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Arab Times
4 days ago
- Arab Times
Chalet Prices Skyrocket 60% As Eid Triggers Booking Frenzy
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: The five-day Eid Al-Adha holiday has become an opportunity for families to enjoy a relaxing time, away from the pressures of daily life. Almost everyone has resorted to chalets as a haven and the first and most attractive option, especially given the seaside atmosphere they offer amid the intense heat, as well as the comprehensive entertainment services, at a time when traveling outside the country is not feasible for many. In this context, several reservation office workers confirmed to the newspaper that chalets in Sabah Al- Ahmad Sea City witnessed a high demand and a remarkable increase in prices -- about 60 percent higher compared to normal days. This price hike is due to the increased demand during the Eid holiday, which some consider an unjustified increase. They revealed that the rent for 'deluxe' chalets -- consisting of four rooms and a swimming pool, and located on the second row from the sea -- reached about KD500 during the holiday, while the rent for those on the first row from the sea (on the creek) ranged between KD600 and KD800. They said the rent for 'super deluxe' chalets on the first row of the creek ranged from KD900 to KD1,800; while prices for VIP chalets (which consist of 10 to 14 rooms in modern buildings, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and game rooms for adults and children) reached between KD1,800 and KD2,500. They added that all these chalets are fully booked days before the holiday. They pointed out that the significant increase in bookings coincided with the school holidays and Eid Al-Adha. 'The long holiday was expected to encourage many to travel, but the reality proved otherwise, contributing to a surge in domestic bookings,' they added. They also indicated that occupancy rates reached nearly 100 percent in most locations, especially in Sabah Al-Ahmad Sea City, which has become a major destination for short vacations and special occasions. The heightened activity is not limited to chalets, as it extended to coastal hotels and resorts, where the price of a single room per night ranged between KD100 and KD140; while hotel suites reached about KD400 for two nights during the weekend. They reported that the majority of the tenants prefer chalets with a direct sea view, a private pool, daily housekeeping, and proximity to public amenities such as shopping malls, restaurants, mosques, and play areas for children. Meanwhile, Ahmed Al-Dahham said the chalets have become an indispensable annual choice for him and his family during the Eid holiday, explaining that the tranquil atmosphere and services provided make the stay a comfortable and enjoyable experience. He pointed out that gathering at a chalet restores the warmth of family relationships, which could be lost amid the busyness of daily life. He asserted, 'The cost may be high, but the psychological and social benefits are worth it.' Ali Al-Zaid believes that the high prices of chalets during Eid are unjustified, but he finds himself forced to book them due to the lack of suitable alternatives, especially for large family groups. He stated that many young people and families turn to chalets because these facilities provide a safe environment for entertainment, without having to leave the country. He called for increasing the number of local entertainment facilities at affordable prices. Umm Yousef said the chalet has become part of her family's Eid rituals, disclosing that the children eagerly await this holiday to play and swim, away from the routine of school and gadgets. She revealed that the chalets provide psychological comfort to mothers, as they can enjoy the tranquility and services offered. She called for the development of more family resorts that ensure privacy and suit different budgets. Ghada Al-Azmi described the chalet experience as a 'psychological break' from the city's traffic and work pressures, pointing out that having local options for relaxation is better than quick and expensive travel. She added the high demand for chalets is a manifestation of the community's need for organized, state-supported recreational outlets. She emphasized that the development of Failaka Island will enhance these destinations and contribute to stimulating domestic tourism and reducing reliance on foreign travel. Mohammed Akbar pointed out that chalets have become a practical alternative to travel, particularly during short vacations that do not require foreign travel arrangements. He said many families eagerly await the Eid holiday to book a chalet and spend a few days of rest and relaxation. He noted that these destinations have also become a logical choice from a financial standpoint, as they help avoid the high costs of travel, especially during the off-peak season. Abdulaziz Al-Kandari shared that he is keen on spending official holidays in a chalet due to the country's lack of family-friendly recreational facilities other than malls. Al-Kandari added, 'Unfortunately, there are no real recreational facilities that accommodate young people and families, and for them to use their free time properly. This is a clear defect, especially when we are talking about children who are considered the backbone of the future.' He stressed the importance of giving this group adequate attention by establishing appropriate facilities that meet their needs.
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Salaries On The Rise For Kuwaitis And Expats
KUWAIT CITY, June 3: The average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 0.5 percent from KD1,882 in 2023 to KD1,892 in 2024; while that of females increased by 0.8 percent from KD1,323 to KD1,334, as per the most recent labor force statistics. In the public sector, the average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 0.1 percent from KD1,951 to KD1,953; while that of females increased by 0.65 percent from KD1,366 to KD1,375. In the private sector, the average salary of males increased by 2.68 percent -- from KD1,600 to KD1,643; while that of females rose by 2.3 percent from KD1,042 to KD1,066. According to the statistics, the average monthly salary of expatriates increased by 0.9 percent in 2024, rising to KD340, compared to KD337 in 2023. The rate increased by 1.33 percent in the government sector from KD752 to KD762 and by 0.94 percent in the private sector from KD317 to KD320. The average salary of expatriate males increased by 0.63 percent -- from KD318 to KD320, while that of females increased by 0.8 percent from KD475 to KD479. In the public sector, the average salary of expatriate males rose by 1.38 percent from KD794 to KD805, while that of females increased by 1.4 percent from KD711 to KD721. Private sector In the private sector, the average salary of expatriate males increased by 0.98 percent from KD305 to KD308, while that of females increased by 0.47 percent from KD421 to KD423. Moreover, the average monthly salary of Kuwaitis increased by 6.3 percent over the past five years from KD1,474 in 2020 to KD1,568 in 2024. In the public sector, their average salary increased by 4.8 percent, compared to 13.27 percent in the private sector. In general, the average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 5.8 percent, while that of females increased by 7.14 percent. In the government sector, the average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 4.3 percent, while that of females increased by 5.6 percent. In the private sector, the average salary of Kuwaiti males increased by 11.46 percent, while that of females increased by 13.64 percent. On the other hand, the average monthly salary of expatriates within the same period increased by 6.9 percent KD318 in 2020 to KD340 in 2024. This rate increased by six percent in the government sector, while it increased by seven percent in the private sector. The average salary for male expatriates increased by 6.3 percent and 3.67 percent for females. In the public sector, the average salary of males rose by 6.3 percent and for females by 5.8 percent. In the private sector, the average salary of males rose by 6.57 percent and for females by 5.22 percent.
Arab Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Nursery licensing fees will increase to KD5,000
KUWAIT CITY, May 14: The Ministry of Social Affairs is currently reviewing a proposal to increase the licensing fees for nurseries from KD2,000 -- payable for five years -- to KD5,000 at a new rate of KD1,000 annually. According to sources, the ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of all its services to identify those requiring price adjustments to better reflect actual costs. This move complies with the directives of the Council of Ministers and is based on the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee for Economic Affairs, which instructed government agencies to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to reassess the pricing of their services. Sources said the ministry, through its relevant sectors, is evaluating the financial criteria for issuing operating licenses for around 400 nurseries in the country. They revealed that the proposed changes will lead to a licensing fee rise to KD 5,000 distributed evenly over five years. Sources also confirmed that this review is in line with the efforts of the ministry to transform from being solely a provider of financial aid to a revenue-generating entity. 'The goal is to alleviate pressure on the State budget by rationalizing expenditures and boosting income,' sources explained. Sources added that Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah is committed to implementing Decree-Law No. 1/2025 on fees and costs for the use of public facilities and services
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Over 8,000 Cows Infected with Foot-and-Mouth in Kuwait; Milk Output Drops 75%
KUWAIT CITY, May 7: Director General of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Eng. Salem Al-Hai revealed that the number of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases among cows in 31 out of the 44 cow farms in Sulaibiya — from April 6 to May 5 — reached around 8,000, hence, the remarkable decline in fresh milk production from 250,000 liters per day to less than 100,000 liters or about 75 percent decline. Al-Hai told the daily that 952 cows have recovered from the disease, while 71 died, explaining that FMD is an organic disease which is also considered an economic disease as it affects the meat and dairy industries of a country. He stressed the need to strengthen the immune system of cows, as well as the biosecurity of farms and agricultural plots, to ensure adequate protection against the disease. He affirmed that vaccines for the disease will arrive within two weeks, according to the supplier, which will contribute to curbing the spread of FMD and gradually restore milk production levels in the country. He emphasized the need to adhere to the rule on limiting animal movement, whether through sale or donation, until the epidemiological situation in Sulaibiya stabilizes. He called on workers in cattle farms to strictly comply with sanitation and sterilization procedures, such as sterilizing milking equipment, milking tools and milking sites, in addition to training workers and raising their awareness on preventive measures. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Union of Fresh Dairy Companies Abdulhakim Al-Ahmad said cow farms are experiencing a major crisis due to the delayed arrival of FMD vaccines. He pointed out that losses are huge and farm owners have started selling their cows for as low as KD150; compared to the import price of KD1,500 per cow from Europe and KD1,000 for those imported from Australia. He stated that the spread of mastitis among cows has exacerbated their health condition and reduced milk production, indicating that in light of these developments, the union, PAAAFR and other concerned authorities must quickly support the affected farms and consider the import of vaccines an urgent matter.
Arab Times
01-05-2025
- Arab Times
Four Iranians to hang for smuggling 350kg of drugs
KUWAIT CITY, May 1: The Criminal Court, headed by Justice Nayef Al-Dahoum, sentenced four Iranian drug dealers to death after being charged with attempting to smuggle 350 kilograms of hashish, worth KD1 million, into the country. The court also sentenced a citizen to five years in prison and fined him KD5,000 for using psychotropic substances and possessing drugs. Two other defendants were acquitted. According to the case files, the Drug Control General Department in the Criminal Security Sector at the Interior Ministry, in cooperation with the Coast Guard General Department, foiled the attempt of six individuals to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics into the country through the sea. As search and investigation operations intensified against drug dealers and traffickers, information was obtained about some individuals attempting to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics into the country. The vessel was seized immediately after being monitored by the authorities, leading to the discovery of 13 bags containing around 350 kilograms of hashish.
