Unless it’s an emergency, expats can no longer visit public hospitals during the morning. Staff members will also be segregated by nationality, meaning at most times expats will be treated by expats and Kuwaitis will be treated by Kuwaitis.

“Administrative and psychological advisor Iman Al-Bedah said this proposal is “dangerous at all levels”, adding that it “will bring discrimination not between patients, but between workers themselves.”

Blog Post Link: Medical Care Segregation Starts on June 1st

Blog Post Link: The Evolution of Low Waist Jeans

To start of, Kudos to Android for hitting the 900 million active Android devices, not too far from the 1 billion mark which equates to almost 12% of the planets population (if every person had 1 Android device from 900 million). I like that they’re investing into the education of kids with Google Play for Education. Google finally launched Google Play game services and unlike other competitors their service is cross-platform, it will be pretty cool to play against friends that use an iPhone or a BlackBerry. People that know me know I’m not a fan of TouchWiz and what he’s holding up there is a game-changer for me. I loved the Galaxy S4′s beast hardware specs but I didn’t want TouchWiz nor did I want to wait months for an update. So Google announcing a Samsung Galaxy S4 for KD ~185 with stock android (aka vanilla android) is a big plus for me. I might grab one unless Motorola comes out with something impressive.

Blog Post Link: Google I/O 2013 Recap

The least they could have done (which isn’t accepted by everyone) was to clean the fruits before repacking them to sell. They were hoping I didn’t make a scene and attract a few people passing by. I didn’t, I just wrote about it for thousands to read. It’s much harder to get away with things nowadays.

Blog Post Link: Selling What Hit the Floor

Today on a more brighter day, BlackBerry decided they would go ahead with it. It’s very hard not to with cross-platform apps like Whatsapp and Skype having a huge market share, I don’t think BlackBerry had much of a choice. Well I’m happy they’re finally going ahead with it, should be released this summer.[Source]

Blog Post Link: BlackBerry Messenger Coming to Android and iOS

Keep in mind you have to have wireless charging technology built-in on your phone. Either that or your phone has a wireless charging cover.

Blog Post Link: The Smartest Wireless Charger

Update: Looks like it’s a Cheesecake Factory thing and they do it on most of their menu’s but people aren’t happy about it. The whole concept isn’t appealing.

Blog Post Link: Restaurant Menus with Ads

via 248am

Update: Good news, his YouTube channel has been terminated.

Blog Post Link: Shooting Cats for Fun Isn’t “Cool”

This review will be covering the 5th generation 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, the top of the range model of the 4 Explorer’s available in Kuwait’s Ford dealership which are: (The Base Explorer, XLT Explorer, LIMITED Explorer and finally the one being reviewed today: the Explorer Sport).

Click on ‘continue reading’ to read the full review.

While most people consider the addition of the word ‘SPORT’ to any car model would mean some sporty looking stickers here and there and maybe a change of headlights, this is certainly not the case here. The Explorer Sport is packed with so many truly impressive options and equipped with some highly advanced twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6, generating 365 horsepower, and a 6-Speed very responsive automatic sport-tuned transmission, giving the car a true sporty feel.

The SPORT Explorer is also distinguished by it’s blacked-out lights, bigger polished exhaust tips, black trim, 20″ machined aluminum wheels with black painted pockets (taken from the LIMITED Explorer, I personally enjoyed and loved all these exterior attractions which made the car stand out and turn heads wherever I drove it. It’s available in 3 colors: Ruby Red, Ingot Silver Metallic and Tuxedo Black Metallic.

The Explorer has changed to this current shape back in 2011, when it changed from a truck based platform to a new car based platform, a change I didn’t like since I’m I currently own a 2009 Explorer, and I love the truck nature and shape of it but I guess the world’s taste for SUVs has changed and Ford as all car companies has to meet the demands of the consumers.

Since it was reintroduced 2 years ago, this car has been a bestseller for Ford, which only shows people’s love for this type of SUVs. Driving this car made me realise how powerful and fun to drive it is. Yet, very stable and comfortable unlike the previous models which were more rough and bumpy sometimes.

I must say that Ford has done an impressive work merging the comfort of a sedan maintaining the spaciousness of a full size SUV with it’s 3 rows of seats and huge trunk space. I had the whole family aboard, 2 baby strollers and a lot of grocery packed and I still had so more space in it.

The interior of the car was astonishing, very high quality contrasting stitching on the leathers seats and the steering wheel, push button start, automatic up/down windows for the driver and the passenger, LCD panel, GPS Navigation, LED multi colored trims of the center panel and doors (looked amazing when driving in at night), silver carbon fiber trims, soft touch plastics, center stack with Sony Stereo and Ford Sync bluetooth system with touch sensitive buttons (which takes some getting used to by the way) and a reverse camera with a sensor, are the most noticeable features of the interior. in addition to a chrome gear shifter plus a manual mode with pedal F1 Shifters on the steering wheel. and for your media needs, it has iPod connectors, AV cable ports and USB ports as well.

The Explorer is no longer a 4-wheel drive car since it’s a car based SUV now, so it’s an all-wheel drive car, and you have a dial controller that lets you easily shift into one of four settings that includes:


● “Normal” focuses torque to the front wheels
● “Mud/Ruts” allows tires to spin as needed
● “Sand” throws maximum torque to all wheels
● “Grass/Gravel/Snow” minimizes occurrenceo

The A/C was very cold and had lots and lots of options for atmosphere control, whether you’re seated in the front or one of the back rows of seats. it also had cooled/heated seats, a pretty neat feature too.

All in all, driving the 2013 Explorer Sport was a pleasure and I certainly recommend it for people who are in the market for a high-end SUV for daily use. The Ford Explorer Sport 2013 I tried cost around KD 16,000. Click [here] to see the other Ford Explorer Models.

——————-

About the Guest Writer: 

Ahmed Khader is a car enthusiast and a car paparazzi. He currently manages his car designated instagram account (cars_of_kuwait). Ahmed will be writing most if not all car reviews on the blog.

Blog Post Link: Review: Ford Explorer Sport 2013

Blog Post Link: Windows Goes Crazy With Their New Ads

Blog Post Link: 7-Eleven Won’t Be Coming to Kuwait

Blog Post Link: Some Things Can’t Be Covered

This is intriguing because Kuwait is also happens to be most active country in the arab region on instagram. The hashtag #Kuwait was used more than 6 million times, way more than #uae, #saudi or #qatar. I guess Kuwait is quick to move on to the next trending social platform and abandon the previous one.

Blog Post Link: Facebook Penetration Takes a Dive in Kuwait

Thanks KZ

Blog Post Link: Alghanim Receives the First Batch of Honda Cars

The Lounge which comfortably accommodates thirty female guests provides an outdoor private pool with Jacuzzi and dipping pool by the sea. The place is beautifully landscaped with plenty of greenery, and all the sun loungers you can ask for.

Other than that, there is a private beach area at the end. The staff was very friendly, helpful and most attentive. Everything was comfortable and convenient with plenty of clean towels, and enough lockers provided in the spacious shower rooms.

The lounge also provides an elegantly furnished area for dining, or just to sit and enjoy a light snack or coffee. The menu offers a variety of hot and cold drinks and dishes which are created by the hotel’s international chefs. However the food quality and presentation could use some improvement.

You can enjoy the female lounge services by becoming a regular member, with 1300 kd for a 7 month subscription. The good news is that they also offer a one day entrance for 20kd where you can come and enjoy the place yourself before investing in a long period membership. Additionally, they are currently offer a %30 discount on the membership fees for a limited period of time. Not sure how long the offer is going for so those interested should go for it when they can.

I had a good time.

View larger map

Blog Post Link: Review: The Regency’s Ladies Lounge

Blog Post Link: Posta Plus Opens in UAE, Aramex Opens in Turkey

Zain redirects to a broken link, Wataniya redirects to their phone offer page which doesn’t have the Galaxy Nexus nor the Nexus 4 and Viva redirects to their promotions page which again doesn’t include any of the Nexus devices. So all links are practically useless, expecting them to be updated soon.

Blog Post Link: Google Launches Nexus Page for Kuwait

Blog Post Link: Food Poisoning on the Rise

From what I’ve seen their falafel isn’t cheap but those falafel photos look delicious. One thing they’re popular in doing is making a falafel flavour in the country they open up in so I’m expecting a Kuwaiti falafel with their opening, although I have no idea what a Kuwaiti flavoured falafel would include.

Blog Post Link: Just Falafel Opening in Kuwait

Blog Post Link: Dog Spotted Chilling in Qurtoba Co-op

To read my first impressions on the Galaxy S4 click [here]. I anticipate this device to be the best selling device in Kuwait for the year of 2013, unless Apple comes up with something magical which they haven’t done for a long time now.

Keep in mind telecom prices below are only for the Samsung Galaxy S4 3G model, LTE will be released soon.

Zain

Wataniya

Viva

Store Prices:

• X-Cite
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (3G): KD 202 (Order)
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (3G): N/A
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (4G): KD 235.900 (Order)
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (4G): N/A
• Mobile2000
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (3G): KD 202 (Order)
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (3G): N/A
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (4G/LTE): KD 249 (Order)
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (4G/LTE): N/A
• E-Market
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (3G): KD 199
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (3G): N/A
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (4G): KD 229.900
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (4G): N/A
• Blink
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (3G): KD 209
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (3G): N/A
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (4G): KD 249
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (4G): N/A
• Al Babtain
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (3G): KD 202
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (3G): N/A
• BEST Al Yousifi
  • Galaxy S4 16GB (3G): KD 199.950 (so KD 200)
  • Galaxy S4 32GB (3G): N/A

photo courtesy of eucom.su

Blog Post Link: Samsung Galaxy S4 Prices in Kuwait

Blog Post Link: Fluffy Visits Saudi Arabia

In pronunciation, it is (Abdol Azeez), but linguistically, the name contains three parts:

Abd = means the worshiper
Al = is the definite article in Arabic that is equal to “the” in English
Aziz = A name of God’s 99 names Muslims like, it means strong

The 3 parts compose what we call (Phrasal Name) that must be said or pronounced in full. Neglecting any part of it may create an insulting, ironic or opposite meaning of the wording. Phrasal names aren’t specific to Muslim names, they are used all over the world in different tribes and religions.

In old English (started in Ireland and Scotland, and now everywhere):

The prefix Mc or Mac means (Son of).
So, James McDougal would be James, Son of Dougal

Examples: McDonald’s, McKenzie, McPherson

In Germany the prefix (Fitz) in Fitzgeral, mean (son of Gerald)

Examples: Fitzwater, Fitzhugh, Fitzakerly

I understand that some Arabic names are hard to pronounce for non-Arabic speaking persons, but it’s not about pronunciation, it is about omitting or dropping parts of the name, which leads in many cases to unpleasant meaning of the name.

It’s Abd Al-Aziz
Spelt as AbdulAziz

A thank you goes to Aeid Hassoun for helping me structure this post.

Blog Post Link: My Name is Not “Abdul”

As a customer you download the their app from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Make an account and add credit via KNET. Once you need to pay, the company you’re paying will give you a 4 digit token number, you just input that number on your phone and pay the amount.

This app will not succeed if not enough companies start offering its service. Notably, Burger Boutique and Someday Cafe have already installed the service. I’m going to try the app on my next visit to Burger Boutique as it’s close to where I work. You can see all the companies that currently have their service [here].

From what I understood:

• Businesses pay %2.5 fee for every transaction
• Customers pay 100 fils if the credit they added to their account is less than KD 25

Blog Post Link: Next Pay: Kuwait Based Payment Gateway

Even though this piece of news has been posted everywhere, including msn and The Daily News, I question its credibility. I haven’t found any source that mentions how they discovered he was one of the three.  Omars Facebook fan page doesn’t mention he was deported, nor does his personal facebook page.

Blog Post Link: Photo of One of the Emiratis That Was Deported From Saudi for Being Too Handsome

Blog Post Link: Kuwait Divers Save Baby Sharks

Blog Post Link: The Random Button

Location: Bayan Bilingual School

Date: 27th April

Time: 10:15 am – 12:30 pm

Blog Post Link: Event: Hoopmoutain Basketball Clinic

via Emirates247

Blog Post Link: World’s Richest Man Visits Kuwait

I listed the current ‘AreaMe’ instagram accounts, if you’re part of any of the areas below you can follow your area to stay updated on projects and achievements. I love that this entire campaign started by youth who wanted to see positive change and isn’t sponsored by any other than the goodwill of people.

• ShamiyaMe
• QurainMe
• HawalliMe
• DhahiaMe
• AlzahraMe
• AljahraMe
• ShaabMe
• DasmaMe
• RumaithiyaMe
• ShuhadaMe
• SalmiyaMe
• RawdaMe
• MantaqaMe
• DaiyaMe
• NuzhaMe
• HateenMe
• ShuwaikhMe
• MesillaMe
• AdailiyaMe
• KhaldiyaMe
• EgailaMe
• KaifanMe
• JabriyaMe
• WestMishrefMe
• FaihaMe
• MishrefMe
• BayanMe
• SurraMe

Blog Post Link: QortubaMe Expands to MishrefMe and 27 Others

We started out with the popular breakfast dish Orientale Prima Colozine which had two really crispy fried eggs with some labneh and halloum. Also comes with cucumber, olives and bread (available on the gallery). I like the combination, definitely the lightest breakfast meal I’ve had in a long time. 

Although it looks like a complete mess, the Patate Con Carne was my favorite. I would come back to this place for the sole purpose of having this dish. Ground meat with potato chips topped with melted cheddar cheese. Not everyone likes having meat for breakfast but for those that do, this is much recommended.

Of course waffles are best served with ice cream and lots of Nutella. This one is recommended for two or more, unless you just came to have this dessert. The waffles were stiffer than I expected but I guess some people like them that way.

For those that keep calorie count in mind then some waffle with honey and ice cream would be a better option. You can also choose whether you want a pancake instead and/or if you want maple syrup or caramel instead of honey. Now the next step would be passing by for lunch.

Blog Post Link: Review: Versus Caffè by Versace [Breakfast]

The keyboard has small holes on all the corners so that water flows out. You can still type with no problems while the keyboard is still wet. Logitech strongly advises not to wash it in a dishwasher but mild soap and a soft cloth should do the job. I did have the urge to pour Pepsi on it but I’d rather do that unintentionally.

When cleaning the keyboard it is very important close the lid of the USB else the keyboard will get damaged. You can dip the keyboard up to 30 cm in water which is more than enough. So far my only issue is the keyboard I bought doesn’t have Arabic letters, I can laser print them in Hawally but they will quickly wear off.

Out of curiosity I did a keyboard speed test and managed to break my own record after 2 tries. So this thing is definitely speed typing friendly.

Blog Post Link: The Washable Keyboard

Blog Post Link: BBC Report on Kuwait’s Interest Free Loans

Blog Post Link: Spinneys Plans to Open in Kuwait

I wonder how the internal meeting went.

Cop #1 “Okay so to we need to replace the mechanical fans with electric fans for some extra horse power while at the same time replace the electric fuel pump. Engines must be configured to pull in more air induction for more power. Exhaust getting out fo the engine must be improved to increase performance.”

Cop #2 “Why not just get a Ferrari?”

Cop #1 “Okay.”

Blog Post Link: Dubai Police Unveils Ferrari FF Petrol Car

Litas is owned by a half Kuwaiti/Mexican guy, he wanted to bring the genuine Mexican food to Kuwait which is nothing like Taco Bell, so he opened up a place. There are two chefs doing the food, his mother and a chef from Mexico. Almost everything they serve is made in-house, like the tortilla and nachos.

You can’t go to a Mexican restaurant and not have nachos so we had Mama Lita Nachos, the nachos tasted different from any I have tried before. They were the best plain nachos I’ve tried so far. We got 4 different sauces to dip from and to me the more sauces the better.

There are three different types of tacos at Lita, the normal one with ground beef and two others with shredded chicken/beef. I prefer the ground beef ones, they had so many additional flavor it tasted different. The bread was so crispy and fresh it gave a unique experience. If you’re use to tomato sauce with your taco you need to ask them to add it with your order.

This was the Carne Asada which is literally grilled beef wrapped with Mexican bread. The beef is served alone but you can request additional vegetables or sauces with it. They have 7 different types of beef flavors to pick from, I only tried a few so far. I recommend this one for those that love the beef shawerma.

At first sight this looked like a hammour dish but it was actually a Deep Fried Burrito. If you don’t fancy having a taco with crispy bread and making a little mess in the process then you should try one of these. This is one of the heavy dishes so it’s either shared or you have to be pretty hungry.

These are called Flautas, they’re like reversed taco’s except make more mess during consumption. Inside is either beef or chicken, depends on what you order and on the outside is everything you would normally have with your taco. Tacos and Flautas taste very similar, it boils down to preference.

This is definitely something I will be ordering everytime I pass by Lita. The Nutella Churros was really good, it was covered with cinnamon and sugar which made it taste even better. I can now conclude there’s more to Mexican food than just tacos. My next Lita review will likely cover the breakfast special menu.

Overall I had a great time with the company of the owner Khalid and his friends. The food was great and I will definitely be taking friends who love Mexican food there. Lita hasn’t opened on Gulf Street yet, not sure if they will. So far the one in Mahboula is the only store for Lita.

Blog Post Link: Review: Lita (After Reopening)

Order # 97257258

Blog Post Link: Maintaining Personal Hygiene Abroad

Blog Post Link: Only in Kuwait: 3 Climates in one Day

Interestingly enough, John brings up a subject that has been on hush hush for a very long time, bloggers that are paid under the table to promote a product or service. In my opinion there is nothing wrong with an advertorial or a sponsored post but under the crucial condition that the readers know a post is sponsored.

I read a lot of popular blogs all around the word that sponsor posts (example), the only difference is they’re not doing it behind closed doors and the readers know what’s sponsored and what’s not. If blogging is consuming so much of your time it kind of becomes a part-time job that you need to cash-in on else can’t withstand.

For bloggers that want to stay safe, having banners on the blog should suffice. When your blog becomes fairly known, companies start to have interest. The blogosphere in Kuwait is still on the raise, I estimate there are around at least 150 active blogs in Kuwait. I wonder what other bloggers take on this is, do share.[Kuwait Times]

Blog Post Link: “I wonder where all the bloggers come from!”

Kuwait has one of the highest rates of car accidents, many of whom are from texting while driving. The problem is people think it can happen to anyone but not themselves so they keep doing it, until one day they wake up in a hospital. Don’t text and drive people, the unthinkable can happen in a split of a second.

Blog Post Link: Texting Can Kill You

Blog Post Link: How Sunlight Can Cheer You Up

After expanding to 3 branches the owner got a good deal to sell the store and make it a franchise. The owner accepted and now you have a store in Kuwait, and surprisingly five stores in Saudi Arabia too. One in Egypt which I just found out about. They have 15 different flavors in Kuwait, chocolate chip being the most popular.

The cookies are baked in the oven for several seconds, depending on what the room temperature is. According to Ben’s Cookie Nutritional Page their cookies go for around 400 calories each. The branch in Kuwait also serves coffee and ice cream but I only went for the cookies. They have a fixed price of 750 fils per cookie.

Blog Post Link: The Story of Ben’s Cookies

I’m surprised Internet Explorer remains popular to begin with. I’m assuming at least 20% of  IE users are from corporates who are forced to use basic programs installed or their laptops. Maybe 5% comes from grandparents? I wouldn’t know but unless IE comes up with something revolutionary, it’s dead.[Source]

Blog Post Link: Google Chrome Finally #1 Browser in Kuwait

Blog Post Link: Sheikh Hamad’s Name No Longer Engraved on Planet Earth

t starts off with lectures that took place in Regency and GUST University with ways to help the youth. After that a group of people will be selected to go through different courses to improve and enhance their knowledge and skills. I recommend for those who graduated and are still looking for a job to apply and use time productively.

Before the lecture started there were booths that displayed different talents. The one which caught my attention was the beautiful origami done by Mohammed from ChapterQ8 Blog which contained a total of a little over 500 pieces of paper. Other booths had painters, photographers and whatnot.

The first presentation was by Abdullah Boftain, he talked about how he started, his career and how he took life-changing decisions as he progressed. He emphasized on if you have a bright idea, you should quit your job and follow your dreams. Granted you have the financial support you need.

He also talked about when the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah requested to meet him after his popular speech that was directed to the Amir. He had a 30 minute conversation which discussed everything Abdullah mentioned that needed change, the Amir explained what can and can’t be done.

Then came Nawal Al Muhaini’s lecture which covered a variety of subjects. Including when to make decisions from the heart and when from the brain, something I never really thought about but we always take decisions from either one, rarely both. I hope to see young talents emerge from this project as confidential entrepreneurs in the near future.

Blog Post Link: Project Ma3an

——————

Blog Post Link: Impact & Echo Job Offer

Blog Post Link: iPear

They currently have a volunteering event tomorrow (Saturday 6th) that’s set to change Qurtoba’s playground to a much greener look, includes filling cracks and painting surrounding walls. Any Qortuba resident can volunteer and/or donate (KD 10 maximum donation). More details can be found [here].

Photos taken from QorubaMe’s instagram account. 

Update: Due to bad weather, event has been postponed to Saturday 12th

Blog Post Link: For a Better Qurtoba

The law does not include domestic drivers who work in Kuwaiti houses. I’m not sure asking people to pay more solves everything, it just forces some people to find an alternative when at times there isn’t any. If you are an expat that’s over 18 without a licence, I suggest you go get one now.[Source]

Blog Post Link: Driver’s License Could Cost KD 500

I took the Office 360 Home Premium bundle which included Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access for a subscription fee of KD 2.99 per month which was the of a burger. You also get 20 GB of cloud storage to store your documents and my favorite feature was having the ability to install Office on up to 5 different devices, including Macs.

A problem I faced with office was compatibility. I’m normally stuck with a file that doesn’t open because I used a newer version of Office than the one currently installed on the device I’m trying to open the file in. In Office 365 they introduced Office on demand which lets you open any office file on web-based applications.

Blog Post Link: The New Microsoft Office Costs KD 3 Monthly