High-ranking Fifa official Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah has resigned a day after denying claims linking him to a fraud case.

Following the release of court documents, Kuwaiti Sheikh Ahmad was linked in media reports to Richard Lai, the Fifa audit and compliance committee member who was banned for bribery.

Lai admitted taking $950,000 (£735,000) in bribes in a US Court on Thursday.

In a statement, Ahmad said he "vigorously" denies any wrongdoing.

The 53-year-old, a member of both Fifa's ruling council and president of the Olympic Council of Asia, had admitted on Saturday to being aware of the media speculation but said he was "very surprised" by the allegations.

Court documents in Lai's case did not not directly name Sheikh Ahmad but referred to someone who "at various times" was a "high-ranking official of Fifa, the Kuwait Football Association (KFA), and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)".

And in a second statement announcing his resignation, Ahmad said it was in Fifa's "best interests" for him to go.

"With regards to alleged illegal payments to Richard Lai, I can only refer to my previous statement and vigorously deny any wrongdoing," it read.

"I intend to work with all relevant authorities to disprove these, for me, totally surprising allegations.

"However, I do not want these allegations to create divisions or distract attention from the upcoming AFC (Asian Football Confederation) and Fifa congresses.

"Therefore, after careful consideration, I have decided it is in the best interests of Fifa and the AFC for me to withdraw my candidacy for the Fifa council and resign from my current football positions.

"I have been honoured to serve on the Fifa council, Fifa reform committee and AFC for the last two years and I will continue to support the family of football once these allegations have been disproved."

Lai, president of the Guam Football Association and a US citizen, admitted two counts of wire fraud conspiracy - relating to accepting and paying bribes - and one count of failing to disclose foreign bank accounts.

He agreed to pay more than $1.1m (£850,000) in forfeiture and penalties.

Following Ahmad's resignation, Fifa president Gianni Infantino stated: "I have taken note of the decision of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

"I want to thank him for taking this decision which certainly was not easy to take but is in the best interest for Fifa."

Source

Heritage Car Show at Boulevard, Salmiya

And Now This... Dead Fish Littering Kuwaiti Beaches and Air Quality Causing Breathing Difficulties and Asthma

As the mother of a young child I am horrified at the lack of concern for the environment in Kuwait, as the mother of a Kuwaiti child I am angry, sad and very frustrated. The air quality is so bad some days that I fear we will end up like Beijing soon. Kids and the elderly line up for nebulisers in the local clinics. Constant sore throats, coughs and asthma. Endless pollution being spewed into the air and into our children's lungs, BBC documentaries highlighting Kuwait in the list of countries with the most polluted air and its damaging effects on health. There is a Kuwaiti project [link] to create more trees to act as a barrier against dust storms but there is still much, much more to be done.  And while MPs bicker in parliament someone has allowed the shores of the Kuwaiti Gulf waters to be so polluted that, so far, 5 ton of dead fish have been removed from the beaches. 

Someone should be held accountable and emergency projects need to be put in place to curb the damaging effects. There have been previous cases of red tide not sure what this is. I hope we see a full report soon from EPA and action soon.

Friends are telling me that the area near Babel restaurant stinks at night and although this doesn't seem to halt business to the restaurant it is an unpleasant concern for those walking in the area or playing with their kids at the nearby park. Swimming in this area could be hazardous and I hope EPA look into this matter ASAP and inform the general public if the beaches are safe.

With thanks to Jumanah for this informative video on the subject.

Gulf Jazz Festival Kuwait

Review: Bateel, The Avenues

A dear friend of mine recommended brunch here as it is one of her favourites and I was happy to finally get a chance to do an impartial review (even if I was paying for it myself).

Lovely, airy location upstairs with views in phase two, service was at times erratic varying between excellent and then a little confused. We had difficulty understanding our waitress sometimes and after explaining to her that we didn't want strawberries with the waffles but still wanted the raspberry coulis, as per menu, we were a bit surprised to not receive any raspberry coulis. The staff were then busy, out of earshot and we were hungry so we went ahead and ate the waffles without the coulis. 

A good varied menu. I had the healthy breakfast option which was good but would have preferred if it had not come altogether so that by the time I drank my delectable juice, ate the tasty fruit platter and deliciously yummy muesli my egg white omelette was not cold. 

Surprisingly, the waitress brought white toast with the healthy option - I was unaware there was toast included and was not asked for a preference but when receiving the white toast asked if I could have brown instead which took some time to bring. 

The quality of the food was very good although I would prefer an egg white omelette with some herbs or flavouring (spinach and feta perhaps) as it tends to be too bland. The asparagus was perfect. My order also included coffee which I would have liked served with my food instead of 10 minutes before or at least given the choice. 

The healthy option was good but a little too much food, in future I would share this sized portion. It was priced at KD 7+ which for the amount of food and the quality I thought this was a fair price. Overall a very good experience that I would happily repeat. 8/10 

Red Bull Car Park Drift

1700-1900

Bugsy Malone

Snakes In Bneid Al Gar

Eek! I have heard that the eggs were in the imported fertiliser and now we have a wee snake problem. I hate snakes although someone has told me these are harmless grass snakes I'm still not happy.

Not sure exactly where this video was taken but in Kuwait somewhere and that snake really wants to get in that house. 

Review: Ovo Restaurant, Bneid Al Gar

Ovo, Bneid Al Gar, Blk 2, St 77. Tel. 2257 5374


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I had heard good things about Ovo and last night we got to try it. Not cheap and not large portions but certainly delicious. 

My daughter loves this place and as it's in the neighbourhood she goes along with her buddies quite often. I have been meaning to go but just never got around to it. The restaurant looks very zen and welcoming but last night we had delivery picked up by the driver so can't comment on delivery, service or interior.

Ovo has recently introduced some meat dishes for the non-vegetarians.

We ordered for 5 people and even though the portions were smallish it was sufficient for us.

Yep, not cheap like I said but it was really good. The portions could be larger for the prices being charged. Everything was really tasty even our staunch carnivore admitted that it was very satisfying. My only comment would be the mango cheesecake was a bit bland compared to the TDF date kunafa tart with date sauce. 

Would I order again? Possibly but not often at these prices.

9/10 for flavour.

Opening of Al Shaheed Park Phase 2

Review: Al Shaheed Park Phase 2

The restaurants and shops are not finished and open yet and I couldn't find the toilets.

A most unusual mosque

Interesting mini reproductions of old Kuwait City. Enjoyed this
but it would be nice to have a little more colour, detailing and labelling.

Zubadi, Kuwait's national fish. My favourite part of phase 2. 

Detailed labelling would be much appreciated.

A Kuwait dhow. The park is a full tributes to Kuwait's past and heritage. 

A changing wind sculpture that wasn't moving when we were there
but my friend assured me it's quite lovely when it's windier.

So lovely to see such greenery and so many water features.

Impressive landscaping for Kuwait

Any older Kuwaitis will remember playing this marble game, labat teyal.

Always good when you can get out and enjoy nature, art and fresh air. In my humble opinion the phase 2 area is a bit cluttered and has some odd looking designs - the light show area featuring mini Kuwaiti towers, dhows, with some white shaded areas that look like melted ice cream although that too would be reminiscent of Kuwait I suppose. 

What I would really like to see is more attention paid to safety issues for kids as there are still some areas that could allow access to water features and a terrifying dangerous drop up above and behind the Zubadi waterfall.

It would be fabulous to have covered walkways so we can use the park on warmer days, water sprays, a club for teenagers, kids' exercise classes, live music in the restaurants, gardening classes, other exercise equipment, tai-chi classes, more trees and an ice cream man.

For phase 2 I'd give it a 7/10 but that could change as it finishes and more facilities are available.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

The Beatles Sing-Along Concert with Ahmadi Music Group

AMG is excited to announce the Beatles Sing-Along Concert on 18 and 19 May, hosted by Dasman Bilingual School.  Rock out to the best songs by the best band - wear the outfit if you have it!  Show your groove - special prices for students, children, and full-time teachers.  Go today to www.ahmadimusicgroup.com or call our ticket hotline 6618 4192 for information.

Kiddies Mexican Night at LOYAC

Last Shashooka of the Season at Massaleh Towers, Bneid Al Gar

Free Movie Night at Cereal Killer Cafe, Ahmad Jaber Street, Kuwait City

Screening The Incredibles

K's Path Art Exhibition is Online

Link

KOC 7th Chess Tournament

K'S PATH 4th Annual Art Exhibition

Happy Easter

Life Goals

Having tried one of these McFlurrys in Amsterdam I believe I have now found my new mission; travel the globe trying a McDonald's speciality item in every country. Yum! 

Spring Football Festival

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Fun With Textiles at Sadu House

The Fruit Market, Souk Mubarakiya

An amazing selection of fruits, a few of which I've never seen before.

Al Shaheed Park April 2017 Events & Activities

(Click on the photos for more information or visit our website)​

Ghalia Benali غالية بنعلي April 2nd 8:00 PM -11:00 PM at the Amphitheater The Fitness Challenge Every Monday 6:00 pm at the circle of peace Yemen now اليمن الأن April 11th    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Hall Cell Plus مؤسسة سلل الطلابية لممارسة الإبداع الدائم April 15th 4:000 pm - 8:00 pm​ at the Multi-Purpose Hall Hasaad حصاد April 18-20 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at the Multi-Purpose Hall     Tarabband طرب باند April 3rd 8:00 PM -11:00 PM at the Amphitheater The Cultural Saloon الصالون الثقافي حوار مفتوح April 3rd  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Multipurpose Hall   Children's Interactive Book Reading April 4th & 24th 5:00 pm at the Multi-Purpose Hall   Fiction Writing Workshop with Razan Al-Sharikh ورشة عمل للكتابة الابداعية باللغة الانجليزية April 16 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Gate Lounge *Registration Required "لامس و غادر" أمسية اجتماعية April 25th & 26th at the Gate Lounge *Registration Required   Soul & Heart الروح و القلب April 6th 8:00 PM -11:00 PM at the Amphitheater Function Training with Diet Care Every Wednesday 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Jogging Track   For Our Society لمجتمعنا April 14th 6 pm - 8:30 pm at the Multi-Purpose Hall Internet .. Smart + Safe  الإنترنت .. بذكاء ووعي April 20 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the Gate Lounge Movie Night at The Park April 27th & 29th 8 pm - 11 pm at the Circle of Peace