ShareBy Faten Omar
KUWAIT: Many Kuwaiti citizens and residents escaped the hustle and bustle of the city to spend New Year’s Eve in the desert, interacting with the natural environment. But camp operators are taking advantage of the peak season, as people have noticed a hike in camp and farm rentals, where the average prices of day-use camps have more than doubled.
Hamad Al-Enezi, who owns several camps in the Subbiya, told Kuwait Times that the market attracts lots of customers, especially families, pointing out that prices are different from one camp to another depending on the size, facilities and services. “Aside from the abovementioned reasons, family camps are more expensive than the ones for men. As camp owners, we provide a better, cleaner and safer place for families away from problems caused by reckless youth. Regular camps may cost KD 100, while family camps cost KD 300 or more,” he explained.
“Family camps start from KD 250 to KD 400. While tents inside commercial farms in Wafra and Abdaly rent them for KD 50, not to mention the entry fee of KD 10 per person. As for stables, it costs KD 100 per night and KD 300 for VIP facilities,” Talal Al-Fadhli, a regular customer, said. He stressed the camp has to provide all means of comfort, including furniture, traditional Arabian seating, a stove for heating, a place for sleeping, bathrooms and lighting, in addition to the luxuries that adorn the camp for New Year’s Eve, in addition to fireworks and other activities.
Abdullah Al-Awda, owner of caravans in Subbiya, said caravans are the new trend in Kuwait, noting that people in Kuwait love fancy and creative spaces. “Caravans on regular days cost KD 100, but on New Year, due to the high demand, prices reach KD 250,” he said. He indicated that the prices of RVs are considered reasonable compared to services provided. “Celebrating with family in Kuwait is the best way of spending the New Year holiday. There are many activities to define avail of.”
Ali Anjbar, owner of several fancy restaurants, said New Year’s Day is one of the “high seasons” for restaurants and hotels around the world, which contributes to an increase in reservation prices. He said rates are not considered “high” given the additional services provided to customers and guests who want to spend an unconventional night to celebrate the New Year. He pointed out reservations rise to 90 percent in restaurants and hotels, so the previous year ends with a great achievement for both business owners and customers, noting that his guests are usually Kuwaitis and visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
