Kuwait's Fabulous Tourism Plans

I've been around the Kuwaiti block a few hundred thousand times and seen quite a few "new ideas" resurrected.  So, without further adieu... here we go again.

Today's news story, "Government eyes tourism as new source of income:  Minister."
(Read the full story here because I'm too bored to re-print it.)

(Sound of me, snoring...)

Really?
No, really?
Seriously?

In 2004 [yes, that's right - 2004.  As in TWELVE (12) years ago], Kuwait announced its 20-year plan for ... what?... TOURISM.  (Read about that here.)

And again in 2010 it was talked about.  (Read about that one here.)

Kuwait is GREAT at planning.  And talking.  And discussing.  And arguing. And procrastinating.  It's not so great at what?.... TOURISM.

For one thing, during my multiple trips around the block in Kuwait, I have come across only 2 tour companies of legitimate quality.  I only recommend one, and it is a small, non-governmental group of private Kuwaiti citizens who actually use their own private funds to buy little souvenir gifts for special customers. (They go by "Naronda or  Morqab Tours. 6009-0364. See my blog post about them HERE.)

For the next issue:  Kuwait needs to take a much closer look at its infrastructure FIRST.  Just last month, they didn't want to let people over 50 into Kuwait.  That is kinda sucky for tourism, isn't it? And official hotel packages have not been offered/allowed to SINGLE women in the past.  Many nationalities aren't allowed in Kuwait.  Can the airport accommodate tourism?

And I sincerely do not mean any disrespect to those who want to resurrect the concept of tourism to Kuwait.  I applaud them. I wish there were a lot more of them.  I just wish they would get it all going; like, ten years ago.

What Kuwait needs are people who are passionate about it's history and heritage.  (I am and I'm not even Kuwaiti!)  I wish a committee would go to Qatar and see what they have done with the Msheireb Museum.  

I really wish that Kuwait would start collecting oral histories from elder Kuwaitis to get a feel of how Kuwait used to be.  I talk to these people.  They recount the days of pearling and dhow building and getting water from wells (and I'm talking recent history - like 60 years ago).  THAT is the kind of talk Kuwait needs.  Teach the younger generations - and teach expats what Kuwait truly is; not just shopping malls and driving around in flashy cars.  Tell the grandparents' stories.  Who are your people?  Where are you from?  What makes this country unique?  What's your color, Kuwait? (Shloanik, Kuwait?)

Even the long-time expats in Kuwait are still discovering the country - and getting very little help doing it unless you are out there exploring yourself.  It's hard.  I wish the Government would really help people get to know the country they're living in (and in a language, perhaps, that they can understand?)  A lot of us don't hear about what is going on in Kuwait until it's over because of poor advertising or advertising only in Arabic.

Where is Kuwait's visitors center?  Website?  Why isn't there one?  Why don't they have brochures of local activities?  Gee....

I could go on and on.

Pinkies Salon: At-home services for women in Kuwait

My American friend opened Pinkies years ago when her mother came to visit her in Kuwait.  Her mother isn't able to get around easily and my friend didn't know of any salons that offered at-home service.  Now, there are several, but Pinkies was a pioneer in Kuwait and in my opinion, the best.

I literally have a well known spa in the same office building where I work, but I don't like to travel after a massage and traffic in Kuwait is one of the most stressful things with me.  I called Pinkies for a mani/pedi and a full body massage.

Here is what the Pinkies bring:  Fresh towels, fresh natural rose petals, all equipment including massage table and warmer for paraffin pedicure (which I love), foot massage machine, and a refreshment service which includes tea, chocolates, cookies (Lotus - yummm!) and scented candles.  The 2 women literally rolled in with 4 suitcases and a massage table.

The ladies arrange the tea service

Full body massage is less than you would pay in a spa (20KD).  It was wonderful AND I got to shower and then take a nap because it all happened in my house.  I had my own "refreshments", candles, and music.  So tranquil and relaxing.

The ladies are very discreet and are not allowed to discuss other clients or their homes.  That is an issue in Kuwait as gossip is one of the main forms of communication here.  They show up on time and need very little direction.

Book an appointment at 9718-9700.  They also have gift certificates if you would like to give a service as a gift.

Burt Reynolds Introduces the NEW Bandit Trans Am

I had a 78 TA with the bird and racing slicks, but everyone lusted after the 77 bandit.  That was the car to have.

My friend, Laurie, sent me the article on this limited edition this morning.  I very seldom have the type of reaction I did while watching this clip - goosebumps and tears in my eyes.  I WANT this car. It's a TA based on a Camaro (even more lovable!).   I should have been a guy - I swear.  This car does it for me.  (I'm sure some of you out there will not understand or appreciate my reaction, but some will....those are my kindred spirits.)

840HP  7.4L LSX V8 and only 77 in production. The price starts at $115,000, but with so few in production, I am willing to bet it will be double that if not more.

And Burt Reynolds - I don't care HOW old the man gets, he is still a hottie.

Sigh (all the way around).

Respect the court

I'm with my lawyer and about 50 other people in a small courtroom in Hawalli waiting for part deux of my rental case. Everyone is here on time but the question on everyone's mind is, "When will they start?"

This is the problem. As my new lawyer said, "I was told last week to be in court at 8:30 am. The judge didn't arrive until 12:30." The lawyers are there. The clients are there (people not being paid to sit there for hours on end). Why don't the people who should symbolize leadership in the court system have respect for the legal institution here?  

I have really enjoyed reading about snap inspections by the Minister and Undersecretaries (basically, Vice Ministers) from the Ministry of Interior. They are checking various locations to see if ministry employees are on duty and performing correctly. And catching those who aren't.  Perhaps the Minister of Justice should consider doing the same in courtrooms around Kuwait. 

And if the judges aren't going to show up on time (are hours late), might someone consider the purchase of comfortable chairs? I almost need a wheelchair to leave the place!

Local Contracting: Army V Air Force

While I'm on the subject of contracting:

Why is it that the only time I see a US Air Force solicitation published on FedBizOpps is when they are looking for sponsorship for social activities?

Strong Man Contest Request for Sponsorship

There have been some pretty big contracts out there and WHO determines who the RFPs are e-mailed to?  For as long as I've been doing contracting in Kuwait (20 years now), this is the "system".

The Army used to have the same system. (They actually had the hard copy 10-page  Heavy Lift I RFP on their bulletin board outside Camp Doha.) That type of request for quotes didn't work for them.   You don't want the perception of impropriety on million-dollar-plus contracts.  The Army has a very strict system and they adhere to it - which is commendable.  All their RFPs are listed and published on FedBizOpps.  They hold "Contracting with the US Army" seminars.  They have handouts.  Not "Industry Days" but proper local contracting conferences.  (And I've never had a contracting officer from the ARMY contact me at night on my cell phone asking for reduced pricing... just sayin....)

I attended a contracting conference (held by the Army) with an Air Force contracting official on the panel.  There was a very passionate American contractor in the crowd asking my same question:  "Why doesn't the Air Force publish local solicitations so that we can all take advantage of fair market practices in contracting?"  BAM.

I have nothing against the Air Force.  I was very tempted to join them back-in-the-day and I wish I had.  But dudes - please.  Help us all out.  E-mailing RFPs to a few vendors isn't helping any of us.

Whutup with KBOSSS?

A reader commented this morning:

"Sorry this is Off subject but what is your take on what is going on with KBOSSS? 1 year extension on top of the other extensions?  (This probably comes as an official DOD notification of extension was just posted on FedBizOpps SEE HERE.)

Nine month plus three month option extension for K-BOSSS Extension Synopsis under FAR 6.302-1 of Base operations support and security support services throughout the Kuwait area of responsibility (AOR)
Solicitation Number: W52P1J10C0062
Agency: Department of the Army
Office: Army Contracting Command
Location: ACC - RI (W52P1J)"  (That's Rock Island,  Illinois.  Far, far from Kuwait.)

Official Announcement of Extensions

Here is my DG personal synopsis in a nutshell. There have been extensions followed by extensions. If  you read some parts of the RFP, it has been cut/paste from 10+ years ago.  Procurement/contracting people change. The situation on the ground in Kuwait/the Region changes.  The people actually writing the RFPs either don't have accurate information or aren't being given it.  

I further think the delays on awarding the contract are because :  

#1 they are waiting for results of the US presidential erections.  If that A-hole gets into office, everything in this part of the world is going to be blown into the stone ages just because he's a racist pig and hates all Moslems.  Therefore, it would require a lot more fire power and logistics and the RFP workload levels would have to be adjusted.  Republicans are going to fund for more military spending.  Democrats are going to fund for more domestic spending (like edumacation, healthcare, etc.)  I'm a democrat.  I hope that a democrat gets in and takes a serious  look at educating the illiterate bigots and intolerant racists that are out there procreating as I write this. But hey - that's just me.

#2 those DAESH A-holes:  What are those characters up to and how much stuff are we going to need to eradicate them?  That political scene changes all the  time and it is really for a lot of different factors.  The US Government has to work with regional governments to find out what their plans are, create military agreements (which is like coraling cats).  That political circle could possibly change the RFP entirely.

Right now, it is "wait and see".  I've heard from multiple sources that the incumbent prime contract holder, Vectrus, looks like the fore runner in the race to win. I could be wrong about that - as could the sources I've talked to.

Lawyer Drama

Once upon a time in the Great State of Kuwait there lived a wanna-be lawyer who had a big name, a lot of money and didn't know what to do with it all.  So, she used her cousin's name to open up a law firm where she would practice under the guise of being a real lawyer.  Not.

Drama-lawyer was so greedy that she didn't pay her employees.  Not the lawyers that she recruited from Egypt, supposedly for "training" in Kuwait (but on visitor visas so that she could get rid of them in less than 100 days).  Not the European law assistant who helped Drama-lawyer write her legal papers for law school.  Not the ladies who served coffee and substituted as maids in her home.  No one got paid.

That's the background to our story.

Moving forward - this is the "lawyer" that I chose to assist me in my tenancy case.  For a fee of 600KD (non-refundable regardless of if I fire her or not) plus 10% of whatever settlement money I was awarded, she would handle my case.  But alas, she wasn't handling it at all.  She had given most of the responsibility to the law assistant - who quickly got smart and moved on.  Once that happened, it was up to the non-paid Egyptian lawyer-trainees who did very little.

I wised up when several things happened.

1. She filed the case in the wrong court. (Shes not a real lawyer. How would she know?)
2. After repeated requests, she never provided copies of the FIVE police reports I should have.
3. During several meetings with Not-Lawyer, she never provided me with a status, a plan of action, or anything directly related to my case.  She wanted to talk about her personal life and the personal family case she has been working on.  
4. She emphatically stated almost every time I went to see her that I might not get anything.  (Ok then, FIGHT for me!  That's why I'm paying  you!)
5. I went to court.  Found an Egyptian lawyer representing me who didn't know what the status of my case was and who I had never seen before.
6. DL then called me, shouted at me for having attended court with a translator, who she believed was another legal representative.  

During her temper tantrum on the phone she said emphatically (shouting) that if I didn't want to continue with her, pay the final amount due and be done with it.  Ok fine.  Stop shouting at the client, biotch.  (I have bitch-slapped her in my mind so many many many times....)

So, I called her office to make an appointment with her to settle and sign a release.  She was "too busy" to see me.  Her cousin would see me.  On the day of the appointment, cousin was too busy to see me.  I would be seen by yet another lawyer - Kuwaiti this time. Fine.

I brought Bunny, who is not only level-headed when he wants to be, but also a firey BBB (Big Bad Bedouin) when he gets riled.  Kind of like gettin my Irish up.  Bunny also worked as an interpreter with the Brits in Iraq so he's been trained at determining when people are lying or something is not right.

Bunny and I walked in.  There were 2 Kuwaiti lawyers (I presume they were lawyers... one was tall and flirt-able) in the office - apparently running interference.   No introductions.  There was only one chair for me and they asked Bunny to go outside.   (Why?  Was I going to be interrogated?  Were they planning something bad?)  "We don't need him.  We both speak English."  Uh... sooooo???  They kept asking me what my relationship with him was. (ha!  They must think I'm easily intimidated!!! ha ha ha.   Now I'm pissed and the fun hasn't even started yet.)  'Not your business.  Please get him a chair.'  No move to get a chair.  Time is passing and they are still asking him questions about his relationship to me.  I am DYING to blurt out, 'We are f-ing, ok?!  What do you want?!' (We're not and it would have only been for shock value.)  Still no chair.  I stand up next to Bunny and say, 'If he doesn't have a chair, I don't have a chair.'  They get him a chair.  In runs the Drama queen nutcase, screaming at Bunny, "Who are you?!  Give me your civil ID?  Give me your translator card!"  Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?  Are we in court?  Who the PHUCK does she think she is?!  She thinks he's a translator?!  He's Kuwaiti in national dress.  WTF.

Wait.... wasn't she "too busy" to schedule an appointment with me?  Why was she there?

This drama all took place even before I knew who the 2 guys were.

Bunny is keeping his calm, but we are holding direct eye contact throughout this and we are both telling each other not to kill someone, using our super-power of telepathy (15 years of good friendship will get you there).

Anyways, we finally got Bunny a chair.  We all sat down.  I asked them who they were they answered only with first names.  I said, 'No, what is your family name?  I like to know who I am dealing with.'  They answered.  I know one of the guys' uncles, cousins, and other relatives.  ('Oh.  Say hello to your uncle, Jamal, for me.')   Ha.  The 2 guys were both decent, but working for a sociopath they have to pretend like they are on the side of someone who is well... unbalanced at the very least. Psychopathic, perhaps.

They started to say something argumentative-sounding and I cut in.  'Let me make this simple.  I'm here to pay you the final installment and to finish business with DL and her office.  I also want a release letter saying I don't owe you anything and  you don't owe me.'  (Seems simple, right? OMG!....)

Drama is running into and out of the office shouting at the top of her lungs about everything and nothing.  My head hurts.  I'm tired. My blood pressure is through the roof.  Can I just pay the money and go?  Bunny is about to blow. I'm about to blow.  I stuff Kleenex in my ears to stop the shrieking of the out-of-control banshee. (Hot lawyer dude sees me do it and sends me a knowing look.)  I say nothing.  I don't want to throw fuel on her temper tantrum.

Greedy wants more money....

On the 5th (or 6th - can't remember) time I went to the police station to file yet another report against my assmonkey former landlord;  I was with The Romanian and the legal assistant (who had become a friend) at the police station.  DL was on the phone with the legal assistant and DL asked where she was.   Assistant told her.  Drama's response was, "Ok. I'll stop on my way home."  She stopped at the station.  She went to the apartment with us and the police officer (as per the procedure).  She almost went over the steps leading down to the apartment because assmonkeys had removed the handrails.  Went back to the station.  She talked for about 45 minutes with the police officers - not about MY case, but about what schools they went to; and about HER.  Drama.  K, so on the way out, DL turns to The Romanian and says, "Oh, by the way, Desert Girl owes me 150 KD for me coming out to the police station."  Whaaaat?!  She never mentioned it to me. She thinks she can just drop that by telling my friend?!  It wasn't in the contract...

Back to the story....

So, the 2 Kuwaiti dude lawyers started talking about the 150 KD I supposedly owe them for her coming to the police station. Me:  'Please show me in the contract where I agreed to that.'  Then Bunny became the focal point.  Gee, for 2 guys who speak English and didn't need him, allofasudden, they be needing him!  Blah blah blah in Arabic (Drama was still screaming in the doorway - even though they shut the door once and she slammed it back open again.)  Bunny to me, "They say it is common practice and you should know about the price."  Tee hee. Really?  Then they should know about my 100 KD per hour consulting fee. It's common knowledge that I'm a business consultant.  I've been sitting there for an hour and a half.  Looks like THEY owe ME 150 KD.  Show me the contract. ....  Point taken.  I don't have to pay.

At least the 2 dudes have common sense (they're going to need it to figure out that they're not going to get paid...)

Drama runs out, runs back in again with a file.  Showing a photo of her former legal assistant (who I know and like and know that Drama queen is blatantly slandering).  Shoving her photo in front of Bunny, "Do you know this woman? Are you sure you don't know this woman?  Desert Girl was her friend.  They partied together...."  Now, what tha phuck?!  You are slandering a friend.  (Legal Assistant left because DL hadn't paid her in SIX MONTHS and then moved an Egyptian family into LA's accommodation.)  But now... you are slandering ME?  What party did I go to?  Why are  you telling this man that you know nothing about.  I'm your CLIENT, you witch!

Bunny to the rescue.

(Turning to the 2 dudes.)  Do you know who she is (turning to me)?  He then went on to tell him my entire history with Kuwait.  Says that he's known me since 1982 (true).  Tells them what I did for Kuwait.  Gulf war stories... etc...

There was really no need other than to piss off Drama.  Both of the dudes were already on my side.  I ask them in a quiet voice if they could please ask her to stop shouting that I had a headache.  I also kept making the sign for "move it along".  Take my money.  Please.  I want out.

Hot lawyer dude asked me why I didn't just leave the case with Drama - it is a simple case. I rolled my eyes at him.  'Does she treat all your clients the way she has treated me now? Does she shout at all her clients?  You witnessed it.  She's out of control.  I just want to get RID of her. I want peace.'

She made me sign 2 release forms - both different (stupid!!!  I can draw up better contracts than you ever will!).  She kept my legal file.  Whatever.  I could file a complaint, but F her.  I'm out.

Oh, just so that she understood that she is Drama Royalty (and I'm not), she got 2 dudes to tell me, "She is upset that you haven't shown her appreciation for all her hard work."  At that point, I could have just socked her one in the pie hole.  Really.  Just crossed her.  Bunny said he wanted to also.  Can you imagine?  After all that - she wanted ME to THANK HER?!  Go back to Hell.

Bunny (trained to interrogate prisoners, liars, and potential threats)  concluded that she is indeed a bigfatliar and needs psychological help.

So... now I have lawyer #3.  Fucktard former landlord is probably happy about this.  I don't care.  He has no morals (hung out with with Kim Jong Il if that says anything about his character or lack thereof).  I am seeing the case through because I do have morals and what they did to me (and probably to others like me living on their properties) was NOT RIGHT and NOT LEGAL.  If I only get 10 KD, it will be worth it.

This should be a made-for-Ramadan mini-series.  I hope a house falls on her.

30 March 2016 Update:

My new lawyer just called me to tell me that the case has been postponed for 2 months. The judge asked Drama Queen to provide him with (something - we don't know what) after new lawyer told the judge that I had fired Drama.

New lawyer is fantastic.  She immediately asked for police reports and is gathering evidence and has told me what her plan is for the next steps.

The judge may have understood why I fired Drama when, during the last hearing, I looked at Egyptian mandoob appointed by Drama to go to court and said to the judge, "Who is this guy?  I've never seen him before?  My lawyer isn't here.  This guy doesn't know anything about my case?!"  The judge speaks English and has good eye contact and I am always very polite to him and his colleagues.  Maybe he is understanding that I've had problems.

I hope the Drama Queen gets in trouble!

In your FACE, greedy landlords

I hope this goes through....

Proposal soon to determine ‘rents’ according to per square meter

sources

Arab Times

March 22, 2016

KUWAIT CITY, March 21: The real estate sector at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has formed a committee to review the Leases Act and accordingly amend some of the old provisions to bring them in line with the current situation at a time when rents have risen unchecked without taking into consideration the condition or the geographic location of the building, reports Al-Shahed daily quoting reliable sources.

The sources said a proposal will be submitted soon to determine rents according to per square meter — two dinars per square meter for housing in the Capital Governorate, KD 1.5 in Hawally, KD 1.250 in Farwaniya and 500 fils in Ahmadi and Jahra.

The proposal also states 35 percent will be added to the total rent value (based on square meter) to new buildings that have been built or rebuilt not more than three years ago and 25 percent to residential houses overlooking the seashore or those which are not more than 500 meters far from there, 10 percent of the basic rent shall be added to houses overlooking directly the main streets.

Tinder nightmares Kuwait style...

I've wanted to do this.... trash freaks on online dating sites in Kuwait.  Well, for that matter, there are a lot on LinkedIn too (and that is supposed to be for "Professionals").

Check it out Britishgirl88's review.  This girl is hilarious.

https://medium.com/@britishgirl88/tinder-nightmares-kuwait-style-c7351ffde427#.u5yl39o7t

Are dogs allowed in parks in Kuwait?

A reader recently asked me if dogs are allowed in public parks in Kuwait.  I didn't know the official answer, so I gave her the advice I often hand out:  Write to the Arab Times and they will publish the official answer in the paper.

.... and they did.

Dogs in parks

I have a question about dogs. Is there a law in Kuwait that prohibits dogs in parks? In other words, can I walk my dog in a park?

Name withheld

Answer: While there is no law in Kuwait which forbids dog owners from taking their pets to parks, most green public parks do not allow dogs entry. Not only that, dogs are not welcome to these parks by the general public. The rules, however, vary from park to park although “No” is generally the answer. Most dog owners feel not the public but their pets are in greater danger in these parks because a lot of young boys tend to throw stones. So, dog owners most of the time take their dogs to empty beaches (on a long leash) or to the desert where they allow their pets to run free. We would advise the same for you.

http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/dogs-in-parks/

That's so true.  I'm much more worried about my dog's safety than him hurting anyone else (he's so gentle).  I carry pepper spray when I walk my dog (because guns are illegal in Kuwait).  I am MUCH more dangerous to rock-throwing ignoramuses than my dog.  I would shoot them in the face without a second thought....

I digress.

Why don't they open dog parks in Kuwait?  Doesn't anyone of the dog-loving-nature have an empty piece of land that they could fence and open a proper dog park.  Sheeeeet - I would pay entry!  Bet a lot of dog owners would too.  (Instead of opening another mini-treat shop or restaurant - dog park!!!) Pet-related products/services is one of the fastest growing industries in Kuwait. Cash in.  Do the community a favor.

Can you see this in Kuwait - with little concession stands along the side and maybe some benches where people could just come and look at the dogs without actually having to touch them?  Maybe set up a kiosk or shop to sell pet products?  Even a truck....

My friend has a huge farm down in Wafra and I took Mikey down there this weekend.  He got to run and jump in their duck pond and he came home so happy.  I drive a sports car.  I can't take Mikey out to the desert (unless I know the terrain well).  Where do you go?   Dogs just gotta be dogs.  I'm so thankful that my friend gave me the chance to let him run around and be happy.  

Dump Trump

It appears that the Nazis are indeed on the campaign trail.  So much for freedom of speech...

(CNN Online today)

Source:  CLICK HERE

He didn't want to file charges the last few times people were getting beaten up in his crowd.

The semi-nude girl on bike

This just in from the Nonsensical News Files....

The semi-nude girl on bike

Photo:  Arab Times Online

KUWAIT CITY, March 9: A blonde semi-nude girl was seen on a motorbike with a young man in Salmiya area. The incident resulted in traffic jam, as a group of young motorists tried to follow them. Acting on information, a team of security operatives went to the location to maintain order, but the motor rider with his partner and their followers managed to escape before their arrival.  According to security sources, there’s no law in the country banning girls from riding motorbikes but there are rules in that regard, which include dress code, in order to protect the riders and other road users. They pointed to a team of traffic men specialized in checking motor riders that violate traffic regulations.

By Mishal Al-Sanousi and Munaif Nayef Al-Seyassah Staff (Source:  Arab Times, 10 March 2016)

----

DG thoughts:

WHEN did bare arms become semi-nude?  I've seen less clothes on people in restaurants lately.  

Why the H should there be a law in the country banning girls from riding motorbikes???

Rules in that regard?  Oh, you mean like guys who wear shorts and flip flops on motorcycles?

Why do young motorists feel that they should follow them?!  What will they gain?  Why not publish photos of the young motorists following them?

And last but not least, no homo, but nice butt, girlfraynd!  You go, girl!

Female American Contractors in Jail: Monique & Larissa

In case you haven't heard about it, there are 2 American women who were sentenced in Kuwait for possession of 1 gram of hashish.  They were sentenced to 25 years each.  Yes, that's right:  25 years each for 1 gram of hash.

In case you don't know it:  for foreigners in Kuwait, finding 1 gram of hash would, under normal sentencing, lead only to their deportation (for Kuwaitis, a maximum of 4 years and sometimes just a warning if it is a first offence).  However, for whatever the reason, they received a very harsh sentence with very little local media attention.

The women's  mothers informed the US Embassy here; the authorities in Kuwait did not alert the embassy.  US Embassy staff went to visit them.  Once.  To see if they were being treated fairly.  End of their part.  I've said it in previous posts and I will say it again:  It is not the mission of the US Embassy to help American citizens in trouble.  Don't count on them to save you (for whatever the reason).

A reputable local Kuwaiti lawyer who has a record of dealing with a number of humanitarian-based cases and issues has taken the case.  He heard about it through staff members and decided to work on it himself.

Now, I've had a lot of comments about this from friends and others saying, "If you go to a foreign country and don't follow their laws, you get what you deserve."  Fine.  I agree with that.  But in this case,was the law  followed  for sentencing?

These women have been in jail for nine months  to date.  That's nine months of their mothers, families, and friends worried about them being in a foreign prison.  What goes through their minds?  Is the prison system the same as in the US (home country)?  Do they get medical care?  Hygiene?  Do they have good food?  Are they safe?  Are they cold?  Are they afraid?  So far, that is nine months of torture for their two mothers.  I sit here and think what that would do to my own mother.  I can't stand the thought.

And I know what my mother would say to me:  You were stupid.

They were stupid.  I think anyone using drugs illegally anywhere knows the risks involved -  and especially in the Middle East (OSN should air, "Midnight Express" again! And again.  And again.)  Kuwait has been featured on National Geographic's "Banged Up Abroad" (case about a young man, a dependent of a western expat employee in Kuwait who went to a party where there were drugs.  They were all rounded up and he got sent to Central Prison). Lack of judgement, stupidity, law-breaking:  Call it what you will.  However, that is NOT the point here.  The point is the fairness of the sentencing and if proper procedures were followed.

Further, the  point is not the women's sexual orientation, as some have said.  Or the fact that their are African-American.  Or, or or..... The point now is the fairness of the sentencing and what evidence it was based on.

Can the ruling be overturned?  I hope so.  I hope they will be able to go home and lead happy lives.

The lawyer is taking on the case for a reduced fee, but they will still both have legal fees.  They are also looking at having to have therapy once they're out.  All cost money.

As a 20 year expat in Kuwait, I hope that we all stick together here.  Long-time expat residents of Kuwait tend to know each other and over the years, I have seen several times where we've come together to help out someone who needed us.  There are other charities out there for sure.  You can do what you want with your money.  But (to preach a little), we are all living in a country far-away-from-home together.  Sometimes you need to call on others for assistance.  This could be any of us.

Monique and Larissa's  families have established a Gofundme site for donations LINK HERE.  Even if people donate $1, you are still helping.   $1 to your credit card is helping. Don't have a credit card?  Help spread the word by sharing on Facebook and social media.

Good luck, Monique and Larissa.  You have people out here in the community who care.

Toastmasters Kuwait

I SUCK at public speaking.  If you've ever heard me speak in public - you know this to be true.  I immediately make off-color, inappropriate jokes that leaves everyone in the room with their jaw on the floor.  Like the time at the American Business Council when an MC called me up to, "Say a few words" spontaneously.  WRONG!  Bad move.  I didn't know what it was about.  I didn't know why I was up there.  So, I said the first thing that popped into my mind, "Hi.  My name is (Desert Girl) and I'm an alcoholic.  It's been 3 days, 4 hours, and 22 minutes since my last drink...."  (Dead silence. Blank stares.)

Disclaimer:  No disrespect to the problems that alcoholics face. I've had a few in my family and I know the ugly truth about how difficult it is for everyone involved.

Anyways, Toastmasters would really help me, I'm sure.  One of my dear colleagues is very involved with local Toastmasters and has requested my assistance in a sponsorship drive.

Toastmasters Kuwait factoids:

The first Toastmaster club was established in Kuwait on 1999, and currently there are 55 clubs in Kuwait with 500+ members eager to learn and form a community of learners who care about their self-development. Kuwait is part of District 20 and has 4 divisions.

Some of their programs include:

A self-paced program

Speech writing and presenting

Weekly interactive meetings

Table Topics™

Evaluations

Participation in meeting roles

Opportunity to conduct meetings

Small groups

Right now, they are seeking sponsors for local events.  Company names/logos will appear on their publications and social media outlets.

“Every Toastmasters journey starts with a simple speech.”

I’m helping a friend to find sponsors for an April 29 event in Kuwait, combining several local Toastmaster clubs at the American University of Kuwait.

Are you interested in joining Toastmasters? Want to work on your public speaking?  This is an excellent opportunity to find out how local clubs work and to meet some of their members.

Toastmasters is seeking sponsors in the form of cash donations (ranging in denominations of between KD 200 and 500) or gifts that can be awarded to winners at the event.

For more information on how you can sponsor and/or get involved, please contact Yousef at dotackuwait@gmail.com

Toastmasters main website:  https://www.toastmasters.org/

Thank you!

Liberation Day

Why I don't celebrate Liberation Day the way that some do....

I hated it when spraying people with foam  was the "fun" and acceptable way to celebrate a day that I take very seriously:  Liberation Day.  National day - ok.  That's just really another holiday to me, but I have a personal history with the liberation of Kuwait and I take great offense to the way that many people here choose to celebrate the day that commemorates a loss of life and sacrifice.

(I'm glad it is banned, but it's been replaced by something equally as offensive - water guns.)

I'm not gonna lie (oh YES I am!).  I'm older than the 29 years that shall remain my official age...

I worked to help liberate Kuwait.  I was there with Kuwaiti friends in Washington DC - from the day that Kuwait was invaded by Iraq on August 2, 1990 (at a spontaneous demonstration outside the White House)  through to the end when Kuwait was liberated by ALLIED (not only Kuwaiti as it is now being told) forces on February 26, 1991. (Allied meaning "alliance" - meaning friends and brothers/sisters in arms.)   I volunteered at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Washington, DC.  I volunteered with Citizens for a Free Kuwait and several other groups working towards education (of the American people because many didn't even know where Kuwait was at that time); and ultimately freedom/liberation for Kuwait.

My Kuwaiti friends were tortured. Some died.  Some cover up their scars and you would never guess by looking at them that something awful had happened to them.  Some lost family members and still don't know where their bodies are buried.  Some were maimed.  Some lost all hope - even till now.

Some of my female friends volunteered to FIGHT along side of the US military (they were allowed to go as interpreters).  I was with them in training until the time that they left (I'm American so no-go).  Nothing is written about them (25 young female volunteers in all) in Kuwaiti history books.  Nothing is mentioned in speeches or on plaques.  They were given the rank of honorary sergeants during the war and paid by the Kuwaiti Government as such.  They went to basic training at US military camps in New Jersey and boarded planes to undisclosed destinations surrounding Kuwait; waiting for the opportunity to get back in when Kuwait was liberated and find their families.  They slept in the mud.  They sacrificed - some going against the wishes of their families.  Many Kuwaiti men at the time considered them a disgrace to their country; female Kuwaitis going to the battlefield.  I suppose they must still be shamed by the fact that KUWAITI WOMEN FOUGHT FOR KUWAIT in 1990/91 because nothing is ever mentioned about it.

When I moved to Kuwait in 1996, there were so few Westerners that Kuwaitis would stop and thank me on behalf of my country for helping to liberate Kuwait.  There were many smiles.  It was a wonderful and unifying feeling.  In the 90's, celebrations on the Gulf Road were with flag-flying cars (similar to now), but with the flags of ALL of the Allied Forces; especially US, British, and Saudi.  Street vendors sold all flags on the corners.  People still remembered their recent history.  And most people were respectful.

I stopped celebrating when a young boy tore the American flag off my car and stomped on it on the ground. That day changed me.  I remember the look on his face:  Hatred.  More than that, he tried to get into the car.  It was awful.  I wasn't afraid - he was just a boy.  But who taught him that?  Why didn't he understand?

Why can't people remember their history here?  The pulse of the country has turned from unity to bashing.  I don't feel wanted here like I used to.  It makes me sad.

The older generations here certainly remember, but the young generations are not being taught. Or maybe they are being dismissive.  Why?

And why is it considered appropriate to assault people in "celebration"?  I don't go out after being maliciously drenched in water outside my home (the distance from the door to my car) by a gang of four "celebrants" (as the media now calls them).  I went in, changed; only to walk out and be assaulted again by the same juvenile delinquents, waiting to ambush me.  Is that celebrating?  Are paint-filled balloons and God-only-knows-what-filled water guns randomly aimed at people who then plead for them to stop?  Is that what Kuwaiti children are being taught?  Again, it makes me sad for this country to know this is what it has come to:  A vagrant disrespect for others.  (And it seems that most expats are the easiest targets.)

Sermon:  If you want to shoot people with paint and water - go play paintball at an amusement park where others have AGREED to it.   I don't find it amusing to have my car damaged or to be soaked when I'm asking people not to.  Teaching your delightful little delinquents that it is acceptable to disrespect older people will eventually turn the same disrespect towards you.  Can I get an "ameen"?

So, I honor Liberation Day in my own way:  Reflection.  The only outward statement of unity is the SAME statement  I made in 1990 and 1991 in the Washington, DC area:  My, "I LOVE Q8" Virginia license plate.  People in DC would stop and ask me why I had it and I would get to educate them one-on-one as to what was really happening to people (just like them) inside Kuwait during the invasion.  Now, I carefully place that same license plate every February - inside the back window of my car.  No flags to rip off.  No way to (easily) tear it off.  It is the way I honor the sacrifices that my friends (and my own family) made to this country I love.  I try not to even drive during the few days surrounding the holidays - as even highway travel is an invitation to get vandalized.

Kuwait - teach your children well. Help liberate them (if you will pardon the pun) from hostility towards others.

Bedoun (Stateless) Police Officer Run Down and Killed During Celebrations

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 26, (KUNA): One policeman was killed and several others injured when they were run over by a vehicle at Dasman roundabout in Kuwait City, a statement by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said on Thursday.

Security forces have apprehended the perpetrator, named as Abdulaziz Waleed Shaheen Al-Shamlan, after he had fled the scene, the statement added.

The deceased, identified as Turki Mohammad Al-Enezi, and five other policemen who have been injured, served at the General Department of Traffic, the statement noted.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Friday a cable of condolences to the family of the martyred policeman.

In his cable, His Highness the Amir voiced heartfelt and sincere condolences to the martyr’s family who was run over by a motorist.

In the cable, His Highness the Amir prayed to Allah the Almighty to bless the soul of Al-Enezi with mercy in Paradise and to bring solace to his family.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah stressed the necessity of implementing directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for treating sons of the martyr Turki Al-Enezi as Kuwaiti citizens.

Kuwait will never forget the martyr who sacrificed his soul for its sake, the Ministry’s Public Relations and Media Security Department said in a press statement Friday.

The move is an honor to the martyr’s efforts in serving the country, it added.

The statement referred to the parental feelings of His Highness the Amir towards the martyr, who is a Gulf son to a Kuwaiti mother.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said Kuwait is proud of sacrifices offered by the martyr Turki Mohammad Al-Enezi.

The minister made the statement during Al-Enezi’s funeral on Friday.

The country’s soil embraces today a martyr who sacrificed his soul for its sake, the Ministry’s Public Relations and Media Security Department quoted Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled as saying.

The minister prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the martyr’s soul with mercy in Paradise and to bring solace to his family, wishing those injured speedy recovery, the statement said.

Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled and some senior officials at the ministry took part in the funeral.

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God rest his soul.  In the photos circulating on Instagram, you can see Abdulaziz Al-Shamlan being held by police officers while on the ground.  He was SMILING.  What an insult.  

It is a wonderful step for the Kuwaiti authorities to honor the police officer by granting his son's Kuwaiti nationality (as stated).  

Many of Kuwait's military and police forces are Bedoun (stateless - without nationality).  When Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah (God rest his dear soul) was targeted for assassination in the '80's, his Bedoun bodyguards were martyred.  I don't know what happened to the status of their families. (The last I heard was that they were not granted citizenship.)  Kuwaiti Bedoun during the Gulf War either risked or gave their lives for Kuwait. They/their children still don't have citizenship.

On another note, I am VERY HAPPY to see that the media has published the full name of the assailant in the story above.  I'm a firm believer that publicly shaming those responsible for heinous crimes will have an affect on others who may be at risk for similar activity.  They will think twice.  Their families will teach better values (who wants your neighbors and your entire country to know that you have a criminal in your home?).  Yes blah blah blah it is a small-knit community and having a criminal as a brother might certainly affect his sister's/female cousins' chances of marrying someone from a respectable family.  But hello - if this guy had been taught values, morals, and respect for human life, he never would have mowed down innocent police officers on duty. He never would have even considered it.  

And if he was on drugs - GET him into an institution.  Get him help.   FACE the problem of drugs or mental illness in the community instead of sweeping it under the carpet.  The problem is only getting worse, isn't it?  Stabbings, murders, rapes, drugs.... face the fact that it is all here and do something about it.

End the era of entitlement and disrespect.  What happened to compassion and values?  BE RESPONSIBLE for yourself and family members.

Taste of Kuwait, Marina Mall, March 17-19

For Tickets:  http://www.q8foodfestival.com/tickets

Kuwait: The Future #FoodCapital 2030

I heard about this first on Kuwaitiful and would like to add my peanut gallery comments here on my own blog.

I have met several young Kuwaiti chefs who are incredibly enthusiastic and ambitious about their trade.  I am hoping that this video will come to fruition.  I think that successful businesses in Kuwait thrive on the stomachs of others;  Anything food-related.

As you will see in the video, many of the restaurants are set in the Avenues.  Many many restaurants in Kuwait and the GCC are owned by the same people (I don't know who did the video, but I'm guessing).

They also feature sweets and chocolates (both big business in Kuwait).  For years now, mini-anything is selling.  Mini-cheesecakes, mini-muffins, mini-cupcakes.  Big business - especially catering to people who think that less equals less ("If I only eat a mini, I won't gain as much as if I eat a whole portion." - which is great until you eat all dozen minis).  They're also cute, catering to the girlie crowd.  Friend have a baby?  Sweets!  Friend pass her exam?   Sweets!  Friend get over bad menstrual cramps?  Sweets!  Whatever the excuse, sweets are here to stay.

Here's the thing:  I haven't found much seasoning in any food group/venue here.  I think the palate of Kuwait is mostly bland, not spicy.  Real Kuwaiti food uses a variety of spice, but when you go to a restaurant, I've found watered-down versions that aren't really the same thing.  And spicy here isn't spicy elsewhere.  Some like it hot.  Stop trying to cater to a bland audience. Don't be afraid to make a bold food statement and once you do; don't lower your standards to please a few customers.

Further, if I'm going to go somewhere with great ambiance and expensive food (speaking as an expat), I'm going to want an alcoholic beverage with it.  Like at hotels in Dubai, Bahrain, and Qatar.  I have zero problem with spending money/time at a venue where I can sit with friends and have a couple glasses of wine with a meal.  When I spend the same amount of money for the meal without the alcohol, that irks me.  And ask any Western tourist. Chances are that they are going to say, "Me?  Go to a dry country?!"  Yeah... so tourism from those markets isn't much of a good bet.

What about variety?  There are too many fast-food, family-style restaurants in Kuwait to count.  There's a new one popping up every week.  This country has totally turned me off to hamburgers, for example. I've had hamburger overkill.  Hamburger saturation.  Stop talking to me about how much better your hamburgers are.  How about a Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich shop (or any other type of authentic Vietnamese restaurant?  Ethiopian?  Kuwait has some of the best seafood anywhere, but where can you find an authentic crab house that serves steamed/spiced shrimp and maybe a clam bake?  (Make it easy for people to take the whole pot back to the family or for outings.)

I gotta say, though, when I first got here in '96, there were only 2 sushi restaurants and now look at Kuwait.  Sushi is mainstream.  Maybe there is hope for other types of food.

And people here do lack entertainment and places to meet.  Which is why mainstream coffee shops can get away with selling a cup of coffee for the equivalent of US $10.

And on that note.... Here is a business concept for you....

When I first got here, not very many people rode motorcycles.  Now there are thousands of them (male and female) and there are many motorcycle clubs and events.  Why is there not one motorcycle bar?  (Serve non-alcoholic beer on draft ...until... when...).  Simple food.  Simple surroundings.  A place for people to gather.  Everybody's got the gear in Kuwait, but they are using Starbucks as their meeting place. I've never seen that in any biker movie in the West.  Picture this:  The scene for a biker movie in Kuwait;   Muscly tough guy biker in full regalia (leather jacket, chains, slicked back hair, torn jeans) walks up to the barista and orders a tall skinny cappuccino with a shake of chocolate on top.  Emmm... not quite the same affect.

Anyways, I digress because I'm on a roll....

But I've got to say, the most successful places are going to be the ones that have the best overall dining experience.  Good service can't be overlooked and at the moment, most local restaurants aren't providing consistent quality of service to go along with their food.  If you can afford a fine dining experience, you want good service. You get bad service even once and you may not go back.  Maybe someone should start a training center specifically for the restaurant business in Kuwait.   (On the flip side, I haven't heard anyone call me, "Sirmaam" lately, but then again, I have only been working and going home recently, so I don't have the data.)

First Round in Tenancy/Rental Court

Two words:  It Sucked.  I didn't expect anything different....

Here's my advice for those having the same misfortune of being illegally kicked out of your home by your landlord and going to the rental court:    Bring someone fluently Arabic-speaking.  Plan to be there at around 8 am on the day of your hearing.

Hawalli Rental Court is no picnic.  Nothing is apparent.  2/3 of the inhabitants of Kuwait are not Kuwaiti.  Many of the population do not read or speak Arabic.  A large number of people filing cases in rental court these days are expats.  Why?  Because Kuwaitis are harder to kick out and the norm these days is kicking out  your tenants so you can make more money off the next expat.  Anyhoo, we are in an Arabic speaking-country.  The court system is all in Arabic.  Unfortunate, but true.

I have a "lawyer".  Ha ha.  I say that with a bit of irony because here is the latest scam:  law STUDENTS posing as lawyers.  They look around for a friend or a relative who has been practicing law for 2 years.  This will allow them to open an office and get a license to practice law under the 2-year-experienced-lawyer's name.  2 year guy rarely works there - if ever.  So, you get a law student and, in my case, a bunch of Egyptian lawyers who technically aren't supposed to be able to stand up and represent your case in court.  But guess what?  My law STUDENT sent one.

So many many many layers of BS....

Even finding your way into the parking lot at the court is a mystery.  I spoke Arabic to the Arabic speaking Arab parking lot attendant, asking him (in Arabic) if I was in the right place for the rental court. He asked me to speak Arabic.  Sigh.  He did not direct me to the barking lot.  In fact, he didn't even want to allow me to make a U turn out of the lot I had turned into. It was obvious from the 1/2 mile long line of honking cars behind me that I couldn't back out.  He was phoning for a supervisor when I frantically made hand signals to show him where I was going.

When you finally make it to the multi-story barking garage (drive past the court on the main road and the entrance is on the right), you make your way to the first building with a blue sign that says (in English and Arabic), "Legal Services Department". You must ask at the reception desk where to go to be told what floor and court number your case will appear for the day.  When you enter the room, there is a number machine with 2 choices (in Arabic).  I hit one; no clue what they said.  I explained in Arabic to the clerk what I wanted, handed him my civil ID card and he wrote down the information (in Arabic) and handed it to me.  It included my case number, the floor number and the hearing room number.

I went to the floor.  I found the hearing room (all signage is in Arabic) after asking around.  I then asked how I could find out what order my case would be heard (you are given numbers, not timings).  There is a big digital screen (in Arabic).  Any of the guys wearing badges with the scales of justice on them are lawyers.  You can usually pick out the sharper ones; ask one of them to help you find your number on the screen (using your civil ID as a guide).  I was lucky 14.

Some of the hearing room attendants bark out the numbers (in Arabic).  Sometimes you have to go and sit in the hearing room (which is difficult because they are packed with people waiting their turns).

I don't think this system is fair to people participating in hearings - OR to the judges and court case workers.  It puts too much pressure on the system.  When my number was called, I had a friend translating (a lovely lawyer who just happened to be in the building that day).    Neither of us got a chance to speak.  I made one statement, pointing at my "representative" who I had never seen before, "THAT is not my lawyer.  I don't know who that guy is.  Where is the Kuwaiti lawyer?"  The judge said, in English, "It's ok."  Uh noooo, it was NOT ok.  I never discussed my case with that person.  How could they "represent" me if they knew nothing about my case.  (They don't care - they're getting paid a a fee to complete the case.  This makes me ponder if it is better to pay an hourly rate or one lump fee.  I still think one fee is better.)   It was over in less than 5 minutes.  She didn't have time to translate until it was over - and then I was shocked at what my "representative" asked (he asked that the apartment be site inspected.  I moved out in May of 2015.  God knows how many people have walked through there since!)  They kicked us out of the hearing room because I was arguing with my "representative".

Today I fired my STUDENT lawyer after she yelled at me paying customer) for half an hour on the phone yesterday - demanding to know who my translator was; stating that the basically-mandoob-rep she sent hadn't done anything incorrectly, yada.    She has never given me a complete copy of my case file.  I sent her a letter asking for all of my documents - in detail.  This is lawyer #2.  The first guy took 100 KD and never returned my phone calls!

Why am I pursuing this case?    Because what they did to me was WRONG.  It literally forever changed my belief in Kuwait and Kuwaiti people.  I have loved this country for many years and they jaded that.    I had no idea that such awful people existed here.  What happened to me last year was heinous. It was intentionally.  It was a violation in a series of terrible violations.  And I did nothing wrong.  My parents always told me to stand up for what I believe in.  I NEED to fight this.  Yes it is costing me a lot of money.  When I finally do leave Kuwait, I don't want to believe that everyone is bad because of circumstances at the end.  I really want someone to prove that there are good people and it can have some kind of a good outcome.  And I don't want those horrible people to be able to do it to anyone else less fortunate than I am.  I want them to feel it and remember it.

US Contractors – Your legal rights and the Kuwait Labour Law

A lawyer friend asked if I wanted to post the below on my blog.  Fer sure - because a lot of people don't know their rights.

- - -

I am hearing more and more each day about the break time gossiping and moaning that surrounds the work contracts here in Kuwait.  Most of the gossiping is done by Denny Crane methodology;  Legal Eagles just cherry picking what they hear from one person and another,  then combining a mish mash of complete inaccurate information.  So, on that note I would like to just explain a few simple terms to you guys:

·      If you have a Visa 18 you fall under the Kuwait Labour Law of February 2010 – A copy is here for you to read.

·      The Kuwait Labour Law supersedes any work contracts that you have with your employer

·       If you decide to take Legal Action against your employer to recoup any overtime, indemnity or holiday pay outstanding you can sue your employer through the legal system in Kuwait without any retribution from them – once a case is filed you are protected. You must realise that your employer can not sack you because you are taking them to court – if they try, this works  in your favour and substantiates your claim even more.

·      You can file a case up to 1 year from leaving your employment – but this takes more time to process.

·      As an American citizen even signing a contract outside of Kuwait in advance to your arrival here – you are still bound by Kuwait laws.

·      You might want to check out the following site – this is the big buzz word in the US at the moment – Human Trafficking – yes guys – you come under Human Trafficking by your own employer – quote:  (5)(i) Using misleading or fraudulent practices during the recruitment of employees or offering of employment, such as failing to disclose, in a format and language accessible to the worker, basic information or making material misrepresentations during the recruitment of employees regarding the key terms and conditions of employment, including wages and fringe benefits, the location of work, the living conditions, housing and associated costs (if employer or agent provided or arranged), any significant costs to be charged to the employee, and, if applicable, the hazardous nature of the work;

(ii) Using recruiters that do not comply with local labor laws of the country in which the recruiting takes place;  https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart%2022_17.html

·         The Legal procedure here is simple and painless:

o   You find a good bi-lingual lawyer – please understand only Kuwaiti Lawyers can stand before the judge in Kuwait

o   You Sign Power of Attorney ( ‘Tawkeel’ in Arabic)– this enables your lawyer to act on your behalf – this can be done in about 30 minutes

o   You discus your issues – take all forms of paperwork including proof of any overtime sheets or payslips that you have

o   The lawyer will look over all the documentation and work out how much money is owed to you what you can claim back through the courts

o   You agree on a fee – this is usually around KWD 1,500 dependant also on complexity of the case and if you are leaving you must appreciate contact through international means (this might push the fee up to KWD 2,000) also, they will charge a recovery fee of around 7% - but, the monies collected on your behalf will be sent directly to you once received. Expensive ?  Yes and No – once your case is filed you need do nothing – the Lawyers will take over everything – and monitor every aspect of the case for the duration – considering most Lawyers have a normal flat rate of KWD 50 to open a file – and charge anywhere between KWD 150 – 300 per hour consultation – looking at this you will realise it’s a justifiable cost. Some may charge you less than this – but you have to question is the firm experienced enough and do they have native speaking English staff?  But, on the other hand if they try to charge you over KWD 2,000 you are paying waaaay too much.

o   Once in agreement to everything a contract is signed.

·         The legal process once you decide to peruse your case through the courts in Kuwait is quite simple:

o   Your file is presented to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour ( MOSAL - Sha’oon this is the local name) where it is registered and a case number is given.

o   Your file will be given to a Sha’oon Manager – he will be the one looking at all the evidence and collating the information from both sides to give his recommendations to court.

o   Your employer will have 3 chances to attend an informal hearing with him in the Sha’oon offices.

o    If your employer does not attend 3 times then the case gets automatically sent to the Civil Court.  In all honesty,  it’s a case of sit back and wait – usually takes about 6 months for it to get a hearing date – Kuwait Judicial system is paper driven and as we all know every man has his stamp !

o   If your employer does decide to turn up at either of the 3 appointments given to them by the Sha’oon  they have a right to present any documentation that they have – this can also give opportunity to settle out of court – they will be asked would they like to settle out of court – if this happens and they agree then terms and conditions will be set and an agreed amount will be negotiated and a payment date set out.  This will be legally binding !!!

o   Even if you decide you want to leave Kuwait during this process – your lawyer will fight on your behalf for your rights.  Just make sure you have a good lawyer that has your back !!!

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Their office number is 1810011 if you want to discuss it further.  The initial consultation is free.

Just to let y'alls know:  You can't go back to the US and fight it there.  There is no jurisdiction for the first round.  You have to file a case in Kuwait and based on that outcome, use the Kuwaiti case as evidence in your subsequent case filed in the US (if you choose to do that).  There was a recent class action case against an American contracting firm working in Kuwait where the plaintiffs filed in the US.  The US judge threw it out as the Kuwait Labor Law does not apply in the US.