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In Kuwait, in-store shopping reigns despite global e-commerce shift

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By Christine Susan Shine

KUWAIT: Despite the global shift toward online shopping, people in Kuwait remain firmly loyal to in-store experiences. According to a 2024 Ipsos report, Spotlight Kuwait: Online Shopper Behavior and Attitudes, 86 percent of Kuwait’s population still prefers to shop in physical stores, making it one of the few markets globally where traditional retail continues to dominate.

In the US, for example, online shopping continues to gain ground over traditional retail, with the overall retail sector projected to contract by 0.2 percent over the next decade. During the 2024 holiday season, 76 percent of American shoppers were planning to buy at least half of their gifts online, according to a CNBC article.

On the other hand, the Ipsos poll found that only 14 percent of Kuwait’s population favors online shopping. Analysts attribute this trend to a mix of cultural habits, convenience, and a lack of trust in online platforms — factors that have shaped a uniquely Kuwaiti approach to retail.

The poll surveyed 500 people across the country, with a sample representative of the population across gender, age (18+), nationality and socioeconomic status. According to Aftab Ellahi, Chief Client Officer at Ipsos Kuwait, mistrust is a big reason people avoid online shopping. “With so many phishing scams and shady websites, people, especially expats — just feel safer paying in-store,” he says.

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Kuwait’s small size and conveniently located shopping areas are another factor, a sales official in one of Kuwait’s largest retail companies tells Kuwait Times. “It’s actually easier to get around here than in most big cities,” says an expert in the market. “Traffic’s manageable, everything’s close, and shopping feels like a mini outing.”

Walk into any mall on a weekend and you’ll feel it, the energy of a community that loves to shop, not just for products, but for the experience. In Kuwait, malls are more than shopping centers — they’re weekend spots. With limited entertainment venues, heading to a mall has become a leisure activity. For many, shopping is a social ritual where families meet, and friends catch up.

Fatima, who didn’t give her last name, says no app can replicate the joy of stumbling upon the perfect outfit or bargaining your way to a sweet deal. “We love to touch, try, and explore the products before buying,” explains Fatima, a long-time shopper. “Online images can be misleading. What looks great on screen might not suit us in person.”

Some shoppers like Gabriel, a 29-year-old who didn’t give his last name, gets the best of both worlds: “I order groceries online — it’s fast. But for shoes? I need to try them on. No exceptions.”

Only 14 percent of people surveyed say they prefer online shopping. Even for everyday tasks like bill payments and travel bookings, Kuwait’s population is slower to go digital: 37 percent pay their telecom bills online, while 27 percent use the internet to book their travel.

Surprisingly, this love for physical shopping spans generations. According to Ipsos, two thirds of those aged 45+, and those between 25-44 still enjoy going to stores. Even Gen Z isn’t fully digital — 43 percent of shoppers aged 18–24 say they’d rather try before they buy.

While much of the world settled into a digital-first life after COVID-19, Kuwait swung back to its roots. “People missed the human part of shopping,” says Ellahi. “They want to feel fabrics, smell perfumes, try on clothes — that emotional satisfaction is irreplaceable.”

This shift doesn’t reflect a rejection of digital convenience, but rather a preference for balance. A blend of online accessibility and in-person experiences is shaping Kuwait’s retail landscape, where shopping remains as much a cultural and social activity as a commercial one.

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Indian Ambassador’s message on 79th Independence Day

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By Dr Adarsh Swaika, Ambassador of India to Kuwait

On the special occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin residing in Kuwait. I also take this opportunity to convey my profound gratitude to the leadership, government and people of Kuwait for their steadfast support for close and friendly ties between our two countries. India remains committed to further strengthening and expanding this long-standing and time-tested relationship.

Today, as we celebrate 79 years since our Independence, we take pride in India’s many achievements during these 8 decades. Our commitment to equitable development has been the cornerstone of our socio-economic policies. The principles of democracy, pluralism, and unity in diversity are deeply embedded in Indian society, guided by the ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), which also shapes our foreign policy.

India today is a land of a billion opportunities, with a robust economy that has made significant strides despite global challenges in an uncertain geopolitical environment. India has recently become the 4th largest economy in the world and is poised to become the 3rd largest economy in the next couple of years. Our ‘Atmanirbhar’ program through the flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative is not only designed to make us self-reliant but become an integral part of global supply chains.

Today we are known in the world for many things – Pharmacy of the World, leader in space technology, delivery of digital solutions worldwide by our IT companies, thriving startup ecosystem with exponential increase in number of unicorns, innovation and technological advancements and so. The recent events have also established us as a reliable manufacturer and exporter of state-of-art defense equipments. There has never been a better time to invest in India, with unprecedented momentum in modernizing our physical and digital infrastructure. India has made significant improvements in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, the Global Innovation Index, and is recognized as a key driver of the global economy.

India has been resolute in its ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach towards terrorism. The resolute stance against cross-border terrorism taken by India recently through ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the wake of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack shows the determination of India to fight this menace through its ‘New Normal’ approach.

On the international stage, India continues to play a vital role in promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity. India has taken leadership role on global issues of relevance and concern, including reforming multilateral institutions like the UN Security Council and issues of climate change, affordable energy access, food security etc.

An epochal event in our bilateral relations with Kuwait was the long-awaited visit of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to Kuwait in December, 2024. The visit was historic in many respects – conferment of Kuwait’s highest honor of the ‘Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer’ on Hon’ble Prime Minister by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and upgradation of our relationship to that of ‘Strategic Partnership’.

The back-to-back visits of Foreign Ministers of both countries prepared the agenda and successful outcomes of the high-level visit. Bilateral relations with Kuwait have become more broad-based in the last year with setting up of 7 new institutional mechanisms in areas of mutual interest. Bilateral trade and investments are growing and are expected to grow at a much greater pace. Our cultural connections resonate well with our Kuwaiti friends, and people-to-people contacts form the foundation of our bilateral relations. The Indian community continues to be the largest and the community of first preference in Kuwait.

The Indian Embassy considers the welfare and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait, as over-riding priority, serving as a ‘Home Away from Home’. I take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to Indian community associations, professional bodies, cultural groups, media representatives and all those who are making efforts to strengthen our bilateral relations with Kuwait in their own way and support the community members in distress.

On this proud and joyous occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, I wish every Indian in Kuwait and all friends of India in Kuwait, success, good health and happiness.

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Kuwait to experience extreme hot weather during the day and hot to warm weather with relatively high humidity at night

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 KUWAIT: The Meteorological Department said that the country will experience extremely hot weather during the day and hot to warm weather with relatively high humidity at night over the weekend. The director of the department, Dharar Al-Ali, said that the country will be affected by a hot and relatively humid air mass, especially in coastal areas and nearby areas, starting Friday, accompanied by chances of light fog during the late hours of the night and early morning in some areas, especially coastal areas.

Al-Ali added that the weather on Thursday will be extremely hot, with northwesterly to variable winds of light to moderate speed between 8 and 38 kilometers per hour, some high clouds, and maximum temperatures expected to range between 47 and 49 degrees Celsius.

The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 5 feet. He explained that tonight’s weather will be hot to warm, with variable winds from the northwest at light to moderate speeds between 8 and 28 kilometers per hour, some high clouds, and expected minimum temperatures ranging between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius.

The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 3 feet. He said that tomorrow, Friday, will be very hot and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with northwesterly to southeasterly winds blowing at light to moderate speeds of between 10 and 38 kilometers per hour.

There will be some scattered clouds, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 46 and 48 degrees Celsius. The sea will be will be calm to moderate with waves between 2 and 5 feet.

He added that tomorrow night will be hot to warm and humid, especially in coastal areas, with variable winds blowing from the southeast at light to moderate speeds of between 6 and 28 kilometers per hour.

There will be some scattered clouds with a chance of light fog, and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius, and the sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 4 feet.

Al-Ali said that the weather on Saturday will be very hot and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with variable winds blowing from the southeast at light to moderate speeds ranging between 8 and 35 kilometers per hour. There will be some scattered clouds, and maximum temperatures are expected to range between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 5 feet.

He noted that Saturday night will be hot to warm and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with partly cloudy skies and variable winds blowing from the northwest at light to moderate speeds ranging between 8 and 30 kilometers per hour.

The expected minimum temperatures will range between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, and the sea will be calm to moderate with waves ranging between 1 and 4 feet. — KUNA

 

 

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Pakistan Embassy in Kuwait marks Independence Day

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KUWAIT: To commemorate the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence, the Embassy of Pakistan in Kuwait organized a flag hoisting ceremony at the Chancery on 14 August 2025. The ceremony was well attended by a large number of Pakistani community members, including women and children.

Special messages from the President, Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out before the audience.

Ambassador, in his remarks, felicitated all fellow Pakistanis and highlighted the significance of the Day. He paid his tribute to our forefathers, whose sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent. He also praised the valiant armed forces of Pakistan for their resounding victory against its arch enemy in Marka-e-Haq.

The Ambassador urged Pakistani community in Kuwait to work diligently and wholeheartedly towards the progress and development of Pakistan. He acknowledged the contribution made by Pakistani community in Kuwait towards the progress and development of both nations. Musical performances were also made by the children as well as Pakistani singers on famous national songs. A cake cutting ceremony also took place during the event.

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