBall.

Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah Cultural Season 20: A fusion of activities The Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah aspires to promote the fusion of people, cultures and ideas. Our exhibitions do that by bringing together objects created by different people, in different places, from different periods and highlighting their shared humanity. This, our 20th Cultural Season features activities that do the same: through lectures, concerts, educational opportunities, workshops and special events. (Check the calendar on pages 72 - 73 for a full schedule.) In short, DAI’s Cultural Season 20 will bring people together to share knowledge, to enjoy music, films and theatre from around the world, to discuss big ideas and little insights, and to sip many cups of tea. Enjoy.

Zeinab Tel: 2563 6528 Email: friends@darmuseum.org.kw

PAWS - Protecting Animal Welfare Society We are an active group of local and international volunteers committed to protecting animal welfare in Kuwait. PAWS runs Kuwait’s first officially licensed animal shelter. The educational mission of our society is to promote responsible pet ownership and to advance the humane treatment of all animals. Our work is supported entirely through the donations of our members and supporters. Through the generous hearts and hands of people here in Kuwait, we can ensure that animals who come into our care will receive veterinary treatment, care and shelter, while we seek to place pets in caring homes. Join us online as a member and support our work at the shelter. Visitors and prospective pet parents are very welcome! For further information about the organisation, please contact:

Tel: 99440089 Email: info@paws-kuwait.org Web: www.paws-kuwait.org 94

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The BLS Kuwait (British Ladies Society) The BLS is one of the busiest and most popular societies in Kuwait, run by women for women and families. We meet for friendship and support, and run fund raising activities for charities in UK and Kuwait. We organise over 20 events or activities each month: coffee mornings, library sessions, mothers and toddlers club, children’s music group, evening events, book clubs, and excursions to places of interest. We’re also a network for women seeking work: members find employment or voluntary work through connections made at the BLS. Membership is KD 30 including free Kuwait Information Guide, free Christmas dinner and free diary. Members get discounts at over 60 organisations, restaurants, coffee shops, retail outlets, health clubs, beauty salons, and more. The BLS Kuwait Information Guide is for sale at KD 5. Sale profits go to our charities.

Tel: +965 6665 0381 Email: info@theblskuwait.com Web: www.theblskuwait.com

Anzak Are you an Australian or New Zealand woman in Kuwait? ANZAK is an information group of women here that started on a small scale last year. If you would like to hear about our monthly gettogethers (no committees!), please email: us at

Anzak.group@gmail.com //groups.google.com/group/anzak-group

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DAI Music Diwaniya Instruments as diverse as the hubban (bagpipes), the santoor (similar to a dulcimer), and a harp guitar; compositions as varied as majas, opera and jazz; plus Kuwaiti music and Yemeni music and Indian music and Iraqi music: the list of exciting musical evenings organised by the DAI Music Diwaniya this season is exceptional. Over the course of the 20th cultural season, the DAI Music Diwaniya will present 31 concerts – filling almost every Wednesday night from September’s launch to the season’s end in May.

Harvey Pincis Tel: 2563 6528 Email: friends@darmuseum.org.kw

Girl Guiding British Guides in Foreign Countries (BGIFC) is part of the Guide Association, Girlguiding UK, offering girls the opportunity of taking part in the Guide programme whilst living abroad. Whilst our units maintain a membership of at least 50% British girls, we do welcome all girls who wish to join, subject to places. All our uniformed leaders are trained volunteers. BGIFC Kuwait District currently comprises 5 units: 1 Rainbow Unit (5-7yrs) 2 Brownie Units (7-10 yrs) 1 Guide Unit (10-14 yrs) and 1 Senior Section Unit (14 and over). Girlguiding is a registered charity. If you are interested in finding out more about Guiding in Kuwait, or wish to help as a leader or parent, please contact:

Amanda Wheldon District Commissioner Tel : 66405350 Email: ajwmjk@yahoo.co.uk

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Kuwait Mantas The Kuwait Mantas is an overseas branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BS-AC). Divers trained by any organisation are welcome to join the club and enjoy the corals and fish found in the warm waters of the Gulf. Dives are organised on our own boat every weekend and occasionally we camp out on one of the islands. We organise socials during the week. There are training courses for beginners. For more information contact:

Email: info@kuwaitmantas.com Web: www.kuwaitmantas.com

KTAA - Kuwait Textile Arts Association Kuwait Textile Arts Association is a multi cultural, not for profit organisation based at Sadu House. The Association aims to nurture and promote the art and craft of textiles and fibre arts and to facilitate sharing and exchanging of ideas, knowledge and skills in Kuwait and the Gulf region. Membership is open and meetings are held at 19:00 at Sadu House, on the Arabian Gulf Street. Members also enjoy a programme of demonstrations, workshops, stitch and quilting groups, a textile library and international cultural tours. KTAA sponsor an annual exhibition of members textile work and a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s textile arts day. For further information, please contact:

KBFSA KBFSA has started life as a website initially to connect ex-pat Brits with a passion for the beautiful game! The site will be maintaining a register of Brit football supporters so that they can arrange to meet up to watch live TV matches especially World Cup Qualifiers etc and share their mutual enthusiasm together. We are hoping to set up a regular meeting night and then hope to set up a calendar of events such as quiz nights, video evenings and of course live match nights! Please register with the website so that we can contact you as soon as possible and get KBFSA off the ground.

Web: www.kbfsa.co.uk

Kuwait Writers Workshop The Kuwait Writers workshop meets most Saturday evenings in the working year, taking turns to host in each others homes. Members who are native or virtually nativespeakers of English, critique each othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; writing in progress. We concentrate only on creative writing eg poetry, short story, drama plays, travelogue etc. Group has met since 1993. Several members have published over the years.

Email: wovenpieces@yahoo.com or presidentktaa@yahoo.com saduweaving@gmail.com

Kuwait Offshore Sailing Association We are a mixed group of expats and Kuwaitis that like sailing and want to promote sailing in Kuwait. We sail every weekend at the Fahaheel Seaclub. Everybody is welcome, whether you are a keen sailor or you want to try it for the first time. We do mile builder sessions mornings and afternoons of Friday and Saturday. If you are of the competitive kind, we race every other Friday in the mornings. Several times per year we organize overnight sailing to one of the islands in Kuwait and weekend trips to sail in one of the GCC countries. Please contact us by email at sail-kosa@live.com for more information or to book for the next sailing session. We are waiting for you!

Website: Google website. https://sites. google.com/site/kosasailingweb/home Find us on facebook on KOSA-Kuwait sailing Find us on Linked-in: KOSA-Sailing Kuwait

Tel: 6632 7130 Email: tonerssq8@hotmail.com

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Expat Mums Kuwait Expat Mums of Kuwait is a group of English speaking expat mums from more than 25 countries who gather regularly for weekly coffee catch ups, mums only dinners, playgroups and more. For more information visit the

Web: www.expatmumskwi.com

Bright Horizons Toastmasters Club Toastmaster’s International helps you develop your public speaking skills, giving you more confidence professionally and personally. Bright Horizons Toastmaster ‘s sessions are held at Better Books in Salmiya. For more information:

Email: brighthorizonstmi@yahoo.co.in

Kuwait Little League Baseball Kuwait Little League Baseball is a volunteer organisation that fields 25 teams for children between the ages of 5 and 17 – no experience required. The season runs from October to April and volunteer coaches, scorekeepers and umpires are always needed. For more information or to volunteer or sign up your child visit:

Web: www.q8ll.org Email: q8llbaseball@gmail.com

DAI Children’s Art Workshop The DAI Children’s Art Workshop programme is back, bigger and better than ever.

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CAW Tots (ages of 3.5 – 5) New this season, the group is limited to 10 potty trained, children, pre-registered, on a 1st come – 1st serve basis for each of the two six-week sessions. Session One: Be Art Smart 15 November What is art? Are you an artist? 22 November What’s a line? 29 November Where does colour come from? 6 December Shapes in art 13 December What does art feel like? 20 December Putting it all together CAW JRs (ages 6 – 8) and CAW (ages 9 - 12) This season the CAW and CAW JR kids will start the sessions together but split by ages for the activity. This will allow us to challenge each child to engage her/his imagination more fully and create a unique work of art. Date 18 October 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 6 December 13 December 20 December

Theme Shapes in art Shapes in art Animals in art field trip: Kuwait Scientific Center Animals in art Art and architecture Art and architecture Art and architecture Identity: Hats

For more information:

Email: info@darmuseum.org.kw

Q8 Bridge Club We are constantly on the lookout for people who enjoy a good game of Bridge. We meet Sundays and Tuesdays at 8 PM at the Sea Club in Ras Salmiya. We are a small and very friendly club of English speakers and will make you feel most welcome. For more information:

Web: http://q8bc.blogspot.com Email: boukhrissamia@gmail.com 97

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