LuLu Hypermarket launches Incredible India 2017

LuLu Hypermarket, the leading hypermarket in the region, launched its ‘Incredible India 2017’ promotion, as a celebratory gesture to its large Indian patrons to mark their country’s Republic Day. Indian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Sunil Jain inaugurated the promotion at the brand’s Al Rai outlet on 19 January in the presence of LuLu management, staff and a large gathering of shoppers and well-wishers. To commemorate the occasion, a cultural program was organized that highlighted the diversity and color of India’s culture and customs, presenting upbeat dance and song.

Under the promotion, LuLu Hypermarket is touting many special offers encompassing groceries, fresh foods, vegetables and meat from India. In addition to a variety of Indian food products, freshly-prepared Indian dishes and sweets are available at special prices. It is also a great time to reignite your love for Indian wear with a selection of branded garments, exquisitely designed sarees, churidars, kurthas and footwear by Indian craftsmen on offer during the festival.

The Incredible India festival, which is common for all LuLu Hypermarket outlets, will be attractive to shoppers looking for great deals on their favorite Indian products. During the promotional period, visitors to LuLu Hypermarket get the chance to experience the authentic touch of India. 

Expatriates face difficulties to renew residency as MoH cancels health insurance contract

Large number of expatriates facing the heat while renewing their residency as the Ministry of Health cancels the contract with the health insurance company. Number of expatriates reported that they are unable to take Health Insurance before applying for residency renewal as the Health Insurance is no more available. Last week MoH had cancelled the contract with the health insurance company.

Meanwhile, today local newspaper Arab Times reported that the Interior Ministry has given instructions to directors of Residence Affairs Departments in the six governorates to grant temporary residence permit of one month only to the expatriates who apply for renewal of their residence permit.

However, expatriates with the temporary residency permit may not be able to leave the country before putting permanent residency as once they left the country with temporary residency their residency became expired and won’t be able to return back to Kuwait.

Local newspaper reported that MoH is expected to signs a new contract with another health insurance company very soon.

No Visa-on-arrival For Indians in Hong Kong

Indians will no longer have the visa-on-arrival facility while travelling to Hong Kong and will have to complete a pre-arrival registration.

The move, announced by the Hong Kong government in November last year, comes into effect from Monday.

"The Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals will be implemented on January 23, 2017. The online service for 'Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals' is now opened," the Hong Kong Immigration Department said.

"Indian nationals must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit the HKSAR visa-free (if seeking to enter the HKSAR during transit). Pre-arrival registration is not required for Indian nationals in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area," the statement added. '

A large number of Indians go to Hong Kong -- a special representative zone of China.

Earlier, Indians were allowed to visit Hong Kong visa-free with a stay of up to 14 days.

The move has reportedly been taken in view of the growing number of asylum seekers.

Among the current backlog of 10,675 refugee applicants in the city, Indian nationals lead the pack with 19.7 per cent of all claimants, says South China Morning Post.

About half entered the city illegally, with the other half being overstayers. One third were Indian visitors who were allowed to stay in Hong Kong visa-free for up to 14 days, it says.

Jaber Hospital for Kuwaitis only - Health Minister

Minister of Health Jamal Al-Harbi reaffirmed Sunday that the new world-class Jaber Hospital would start operation in months to serve nationals only.

A highly-qualified foreign administration would manage the hospital till completing the training of national cadres to take over later, the minister said in statements to reporters during inauguration of three medical centers affiliated to the private Al-Salam International Hospital.

"As of next month, the international administrative team would start training 75 national cadres to qualify them to take over management affairs with their foreign peers," he said.

He elaborated that the equipment would be delivered to Jaber Hospital starting from June.

The hospital will later start operation with the outpatient clinics in the first phase, he said.

He added that the ministry has prepared a highly-skillful 2,600-member nursery team to work in Jaber Hospital.

He, however, admitted a shortage in doctors, technicians, and pharmacists.

Al-Harbi stated that after the inauguration of Jaber Hospital, the ministry would open Al-Razi Hospital and Al-Amiri Hospital.

"We are also focusing our efforts on Al-Jahra Hospital which will be the largest hospital in Kuwait," he said.

On the medical centers of Al-Salam International Hospital, the minister noted that the centers are for dentistry, Kidney diseases, and physical therapy.

He pointed out that Al-Salam International Hospital offers distinguished healthcare services to Kuwaiti retirees who hold AFIA health insurance cards.

The new centers have 12 dentistry clinics and 16 kidney dialysis machines, he said.

The minister said he was pleased by the high-quality services provided by Al-Salam hospital to Kuwaitis.

For his part, CEO of Al-Salam International Hospital Dr. Ayman Al-Mutawa' emphasized the importance of the role played by the private medical institutions in easing the burden on the government hospitals and medical centers and helping the health Ministry materialize its strategy and plans.

He viewed that the private medical institutions as a key partner to the government in upgrading healthcare services in the country.

Be Careful

Basant Festival

7th Bike Show Kuwait

Naseeruddin Shah Live in Kuwait by ICS

Story Time

Public Speaking Club in Kuwait

The Perfect Pitch Public Speaking Club fosters a supportive environment to help you improve your presentation and communication skills, where participants offer constructive feedback and encouragement.
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The event is free and open to all. No registration required.
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When: 7 PM Sunday, Jan 15
Where: @reyada_co

Charity fashion show @ Kuwait

Charity fashion show hosted at BSK, a collaboration between BAIA & Second Chance & PAWS. 
New designers are invited to take part in a competition. Please email for details ... Must be able to show 3-6 garments on March 18 2017

Kuwait Motor Show Automoto 17 begins at 360 mall

Over 100s of vehicles, motorcycles and ATVs from over 30 international brands are on display at the Auto Moto car show 2017 at the 360 mall from Jan 12 to 21. The exhibition is organized by EPR Company and held under the auspices of His Excellency Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Homoud Al-Sabah. This is the fifth edition of Auto Moto.

The Kuwait Motor Show Automoto 17 showcase the latest in the automotive market offering vehicles of the year 2017, an array of new product launches, never seen before vehicles and much more. Visitors will enjoy a one of a kind experience with vehicles ranging from economy passenger cars, luxury sedans, super cars, and a mix of motorcycles and ATV’s.

The Kuwait Motor Show is in partnership with The Kuwait Finance House as a Strategic Partner for the Third year in a row. KFH offers exclusive promotions and a comprehensive range of financial services for those visitors who are planning to purchase new cars. KFH’s active role and contributions in the automotive market reiterate its flagship status and leading position in financing automobiles.

Automoto 17 commences its activities today January the 12th and will continue through January the 21st at the mall regular hours 10 am to 10 pm.

Construction of Kuwait airport on schedule

Construction of a new terminal at the airport is proceeding according to schedule since work started in early December, Minister of Public Works Abdulrahman Al-Mutawaa said on Saturday.

The minister, during an inspection tour at the venture site, indicated that more time might be needed to thrash out some emerging problems such as presence of civil and military installations at the location. “Such hurdles will be tackled through coordination with the relevant authorities,” he said.

A special supervision panel will be established, he said, indicating that more hurdles might emerge during the execution. However, the minister re-affi rmed his keenness on accomplishing the mega project on time.

Meanwhile, Ghaleb Shlash, the ministry’s undersecretary for construction projects, said the venture is set to be executed in six years, according to the contract. For his part, Faisal Al-Ostath, the chief engineer of the project, said construction of the passenger terminal will make the facility one of the largest airports in the world. The KD 1.3 billion project was signed with the Turkish construction company, Limak, on May 2, 2016

18th “Hala February” festival will kick off next month

Arrangements and preparations have been completed for the 18th “Hala February” festival that will kick off early next month, said the Higher Organizing Committee
on Saturday.

The annual month long national festival is part of the efforts to stir tourism, shopping and the entire economic scene, committee member Walid Al-Saqa’bi told KUNA.
Hala February 2017 will include a variety of events and activities, for all ages, including intellectual, literary, cultural, religious, entertainment and sports to promote Kuwait’s civilized image, added Al-Saqa’bi, who is also head of the festival’s media committee. Al-Saqa’bi noted that the 2017 version will also focus on youth’s small and medium-sized enterprises and initiatives. Four major private sector malls are taking part in the festival; one of the most successful shopping events in the Gulf, he noted.

The sector’s participation in the Hala February is growing year after year, he said, expecting up to 10 million reward coupons to be offered over the month. 

Hala February 2017 will offer prizes worth $2 million through a multitude of activities, including daily ones, cash and kinds’ awards. Many of the prizes will be handed over to winners live on and by Kuwait TV. Al-Saqa’bi expected 20 percent increase in participation in the festival.