Middle East 24/7 • Page 19 of 23 • News, jobs, updates for countries in the Middle East

Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Work in Oman

To the majority of people, the Middle East is considered a collective destination, where plenty of misconceptions are based on. Unfortunately, while many have been there, only few are able to shed light on the diversity and opportunities that await travellers and foreign nationals interested in visiting any place in the Middle East.

ALSO READ: Keeping an Employee’s Passport is Against the Law

For one, a country such as Oman deserves more credit than it actually gets from what we hear (or the lack of it) on the news. And for this post, we will share with you some of the top reasons why Oman is an ideal place to work in.

Why You Should Work in Oman

To start off with the question “why should you consider working in Oman?” The answer is quite simple: much is not known in this Gulf country, but it is among the top five best places (in the GCC) for expats to live in and 17th in the world, as released by global expat service and guide website InterNations back in 2017.

The overall rankings were based on parameters such as the quality of life, ease of settling in, job prospects & work-life balance, family-friendliness, among others.

With that said, here are five reasons why every expat should at least consider getting a job in Oman for their next career move:

There is no scarcity of jobs in Oman.

As you would expect being part of the GCC, Oman’s economy is heavily dependent on its oil sector. And so, there will always be plenty of jobs available in this sector, including specialist roles to help further maximize the country’s natural oil reserves.

Furthermore, as the government begins to explore various initiatives to diversify its economy by investing in other sectors such as construction, education, healthcare and tourism, there are still plenty of vacancies to be filled in these sectors as well.

Salary packages in the country are very attractive.

Working in the Middle East offers tax-free income, which also applies in this Gulf State. And other than the attractive salary package, what makes working in Oman even better is that the cost of living in this country is relatively lower than the cost of living in other GCC countries such as the UAE and Kuwait, which makes it easier for expats to adapt and earn more for their families back home.

Oman is among one of the world’s safest places to live in.

In the same survey conducted by InterNations, Oman landed on the 9th spot in the world in terms of the ‘Safety & Security’ parameter, which basically says how much of a safe place Oman is, not only in the Middle East but across the globe. Moreover, citizens of Oman are friendly, polite, well-mannered, and are quite good at making foreigners feel welcome in their country.

Oman is inspirationally beautiful.

Living in Oman is like living in a holiday paradise because everywhere you look, there’s something breathtakingly beautiful to take in, such as a beautiful coastline, turquoise-coloured waters, pristine white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and a seemingly never-ending golden desert. And with this kind of environmental resources, you also are exposed to various opportunities and activities, such as scuba diving, hiking, paddle boarding, kite surfing, camping, off-road driving, etc.

Getting to other destinations is easy from Oman.

Oman is situated in the map, which provides easy access to other parts of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe via air transport. And because of this proximity, traveling to other choice destinations is possible to achieve in a day or even a couple of hours. And with a great salary package, expats living in Oman can enjoy lots of travel opportunities without having to burn a hole in their pockets.

And because a large percentage of people working in Oman are foreign residents, the place is also some kind of a melting pot of various cultures and colours. Therefore, joining a community or making friends should not be a problem for you when living in Oman.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

How to Save Money When Eating Out in Doha

Living in or visiting Doha can be a great experience, but it can also be an expensive one. And while it’s important to check out the best of what a place has to offer, the experience need not be a stressful one when it comes to your budget.

ALSO READ: Budget-Friendly Supermarkets in Qatar

If that’s your concern, it’s nice to know that there are certain ways for us to stay within our budgets, while enjoying the experience of eating out in a beautiful city such as Doha.

Guide to Saving Money When Eating Out in Doha

Today, there are plenty of travel apps and websites that offer great discounts and promos when it comes to dining, accommodation, and entertainment, as well as must-try activities for your visit to a certain place.

In this post, we will share some great apps and websites that you can use when planning your stay in Doha, Qatar:

The Entertainer

If you’re big on spending on discounts and availing promos for various products, then you should consider downloading this paid app. Through this, you can get up to 10 notifications on discounts for every product you wish to have. There are over 2,300 Buy-One-Get-One offers at casual dining restaurants, cafes, fine dining, attractions, beauty and fitness, fashion, retail and services, among others.

The app costs QAR 375 on regular pricing and QAR 275 for its discounted price.

Urban Point

This is another app that you can subscribe to on a monthly basis without any pressure to commit to, as there is no annual subscription required. This means you are free to cancel anytime, but with new merchants offered every month, you might think otherwise. Score premium discounts that can be used over and over again at your favourite restaurant(s) and eat out to your heart’s content. Just be sure to get the app on your iPhone or Android mobile phone.

My Book Qatar

My Book Qatar comes in a physical book and a mobile app, which you both can use for checking offers from restaurants, entertainment amenities, spas, health & fitness, education, day-to-day services, and retail and hotels, among others.

With a collection of 300 partner merchants, My Book has 2-for-1 offers, which you can use up until the end of the year.

Note: Doha Bank and My Book have developed a partnership to offer a mobile app, ‘Doha Bank My Book Qatar’ on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Their Facebook page frequently posts special prices for the app and book.

Buygather

For those who are into collecting discount coupons, you can check out their website and register for FREE to gain access to a variety of deals, which you can use at various retail outlets, dining places, spas, entertainment packages (e.g. shows), and hotel accommodation in Qatar.

Qataridiscounts.com

Qatari Discounts is a one-stop website which offers promotions in Doha. This is a non-paid service website, which collates promos and discounts from most major supermarkets in Qatar.

Also, you can subscribe to their weekly newsletter (released every Thursday) for a list of places to shop at during weekends.

QGrabs

Check out daily deals on QGrabs’ website. Just sign up on their website and get the deal/s that you want. You will then be e-mailed your vouchers to some of Qatar’s restaurants, tours, events, hotels, salons, spas and retail shops.

QIC Advantage Club

QIC-insured members with full motor, home, or travel insurance policies are eligible to FREE membership at the QIC Advantage Club.

Members can enjoy unlimited redemptions, and a single membership can be shared among the whole family, and treat up to 12 friends with you.

D4D

The website and app offer special deals for all your daily needs, from your favourite supermarket to guiding you to your nearest hospital, pharmacy or doctor. Also, D4D points users to the nearest available bank and ATM from their current location.

One of the challenges to making memorable experiences is planning on how you can effectively utilize your money to take advantage of the best of what a place has to offer – even if it means doing a little bit of research and making some creative purchases.

ALSO READ: Qatar Do’s and Don’ts

Saudi Arabia to Offer ‘Green Card’ Residency to Qualified Expats

It’s a known fact that many foreign nationals have been targeting to work in the Middle East for a long time now, mainly for the lucrative jobs available in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among others.

ALSO READ: [Guide] Applying for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia

However, while work standards and job opportunities are indeed appealing to foreign nationals, GCC nations almost always do not offer long-term residency to foreigners. However, with a few exemptions, that will soon change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at least.

Certain Expats Can Soon Avail Citizenship in Saudi Arabia

In a monumental decision, Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council approved a draft law known as the “Distinguished Iqama” (residency permit), which provides for qualified foreigners a number of privileges and benefits similar to what citizens enjoy, as shared in a report by the Saudi Gazette.

Under the new law, holders of the Distinguished Iqama will be eligible to have a family status and will be offered the following privileges, which include (but are not limited to):

obtaining visit visa for family members and relatives,
recruiting domestic workers,
owning properties such as real estate, businesses, and
having their own means of transport and other advantages.

The 41st ordinary session of the Council, chaired by its President Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh, announced the decision as part of the government’s efforts to attract affluent individuals by offering privileges and such special treatment, as do citizens in the Kingdom.

As the newly minted law is still in the process of being finalized by establishing its implementing rules and regulations (IRRs) to be reviewed and approved by the council thereafter, one of the apparent requirements for expats who wish to avail this residency permit is to pay a special fee as determined by the Executive Regulatory body from the ‘Center of Distinguished Iqama,’ a new center that will be established for the new law.

Other basic requirements include sufficient financial resources, certificate of no criminal record, health certificate, and a valid passport.

Interested and eligible individuals may apply for either two types of Iqamas: an Iqama good for an unlimited period, or an Iqama valid for one year, which can be renewed annually.

While the initial form of residency to be offered to foreigners apparently favours the rich, the basic explanation for this decision is to ensure that these individuals will be able to strongly contribute to the Kingdom’s growth and economy, and not to become a liability to its current system.

ALSO READ: What You Need to Know About Saudi Employment Contracts

British Council Warns Residents on Fake IELTS Certificates Sold Online

British Council Warn Bahrain Residents of Fake IELTS Certificates Sold Online

For those interested to work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, you would know that there are various kinds of document requirements that you need to provide your employer to secure a job. These requirements are also primarily based on the specialization or field of work that you intend to work in.

ALSO READ: [Guide] What You Need to Know About Working in Bahrain

For some, that means taking certain qualification exams to receive certification for a professional job, and this may include taking a language exam such as IELTS in order to qualify for a position or to advance tenure in your job, as in the field of education or public service.

Authorities Caution Residents over Fake IELTS Certificates

In line with this, the British Council has warned residents of Bahrain regarding fake International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certification that is being offered online without taking the examination, as shared in a report by News of Bahrain.

According to Richard Rooze, director at British Council Bahrain, the council is aware of the issue and that they are taking necessary actions to address it.

He shared that it has come to their attention that there are ongoing widespread attempts to commit fraud using the name of IELTS, online and offline. As IELTS is the world’s most popular English language assessment test, it attracts all kinds of fraudsters who are out to mislead test takers to cash in on their need for IELTS results without taking the test proper to qualify for this certification, Rooze explained.

On the scamming methods used by fraudsters, Rooze noted that fraudsters usually advertise on social media channels and other dedicated websites while some even unscrupulously approach test takers personally at test and review centres to entice them with the scam.

Rooze added that in order to convince test takers, scammers would boldly claim that they have access to the IELTS database and that they can change scores and results that appear in the Online Results Verification System to trick them into buying a fake one instead.

Unfortunately, there is still a few number of test takers who fall for this kind of bogus offer. Ultimately though, those who purchase these fake certificates will find the (fake) document useless as they can’t be verified on the official online IELTS portal, Rooze justified.

And so, for those who have a need for this special kind of certification, it pays to note that there are no fast and easy ways to success. Those that have the most fulfilling and long-lasting results are the ones that you usually have to earn through the hard method. Acknowledging these scammers’ offers will only be a waste of time and money, as the fake documents will get you nowhere and they could even cause you trouble.

ALSO READ: Guide to Bahrain Labour Law: Policies on Wages

Not Happy with Your Paid Leaves? Consider Working in This Country

Do you feel like spending your years one after another, but don’t get the much-needed time off from work that you deserve?

ALSO READ: Guide to Bahrain Labour Law – Policies on Wages

Well then, consider looking for a job overseas in the Middle East, as one of the GCC nations is known to be on top of the world when it comes to the number of paid leaves given to employees. Imagine: tax-free pay and almost 50 paid vacation leaves in a year. How’s that for your idea of work-life balance?

Bahrain #1 in the World in Terms of Number of Paid Leaves

According to a study conducted by resume.io – a resume writing online service, the workforce in Bahrain is likely the happiest when it comes to annual paid leaves, which is sanctioned by the Bahrain Labour Law. Here, workers can get up to 49 paid leaves in a year, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

Delightful? Definitely. Surprising? Not so much, as the 49 leaves are made up of regular 30 days annual paid leaves on top of 19 public holidays observed in the Kingdom, which include Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day, National Day, Ashoora, and the Prophet’s Birthday. And as per international labour standards, workers in Bahrain are also entitled to sick leaves and maternity leaves without a pay cut, but this also depends on each company’s policy.

At present, there are over 1.4 million people residing in Bahrain, which is one of the 30 countries in the world that require to give workers an annual leave of 30 days.

Other countries where a 30-day annual leave is mandatory include Finland, France, Spain, Austria, and other GCC countries like Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE, as listed by a recent workforce study.

Given this opportunity, workers in Bahrain including expats can maximize their work leaves by visiting other countries and their home countries when it is most convenient to them without having to fear about limited time off from work to do so.

These are just some of the things which make working in the Middle East not only an ideal decision, but also an experience worth pursuing.

As of the latter part of Q2 of 2018, foreign worker employment in Bahrain reached 600,857. The economic sector with the highest number of new work permits for regular workers remain to be the construction sector, with a share of 33.0% of total regular work permits issued, followed by wholesale and retail trade sector, with a 17.9% share, and then the accommodation and food service activities sector at 12.6%, based on the most recent data released by Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

ALSO READ: [Guide] What You Need to Know About Working in Bahrain

[Guide] Applying for a Temporary Residence Visa Extension in Kuwait

While it can be surmised that Kuwait’s government is generally iffy when it comes to accepting foreign entry in the country, there are designated visa types for those who have certain needs to visit the country.

ALSO READ: 5 Tips when Travelling to the Middle East during Ramadan

Those who intend to stay in the country either for work (business) or treatment of a health condition may apply for a temporary residence visa, which allows them to stay in Kuwait for up to a year only. There is also a variation of the temporary residence visa, which allows immediate family members of residents (father, mother, sisters, but not brothers) to stay for 2-3 months until they rectify their visa status in the country.

How to Apply: Temporary Residence Visa Extension in Kuwait

This type of visa can also be availed by expats who have resigned from their jobs but need to stay in the country to settle financial issues or a legal case in court. Of note, this visa type gets revoked once the holder is permitted to leave the country on this document.

In this post, we will share details on what you need to secure or perform in order to obtain a temporary residence visa extension:

Requirements:

Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid passport
The entry visa used by the applicant to get into the country
Two (2) recent ID photographs of the applicant
The original and photocopy of the signed letter of authorization from the sponsor
A photocopy of the sponsor’s Civil ID
A photocopy of the applicant’s work permit (issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour)
Health Insurance Certificate
A photocopy of the signed authorization issued by the applicant’s company or workplace (where applicable)

Procedure/s:

Visit the General Department of Immigration in your locale and provide the above-listed requirements.
Fill out the service application form provided on site. Be sure to fill this out completely.
Pay the fees for the service application (KD 2).

In order to apply for a temporary residence visa extension, be sure that your visa is not yet expired, otherwise you will be charged an overstaying fine (KD 10) by the day. Furthermore, fines cannot be settled at the airport. You must pay your fines at the Immigration Department of the Governorate you are assigned to.

Recently, the Kuwaiti government has imposed a health insurance requirement for those entering the country for medical purposes in order to curb the entry of beggars, especially in time for the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims all over the world practice charitable acts to help the poor and the needy. This is to ensure that the foreign population in the country remains under control and to thwart opportunities for syndicates to take advantage of the season of giving in Muslim countries such as Kuwait.

Disclaimer: The details presented in this article are for information-sharing only. For those who would like to know more about the process of filing visa applications, you may refer to the Kuwait Government’s Online Portal.

Budget-Friendly Supermarkets in Qatar

One of the challenges (and benefits) of living overseas is independent living. Most of the time, living away from family and home pushes us to mature in thinking, become creative with our choices, and be more resourceful with our decisions.

ALSO READ: What is Halal and its Significance to Muslims?

On that note, while we become financially independent, much of the planning and budgeting of our expenses becomes a personal burden and responsibility only because we can’t depend on anyone else but ourselves. Having considered that, a little research as to where we can get value-for-money commodities will prove to be very handy in the long run. A good place to start is to narrow down our selection of places where we can get the most budget-friendly necessities – food and other personal use products.

List of Supermarkets in Qatar

In this post, we will share a list of the most budget-friendly supermarkets in Qatar for stocking your regular necessities at the most affordable prices.

What’s great about this list is that most (if not all) of these retail stores offer promos and discounts regularly for your shopping delight. These outlets even have several branches located in the country, so be sure to check out the ones nearest your location.

For most of us, a steady portion of our income goes to our food supplies and other personal use products. In order not to go over our budget, consider visiting stores that offer the most affordable prices for quality products. Check out these supermarkets and see what they have to offer:

Carrefour – known as the French supermarket that offers the most discounts and promos on a regular basis. To make your trip to the groceries more efficient, you can check out their leaflet online to see what products are on sale and for how long they’ll be available (or are on stock). As in any grocery store, you will find everything at Carrefour — from food, toiletries, cleaning items, and clothes, to electronic gadgets, among others.

You can find Carrefour branches near City Centre, Villagio, Landmark, Mall of Qatar, and Al Wakrah. You’d be interested to know that the Carrefour Market also offers freshly made products and other food items such as butcheries and fishes. Check out their branches in Ezdan Mall, Lagoona, Dar Alsalam, and Al Mirqab. Operation hours for both the hypermarket and market branches are from 8 am to 12 am from Saturday to Thursday. Meanwhile on Fridays, these stores are open from 8 am to 11 am, and 12:30 pm to 12 am.

LuLu Supermarket – yet another hypermarket widely popular in the Middle East, where you can find an extensive assortment of products. Usually, there is a designated floor for groceries and another for the department store. And where you can find almost everything you need under one roof, there are also a bunch of promotions and discounts up for grabs, so be sure to check their online catalogue before you pay them a visit.

You will find a dedicated grocery section where long, fully stacked aisles of affordable goods including fresh fruits, vegetables, and other baked products are up for sale. Because of this, it’s common to find long queues at the produce section, so be sure to maximize your time by checking out the other sections such as the department store where you can find toys, clothes, shoes, and other items at prices that are very affordable.

Furthermore, check out the brand’s very own frozen food, grocery food and non-food items, health and beauty, as well as the Ikon products.

You will find LuLu hypermart branches in Al Messila, D Ring Road, Gharaffa, Al Khor Mall, and Barwa City. Also, there is a LuLu Express in Qatar Foundation and LuLu Centre in Al Rayan. Regular shop time varies for each branch, so it’s best to check out their schedules before you make your trip.

Family Food Centre – While it’s a relatively smaller store compared to the previous two listed, the supermarket still offers a variety of products from grocery items and fresh produce, to household products for every customer’s needs. Check out their branches in Frij Al Nasr, Airport Road, Rayyann Road, and Al Kheesa. The store opens as early as 7:30 am from Saturday to Friday, except in its Al Kheesa branch.
Also worth noting is the Kabayan Supermarket located near Souq Waqif. Despite its smaller floor area, it offers a wide range of grocery items and specialty items including Filipino products. They also have fish and fresh produce sections. Visit their store anytime between 8 am to 11:30 pm.

If you’re on a tight budget or are looking for special products that you won’t be able to find elsewhere for the best prices, be sure to check out the above listed stores and their branches near your location. Happy hunting!

ALSO READ: Things to Know When Applying for Alcohol License in Qatar

[LABOUR LAW GUIDE] Understanding the Probation Period in Kuwait

As most countries in the Middle East remain to be top work destinations for expats, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), it’s important that interested workers heading to those countries understand the kind of labour system that is being implemented in their host country.

ALSO READ: [Guide] Applying for a Temporary Residence Visa Extension in Kuwait

Part of this system, as guided by international labour practices, is the probation period. Understanding what this means for you as an employee could help you maximize your experience at work and know the benefits (and restrictions) that come along with it, as well.

What You Need to Know About the Probation Period in Kuwait

Entering a contract with an employer provides the terms of employment for an employee. This includes undergoing a probation period.

What is the probation period?

Based on Article 32 of the Labour Code of Kuwait, an employee can be hired under probationary status for up to 100 days (maximum), and this has to be clearly specified in the employment contract.

The employment period is used by employers to assess an employee’s skills set and job fit when it comes to their actual job performance, but this can only be applied once for each of the employees.

Furthermore, contracts under the probationary status can be terminate without prior notice. In the event that a contract is terminated by the employer, the employee is entitled to receive their end of service benefit, which is proportionate to the period or duration of work rendered.

Are workers on probation entitled to overtime pay as well?

Yes, employees on probationary status are also entitled to receive overtime pay as do all employees in a company or an organization as per Kuwait Labour Laws. Any worker, regardless of their employment status, who is requested to work beyond eight (8) hours a day, as secured in a written contract, must be given an overtime pay according to the law.

The rate for overtime pay is an additional 25% based on the employee’s basic rate. Also, an employee cannot be required to work overtime beyond two hours a day, a maximum of 180 hours in a year, three days a week or 90 days per year.

Starting out at work can be exciting and nerve-wracking most of the time, but even before that, the preparation should also be as meticulous and well-planned out in order not to miss out on the important things to note, such as the probation period as implemented under your host country’s labour laws.

And also, as a general rule, all employment contracts must follow the prescribed format in compliance to Kuwait’s labour laws in order for it to be considered legal and binding. Should you have any questions about your contract, be sure to air your concerns to your employer or to the HR department officer in your company. You may also seek guidance from staff at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MoSAL) for clarification regarding labour practices and laws.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is released for the purpose of information-sharing only. To know more about the technical provisions of your employment contract as well as the Kuwait Labour Law, you may visit the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MoSAL) website for reference.

ALSO READ: Keeping an Employee’s Passport is Against the Law

Where to Go Shopping in Bahrain

The Middle East has long been known as a shopping haven because of its tax-free commodities and plethora of quality items from exotic spices and authentic Arabian carpets, to signature luxury purchases and precious metals.

ALSO READ: Not Happy with Your Paid Leaves? Consider Working in This Country

But for those who have not been to the region, or in Bahrain for that matter, it’s important to note where to get your stash of goodies and for the best prices, at that. In this post, we will share with you our top five shopping spots that you can check out when you’re visiting Bahrain.

Top 5 Shopping Destinations in Bahrain

Whether you’re on the hunt for local or international brands, it’d be good for you to note that you can head to local marketplaces (souqs) aside from shopping areas. But if you’re also looking for a great dining and entertainment experience, you can check into any of the following shopping malls in the country:

City Centre Bahrain – Boasting over 340 exclusive brands, 60 dining options, and a 20-screen cinema, City Centre Bahrain is undeniably the biggest shopping and entertainment destination in the country. Other than retail therapy and entertainment offerings, the establishment also houses Magic Planet and Wahooo! Waterpark – the biggest indoor-outdoor water park in the region.
Manama Souq – located just behind the Bab Al Bahrain in the capital city of Manama, the souq offers an extensive collection of shops where visitors can purchase handicrafts, perfumes, spices, textiles, and souvenirs, among others. Moreover, the souq has traditional coffee shops, where guests can try out local cuisines.
MODA Mall – located near the landmark Bahrain World Trade Centre, MODA Mall has been known to tourists and locals as a luxury shopping and dining destination. With over 80 fashion labels, top of the line international brands, and lush boutiques, the establishment is undoubtedly home to some of the most sought after global brands exclusive in the region.
Muharraq Souq – In the 1900s, the city of Muharraq was known to the world as the capital of Bahrain. This is the reason why a visit to this city will have travellers wide-eyed with historic buildings and traditional architecture. And in the mix of these, you will also find the Muharraq Souq, where you can buy a variety perfumes, textiles, and handicrafts.
Seef Mall – For the record, Seef Mall is the first authentic mall in the country. The mall has a 6-screen Cineplex and a 10- screen Megaplex, making the establishment one of the biggest entertainment cinema hubs in the region. The mall also houses Magic Island, an indoor theme park, which features rides and attractions for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking for a local flair or an international variety for your retail hunt, you can’t go wrong when you’re shopping in Bahrain as the Kingdom combines traditional offerings with modern provisions. The Kingdom even proudly banners its quality retail experience as its official tourism website promotes, “In Bahrain, shopping becomes a journey in itself.”

Image Credits: visitbahrain.bh

ALSO READ: What’s Ramadan Like in Bahrain?

Celebrating Eid in Kuwait

As Muslims all over the world are currently celebrating the holy month of Ramadan through prayers, fasting, and participating in charitable events across the city, it pays to take note of the upcoming holidays that are set to take place after this month.

ALSO READ: 5 Tips when Travelling to the Middle East during Ramadan

In Muslim countries such as Kuwait, Ramadan represents a time of solemn prayers and long fasts. It also gives Muslims time to be in thoughtful reflection of the teachings of the Q’uran. In short, Ramadan represents a time of penance and sacrifice, but in the Islamic calendar, not all events are as pensive and somber, as following the Ramadan is a time of celebration, also known as Eid, which represents such a time similar to the New Year of other nationalities.

What You Need to Know About Eid in Kuwait

But since the dates for the actual holidays in the Islamic calendar are based on lunar sightings and movements, Muslims and residents do away with waiting for official announcements made by relevant authorities in their host countries.

However, as Ramadan was marked on May 5 in Kuwait, it will last until June 4, which will then mark the beginning of the Eid or Eid Al-Fitr in the country.

What is Eid?

Following a whole month of religious prayer and fasting, Eid represents a time for Muslims all over the world to go without fasting, which also equates to lavish revelry and celebrations across the country.

Eid, as an important calendar date, also marks the beginning of the month of Shawwal, which is opened with a great feast to officially end the period of fasting observed during Ramadan.

As a public holiday in Muslim countries such as Kuwait, residents exchange greetings such as “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “blessed celebration” during Eid Al-Fitr. For the citizens and residents, whether Muslim or not, this friendly greeting serves as a sign of unity and friendship, so it’s important to pick on this short phrase as a sign of respect and warm reception towards others in public.

What can you expect during Eid?

During this time, most Muslims would wake up early in the morning to offer prayers inside mosques. Many people then celebrate this time by shopping for beautiful clothing and joining public festivities and celebrations. Also, it’s customary for friends and family members to exchange gifts and greeting cards.

Aside from Eid Al-Fitr, Muslims also celebrate Eid Al-Adha, which officially begins a month after the former. This date falls in the middle of the twelfth and last month in the Islamic calendar.

The holiday was based on the event when Allah showed himself to Ibrahim in a dream and instructed him to offer up Ishmael, his son, as a sacrifice, and a way to prove his faith. The story is similar to Abaraham and Isaac’s in the Christian religion.

Furthermore, during this time, practicing Muslims sacrifice animals as part of their tradition with some variations in handling and practices, based on their country’s laws.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East