Traveling enriches the human experience, as a person is able to connect with the rest of the world, and with cultures they may not have heard of if they stayed back home. But when done alone, traveling can also be an emancipating and empowering experience despite the challenges that might come along with it.
But for the brave and the curious, the world is theirs for the taking. And since there are far too many great places to visit in an entire lifetime, it’s important that you choose your destination for what you wish to understand about life in that part of the world. A good place to start or to include in your bucket list would be Qatar, simply because not much is known about this country, at least even to well-traveled folks.
Tips for Solo Travelers in Qatar
To make your experience as meaningful and memorable as possible, ample planning is necessary. Ad when visiting Qatar on your own, here are some important tips to take note of:
Qatar is Safe.
Perhaps one of the main reservations people have in visiting Qatar is that it’s located in the Middle East. However, according to a recent report released by global records database, Numbeo, Qatar topped the list of 118 countries for being the safest in the world.
By looking at the numbers, Qatar ranked last (118th) in terms of crime index with 13.26 points, and it received 86.74 points in the safety index, giving it a follow-up achievement it first received in 2017.
Qatar’s excellent ranking can be attributed to a number of factors such as houding indicators, traffic, pollution, crime, health care, and cost of living. Of note, Qatar has consistently ranked first in terms of safety among GCC countries since 2015. This reflects the efforts of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) in providing unparalleled safety and security in society. This only means that you don’t have to worry about travelling alone in Qatar.
Book a Trip During Cold Months.
Located within the desert region, Qatar can be really hot in the summer but the opposite in winter. This means that a visit sometime between November and March would be ideal as you would experience temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius in the day, and as low as 12 degrees Celsius at night.
Use Uber.
There are plenty of local taxis and cabs in Qatar, but prices can get unreasonable for solo travels. As an alternative, you can take advantage of the technology and services offered by point-to-point ride hailing apps such as Uber, as these are often cheaper, and much more convenient than the country’s public transportation at this time.
Observe Dress Codes.
As an Arab nation, Qatar also observes modest and conservative dress codes, especially for women. While wearing hijab is not necessarily a requirement, clothes should cover the knees as well as the shoulders, especially in public.
Keep Learning.
From time to time, you need to travel on your own not just for the sake of seeing different places, but also to learn more about other cultures, way of life, and perspectives. Traveling is all about sharing human experiences, and until you open yourself to greater learning, you’ll always find your experiences shallow and lacking.
Going on a solo adventure is one of the most intimidating yet satisfying experiences in life. However, with ample research and planning, there’s nothing insurmountable out there for you to experience. Good luck and have lots of fun!
Oman is just unique a country as any is. However, the Sultanate is oftentimes overlooked by travellers. What escape the ordinary tourists’ eyes are the exotic and incredible attractions and cities the country has to offer.
In this brief guide, we will list some of the best destinations you can check out on your first (or next) trip to Oman.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Best Places to Visit in Oman
Oman is one of the most underrated places you can go to in the Middle East. There are actually plenty of desert landscapes, incredible mountain ranges, historic forts, and warm beaches to enjoy in this exotic country, depending on your kind of adventure or idea for a vacation. But, in this list, we give you several destination spots which are a “must-see” when visiting Oman anytime in the year:
Credits: DDERRICK | FlickrMisfat al Abryeen
While most cities in the country have adopted a modern look, there are still those which have preserved their traditional atmosphere and quaint charm, such as the small village of Misfat al Abryeen. This mountain village is made of stone buildings in shades of orange and brown, and it can look more like an Italian mountain village than something you might expect to find on the Arabian Peninsula.
A closer look into the city and you would see what mountain life in Oman is. Tread a steep road towards the mountain and walk among buildings under the shade of banana trees and lush greenery. Also, be sure to check out the ancient watchtower above the village that you can climb to see Misfat al Abryeen, as well as the surrounding fields and dams filled with water.
Credits: Marlon Cureg/FlickrMasirah Island
Off the coast of Oman is the island of Masirah, which is an ideal place for travellers in search of sun, beaches, wildlife, and history. The island is home to an Omani air base, but the towns are relatively small. This generally means small crowds and plenty of secluded spots to explore. It’s quite easy to get to the place, since regular ferries are available to get you to and from the mainland. Some of the things you can enjoy on the island include swimming, checking out the abundance of shipwrecks just off the coast, and watching the more than 30,000 turtles that appear annually during hatching season.
Credits: Peter Dowley/FlickrBahla
Another great place to visit in Oman is the northern city of Bahla. A kind of desert oasis, Bahla has been a stopping point of travelers for centuries. The city prides in its historic fort, the Bahla Fort, which dates back to as early as the 13th century, when it was widely under the control of the Banu Nebhan tribe. Aside from exploring the Fort, visitors can also admire the city walls, which are made from adobe and stretch for nearly seven miles in length. There is also a souvenir market, where you can find an impressive selection of local pottery, which Bahla is widely known for.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsSalalah
Down south, a city regarded as second to Muscat, Salalah remains relevant to this day because it is the ancestral home to the Sultan Qaboos, the reigning sultan in Oman since 1970. A visit to this city will give you a first-hand view of the Qaboos Palace, and appreciate older architecture in the Old Town, known as the Haffa. There’s even the unique Al Baleed Archaeological Site, which you can visit if you’re into history and cultural heritage spots. As Salalah is known for its frankincense trade, be sure to pick up a souvenir from the souk in Haffa. From June to August, however, monsoon clouds from India bring a constant rain to the area and, as a result, the coastal region around Salalah is transformed into a green oasis with seasonal waterfalls and streams.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsJebel Akhdar
Locally translated as “Green Mountain,” the Jebel Akhdar is a part of the Al Hajar Mountains. However, don’t be misled by the green description, as the region is primarily composed of limestone. The area also has the highest point in Oman. Furthermore, don’t expect to see lush forests, but the elevation makes for cooler temperatures and more agricultural growth than in the desert below. The area is now under protection by the local government, but you can hike through beautiful terraces and even spot trees laden with fruit. While hiking in the desert doesn’t seem to sound very appealing to most, visitors know that this is one of best pastimes in the region.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsRas Al Jinz
To the east of the Sultanate is Ral Al Jinz, where you can find a turtle reserve that helps to populate and protect the sea turtles of the Indian Ocean. When you visit the area during the summer, or between the months of May and October, you can spot turtle nests along the beach and even watch the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean, pretty much like what you’d see in the Galapagos on the other side of the world. While a visit to this natural reserve is possible as part of a day trip from Muscat, most visitors opt to spend the night at the resort and check out other attractions like the Turtle Visitor Centre and Museum.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsMusandam Fjords
The Musandam Peninsula is located in the northernmost region of Oman, and it is separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. The Musandam Fjords stretch north and provides breath-taking sceneries. If you visit the Musandam Fjords, be sure to check out activities like boat trips to explore the coasts and peaks rising up from the water, spotting dolphins from a Dhow, or traditional Omani boat, and scuba diving out at sea. The area is sparse in human population but wildlife in abundance. Because of this, the region is considered as one of the best places to visit in Oman for nature lovers.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsNizwa
During the 6th and 7th centuries, the city of Nizwa served as the capital of Oman. Owing to this fact, the area still is widely recognized for its incredible fort, which was built in the 17th century under the direction of Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’ribi, with some parts of the fort even dating back to the 9th century. The most iconic landmark in the city is the enormous cylindrical tower at Nizwa Fort. The fort, to this day, has some interesting defence mechanisms, including honey traps and unusually shaped windows for shooting approaching enemies. The fort has also become a museum, where you can explore 17th century life in Oman. When in Nizwa, you need to check out the souq (outdoor market), as well as the unusual goat market held two days each week in the city centre.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsMuscat
If you’re pressed for time during your stay in Oman, and can only afford to explore one place, it would have to be the modern capital city, Muscat. The city is a combination of traditional and modern amenities such as forts, palaces, museums, and markets. While you can’t visit the interior of the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace, you can head over to the harbour to get a close view of the amazing structure. Guarding the palace are the twin forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani, which have been converted into museums and are now accessible to the public. Non-Muslim travellers can also check out the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on most mornings, where they can admire huge crystal chandeliers, marble wall panels and the second largest Persian carpet in the world.
The beauty in visiting a country like Oman is that not much is known about the country, and so you’re experience can only be the most authentic as it can get. And while you’re at it, be sure to take pictures (where it is allowed) and to spread your travel experience in the country!
As the UAE government has recently announced, permanent residency status can now be availed by certain expat groups, as part of the government’s initiatives to open the country’s economy to foreign nationals with highly specialized skills and talents that would benefit the economy and society in the long run.
With the new residency status now ready for the taking, many expats have been on the lookout for updates regarding the visa that would accommodate for this change. Expats mainly have been eyeing the costs for these visas, because those eligible to apply may bring their family with them during their stay in the country for the long term.
UAE Government Rolls Out New Long-Term Visa Costs
As mentioned, long-term residency visas with 10-year validity, which have been rolled out earlier this year, can now be obtained for as low as AED 1,150, the UAE government announced on Sunday (May 26), as shared in a report by the Gulf News.
Based on the eligibility requirements announced earlier, investors in public investment or senior professionals working with the investors, as well as exceptional talents and researchers in various domains, qualify for the 10-year visas.
Investors and professionals who fall under the approved categories can apply to issue or renew the 10-year visa for AED 1,150 (AED 150 for the application and AED 1,000 for issuance). Family members of the applicants can also avail long-term visas at the same cost.
Just last week, two Indian business leaders based in the UAE became the first Indian expats to receive 10-year UAE resident visas.
Vasu Shroff, chairman of the Regal Group of Companies, and Khushi Khatwani, managing director of the Khushi Group of Companies and Al Nisr Cinema Film, were the first Indian expats to benefit from the long-term visa scheme, as well as their families.
In an interview with Gulf News, Vasu Shroff shared that the visa charges are affordable compared to other developed countries.
He noted that he paid a total amount of AED 1,350 for each visa, and this includes service charges. The amount was very affordable for any 10-year visa. Shroff pointed out that the multi-entry visa in the UK costs at least AED 5,000. Noting how this will greatly benefit expats who have been living in the UAE for a long time already, Shroff thanked the government and commended its initiative to retain and attract investors, which makes their lives easier and hassle-free in the UAE.
The 10-year visa scheme was launched back in January and some Arab scientists and experts in the medical field were the first ones to receive it.
If getting to know a culture is through tasting various delicacies patronized in a country, then it pays to know which products or food items must be tried out by first-time travellers. Now, if we take this to a country in the Middle East such as Qatar, here are some of the best products tourists and expats need to try at least once in their life when in the Kingdom…
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Products You Need to Check Out When in Qatar
From an outsider’s perspective, Qataris have a deep appreciation for all products made in their homeland. While this may reflect values such as patriotism or nationalism, its actually not so hard to appreciate one’s own products, especially when they’re so good.
But don’t take our word for it; you should at least try them on your own to find out for yourself!
On that note, here are some of the must-try products when in Qatar:
Ghadeer
Ghadeer, which is also recognized as the Arab Qatari Company for Dairy Production, was first established in 1986. The top Qatari brand started out as a project aimed at integrating livestock projects with agriculture. To date, the company owns the biggest green farm in the nation, at 1,200 hectares. The company also has around 2,000 Holstein cows in its pioneering cow farm.
Safa International Co.
So you may think, “What’s so great about water?” As a product, water is one of the most important commodities inside every household, not just in Qatar but all over the world. And if you’re looking for a great quality brand for a good price, then you should consider getting Safa water, because it has been recognized internationally for its quality after it was awarded the prestigious ISO 22000:2005 certification since 2012. The company offers products such as Water 5 gallons, dispensers, hand pumps, and cup holders, among others.
QBake
When it comes to baked products and delicacies, one of the best brands in Qatar is QBake. Their products range from sliced bread, cakes and muffins, and croissants, to Arabic breads, buns, and rolls. Most of their products can be found across a wide range of commercial establishments, which include supermarkets, hypermarkets, restaurants, catering companies, fast food outlets, groceries, and many others.
Dates
You can’t visit any country in the Middle East and not have dates. Dates are perhaps one of the top export products in the region, especially since these delightful sweet products are very popular during the month of Ramadan, eaten after fasting. Dates are also naturally healthy, since they are very rich in magnesium, iron, potassium, fibre, vitamins and minerals. And as they are very popular commodities, you can buy fresh dates all over the country, including Souq Waqif, Carrefour, and the LuLu Hypermarket.
Qatari Souvenirs
To get a tangible representation of the Qatari culture and tradition, it’s highly recommended for tourists and visitors to get special souvenirs such as coffee pots, shishas, abayas, pashminas, shawls, and wooden boxes during their trip in the country. It’s also good to note that Qatar has many ornamental products like necklaces made of pearls for sale in the Gold Souq, and other jewelry shops, as Qatar is after all, the pearl capital of the world.
If you’re big on shopping, then you might chance upon some of these popular products on your visit to the country. But if not, you can always check with the locals as to what you should consider getting on your next visit in Qatar, and where to find them.
For those planning to work in the Middle East or in Qatar to be exact, you will be required to have a Qatar ID card. This document comes along with a residence permit, which is usually applied for by your employer.
These ID cards may simply come across to you as another government ID, but every resident and citizen in Qatar is required to have one, including children. It just goes to show that the national ID card is very important for anyone living in the country.
Credits: Jan Smith/Flickr
[Tip] Find Out What Your Qatari ID Number Means
The Qatar ID card allows holders access to a number of government regulated services such as applying for driving licences, opening bank accounts, as well as to gain admission to licensed premises. These ID cards are ‘smart card’ style, which enables the user to access a number of official online services, such as driving licence renewal, and also access the e-Gate system at Doha airport, which allows card holders to bypass the queues at immigration.
Given its importance to the residents of the country, did you ever wonder what the number in your ID card means?
In this short post, we will briefly discuss what the number means and how to read it accordingly.
As an overview, those numbers correspond to specific information about the holder, which allows government officials to determine their age and nationality, just by looking at their Qatar ID card.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation on how to read your Qatar ID number, typically referred to as IQAMA in Arabic:
Part 1: The first digit represents a year bracket which corresponds to the year you were born. For example, a “2” would mean that you were born in a year between 1990 to 1999; whereas a “3” would mean you were born in a year from 2000 onward.
Part 2: The second and third digits are the last two digits of your year of birth.
Part 3: The fourth, fifth, and sixth digits represent the ISO country code of where you originated from.
Part 4: The last five digits represent the sequence of the number of people from your country on the same birth year that entered Qatar.
For example, let’s decode the ID number [27612405934]:
Part 1: [2] – The holder is born between 1990 to 1999.
Part 2: [76] The card holder was born in 1976.
Part 3: [124] this number corresponds to the ISO country number of Canada
Part 4: [05934] The holder is the 5,934th Canadian national born in 1976 to obtain a Qatar residency Permit.
See how useful that is? To illustrate further, you may refer to the guide image below for your reference:
Knowing this piece of information, you can easily determine one’s age and nationality just by looking at the Qatar ID Card, provided that you have access to ISO country codes to verify.
Therefore, it is important for us to get into the details of our employment contract as well as to gain understanding of the labour law that applies in the host country’s workforce to set proper expectations. Whatever is mandated under the Labour Code must be observed by all companies in the country. Any deviation from the law can be questioned or verified with concerned agencies or departments.
Two-Day Weekly Off Mandatory for Workers in Oman
Regarding rest days, the Labour law mandates all employees in the Sultanate of Oman to have at least two consecutive rest days after working continuously for five days.
This provision is based on Article 71 of the Labour Law, as observed by the Ministry of Manpower.
Since 2011, private sector employees in Oman have been enjoying a five-day work week following the amendments to the Labour Law.
However, workers in domestic services such as drivers, maids, cooks and those with similar jobs are excluded from this law. The Labour Law states that the Ministry of Manpower shall issue general guidelines and terms of work related to these categories.
Furthermore, the accumulation of weekly rest periods for not more than eight weeks may be permitted by the minister in respect of certain places of work specified by the minister, if the employer and the employee agree to this in writing.
The law also maintains that the weekly rest, in all cases, shall be payable.
Experts, on the other hand, expressed that employees can be required to work six days per week, granted that this is clearly stipulated in the contract, and that the worker be paid double their daily basic salary for the sixth day, or given an extra day of annual leave in compensation for every sixth day worked.
According to Article 68 of the Labour Code, an employee may not be required to work for more than nine hours a day and a maximum of 45 hours a week with at least half-an-hour breaks for food and rest.
Furthermore, the maximum work hours during Ramadan shall be six hours a day or 30 hours per week for Muslim employees.
The work hours must also be separated by one or more intervals (breaks) for having food and rest, the total of which shall not be less than half an hour.
Workers must not be required to perform continuous work exceeding six hours in a day. However, an employee may be required to work for more hours if the interest of work so dictates provided the total original and extra work hours do not exceed 12 hours a day as recommended by the law.
Also, the employee shall be paid overtime pay equal to his basic salary against the extra work hours plus at least 25 percent for day-time work and 50 percent for night work or allow the employee to work extra hours provided he agrees to it in writing.
As for those working in certain places such as ports, airports, on vessels, ships or aircraft, the law states that the employer and the employee may, after securing the approval of the ministry, agree on payment of a fixed allowance for employees in lieu of the overtime payments, provided an approval is issued by the ministry upon notice.
Disclaimer: The topic discussed in this post was published for information-sharing purposes only. Should you have any specific queries or concerns regarding the Labour Law and/or your employment contract, you may get in touch with an officer from Oman’s Ministry of Manpower via their official website.
The UAE, throughout the years, has seen an immense growth and development in its societal policies and projects. It is for this reason that the country has become one of the best destinations for work and residency among expats.
And as the government continues to push for better legislation and immigration policies for its residents, expats have always left their doors open to the possibility of bringing their family in the country. However, in order to do so, it’s important that we take note of the process to accomplish this feat.
Image Credits: Amer Dubai
Guide to Applying for a Spousal Visa in the UAE
There are various types of visa which you can apply for each of your family members from your parents, children, and then your spouse. In this post, we will share the list of requirements, qualifications, and steps you need to undertake to obtain a visa for your spouse (husband/wife) to enter the UAE:
Firstly, let’s take a look at the qualifications for a sponsor to bring their spouse in the country:
Husband Sponsoring His Wife: The sponsor must have a salary of at least AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation allowance from his company).
Wife Sponsoring Her Husband: The wife must be categorized under any of the following professions: doctor, engineer, or teacher. The wife’s salary must also be at least AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation allowance from her company). However, if the woman does not meet all the requirements (i.e. different profession), she may make a petition to the committee. In such cases, the wife’s salary must be at least AED 10,000 (or AED 8,000 with accommodation allowance from her company).
Note: Please be guided, however, that this situation is handled on a case to case basis. What’s important though is to submit all proper documents and requirements in order to get a better chance of having your visa application approved.
Requirements:
Visa Application Form (filled out at the Amer Centre)
Salary Certificate (must be in Arabic)
Marriage Certificate (must be verified by MOFA – Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Tenancy Contract (verified by Ejari)
Latest DEWA Bill
University Diploma of Sponsor (attested)
Photocopy of Sponsor’s Passport
Photocopy of Dependent’s (Spouse) Passport
Cancelled Visa Page of Dependent (if already in the UAE and has previous visa)
Passport Photos of Sponsor
Procedures:
Fill out the Visa Application Form at the Amer Centre.
Submit all requirements at the Amer Centre.
Pay the application and other necessary fees. Upon settling your payment, you will be issued a temporary residence permit (red paper). This permit, as it is only temporary, will expire within a certain time period. During this time, be sure to complete all other requirements for your stay in the country.
Undergo a medical exam. The test will be conducted by a DHA clinic. You just need to provide the documents issued at the Amer Centre and hope that the results of the tests (blood test and chest X-Ray) are all clear. Results are typically released after two business days.
File a Change of Status Application. You can request for the Change of Status and the permanent residence visa stamp at the Amer Centre, as well.
Apply for an Emirates ID. This is also done at the Amer Centre by just paying the service fees needed.
Have your passport stamped with the permanent residence visa. Again, simply settle the required fees for this procedure at the Amer Centre.
Remember, fees for each step may vary from one place to another but at least prepare an average of AED 500 for each procedure listed above. At the minimum, your budget should be around AED 3,000 to 4,000 when getting a spousal visa in the UAE.
Expats move to another country for a number of reasons. Some highly regard the work opportunities available in a county, whereas others look at it through a more holistic approach, taking into consideration social and lifestyle factors, which fall under the quality of life index.
However, there is not one definitive quality of a country that residents and expats simply put into consideration to base their decision to move into the country. Depending on how long one intends to stay in a country, the social and local aspects will most likely come into play, as well.
Credits: Pricey/Flickr
Bahrain Places Second on Expand-Friendly Destinations – Survey
A recent survey released by InterNations, the world’s largest expat community, collected data from 18,000 expatriates representing 178 nationalities in 68 countries for its Expat Insider survey, ranked Bahrain at number 2 among the best countries in the world for expats to make friends.
Mexico topped the list, followed by Bahrain, and Serbia at number three.
Based on the responses of expats living in Bahrain, 77% of the group said that it was easy to make friends in the Gulf State, while 68% shared that it was quite easy to make friends with the locals in the Kingdom.
Moreover, almost 90% of the expats surveyed expressed happiness with their life in Bahrain.
Bahrain jumped four spots from number 6 to number 2 out of the 68 countries in terms of finding friends abroad within a year.
Sterling numbers as 77% of expats in the Kingdom find it easy to make new friends, while 68% said that connecting with the locals is not a problem either.
These numbers can be attributed to the general friendliness of the local population, as 92% of expats rate this factor positively.
Of note, 60% of expats surveyed reported that the locals in Bahrain were very friendly, which was twice the global average of 30%.
The report was compiled based on six categories: quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, family life, personal finance, and cost of living.
Based on the survey, expats found it hardest to make friends in Kuwait, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Norway, Finland, Austria, and Estonia.
According to the report, finding friends is often a major challenge for people moving abroad.
Recently, InterNations also ranked Bahrain as the second best country for women to work abroad, with around 88% of the respondents expressing satisfaction over their jobs in the Kingdom.
Manama, Bahrain’s capital, was also ranked by expats among the top 10 cities in the world for expats to live and work, based on another survey released in November by the German-based company.
The UAE, for this year, has launched its theme, “Year of Tolerance” which promotes unity in cultural diversity, considering its high expat population, which for the longest time has truly benefited its economy and progressive society in general.
And when talks about tolerance are brought up on the table, the importance of inclusion and equality also surfaces. And for the longest time, the Middle East has been a great work destination for expats, but nothing more than that because of the lack of opportunity to avail permanent residency. However, this is going to change, particularly in the United Arab Emirates.
Credits: WAM
UAE Permanent Residency Now Available to Investors, Businessmen, Specialized Talents
With the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, regarding the new ‘Golden Card’ scheme granting residency to investors, businessmen, and other high-profile residents, a welcome boost to the UAE’s increasing economy is to be expected, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.
This development is believed to attract existing businessmen, entrepreneurs, and highly-skilled and qualified professionals and students, to convert their status and obtain the Golden Card.
According to Osama Al Rahma, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange and vice-chairman of Foreign Exchange and Remittance Group (FERG), the permanent residency (PR) scheme is a first in the country, and will be very encouraging for the expat community and will reinforce their confidence in the country’s governance and economy.
@uaegov: The UAE launches the permanent residency system “Golden Card” for expats investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents and researchers to be a part of the UAE’s success story. pic.twitter.com/9ODga7HexK
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 21, 2019
The announcement can be seen as a very progressive change for the country, benefiting resident investors, particularly those who have been in the country for a long time, as they are now able to enjoy greater security and stability of doing business in the UAE.
“Through this initiative, investors will be able to plan long-term strategies for their businesses and invest more in existing businesses, thus allowing capital to remain within the UAE,” explained Al Rahma.
The creation of the new residency status is considered a win-win situation for qualified expats and the UAE government, as the country gets to retain a high quality pool of talents, and benefit from their contributions at the same time.
Who said that there aren’t any exciting places to visit or hang out in Kuwait? If one of your friends or family members did, they sure aren’t fans of shopping and nice malls!
Because in Kuwait, there are several exciting shopping malls you can go to for your weekend fun or for your retail therapy. The Middle East is actually famous for having some of the biggest and most luxurious shopping places as well as traditional public markets (souqs) where you can find a variety of traditional and modern products unique in the region.
Where to Go Shopping in Kuwait
Here are some of the top shopping malls in Kuwait:
Credits: Al Fanar Shopping Mall FB Page
Al Fanar Shopping Mall
This three-storey shopping complex near Salmia Al-Muharak Street in Salmia boasts of fine architecture – relaxing and refreshing, and just as interesting as the selections offered by some of the trendiest boutique shops including Gucci, Godiva, Claire’s, B&O, Marie Claire and River Island, MAC, and Tiffany, among others.
Google Location Map:
Credits: Al-Hamra Tower Mall FB Page
Al Hamra Tower Mall
Cruising in downtown Kuwait? Why don’t you cool down in this posh shopping spot located within a 1,353-ft high skyscraper, the Al-Hamra Tower. The 250,000 sq. ft. of commercial and retail space is home to a number of high-end labels such as Hermes, Vera Wang, and the Versace Café, among others.
Google Location Map:
Kuwait Magic Mall
Located in the small town of Abu Halifa, nearby the sandy beaches of Fahaheel District, the Kuwait Magic Mall brings a modern touch to the area with a fusion of style and elegance through its wide array of dining, retail, as well as entertainment options for guests to enjoy.
Google Location Map:
Credits: The Avenues Kuwait FB Page
The Avenues Mall
Arguably touted as one of the biggest malls, if not the biggest in the country, the Avenues is home to at least 850 stores and unique services spread out in seven districts, which attract a number of locals and tourists in the area. The mall, which has been divided in four phases, opened back in 2007, and had the latest improvements in 2018.
Google Location Map:
Credits: Al-Muhallab Mall FB Page
Al Muhallab Mall
Going to the mall can be an exciting experience in itself, especially if you’re going to one shaped liked the Titanic. The mall has everything shoppers may need, from quality retail products and exquisite dining options, to family-centred activities and exclusive fun events.
Google Location Map:
Gold Souk
Travellers visiting Kuwait for the first time should not miss out the chance to pay a visit at the Gold Souk where they can purchase high-quality and exquisite gold products which they can haggle for a good price. Other than gold crafts, visitors can also pick from a selection of other precious metals such as diamonds, platinum, and sometimes even silver.
Google Location Map:
Shopping in Kuwait is one of the most ideal experiences for those who intend to collect the finest and top of the line products for less (only because these items are all tax-free)!
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/oman-banner.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Misfat-al-Abryeen-header.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Masirah-Island-header.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bahla-header.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/salalah-header.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/jabel-akhdar-header.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ras-al-jinz-header.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Musandam_fjord-header.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Nizwa-header.png)
![[GUIDE] Top Destinations to Visit in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/muscat-header.png)
![[Labour Law] Workers are Entitled to Two Days Off Every Week in Oman](https://middleeast247.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/oman-work-hours-banner.png)
