no chewing gum... from the AUK President

Dear AUK Community:

August 21/22 marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Please be aware that all expatriates resident in Kuwait must observe the Kuwaiti Law No. 24/1968 which prohibits eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours. The prohibition applies also to chewing gum in public.

According to this law, a penalty of up to one month detention and a KD 100 fine may be imposed on anyone who eats, drinks, or smokes in public during fasting hours or anyone who forces, helps or induces such public displays. In addition to this, any public facility used for such purposes may also be closed down for up two months.

The 2009 fasting hours are from dawn to sundown, beginning this year approximately at 3:55 a.m. and ending at approximately 6:23 p.m. early in the month and decreasing to 4:15 a.m. until 5:49 p.m. at the end of the month, according to the timing of the dawn and sunset prayers in Aujairy (Ojeiri) calendar. Ramadan is expected to end on September 19 and will be followed by the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

On the AUK campus, the faculty lounge on the top floor of the Sciences building and the conference room in the Liberal Arts building are available to non-Muslim employees during the day.

Marina A. Tolmacheva

President

...arrests in plot to attack targets in Kuwait

Kuwait City, Kuwait
August 18, 2009

MEMORANDUM

To: All American Wardens

From: Consular Section

Subject: Warden Notice 2009 – 12

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all American citizens within your area of responsibility.


Recent press reports detailed the arrest of several individuals in connection with a plot to attack military installations and other high-profile targets in Kuwait during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks and other violent actions against U.S. Citizens and interests overseas. There are indications that terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East, including Kuwait.

Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Extremists may be conducting surveillance on Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets.

American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.

American citizens living or traveling in Kuwait are encouraged to register with the U.S Embassy in Kuwait City through the State Department’s travel registration web site to obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S Embassy, Located on Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street in the Bayan Section of Kuwait City.

American citizens with any questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at 2259-1581, 2259-1583 or 2259-1240. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer by calling 2259-1001.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov American citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Warden Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com

American citizens resident and visiting in Kuwait who are not registered with the Embassy, or whose registration information has changed, are urged to register as soon as possible. They may now do so on-line at the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp

Please note that the Consular Section is closed for American and most local holidays. The current holiday schedule for year 2009 will be posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html