kuwait post

NBK? Reality of best ME’s Best Bank

2014-05-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

It is my second bad service experience with NBK. First experience was that I took my ATM card in my hand and handed over to their customer service adviser. I told him I want to close this account. Also I got on paper in Arabic to show how him what exact I want to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. He prepared the all required documents, told me that he is going to close this account, go to atm machine take out money and deposit it into your other account. I went to the atm machine took out money from the account and deposited into my other account. After finishing this physical ritual I went to the customer service adviser to inform him about completion of successful triumph, although he should have transferred it by electronically. He took my atm card, broke it and then put it into the bin and told me you can collect atm card for other account after three days. After three days I went to collect atm card for other account, after collection came back home. I have checked on line but surprised to see that he didn’t close the account and issued new card for same account. I went to the NBK again and told the service adviser that you didn’t close the account. He told me that there is direct debit on the account so I can not close the account unless person who put the direct debit on the account come in person to cancel it. What a 100’s years old rule? I cant remember what happened next but it wasn’t easy and I had to make few trips to the branch.

After this incident I started to look on the internet about NBK customers bad experiences. I have found out one entry and they have resolved it very quickly. I tweeted to @NBK that Iam going to write a blog about your bad customer service but I could not write about it.

Few days ago I went to the NBK for same purpose, same procedure i.e paper in my hand written in Arabic and explained to the customer service adviser. He prepared the pile of documents and sent me to the counter. The cashier told me that system wouldn’t let it close because there is direct debit on the account. I have to bring that person in person to the branch to cancel the DD on the account. I told to the cashier that if there is dd on the account just cancels it. Cashiers supervisor told me bring that person she will do it quickly. Now I don’t know what to do next but coming to the one of the best bank in the middle east NBK has some mysterious dodgy dealings i.e one of my Kuwaiti friend borrowed money from the bank and after sometime they wanted to pay it back they went to many branches but they heard same answer there is a problem with system. It means that they can extend time by system problem and charge more interest on the loan. I don’t know what happened next but It wasn’t easy thing but I would call it triumph. I have told about this incident to another friend and they said it happened to them as well. I don’t know whether it is true that if you borrow any money from the bank in Kuwait they charge you interest for whole period of loan even if you pay it back before its end of duration because it is written in the contract (aqad). There is no cooling off period for signed contract like

or states and as soon as you sign any contract you are in the trap like mouse cheenching to get out.

If you enter to the cabins of NBK customer service advisers interestingly you find lots of awards displayed on their desks or back cabinets. Once I had some dealing with one he took so long time and I told him I think you are the best employee of the bank because you have lots of rewards. He replied to me yes he is the best, he has some more rewards and no more place to display. Mater of fact he was very lazy fat guy unfit to work and walk. If I have power I take his rewards for his laziness. Iam not against fat but if you have assigned a duty it should be performed in reasonably time.

Have you ever dealt with NBK and have bad experience I would like to here about it. Please share with others. Please write to CBK (central Bank of Kuwait) and file a complaint and don’t let these guys cheat you further by excuses of system problem

Complaint Boxes in kuwait

2013-12-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

High vegetable & fruit prices and quality is too low according to International food standards. In some cases infected and rotten vegetables being sold in the super markets

Kuwait

. It is all hidden during packaging process. Suppliers or producers use these packaging to hide their low quality produce as good quality. If you buy a good looking vegetable box and in some cases you find all rotten stuff or low quality hidden in the bottom piles. In some cases Carrots in red / pinkish (same color as carrots to show good stuff) plastic bags and lettuce in light green plastics.

Kuwait

has good set up of food and health control offices in every area to control the quality of food. They have offices with lots of staff in every area of the country. If Kuwait has this type of good setup then why this practice is going on since I don’t know when? If you buy a box of small potatoes they pack small potatoes on top and bury bigger one in the bottom of the box. If you buy a box of bigger potatoes in this case they pack bigger one on top and hide small one in the bottom. Why they don’t sell it separately small and bigger ones. What about potatoes with cuts and infected by wire worms. Let’s say I have no objection on small and big because it is due to nature but why in European countries if you buy a bag of potatoes or onion in most cases these are of same size, creed and shape. In some cases I found out potatoes are infected by wire worm,

The problem with wire worm is that it goes through whole potatoes. I don’t know whether it is safe to eat boiled potatoes with wire worm infection. According to European food and safety shopkeeper is responsible for food vegetable he is selling. The supper markets specify to the suppliers about size quality of the produce. In the case of Kuwait most business is monopolised by coop supermarkets which is controlled by government and supposed to be cheaper than other shops. It should be fresh, better quality and safe for human consumption. In the case of lettuce it is usually infected and sometimes you find people in coops removing rotten leaves of lettuce and repacking. I would like to say if you have healthy lettuce you don’t have to go through this process. If it gets rotten then it is not healthy as long as you keep it at right temperature. The coops are getting fatter and fatter day by day. This is case with other super markets as well like Carrefour, Giants, sultan centre, city centre and other markets because the suppliers or producers are the same ones. Where are these people over staffed sitting, chatting or busy in shopping during their office hours to control the situation? They are one cause of over crowding on the roads because they are absent from their office. You go to libraries post offices; consumer protection centres (Istlahkia) electric department even courts and health departments.

Kuwait

is the country where most super markets and shopping malls are very busy during office hours because absent staff from the the government office you find in these place.

I have recently visited the clinic next to the sultan centre in salmiya surprised to know receptionists are absent from the different departments and their technical staff is performing their duties. I went to cashier and people are waiting outside the door but he/she is absent. I have visited testing lab receptionist was absent and the person on the reception (sure medical staff wearing white lap coat) told me go to other labs. I have asked where? She told me all private clinics have labs. I went to the eyes ear nose clinic receptionist was absent and lab. Staff was performing their duties

I had recently a case in the raqai courts. Kuwait has very good courts but in one instance I have noted the judge is waiting for his secretary because he was absent. Another instance secretary was late and he forgot his office keys. The judge has given judgement and could you imagine that Egyptian secretary wasted my three trips to the courts to get copy of judgement just for ½ Kd. As soon as he was sure that Iam going to pay these porters wearing Blue lined shirts the secretary instantly gave file to take to stamping and entry department.

Now coming to another thing which is very important for human beings is most chrome plumbing fittings being sold in Kuwait get rusty after few weeks. It means if you are using these on water filters that mean filter fittings are mixing rust into the drinking water. Even I have found some filters has built in fittings which get rusty in few weeks. First my appeal to the importers of these fittings please keeps in mind the health of your fellow human beings when you import these fittings. The health or environment department should take quick and serious action to improve quality of water to safe guard health of the local population

Ring of conmen

2013-10-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Few years ago one Pakistani building contractor have told me

Kuwait

is the country where you could collect money by sweeping. It doesn’t mean go for sweeping jobs. He meant you could get money very easily. He repeated this statement again after few years.

Oh yes now I remember what he meant. One day I was in mangaf area of

Kuwait

and he came with a plan to export machinery to Pakistan Sahiwal from where he originally come from. He told me I have talked to one company in sahiwal and lets ring them. That day his line didn’t connect and few days latter told me he has spoken to the company and they are willing to import few containers of machinery. I have asked him how about the payment? He said they will pay after selling the machinery. Ok what about shipping? Who is going to pay? Oh what a good idea he has given? I have to pay the shipping as well. I just told him that I don’t want. He proudly told me that he have applied for

visa twice but refused. This statement actually heard from him many times but this time it clicked more because someone was trying to rob me at the same time and he came by chance uninvited. One of his friend just arrived back from Pakistan after visiting his family in

Pakistan

. They are two brothers of pathan ancestory from Abottabad and living in Lahore. I went to meet him in Hawally area of

Kuwait

. As soon as I arrived he again came there. Anyway I have asked this pathaan guy that don’t you have draws (cupboards)

for your clothing because all clothes were hanging on hat stands. He said he is thinking to go to sauq juma (Sunday market held on juma in Muslim countries). I have told him I have two one three meter and other one meter wide. As soon as he heard this he suddenly asked with similar to funny smile? is it as gift or with money? I told him if you want as gift iam willing to give you as gift. Few day leter he came to my flat to see these draws and I have told him that I have lots of other household stuff if he is willing to buy. As he was going through the stuff that Sahiwal guy rung him and told him he is coming to him. This call made him bit worried about the deal. He said to me I will give you offer later. This Sahiwal guy arrived and went through all stuff with him. He called his two men with tool box to open the drawers. They dismantled the drawers and loaded the stuff on the van. They put all the stuff in the van and left drawers and few bits and told me they will collect this next day. Next day they came and collect few things like thieves and left the drawers. this guy rung me told me the situation of the stuff and in other words

the whole stuff which was more than big van load has no value at all. It was big shock and I was almost speechless and I told that you came for drawers and took everything and left drawers. He said oh yes he was in need of drawers and they left these drawers there. I told him ok send them again and he said they had problem with police while they were coming. Next time his statement was had accident. I went to his work place although he arrived an hour later and went through all stuff like computer is slow problem with tv and other words everything is shit. If someone bother to ask this type of shit ass hollers if everything was shit then why you have bothered to bring it and left your desired cupboards. Anyway he has business in area of Amgra. While I was waiting for him one of his employee of Indian origin was sitting there and watching television. He started by asking about immigration rules in

Kuwait

. He told me he is living in

Kuwait

without any visa since years. I asked him how you could live without visa? He told me no body comes here for checking and hundreds and thousands people working in amgra are without visas. They work eat and sleep here. Most of the illegal workers from amgra hardly go out of their work place. So they don’t need to worry about anything like visas. He has told me many companies even have no trading licences. According to him many agricultural farm workers in Abdaly and Wafra have no visas and employed by the companies at lower wages and kept in appalling living conditions.

Who mixes stones? in food Internationaly

2013-10-12T18:54:00.001-07:00

Many children have been killed by contaminated food in Indian school due to lack of control on food stuff. It was one evening couple of months ago that I had severe attack of pain in the stomach. The pain was so severe which lasted about half minute that I thought it is end of my life. I went to hospital emergency in Kuwait. They said I have to bring letter from my local clinic. Oh I see I thought it is emergency he replied yes it is but we accept patients with doctors refers. So this was a emergency ward of Mubarak al Kabeer hospital Kuwait. I think this type of emergency wards could kill people in real need of treatment by just returning back to their clinics. What about if someone has heart attack? arrive to the hospital emergency by bus and then hear word “Maafi Inglisi” from the receptionist after waiting in the queue. No wonder many people die before receiving medical help in third world countries Africa and middle east. Anyhow I then went to clinic and got letter. The emergency was full of patients. They performed basic tests on my urine and done xrays. I was lucky that they didn’t find anything and found out I had kidney pain. This made me bit of health conscious about food I buy and consume. I have bought recently some spices including cloves and black pepper from Kuwait COOP. When I was going to grind it came to my mind I should better check it for rubbish they mix in food stuff. First I started to go through black pepper packet and

Astonished to find one stone exactly same size and look of black pepper. After finishing with black peppers I started with cloves packet and found out two stones same size and look of cloves. I wonder why Indians or Pakistanis and even middle eastern traders mix stones, sand and ground bricks in food. If they must mix they should mix some sort of peas or beans which are not harmful to human health. This is picture of stones found out in black peppers and cloves

Once I was making a paste of tamarind (which is mostly of Indian origin especially in the uk) and found a black bit with some suspicious look and then I looked through minifying glass and found out these few packs of tamarind were full of dead small aunts. Thanks god it wasn’t that bad as stones in food stuff.

It doesn’t end on mixing stones in black pepper or cloves but found out couple of years ago in one piece of stone in chickpea pack bought in Manchester and packed by one of the company from Bradford. It was same size and brownish stone same look as black small chickpeas. This story doesn’t end here. I have first noticed stones in white dry chickpeas decades ago in Germany and complained about it to the German shopkeeper which she just took it as nothing by saying she can not do anything because these are not from other country. These stones similar to white chickpeas in size and colour still coming in especially from Indian and Pakistani origin. I think they have secured a large amount of these stone which are still making money for them.

I have written many times about fresh date’s especially Saudi origin in packets have trace of sand in it. I have tried it in different countries and found it everywhere. Once it came to mind that might be due to its origin which is sandy deserts are prone to sandstorms but why dry dates have no trace of sand. If dry dates are possible without sand then why not these slimy ones. It is really unsolved mystery to me till now. Few years ago I went to health food shop Holland and barrette and bought some stone less dates origin Iran and while I was eating I have chipped my tooth due to stone (stone not from the date but rocky) in it.

There is another dates packed in small packets “tamoor al madinah” dates from madinah has traces of sand and have tried in the UK and Kuwait. Their packets states packed on modern type of machinery.

It is hard reality that in these cultures there is no concept of come back as soon as you have bought something it is end of story and doesn’t effect seller whether you live or die.

As soon as you complain about their stuff then be ready for their in direct revenge. Why this type of mentality. Ok these food traders importers exporters packers might be un educated but educated one are the same one. I would like to share a personal story. In these countries medicine are also victim of these people.

Kuwait

is fairly modern country with strict Islamic laws. I went to chemist in rowdha coop and found out they have blood sugar monitor for sale. I have bought one and came home. I checked it and compared reading with other monitors I had but there was four points difference in new one and old. I want back few days later and reported it to the duty chemist. He took it and said he will ring after two days. After one week I went to them and asked about it. He said ok I will change it and gave me another. I came home and checked it and compared with old one’s and showing same four points difference, I went back again and then they kept it for another week or two.

While I was waiting for their call I have decided to get my money back. When I went their I told them I want my money back I have no more time to waste and bother you. The chemist on the duty said it is impossible to get your money back because you were not feeding the strip code in the monitor that’s why it was giving wrong reading. Now these suppliers have checked it fed the strip code and now monitor is fine. By the statement of the chemist I felt bit guilty and ashmed that how stupid iam to complain. Anyhow she became angry when I told her if it is not ok I will get my money back. She replied to me don’t talk like that.
I have decided to leave this matter instead of wasting time but again while I was in rowdha I popped into chemist shop and found out another chemist which was incharge of the company or chemist shop and told him whole story and asked his opinion about this matter. He told me bring back this monitor and other you have and he will check it in my presence and will compare readings with his monitor. So educated people should be more considerate. The educated one have wasted my two trips and time and still no where. I would like to point out here they have policy with suppliers unsold goods returned to suppliers basis. I have decided to forget this matter.

One of the worst customer service I have experienced is from Safat Alghanam which is I think

Kuwait

’s biggest electronic goods supplier. It is not only one event but many events and every time I decide not to go there for future purchases. I better mention one instance which is related to the Safat alghanam? in schwaikh

Kuwait

which is really example of their worst service. I have ordered some mosaic tiles and went to the home furnishing section and decided to buy one chair. I got all information about the chair from their sales person and paid for this at their counter. As soon as I have finished with payment I have asked that person what about If I don’t like this chair? He replied you have checked it on display so you cannot return it. I told him I have changed my mind and don’t want this chair. I want my money back. To get my money back it was like hell of negotiations and then shouting. The strange thing is they have asked me to give them photo copy of my identity card which made my blood boiling till now. I have asked them you just received my money and what the hell you want my identity card copy for? I didn’t ask you for any identity when gave you my money. They gathered about ten people around me including manager and started by explaining that it is their part of policy to get copy of id card on refund. I asked them who made this policy? Iam not going to accept this type of policy by say just give my money back. At the end I manage to get my money back but cashier had bit angry looking. Why? I told him you are not doing me any favour because you returned my money back. I have long list of complaints about their customer service and picked up one customer opion card from one of their shop and when I have time I will fill it and return it to them and write about their responsed

Mineral water from paradise

2013-10-05T20:13:00.001-07:00

“Diamond “ ?

Another company shocked me to my foundation (by the way I have no foundation) that

which might be shocking to most of us is one company handed me one small bag printed

on it word “ Diamond” and this bag has two small pieces of silicone rubber moulded As ear plugs. As soon as I came out of the shop in

kuwait

“Hassan” opticians hearing department. There was one Indian guy wearing sun glasses ready to enter the same building where this shop is located. I just said to him

hello and he came near to me and shuck hand. He asked me how are you and I replied to him iam trying to recover from a shock of being robbed for 40 pounds (20 KD). I told him do you know this bag has diamond to me because it says diamond. He looked at the

bag very seriously and said it looks to me two small pieces of plastic instead of diamonds. He said no problem we can get it made from

India

for 5p each or even less.

Mineral water from paradise

Iam not against making money in business but making money through false claims about product and put prices like hell to empty vulnerable customers pocket. Few years ago someone imported to

Kuwait

bubbles liquid for children about 4Kd (£8) each and many

People bought it. What a rip –off it was because for this price you could have bought many bottles of washing liquid which is much concentrated ingredient of bubbles solution. I remember my childhood when present day leisures were not available and we used to make bubbles by putting few minutes soap bars “Lifebuoy” in small bowls and then wheat straws to make bubbles from it.. One importer even went one step further by importing mineral water packed in dark blue bottles in different sizes. Where one shop display this pile of water bottles they also displayed a long story of this mineral water and priced it at about KD4 (£8 ) for one litre bottle. Whatever it is or brought from caves or mountains through hard work or fairies or by donkeys at end of the day it is water and not worth more than few pence. If you look prices of holy water from macca “zamzam water” sells 2 gallon bottles at price of KD 1.5 (£3 for 2 gallon bottle).

Garages from the hell

It is general trend in shops and businesses i.e I have bought Toyota jeep fan belt for KD18 (£36). When I have paid this type of price I wrote a complaint and put in their box but never heard anything from them. The same company again and took car for minor repairs like window wasn’t winding? A Lexus car hardly used its windows maximum about 15 times? Anyway their “customer consultant” have told me it needs a small rubber and costs KD 50 for this repair. As soon as I have heard this silly price for small repair Iam nearly blasted and told him you are a thief. As soon he heard the word “thief” he replied to me don’t call me thief. He called his service manager and he took me in his office . I have asked him how many hours it takes to change the rubber? I have told him if even inexperienced person try to change it which takes maximum one hour. He agreed yes it doesn’t take much time. How much is the rubber cost? KD 3 (£6). He proudly mentioned that they charge KD 15 (£30 ) per hour for repairs. Ok now If I calculate It shouldn’t costs more than KD 18 (£36) because it is few minutes job. The luxury cars usually don’t have complicated things that are why their window panels have no screws and they used just silicon to stick it with door. He didn’t accept my last offer of KD 20 (£40) but he insisted for more but I left the garage . It is situation with one big and well reputed company of

Kuwait

Chocolate benefits in kuwait

2013-10-05T20:11:00.001-07:00

I have come across with one fuuny small brochure which was packed in box of

“Patchi chocolate” . It is actually not funny in one sense because it is just to cone

Volnenerable customers. Lets see what it says

“Chocolate benefits

Other than being a treat that has been enjoyed for millenniums, chocolate carries several healthful benefits. It acts as an antioxidant as well as a stimulant; it is great source of magnesium, while also having the quality of an anti-depressant, As far dark chocolate, it is known to be beneficial for the heart since it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol”

It is not cheap chocolate as comparing to British chocolates like Cadbury’s . I have eaten

one chocolate out of box and it tasted like full of butter. I wouldn’t like to touch it again because full of butter and also due to misleading statements like above. I wish they could be more honest with their customers by putting some nutritional information instead of above statement. Hope their this small leaflet is not copyrighted

One of the bakers from

Kuwait

went one step further by writing on bread packaging that this bread is helpful in curing cancer. Was it just one variety of their bread? Iam afraid it wasn’t the case. Their whole range of breads and the cakes had similar statement on the packaging.

complaint box

2013-10-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Complaint box ?

If you walk into Kuwaiti offices government or private companies they usually have complaint box. They are like a part of traditional outlook of the office and without the complaint box offices seem uncompleted. I have many times thought I should try to see the use of complaint box whether it is of any use or these are just part of their deco. I have tried government official complaint emails few times but never have success to complete due to some unknown reasons but most websites have complaint section to click if you want to. At one instance I bumped into “Kuwaiti citizen advice buro area of Jabar al ali. It was just by chance to ask about local Paaci office location. They gave me instructions and I was impressed by their staff for their effort to explain to me. Before leaving I have asked about their office and their activities. It was big surprise to me by knowing that

Kuwait

has citizen advice offices. They told me I have to contact them next time if I have complaint about any company or product. I took their telephone numbers and left their office with good impression and continued my journey to the next office.

After few months I came to pay electric bill into Jabar al ali offices. Most Kuwaiti offices have security man. In this office security man was their on his chair and small desk. The customer service desks were empty. All people who supposed to be servicing customers were in sitting in the manager’s office. First I thought their manager is very friendly because he let his staff to sit in his office for tea and chatting. Anyway I have started the the triumph and procedure to pay the bill. Their office is situated on different levels in other words I had few trips up and down in their offices and ended up to managers office for signature. His service counter staff was still in his office and surprise to knew he was absent. This solved my confusion of his friendliness and absence of staff from the counters. Anyway while I was waiting for managers signature I thought I better go to citizen advice buro which is exactly in your front as soon as you come out of electric office. I entered the citizen advice centre and all members of the staff were sitting and socialising. I have explained to them reason of my arrival by saying that I have complaint about my landlord. After listening to me they have told me to go to local ministry of trade and Industry office. Anyway I came out of their office and back in electric office. By now the manager was in his office and staff was back on counters instead of sitting in managers office. I entered with my application for payment of electric bill and got his signature. Now I am nearly finished my application procedure and went straight to cashiers counter and he wasn’t there because he went for midday prayer.

After half an hour the cashier returned to cashiers desk and got successful in paying electric bill. After finishing this triumph I headed towards local office of ministry of trade and industry. After arriving there I told to them my purpose of arrival into their office. I went through different sections of this office and ended up in their managers office. The manager told me that was right place “Istahlakia” for your complaint and iam failed to understand why they have sent you here instead of helping you out to resolve your complaint.

It wasn’t the only this office of citizen advice buro in

Kuwait

. Surprisingly most areas of

Kuwait

has citizen advice buros. The difference between British citizen advice buros you need to wait for your number in Britain and in the Kuwaiti citizen advice buros you can speak as many as you want to their officers as long as you have no complaint. It wasn’t my first time in Kuwaiti citizen advice buro. Actually I came to know this name through “Environmental pollution authority of

Kuwait

” after completion of successful complaint against the landlord. Although EPA has full powers to take action against the companies and traders but they sent me to citizen advice office in the area of “Jabriah”. Their office is located near old premises of coop jabriah. At reception I told them purpose of my arrival and they sent me upstairs to the concerned department. On the first floor of the building I entered to the first room where one their officer was busy on the computer. I told him about purpose of my arrival and he answered why you are here? I explained to him whole story of EPA Kuwait to his office again then he told me you should go to fahaheel citizen advice office. Anyway I came back to EPA Kuwait again and went to their engineers office. I have manage to speak to one of their young lady officer and she put me to another male officer. Very relaxed and friendly person replied to me in very relaxed manner we don’t like complaints. He then told me you know best thing you could do is make another complaint then they will take action. Iam laughing while iam writing about this trick of “file another complaint”.

The EPA department who deals with these type of complaints have very nice, friendly and polite general manager. I have used this term general manager for Arabic “Raees”.

He is the person that you are feeling that you are talking to a friend instead of officer. Whenever I went there he was always there. If you are suffering from any environmental

Issues you can contact this department which is now in their new building offices. If you plan to visit them as soon you pass road 55 their offices are on your right at ring road 4. Massive big new building written on it “Environment pollution Authority”. You cant miss it. Please visit them for your concerns about environment.

Rubbish in Mirgab

2010-03-13T09:37:00.001-08:00

Gambling in Kuwait? Prohibited or allowed?
2010-03-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Gambling in Kuwait? Prohibited or allowed?

Today I have been to Kuwait city by bus. While I was waiting for my bus I have
started walking around Mirgab surrounding area. I have seen one crowed of people
and first I have ignored. Few minutes later I became bit of curious about crowed and I have asked myself why these people are so busy keeping their eyes down looking inside.
Anyway I have put my phone camera on walked near the crowed pretending to be typing something on the phone. I have managed to take some photographs without letting anybody know Iam taking photos. Unluckily inside photos I don’t know what happened to them.
Inside they had one piece of card board with few numbered boxes from 2-6. Four people sitting on the ground for collecting cash and giving cash. One of them were doing double
Duty collecting / giving cash and throwing dice. Another person standing and managing the whole game. I have spent about an hour watching this gambling and surprised to know they have done business in hundreds kuwaiti dinars.
Later I have found out there are other members of the gang keeping an eye on the surroundings of this place.
I have really felt very sorry for some of those poor Indian Bengali and Pakistanis who lost money in gambling. Someone told me it happens in other places as well during lunch hours.

Noisy Air conditioning Fans Of Franklin Installed by cowboys

2010-03-01T05:39:00.000-08:00

How do you feel if you are sleeping under roof with 32 big noisy fans running whole night without any break? It is not manufacturers fault but people who installed them they thinks they are more intelligent than the manufacturers. These units are sold and installed in Kuwait by “moassa Al khaleej” Tel: 24733598 & 24769361 Since long time I was complaing to company about problem with air conditioning unit and last year I have decided to go with them on the roof. Their technician opened the fan, told me that thermostat is missing and it is connected directly. How it went missing? You know how? If they have call out for any fault they come and just take out parts from others units and use them to repair. As soon as I heard missing I started shouting and told them no other person comes here apart from your company. Anyway after few arguments they agreed to fit thermostat without any extra cost. Other thing I was on venture to see how their unit looks. I took a ladder and looked inside where they have installed central AC unit. As I have touched the metal unit I got electric shock. Next day I have telephoned the company and told them your units are not earthed. They have called next day and both units connected to the earth wire. Problem with third world countries and Muslim countries there is no concept of safety. Thats why many people die due to minor accidents and negligence of others. Today I have contacted the company to rectify the noise coming from their air conditioning fan units. They just refused to give me name of owner of the company by saying he is Abdul Rasool Sahaf. When I asked them who is working owner they refused to give the name by just saying that guarantee of the units is expired. I would like to tell them if even your guarantee is expired but still you are liable for due to unsafe and dangerous installation. If you are considering to buy or installation of “Franklin” please think twice because they are just cowboys.

One year Kuwaiti sponsorship for 800 KD

2010-02-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

The Middle Eastern countries are places where human trafficking is legal
and protected by their constitutions. I was renting an office with Kuwaiti sponsorship.
After couple of years I have decided to leave the office due to his rent increase and lack of business. When I have told to sponsor about my intensions he asked me to give my passport to make changes. He took my passport and told me or phoned me unless you pay me such amount of money or Iam holding your passport. It was shock to me what he has done. Next day he phoned me and told me if I could meet him. So I went to Fahaheel to see him. He said It is better you take your passport now and pay me half the money he asked for. I think he told to his friends that he took my British passport and not going to give me back unless I pay him money. His friends advised him that you are putting yourself in trouble by holding British passport so it is better for him to return it to me and he gave me back after few days. As soon as he took my passport I told to my family members that I couldn’t come back due to this reason. They have asked our local MP to contact with British foreign office for help.
Now Iam thinking what happens with these third world countries citizens when these sponsors takes their passports and putting them as hostages. You could find thousands examples of this type of cases everywhere in Kuwait and other gulf countries. The whole
Sponsor system is one form of human slavery which is protected by law in the whole gulf region and is against basic human rights.
When my visa was due for renewal I have started to look for sponsor again which was not answering telephone. I have decided to contact the department of employment for change of sponsor. It was another story I better write about it separately. I had to pay about 40 KD (2KD/day) in fine due to late renewal of my visa which was all sponsors fault.
I was at employment office sponsor has phoned me, told me he was on holidays and If you want to renew your visa with me you have to pay me 800Kd / year otherwise I will put you on plane by canceling my visa.
I told him I would like to cancel my visa with you. He came to the employment department signed to cancel my visa. Thanks god I finished this slavery type of sponsorship.
Please share your comment and story if you have one

Post office Kuwait airport

2010-02-07T09:24:00.001-08:00

I have visited this office today to find a packet from the states. I was surprised to see how this post office works like they use to work in 60s or 70s.I think many letters from around the world ends up in the rubbish. This is due to i think there is no proper management in kuwait postal system. No computers in this office.

consumeables watch kuwait

2010-02-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

Following pictures are toilet seats made of chip board and laminated. These toilet seats are not for toilets i think because after few months use you have to replace.
Whenever you buy these type of toilet seats please avoide and go for wooden or even plastic. beaware that chip board products are being sold in kuwait as compressed wood which is not wood at all.

Dangerous Foot Paths Of Kuwait

2010-02-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is something on the foot path which is dangerous for foot path users. I tried to figure out actually what it is but my brain didnt work to find the mystry. BY the way it is between mosque near telphone exchange and ajial centre. This type of things on footpaths passageways and on roads needs governments serious attention.

This footpath is in mangaf shopping area behind sultan centre.This is example of most kuwaiti footpaths which are left uncompleted or left witout finishing touches.Dangerous and accomulate rubbish

Newly build unfinished footpath near fintas roundabout

Rumaithia

These pictures are from near rumaithia coop

18-2-2010
These pictures are from near coop Rumaithia

20-2-2010
These are photos of newly built footpaths in fahaheel near multi story car park.
They have built these foot paths recently and some are already broken or left unfinished as usual in kuwait

Rubbish in fintas

2010-01-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

HOw come fintas muncipality office (baladia) is few yards away, see this rubbish everyday and smell of coops rotten stuff every day and taking no action

Fintas COOP old record on the run with wind

Fintas coop old record disposal

without comment

over flowed rubbish from Coop fintas skips

Fintas again near Naif chicken in fintas. Never cleaned this place since years

Royal Bank Of Scotland (RBS)

2010-01-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

Another share on my watch list are Royal Bank Of Scotland (RBS) listed lse

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND GROUP PLC ORD 25P

Royal Bank Of Scotland is listed in the FTSE 100, FTSE All-Share, FTSE 350

Royal Bank Of Scotland is part of the Banks sector

52 Week High 58.25 52 Week High Date 28-AUG-2009
52 Week Low 16.80 52 Week Low Date 18-FEB-2009

Todays price is about 33p

warning
Risk warning: Trading in derivatives such as Contracts For Difference may not be suitable for all types of investor. They are generally considered to be suitable only for the more experienced investor as they carry a high degree of risk. The investor may not receive back the amount of their original investment and may be liable for a greater sum than this. Changes in exchange rates may also cause your investment to go up or down in value. If in any doubt, please seek further advice. Tax law may be subject to change. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

Post Office Yarmouk

2010-01-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Tap water quality?

2010-01-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

Water is supplied to houses and flats by pipes or water tankers through taps.Most water is acquired through desalination of sea water.Although desalinated water looks clean and clear but still is not drinkable quality. I have noticed it is full of rust
as my r.o filter shows and salt. This filter has 4 stage cleaning. here is the picture of one used filter out of this r.o filter.

Most third world countries poorly paid workers rely on drinking water tanks "Maa es sabeels" which are everywhere in the Kuwait or tapes in their flats.They are unable to afford bottled water. petrol is cheaper than bottled water and bottled water is affordable for locals and westerners.

Aminex? is it good investment for 2010?

2010-01-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

Aminex (AEX) is london stock exchange listed company. Last year in march 2009 share price was around 4p and yesterdays price is 15.5 p. Aminex is looking for oil in different countries. If it mange to find for example in Egypt. price could double at least. I have bought some in june 2009 at 6p.

52 Week High
15.75
52 Week High Date
11-JAN-2010
52 Week Low
4.38
52 Week Low Date
16-MAR-2009

warning
Risk warning: Trading in derivatives such as Contracts For Difference may not be suitable for all types of investor. They are generally considered to be suitable only for the more experienced investor as they carry a high degree of risk. The investor may not receive back the amount of their original investment and may be liable for a greater sum than this. Changes in exchange rates may also cause your investment to go up or down in value. If in any doubt, please seek further advice. Tax law may be subject to change. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

Keifan post & Parcel delivery centre

2010-01-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

Mystry unsolved This photo has taken on 17th of Jan. 2010 at 7.40am
I think this delivery office must be recorded in Guinness book of record for worst service, over staffed with unskilled workers.Anyway this is not my concern whether they are skilled or unskilled because it is up to the management of the postal system but I have funny story to tell you about keifan parcel delivery office which is still mystery unsolved to me till now. I wonder this how many parcels ends up undelivered in this officeone of my friend posted a packet from states during February 2009. I have tracked this parcel on usps website about posting. After couple of weeks later I went to keifan delivery office and asked to check for arrival of the packet. They searched through their papers but they said they couldn’t find it. I have requested the delivery office if I check myself. Thanks for their generosity for allowing to check their records. At last I managed to find tracking number from their records and gave them.Now they started looking for physical packet. At the end they couldn’t find the packet and asked me to go on the first floor in the post office where "mudeer altarood alwardah" is located. Lucky me I found it easily because there was no sign about it.I entered in the office and found there was few ladies staff in the office. I asked one of the ladies about this parcel then she said you could check these files.I checked piles of papers without any success and left the office till next visit.Next week I arrived bit earlier with plenty of time. They opened this office about 8.15 and asked the lady who opened the office. i have asked her to search the packet. After few minutes search she couldn’t find the packet. I asked that lady what is next then if she could suggest something to find this packet. She said best thing is talk to the manager which is "mudeer turood al waridah". I asked her where I could find him. She said here is his office but he is not in. I asked her where he is?I asked her if she could find him for me. It was so nice of her she went out and called this mudeer who was busy in chatting.

Packet posted from states to kuwait in 2009 delivered to Australia in 2008?

Anyway he came in the office and told me have a seat. I asked about the packet. He said let me check it on the computer. I asked him why many parcels failed to reach its destination in the Kuwait while he was busy in fiddling with tracking information on usps website.He replied that sometimes they just send papers only and no packets. Is it possible? He said yes.I told him why in states or uk most well 99.99% packets reaches its destinations without any trouble. I don’t know he gave me some stupid answer to my question which was something arriving post through Dubai something.After few minutes he managed to track my item on line and got print out for me. He said this item was delivered to Australia in august 2008.It shocked me when he said delivered in aug.2008 to Australia.Do you believe on his big lie to get rid of me.After that I asked him to give me his telephone number. He took the paper and wrote his mobile number with his official stamp that’s why I knew he is "mudeer turoodh Al waridah

Now day before yesterday i talked to another gentleman about this parcel and he took my mobile phone and waiting for his response today is 13 of January of 2009. Iam thinking to contact Guinness book of record to put Kuwait post for listing as record holder

This photo has taken on 17th of Jan. 2010 at 7.40am (official working time starts at 7.30am because i posted letters at 7.30am upstair in the post office)
I have found a complaint box at the main entrance and dropped a note for minister of communication as complaint with my contact details.See what happens? I will keep you updated with new developments

18-1-2010
today i have tried to contact again about this parcel and still no success. I will ring them again and see what happens

19-1-2010
I have spoken to Mr.Jassam Al siraj who is director of this department. According to him if foreign post offices ask to return the packages then they return it otherwise they pack undelivered unclaimed packages and give to other government department.I told him according to international postal treaty unclaimed postal items must be returned to its sender. Iam going to call him again at 12 midday. see what else he has to say.

Kuwait Road watch

2009-12-29T22:44:00.000-08:00

This photo is taken from car crash photos . This accident happened in feb 2007 in kuwait.

Kuwait has very good roads network although it needs repairs every year due to some reasons beyond my understanding.During rainy season and after small pieces of flying stones as soon as hit your wind screen chips car screens.I don’t know about others but it has happened to mine twice in couple of years. Driving in Kuwait is like going over the Islamic bridge (jassar al saraat or pul saraat) which is very thin like corona wire and sharper than razor blade.Accident happens every day and it is usual thing and mostly lethal. Many people killed in road accidents. When first time I came to Kuwait most roads had very small signs on the roads with quranic verses. Which were usually installed by relatives of person being killed in road accidents.It was every where on roads in Kuwait but now I think government removed itMany deaths could be avoided just by not using mobile phone while you are driving and by coming out few minutes earlier for your job than speeding to kill someone.Whenever you drive please put in mind if i drive more than legal speed limits it could kill someone this time and next time its going to be me.Please learn to respect other road user which could one way contribute to reduce accident rate in kuwait.please share your views comments and experiences on Kuwaiti roads

1-2-2010

It is usual thing in Kuwait to post advertisements on traffic Road sign. This sign is on Romaithia- Road junction

police station Rumaithia

Road leading to Romaithia car park. Puddle or swimming pool

Environmental friendly police station Rumaithia with vegetable patch in fron garden

this picture is courtsy of bob and his wife both british police officers

newly built roads in aqeelah needs repair

Kuwait Food Watch

2009-12-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

Insect inffected dates
According to lable it is best Iranian Zahidi dates with packiaging date and expirey dates with telephone number of Importer or packaging company. Anyway Iam using these dates since long times not this company but packed by different companies and from saudi arabia.
Since long time i was thinking to write about the problem these dates have is more than 50 percent are with insects.These insects eat from inside and makes powdery shit inside.Anyway i tried to photograph it but not very clear.If you look broken dates it is white from inside and some part is brown.Brown part is eaten and isect shit is there.I will talk to this company post you about their point of view.Also if any side effects of eating insect shit.

Dates with sand
This is packet of dates i bought three of them from coop in kuwait.
could you believe it or not I found sand mixed in it ?
I tried to approach the owner of braka dates and made apointment to visit him. They are based in shweikh industrial in dates market.
I asked him do you have any complaint about your dates because i found sand in your dates. he said no. he has never ever has any complaint. I told him that i found sand in your dates .He said i could exchange it. it was his kindness to change the packets and gave me another . But when i came home i tried to eat it i found out it was same as before.
If you want to sell dates please don't mix harmful stuff in food. There are ways to sell just sand separately . People out there selling sand even Kuwait imports sand as well

These are two boxes are fake tea i think? no colour no taste
although both says one of the best Black Tea and Orange Pekoe With bad Taste I usually bring my pg tips tea bags from the UK. If i run out of it i usually use brooks bonds red label or yellow label from lipton. This time i bought few tea boxes which are not tea at all i think. Although it says on the box one of the best pure ceylon tea.Believe me it is horrible here are pictures of two packings.Now how to load pictures? I totally forgot? Oh i manage to download pictures of tea boxes. now how to bring it down?

Fish with full of oil slick being sold by sultan centre Kuwait

Surprising to know that there is Regional organisation for protection of marine life.

I have spoken to Dr.Thunda Raja? last week and he has told me they will look into this matter.

Today i have approached them and talked to Dr. peter in this organisation and he asked me to send the link of pictures. well done Dr. peter.

If I was in your place I could have gone to sultan centre and bought some fishes for further observations. Is this protection you are offering to marine life in Kuwait? Dear Dr. peter please note my point that marine life in Kuwaiti shores are on decline . If you have any chance to visit any beaches you could find less shells than previous years

It is not only marine life Iam talking about what about people who eat fish? For your information lots of people are suffering from cancer related diseases. this contaminated fish with full of oil slick is one of the cause of cancer in local population

Dr. peter found here fish photographs atlast and took his valuable time to reply me by email.
Interesting to know that according to him his organisations remote sensors have detected no any considerable leak or spill.
Now another mystery to me from where this oil slick came inside fish.
other thing he suggested to report this matter to health department or other government offices to report this incident.
Dr. peter it is very easy to suggest to report to government offices but in practice it is beyond practice. Do you know why?
first of all i have no civil id (Iam visitor) which is first requirement for complaint.
secondly If you go to Kuwaiti government offices you have to waste lot of time waiting to let officials finish their telephone conversation, reading magzine chating and drinking tea or even out busy in shopping etc.

DR. peter you know these government offices or bodies that you suggested me to report now my question is are you willing to take time to report?
Now is there any Kuwaiti government official have read this or seen these pictures? if so please report it to concerned department for further action to safe guard local marine life, birds and local population.

2-2-2010
Today I visited sultan centre mangaf and found out they had no fish in question.
Another thing I found out in one of their freezers all ice cream was liquidy. Are they going to throw it away? no I dont think so because in kuwait there is no any concept of keeping frozen things frozen.If there is any concept it might be be just in the governments concerned offices.
People who deals in frozen food should be traind and given knowledge about frozen food and why it should be kept under certain temperature.
Due to harsh weather in kuwait especialy in summer frozen food left out of freezer at delivery point to enter the shop freezers, thats why most ice lolies are in irregular shapes etc. When next time you buy any frozen food make sure that food is frozen just once in the factory and not defrozen and frozen till it arrives in your freezer.

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Visa on demand at Kuwait Airport

2009-12-27T23:19:00.000-08:00

I arrived on Kuwait airport and headed for visa desk. It was empty without visa seekers.This visa service desk is run by company "Salam". As soon as i arrived i approached to their desk and handed over them the passport and visa application. It is usual thing with me that they delay my application due to my place of birth and name. while I was waiting for this process I thought I better talk to visa officers sitting next to these salam company typists.I approached the desk with smile one officer was on the phone and while he was talking on the phone he took out one paper out of desk sign. This paper was very important for some and not for others.I noticed that paper I was looking for it. I asked that officer don’t you offer this service any more? He pretended that he didn’t understand me. I told him I am waiting here since 15 minutes and he took my passport and left there.He came to the typist table and asked him then he said he is waiting for his response. He told me that please sit and wait. I waited another 15 minutes and still no response. Anyway after long wait they got print out and got my visa paper for another three months.Now what was that important paper?Paper was saying
Visa processing fee KD 3
this service is optional.
After I got my visa i asked that officer that although this service is optional for example if I come straight to you without going through these counters, would you issue me a visa? He said yesNext time i will look for him.Last time i tried this option and took my visa application without these salam people.I approached the counter and i asked the officer on duty, he took my passport and application form and gave it to salam again and said it is ok.Another rip off of these private counters have started new service
Fast track visa service For KD 10
which is unfair, too expensive and injustice to other people in the queue.I wonder why these visa officers couldn’t do direct visa issuing like Bahrain. Are these officers are too busy? Anyway I will try next time to pass these salaam typists and keeps you updated.Do you have any experience with visa counter please share with us.

Head office Kuwait Post

2009-12-27T19:59:00.000-08:00

After a long struggle I managed to find head office of Kuwait post. I have asked most post offices about their head office but all of them denied by saying they doesn’t know where there head office. Do you believe it? I wouldn’t because they receive communication and instructions from their head office and these are displayed on most post offices of Kuwait. I noted the telephone number from one of the letter and tried to ring which was unavailable.Most post offices have complaint boxes like other government offices but never emptied to see what is happening on the counters.Anyway i found the head office which is housed in coop Mishref complex. Post office mishref is also housed in the same office on ground floor. Head office of Kuwait post is on the first floor.I don’t know exactly whether it is real head office or just semi head office. Head of this office wasn’t present at the time of my visit on Monday 21 of December 2009 about 9 Am but I managed to speak his secretary and told him i am writing a report about Kuwait postal system and would like to have answers of some of my questions. After few questions he took my telephone number and told me he will put me in touch with right person. Till now there is no response from head office. I will keep you updated for further information about my meeting with head office if there will be one.

post office Rowdha

2009-12-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

Passing through Rowdha and found out they have shiffted now in new building near coop