And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. Luke 15:16 ESV
Viewpoint:
Kuwaiti cuisine is a unique fusion of Arabian, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors, reflecting the country’s desert and sea surroundings. Traditional dishes often feature rice and soups and are prepared using special techniques like tabeekh (طبيخ), where meals are cooked in a single container over high heat, and marag (مرق), where ingredients are first fried before being cooked over low heat.
Jireesh/Jareesh (جريش)
This is a classic khaleeji (Gulf Arab) comfort food. It’s a porridge-like mixture, usually made of either wheat or lentils mashed with meat. It’s cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices (such as bay leaves and cinnamon sticks).
Machboos/Majboos (مجبوس)
This is the national dish of Kuwait. Machboos is basmati rice with a variety of spices (such as cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, pepper, and ginger) and mutton or chicken and sometimes vegetables. This is a dish that is slow-cooked. The basmati rice is first cooked with rosewater and saffron. Next the meat is slow cooked separately. The cooked rice is then layered with the cooked meat. Machboos is served with a tasty red sauce called daqoos. The three common types of daqoos are (1) spicy tomato-based daqoos, (2) sebar (tangy tamarind and garlic-based daqoos), and (3) eggplant daqoos.
Harees
In Kuwaiti homes, it is customary to have many guests over for dinner, which is why food is generally served on large trays with ample proportions to feast on. Harees embellish tables for guests to enjoy particularly during Ramadan, whether for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) or iftar (breaking of the fast in the evening). It is a thick porridge-like serving of mashed wheat and meat, typically chicken or mutton, garnished with cinnamon sugar and at times cumin and cardamom. The wheat is soaked overnight, boiled on the stove, and then ground up into a soup-like texture. Harees is the go-to comfort food to beat the cold during Kuwait’s winters.
Quozi
A traditional dish commonly cooked for memorable occasions and ceremonies such as weddings, qouzi, also called Ghozi or Goozi, is another rice-based cuisine that is a must-try for anyone in search of authentic Kuwaiti cuisine. This popular dish consists of a whole lamb stuffed with vegetables and nuts, then dressed in a variety of fresh herbs and aromatic spices. Once all is prepared, the dish is slowly cooked in a closed oven and then served on a bed of rice packed with spices. Food is often shared with guests at special events or in a regular diwaniya, a common local practice of opening your home to guests for good food and rigorous discussion.
Pray point:
Use these resources to help pray specifically each week.
21 Sept 25 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.’ Revelation 19:6 ESV Viewpoint: All Gulf countries have a national or Independence Day. […]
Read15 September 2025 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 ESV Viewpoint: Amina waits in her room, her heart pounding. What will happen when her mother tells her father about the Bible and other materials she discovered on Amina’s phone? If her parents […]
Read8 September 2025 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 ESV Viewpoint: Schools have resumed in the Arabian Peninsula, with many public schools emphasizing Islamic studies. While some countries require international schools to have Islamic studies for non-Muslims as […]
ReadThen I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.’ – Revelation 19:6 ESV Viewpoint: On September 23, Saudi Arabia will celebrate its National Day for the 17th […]
Read2/Sept/25 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”Luke 10:2 ESV Viewpoint: Paul has been working in the Arabian Peninsula for about 5 years. His relationships with coworkers and others he’s met outside […]
Read25/Aug/25 ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ – Proverbs 1:7 ESV Viewpoint: What does it mean to fear the Lord? Fearing the Lord means recognizing God’s ultimate authority and power over us. As Jesus said, we shouldn’t fear man, who can only harm our physical bodies, […]
Read19 August 25 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 ESV Viewpoint: Samir and Noura* have been married for ten years. 2 years ago, they both decided to follow Jesus. […]
Read12 July 25 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27 ESV Viewpoint: Basima recently decided to follow Jesus. The believer discipling her has […]
Read6 Aug 25 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 ESV Viewpoint: Abdullah has heard the Gospel and read the Bible. He believes that everything he has heard and read is true. Fear of […]
Read30 July 25 For God gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control. 2Timothy 1:7 ESV. Viewpoint: ”I want to believe, but I can’t.” For Arabians considering the Gospel, fear can be a powerful obstacle to taking the step of faith. Aisha has been studying the Bible with a Christ-follower for some time. […]
Read24 July 25 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. –1 John 4:18 Viewpoint: Fear is an undercurrent of life in Arabian society. Even as many countries in the Arabian Peninsula opens up culturally, […]
Read14July25 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house! And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him.’ But if not, it will return to you. Luke 10:5-6 ESV Viewpoint: “Persons of Peace” are those who receive the gospel message and open doors for others in their […]
Read9July25 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Psalm 96:7 ESV Viewpoint: Families, extended families, and tribes are the center of relational connection for most Arabian families. One strong family leads each tribe, and one man leads each family. Major life decisions are decided through the […]
Read30June25 And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the […]
Read24June25 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19 ESV Viewpoint: *The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the first day of Muharram, the first month in […]
Read16June25 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…Philippians 2:9 ESV Viewpoint: In Arabian culture, Muslims believe that Allah has 99 names, which are found in the Qur’an. Reciting and memorizing these names is thought to improve one’s chances of entering paradise. However, Arabians need to […]
Read9June25 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. – Psalm 89:27 ESV Viewpoint: In Arabian families, first-born sons hold significant influence. They often receive privileges like better education, financial support, and business opportunities. As the future head of their extended family, their decisions can shape their family’s […]
Read6June25 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son – Hebrews 11:17 ESV Viewpoint: Eid Al Adha, the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, begins around June 6th. It commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son and God’s […]
Read4June2025 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous […]
Read2June2025 ‘For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. ‘ Romans 5:17 ESV Viewpoint: This month, Muslims worldwide will participate in the Hajj (starting around […]
Read26May25 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV Viewpoint: After finding new life in Christ, Saif shared his transformation with […]
Read12May25 “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8 ESV Viewpoint: Jana, a committed Christian, met her Arabian friend Noor, […]
Read5May25 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” -Matthew 7:7 ESV Viewpoint: Arabian women face life with fewer opportunities than men. Yet, as the Arabian world develops, this situation is changing. While Arabian women previously had to travel to other countries […]
Read28April25 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV Viewpoint: Fatima grew up in a traditional and conservative family. But when she is with her sisters and friends, she enjoys modern music, […]
Read21/April/25 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 ESV Viewpoint: The celebrations are over, they ended at the beginning of this month, and despite my hard work and good deeds, I feel empty. I fasted, prayed, and gave to the poor, but I still wonder if it’s enough. […]
Read14/April/2025 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Mark 11:9-10 ESV Viewpoint: Imagine being a believer in a country where few share your faith. As Easter […]
ReadJesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 ESV Viewpoint: Over the past decade, internet usage has surged across the Arabian Peninsula, with platforms like Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter gaining immense popularity. Many Arabians use […]
Read31 March 25 …“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”… Revelation 19:6-8 ESV Viewpoint: Kol […]
ReadYemen and wars “And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.” Mark 13:7 ESV (emphasis from the author of this post) Prayer Points: “And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must […]
ReadYemen National Anthem “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 ESV Viewpoint: Today, we’re sharing Yemen’s national anthem. Just as Americans recognize and take pride in their own anthem, Yemenis do the same, identifying with their country and heritage. However, as God’s […]
ReadYemen And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Luke 15:9 ESV Viewpoint: The people of Yemen identify as Arabs but are divided into northern and southern groups with distinct linguistic and historical roots. The northern […]
ReadYemen “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?” Luke 15:8 ESV Viewpoint: Yemen is a country located on the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, the Gulf […]
ReadYemen “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:32 ESV Viewpoint: Yemen is a mountainous and arid country at the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The people speak Arabic and are mostly Muslims. Strategically located at the […]
ReadNight of Power …but he answered his father, “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.” Luke 15:29 ESV Viewpoint: Muslims believe God began revealing the Qur’an to Mohammed one night during the last […]
ReadUAE And he said to him, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.” But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him… Luke 15:27-28 ESV Viewpoint: The UAE’s national anthem, “Ishy Bilady”, was composed […]
ReadKSA National Anthem Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. Luke 15:25-26 ESV Viewpoint: The Saudi National Anthem, also known as the Saudi Royal Salute, was […]
ReadKingdom of Saudi Arabia/United Arab Emirates ‘For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. ‘ Luke 15:24 ESV Viewpoint: This week we will be praying for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern […]
ReadOman ‘Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.’ Luke 15:23 ESV Viewpoint: In Muscat’s historic Mutrah Souq, you can find gold, myrrh, and frankincense, the same gifts presented to baby Jesus. Frankincense, a valuable resin, has been used for 6,000 years as a perfume and remedy. Oman produces the […]
Read14/March/2025 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15: 1-2 ESV Oman Qatar Pray for Oman and Qatar this week.
ReadQatar, Doha ‘I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants. ‘And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:19-20 ESV […]
ReadOman, Salalah I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” Luke 15:18 ESV Viewpoint: Oman Northern Oman has three main physiographic zones: These zones can be further divided into regions, including the Eastern and Western Ḥajar ranges, the Oman interior, […]
ReadQatar/Oman But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!” Luke 15:17 ESV Viewpoint: This week, we will be praying for Oman and Qatar. Oman is a country on the Arabian Peninsula, with a diverse landscape ranging from […]
ReadWeek 1 is done! And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Luke 15:5-6 ESV Prayer Points:
ReadAnd he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. Luke 15:16 ESV Viewpoint: Kuwaiti cuisine is a unique fusion of Arabian, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors, reflecting the country’s desert and sea surroundings. Traditional dishes often feature rice and soups and are prepared using […]
ReadSo he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. Luke 15:15 ESV Viewpoint: Bahrain is a subtropical island with desert vegetation, date palms, and camels. Popular attractions include the 400-year-old Tree of Life, the Mountain of Smoke (the country’s highest […]
ReadAnd when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. Luke 15:14 ESV Viewpoint: Kuwait, a small country that was a British protectorate from 1899 to 1961, gained international attention in 1990 when Iraq invaded. A US-led coalition drove out the Iraqi forces in 1991, […]
ReadNot many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. Luke 15:13 ESV Viewpoint: Bahrain is comprised of Bahrain Island and approximately 30 smaller islands. Although the country has limited petroleum reserves, its economy has historically relied […]
ReadAnd the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Luke 15:12 ESV Figure 1 Top flag – green, black, white, and red, flag of Kuwait. Bottom flag – red and white flag of Bahrain Viewpoint: This […]
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