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Issue No 743
Established 1996
17 - 23 May, 2015
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TimesKuwait
TimesKuwait
www.timeskuwait.com
250 Fils
Saudi, Kuwait ‘falling behind’ on developing talent
S
audi Arabia and Kuwait are not doing
enough to develop talent despite
being higher-income economies,
according to a new report by the World
Economic Forum.
The two Gulf countries have been
ranked 85th and 93rd respectively in WEF’s
Human Capital Index which analyses 124
countries on how well they are developing
and deploying their human capital.
Both countries rely heavily on
expatriate workers in key sectors such as
construction, retails and healthcare.
In the Middle East and North Africa,
Israel (29th) was ranked highest, followed
by the United Arab Emirates (54th) and
Qatar (56th).
Jordan (76th) and Egypt (84th)
outperformed higher-income economies
like Saudi Arabia (85th) and Kuwait (93rd)
while Morocco (95th), Tunisia (98th),
Algeria (114th), Mauritania (122nd) and
Yemen (124th) were all placed near the
bottom. Among the high income countries,
those with a GDP per capita above
$12,746, Finland, Norway and Switzerland
held the top three spots in the index overall
while Barbados (77th), Saudi Arabia and
Kuwait held the last three spots.
The report said that when it comes to
developing people’s talents and helping
them reach their full potential, the concept
of a world where no one is left behind
remains a distant prospect.
This is the case even in rich countries
with well-developed educational systems
and robust employment, the report said.
Globally, Finland topped the rankings of
the Human Capital Index in 2015, scoring
86 percent out of a possible 100. Norway
(2nd), Switzerland (3rd), Canada (4th) and
Japan (5th) made up the rest of the top
five and were among a group of only 14
nations that have crossed the 80 percent
threshold.
Among
other
large
advanced
economies, France was in 14th position,
while the United States was in 17th
position, scoring just under 80 percent.
Continued on Page 13
EXCLUSIVE to
THE TIMES KUWAIT
Building the
Global Schoolhouse
By Gordon Brown
Former prime minister of the United Kingdom
(2007-2010), is United Nations Special Envoy
for Global Education.
T
Obama vows to
‘stand by’ Gulf allies
P
resident Barack Obama vowed to
back Gulf allies against any “external
attack,” seeking to reassure them of
Washington’s iron-clad commitment to
their security amid Arab anxiety over
U.S.-led efforts to reach a nuclear deal
with Iran.
Hosting the six-nation Gulf Cooperation
Council for a rare summit at Camp David,
Obama pledged that the United States
would consider using military force
to defend them and would also help
address Iran’s “destabilizing activities in
the region.” “I am reaffirming our ironclad commitment to the security of our
Gulf partners,” Obama told a closing
news conference at the presidential
retreat in the Maryland mountains outside
Washington.
Obama stopped short of offering a
formal defense treaty that some Gulf
countries had sought and instead
announced more modest measures,
including helping them to integrate ballistic
missile defense systems, streamlining
weapons sales and increasing military
training. With the United States and
five other world powers facing a June
30 deadline for a final deal with Iran on
curbing its nuclear program, Obama also
sought to allay Gulf Arab fears that the
potential lifting of international sanctions
on Tehran would embolden it in the region
and increase the risk of it fueling more
sectarian strife.
“The United States will stand by our
GCC partners against external attack
and will deepen and extend cooperation
that we have,” Obama told reporters, with
Gulf leaders standing by his side at the
end of the talks.
But he then told a news conference
it was a “two-way street” and Gulf
countries, which have differences among
themselves, must also cooperate among
themselves. A summit joint statement
showed the GCC states committing to
develop a region-wide missile defense
system, something Washington has long
advocated.
his year is a critical one for education worldwide. Despite a
commitment by the international community to guarantee
universal primary schooling, some 58 million of the world’s
most marginalized children remain out of the classroom.
And, as we seek to expand the international community’s
commitment, so that by 2030 every child has the opportunity
to attend secondary school, we must work hard to provide the
necessary funding.
This is why the upcoming four-day World Education Forum
in South Korea, the homeland of United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, is so important. According to most
estimates, providing universal secondary education will cost
international donors an additional $22-50 billion a year, even
after developing countries ramp up their commitments. If we
fail to raise that money, the hopes and ambitions of millions of
children are certain to be crushed.
The Forum will focus on how to bridge the funding gap.
Later, on July 7, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg
and Foreign Minister Børge Brende will convene a summit
in Oslo with the aim of raising education’s profile among
global priorities, reversing negative trends in financing,
and identifying ways to support students more effectively.
Other conferences, including the Addis Ababa International
Conference on Financing for Development, the Education
International World Congress, an #UpForSchool Town Hall
during the UN General Assembly, and the 28th Session of
the General Conference of UNESCO, will provide forums for
action and discussion. It is fitting that the first of these events
is taking place in South Korea and that Ban will be one of the
key speakers. Ban’s personal story illustrates the difference
education can make in transforming a life.
Raised in war-torn Korea in the 1950s, Ban’s elementary
schooling – made possible by help from UNICEF – took place
under a tree. UNESCO provided the books, which bore an
inscription that read, “Children should work hard, and by
doing so they will repay their debt to the United Nations.”
Continued on Page 19
LOCAL
2
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
Top Executive salaries in Kuwait over
US$ one million, 39 percent hike seen in some sectors
M
Online-only UAE
visas for GCC expats
from October
With the GCC’s economic growth once again on an upswing, pay packages are now seeing a
return to form following the dip in 2014. As per market research, average income across the
region and across different sectors has registered a 7 percent surge with the turn of the year.
eanwhile,
top-tier
executive salaries have
seen a whopping 39
percent hike in some sectors in the
GCC; CEOs in the construction
sector
–
incidentally,
the
highest-paying sector for senior
management executives in the
region – now rake in up to US$ 1.2
million per annum as basic pay.
Kuwait-based tier-one executives
are on average paid anywhere
between US$ 36,456 to US$
41,888 per month across sectors.
“The
construction
and
real estate industries have
experienced
exponential
growth in the last year. Top-level
executives within these sectors
are now in a position to reap
the benefits of this momentum.
Companies, too, stand to benefit
with the knowledge that these
talented executives are capable
of adding value in terms of leading
organisational development and
augmenting income and profits,”
said Mohamad El Turk, Partner
at Rasd; the pioneering regional
executive search firm boasts
25 years of market experience
in the GCC, and specialises in
connecting quality leadership
talent with enterprises serious
about building organisational
capability in high growth markets.
Lagging slightly behind the
construction sector in top-level
executive pay scales are the
commercial banking sector’s
CEOs who earn basic incomes
of anywhere between US$
600,000 and US$ one million.
Meanwhile, executives within the
real estate, consumer goods retail
and automotive sectors are now
drawing anywhere between US$
350,000 and US$ 550,000 per
annum.
“Another trend we’re noticing
is the need for candidates who
have a profound understanding
of local market dynamics. A
trend that is driving companies,
that are particular about their
requirements, to invest in attracting
talented indigenous executives
who understand the corporate
and cultural challenges, and as
a result able to capitalise on the
promising economic outlook of the
region,” added El Turk.
Once again, this year Saudi
Arabia and Qatar remain the
highest paying regions within the
GCC, especially for professionals
in CEO-level roles.
Nadim El Said, Managing
Partner at Rasd, explained:
“The cultural component plays
a big role when hiring in GCC
countries;
multinationals
are
willing to pay significant amounts
especially for highly skilled
leaders who also exhibit culturalcompatibility. This trend is even
more pronounced with local
groups and conglomerates who
seek leaders possessing a deep
understanding of the region and
that can communicate effectively
with native stakeholders.”
T
he e-visa can also be applied by
GCC nationals for individuals they
sponsor, including house help, the General
Directorate of Residency and Foreigners
Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai confirmed, adding
that from October, only e-visas will be issued
for GCC expats entering the UAE.
Major-General Mohammed Ahmed Al
Marri, Director-General of the GDRFA in
Dubai, said the move to the new online
service will help GCC expats avoid long
queues for on-site visa applications and
payment at the airport.
He further added the step aims at
facilitating procedures for all visitors and
residents to visit Dubai. GCC expats will
be able to apply and pay for their UAE visa
online, beginning tomorrow, May 15, 2015.
Al Marri added that the department is
encouraging everyone to submit entry permit
through the online service to facilitate the
measures for them. Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel
Talal Al Shanqeeti, Assistant DirectorGeneral for Ports, confirmed that that visa
service will commence online and also upon
arrival at the airport until the beginning of
October.
Following this period, GCC resident visa
holders will only be able to apply for a UAE
visa online and there will not be a facility to
obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival.
He added that the GDRFA Dubai will
distribute fliers and brochures in both Arabic
and English to help with the transition.
Detailed information is on this transition is
available on Ednrd.ae.
Az-Zour North starts initial power generation
A
z-Zour North plant has produced its very
first megawatt of electricity, only 18 months
after work started on the project according to
a contract signed in December 2013. It was
announced on Sunday the implementation
of the project is making remarkable progress
thanks to persistent efforts by the involved
companies, contractors and workers so that it
can support high consumption during the hot
summer season, said Chairman of Az-Zour
North IWPP Phase I Company Yusuf Al-Hajiri.
The project is being built as part of the AzZour North Independent Water and Power
Project (IWPP).
The new integrated power plant and
desalination plant, together with forming the
first phase of the IWPP are scheduled to be
completed and commissioned by the fourth
quarter of 2016.
Once completed, Az-Zour North will
produce 1,500 Megawatt of electricity and 107
million imperial gallons (450,000 cubic meters)
daily, Al- Hajiri noted.
A private consortium owns 40 percent of
the US$ 1.4 billion costs of Az-Zour North while
the Kuwaiti government has 60 percent. It will
sell a 50 percent share of the project to Kuwaiti
citizens through an initial public offering (IPO),
reducing the government’s part to 10 percent.
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The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
LOCAL
3
Supply and demand
Agility's Tarek Sultan
Kuwait’s government has faced
some tough times in the last few
years, and the recent economic
figures don’t make for easy reading.
T
he country’s budget surplus shrunk by
half during the most recent fiscal year,
according to an independent study by the
Kuwaiti Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS), while
yearly gross domestic product up to the end
of March declined 6.3 percent. It’s safe to say
that, with oil prices falling, Kuwait could do with
a quick cash injection and is looking to offload
some of its costly assets through privatisation.
One man who is all in favour of the country’s
push to further privatise its state assets is Tarek
Abdulaziz Sultan. The former investment banker
joined Agility as chairman and managing
director when it was privatised in 1997 and has
helped turn it into the largest logistics group in
the Gulf.
“We started with about 300 employees
and about $30m in revenue. Today, we are
close to $6bn and 30,000 employees. If you
are the government and looking at what can
happen from privatisation it doesn’t take many
companies like us to be privatised for the
government to have major alternative engines of
growth,” he says.
“In the past, the government had to do
everything and now they have a different
policy. The private sector can grow and create
employment opportunities and help us really
solve the problems we have.”
Agility started life as the state-owned Public
Warehousing Company (PWC) in 1979 but it
is now present in around 100 countries and
is expanding all the time. Sultan believes the
transformation from PWC as a small national
player into the private-sector powerhouse that
is Agility is a clear example of a successful
privatisation model.
“I think to be honest the lessons are for the
governments,” he suggests.
“The governments win across the board
when they privatise as they free up capital,
they can shrink public sector involvement in
the economy, which by itself helps grow the
country’s GDP… I think our company is a great
example of what the government can achieve by
privatising a company.”
It is no surprise then that, both as a logistics
company operating from Kuwait and as a
state-owned body that was successfully
privatised, Sultan is interested in taking a stake
in beleaguered flag-carrier Kuwait Airways
when the government eventually gets around to
privatising the loss-making airline.
Last year, the Al Rai newspaper reported
that Agility was interested in competing to buy
a 35 percent stake in the airline, as part of the
company’s strategy of expanding into aviation
services. “We don’t know the reason for all these
delays although the state’s plans to privatise the
company are clear and have been announced
and are according to a law that should be
executed,” Sultan was quoted as saying.
Kuwait’s parliament first approved a plan
in 2008 to privatise struggling Kuwait Airways
by offloading 35 percent of the company to
specialised local or international firms. But the
process has repeatedly been held up. Despite
Sultan’s enthusiasm, the Kuwaiti parliament is
reportedly considering keeping Kuwait Airways
in state hands by reducing the proportion of
shares on offer for sale to just 25 percent.
While moves in his backyard with Kuwait
Airways may be going slowly, Sultan has his
hands full with the firm’s global expansion.
“The infrastructure business is focused
primarily on the emerging markets and really
building basic infrastructure like airports,
warehouses and other services and assets that
are required for trade. That business is continuing
to grow and develop and was a strong year last
year and we expect our strengths to continue,”
Sultan says.
“The global supply chain business is a
challenge and the growth rates there are flat
[but] through better financial discipline we are
able to operate more efficiently and drive more
profits.”
The expansion certainly is paying off and
the company last month announced its fullyear 2014 financial results, reporting a net profit
of $168.1m, a rise of 10 percent year-on-year.
Revenues for the year stand at $4.51bn, up 6
percent year-on-year.
“Agility has steadily grown bottom-line
profitability across its various business entities
over the last three years,” Sultan says, but it is
obvious there have been differences in how its
various sectors and businesses have performed.
Its global integrated logistics business
(GIL), which is part of the supply chain for
goods across the globe, saw revenue decline
6 percent to $3.5bn for 2014. The slight decline
was put down to global economic volatility and
the winding down of major logistics project
contracts in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Despite this, margins have expanded from
21.8 percent in 2013 to 23.4 percent in 2014,
mainly due to the growth in logistics contracts in
the Middle East and Asia, where Agility opened
new facilities and boosted its volumes from
existing and new customers. It also managed
to improve yields from its air freight business,
which helped offset some of the continued
margin pressures on the ocean freight side.
While the GIL sector was challenging,
Agility’s work on logistics infrastructure, such
as real estate, saw revenues increase by 18
percent to $1bn, when compared with the full
year of 2013.
“Agility’s infrastructure companies have
historically performed well, and this year was
no exception. We continue to believe in the
long-term opportunities that the infrastructure
companies have to tap into niche segments in
emerging markets across the Middle East, Asia,
and Africa,” Sultan says.
“We add value to our customers by
being willing to go in early, investing in
infrastructure that enables trade, building
local capacity, and continuing to deliver
even through the tough times.”
Despite the 10 percent rise in profits for 2014,
Reuters reported last month that Agility trimmed
its dividend payout for 2014, with its board
proposing to pay shareholders a cash dividend
of 0.035 dinars a share and 5 free shares for
every 100 held for 2014. While the payout was in
line with the 2013 figure, the cash amount was
below the 0.04 dinars paid in the previous year,
according to Thomson Reuters data.
Sultan says the trimmed down dividend is
so the company can retain capital to fund its
ongoing expansion plans.
“That is correct. We do have to obviously
continue to grow and we have some interesting
projects that will require capital, to the extent
we will keep that capital on our balance sheet
and fund it ourselves, which will be good for the
shareholders in the long run,” he explains.
Using this bank of capital, Agility is planning
to invest $100m expanding into emerging
markets this year, with Africa a prime focus.
Among the target markets for the company’s
expansion are Ghana, Mozambique, Angola
and Nigeria as they have been benefiting from
an improved performance in their oil and gas
sectors, as well as growing populations and
consumer spending.
“Africa is a growing market and it’s one of our
last frontiers — we’ve invested but not as much
as we would have liked,” says Essa Al Saleh,
chief executive of Agility’s GIL unit.
Agility already has operational capacity in
11 Africa countries and has a complex supply
chain operation in the challenging West African
region. In addition, in 2014, its subsidiary
National Aviation Services expanded its
ground-handling footprint on the continent with
a new facility in the Ivory Coast, while Tristar,
its fuel logistics company, owns and operates
more than 30 terminals in Africa with more
than 60 million litres in storage capacity. In
addition, Agility recently opened new business
development offices in Mozambique and Ghana
as part of its focus on the continent.
“Clearly the area of focus for us has
been emerging markets… That is a large
number of countries to focus on but we are
very bullish on Africa, in part because the
challenge in Africa is a lack of infrastructure
and a lack of supply chain and that is part
of our value proposition. We invest in those
capabilities where they don’t exist and there
is clearly a need and I think our growth in
Africa is going to be rapid,” says Sultan.
“We are primarily investing in airport and
ground-handling opportunities,” he says of
the $100m he has in his treasure chest to
invest. “So every time we invest in an airport or
there is an airport that wants to tap into some
our expertise we are ready. Problems are
associated with electricity, problems of a lack
of infrastructure… So we are looking to centres
throughout Africa where we will provide turnkey
infrastructure projects, giving electricity, water
and communications and security all in one.”
With ongoing conflicts in Libya, Iraq, Syria
and Yemen, Agility already faces issues in terms
of security. However, Sultan points out that, as
a global company, it is used to dealing with
challenging markets.
“Generally we have worked in environments
that have had security challenges, whether
in Egypt or Iraq, and we are doing the United
Nations humanitarian mission in Sudan, so we
are operating in difficult environments. The
fact of the matter is, in the long run, strife and
uncertainty is not good for growth and the
reality is that even during the conflicts in Egypt
you needed access to diapers and medicines
and food and someone had to do that.
“Syria and Libya are on hold until a
resolution of the security issues. Having said
that, if you look at a country like Iraq we are
very active in Iraq in the oil and gas industry
and elsewhere. It is hopefully the case that
focusing on these challenging markets you
can give a value proposition to our customers
and our shareholders,” he says, adding that
the company at present also doesn’t operate in
conflict-ridden Yemen.
In terms of Iran, he also confirms that the
business does not operate in this market as a
result of the ongoing complications due to the
sanctions still imposed by the European Union
and the US.
“Generally we follow the mode of what the
international community establishes as the
mode for engaging with a country and there are
certain regulations that apply to our customers
and we have to respect those regulations
whatever they may be. Our customers demand
that you comply with those regulations set by
the UN and EU bodies and we do the same.”
However, Sultan told Reuters last year he was
looking forward to the sanctions barrier coming
down as a result of discussions between Tehran
and western leaders and is aiming to enter the
Iranian market as soon as it is possible.
“When the international situation is resolved
and restrictions are lifted, we’ll be among the
first ones in there.”
Another slightly different, but much more
headline-grabbing, challenge facing Agility is
its ongoing legal battle with the US military.
The case centres on allegations, which the
firm has denied, that it overcharged the US
army over supply contracts. In August last
year, Agility said the US Department of Justice
was seeking “substantial damages” and that it
remained suspended from bidding for new US
government contracts.
“The legal case is still pending and there is
really not much more to add. I’d rather not get
into that as we have a legal dispute and let’s
leave it at that,” Sultan says of the case.
However, the dispute has not prevented
Agility from winning other military-related
business as late last year one of its subsidiaries,
Agility Defense and Government Services,
won an $82.5m contract from Britain’s Ministry
of Defence to manage household moves for
ministry and armed forces personnel until April
2016.
With all these expansion plans in place,
where does Sultan plan to get the money to
finance its growing global footprint?
“Our preference has always been to use our
own balance sheet to finance and it is something
we felt was always a key part of our success.
You need a flexible enough financial structure
to enable us to grow in other markets as it is
often the case that financing is not available to
you if you invest in a part of the world that the
international community thinks is risky.
“But, going forward though, [we are] investing
in areas that are extremely important to global
growth. So we have the key stakeholders like
the African Development Bank that are very
interested in the sort of projects we are doing as
there are huge multipliers associated with them.
If you are investing in airports you are helping
airlines come to a new destination and there
are a whole lot of jobs created and we can see
closer collaboration with these development
organisations as what we are trying to achieve
is pretty consistent.”
Consistency seems to be the Agility
approach and, with Sultan due to celebrate his
20th anniversary at the helm in 2017, this looks
set to continue. It is also a pretty a solid example
of what Kuwait can achieve by privatising some
of its crown jewels.
Coutesy: Arabian Business
4
LOCAL
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
Vietnam,
through
the Lenses of
'The Eleven'
By Ghazal Praveen
I
Staff Writer
n 2014, an active group of eleven
Kuwaiti photographers, led by
prominent Kuwaiti photographer,
Tayseer Al-Hamad, headed for a
trip to Vietnam, which served as
an extraordinary subject for their
passions.
Resultantly, coming up with
beautiful and refreshing images of
the country, the group, “The Eleven”,
varied in their enthusiasm but bonded
by their common love of photography,
recently catapulted their full photo
library, which focused on “portraits and
faces” of Vietnam, at an exhibition held
at Al-Tilal Gallery. It also included their
coffee table book, Faces of Vietnam,
featuring the full photo library.
The three-day charity photography
exhibition, held from 11 to 13 May,
in the presence of Vietnamese
Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Nguyen
Hong Thao, saw a notable number
of them being sold-out fast, with the
sales proceeds donated to The Kuwait
Center For Autism.
Photographer Al-Hamad, having
traveled to –places that prove to be
inspiring in, both, artistic sense for
are travel and photography. It is an
amazing experience to observe and
photograph such varied cultures and
I see it as a privilege that I am able to
share the beauty and diversity of the
world I have seen, with others.”
Sapa and Ninh Binh in 12 days. We
were 11 people, all sharing the same
spirit but different techniques. This
is where the name of the book came
from.”
In the book, Saleh Al-Kouh, a
small streets and corners of old and
ancient buildings. The Sapa Hills
are incredibly amazing with endless
rice terraces and vegetables and
fruits fields. The people of Sapa are
unique in their cultures and living.
photography purposes as well as
on humanistic level– through Asian
countries, including Thailand, China,
Japan and India extensively, noted,
“Two of my great passions in life
Elaborating on the book, he
explained, “This book is about our
trip to north of Republic of Vietnam,
in October 2014. We covered Hanoi,
Dian Bien Phu, Lai Chau, Phong Thu,
member of the group, mentioned
about the appeal of Vietnam and
how it charms a photographer all
the more, “Hanoi is full of hustle
bustle and very busy city with lots of
Their women and young girls dress in
bright headdresses and clothing full of
colorful embroidery. Their daily home
living gave us interesting photography
opportunities.”
Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
Tareq Yousuf Al-Shumaimry
[email protected]
Managing Editor
Reaven D’Souza
[email protected]
P O Box 5141, Safat 13052, Kuwait
Tel : 24814404, 24810109
Fax : 24834815
Email : [email protected]
Printed in: Arwa Universal Printing Press
DIMENSIONS
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
5
Arabic transcripts of
Romanian poems,
in Al-Babtain Library
Anthology of poems of land, love and life, from
the land of Romania, translated in Arabic, and
Kuwaiti poems in Romanian, recently took their
places at the shelves of Al-Babtain Central
library for Arabic Poetry, as Romania and Kuwait
celebrate 50 years of their diplomatic and cultural
relations this year.
my dream (of youth) materialized. A
huge team of translators, including
the former Romanian Ambassador
to several countries, collaborated
on the project for over a year, and
H.E. Sofineti, totally, supported us
in the creation and realization of this
project.”
By Ghazal Praveen
A
Staff Writer
mbassador Sofineti stated,
“For the 50th anniversary of
establishing the diplomatic
relations between Romania and
Kuwait, in 2013, we published a
book in Romanian anthology of
poetry –contemporary poetry from
Romania and contemporary poetry
from Kuwait, Romanian poetry
translated into Arabic and Kuwaiti
poetry translated into Romanian,
half and half. Director of Al-Babtain
Central library for Arabic Poetry,
Suad Abdullah Al-Ateeqi, played an
important role in choosing Kuwaiti
poets.”
A visiting delegation of six,
from the northern part of Romania,
including a team of publishers, a
Romanian journalist and Maramures
County Council President Zamfir
Ciceu, in the presence the library’s
director
Suad
Abdullah
AlAteeqi, as well as the Romanian
Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Vasile
Sofineti, donated books containing
Romanian and Arabic anthology
of these translated poems, to the
library, on 14 May.
Ciceu stated, “celebrating over
50 years of Romania’s relations with
Kuwait, this exchange stands as a
token of our willingness to, further,
increase our cultural, economic and
political relations.”
He ran out of words, when asked
of the beauty of his county, which
earned its fame of one of the most
well preserved traditional area of
Romania, where many of the villages
still rely on archaic ways of life.
In another book, donated to
the library, the Romanian poems,
authored by Stan Patras, from
Sapanta, took on subjects such as
the country’s beautiful Maramures
county and its unique funeral
monument – the “Merry Cemetery”
in Sapanta, second in fame after the
valley of kings in Egypt.
Of the book Happy Cemetery,
which is bilingual (in Romanian and
Arabic languages) he explained,
“It a presentation of this place
in Maramures, called ‘Merry
Cemetery’, which has elements
of rare art on the graveyards of
people.”
With a lively, beautifully carved
wooden cross, painted in the radiant
blue of heaven and decorated with
a painting and an original poem that
disclose a little something about the
life and character of the plot’s eternal
inhabitant, the country proves that
death can have its lighter side.
But the main book presented
by the delegation, the anthology,
Confluente Poetice, which weaves in
the works of some of the best poets
of the day, some of whom were,
also, candidates for the Nobel Prize
in Literature, had a commendable
reception in Romania and the
Ambassador hopes the same to
repeat in Kuwait.
He revealed, “I have to say that
Kuwaiti poets are a big success in
Romania. The book (Confluente
Poetice) itself was very well
received, many people have read
it and the second edition is already
on its heels, which means a lot,
especially nowadays, when people
are reading everything on internet,
to sell books is not an easy job.”
It contains poems –on love, love
of the country, humankind and
everything that poetry can take, in
fabulous expressions– by poets the
likes of Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain,
chairman, founder and owner of AlBabtain Central Library for Arabic
Poetry, Sheikha Sabah, Yaqoub
Al-Subaie, author and artist Alia
Shuaib, Suad Al-Sabah, amongst
other excellent poets.
These books, translated in
Arabic, come from the Romanian
publishers –PROEMA, who also
stand to be the publishers of the
country’s first Romanian translation
of Khalil Gibran’s poems from
Lebanon, for which they are,
now, going to Lebanon to make a
donation.
Publisher Alexandru Peterliceanu
mentioned, “With the anthology
and opera, for Romanian poets,
translated and published in Arabic,
The anthology,
Confluente Poetice,
which weaves in the
works of some of the
best poets of the day,
some of whom were,
also, candidates
for the Nobel Prize
in Literature, had
a commendable
reception in Romania
and the Ambassador
hopes the same to
repeat in Kuwait.
Although, the tangible realization
of Confluente Poetice, in Arabic,
took only last year, the inception of
its idea took form many years back,
when Peterliceanu’s son Emanuel
Peterliceanu’s interest in Arabic built
on, while studying under the faculty
of history in Baghdad, between the
years 2000 and 2005. He, also, went
on to explore the history of countries
like Iraq, Jordan and Syria.
So was the case with the father,
who revealed, “ Although, I never
thought that I would be able to visit
an Arabic country and know more
about it, yet, I discovered love for
Arabic culture and the Middle-East,
especially through its events.”
“I took up publishing, Romanian
volumes in Arabic, and viceversa, as a personal initiative
because music and poetry create
connections beyond boundaries
and better cultural exchanges are
witnessed,” he furthered.
In addition, Alexandru also feels
that “we owe to Arabic because a
lot of them were being translated,
from Greek, to other languages and
since, Greece was a gate to Europe,
a continued literary dialogue was
possible.”
Some other books, as well, being
donated amongst the 20 books
offered, include interesting pieces of
creation –under special publishing
program called “Arabic Library”–
translated from poems by poets
of Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and many
Arab countries, which PROEMA are
publishing in their publishing house.
While continuing with Kuwaiti
poetry translations, the publishing
house is onto projects in Egypt and
Jordan, and Saudi Arabia is onto its
nearing plans.
It also, along with the delegation,
looks forward to Romanian translations
of poems by poetess Sheikha Sabah
and by poet Abdulaziz Saud AlBabtain,
chairman, founder and
owner of Al-Babtain Central Library
for Arabic Poetry.
LOCAL
6
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
ASSE Kuwait conducts Technical Meet
on Hazard Communication
A
merican Society of Safety
Engineers
(ASSE),
Kuwait
Chapter is a premier voluntary,
non-profit
Health,
Safety
and
Environmental organization, which
strives to provide professional
guidance, training, consultancy and
resources to the industrial and social
sectors in the region. As a part of
continuous efforts in its professional
journey, ASSE-KC organized the 198th
Technical Meet and 8th for the year
2014-15; on ‘Hazard Communication’
at Kohinoor Banquets hall, Fahaheel,
Kuwait on 29 April, 2015.
The Technical Meet kick-started with
the welcome address by Dinesh Datta,
Chapter Treasurer & Acting Secretary
who discussed the day’s agenda.
Ritesh Gupta, Head of Technical Events
Committee welcomed the participants
and introduced the speaker, Ravi B.
Tammanur.
Ravi B.Tammanur, CSP, CIH, an
industrial hygienist from Kuwait National
Petroleum Company, has more than 20
years of professional experience and
is the founding member of the ASSE
Kuwait family.
Mr. Tammanur explained about
identifying chemicals used in the
workplace, Hazards of chemicals
used, Labelling, Use of MSDS and
Use of PPE, Exposure Monitoring/
Medical Surveillance with an excellent
presentation and related videos. There
was a question & answer session
where the audience raised their
concerns about HSE performance
which were clarified by the speakers.
Mohammad Riaz Shareef, President of
ASSE Kuwait thanked the speaker and
all the attendees for their participation.
The program concluded with the
dinner.
Indian Women’s Association
holds Ninth Annual
‘Compassionate Care’ Health Camp
FREE
HOME DELIVERY
T
Enjoy our delicious snacks and
desserts that will satisfy
your desire for sweets
rue to its mandate of lending a
helping hand, the Indian Women’s
Association (IWA) held its ninth annual
‘Compassionate Care’ health camp at
the Holy Family Cathedral last week
in cooperation with the Indian Doctors
Forum and the church volunteers.
Over 60 doctors, nurses, volunteers
and IWA members attended to over
400 individuals at the health camp.
All the attendees went through blood
sugar and pressure testing and
got to address their health related
issues with general physicians and
specialists at the camp. The specialists
included cardiologists, neurologists,
gynaecologists,
gastroenterologists,
dentists and psychologists. Patients
came in with a host of ailments, some of
which were diagnosed by the doctors
to be serious conditions such as
hypertension, diabetes, etc. Some of
these cases were undetected or even
left untreated for long periods of time.
Most of the attendees at the camp
were individuals that work all week and
do not get regular days off; leaving them
with little or no time to seek medical
attention. Those who can, shy away
due to lack of resources or language
barriers. Sensing a need to assist these
individuals, IWA organizes this camp
each year.
In the last nine years since
Compassionate Care was launched,
close to 2000 individuals have received
medical attention from over 120 doctors
volunteering their time.
IWA takes this opportunity to thank
the doctors from the Indian Doctors
Forum for their valuable contributions in
providing healthcare to those in need.
Lulu Group donated 20 million
Nepalese Rupees for Nepal relief
Outstanding food and great taste
We have
cabins
for families
Restaurants
Kuwait city - Mubarak Al Kabeer Street
Tel: 22456553 , 22476886
Salmiya - Hamad Al Mubarak Street
Tel: 25720788 , 25720799
Confectionerys
Jabriya - Block 3, Street 10
Qusor - Block 7, Street 14
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Tel: 25333500, 25348484
Tel: 25425003,25429812
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Farwaniya - Block 1, street 122
Jahra - Block 2, Behind Zamzam Market
Tel: 24757070,24758080
Tel: 24578992, 24578993, 50277799
www.orientalkuwait.com
In an effort to support the relief
efforts to the quake in Nepal, the
Lulu Group has handed over an
amount of 20 million Nepalese
Rupees (Two Crore Nepalese
Rupees) to the Nepal Prime Ministers
disaster relief fund. Dhananjay Jha,
Ambassador of Nepal to the UAE
received the cheque from Yusuff
Ali MA, Managing Director of Lulu
Group in Abu Dhabi. Senior officials
of Lulu Group including Saifee
Rupawala, CEO, Salim VI, COO and
Parameshwaran Nampoothiri, Group
Finance Manager were also present
at the occasion.
“This earthquake is one of the
worst disaster happened in the
history of Nepal, which resulted in
the loss of many lives and properties.
The World community has responded
overwhelmingly by supporting the
people of Nepal with wholeheartedly
and this gesture by LuLu Group is
much appreciated and accepted with
gratitude by the people of Nepal,”
said Dhananjay Jha after the event.”
On his part, Yusuff Ali MA said,
“GCC countries have always been
in the forefront in providing relief to
those affected by natural calamities
and I urge each one of us to
support this in whatever way we
can and show our solidarity with the
visionary and humanitarian leaders
of GCC nations.”
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
LOCAL
7
Al Mulla Exchange organizes Philippine Musical Concert for patrons
of different culture and nationalities.
Strumming her electric guitar,
she drove the crowd wild when she
performed
‘Ligaya’
popularised
by the famous Filipino Band, the
Eraserheads. Setting the energy in the
room with a number of catchy beats,
her song choice included many hits
like ‘Same Ground’, ‘Bulong’, and
‘Pagsubok’. Pausing for a breather,
she thanked Al Mulla Exchange for
bringing her to Kuwait to perform for
her Filipino compatriots.
Two
masterful
singers
accompanied the star on stage to
heighten the glamour of the musical
production, Suy Galvez from The voice
Philippines and Brenan Espartinez
who earned stardom with Pinoy Pop
Superstar. Also on stage were Buboy
Manalo, Michael Bayas and Otep
Concepcion. These dazzling artists
combined their rich voices in perfect
harmony and elevated the concert
to a deeply-enthralling event. Suy
and Brenan kept the show moving
with popular favourites such as
‘Forevermore’ by the Side A Band,
Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking out Loud’ and
other current hits.
Performing for the front act was
the local band, United Radio Band
comprised of Claire Constantino
Nurse clearance
gets ‘ month’ pass
T
o streamline the recruitment of Indian
nurses for work in Kuwait with effect from 30
April 2015, the Government of India decided to
restrict the recruitment of nurses through the
following three State-run recruiting agencies:
Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs Department
(NORKA-ROOTS),
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala;
Overseas
Development
and
Employment Promotion Consultants Ltd.
(ODEPC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; and
Overseas Manpower Corporation Limited
(OMCL), Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The Government of India has also decided
earlier this month that these recruitment
agencies which are authorized to recruit
Indian nurses will not charge any fees
towards recruitment expenses from Indian
nurses. Such cost, if any, shall be met by the
concerned agencies in Kuwait on mutually
agreed terms. Moreover, foreign employers in
Kuwait will not recover any amount towards the
cost of recruitment from Indian nurses, initially
or subsequently, during their contract.
The Government has decided on 14 May
2015 to make one-month relaxation with regard
to emigration clearance, that is, Indian nurses
coming for work in Kuwait till 30 May 2015
would not require any emigration clearance.
(lead vocalist), Corly Villadiego (2nd
vocalist), Rodate Mojica (rhythm
.acoustic and back up voice), Renz
Navarro Almeria (bassist), Jerome
Dela cruz (lead guitarist), Mark
Gomez (2nd lead Guitarist), Awie
Berroya Recede (drummer) and Bong
Cas (keyboardist).
After finishing strong, The Kitchie
Nadal Concert ended on a high note
with a session dedicated to fans and
an autograph signing of her new
album ‘Malaya’. She thanked the
audience for the amazing time she
had in Kuwait, hoping to return for
another wonderful musical event.
Brilliant student poets at Dinkar Poetry Awards
D
and Miria Johnson, ICSK (3rd
Recitation Class IX to XI).
The recitation category had
poems of Mahadevi, Hariaudh,
Dinkar, Harivansh Rai Bachhan,
Shiv Mangal Singh Suman and
many others being recited, but
the quality of poems written by
students was surprising.
The competition part of the
event was an effort to instill an
interest in literature in the budding
minds, and the second part of the
whole day festival was a feast of
tasteful poetry from well-known
poets of Kuwait. Twelve Hindi and
Urdu poets participated in the
Mushiara and Kavi Sammelan.
Mr. U. C. Sharma, President of
Kuwait Writers Forum remarked,
“All the credit goes to Maurya
Kala Parisar for organizing such
an event, with such fairness and
on such a large scale. This will
go a long way in building the
character of children.’
Maurya Kala Parisar, registered
with Embassy of India in Kuwait,
is a cultural and social association
of people in Kuwait connected
to the Indian states of Bihar and
Jharkhand.
inkar Poetry Awards
2015, a poetry writing and
recitation competition for
students was arguably one of the
biggest ever student events in
Kuwait. It was unique as it was
a competition for Hindi / Urdu
poetry generally not routine in
student competition circuits. Over
81 budding poets from 12 schools
competed for the coveted Dinkar
Poetry Awards in three categories
on Friday, 15 May 2015 at Ras
Salmiya in front of a large crowd
of parents and teachers.
Neketra Trivedi of FAIPS won
the First prize in Self Written
poetry category, while Hardik
Pandey of SIMS and Kushagra
Agarwal of FAIPS won the First
prizes in Poetry Recitation
category for Class VI to VIII and
IX to XI respectively. Other prize
winners were Sadya Afreen, Gulf
Indian School (2nd Self written),
Razan Mohammed, SIMS (3rd
Self written), Megha Johnson
ICSK (2nd Recitation Class VI
to VIII), Devarshi K. Shirsath,
ICSK (3rd Recitation Class VI
to VIII), Taniya Sinha, FAIPS
(2nd Recitation Class IX to XI)
198
5
A
l Mulla International Exchange,
the leading money-exchange
house in the country, held
a musical spectacle titled, ‘Kitchie
Nadal’, on two consecutive days,
8 and 9 May at the American
International School in Hawally. This
exciting concert, which was wellattended by around 1, 800 customers
of Al Mulla Exchange, featured quality
entertainers with a large fan following
and was a grand success.
The Friday show was opened by
Raul Dado, Charge d’ Affaires of the
Philippine Embassy, and on Saturday,
Jabbar Adiong, First Secretary and
Consul of the Philippine Embassy, was
welcomed as the chief guest.
The lead performer, Kitchie
Nadal, formerly the lead vocalist for
the alternative-rock band, Mojofly,
is a highly-recognized artist for
her stimulating lyrics, which she
composes herself, and her expressive
voice. In the alternative-rock niche,
she has a large fan base that only
grows with each album release, since
her first hit single ‘Huwag na Huwag
Mong Sasabihin’, from her first album
‘Kitchie Nadal’. Kitchie has toured
many countries around the world such
as Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, India
and Qatar, and delighted audiences
015
-2
Our branches
Hawally
Sharq
Fahaheel
Farwaniya
Al-Rayan
Jahra
Fintas
Salmiya 2
22626782
22626783 /4
23911174
23911175
22425131
22425132
24565111 / 222
24565333
23911174
23911175
23900026
23900027
24726126 / 7
24740003 / 4
25729292
25729293
SINCE 1985
Salmiya 1
25722223
25722224
Marina Mall
22244523
Sharm El-Sheikh
+20693604548
Everyone’s First Choice
[email protected] - www.mughalmahal.com
FOOD
8
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
D I N I N G
I N
For a complete list of featured restaurants, visit
http://www.timeskuwait.com/News_Dining In Kuwait
K U W A I T
Concept: Craving something
cold and sweet as the weather
gets hotter and stickier? Then
you have to try these amazing
little treats: gelato in a variety of
different and unique flavors –
as well as unique and adorable
packaging, by Angelato Artisan
Gelato & Pastries.
ANGELATO
ARTISAN GELATO &
PASTRIES
Cuisine: They offer fresh artisan gelato
with natural ingredients, which are
naturally low in fat and much healthier
than ice cream, and the finest pastries.
There are also non-dairy options if that
is what you are looking for.
Popular: Choose from different and
delicious flavors, including but not
limited to Vanilla & Figs, Hail & Saffron,
Nutella, Mexican Hot Chocolate.
Ambience: The place is quiet, tidy and
upscale. Location: Ground Floor - Burj Jassem, Soor Street, Murgab, Kuwait City - Contact: 22960061, 66327367 | Facebook: Angelato-KWT | Instagram @angelato_kwt
Concept:
Inspired by the famous Ruby’s
Café located in the heart of New
York City’s Mulberry Street,
Little Ruby’s Kuwait offers an
authentic NYC café experience.
Its carefully crafted menu and
incredible comfort food is
presented in a heart- warming
and homey manner.
Cuisine: Their signature menu offerings
include Bronte Burger, favorites such
as Creamy Chicken Pasta with truffle
oil and the Shrimp Linguine, an array
of exceptional appetizers along with
a selection of unique fresh salad
options –like Mango Chicken and the
Pumpkin Pine Nut salad as well as
fresh homemade ice cream.
Popular: For brunch – Brioche French
Toast | From burgers (served with truffle
fries) – Fried Chicken Burger | From
pasta (all of their pastas are topped with
parmesan cheese) – Creamy Chicken
Truffle Penne Ambience: It renders a vintage retro
feel visible in every aspect of this
establishment –immaculate design
of the space, the beautiful black and
white tiled flooring and charming cozy
sofa benches.
Location: Dirwazat Abdulrazaq, Ahmed Aljaber Street, Kuwait City / Soku – The Avenues Phase 3
Contact: 22200099, 22496526 | http://www.littlerubys.com/ | Facebook: Little Ruby’s | Instagram @LittleRubys |
Every week, our Dining in Kuwait’ section features selected restaurants in the country that provide sumptuous cuisines from around the world. Want to
feature your restaurant in our ‘Dining in Kuwait’ section and reach out to our wide reader base?
Email us at [email protected] with a brief about your restaurant along with images in high resolution.
Homemade Citrus
W
hile the winter
garden may already be on its
way out, we can always count on citrus
trees –like lemon trees, orange trees,
grapefruits, mandarins, and limes– to
bear the most beautiful bounties this time
of the year.
It is summer and they are
everywhere, and gloriously so, waiting
to be juiced, handfuls of mandarins
for easy snacking, and little limes
to accompany homemade tacos.
Citrus gets a lot of use in our kitchen,
from zesting and juicing to marinating
and brining. Sometimes we do all of that
at once; we zest the fruit before we juice
it, then use the juice for a marinade or
brine. With any leftover zest that does
not go into the meal, make a citrus salt
— a flaky finishing salt infused with citrus
zest.
It is marvelous how a spoonful of
zest can elevate something as simple
as salt — typically used for rubbing or
seasoning — into a fine finishing salt.
Sprinkled over peas and beans, it livens
up that subtle taste of spring. On top of
roasted beets and carrots, it adds crunch
and kick to those earthy flavors.
How about orange salt on
homemade salted caramels? Or lemon
salt on thick-cut slices of heirloom
tomatoes? Or lime salt to line a roasting
pan for fish? Or grapefruit salt to rim the
glass of a summer drink? You can even
make blended citrus salts, perhaps a
citron-tangerine, to finish a plate of grilled
asparagus or dry rub a slab of steak.
In this recipe, use any coarse salt.
Try it with Maldon sea salt, Himalayan
pink salt, or another flaky finishing salt if
that is what you have.
HOMEMADE CITRUS SALT
(Makes ¼ cup)
Preparation
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup
coarse salt and ½ tbsp citrus zest.
Reach in there and really squeeze
and stir it up well with your fingers;
this serves to not only release all the
fragrant oils from the zest, but also
separate clumps of wet zest so they are
dispersed more evenly in the salt.
Spread the citrus salt across a
Salt
shallow dish or baking sheet. Let
it air dry for at least eight hours, or
overnight. The zest should feel flaky
and crumbly between your fingers
when it is fully dried.
If you are making a few different
kinds of citrus salt, you can spread
them across a baking sheet on
individual sheets of parchment. The
parchment will make it easier to
scoop all the salt off afterward.
To bottle it up right away,
you can speed up the drying
process by heating the citrus
salt in a 100°C oven for about
an hour.
Citrus salt will keep for a few
months at room temperature.
Storage in an airtight container
will prolong shelf life. The zest
may fade in color over time, but
it would not affect the taste.
INTERVIEW
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
9
Martin Parsons
General Manager – Qatar & Kuwait 3M Gulf
3M, fundamentally a science-based company, which produces thousands of imaginative products, and leads in scores of markets – from health care and highway
safety to office products and abrasives and adhesives, elaborates on its presence
in Kuwait, its innovations and future plans.
S
peaking with them about
their operations in Kuwait and
the wider region, given that 3M
has recently directed its identity
towards ‘3M Science-Applied to
Life’, General Manager – Qatar and
Kuwait, at 3M Gulf, Martin Parsons
expands on the company’s success
–beginning with their ability to apply
technologies, often in combination,
to an endless array of real-world
customer needs.
How strong is 3M’s presence in
Kuwait? What products do you
offer to the market?
3M has been operating in Kuwait
for almost a decade, as part of 3M
Gulf’s operations. Through these
years, we have built an extensive
presence by focusing on the primary
particular country is based solely
on the various opportunities that this
country can offer us. The primary
market segments for us in Kuwait are
Consumer, Healthcare, as well as
Oil & Gas, and our analysis shows
that opportunities are also arising in
Infrastructure. Our aim is to continue
bringing advanced technologies and
solutions to every market that we
cater to.
What’s next for 3M in Kuwait?
3M is always looking to provide customers and consumers with the
best. We will continue to evaluate opportunities for growth in Kuwait, and
provide innovative solutions to different segments of the market. With
Kuwait being a primary focus for the Gulf region, we do see an opportunity
for further penetration in some of the key segments, along with our current
market segments - Consumer, Healthcare and Oil & Gas industries.
market segments, which has resulted
in an increase in end-user focus
and the creation of value for our
customers from multiple industries.
3M manufactures over 100,000
products globally. Our focus on a
What are the main divisions in
which you operate in Kuwait?
The Kuwaiti market is one of
the most promising markets in the
GCC region. The country is still
heavily dependent on the oil and gas
industry which accounts for about
50 percent of its GDP, and about 95
percent of its export revenues.
However, we truly believe that
Kuwait is heading towards more
economic diversification which will
offer plenty of opportunities in other
vital sectors of the economy. With
these accelerated investments, we
see a huge potential for many of our
products and solutions and we will
be addressing the same through a
more focused approach in line with
both public and private sectors’
plans.
How strong is 3M’s presence in
the oil & gas sector?
3M supplies thousands
of innovative products to the
global oil and gas industry and
its applications. From everyday
essentials to advanced materials,
3M technologies offer a wealth
of ingenious solutions to many of
today’s toughest challenges.
3M Oil & Gas products are divided
into three categories – Upstream,
Midstream, and Downstream.
Upstream segment helps improve
drilling efficiency, maintain pipeline
integrity and protect valuable
equipment and personnel. 3M
Midstream solutions protect
pipelines against corrosion,
manage underground assets and
ensure reliable product flow – even
under extreme conditions. 3M
Downstream solutions are designed
for refining and storage applications
to promoting brand image.
Our technologies help improve
productivity, promote safety, and,
most importantly, keep businesses
up and running.
In recognition of the significance
of the oil and gas industry to the
economies of the GCC countries,
we have expanded our presence in
this market segment and opened
a full-fledged Mining, Oil & Gas
unit last September. Our aim is
to accelerate our penetration
and expansion in the region
by leveraging the enormous
opportunities that it offers.
3M has always been associated
with innovation. Amid global
economic challenges, how are you
planning to protect your identity?
At 3M, we believe every problem
has a solution. Thus, we have
launched a new corporate brand
platform – 3M Science. Applied to
Life - that emphasizes how 3M’s
science impacts the world around us.
The new brand platform underscores
the company’s business strategy
through a creative articulation of 3M’s
span across sectors.
In fact, science and
collaboration are at the heart of
everything we create that makes
life better. Investing in the 3M
brand with this platform is the next
step to advance 3M’s business
strategy, evolve 3M’s customer
experience and leverage the
strength of the brand across each
of our businesses to drive additional
growth worldwide. Our unique
culture and history and the way we
do what we do, make it possible for
us to own “3M Science.”
Dasman Diabetes Institute launches
a campaign to promote walking among staff
T
he Fitness and Rehabilitation
Center at Dasman Diabetes
Institute, which was established
by the Kuwait Foundation for the
Advancement of Sciences, has
officially launched ‘30 a Day’ walking
campaign on Wednesday, 13 May,
2015. The ‘30 a Day’ campaign aims
at promoting walking for 30 minutes,
5 days a week.
Research has found that walking
30 minutes a day; 5 days a week
has many benefits on one’s health.
Benefits include a reduction of pain,
improved function and mobility
as well as halving the risk of type
2 diabetes when combined with
moderate diet changes.
The Fitness and Rehabilitation
Center is promoting this walking
initiative among its staff and has
successfully been able to draw many
of its employees to join in walking 30
minutes on the center’s walking track.
Dr Kazem Behbehani, The Director
General of Dasman Diabetes Institute
along with senior administration,
department heads, and other staff
from the various departments were
present for the launch.
Dasman plans to make this a
Kuwait-wide campaign in the very
near future to help promote walking
among the Kuwaiti population.
Western Union and OSN
Philippine concert draws 5,000 crowd
Ricky Laxa
‘A
Staff Writer
witawanan’, a Filipino concert
organized by OSN and
Western Union on Friday afternoon
at Al Arabi Gym in Mansouriya,
featured six artists from the
Philippines and was attended by
around 5,000 Filipinos. Popular
recording artists Aiza Segera, Noy
Volante backed up by matinee idols
Raver Cruz and Aron Villafor and
comedienne singers Sabel and
Doris from a popular soap opera
‘Be careful with my heart’, took the
full house venue to the edges of
their seats with dances, songs and
hilarious acts.
The main event started with preconcert events that included a mod
cultural dance by the Philippine
International English School in
Fahaeel, search for Little Mr. and Ms.
OSN, Stars on 45 singing contest,
raffle draws by sponsors LBC and
Western Union and Mega World.
The concert kicked off with a power
packed Zumba presentation by the
Gym Team instructors and asst.
instructors followed by hilarious
presentations by Doris and Sabel.
The crowd rose to their feet and
cheered non-stop when both
matinee idols Raver and Aron took
to the stage with songs and dances.
The main act of the night immediately
followed with a series of popular
songs from Aiza and Noy.
The event was presented by
OSN and Western Union, Media
Partner by TFC, brought by
Alpha Solutions Advertising and
Publishing Company and Sounds
and Lightings by Aurora Vision.
Media Sponsors were Pinoy Arabia
FM, Arab Times, Kuwait Times,
OFWorld Magazine, TFM (The
Filipino Magazine) and The Times.
10
LOCAL
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
Kuwait
This
Week
ILLEGAL GROCERIES
Emergency Team Leader at the Kuwait
Municipality branch, in Ahmadi, and
member of the team in charge of evicting
bachelors from family residential areas,
Meshal Aba Al- Safi, confirmed closure
of most grocery shops attached to
residential buildings, in Fahaheel. He
mentioned, “they are bachelors who
illegally operated grocery shops in
family residential areas as they did not
obtain licenses for such a commercial
activity and violated the law. The
emergency team confiscated tons of
food items deemed unfit for human
consumption and five motorbikes used
for home deliveries.
HEALTH
Kuwaiti women 'celebrate'
attaining political franchise
K
uwaiti women, on Saturday, celebrated
attaining their political franchise, on 16 May,
2005, when the National Assembly headquarters
witnessed a historic session with 35 MPs blessing
amendment of the electoral law’s first article,
“LAID-OFF CRISIS”
thus granting them the right to vote and run for
polls. This accomplishment capped long struggle
by the Kuwaiti women for the constitutional and
political rights, backed by men legislators, during
a series of parliamentary sessions.
SOCIAL WATCH
GCC suggested project to
monitor society
T
Laid-off Kuwaiti Employees
in private sector receive
allowances
The Government Manpower and Restructuring
Program (GMRP) announced that approximately
KD26 million, which is the 50-month allowance
payment of up to April 2015, has been disbursed
to Kuwaiti citizens who were laid off from the
private sector. Many Kuwaiti employees, of
the private sector, were laid off because of the
2008 global recession and its ‘aftershock’ on
the labor markets in various countries”.
he Ministry of Social Affairs and labor is
launching the “social watch” project, to
monitor positive and negative phenomena
in the Kuwaiti society. The Executive
Bureau of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) Social Affairs and Labor Ministers
Council suggested project launch, to be
implemented in 2016-2017, will provide
programs like GPS and GIS systems.
It will see cooperation between Public
Authority for Civil Information (PACI),
Central Administration Statistics (CAS),
Ministry of Justice, Social Development
Office, Ministry of Education, besides
universities and other specialized bodies to
conduct field studies. Kuwait society and its
phenomena –domestic violence, violence
among youth, society members of locals
and expats– will be monitored. A field study
will be conducted in two months, related to
the impact of internet usage on the society
members.
MOH withdraws
antipyretic and
pain reliever
The Ministry of Health withdrew the
antipyretic and pain reliever Panadol
Baby and Infant upon a request from
GlaxoSmithKline, the producer of
the drug. A mistake was discovered
in the dosage rates written on the
package of the product which could
lead to liver problems. Head of the
Ministry’s drug registration dept. Rami
Behbehani also advised parents to
stop giving their kids this drug and
turn to alternatives the doctors might
recommend. EMERGENCY LANES
Time needed to
prepare emergency
traffic lanes
Ministry of Public Works is currently
coordinating with Ministry of Finance
and Ministry of Interior (MOI) for
maintenance of left emergency lanes
of several ring roads and producing a
cost study of the project, following the
recent announcement made by MOI
to allow vehicles to use emergency
lanes at maximum speed of 45 km/
hr during heavy traffic jams. Assistant
Undersecretary
for
Maintenance
Affairs at Ministry of Public Works
Mohammad bin Nakhi indicated that
the concerned bodies will require time
to prepare the emergency lanes for its
smooth use.
Kuwait participates
in Free Theatre Festival
in Jordan
T
Government to boost 'non-oil' revenues
he country’s 2016/2017 budget will be streamlined
and controlled further while widening the scope
of non-oil revenues. It includes procedures dealing
with issuance of laws related to public tenders and
strategic alternative to salary scale. The government,
also, intends to cancel the privilege given to some
employees to cash or upgrade air tickets issued to
them and their families.
Kuwait showed "Try Again" play, written
by UAE's Saleh Al-Amiri, at the 10th
Free Theatre Festival, which featured
nine shows by nine Arab and Western
countries during the 16–21 May event.
Director Dr. Mubarak Al-Mezel said the
play won seven awards at Kuwait Theatre
Festival and hoped the audience would
like the performance. He also hoped to
show his play at Carthage theatre festival,
in Tunisia, as well as at other international
festivals. Dr. Faisal Al-Qahtani, of
Kuwait, is also participating in a seminar
about role of theatre against extremist
ideologies, the theme of the festival.
DEPORTATION
Travel ban lifts
for deportation
A report submitted by some ministers,
is under discussion by the cabinet, to
activate law for deporting residency
law violators who are convicted and
banned from travelling, to resolve
cases involving bans on such violators
from leaving the country and rectify
mechanism of issuing final verdicts for
their deportation.
8,410 expats
arrested
to be deported
The Public Security Sector, after
conducting 251 security campaigns
last week, resulting in the arrest of
several persons wanted by law for
involvement in criminal and civil cases,
continued its security campaigns
in all governorates. It led to the
arrest of 8,410 expatriates, including
Residency Law violators, marginalized
laborers and others wanted by law
for absconding, who are waiting for
deportation this week.
EDUCATION
Kuwait 93rd in
WEF's Human
Capital Index
World Economic Forum (WEF)’s
Human Capital Index, which analyses
124 countries on how well they are
developing and deploying their human
capital, focusing on education, skills
and employment, ranked Kuwait 93rd
in the list. It aims to understand whether
countries are wasting or leveraging
their human potential when Kuwait
relies, heavily, on expatriate workers
in key sectors such as construction,
retail and healthcare. Globally, Finland
topped the rankings of the Human
Capital Index in 2015, scoring 86
percent. Norway, Switzerland, Canada
and Japan made up to the rest of the
top five and were among a group of
only 14 nations that have crossed the
80 percent threshold.
COOPERATION
Kuwait - S. Korea sign
multi-faceted MoU
Kuwait's national Fund for Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and South
Korea's small and medium business
administration signed here, on Sunday,
a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
to promote cooperation in several fields,
including sharing information of all
sectors of SMEsin the two countries. It
also includes information pertaining to
legislations and regulations as well as
incentives and policies supported by
governmental and semi-governmental
institutions. The memo will contribute
to sharing expertise and research
studies through hosting seminars and
conferences between the two sides and
facilitate opportunities for SMEs in both
the countries.
LOCAL
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
11
Dentists gather at IDAK Dental Symposium
T
he First IDAK (Indian Dentists Alliance in
Kuwait) Scientific symposium was held on
the 1 May 2015 at The Regency Kuwait.
The event surpassed expectations with over
250 Dentists of different nationalities registering
for the event. The speakers for the event, Dr.
GopiKrishna, Dr. Neel Bhatavaderkar, Dr. Vinod
Krishnan and Dr. David Tauro, shared with the
audience their knowledge in different aspects
of clinical dentistry with emphasis on recent
advances.
The guests of honor for the event were Dr.
Yusuf Al Duwairy - Assistant Undersecretary,
Dental Affairs MOH Kuwait, Dr. Sabiha Al
Mutawa-Director of Dental Administration MOH
Kuwait, Dr. Jawad Behbehani-Dean Faculty
of Dentistry Kuwait University and Dr. Deepak
Nallaswamy-Director of Academic Saveetha
University, India.
Dr. Deepak Nallaswamy gave a brief overview
about the changing trends in Dental Education
in India, especially in Saveetha University where
collaborations with various Western universities
in the field of Dentistry are underway. The event
concluded with vote of thanks by the Chairman
of IDAK scientific committee Dr. Unnikrishnan
followed by dinner at the Maha ballroom.
The platinum sponsor for the event was Noon
Medical Supply Co., gold sponsor was CITY
Group, silver sponsor was Quality Source, Sayafe
Medical & Pharma and premium sponsor was Al
Mojil Drug Co. and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
Mother’s Day Celebration at
Bhavan’s Kindergartens
KUDA bids farewell to Somu Mathew
M
other’s Day is the right occasion to
express one’s love and devotion
towards his or her mother. Bhavan’s
kindergartens viz. Indian Educational
School Kindergarten, Bhavan’s Jack and
Jill School, Mangaf and Bhavan’s Pearl
Nursery School marked Mother’s Day in
the most magnificent way. The teachers
elucidated the significance of this day
to the children, and also highlighted the
importance and influence of their loving
mother in their lives.
The teachers sang songs that
reflected a mothers’ genuine and
unconditional love for their children.
Children made beautiful mother’s day
cards for their mothers using their own
finger prints with lovely messages,
assisted and encouraged by helpful
teachers. The children were then asked
to present the card to their mothers with
a big hug and a kiss.
K
erala United District Association-Kuwait (Kuda),
gave a warm farewell to Somu Mathew who is
leaving Kuwait for good after 23 years of service in
Kuwait. The farewell meeting was held at Hi Dine
Auditorium, Abbassiya, and was presided over by Joy
Mundackadu.
M. Mathews and R.C. Suresh, honoured Somu
Mathew with a memento and Ponnada. Mr. Mathew
was an active presence in all social and political
gatherings, and was well known for his initiative and
dedication to community needs.
Felicitations were given by Sageer Thrikkarippur,
Saji Thomas Mathew, Varghese Puthukulangara,
Sharafudheen Kanneth, Dr. Amir Ahmed, Mathew
Varghese, Siddique Valiakathu, Oommen George,
Kocippally Vijayabhanu, Binoy Elanjimel, Abdul Rahim,
Gergy George, Tolly Prakash,Benny Nalpathamkulam,
Ramdas
Chilampathu,
P.A.
Menon,Chessil
Ramapuram, Binil Skaria and Jacob Mathew.
Somu Mathew, who is the son of former M.P. Pala
K.M. Mathew, shared his treasured experiences with
the audience in his speech.
12
LOCAL
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
BOOK RELEASE
Kuwait
Out & About
Things To Do This Week
20 May
Tapondo-Aikido
A Filipino martial art,
which is non-aggressive,
self-defensive and easy
to learn, and applicable to
teens, men and women in
all walks of life, encourages
everyone to join its regular
training.
Kaifan Karate Club
8–10pm every Wednesday,
2–4pm Fridays
Call Herms on 69309150 /
John on 99478443 /
Elli on 94000471
21 May
THE 21ST CENTURY
ENTREPRENEUR
If you love dancing and you
want to express, explore,
learn new dance moves
and more things, then this
is the dance program for
you. There will be a groove
class, only for ladies, every
Wednesday.
Marina Hotel | 6pm | E-mail:
[email protected] or direct
message on Instagram @
haloosh_zumba.
The Smart Greens –
Building Nation Smartly
cordially invite you to
a seminar on ‘The 21st
Century Entrepreneur’
by Alaa A. El-Halwagy,
Innovative Group USA.
Kuwait Continental
7pm–9:30pm
Register at
thesmartgreens.com/the21st-century-entrepreneur/
20-21 May
In this interactive workshop, global speech specialist Heather Hansen will show simple ways to
format your thoughts, develop your content, and deliver presentations with confidence. She will
help build on your natural style and ability to become an influential presenter who connects with
audience members. Learn to think on your feet and never be caught off guard, even when faced
with the most difficult questions.
The Regency Kuwait | 9am–4pm | 94913803, 66911827 | For more information and registration,
visit knowledgeclub.com/
O
I
T
I
B
I
H
X
E
G
N
I
am Pianunummoodu, noted social activist of
Kuwait, is currently authoring a book on the
more than 75-year history of Indian expatriates
and their migration to Kuwait. More than merely a
record of history, he intends to introduce through
his book, the older generation who left Kuwait
earlier and their contribution and sacrifices for
the community in Kuwait.
Sam plans to release his work this year and
has requested people to share any information,
which would help him to do maximum justice
and bring transparency to the venture. Those
who possess any sharable, non-controversial
information regarding “Significance of the name
of country-Kuwait,” the ruling dynasty, details of
important rulers, modern Kuwait, Iraqi invasion,
migration of Indians to Kuwait for work, Indian
arts circle, Indian community school, cultural
and political organizations, presence of Christian
Diocese, India-Kuwait bilateral relationship
and cultural exchange, Indian investors and
their initiatives in Kuwait, bilateral visits of
prominent leaders of both countries, current
developments in Kuwait, English publications
of Kuwait or, possessing any other information,
may contact Sam at 66656642 or e-mail him at
[email protected]
O
S
G
The House of Mirrors is home to the family of
the late renowned artist, Khalifa Al-Qattan.
His wife has spent vast amounts of time
creating scenes on the walls, the floors and
even the ceilings to showcase what can be
done with broken pieces of mirror and glass
when accompanied by an artists’ touch.
Enjoy a cup of tea, an artful snack and a
guided tour to view the splendors of this
‘bedazzled’ home. This is an adult only tour
for 8 participants.
House 17, Street 94, Block 9, Qadisiya
Advance reservations are required at
[email protected] or by call at
22518522
Indian Expats History
N
A concert and a series of three workshops
in screen writing, directing and music
would be conducted by Darine Hotait –
writer and film director and founder of
Cinephilia Productions, and Tarek Yamani
–pianist and composer for jazz and afro
tarab and Founder of Beirut Speaks Jazz.
Till 20 May
DAI, Amricani Cultural Centre, next to
National Assembly Building, Gulf Road
Concert on 14 May @dai_kuwait Al
Amricani Theater, Workshops from 13–20
May @dai_kuwait Al Yarmouk Cultural
Center | Twitter @darinehotait, Twitter @
tarek_yamani
GUIDED TOUR: HOUSE
OF MIRRORS
O
Concert & Workshop:
Imagination Express
N
18 May
Workshop
SAMI MOHAMMAD: A
RETROSPECTIVE,
the first in-depth survey
of over fifty years of work
by the pioneering Kuwaiti
sculptor, brings the largest
ever presentation of his
work. Curator, Abed Al
Kadiri, presents more than
120 pieces — many of
which have never been
exhibited before — including
sculptures, paintings,
drawings, prints and
documents from the artist’s
archive. This retrospective,
held in the country of the
artist’s birth, pays homage
to his long and influential
artistic journey.
TILL 14 JUNE
Contemporary Art Platform Exhibition Space, 2nd floor,
Life Center (same building
as Eureka and Midas),
Shuwaikh Industrial Area,
Block 2, St. 28 | 24925636
http://capkuwait.com/,
[email protected]
LOCAL
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
13
ALARGAN educates KU students on
eco-friendly development standards
letters from a Blog
A sigh of relief
for Sallu bhai
Shireen Passi Chopra
“Chal mere bhai, chal mere bhai…” (come with me brother, come
with me brother) – this peppy number from a blockbuster 90s
Bollywood film, titled, ‘Chal Mere Bhai’ which saw a sober and
dutiful, big brother Sanjay Dutt (himself in jail now) imploring his onscreen younger brother, the very drunk Salman Khan, a.k.a “Sallu
bhai”, to come with him, could’ve had the cops singing it to him now.
“Chal mere bhai, chal mere bhai…”, as they would take away Sallu
bhai to the ‘clink’ for his 1,825-day jail term.
H
ad it not been for his lawyers
who appealed to the High
Court within just minutes of the
Mumbai Sessions Court’s ruling of
culpable homicide, giving Salman
Khan a five-year jail sentence, the
above scenario could have been a
very real one – for his fans, and for
Sallu bhai, more importantly.
“You were driving the car; you
were under the influence of alcohol,”
the Mumbai Sessions Court judge
told the 49 year old Bollywood
superstar within moments of him
entering the courtroom.
These legal proceedings were
for the 2002 hit and run case.
Wee hours into the night of 28
September 2002, Salman Khan,
heavily intoxicated at the wheel of
his Toyota Land Cruiser lost control
of the car, hitting the American
Express Bakery in the Bandra area
of Mumbai. His vehicle then ran over
five homeless pedestrians sleeping
on the pavement, killing a man and
injuring four others. The actor then
fled the scene, allegedly. He later
told the sessions court, during
court proceedings, that not him but
his driver was driving the SUV that
caused that terrible tragedy.
Guilty on the charge of culpable
homicide. Also guilty of negligent
driving and causing grievous harm
to the victims, Salman Khan was
given separate terms for each
offence.
“The court hereby sentences
you to five years in jail.” – thirteen
years to that tragic night, the fate
of the superstar was spoken out to
him in plain, impassive words.
His shrewd stream of lawyers
immediately got down to doing
what lawyers do best – submitting
an application for appeal to the
High Court against the above
ruling. The High Court suspended
his sentence, setting the date of his
case proceedings for June 2015,
and before you knew it, Sallu bhai
was showing signs of life again, as
opposed to earlier when he came
out of the courtroom sullen, stoic
and stone-faced.
Only a few years back, another
immensely popular Bollywood
actor, Sanjay Dutt, also called
‘bhai’, rather ‘Munna bhai’, was
arrested under the Terrorist and
Disruptive Activities Act (TADA)
and then convicted in 2013 for
the illegal possession of firearms
relating to the 1993 Mumbai blasts
case. Sentenced to five years in
jail, Sanjay Dutt is currently serving
out his sentence. And now it is his
on-screen bhai (brother), Sallu bhai
who is in and out of courtrooms in
an effort to save himself jail time.
Salman Khan is undisputedly
the most popular actor in India who
enjoys stupendous success and the
love, rather unceasing reverence, of
millions of his fans. This Khan even
surpasses the other two in being
the most bankable star of the Indian
film industry, with almost all his films
scorching cash registers and raking
in those big bucks, in the league of
Rupees 200 to 300 crores per film.
Not only in India but this larger
than life personality is loved all over
the world, including the MiddleEast where his ever-swelling fanbase swears by him.
“He is my favorite actor. My
friends and I see Bollywood films
only of Salman Khan. His films are
so colorful and shiny….just like
gold, you know!” says Dana, a
Kuwaiti university student.
But, as they say, ‘all that glitters
is not gold’. The Sallu bhai of the
world has a dark side as well,
with his life marred by numerous
controversies over the years…
A few of his former female
friends had accused him of abusive
behavior. Then, in 1998, on a
hunting trip with some friends, he
allegedly killed two black bucks –
an endangered species. The 1998
blackbuck poaching case is still
ongoing!
And then, in 2002, he was at
the center of this hit and run case,
for which he was sentenced in the
Mumbai Sessions Court in May
2015, and which he has appealed
against in the High Court. Well, Sallu
bhai sure takes the ‘bad boy’ image
to a whole new level, doesn’t he?
But flip that coin and people
vouch for Sallu bhai who is
considered one of the finest people
in the film industry, and who goes
out of his way to help others, even
giving failed actors and actresses,
whom no one from the film industry
would touch with a barged pole, a
chance in his films.
Not to mention his ‘Being Human’
Foundation, which supports the
underprivileged and impoverished
people of India through education,
housing and healthcare initiatives.
Speculation was rife regarding
the fate of those five big banner
film projects that Salman Khan is
currently involved in. Giving the
producers of these high-profile
films sleepless nights is the fact
that in excess of Rupees 200
crores are riding on the superstar.
With the High Court hearing
a whole month away, Sallu bhai
and his producers can heave a
collective sigh of relief, at least for
now.
Much to their delight, Sallu bhai
has resumed shooting for their
films. He is free and goes about
life normally, which is more than
I can say for the victims of that
fateful night of September 2002.
No respite yet in sight for them,
monetarily or otherwise, “Justice
Delayed is Justice Denied” is an
adage that continues to play out in
their lives, day in and day out.
A
s part of the company’s 2020
strategy titled “Life… as you love
it,” ALARGAN International Real
Estate Company organized a lecture
on eco-friendly standards for twenty
three architects’ students and seven
professors from Kuwait University at
the company’s headquarters in the
Free Trade Zone in Shuwaikh.
This initiative is part of ALARGAN
International Real Estate Company’s
pioneering role in the construction
and development of green or
sustainable buildings. The company
made sure to introduce to the visiting
students the sustainability standards
that the company adopts at its new
headquarters’ building ‘Argan Business
Park,’ through which it obtained the
LEED platinum, thus taking the lead
in the green buildings’ field since the
Argan Business Park project is the
first to receive such recognition in
Kuwait. During their visit, the students
listened to a detailed demonstration
about the sustainability standards that
ALARGAN International Real Estate
Company adopts in its 2020 strategy,
and viewed projects that the company
finished during the past few years.
As part of its pioneering role,
ALARGAN International Real Estate
Company also gives periodic training
opportunities for students inside the
company.
It has previously organized several
training programs and educational
lectures for students. Furthermore,
the company looks forward to
building a series of partnerships
with all universities inside Kuwait in
order to provide college students
a unique opportunity to obtain
a valuable practical experience
within a distinguished institutional
environment.
Heartfelt Condolences for ILOA Student
Indian Learners Own
Academy is deeply
grieved at the sad
demise of their student
Jerin Mathai Mathew of
Class 8 B.
Jerin had been
bravely
fighting
cancer from the past
few months and was
currently undergoing treatment
in India. The entire family of ILOA
expresses their heartfelt
condolence
to
his
family,
friends
and
relatives. He will always
be remembered as an
intelligent, well behaved
and loving student.
May his soul rest in
peace and May the
Lord Almighty give his
parents and family members, the
courage to bear the loss.
VIVA participates in the 2015 WTISD Celebration
K
uwait
Telecommunications
Company VIVA, Kuwait’s fastestgrowing and most developed
telecom operator, participated in
the celebrations of the 2015 World
Telecommunication and Information
Society Day (WTISD) organized by
the Central Agency for Information
Technology (CAIT) on 17 May.
This year’s event marks the 150th
anniversary of the International
Technology Union (ITU) with a focus
on information and communication
technologies (ICT) as drivers of
innovation.
The 2015 WTISD’s purpose is to
help raise awareness of the possibilities
that the use of the Internet and other
information
and
communication
technologies can bring to societies
and economies. It offers a platform
where ICT experts and enthusiasts
gather from around the world to
communicate and collaborate while
shaping the ICT future.
VIVA highlighted the importance of
the ICT sector, and how information
and communication technologies
are the driving force of innovation
and a key driver of the international
economy. They offer solutions that
will play a decisive role in maintaining
sustainable development. VIVA’s
participation in this special and
important event is in line with
the company’s commitment to
supporting activities and initiatives
that help emphasise its role as an
active partner in the local community.
During the celebrations, senior
officials and executives representing
the Ministry of Communications,
Internet providers, and ICT companies
will discuss and exchange views
on the latest trends and strategies
in the Kuwait market to remain at
the forefront of advanced telecom
markets.
The World Telecommunication
and Information Society Day is
observed every year on May 17 to
mark the founding of the International
Telecommunication Union when the
International Telegraph Convention
was signed in 1865.
Saudi, Kuwait ‘falling behind’ on developing talent
Continued from Page 1
The United Kingdom held the 19th spot and Germany
22nd. Among the BRICS, the Russian Federation (26th)
scored highest, with China next at 64th. Brazil was in 78th
place, followed by South Africa (92nd) and India (100th).
In addition to the 14 countries that have reached 80
percent human capital optimisation, 38 countries score
between 70-80 percent. A further 40 countries score
between 60-70 percent, while 23 countries score between
50-60 percent and nine countries remained below 50
percent. Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman
of the World Economic Forum, said: “Talent, not capital, will
be the key factor linking innovation, competitiveness and
growth in the 21st century.
“To make any of the changes necessary to unlock
the world’s latent talent – and hence its growth potential
– we must look beyond campaign cycles and quarterly
reports. Dialogue, collaboration and partnerships between
all sectors are crucial for the adaptation of educational
institutions, governments and businesses.”
The Human Capital Index ranked 124 countries on how
well they are developing and deploying their human capital,
focusing on education, skills and employment. It aims to
understand whether countries are wasting or leveraging
their human potential.
14
REGIONAL
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
Pope Francis canonises
Dubai has become
two Palestinian women
tourists, says retail boss
Dubai has become too expensive for retail
tourists, with a 20 percent decline witnessed
in the luxury end of the market, according
to the CEO of one of the region’s largest
retail companies.
Pope Francis named two
Palestinian women as saints on
Sunday, in a ceremony in Saint
Peter’s Square just days after
the Vatican formalised its de
facto recognition of the State
of Palestine.
J
T
he canonisation of Sister MarieAlphonsine Danil Ghattas, founder of
the Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary
of Jerusalem, and Maryam Baouardy, who
founded a Carmelite convent in Bethlehem,
was not directly connected with the
Vatican’s Wednesday announcement of a
new accord with the State of Palestine.
But the ceremony, attended by
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
and a delegation of senior clergy
including the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
Fouad Twal, highlighted Pope Francis’
longstanding drive to help embattled
Christian communities in the Middle East.
Saint Peter’s Square was decked
out for the occasion with portraits of
the Palestinians and two other newly
sanctified nuns - the French Jeanne-Emilie
de Villeneuve and Italian Maria Cristina of
the Immaculate Conception Brando.
In a statement as he departed for the
Vatican last week, Twal said Ghattas and
Baouardy, who entered religious orders
as teenagers in the late 1800s and died
in 1927 and 1878 respectively, were an
example for Christians, Muslims and Jews.
“It is a sign of our modern time which
suggests that we can talk about the three
religions without any discrimination,”
the patriarch said in a statement as he
departed for the Vatican.
The canonisations of two Palestinians
were the first of their kind “since the days
of the apostles,” Twal said.
On Saturday, the pope met Abbas for
a private visit, calling him “an angel of
peace” and urging a renewed effort to find
peace with Israel.
Qatar launches new incentives
to spur business growth
The Qatar government has
introduced licence exemptions
for businesses in an attempt to
stimulate economic activity.
F
ifty-five types of business have been
exempted from requiring pre-approval
from the Civil Defence Department before
being issued a commercial licence.
The new rules, which come into force
today, follow reports of delays in securing
a certificate of approval, in particular due
to tightened regulations on fire safety in
business premises following the Villagio
mall blaze that killed 19 people in 2012,
according to a report in Gulf Times.
The newspaper said the Qatar
government wanted to streamline the
pre-approval process to encourage more
businesses to set up shop in the country.
The Ministry of Economy and
Commerce said in a statement: “This joint
programme (with the General Directorate
of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior),
the first of its kind, has waived the condition
too expensive for a lot of
of getting the pre-approval of the Civil
Defence to be eligible for a commercial
licence.”
However, it added that the new business
can only begin trading once its premises
have received an occupancy certificate
from the Civil Defence, and the new rules
apply only to businesses that use space of
up to 250 square metres.
And fire safety certificates can be
obtained from the Civil Defence within 30
days of acquiring a commercial licence,
the ministry pledged.
Among the business sectors exempt
from requiring pre-approval are: furniture
shops, car showrooms, travel agencies,
exchange houses, law firms, internet
cafes, clothes shops and supermarkets.
ayant Ganwani, CEO of Dubai-based Lals Group,
which has 130 stores across the region, said high-end
consumers are choosing other markets for their shopping,
because of the prices being charged in Dubai.
“There are two things happening in this market. Number
one, obviously the expenditure of the Russians was a
very substantial part on the luxury end. Conspicuous
consumption is something that really is supported by that
tourist in that respect.”
“We’ve also seen that
Dubai has in many ways
become unaffordable to
a lot of the tourists. Over
the years, the impression
that Dubai was value for
money is under a little bit
of a delusion because
we have been doing
some homework and
we found that European
merchandise is sold here
at a far higher price in
equivalent dirhams than it
is sold in Europe,” he said.
Ganwani
said
the
tourists, who are still
coming to Dubai, are becoming more aware of the prices
elsewhere and in order to attract the tourists back to the
shops, something has to change. “The tourist that used to
come here predominantly with the reason to shop is now
smarter. The advent of online information, sales possibilities,
everything is making a very difficult scenario for the luxury
retail segment because the consumer is able to check what
this item sells for on the Champs-Élysées or on Bond Street
or on Sloane Street, and say ‘if the difference is going to be
substantial, it’s worth for me to go a shop in the UK’. And I
think that’s what’s happening.”
“A lot of people have decided that they are not going
to come to Dubai to shop and that is not just Russians. It
is the Indians, the Chinese, the Pakistanis - wherever they
came from to load up on their suitcases, they are finding
different shores. Emirates is doing great deals out of all
those markets to fly people into Europe via Dubai. You can
experience the beach and the sun here and then shop in
Europe and save money at the same time.”
“I think that something has got to give and pricings have
to become far more reflective of what the international
prices are,” he said.
The year ahead will see further decline in sales for retail,
Ganwani said, with luxury to see a deeper slowdown.
“2015 in my opinion, and 2016 to some extent, we expect
there to be a ten percent decline in the expenditure for most
retail houses in the mid-market consumer segment. On the
luxury end, I think there will be an even deeper erosion in
their sales,” he said.
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TRAVEL
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
15
SOUTH AFRICA
Amazing Wildlife
S
outh Africa, adoring the southern
tip of Africa, rightly defines the
word ‘variety’. Stretching from
the hippos in the Limpopo River to
the penguins waddling on the Cape,
takes some beating with more types of
terrain than photographers can shake
their zoom lens at.
There is the deserted Kalahari,
Namakwa’s springtime symphony
of wildflowers, iconic Table
Mountain and Cape Point, Kruger
National Park’s wildlife-stalked
savannah (scene of the famous lion-
Vibrant Cities
buffalo-crocodile battle watched more
than 75 million times on YouTube) and,
running through the east of the country
and into Lesotho, the Drakensberg.
KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso
Wetland Park alone has five distinct
ecosystems, attracting both zebras
Rich Culture
and dolphins.
The country is not only a
jumping off point, it is itself a superb
destination rich in culture, fauna and
flora and history, apart from being
renowned for its wines and its fertile
lands producing vast amounts of gold.
Outsiders’ views of South Africa
are colored by the same stereotypes
as the rest of Africa but the “rainbow
nation” proves, for most of the part,
otherwise, especially with the major
cities such as Cape Town and
Johannesburg.
THINGS NOT TO MISS
Soweto: A tour around the vast, sprawling township –
South Africa’s largest – provides a graphic idea of how
the majority of black South Africans live.
Adventure/ Sport
Table Mountain cableway: The most spectacular way
to ascend Cape Town’s famous landmark is also the
easiest – the revolving cable car.
Shop
The Bo-Kaap: Cape Town’s
oldest residential area is filled
with colourful Cape Dutch and
Georgian architecture.
Ve r n a c u l a r a r c h i t e c t u r e :
Beautifully decorative Basotho
huts are characteristic of the
eastern Free State’s Maloti Route.
The Drakensberg: Hike in the “dragon mountains”, which
harbor South Africa’s highest peaks, plus waterfalls, rock art
and awesome panoramas.
Addo Elephant National Park: Encounter elephants and the
rest of the Big Five at the end of the Garden Route.
Game trails: Spot wildlife on a guided hike in Kruger National Park.
Nightlife
Soak in
Architecture
Wine routes: The Cape’s wine estates combine stunning
scenery, Cape Dutch architecture and some fine vintages.
De Hoop Nature Reserve: Slide down mountainous dunes or
watch whales from the high vantage point they provide.
The Sani Pass: The most precipitous pass in Southern Africa,
connecting Lesotho to KwaZulu-Natal.
Indian culture: Durban, Africa’s busiest port, boasts a
large Indian population, brightly colored Hindu temples,
buzzing markets and zinging curries.
Cape Point: The rocky
promontory south of
Cape Town is one of
the most dramatic
coastal locations on
the continent.
Eat
Explore
Wild flowers: Following the winter rains, Namaqualand’s
normally bleak landscape explodes with color.
Storms River Mouth: The Garden Route’s most spectacular
coastline, where you can cross Storms River Mouth by
footbridge.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: View cheetahs, meerkats and
other desert dwellers amid the harsh beauty of the Kalahari.
Kruger National Park: Get spine-tinglingly close to lions and
other big game at Southern Africa’s ultimate wildlife destination.
Richtersveld Transfrontier: Fierce, rugged and hot, the
Richtersveld has some of the most dramatic mountain-scape in
the country, sparsely populated by science-fiction vegetation.
Whale-watching: Regularly visiting the southern Cape Coast,
whales often approach surprisingly close to the shore.
When it is time to
reflect on it all, do it
over seafood on the
Garden Route, curry
in Durban’s Indian
Area, a sizzling Cape
Malay dish, or a braai
(barbecue) in the
wilderness.
Le Must Country Restaurant: Upington’s best
restaurant does a lively trade in South African
specialties: think Kalahari biltong soup and Kalahari
oysters (grilled lamb liver parcels) for starters and
bobotie (delicately flavored curry with a topping of
beaten egg baked to a crust), springbok shank and
lamb with feta for your main course. Towards the
end of the week, book ahead.
Traditional arts
and crafts:
Find traditional
handicrafts in rural
and urban areas
alike, such as the
Venda region of
Limpopo.
Africa Nova: One of the most stylish and desirable
collections of contemporary African textiles, arts
and crafts. Find potato-print fabrics made by
women in Hout Bay, Karin Dando’s mosaic trophy
heads, Ronel Jordaan’s handmade felt rock
cushions (which look like giant pebbles) and a
wonderful range of ceramics and jewelry.
Live music:
Johannesburg
offers the best
nightlife in South
Africa, attracting top
musical performers
from around the
country and abroad.
For a night out in Cape Town’s centre, head to
buzzing Long Street. This is its most diverse
thoroughfares, lined with colonial Victorian
buildings that house pubs, bistros and nightclubs,
from whose wrought-iron balconies you can catch
glimpses of Table Mountain and the sea.
A night at P&G’S: If you want to see the hipster side to
Cape Town, this is the place to go. On any night of the
week “PnG’s” (The Power and The Glory) is a magnet
for Capetonians sporting neatly trimmed beards,
checked shirts, red lipstick and vintage dresses. But
don’t worry too much about fitting in, Cape Town
is one of the world’s friendliest cities after all.
During the day you can grab a coffee in the wellstyled bistro, kitted out with old-school metal
chairs and botanical drawing prints, then it blends
seamlessly with a cozy bar at night.
16
HEALTH
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
Develop inner peace
with yoga
WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga is an art and science of healthy
living. It facilitates the union of individual consciousness with universal
consciousness.
T
he term is derived from the Sanskrit
root ‘yuj’ meaning “to unite”. The aim of
Sadhana (yoga practice) is to overcome all
kinds of suffering and promote holistic health,
happiness and harmony.
Yoga is a spiritual discipline, an invaluable
gift of ancient Indian traditione and is based on
an extremely subtle science which focuses on
bringing harmony between mind and body.
Sage Patanjali describes yoga as
‘chittavrittinirodhah’ i.e. suppression of the
fluctuations of consciousness. It calms the
restless mind and redirects energy into
constructive channels. When the mind is
controlled, it provides a reservoir of peace
and generates abundant energy for human
upliftment.
Benefits of yoga.
Yoga is associated with purity, the cleansing
of body, mind and soul. It is beneficial for the
following reasons:
Physical fitness.
Management of various lifestyle- related
disorders.
Helps reduce depression, fatigue and anxiety.
It also regulates menopausal symptoms.
experience.
Time: yoga must be practiced either early in
the morning or late in the evening to rid you of
fatigue.
Breathing: breathing correctly is very important.
It should be done through the nostrils only.
Women: yoga should not be performed during
the menstrual period. As for during pregnancy,
it can be practiced mildly during the first three
months.
Yoga Protocol:
- Prayer
- Loosening of the neck, trunk and knees.
Brain: the body alone should be active
while the brain should remain passive,
watchful and alert.
Guidelines
Practice of Asanas without the backing of
yama and niyama (basics) is mere acrobatics.
Yoga demands discipline, faith, tenacity and
perseverance.
Cleanliness and evacuation: your body must
be free of all toxic matter. Yoga feels better when
performed after a bath.
Clothing and food: one must be light and
free, both inside and out. An empty stomach
and comfortable clothing will enhance your
*Note- Do not do Asanas on the
bare floor, use a folded blanket/
yoga mat. No undue strain
should be felt. It is a sign of error.
During the practice
• Practice sessions should start
with a prayer or invocation
as it creates a suitable
environment
to
soothe the mind.
• Yogic practices shall be performed slowly, in a
relaxed manner, with awareness of the body and
breath.
• Do not hold body tightly, or jerk the body at any
point during the practice.
• Perform the practices depending on your own
capacity.
• It takes time to get good results, so persistent
and regular practice is very essential.
The most popular and widely practiced set is
the “Surya Namaskara”(Sun Salutation). It is
quite a complete workout for the physical
system- a comprehensive exercise form
without equipment. It comprises of a
combination of 12 yogic postures
and deep breathing exercises,
aimed at invigorating every
important muscle and almost
all vital organs in the body
if done correctly and with
precision.
In all, yoga is an
enriching experience. It
helps relieve your daily
stress and improves
the clarity of your
mind.
Call for $2 billion
global antibiotic research fund
The global pharmaceutical industry is being called on to pay for a $2 billion innovation fund to revitalise research into antibiotics.
In return, there would be guaranteed payments to companies which produced vitally needed new antibiotics.
T
here are currently very
few new antibiotics in
development amid a global
spread of resistant bacteria.
The proposals are in a report
by a UK government-appointed
review team headed by
economist Jim O’Neill.
Mr O’Neill said: “We need
to kick-start drug development
to make sure the world has the
drugs it needs, to treat infections
and to enable modern medicine
and surgery to continue as we
know it.”
He has previously warned
that drug-resistant microbes
could kill 10 million people
a year worldwide by 2050
and cost $100 trillion in lost
economic output.
Resistant strains of bacteria
are spreading globally,
threatening to make existing
drugs ineffective.
A global innovation fund of
$2bn over five years would be
used to boost funding for “bluesky” research into drugs and
diagnostics - with much of the
money going to universities and
small biotech companies.
One promising area of
research concerns so-called
“resistance breakers”. These are
compounds that work to boost
the effectiveness of existing
antibiotics - a far less costly
approach than attempting to
discover entirely new drugs.
Helperby Therapeutics, a
spin-out company founded
by Prof Anthony Coates, St
George’s, University of London,
has created a resistance
breaker that acts against the
superbug MRSA.
The compound, known as
HT61, will shortly go into clinical
trials in India, where it is being
developed under licence by
Cadila Pharmaceuticals India.
The review team said this
kind of research could benefit
from the innovation fund and
could be the key to making
existing drugs last longer.
Mr O’Neill said the big
pharmaceutical companies
should pay for the fund and look
beyond short-term assessments
of profit and loss.
Formerly chief economist
with the investment bank
Goldman Sachs, Mr O’Neill
drew parallels between the
banking crisis and the looming
catastrophe of a world where
antibiotics no longer worked. He
said big pharma needed to act
with “enlightened self-interest”
because “if it gets really bad,
somebody is going to come
gunning for these guys just
how people came gunning for
finance”.
Mr O’Neill was speaking
to the BBC’s Panorama
programme, which has spent six
months following the work of the
review team, filming in India, the
US and UK.
Mr O’Neill was appointed last
year by Prime Minister David
Cameron to head the review into
antimicrobial resistance - which
already claims an estimated
30,000 lives a year across
Europe.
Many large companies have
pulled out of antibiotic research.
The report says this is partly
due to the uncertain commercial
returns for new antibiotics.
In order to incentivise drug
development, the review team
says, there should be lump-sum
payments to companies that
create proven new antibiotics.
This would break the link
between the profitability of a
drug and its volume of sales.
The review team predicts
its proposals could lead to
15 new antibiotics a decade,
of which at least four should
be “breakthrough products”
targeting the bacterial species
of greatest concern.
It estimates the cost of
guaranteed payments for these
drugs would be $16-37 billion
over a decade but says this is
a small price to pay given that
antibiotics are essential to so
many aspects of healthcare,
from common infections, to
surgery and cancer treatment.
WOMEN
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
17
Supporting Women’s
Accounting
Leadership
Women Using
Public Transport
Nine things women, traveling in public transport,
should know before playing
the blame game on others,
especially on fellow male
passengers.
Y
es, women’s safety is one of
the biggest issues, to deal
with, and there is nobody who
would not support it, men included.
Women need to be empowered, no
denying that. But certain things are
plain wrong and unfair, even if it is a
woman doing them.
It may be difficult being a woman,
especially while taking the public
transport, but the truth is, there are
things women, too, do that make it a
nightmare for everybody else, and
specifically men around them. Here
are nine things women, who take
public transport, should know:
Rudeness is not the way:
Despising all men because women
are unsafe is just hateful. It is rude
to give hostile glances to others and
talk in an unnecessarily rude manner.
Do not judge the whole lot on the
basis of a few perverts.
Be civil: Do not break lines or
queues as per your conveniences.
It is wrong for a man to do that, and
it is equally wrong for a woman to
do the same. It is wrong to assume
importance and preference over the
other gender and justify breaking
in and getting the ticket before the
person who has been waiting for his
turn for the past ten minutes. It is not
empowerment, it is plain exploitation.
Do not make issues out of
nothing: If a man accidentally
touches you, it does not always mean
he is trying to harass you. Public
transports are crowded. There will
be people standing on every inch
of every space. Whether you like
it or not, there will be some sort of
physical contact and there is nothing
a bus full of people can do about it.
Use deodorants: Women,
too, stink just as much as us men,
sometimes even more. Accept this,
do not subject the world to it and
spare fellow passengers the horror of
blistered nostrils.
Do not fight for seats: A lot of
women, on public transport, demand
general seats. While some men may
give away their seats out of respect
or chivalry but it does not imply
that those who do not, are being
disrespectful towards you.
Women do not, always, need it
any more than the person already
sitting. There are reserved seats in
all public transports and in case they
are already occupied by women, well
then, bad luck. You could stand and
travel too. Do not make it look like a
woman not getting to sit is a shame
on society.
Keep your hair to yourself: A lot
of women have long hair and it can
get very annoying when they get in
fellow passengers’ faces, clothes and
everywhere, especially, when the
transport is already crowded.
Please make sure you are not
causing anyone inconvenience
before pointing at someone else
(most probably a man). At least
tie them up. Same goes for men
with long hair. Nobody wants to be
gagged with some stranger’s hair on
their way to work or home.
Be courteous: It would be nice
to see women offer their priced
(reserved) seat for someone who
actually needs it more than them,
maybe to the young guy who is not
feeling well or the old man who is
finding it hard to stand in the crowd,
at least sometimes. Do not take
your obsession for a seat in public
transport to an insensitive level.
Skip the victim card: Not all
but many women cause nuisance
and play the victim card. There are
women who are too cool to grab onto
a handle or a pole and prefer to sway
from one end to the other, stumbling
against people, ‘accidentally’
stepping on other’s feet and creating
a ruckus.
Hold yourself, lady. Stop falling on
people. The main reason this is a big
issue is because the moment a man
does something similar, he is labeled
a pervert.
Compromise is uncomfortable
for all: It is strange how the same
woman who wants a personal space
bubble, of at least a meter even in a
jam-packed bus, would request (or
even order) people to ‘adjust’ her and
fit herself into that little space, making
a dozen other people uncomfortable
in the process.
We are all for feminism and
women empowerment, let us uplift
women but not at the cost of putting
men down. What is wrong, is wrong. Y
ears ago, it was even more obvious that the career path of women involved
“making it” in a man’s world. There were not enough examples of strong
female role models and many had to blaze the trail for those who followed.
Nowadays, female role models are being highlighted in new ways and women
entering the field have more examples of female role models to emulate than
ever before.
However, there are still too few women in accounting leadership positions.
As of 2014, there were more women CFOs in Fortune 500 companies (11
percent) than there were female CEOs (4-5 percent). In fact, in 2013, the
highest paid CFO in the USA was a woman: Oracle’s Safra Catz. So even
though the numbers aren’t nearly as high as women would like them to be,
they are moving in the right direction. One rumored reason for the disparity
between men and women in CFO positions is that women often opt out of their
career track to manage work/life balance issues or to find other opportunities
that allow them more flexibility on a variety of levels. Accounting and finance
positions are still viewed as roles with intense work schedules. To account for
the gender gap, there needs to be an increased awareness that the gap even
exists. For female college graduates, accounting is seen as a great career
option with stable demand predicted over the next several years. At the entry
and early career level, there’s a plethora of opportunities and salaries are
consistent, regardless of gender. Now those women who have progressed to
mid-level positions are experiencing barriers in a whole new way.
More specifically, when speaking about the gender pay gap, we often
look at the entry-level data, but when you break it down and analyze women
who have been working for 10 or 15 years, that is where the wage gap is
accentuated. Women should feel empowered to ask for pay raises, but there
is quite a bit of research indicating that women don’t negotiate as effectively
for their salaries as men. There isn’t a lot of room to negotiate early in a
career; however, the farther up that ladder you go, negotiating becomes
more common and, as a result, the wage difference becomes more obvious.
So, the first step is acknowledging the existence of the gender gap and the
second step is working together to close it.
Secondly, one of the biggest challenges in moving into senior positions
in accounting, for both women and men, is balancing the development of
technical skills and leadership skills. Accounting and finance professionals
are required to have a great deal of expertise, often times in specialized areas,
but they need to seek growth opportunities outside of the finance function if
they want to evolve as leaders.
The first step is to leave your accounting cubicle. The more chances
women have to communicate with professionals in a variety of functional
areas early in their careers, the more they will see how accounting information
supports value creation within a company. This will help them further develop
their “enterprise wide” lens view of the organization, which is imperative for
leadership roles both in and out of accounting and finance.
Salma Hayek shares her experiences of ‘sexist, ignorant’ Hollywood
S
alma Hayek, the actress, has accused
Hollywood of “incredible ignorance” about
women, as she lifts the lid on the astonishing
sexism she has faced at work.
Hayek, one of the best-known actresses in
the world, delivered an excoriating verdict on
the film industry, which she claims ignores and
misunderstands the tastes of women, and fails to
recognise their talents on screen.
Specifically, she disclosed how high-grossing
male stars outflank their female counterparts
financially and in contract, claiming they are
regularly permitted to veto actresses lined up to
appear in their films.
She told an audience she had previously agreed
to take part in films thanks to witty, intelligent lines
for her character, only to find them dumbed down
when she got on set so as not to outshine the lead
man. Women, she argued, are also being short
changed by an industry off-screen, because film
executives had failed to understand what female
audiences want. Hayek, who also works as a
producer and director, appeared at a UN Women
panel event about film, alongside actresses
Parker Posey, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and the
producers of Cate Blanchett’s new film ‘Carol’.
Speaking of how to tackle problems of
equality in the film business, Hayek said: “We
can’t stand as victims and say we need to make
them aware of women. Because guess what?
They don’t care.
“There’s only one thing that inspires the people
and the power in the industry, and that’s money.
They have to understand how powerful we are
economically. We have the power to show them
we can save this film industry.”
Of why the situation did not seem to be
improving over time, she added: “It’s simple, plain
ignorance. They think the only value we bring to
a movie is as an object. Speaking of the current
situation for actresses, she said: “Our pay can
never go up because we never get the opportunity
to show what we can bring in revenue.”
Even when an A-list actress brings in audiences
to a film, she added, the numbers still registered
in the lead actor’s favour. “The dude takes the
credit,” she said. Speaking of her own experience
in the film industry, she gave an expectedly frank
insight into the problems she had faced personally,
thanks in no small part to unnamed leading men.
“I’ve had movies where the director really
wanted me, but the dude didn’t approve and I’ve
got pipped out,” she said. “In scripts, a lot of the
time there is a part that’s good, that then starts
dumbing down. If you get on set and start to make
it better, they don’t like it.”
The panel singled out Alec Baldwin as a
celebrated exception to the rule, being proactive
in taking parts where women are allowed to shine.
“Cinema undermines women’s intelligence,”
Hayek concluded. “It’s been doing it for some time
now. They don’t see us as a powerful economic
force, which is really incredible ignorance.”
The panel was put on by Variety magazine and
UN Women, which runs the ‘He For She’ equality
campaign headed by actress Emma Watson.
18
BEAUTY
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
rock
a splotchy
eye makeup Blush work
Ways to
purple
Avoid
P
urple eyeshadow is
one of those bold eye
makeup shades—and is
definitely the fun party
color to go for when you
want a dramatic eye look.
Not to say that you should
only break it out for night
time, there are so many
shades to play with—
lilac, plum, eggplant–to
give your eyes ample
opportunity for a beautiful
violet gaze. Purple eye
makeup is, in fact, perfect if you have brown eyes,
since the contrast makes your eyes appear warmer and
brighter in tone. Here is some makeup inspiration to get
you using that one untouched shade in your eye palette.
Lazy girl’s smokey eye: Use an eggplant shade and
wash over the entire lid, as well as underneath. Black
eyeliner on both waterlines gives you the slightest
smudged effect, which is the whole aim for the lazy-girl
look. Make no mistake though—as simple as it may be,
this look reads much more sophisticated as a day or
night look.
Pretty fairy-punk girl: A little bit fairy-punk but all the
way art-chic, a wash of pale lilac on your upper eyelid
with a charcoal black underline gives your eyes this
cool punky look. The lavender keeps it from being too
serious. Makeup is after all supposed to be fun.
Brilliant damsel: The smokey eye is the obvious choice
for a volume-up-to-11 look. What makes it way cooler is
a vibrant metallic violet accent shade contrasted against
the smokey black. Just blended in the inner corners of
your eyes brings the focus right there. This isn’t a look
for the timid, since everyone will be looking you straight
in the eyes.
Go vividly bold: Do not be afraid to mix bold colors—
how can you resist when it looks so cool, like this
eggplant/teal combo. The seamless blend is key here
with a look like this, so bone up on your brushing skills.
Soft smokey eye: Possibly one of the more versatile
ways to wear purple eyeshadow is with the soft smokey
eye. The soft purple is the showcase without being
outright “party purple” since black offers a way to shade
it into subtlety.
A little flush is all you were really going for and
somehow, you ended up with a patchy, streaky
blush on your cheeks. While blush can do wonders
for your complexion, a botched blush job can make
you look a little ridiculous. If you are having some
serious issues getting your blush to behave, here is
what you need to do.
Exfoliate your skin: A huge factor in
getting your makeup to apply smoothly
and stay on is your skin’s texture. If it is
dry and flaky, your blush — or anything
else for that matter — will look streaky,
uneven and come right off. Lightly
exfoliate once or twice a week with a
gentle enzyme scrub to remove dead
skin cells and flakes that could be
messing with your makeup.
Prep and prime first: Do not expect your
blush to sit tight and look even when your
foundation can’t even do the same. First,
be sure to moisturize because everyone
knows that dry skin and makeup do not
mesh well. Allow you moisturizer to sink
into your skin and then use a pea-sized
amount of primer for a smooth and even
foundation application that won’t budge.
Lay down your foundation: Once you
have applied your foundation, use a
beauty blender or foundation brush and
blend excessively. If your foundation is
thicker in some areas than others, this
will affect your blush application as
well. If your skin is oily, be sure to use
a mattifying primer or oil-absorbing
foundation, as the natural oils in your
skin will cause your cream or powder
blush to come out splotchy and streaky.
All in the Blush Brush: When it comes
to the matter of blush, any old brush
won’t do. There is a strategic reason
as to why the bristles are packed the
way they are — to ensure a splotch-free
application. Packed tightly, with just the
right amount of fluff, blush brushes are
usually slightly tapered or angled for a
precise distribution of product and a
naturally blended look.
Blend well: Simply dabbing a hint of blush
on the apples of your cheeks will not do.
Without blending, your blush will come
out looking patchy and unnatural. Using
your brush or even a beauty blender (if
blush is cream-based), blend from the
apples of your cheeks and out toward
your cheekbones. A natural flush should
essentially melt into your skin and, what
it should not do is sit on top of your
foundation and look clownish.
Set it: As the day wears on, your blush
tends to wear out. Once the pinkish
flush fades away, it can start to look
splotchy as the pigment breaks
down. After blending your foundation,
concealer, bronzer, blush — everything
— it is time to set your makeup. Using
a translucent powder, apply a light veil
over skin using a kabuki brush to keep
everything in place.
The best haircuts for
Curly hair
A
ll you curly-haired ladies are
probably approached on a regular
basis about how lucky you are to
have such naturally beautiful waves.
Little does the world know the styling
struggles that come with curly locks. The
looks and hair trends that work so well
for straight-haired ladies are often not
a good fit for those of the wavy variety.
Here are three fabulous haircuts that will
work wonders for your curly manes and
keep you on trend! Enjoy!
Pixie Cut: If the thought of chopping
your curly mane down to a pixie-like
cut stresses you out, here are two
words for you: Halle Berry. The
gorgeous celeb and countless
other wavy-haired divas opted
for a super-short ’do, showing
people just how fabulously chic
curly hair can be. The beauty
of the pixie is that it can work
with any texture and is actually
fairly easy to maintain. When
opting for the pixie, make
sure the style is longer on
top, to show off your texture
and to allow for more styling
options and freedom. Another
important thing to note with supershort hairstyles is the need for styling
products. Hair putty and frizz-
control solutions will be your new BFFs
and are non-negotiables for maintaining
this style.
Lob: Yes, you can rock the latest hair
trend sweeping the nation and no, your
hair will not take on a weird, triangular
shape. The key to perfecting the curly
long bob is making the cut more angular
and layered.
Have the
length
slightly
shorter in the
front and longer
in the back. This allows your curls to
blend naturally and easily while also
framing your face. This style looks great
straightened or naturally curly so the
styling options are endless.
Curly shag: With ’70s-inspired looks
reigning supreme in the beauty and
fashion worlds, a medium-length retro
shag is perfect for maintaining
your hair and your trendy
rep. Rules of thumb for
rocking the shag the
right way are keeping
the cut super-layered,
textured (using
texturizing shears)
and disconnected at
the ends. This look
should be choppy
and a bit mussed.
For added cool, try
throwing in some
cool elongated bangs
that can be swept to the
side. To show off your layers
and dimension, always keep
texturizing spray on hand in your
beauty cabinet!
EDUCATION
The Times Kuwait 17 - 23 May, 2015 www.timeskuwait.com
STUDENT LIFE
19
OLDER AND WISER
Age is no barrier to getting a degree: you can study in your 30s, 40s and beyond.
…IN THEIR 20S
…AS PART OF A CAREER CHANGE,
AGED 30-50, WITH KIDS
T
his can be the most stressful time to
embark on doing a degree, as students
will most likely be juggling a host of other
responsibilities.
The organizational issues can be hard
to negotiate. You will need the backing of
your whole family because while a degree
is hard work for you, it is also likely to
involve more work for everyone else.
The guilt of not having enough time to
do everything well can get in the way of
enjoying your time studying, so people
need to think in advance about how
they will make time for their children and
partner.
Planning for how finances are likely to
be affected is also a necessity. Having to
adapt to a much lower family income is the
reality for virtually every mature student.
When it comes to the social life that
going to university is famed for, mature
students who may well be working at the
same time as looking after children and
managing a home can easily feel very out
of things. Making contact with the mature
students’ societies that many universities
have can be helpful, as they can provide a
peer group of people who share the same
outlook, pressures and motivations.
However, it is a really exciting and
challenging thing to do at this time of
life. Usually people of this age are more
disciplined, and if they are making a career
change they are incredibly motivated.
As an older person studying, you are
likely to give it your all, as you are more
aware that time is precious.
I
f you have taken a few years out to work or
travel after school before going to university,
it might be a shock to find that it involves a
very different style of study.
You might have just one lecture a day rather
than the more intensive attention teachers
offered during A-levels, so developing the
discipline to manage your own workload
and get back into the swing of the academic
process is a necessary first step.
Many young people now live at home for
longer, so even for students in their mid-20s,
the first couple of weeks as a fresher can
mean feelings of homesickness.
Being slightly older might make this group
of students feel they have moved beyond
typical fresher activities, so making an effort to
integrate through clubs and activities is vital.
On the plus side, however, mature students
in their 20s are usually more focused on their
course because it has been a definite decision
to go to university rather than something they
have just fallen into.
… OUT OF INTEREST,
AGED 50+
S
tudying for the pure pleasure of pursuing
an interest is a luxury, but is perhaps the
greatest benefit of starting a degree as an
older person.
Financially, you may well be more sound,
and if you are doing it for fun, you do not
have to get the best grades, so there is an
enormous sense of freedom.
Getting to grips with an unfamiliar institution
can be confusing for older students, and using
technology can also cause anxiety. Get a hang
of technology by joining introductory technology
courses run by local colleges as essential
preparation because the study skills sessions
offered by most universities are a lifeline.
The confidence that comes with age will
carry many older students through some of
the difficulties, the most obvious of which is
the generation gap between themselves and
first years who are still teenagers.
Building the Global Schoolhouse
Continued from Page 1
No one could have imagined that one of those
students would repay his debt by becoming
Secretary-General and using that position to lead
a campaign, the Global Education First Initiative, to
provide others with the opportunity he received.
Education is central to achieving all of the other
Sustainable Development Goals; it unlocks gains in
health, women’s empowerment, employment, and
overall quality of life. The trouble is that providing
for a proper education system requires at least
5% of a country’s GDP and usually about 20% of
public spending. Few developing countries have
undertaken spending on this scale.
For the time being, outside help will be essential.
There are clear limits to poor countries’ ability to
mobilize the domestic resources needed to provide
secondary education for all. The international
community must help make up the difference by
looking to private foundations, businesses, charitable
organizations, and global and national funding.
The cause of education still lacks a major
philanthropist like Bill Gates. And, although the
Global Partnership for Education raised more than
$2 billion in its replenishment effort, health programs
have more funders, reflected in, for example, the
$12 billion Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis,
and Malaria. Only recently has Norway assumed a
vanguard role in making education of all children
worldwide a national priority.
Currently, education accounts for only 1% of
humanitarian aid in emergencies, despite the fact
that millions of children are refugees in need of
help, not just for days or weeks, but often for years.
Nearly half of the out-of-school population – some
28 million children – now reside in conflict countries,
with millions trapped in refugee camps or tent cities.
Among the proposals being discussed at this
year’s meetings is the establishment of a fund for
education during emergencies and a coordination
platform to help channel resources to places like
Syria, where the conflict has left nearly three million
children out of school. Likewise, in Nepal, 25,000
classrooms are in urgent need of reconstruction or
retrofitting to withstand earthquakes.
The effort to provide humanitarian aid in
emergencies is just one part of the agenda for global
education. Just as the International Finance Facility
for Immunization provides front-loaded funding
mechanisms for health, we now must consider
innovative financing instruments, like social impact
bonds, that promise not only to increase enrollment,
but also to improve student retention and learning.
Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2015.
www.project-syndicate.org