SHOPPING
Kuwait's shopping malls range from the most exclusive
(in price) to the ordinary. The more exclusive contain
many boutiques selling international brand names.
The choice is phenomenal.
Most areas in Kuwait have a large supermarket run
by the Cooperative Society. These jam'eeyahs (co-ops)
usually open early until quite late at night and
stock a vast range of foods and other household
items. The prices of some food items are controlled.
There are also many private supermarkets. A few
are open 24 hours a day. The larger ones also sell
non-food and household items, such as toys, furniture,
car accessories and perfumes.
In areas where expatriates from the third world
live or work, there are many small 'ethnic' supermarkets,
such as Indian, Filipino, Thai, Sri Lankan, etc,
which sell all sorts of foods and personal items
imported from these countries.
Baqalas are the convenience stores found in every
street. They sell everything from cigarettes to
biscuits and 'fresh' vegetables. Prices are a bit
higher than the supermarkets and coops.
Traditional Open Air & Friday Suqs
Traditional markets still flourish among the modern
supermarkets and malls of Kuwait.
The suq area in central Kuwait City is a labyrinth
of covered streets and passageways lined with
stalls and shops. The stalls are often topped
with low fixed roofs even though some of the alleyways
are roofed over higher up. The City suq is in
fact the remains of about twenty different interconnecting
suqs, some removed by development, others destroyed
by the invasion in 1990. Each suq was made up
of shops that specialised in particular items,
such as clothing, hardware, spices, etc, and many
of these are still open for business. In the Suq
Al-Hareem, for instance, women selling everyday
items sit with their wares on platforms running
down the centre of the street. Shopping in the
City suq area is an interesting and cheap alternative
to the modern supermarkets and shopping malls,
though bargaining is essential to secure a good
price.
Other traditional suqs still survive in Kuwait,
notably in Fahaheel and Jahra. There are also
several suq al-jum'a, Friday markets, which take
place only on that day of the week, when they
operate from early morning until evening selling
everything from second-hand furniture and clothing
to carpeting and 'antiques', as well as various
species of livestock. The major suq al-jum'a is
at al-Rai just off the 4th Ring Road.
Fresh Food
Most of the food shops sell a mixture of chilled
or frozen produce, canned and preserved foods.
Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and
meat however is available.
The main suqs for fresh foods are in Shuwaikh
(in Canada Dry Street, on the right hand side
when travelling westwards, a block before the
flyover is reached) and in Fahaheel (on the south
side near the coast). These are essentially wholesale
markets for fruit, vegetables and meat, but the
vendors welcome all buyers and prices are cheaper
than at the supermarkets.
Most areas of Kuwait have a nearby suq selling
fresh vegetables and fruit. There are also several
main vegetable suqs, such as the one near the
Hawalli Immigration roundabout in Salmiya, which
sell fresh produce that has either just been imported
or harvested in local farms.
The main fish suqs are on Arabian Gulf Street,
and in Fahaheel. A splendid new Suq al-Samak (fish
market) was opened on Arabian Gulf Street just
east of the Seif Palace in 1997.
The rubian or prawns for which Kuwait is famous
are only sold during the official fishing season
which, in an effort to preserve stocks, is now
restricted to six months a year (September to
February).
Some fresh beef is available in the main suqs
in Shuwaikh and Fahaheel but most beef is imported
frozen or chilled. Australian sheep are the cheapest,
but the several types of Arabian stock on sale
are by far the tastiest.
Most neighbourhoods have fresh chicken shops where
live chickens are kept in wire cages, from which
the buyer makes his choice. Approximate cost for
a whole chicken is 500 to 600 fils a kilogram.
Many areas have small makhbaz (bakeries). The
bread, either kubous Arabi (Arabic bread) or kubous
tandoor (Iranian bread) is baked on the spot.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
The quality of food, medicines and household goods
on sale in Kuwait is usually very high, though problems
do occur from time to time.
The Ministry of Public Health (MPH) is responsible
for ensuring that food is fit for human consumption.
However the Food Control Department at the Municipality
(Baladeeyah) receives complaints concerning spoiled
food or food sold beyond its expiry date. The Food
Control Department has centres in each governorate
and these are usually located near the 'coop' supermarkets.
The centres are open from 7:00am to 2:00pm and from
4:00pm to 8:00pm. To lodge a complaint, a valid
civil ID must be shown. When a complaint is lodged,
a representative from the centre will usually investigate
the matter on the spot by visiting the shop concerned.
If the complaint seems to be well founded, samples
of the food item will be sent to an MPH laboratory
for testing and eventually, should tests prove positive,
the matter is referred to the Legal Affairs Department
at the MPH and the shopkeeper is prosecuted.
Pharmacies are supervised by the Drugs Registration
and Inspection Department of the MPH, to whom complaints
about the quality of medicines and medical apparatus
should be addressed.
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MCI) is
responsible for ensuring that consumers get a fair
shake. The main centre for the MCI's consumer protection
department is the Commercial Control Sector in the
capital but there are 14 offices throughout the
country. These offices, which are usually located
near 'coop' supermarkets, are open to receive complaints
about fraud, substandard goods, financial cheating,
etc, from 7:00am to 2pm and 3:00pm to 10:00pm. The
complainant's civil ID must be shown, as well as
either the defective item or a receipt for it. The
complaint is usually investigated immediately and
eventually, if it seems that the shopkeeper has
a case to answer, both parties are summoned for
a hearing at the commercial prosecution office in
the Ministry of Justice.
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS
HOT LINE: 4820281
GOLD SUQS
There are several gold suqs in the country and most
general shopping areas also contain at least one
gold shop. Following the depredations of the Iraqi
invasion, the old gold suq in Kuwait City centre
was shifted to a purpose-built building nearby called
suq al-dahab al-markazi (the central gold market).
This building contains the government assay office
where gold can be checked for its purity and conformity
with its hallmark.
All gold sold from a shop must be hallmarked and
the gold shops are closely monitored by government
inspectors. By law the shopkeeper must give a buyer
an official receipt that shows clearly the purity
and weight of the gold. A buyer should always demand
this receipt and then any doubts later as to the
gold content and weight can be resolved at the government
assay office.
Most gold is sold as 21 or 22 carat jewellery. Jewellery
styles are mainly Arabic, Indian and Italian. The
price of the gold content of a piece of jewellery
fluctuates daily in line with the world market price
for gold.
Twenty four carat gold (99.99% pure) can be bought
in bar form, i.e., in 10 gram, tola (a traditional
weight somewhat more than 10 gram), 100 gram and
in Kilogram bars, hallmarked accordingly. In some
countries gold bars are classified as bullion.
GOLD ASSAY OFFICE
2nd Floor, Suq al-Dahab al-Markazi
(Central Gold Market)
Mubarakeeyah Area
Kuwait City Centre
Tel: 243 6049
COMPLEXES
For a country with a population of only 2.3 million,
many of whom are indigent labourers, Kuwait has
an extraordinary array of super-modern shopping
malls where most internationally known branded goods
can be bought at fairly reasonable prices.
Salmiya
Kuwait's prime shopping area is Salem Al Mubarak
Street which runs parallel to Arabian Gulf Street,
just one block in from the sea. The area includes
the Sultan Centre (a large supermarket), several
international fast-food outlets, and Kuwait's
biggest concentration of up-market shopping malls.
Most shops open from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 9:30pm
on weekdays. A few are open on Fridays as well.
Zahra Complex has 54 shops on three floors of
upscale shopping environment, offering high-quality
fashionwear, accessories, cosmetics, perfumes,
gifts, and antiques. The complex includes two
cafes.
Al-Fanar Complex has 86 shops on three floors
selling mainly international designer clothing
and personal items. Each floor has a cafe and
there is a bank with an ATM on the ground floor.
A fourth floor contains an internet cafe and a
cinema.
Two other up-market shopping centres in this area
are Al-Bustan and Laila Galleria. The area also
contains the somewhat more down-market Tala Centre,
and Wataniya and Thuraiya complexes.
City
In the City there are three shopping complexes
worth a visit. Salhiya Centre, behind JW Marriott
Hotel, is a concentration of boutiques selling
branded goods such as Hermes, Bulgari, and Valentino.
Salhiya also makes for pleasant strolling and
browsing. Al-Muthanna Complex, opposite JW Marriott
Hotel, is a favourite shopping centre for middle-class
Kuwaitis and expatriates. With underground parking,
the complex's three shopping floors contain almost
everything: fashionwear, luggage, electronic appliances,
perfumes, silverware, materials, opticians, photography
and art supplies. Several shops specialise in
toys for kids and teenagers, and the basement
contains what is probably the best bookshop in
Kuwait.
Al-Watya Suq, at the back of the Sheraton Hotel,
is a bit of a down-scale place. But it does contain
a large number of Kuwait's famous gold and jewellery
shops, as well some good sports shops.
Hawalli
Hawalli contains only one shopping centre of note,
Al-Othman Complex, recognisable by its red brick
exterior. The complex has a range of clothing
shops. Regular special offers announced via FM
radio ensure that this complex is a good place
for all sorts of designer stuff at reasonable
prices. Underground parking is available from
behind the complex.
Sharq
In 1998 a new shopping area was opened on the
waterfront in Sharq. Built around a marina and
recognisable by its unique square-pillar architectural
style, Sharq Market is the biggest shopping complex
in Kuwait both in size and the variety of shops,
boutiques and supermarkets it contains and it
seems that every international brand name has
an outlet there. The area includes a fresh fish
market, several cafes, restaurants and cinemas,
as well as a sea-promenade, a yacht club, and
a health spa. Exploration requires a full day
out.
New Marina Project expected to be completed by
mid-November 2002 will be the Marina Mall Commercial
Center, which is the Fifth Stage Waterfront Project.
This project is divided into two parts, a land
project that includes the the commercial center,
and a water area that includes the Marina, a hotel,
restaurants and aquatic services. These are joined
together by a 100 meter long bridge over the Gulf
road.
BANK ACCOUNTS & CONSUMER
CREDIT
Kuwait has seven conventional banks, Alahli Bank,
Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK), Burgan Bank,
Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK), Gulf Bank, Bank
of Kuwait & the Middle East (BKME), National
Bank of Kuwait (NBK), and one Islamic bank, Kuwait
Finance House (KFH) as well as several specialist
banks. The banks offer the usual range of services
expected in an advanced country. There are no restrictions
on the remittance of money overseas.
Bank Accounts
Generally speaking, all accounts with Kuwaiti
banks include an ATM card which allow on-line
enquiries and cash withdrawals on a 24-hour basis.
New ATM cards cost KD3 to 5. A minimum monthly
charge of KD2 is imposed on current accounts where
the balance falls below KD100 (KD50 with BKME),
except for KFH which has a KD1 limit without penalty.
Any expatriate, even a visitor, can open a current
account but unless he has residence he is unlikely
to be given a cheque book. To open an account,
a visitor will have to show his passport and may
be asked for an overseas bank reference. A resident
will be asked to show his civil ID but, if this
has not yet been processed, a copy of his passport
may be acceptable, on the understanding that a
copy of his civil ID will be provided later.
Current accounts do not earn interest but the
conventional banks have a wide range of savings
accounts, in both KD and major foreign currencies,
most with ATM facilities. Interest earned varies
from a low of 1.125% (with instant withdrawals)
to a high of 2.125% (for fixed time deposits).
Terms, such as minimum balance, frequency of withdrawal,
and penalty charges vary considerably from bank
to bank, and finding the most suitable account
for a particular saving purpose takes considerable
shopping around.
Cheques & Credit Cards
Kuwait is still very much a cash society. Shops
and government bodies seldom accept payment by
cheque and cheques are used mainly for business
transactions. Charges for cheque books range from
KD1 to 4 depending on the size of the book and
the bank.
Credit Cards
International and local credit cards are accepted
in the main hotels and shops selling luxury items
with international brand names, and at some of
the larger supermarkets and shops selling consumer
durables. But buying by telephone using a credit
card is not possible.
International and local credit cards are issued
by the banks. With local credit cards the outstanding
balance must usually be paid in full at the end
of the month, so extended credit is not available
in this way. The issuer usually requires the card-holder
to sign a direct debit order, allowing the balance
outstanding to be drawn automatically from the
holder's bank account at the end of the month.
Terms vary from bank to bank. The minimum salary
required to obtain a card is at least KD450. Credit
levels vary from 70% to 100% of monthly salary.
The banks usually require funds to be blocked
as collateral, from 1.5 to 3 times monthly salary,
though this may be waived if the cardholder's
salary is paid directly into his account at the
bank. Charges for issuing new cards vary from
KD25 to 30.
Consumer Credit
The conventional banks may allow overdrafts, but
not KFH as it cannot charge interest which under
Islamic rules is haram.
Consumer loans extended to individuals are limited,
under Central Bank rules, to the lower of (i)
ten times the borrower's monthly income or (ii)
KD10,000 or (iii) his accrued termination-of-service
indemnity, and to a maximum repayment period of
three years. Minimum salary requirements may be
as low as KD200 though some banks require the
borrower to have been a customer for several years.
The banks do not usually charge processing fees
but some levy insurance fees, either 2% of the
loan or a fixed annual charge of KD35. All banks
charge the whole of the interest, minimally 6.75%
under Central Bank rules, upfront and will sometimes
refund interest for early repayment.
KFH and the Investment Dar, another Islamic financial
institution, provide consumer credit through the
use of mutajara or murabaha, forms of financing
in which the bank buys the consumer-durable and
resells it to the consumer at a higher price (which
includes the financier's profit) on an instalment
basis. Hire-purchase type arrangements on conventional
terms are available from companies such as the
Commercial Facilities Company.
Household durables can be bought on credit from
the larger shops. Usually a deposit of 30% is
required, the balance being payable in monthly
instalments over 6 months or more. A salary statement
from the buyer's employer plus a copy of the purchaser's
civil ID or passport is required. If a local guarantor
is not available, the seller will require a series
of postdated cheques to cover the repayments.
Kuwait Banks
NBK
(www.nbk.com)
BKME (www.bkme..com)
Commercial
Bank of Kuwait (www.cbk.com)
Kuwait
FInance House(www.kfhonline.com)
Gulf
Bank (www.e-gulfbank.com.kw)
Burgan
Bank (www.beebank.com)
Kuwait
Real Estate Bank (www.akaribank.com)
Industrial
Bank of Kuwait (www.ibkuwt.com)
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Currency exchange is available in most bank branches,
hotels and suqs. The hotels give very poor rates
of exchange. But most business areas contain several
money exchanges (see Business Directory Section)
that offer good rates even outside banking hours
and sell currencies not available in the banks.
In Suq Al-Sarrafeen, the money changer's suq, just
off Fahd Al-Salem Street near the Municipal Gardens
close by Safat Square, the exchange rates are posted
in the windows of the little shops and can be compared
by strolling down the street.
When changing foreign currency into Kuwaiti Dinar
a receipt is not normally given. But the money-changer
is obliged by law to give a receipt when selling
foreign currency.
Overseas Remittances
The cost of demand drafts varies from bank to
bank, from as little as KD1 to as much as KD25
for large amounts. Where the draft is drawn in
a foreign currency an additional charge of anywhere
from 0.2% to 1.4% of the draft value may be made.
Local transfers of funds cost from 500fils to
KD3, depending on the sending bank. Overseas wire
transfers cost KD7 or 8 plus the same foreign
currency percentage as for drafts, with some banks
adding a KD3 handling charge on top.
Many of the larger currency exchanges have arrangements
with well known banks in third world countries
and their charges for remitting smaller sums overseas
are significantly cheaper than the banks, from
KD1 to KD3 without any percentage charge.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques can be purchased at all the
banks. Some banks issue their own cheques but
cheques from internationally known issuers are
also available. Charges vary from 0.25% to 1%
of value, depending on the amount being purchased
and the selling bank.
OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENCE
Some residents, such as Westerners, may obtain a
Kuwaiti driving licence on the strength of their
national driving licence only. Other nationalities,
even if they have a driving licence from their home
country, are obliged to apply for a learner's licence
and pass a driving test.
To obtain a driving licence on the basis of a home-country
licence, an expatriate must present the following
at the Traffic Department in the governorate in
which he or she lives:
1 -passport and photocopy of pages showing personal
details and residence stamp,
2 -letter from sponsor stating the applicant's
position in the country (employee or dependent),
and showing the applicant's full residential address,
3 -proof of residential address, such as copy
of tenancy agreement or electricity bill,
4 -original driving licence from home country,
5 -photocopy of original driving licence certified
by applicant's embassy in Kuwait,
6 -blood group certificate from a local clinic,
7 -sight test certificate if the applicant wears
glasses or is over 50 years of age,
8 -four colour photos (2.0 x 3.0 cm), and
9 -fee of KD15.
To get the eyesight certificate, a paper from
the local traffic department must be obtained
and taken to the Ministry of Public Health (MPH)
testing clinic in Qortuba.
Persons who are not allowed to get a Kuwaiti driving
licence on the strength of their national licence
must go to the Licence Section in the main Traffic
Department in Shuwaikh and obtain approval for
a learner's licence (istimara). To obtain approval,
an expatriate must (a) be legally resident in
Kuwait, (b) have been resident for at least two
years, and (c) be earning a salary of not less
than KD250 a month. However certain persons (see
Page-74 ) are exempt from conditions (b) and (c).
Once approval has been granted, the applicant
must go to the Licence Section in the Traffic
Department in the governorate in which he or she
lives. Documents required include passport, original
and copies of civil ID, four passport-sized photographs,
as well as (if relevant) company employment letter
and copy of work permit from Ministry of Social
Affairs & Labour or letter of employment from
a ministry. A KD10 stamp must be affixed to the
application form. Then the learner must go to
the Traffic Department in Qurtoba for eye and
blood tests. The results of the texts, which can
be picked up after two days, must be submitted
to the Licence Section for registration. Then
the learner must go to the driving test centre
at the governorate's Traffic Department to fix
a date for a driving test, for which a KD10 booking
fee is levied. KD10 must also be paid on the day
of the test. Learners are only allowed three shots
at the driving test, which includes a written
examination.
Renewing a Driving Licence
Kuwaiti driving licences are issued for periods
of up to ten years depending on the driver's age.
Once the licence runs out it can be renewed in
less than a day at the Traffic Department that
originally issued it. Documents required include
original and copies of passport and civil ID,
old driving licence and three passport-sized photographs.
An application form must be typed and submitted.
Whether an eye test is required by a driver who
does not wear glasses depends on the driver's
age. Drivers up to the age of 40 are exempt from
the test and are given a ten year renewal of their
driving licences for KD10. A driver between the
ages of 40 and 50 is also exempt but his licence
is only renewed up to his 50th birthday. Drivers
who are 50 years or older must undergo an eye
test at the MPH clinic in Qortuba. Provided they
pass the test, drivers aged 50 to 55 are given
a 5-year renewal of their licence, those aged
56 a 4-year renewal, those aged 57 a 3-year renewal,
those aged 58 a 2-year renewal and those aged
59, a one-year renewal. Drivers who are 60 or
older get a 3-year renewal (for KD3) after passing
the eye test and may renew their licences every
three years thereafter provided they pass the
eye test each time.
Buying A Car
The range of vehicles available in Kuwait is impressive.
Many (but not all) are made to 'Gulf specifications',
i.e. their radiators, transmissions, and other
hard-working parts have been strengthened to deal
with the rigours of the local climate. The most
popular vehicles are those best able to withstand
the climate and which are easy to maintain with
spares readily available. Warranties on new cars
are usually for one year.
New cars can be purchased on instalments. The
dealer sells the car to a finance company, such
as Kuwait Finance House or The Financial Facilities
Company, and the buyer pays monthly instalments,
over 24, 36, or 48 months, to the finance company.
A deposit of 10-15% is usually required. Comprehensive
insurance for the first year and third party insurance
for the remaining years of the plan may be included
in the total price.
Buyers on instalment will need a letter from their
employer showing their salary details, a copy
of their civil ID, and proof of address (such
as tenancy agreement or recent electricity bill).
Foreign residents may need a Kuwaiti guarantor,
who will be required to submit details of his
financial position and any other loans for which
he is a guarantor.
Second-hand cars are widely available. Dealers
and car hire companies may sell these with a three-month
warranty and credit arrangements are possible.
Indeed there are plenty of second-hand car dealers
in most areas. And in Ardiya industrial area (off
the 5th ring road there is used car auctions called
Suq Al-Harraj. At the Suq Al-Harraj it is not
possible to test drive or otherwise adequately
check the cars on offer. Auctioneers, who get
a fixed commission from the seller, set a base
price and invite bids. The contract, in Arabic,
is signed on the spot and a deposit put down,
the balance being paid on transfer of ownership.
As most used cars are sold for cash, an element
of risk is involved, and the best advice is to
buy a known car from a friend.
Caution: Avoid buying second-hand
cars of 1985 and earlier models as they may not
be allowed on the road by the traffic department,
if they are not in good condition.
Importing cars
To bring a car into Kuwait permanently an import
licence, which can only be obtained by a member
of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce, is needed.
There is a ban on the import of second hand cars
more than 5 years old. However special permits
for bringing in veteran and classic cars can sometimes
be obtained. Foreigners may bring a car into Kuwait
on a temporary basis for three months provided
they have a triptyque.
Insurance & Registration
A new car is first registered for three years.
Thereafter registration must be renewed annually.
Third party vehicle insurance is compulsory and
costs KD19 a year. Comprehensive insurance is
also available.
To re-register a car after the third year, the
insurance must first be renewed and then the car
taken for testing. The receipt issued by the insurance
company and 'log Book' (daftar) must be taken
with the car to a testing station at a Traffic
Department (murour) in the governorate in which
the car owner lives. Murour are located in Shuwaikh,
Jabriya, Farwaniyah, Ahmadi and Jahra. The test
is not onerous and, if the car is deemed roadworthy,
the insurance receipt is stamped. Then, inside
the murour, KD5 must be paid for a revenue stamp
which the cashier sticks on the insurance receipt.
Then a check must be made to see whether there
are any outstanding fines on the car (such as
for speeding and the like). If no fines are due,
the insurance receipt is stamped. If any fines
are due, a paper will be issued which must be
used to pay the fines to the cashier. The cashier
will stamp the paper which is then taken back
to have the insurance receipt stamped. The stamped
insurance receipt and old daftar can then be exchanged
for a new daftar.
Car Care
In Kuwait's harsh climate cars deteriorate much
faster than they do in more temperate climes.
Dust gets in everywhere, rubber parts perish quicker,
and the heat thins down oil causing more rapid
engine wear. So routine maintenance tasks, such
as oil and filter changes, need to be carried
out at shorter intervals.
Driving in Kuwait
Kuwait's roads are very good, and as sign posts
are in both Arabic and English getting from one
area to another is easy.
Petrol & Parking
Kuwait has over 90 petrol stations, many of them
self-service. All are operated by Kuwait National
Petroleum Company (KNPC). Petrol stations are
easy enough to find in the Metropolitan Area and
some are open 24-hours a day. But they are few
and far between in the more remote desert regions.
However, at only 60fils a litre for unleaded premium
petrol and 65fils for super premium and only 55
fils a litre for diesel, fuel is the cheapest
in the world. Leaded petrol (70fils a litre) is
only available at certain stations.
The Supreme Petroleum Council is planning to add
about 100 new stations in the near future. Privatisation
of new Petrol Stations is also under consideration.
Parking is free on the patches of desert found
even in built-up areas. Parking lots usually cost
a modest 100 fils for the first two hours and
25 fils an hour thereafter.
Long term and short term parking facility is available
at the Kuwait International Airport. Short term
parking costs 200 fils per for the first hour
and 400 fils per hour subsequently. Long term
parking costs KD 2 per day.
DRIVING LAWS
Driving is on the right. The overall speed limit
is 120 kph, but on some motorways the limit is 100kph.
Some motorways have minimum speeds of 50 or 80kph.
Speed limits are 45kph in urban areas and 60kph
on urban dual carriageways and all bridges, flyovers
and loop roads. Speed signs are in English as well
as Arabic. There are radar cameras, which record
vehicle and speed, on motorways and some main roads
and at traffic lights.
Wearing seat-belts is compulsory for all passengers
and children under 10 years may not sit up front.
Ladies drivers may not wear veils that cover their
faces. When entering a roundabout a car must stop
fully, rather than just giving way. Parking against
black and yellow blocks painted on kerbstones and
on pavements is illegal. A driver must show his
driving licence and daftar when asked by the police.
If he cannot do so, he is taken to the police station,
fined and held until someone brings them on his
behalf.
A driver who is jailed by the traffic court for
a major offence may find that he is barred from
renewing his residence and is thus effectively deported.
Driving Offences & Penalties
The new traffic law was passed by the National
Assembly in June 2001 introducing stiffer penalties
for major life-threatening offences such as running
a red light, speeding or driving under the influence
of alcohol or narcotics and repetitive offences.
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol
or drugs is punishable by up to a year in prison
and/or a KD 500 fine. The court can also confiscate
the driving licence in case of repetitive offences.
Reckless driving, driving without a valid driving
licence or driving a vehicle not permitted to
drive as per the driving licence, is punishable
by KD 100 fine and/or one month in jail. Out of
court settlement is possible after the payment
of KD 30 fine.
Breaking a red light is punishable by up to three
months in jail and/or KD 300 fine.
Speeding, unauthorised racking, wrong side driving
are punishable by up to KD 100 fine. For out of
court settlement the violator will have to pay
KD 50 fine.
Failure to fasten the seat belt, failure to produce
a driver's licence or the vehicle registration
book upon request by traffic police or security
men is punishable by up to KD. 15 fine. An out-of-court
settlement is possible after payment of KD 10.
There are two types of monetary penalties, settlement
and court fines. Settlement refers to fines that
may be paid without going to court. However out-of-court
settlements must be made within 30 days of committing
the offence or from the date of being informed.
If this time limit is exceeded then the offender
must pay the minimum court fine in settlement,
unless he decides to go to court.
Out-of-court settlement is not acceptable in certain
circumstances and the matter must go to court
where the penalties are more onerous. If jumping
a red light or exceeding the speed limit results
in death or serious injury, settlement is not
allowed and the driver is liable to a court fine
of at least KD1,000 and a jail term of one to
two years. If these offences are carried out under
the influence of alcohol or drugs, the jail-term
is two to three years.
The law also introduces the ?points system? which
is a record of the number and nature of traffic
offences for drivers within a period of one year.
The points will determine the penalty of suspending
the driving licence for up to one year or revoke
the driver's licence completely and require drivers
to pass driving test again.
The new points system for traffic offences effective
from October 1, 2001 is as follows:
While still upholding the enforced penalties of
the new traffic law, 4 points are recorded in
the drivers record for breaking the red light,
exceeding the speed limit, driving the vehicle
in the opposite direction of the traffic flow
or reckless driving.
Three points are recorded for driving a vehicle
other than the type allowed in the driver's license,
driving a vehicle with expired or suspended registration,
using a vehicle for racing without a permit, using
a vehicle to commit immoral acts, driving a vehicle
without or with tempered licence plate, or using
false information to obtain drivers license or
car registration documents.
Two points are recorded for using a private vehicle
to ferry passengers for money, deliberately obstructing
traffic, driving a vehicle with malfunctioning
brakes or handing over the vehicle to someone
without a valid driving licence.
One point is recorded for driving a vehicle with
unclear or unreadable licence plates, driving
a vehicle with a missing plate, or making any
changes to the shape and colour of the plates,
driving with an expired car registration, failure
to produce the driving license or the registration
, operating a vehicle producing excessive noise
or smoke or with insecure cargo, or faulty tyres.
A driver who accumulates 14 points faces having
his license suspended for three months for the
first time. For the next 12 points, the driving
licence is suspended for six months and for nine
months to a year for the next 10 and 8 points
respectively.
For the next six points, the fifth time, the driving
license is revoked and the driver must apply for
a new driving license and take the driving tests
again.
The points are cancelled only after the execution
of the stipulated penalties or maintaining a clean
driving record for a year after recording of the
most recent points.
A court conviction or an out-of-court settlement
for traffic offences does not cancel the recorded
points.
New drivers who commit two serious offences such
as breaking the lights, exceeding the speed limit
or driving against the traffic flow, during their
first year on the road have their licences withdrawn,
and have to wait four months and retake the driving
test before applying for a new licence.
The police have the power to detain drivers for
the following reasons:
- Driving without a valid driving licence
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Causing an accident which may result in death
or serious injury
- Racing on the public roads.
- Attempting to flee after being involved in an
accident in which people may have been injured
or after being ordered to stop
- Failing to stop at a red traffic light
- Driving recklessly so as to endanger others
Driving Accidents
The emergency services and police usually respond
quickly to traffic accidents. In nearly all cases
all the parties involved are required to go with
the police to the nearest station to sort matters
out. If the police decide to prosecute and the
accident is not serious, those involved are required
to post a bond pending their appearance in court.
If an accident is serious, the parties may be
held in custody until they appear in court.
In the traffic court the judge, will have a copy
of the police report, the drivers' and witnesses'
statements, photographs and maps. Proceedings
consist mainly of the judge's questions. In minor
cases involving only expatriates, the questioning
may be conducted in English. In serious cases,
proceedings are in Arabic and a non-Arabic speaker
should ensure that someone whose bilinguality
he trusts is present to interpret. After statements
have been heard, the matter, if the case is minor,
may be decided there and then. In more serious
cases, the court will adjourn to consider the
facts and there will be a further hearing later.
DRIVING OUT OF KUWAIT
To drive a car from Kuwait through other countries
the following are required:
- International Driving Licence
- Orange Card Insurance (for Arab countries)
- Triptyque
- Green Card Insurance (for Europe)
To enter European countries, a vehicle ownership
international book is also needed.
International driving licences are issued by the
KT club for KD8/-, on presentation of a valid Kuwaiti
driving licence, civil ID, car registration (daftar)
and one passport-sized photograph. The club also
issues the vehicle ownership international book.
Orange and green card insurance may be obtained
from car insurance companies or the KT Club.
The triptyque (international car certificate or
'carnet de passage') is a 25-page booklet containing
tear-off transit coupons, with one entry and one
exit coupon plus counterfoil per page. The booklet
shows the details of the vehicle, and guarantees
that if it is left in the foreign country through
which it is passing then any customs duties will
be paid by the automobile club which issued it.
A triptyque is valid for one year, during which
25 entries into and exits from other countries can
be made without paying import duties. When entering
a country the entry coupon is removed by customs,
and the entry stamped on the counterfoil. When leaving
the exit coupon is removed and the exit will be
stamped on the counterfoil. Triptyques can be obtained
from the KT Club, other driving clubs and from some
travel agents. A Kuwaiti guarantor plus a fee of
KD30 is required.
Exporting a Vehicle
There are two ways to export a vehicle from Kuwait.
The first is the easiest for those who are driving
back to their home country. The second way is
for those who are sending their car home by sea-freight.
In the first way the expatriate obtains a triptyque
and orange and green cards, and drives home on
Kuwaiti number plates. Once the car has been registered
in his home country he returns the number plates
to the traffic department in Kuwait, and the triptyque
to the issuer in Kuwait to have his deposit refunded
or his Kuwaiti guarantor released.
In the second, more official way, the number plates
are taken to the traffic department and exchanged
for an export number and various documents. These
are then taken to the customs department in Shuwaikh
in order to obtain an export permit which allows
the vehicle to be shipped out of Kuwait.
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
School attendance in Kuwait is compulsory for all
children between the ages of six and fourteen, but
public education is provided free to Kuwaiti children
only.
All Schools, whether public or private, are regulated
by the Ministry of Education (ME). The Kuwaiti educational
system, after kindergarten, consists of elementary,
intermediate and secondary levels, each of four
years duration.
Nursery & Kindergarten
The ME provides free kindergartens for Kuwaiti
children between the ages of four and six.
For expatriate children between two and four years
there are a large number of private nursery schools.
The better (and more expensive) ones are registered
with the Private Education Department of the ME
(see KPG Business Directory under Playgroups).
Fees for those with a good size and range of facilities
are about KD85 a month per child.
Expatriates often organize their own informal
playgroups. These are publicised mainly by word-of-mouth
and tend to be transitory. Many schools for foreign
children have kindergartens for children aged
four to six.
Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary
Attendance at state schools is restricted to Kuwaiti
children, the children of teachers working for
the ME and the children of expatriates who obtained
residence prior to 1960. All other expatriate
children must be educated privately.
Before the war there were only 15 non-Arabic foreign
schools in the country. Demand for a Western education
has increased more than threefold since liberation.
All foreign schools in Kuwait must be accredited
to the Private Education Department (PED) of the
ME. The PED supervises the schools by overseeing
staff qualifications and school facilities, and
ensures compliance by regular inspections. The
ME also regulates school fees.
Private schools for non-Arabic children follow
their home country curricula, such as American,
British, French, German, Indian, Pakistani, etc,
though all schools are also obliged to incorporate
local cultural and language studies into their
curricula. Standards achieved compare favourably
with those in the pupils' home countries.
Costs and the Academic Year
Private Arabic schools receive some government
support, such as land to build schools and free
text books but very little assistance is provided
for non-Arabic schools.
Fees for non-Arabic private schools vary widely
(see box ). Transport by bus to and from school
is extra. Normally the costs of text books and
writing materials are not included in the fees,
and additional fees are charged for sports and
other extracurricular activities.
The academic year runs from late August or early
September to mid-June. Expatriate schools usually
have three days off in October, breaks twice a
year of a fortnight each, and official holidays.
The school week is Saturday through Wednesday.
The school day usually begins at 7:45am and finishes
at 2pm, though these timings vary a bit between
schools.
Higher Education
Education beyond school level is regulated by
the Ministry of Higher Education (MHE). The country
has one university and several technical schools.
As regards degree courses, Kuwait University (KU
- tel: 481 1188) practises a restricted entry
policy for expatriates. Twenty places are reserved
for students whose parents teach at KU. A further
50 places are available to students who obtain
scholarships through the MHE. The government has
announced plans to allow the private sector to
establish new universities which would be open
to all. By September 2000 the Ministry has received
three applications from investors to establish
private universities in Kuwait. The applications
will be reviewed after completing the charter
that would regulate the operations of private
universities.
Adult & Vocational Schooling
KU's Centre for Community Service and Continuing
Education (CCSCE) offers non-degree courses for
students over 16 years in various subjects such
as languages (including Arabic as a foreign language),
arts, administration, education, engineering,
computers, law, secretarial studies, etc, which
are open to expatriates. These courses are administered
from building 3KH (tel: 483 0804, fax: 483 6323),
Khaldiyah campus. Fees are fairly nominal.
State-funded adult education and vocational training
is provided by the Public Authority for Applied
Education and Training (PAAET), which is also
the central authority charged with carrying out
the government's vocational education policies.
PAAET has several full-time colleges as well as
field and industrial training centres, where students
may learn technical and professional subjects
including teaching, commercial studies, nursing,
and mechanical and electrical trades. Some courses
are open to expatriates.
There are several private institutions in the
country offering a variety of full and part-time
courses in business studies, secretarial skills,
computing and languages. See KPG Business Directory,
under Educational Services, Schools - Specialist
Training, and Training Institutes.
HEALTH SERVICES
Comprehensive health services are available in Kuwait
from both public and private health care providers.
These services are regulated by the Ministry of
Public Health (MPH).
Public Clinics
Primary health care is provided by a network of
clinics and polyclinics, which are usually found
in community centres, often near the local co-op
supermarket. These clinics deal with preliminary
examinations and routine matters and, where necessary,
patients are referred to hospital specialists.
Clinics Timing & Charges
As From July 2001 the Ministry clinics will be
open from 7:00 am to2:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to
11 pm and will be closed in the afternoons between
2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Expatriates, bedouns (stateless persons), and
children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis
have to pay KD 1 and KD 2 for clinics and hospitals
if they have the health insurance. Without health
insurance they will have to pay KD 5 and KD 10.
Insurance coverage exempts expatriates from paying
daily inpatient charges when they receive medical
treatment in hospitals, in addition to exemption
from charges of medical operations, pharmaceuticals,
and laboratory analysis and X-ray. They also receive
50% subsidy on specialised tests and analysis
such as CT-Scan, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Sonar
and hormonal analysis.
Surgeries are held in the mornings (8am to 1pm)
and evenings (4pm to 7pm). Home visits are not
available under the public health system.
Public Hospitals
Kuwait is divided into five Health Regions. Each
region has a general hospital, the Amiri Hospital
in Kuwait City, Jahra Hospital in Jahra, Farwaniyah
Hospital in Farwaniyah, Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital
in Jabriya, and Adan Hospital in Reqqa (about
5km from Fahaheel). Each general hospital provides
a full outpatients service and 24-hour emergency
service.
The country also has a comprehensive range of
specialist hospitals, covering chest and heart
diseases, neurosurgery, paediatrics, obstetrics
and gynaecology, burns, cancers, radiology, nephrology,
infectious diseases, ophthalmology, physiotherapy,
and psychiatry. Most of these are concentrated
in an area stretching along or near to Gamal Abdul
Nasser Street in west Shuwaikh (going towards
Sulaibikhat).
Under its 4-year plan to 2003, the MPH will be
establishing new health centres in Qurain and
Sabahiya, and expanding the psychiatric hospital.
New specialist centres will be set up with funds
donated by the private sector, including the Khaled
Al-Nafisi Renal Dialysis Centre and a Paediatric
Centre (sponsored by NBK), both in Sabah Hospital,
as well as new Ear, Nose and Throat Centre (sponsored
by MTC).
Hospital Visiting Hours
Hospital visiting hours vary and are normally
restricted to the afternoon. The number of visitors
to a patient allowed during visiting hours is
not usually limited, though sometimes when things
get extremely crowded only two visitors at a time
are allowed in together.
Health Care Charges
Kuwaitis receive medical services at government
clinics and hospitals free of charge. Before 1994
expatriates were entitled to free medical services
but now they must pay for certain procedures as
well as prosthetic items.
Neither Kuwaitis nor expatriates are charged for
medications obtained from pharmacies in public
hospitals and clinics on prescription from a hospital
doctor, provided the patient's civil ID card number
is shown on the prescription. However a doctor
may no longer provide about 80 expensive drugs
for expatriates, though an expatriate patient
can always ask the doctor for a prescription and
then buy the medicine himself.
HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
From 10th April, 2000 health insurance was made
mandatory for expatriates. No residence is renewed
unless the premium for health insurance is paid
and the renewal period is also linked to the period
of health insurance coverage (details covered in
Chapter - 3). Expatriates holding health insurance
from local private insurance companies will be allowed
to renew their residence for the period of validity
of the insurance. However, for holders of private
insurance, the Ministry will charge KD 4 for each
visit to health clinic besides the one dinar charge.
They will also have to pay for medicine, laboratory
tests and radiology scans. Visit to the out patient
clinic will cost KD 6, stay at public hospital KD
10 per day, KD 80 per day at an intensive care unit
and KD 5 per day for stay at a psychiatric hospital.
Expatriates covered by private insurance companies
will also have to pay KD 10 per visit to a birth
registration clinic. The charge for normal delivery
is KD 200 inclusive of a three day stay at a hospital.
Any overstay will cost KD.10 per day.
DENTAL CLINICS
Some of the primary care polyclinics include dental
units. There are also six public dental clinics
in the country. The main one is behind the Amiri
Hospital in Sharq. Under the MPH's 4-year plan to
2003, new dental clinics are to be established at
Jahra and Farwaniya.
Though Kuwaitis are entitled to a full range of
services, the range of dental procedures available
to expatriates is restricted to cleaning, scaling,
and root canal and tooth extraction. To avail of
special dental services, such as having a permanent
bridge or crown installed, expatriates must attend
a private dental clinic at their own expense.
PRIVATE MEDICAL CARE
Despite the excellent comprehensive services provided
by the public health service, private hospitals
and clinics thrive in Kuwait. The MPH regulates
standards and the fees they may charge. The private
hospitals and clinics have their own pharmacies.
Most of them are general hospitals with some specialist
departments. Some have limited equipment, such as
ICUs, or specialists and refer patients to government
hospitals for special procedures.
Private clinics are usually staffed by doctors of
a particular speciality. There are several private
dentists and dental clinics providing services to
international standards. Orthodontics are only available
to expatriates through these dentists and clinics.
The Ministry of Health has approved the applications
of 35 private companies to set up private hospitals
in Kuwait. A decision is also issued allowing cooperative
societies, private hospitals and Kuwaiti doctors
to open private clinics for general practice in
residential areas.
Private Medical Insurance
Medical insurance, from companies such as Expacare,
BUPA and ARIG, can be bought in Kuwait. Local group
insurance often requires a minimum of 15 persons,
with an annual premium of about KD75 per person
for a cover of KD5,000 for both inpatient and outpatient
treatment with an excess of 20%. For individuals
there are some local medical insurance schemes (about
KD125 per year) but the cover provided, the exclusions
and age limits sometimes leave a lot to be desired.
PHARMACIES
All areas have pharmacies. Some of the smaller pharmacies
do not stock a full range of medicines. But in each
major area --- Kuwait City, Hawalli & Nugra,
Salmiya & Rumaithiya, Fahaheel & Ahmadi,
Kheitan & Farwaniyah --- at least one major
pharmacy stays open all night. These late night
openings are rotated, and the particular pharmacy,
its opening night and telephone number are shown
daily in the newspapers.
Requirements for prescriptions are no less stringent
than in Europe and North America. Though the contraceptive
pill is available over-the-counter, many items freely
available in Europe and the USA require a prescription
in Kuwait, and indeed tranquillisers may only be
prescribed by consultants with a special prescription.
The prices of all medicines are fixed by the MPH
and all pharmacies must, by law, charge the same
prices.
MATERNITY CARE
All the public hospitals have maternity wards.
The public Al-Sabah Maternity Hospital, located
just off Gamal Abdul Nasser Street in west Shuwaikh,
provides a comprehensive range of antenatal, delivery
and postnatal care and is probably one of the best
maternity hospitals in the world. Al-Sabah Maternity
is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including
more than a hundred ICUs, and a highly trained and
dedicated indigenous and expatriate staff.
The private hospitals also offer maternity care.
All hospit
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