bazaar November 2023 issue by bazaar magazine

November 2023 | Issue #286 www.bazaar.town Artwork by Azra Khamissa

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November 2023 | Issue #286 www.bazaar.town Artwork by Azra Khamissa

About the cover: A chiropractor and designer based in the UAE, Dr. Azra Khamissa known as @Dr.Azra and @AzraHenna on Instagram, explores design on her own terms. Centering her research on the art of henna, her presentation of the cultural practice via workshops, pop-ups, and talks solidifies her goal of celebrating henna art. She describes her piece which features the watermelon henna design, Nowhere to go, as her tribute to the resistance of the Palestinian people. “The movement to free the Palestinians from the oppression and aggression of the Israelis has become a worldwide phenomenon. Hundreds of thousands of people in countries around the world have chanted in support for their liberation. I hold their cause very close to my heart, and I pray with all my heart that the men, women and children of Palestine may live in peace again. The genocide must end.”

There’s really nothing to say. Our hearts and minds are fully consumed and agonized and occupied by what’s going on in Gaza, Palestine. It’s very difficult to think about, or talk about, anything else. We’ve been here before. Many times, before. But it’s different now. Social media, that has brought us all closer together, has also brought the horrors of what’s going on closer to us. But the show must go on. We’ve all got to do our part in raising awareness, educating people who might not understand what’s really going on, and putting pressure on governments around the world to do the right thing. We normally start every message highlighting the amazing people who bring our pages to life. But we know that’s not going to be the case this month. Something’s changed in all of us, and we are processing life as we know it. We remain steadfast, however, performing our duties to the best of our abilities. This month, we’ve done our best to pay tribute to the people of Gaza via our pages. We are the first to describe our effort as miniscule in the grand scheme of things, but it is our way of saying that we will not forget, we will not forgive, and we will support the resistance by celebrating the Palestinian people, culture, and resolve to save their homeland. We start with our watermelon cover titled ‘Nowhere to go’ that will make more sense when you read our ‘About the Cover’ message by the artist Azra Khamissa above. We examine the history of watermelons in resistance, and we’ve compiled a couple of pages that include books and films as resources to give you a deeper look into the beginning of the occupation. We’re also showcasing art that celebrates Palestine, peppered throughout our pages, so you can literally keep them forever, as our collaborating artists graciously granted us permission to print their work! Our favorite poet and bazaarite Yasmine Dalloul gave us permission to reprint one of her most moving written odes to her homeland of Palestine. We painfully acknowledge that life moves forward, and we are ever so grateful to the people who have told us their stories. We start with Baby Avenue, a local concept store that focuses on products for the little ones and the mamas, but it is also a reminder that we are more connected than we are divided. The store is owned by Sarah who is KuwaitiDanish and was born in Denmark and her husband Mohamed who is Palestinian and was born and raised in Copenhagen. We are also inspired by Layal Almutawa’s dedication to Kuwait’s development pushed her to explore her country’s socio-economic history, leading to her first book, sponsored by Tufts University. Any good day starts with a hearty breakfast and Amiti Noura, one of our favorite local concepts serves a breakfast that can compete with your favorite aunt’s spread when she has pulled all the stops. We recently stopped by to experience the meal and were once again blown over. We are feeling a little nostalgic and took a detour down memory lane and visited The Danish Bakery. Everything is just as delicious, perhaps even more so, now that we’re old enough to savor everything they serve. If you’re craving Italian, we suggest a visit to Mia located in Al Assima Mall, a restaurant that creates dishes that are full of flavor, freshness and love. All this, and so much more, inside our pages! We Stand With Palestine. Now and Forever Ahmed El-Adly

The bazaar team... Boss

Ahmed El-Adly

Editor

Alia Al Duaij

Operations Manager Ihab Youssef

Content Manager Yasmine El Charif

Mixed Media Solutions Jennifer Cádiz

Account Manager Ali Al-Hassan

Design

Shadi Mofeed

Staff Writer/Online Media Mariam Raslan Yasmin Gamal Sahira Ladha

Contributing Writers Craig Loomis The Social Culture Club Yasmine Dalloul

Cover By

Azra Khamissa

Communications Hala Y. Sharara

Syndicates & Sources Fast Company LA Times MCT International Newsweek

Printing

British Industries for Printing and Packaging The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are).

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INDEX NOVEMBER 2023 32

MEET LAYAL ALMUTAWA

BABY AVENUE BRINGS US AMAZING NORDIC VIBES

THE AIU FILM FESTIVAL

Layal is passionate about developing her own country which led her to explore its history, identity, and socio-economic scene, through education. Our friends at The Social Culture Club interview her and tell us her full story.

This issue’s Truth or Dare candidates are an adorable couple with two gorgeous kids! Their story started with a chance meeting in Copenhagen one day and they have been inseparable ever since. Their stories intertwined and now here they are, in Kuwait, and owners of Baby Avenue, a concept store that focuses on products for the little ones and the mamas.

The AIU Film Festival returns to the American International University in Kuwait from November 5 to November 11. The countdown has certainly begun for film enthusiasts as they gear up for an immersive experience which is not only a showcase of films, but a celebration of storytelling, visual artistry and the magic of the silver screen.

110

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Mia has consistently dazzled diners with delectable breakfast dishes that are only beaten by their beautiful lunch and dinner options full of imagination and flavor. We visited the Al Assima Mall restaurant to check out their new items infused with authentic Italian flavors.

126 COZY TREATS WITH WILLIAMS SONOMA We know that the festive season has started when the Williams Sonoma world-famous Peppermint Bark is back in stock. We’re weak against the pull of the gorgeous packaging, and total goners for the content. The iconic Williams Sonoma Dalmatian is just the icing on the cake.

132 THE NEVER-ENDING CHARM OF DANISH BAKERY Let’s take a quick tour down memory lane. The year is 1991, and the most humble vision for delicious baked goods by Danish Chef Mrs. Gurli is born. The Danish Bakery may have started off as a modest home-based enterprise but it’s growing and we’re totally here for it.

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what's trending November 2023

What: @sbeih.jpg Info: Social media strategy and resistance Editor’s Note: Subhi is a great source of information

#1 What: @linasthobe Info: Tatreez and resistance Editor’s Note: Follow Lina and help preserve Palestinian culture

#2 What: @palestinianyouthmovement Info: Movement and resistance Editor’s Note: Remember their faces, because no one deserves to be a statistic

What: wiyakum.org Info: Digital resistance tools Editor’s Note: Downloadable tools to help you speak up for the cause!

What: @byplestia Info: Journalism and resistance Editor’s Note: There are no words to describe how brave, professional and articulate Plestia is.

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WATERMELONS IN PROTEST A tale of resilience and resistance By bazaar Staff

Art mimics life, and the emergence of the watermelon is the most defiantly astonishing symbol of Palestinian resistance in the face of the most absurd censorship measures. It broke convention years ago, and it’s breaking algos today, as many users on Instagram have reverted to using the good old raggi emoji when signaling to Palestine in comments and texts to avoid the senseless shadowbanning users are facing today. But first, an homage to the wonderful fruit. Cultivated throughout Palestine and spanning from the fertile fields of Jenin to the sun-kissed lands of Gaza, the emblematic watermelon vibrantly evokes the colors red, green, white, and black. A poignant instrument of protest against the oppressive restrictions imposed by the settler colony state of Israel in 1967 on the display of Palestinian flags and, by extension, the assertion of Palestinian identity. Today, the same platforms that are streaming the truth about what is happening in Palestine are warping reality. Never before has the world come together for Palestine like this, a world united against a genocide that is literally being streamed on our social feeds, but mainstream media still dares to equate resistance with terrorism, changing truth after truth. Shadow bans on Meta are on trend, and when we resorted to X (previously Twitter) for freedom, we are seeing the same manipulation of information happen there. Tiktok? Well, may the algorithm be in your favor. We’ve been honed to blame them, the powers that be, but let’s get back to the watermelon, and why it is popping up on our feeds like a shining beacon of hope. Once a peaceful symbol of resistance for Palestinians, we now see the mighty fruit make various appearances online. We’re working overtime to hone our linguistic skills on Meta to avoid our comments being removed and accounts deactivated, so we use the watermelon. Even before this October, Palestinians have long resorted to the watermelon emoji to circumvent the occupiers’ digital surveillance of their communications. Celebrities are donning watermelons on t-shirts, and social posts bearing the fruit are going viral. The watermelon adorns signs in the mass protests taking place across the world, but let’s be real. We can honestly thank Gazans for waking the world up to 75 years of oppression and displacement, not the watermelon. Nonetheless, here’s how it all allegedly started. The occupying settler colonial entity of Israel cracked down on any display of Palestinian identity and resistance from 1967 until the ban was lifted in 1993 with the Oslo Accords (which is being blatantly ignored to this very moment). Artists were condemned for the merest display of identity, and the watermelon was the ultimate forbidden fruit. Speaking to The National in an article published in 2021, artist Sliman Mansour depicted how

the occupying entity shut down an exhibition at Ramallah’s 79 Gallery, which featured his work alongside artists Nabil Anani and Issam Badr. Their works were too political, and when asking the arresting officers what would happen if they had painted a flower in red, green, black, and white? The reply they received was succinct “It would be confiscated. Even if you paint a watermelon, it will be confiscated.” No actual watermelons were painted here, but an idea was born. Fast-forward to the onset of the Oslo Accords, a New York Times article in 1993 mentions the presence of the powerful watermelon in Gaza, and how young men who carried slices of red, black, and green fruit were arrested. Amongst its various appearances, the watermelon makes a vivid presentation in Khaled Hourani’s design, The Story of the Watermelon for the Subjective Atlas of Palestine project in 2007, commemorating the alternate flag to ask the question we still ask ourselves today: When will this occupation end? Last August, the Arab community group Zazim spearheaded a campaign in Tel Aviv to signal the

pointless arrests of individuals showing support to the Palestinian flag, where 16 taxis were designated with stickers of watermelons bearing the message “This is not a Palestinian Flag”. The mighty watermelon has previously received some flack too. There is a concern that if its constant use as a symbolic gesture alone dominated the resistance narrative, then it should be taking away from the real issues faced by Palestinians on the ground. Agree, or disagree, we can surely state that it’s not just the watermelon that represents resistance. For a culture that’s been enduring an ethnic cleansing since 1948, when the colonizers deprived Palestinians of growing produce on their own lands, food has always stood as a symbol of unceasing resistance. Across decades, Palestinians have celebrated zaatar, oranges, olive oil, watermelons and so much more. And while the zionists of today gleefully regale in their appropriation of Palestinian culture, let alone committing war crimes, we will proudly support the watermelon. For full sources, visit bazaar.town.

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THE BALLAD OF THE YELLOW DISHDASHA By Craig Loomis

I am simply looking out the window, minding my own coffee shop business, when I count three red buses go by, one right after the other. I don’t remember there being so many red buses. Not only that but they’re also the UK double-decker type. It were almost as if one day, when I least expected it, I looked up and there they were, an entire fleet of them—shiny, new and very red. As a rule, red buses are no problem, until there are too many of them and then it becomes something like a plague, and that’s always a bad idea. I sip my coffee. I hadn’t stopped musing about red busses when he walks in, takes a seat next to the other window and crosses his legs all in one sweeping motion. It’s nothing special, just your basic yellow and you can see where crusty lines of dried sweat have started along the sleeves. Truth be told, you simply don’t see many yellow-dishdasha men these days. Of course, there’s your egg-white, winter grays and browns but nothing like a plain mustard yellow. And so, what can I do but secretly watch to see what he’s all about. That’s when somebody’s brown cat decides to peer into the window, as if it’s thinking of coming in for a cup of coffee but let’s see who’s there first. And of course even the cat can’t help but stare at his yellow dishdasha, as if to say, ‘What’s that all about?’ The cat meows. I can’t hear it but its mouth for sure is meowing. Meanwhile, the longer I watch and wait, the more he and his yellow dishdasha become normal—bright but normal. He sits, no coffee, no tea, nothing like a cellphone to stare into—sitting. But then, just when I am thinking of leaving—all done with my coffee and cake and ready to return to the world of red buses—he turns and looks directly at me, rubs his chin and sticks out his tongue. There’s no use getting angry over things like this, not really, and so I smile back. He gives his yellow collar a tug and turns to look out the window, at the brown cat looking in, whose mouth hasn’t stopped meowing. I cannot help but get the feeling he’s done this before—this sticking out his tongue business. That’s when I see his tattoo. I am surprised that I didn’t see it before, earlier. It’s hard to say what the tattoo is all about except a swirl of blueblack riding comfortably on his wrist, snaking onto his fingers. So there you have it: yellow dishdasha with tattooed wrist, not to forget an aahing tongue. This is when someone else enters the coffee shop and together he and I turn to see. The new coffee shop person, a lawyer-looking man with one of those mannish ponytails, takes a seat nearby. When she, with blue apron, comes out from behind the counter, she brings him coffee, and then hurries back behind the counter; and he, almost immediately, sends a coffee spoon clattering to the floor. The lawyer tries once, twice, to reach it, to pick it up, but both times it is just beyond his reach. The lawyer stops to consider: to get up out of his chair, take one giant step, bend and pick it up, or not. His considering over, he decides on not.

Three people look unhappy: the coffee shop woman, with blue apron, behind the counter who is slowly returning to the lawyer’s table to pick up the spoon, the lawyer himself, who hasn’t stopped frowning up at the ceiling and the yellow dishdasha with tattooed wrist. Before I leave, I suddenly get the urge to walk over to him and shake his hand, saying, “No hard feelings.” As I think about this, I cannot help but stare at him again; I don’t mean to, but there’s just something about thinking and staring that sometimes go hand in hand. By now the brown cat has disappeared. This time when he sticks out

his tongue he means it, and when he clenches his fist his tattoo swells. No smile from me. Meanwhile, the cook is somewhere in the backroom, puttering with pots and pans. The coffee shop woman, her back to us, on the telephone, thinks something is funny and hasn’t stopped laughing. In the end, when he gets up and moves towards me, the lawyer looks up surprised, even startled, as if he didn’t know others were there. But it’s not my fault, not really. His yellow dishdasha started it. Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash.

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MEET LAYAL ALMUTAWA

RETHINKING EDUCATION IN KUWAIT By Social Culture Club

Layal was born and raised in Kuwait. After graduating high school she enrolled at Northeastern University for a degree International Business with a minor in Strategy. She then went on to complete her master’s degree from Tufts University focusing on Governance: Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership. Her passion for developing her own country led her to explore its history, identity, and socio-economic scene, which allowed her to publish her first book, “Kuwait: An Interplay of SocioEconomics and Identity” sponsored by Tufts University. The book explores the imbalance in education and encourages national dialogue to address it.

You’ve mentioned a clear educational imbalance in Kuwait’s schooling system. Can you elaborate on this imbalance and its effects on the youth? The educational imbalance is evident when examining Kuwait’s national goals in comparison to the plans to achieve those goals. The current education system contradicts Kuwait’s vision for the future. It produces individuals who think one-dimensionally, lacking exposure to diverse perspectives, and primarily learning about the outside world through social media. Consequently, they often present their opinions as facts without critically assessing the foundation of their beliefs. The education system in Kuwait needs transformation. It should foster collective intelligence, collaborative learning, and critical thinking. Education should be transparent and multidimensional, presenting various perspectives and facts. This approach gives students the freedom to choose and analyze, creating an environment that encourages questioning, creativity, and the potential for a knowledge-based economy. Empowering children with choices instills trust and teaches responsibility for their decisions. This mindset is crucial for critical thinking and sets the stage for a more effective and competitive work environment. How has technological development globally impacted Kuwait speciﬁcally, and how do you foresee its future effects on the country? Technology has deeply penetrated our daily routines in previously unimaginable ways. From an educational perspective, individuals can now access global courses and master any subject. As technology and AI evolve, they may supplant many human roles. This shift prompts the question: How can we nurture a society adaptable to new job landscapes, evolving information distribution methods, and broader global viewpoints? Emphasizing the human and societal aspects of learning, especially in digital contexts, is crucial. Subjects like Ethics, Differentiating Media Sources, and Cybersecurity are becoming more essential than basic computer literacy or software proﬁciency. Equipping our youth with the tools and knowledge to navigate our increasingly digital world is imperative. You wrote a book sponsored by Tufts University exploring Kuwait’s history, identity, and socioeconomic scene. What was the primary message you hoped to convey through your publication? Throughout its history, Kuwait has had a distinctive outward-looking perspective because of its strategic location. While small, Kuwait wields considerable influence, marked by peace and individuality. Yet challenges like exclusivity and stagnation persist. Kuwait’s journey towards sustainable development, aligned with its national goals of unity and transitioning to a knowledge-based

economy, depends on promoting critical thinking. Deep introspection and challenging our beliefs, though potentially unsettling, are vital for growth. Genuine educational reforms, grounded in clear visions and effective assessments, are paramount for societal and economic advancement. You advocate for a national dialogue centered on education and national unity. What steps do you suggest to kickstart this dialogue? Initiating this journey requires open conversations with those willing to listen and comprehend, even if they hold differing views. Heightening awareness about the current situation is a step towards progress. Transparency is key in facilitating such dialogues. How does the present education system in Kuwait counter the State’s objective of national unity and maturity? Our current education system is plagued with censorship, ideological conflicts, and restricted freedom. It produces individuals with constrained viewpoints, which is contrary to the ideal Kuwaiti citizen we hope to cultivate. Many grapple with basic skills like analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making. The

widespread inability to differentiate between media sources exempliﬁes this. Such confusion fosters societal division, driving the nation further from its objectives. By curtailing exposure to a range of perspectives, the present system stifles creativity and curiosity, hindering transformation and intellectual expansion. How can Kuwait aim for a knowledge-centric economy when its citizens are discouraged from thinking outside the box? What key initiatives or policies would you recommend enhancing Kuwait’s education system, considering the overarching goal of national unity and stability? Meaningful change relies on effective implementation. A persistent challenge is the gap between planning and execution. To catalyze progressive change, entities responsible for planning, execution, and evaluation should be distinct, each with clear roles and accountability. My book delves further into the design of these structures and their respective duties.

Follow @socialcultureclub for more great stories and people from Kuwait. 33

AUK GOES GLOBAL WITH ITS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS An education that goes beyond the borders By bazaar Staff

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) continues to demonstrate its commitment to offering a unique and globally competitive educational experience. The University’s dynamic International Programs facilitated the placement of eight students who were chosen by the International Programs Selection Committee. Six of the selected students spent their summer at Dartmouth College and two students went to George Washington University in the USA.

The International Programs at AUK partners with top universities worldwide to provide students with the opportunity to take their education overseas to study and intern. The international exchange is also reciprocal, whereby AUK is the only private university in Kuwait that also welcomes international students seeking to further their academic and professional pursuits. The world is more connected than ever, but hands-on study experience abroad is still lifechanging, especially during formative years. Studying abroad is a horizon expanding opportunity for any student, it helps change perspectives and expose them to new ideas. AUK cultivates dynamic international partnerships and collaborations with renowned global institutions, expanding the academic and professional horizons of its students whilst also pushing the boundaries of education on a local and global scale. For more information on the American University of Kuwait please visit auk.edu.kw and follow their latest on Instagram and social media @AUK_Official.

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IKEA REDUCES THE PRICES OF THOUSANDS OF PRODUCTS!

A look into IKEA, their solutions, strategies and future plans WITH IKEA CEO MARINO MAGANTO By bazaar Staff

IKEA has always been a household name and part of many of our childhoods. As they continue to expand and find innovative ways to give their customers thousands of solutions for their home, they have also found ways to keep us interested and engaged. We interviewed Mr. Marino Maganto, CEO of IKEA for Kuwait, Jordan, and Morocco, to discuss how they have continued to be competitive, their current campaign as well as the future plans for IKEA in Kuwait. 36

The world of home furniture as we know it today wouldn’t be the same without IKEA. Throughout the years, they have consistently thrived to give us the best prices, quality, and experience in everything they do. Whether you’re just looking for a small bedside table, or to completely furnish your new home, IKEA always has the solutions that you’re looking for. When we sat with Mr. Marino Maganto, we talked about the Reduction of prices on thousands of IKEA solutions, the “Bring on the Mess” campaign, and their expansion in the Kuwait market. Why is it important for IKEA to reduce prices? There is a challenge on a global perspective today, and we have noticed that people have lost quite a bit of buying power. We need to have a range today that’s more affordable than the past. In order to continue lowering prices from a long-term perspective, we will also be able to be in more homes, provide home furnishing solutions of high quality, so that everybody can have a home they love and aspire to. How is IKEA able to reduce prices every year amid the global economic situation? IKEA is a production oriented retailer, which means that we fix the prices that we want to retail then we buy the volumes. This allows us to get the cost price that we need to be able to produce or sell at that retail price. Of course, since we are committing to volumes, we are committing to making sure that we are putting customer favorites as a priority. We want the most important products to be the most affordable ones. The products that people love, whether it’s a certain series of mattresses, wardrobes and especially PAX, which is one of the biggest drivers. We have to commit to a certain level of quality quantities and not amend the range that people have fallen in love with. Do these price reductions affect quality and durability? It’s not that we are buying lower quality products. We still give the same guarantees and the same high-quality products that we always have. Only the price has changed and in some cases, we have really gone to the extreme of a 30% price investment, so that the prices are 30% less than they were just last year. This is a long-term commitment, it isn’t an offer or promotion which is going to last a few months. These prices will be there for the full year and then

at the end of the year, we always attempt to lower the price even more on the customer favorites. We have decreased the prices of approximately 1,500 solutions out of our 10,000 items. Why is the focus on “Storage Across the Home”? [Marino shuffled excitedly] Bring on the mess! I love this! We all have certain areas of the home which are a bit messy. “Bring on the Mess” talks about storage. One part is for your home and the other

big area is the socializing aspect. Whether it’s the living room or your private space, you want to create a little hub or haven that is your safe space. We challenged our customers to bring the mess they have in whatever part of the home to prove that we can provide a solution for every single area of the home and help you live a more organized life. We know that most of the stress and arguments happen because of lack of storage, and we want to bring harmony and organization to families in all parts of the home. [Continued...]

What kind of solutions do IKEA offer for the different areas of the home? There was a lot of time spent developing the range based on needs. Through home visits, we were able to understand the solutions they have and the ones that they need as well as their dreams, aspirations, and requirements. This has been a very long process, it included designing and visiting the factory to see how it can be produced in a more sustainable way while keeping it efficient and keeping the costs low. The ’obvious’ solutions don’t interest me. We are here to create ‘wow’ moments, things that people never thought about, such as a foldable tray that you can have your breakfast on but also can hold your tablet or smartphone. Or even a side lamp that includes wireless charging for your smartphone. That’s what we aim to create and solve for our customers. We want to create those moments, solutions that nobody thought about, to solve everyday problems and needs. The new customer meeting points are in the southern areas of Kuwait. Why? There was big development with Khiran coming up, and we were very happy to be part of the first hybrid outlet mall in the country. Same with Subahiya at The Warehouse Mall and we needed a big store to cover the south area and reach the customers in those areas. This is part of a longterm expansion, and there is a lot of work behind the scenes to plan it. Now, our focus is on the north and we are currently studying it. Jahra, Mutla’a and areas there that would be good for us to expand into. We need to look into what’s the correct format, size and all the required details which are being studied.

[...Continued]

How do you see the home furnishing market performance in Kuwait? Why? We have to look at this in terms of pre-COVID and post-COVID. Pre-COVID, home was home. It was a place to sit back and relax. However, we really started going deep into homes with the lockdown, and we were forced to spend most of our time in that space. We identified different needs and areas that were not as functional as we would like, which called for a radical change, since many people began working from home completely or a hybrid perspective. Before COVID, we went to work daily but after, there is more of a balance with working from home or from the office. Living rooms became offices for a few days a week and therefore, we need versatile furniture so that we can also host friends and family in that same space. There has been a big movement in our homes, and it is still the most important place for us and will continue to be so in the future. Things have changed, and we have been part of that as well. What are your future plans in Kuwait? We are looking into expansion in the northern areas of the country. In addition, we are also aiming to become a truly omnichannel retailer. Not only will it be e-commerce and physical units but how can an individual consumer identify and define how they want to interact with the brand? The challenge here is moving between channels. As a consumer, how can they know that I’m the same person on Instagram as well as the one who bought the sofa in-store yesterday and was on the website the day before and registered for the newsletter? We aim to get to that point of who you are and how you’re interacting with us so that your experience is seamless. Even if you add something to your cart

online and scanned an item in-store, you can pay at once through just one channel where everything is there. However you want, wherever you want and in whichever channel you want. We asked Mr. Maganto if there was anything else he wanted to add, to which he said, “Bring on the Mess!” and that’s what it’s all about at IKEA. Bring on the mess, bring on your issues, bring on the biggest problems you’re having at home because nothing is too big for them to solve. With an incredible range of items, there surely is something for everyone, and they are only continuing to expand even more. Level up your life with IKEA by visiting IKEA The Avenues, IKEA 360, IKEA Assima Mall, IKEA Khairan, IKEA The Warehouse or shopping online at www.IKEA.com.kw. For more information, please call 184 0408 or follow @IKEAKuwait on Instagram.

Artwork featuring Banksy by bazaar Staff, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. 40

BABY AVENUE BRINGS US AMAZING NORDIC VIBES! An online store that brings Nordic-inspired products to Kuwait and beyond By bazaar Staff

Baby Avenue is owned by an adorable couple with two gorgeous kids! Their story started with a chance meeting in Copenhagen one day and they have been inseparable ever since. Sarah is KuwaitiDanish and was born in Denmark and spent most of her life there. Mohamed is Palestinian and born and raised in Copenhagen. Their stories intertwined and now here they are, in Kuwait, and owners of Baby Avenue, a concept store that focuses on products for the little ones and the mamas. When they first got married, Sarah and Mohamed had a vision board, that they hung in their kitchen to put all their goals and dreams on. They knew they wanted children immediately and this board served as a reminder of all these ideas and dreams they wanted to not lose sight of or forget after becoming parents. “It was super important to us that being parents shouldn’t put our lives or dreams on hold but rather the kids should be a part of them.” Sarah jokes, “One thing on our list was to start up a business together, but we never imagined that it would one day lead us to be living in Kuwait and geeking out on the latest trends in baby clothes and accessories. It’s been a fun ride to say the least!” Sarah and Mohamed now have two kids. A lovely two and a half year-old girl named Maya and an adventurous 9-month-old boy named Malik. Sarah and Mohamed tell us that “our children are our main inspiration. We always want what is best for them. As any new first-time parent venturing into new territory, you spend so much time always researching what to do/not to do and what is best for your children. Coming from Denmark, a country known for being very child-friendly, we wanted to bring some of the celebrated brands with us to Kuwait.” Sarah and Mohamed had the idea of Baby Avenue after visiting family in Kuwait while Maya was still 6 months old. It quickly took off from there and not even 10 months after that trip, in October 2022, the family packed up their life and headed to Kuwait. This was no small feat; Sarah was 6 months pregnant at the time. However, they managed to juggle a toddler, a pregnancy, a shift halfway across the world, and working on setting up their own business. “The main thing was to make something that reflected who we are and that we would be proud of. Our vision for Baby Avenue is to help parents

in providing the best childhood possible for their kids by creating the friendliest place in town for quality brands that you don’t want to live without as a parent. No questions being too small or too big – with Sarah or Mohamed on the other side ready to help,” they both share. They add that “we just try to stay true to ourselves and be a bit different by being personal to provide parents with an experience that feels genuine and heartfelt. We look for the best brands in the world and carefully select those that align with our ethos. You won’t find 1000 brands (yet) but instead brands and items we vouch for – we always love to search high and low for new things to bring that share our commitment to quality, style, sustainability and functionality that works for parents and kids alike.”

The two-man army does most of the work for the brand themselves, this includes everything from sourcing brands, website design, marketing, social media, and customer service to packaging and delivery. They often use Maya and Malik to test some of the products to make sure that they are engaging and interesting enough for little hands and minds. This has been a whirlwind journey of parenting and entrepreneurship for the Baby Avenue family. We can imagine that challenges have been numerous to say the least, but we are excited to see how the brand grows. At present, some of the brands you can find at Baby Avenue include Konges Sløjd, Molo, Hevea, Tissi, Jorgen House and Najell each known for their exceptional products and dedication to making parenting a little easier and a lot more stylish. [Continued...]

truth or dare

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mother describe you in one word? S: She’s unfortunately not with us anymore but I feel that she would say “Brave”. M: Compassionate. How would you describe your mother in one word? S: Strong. M: Loving. What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? S: When people ask me if I slept well knowing I have a toddler and a baby. M: A friend once called me at 3am asking me if I was up for going fishing now. I wasn’t. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? S: Went on interrail in Europe for three weeks without a plan. M: Saw a Facebook post about running a marathon in the Sahara desert, signed up immediately, and ended up running in hiking boots as my luggage got lost in transit. What is your theme song? Not with our own will but for the past year, it’s between wheels on the bus or Baby Shark! What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Yallah! Short and sweet and almost universal by now. Where would you like to live? S: In a house with rural tranquillity, close to the water and with lots of fresh air and beautiful nature. M: Palestine. What is your dream retirement location? We saw this video once with people living super simple in a mobile home and just going from place to place. That looked fun! What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? S: I believe it is an African proverb that says: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. M: Not sure if it’s famous but one of my heroes, Muhammad Ali once said: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life” Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life? S: A dog. They are loyal, caring and likes to cuddle! M: I was sure Sarah would say elephants. I really like monkeys, but I will go with elephants for this one – they are intelligent, strong, caring and loyal.

[...Continued]

Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it? S: Being outside playing without a care in the world and without screens until the sun went down. M: Playing in the snow.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place? S: Unity and empathy. M: Selflessness.

If you could change your name, to what would you change it? S: I like Sarah – it’s universal and easy to remember. M: Same for me.

Why do you think most people who do, like you? S: I would like to think it’s because we don’t take ourselves too seriously. M: My best guess is they like Sarah and her cooking – she makes the world’s best chili!

How would you describe your handshake, in one word? S: I’m a hugger, I like to hug! M: I’m staring at my hand now… Normal, I hope. What is the toughest part of your character? S: Not afraid of making hard choices. M: Tenacity. Who is your favorite historical figure? S: Nelson Mandela. M: Malcom X and Muhammad Ali come to mind but if I had a time machine I would have loved to experience Oum Kalthoum live. What in the world do you least desire? S: Ugh, so many to choose from. Injustice and spiders. M: Same but I can live with the spiders.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” Those “small” everyday moments that life spontaneously throws at you. When we burst out in laughter or dancing to a tune. Oh, and liquorice – that makes me pretty happy too!

We are so excited by all the brands we have found on Baby Avenue and we love the lovingly selected product range. If you haven’t guessed already, we are customers. Check out their collection on www.baby-avenue.com or on Instagram @babyavenuekw - we don’t think you will be able to resist! All photos used in this article are by Stephanie Mcgehee.

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YOU DON’T HAVE TO CLIMB THE CAREER LADDER TO BE HAPPY Here’s how to find satisfaction early on By Danielle Doolen

I know that it can be difficult to find success and satisfaction early in your career. But I also know it is completely possible. This past summer marked my 10-year anniversary of joining the workforce. Ten years have come and gone since I’ve walked across the stage with a master’s degree in one hand and a five-year plan in the other. Unfortunately, my fiveyear plan crashed and burned after two short years. Fortunately, I’ve come out the other end of a decade with a new perspective. Over the past 10 years, I changed careers, changed companies, received raises, took pay cuts, became a people leader, and learned so much more than I could have ever imagined when I received my first job offer. As I leave the first 10 years of my career in the rearview mirror, I’ve done a lot of reflection on the lessons I wish I knew. While I believe experience can be a valuable teacher, I also know how impactful advice from others who’ve been there can help throughout your career. For those still navigating the first 10 years of their career, here’s what I wish I had known sooner: The only constant is change We embark on our careers with certain expectations (at least I did). But I wish I knew that no matter how many plans you make or aspirations you have, the only constant throughout your career is change. Companies change their structures, your interests or goals may evolve, or your personal circumstances could change in a way that you didn’t see coming. If you learn to be adaptable and not only expect change but also embrace it, you’ll be more apt to flourish. This can be accomplished by keeping a growth mindset related to your role, career paths, and opportunities. It’s never too early to establish your support network When you’re starting your career, most of your network is made up of family, friends, and classmates. But as the years pass, you’ll begin to interact with and meet new people who can serve varying purposes in your career. You might wonder what’s the point of starting a network when you’re early in your career or not looking to change roles. But networking is essential at every stage of your professional journey, no matter how early. Every person in our network plays a crucial role in various capacities. I strongly recommend that all young professionals establish a personal board of directors, if you will, that you can consult with in different scenarios. For example, you will want a cheerleader when you need encouragement, a coach when you need someone to guide you, and a 46

[Continued...]

candid contact who has no qualms about telling you

Trust your gut

like it is to challenge you. The best thing is you don’t

My gut has always steered me right. I used to think

need to formally ask these individuals whether they

trusting your gut wasn’t always the best decision

want to serve as a mentor. Make a mental note of

because logic should outweigh intuition. But now

who you know and trust who you can turn to and

I know that’s the furthest from the truth. My gut

proceed as needed.

reaction is a compilation of all my lived experiences

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thus far. Those experiences served as data points of information I’ve previously gathered due to past scenarios and situations. So while it might feel illogical to follow your gut, there’s usually a sound reason it’s your initial reaction. If I had taken the advice of those I looked up to and didn’t listen to my gut, I would have never left my first job out of college and found a career I love. At the end of the day, you need to make decisions that are best for you. So, throughout your career, do your best to tune out the noise and listen to what you really need. Get your money right (whatever that means for you) So much of our early careers is spent discovering what we like, don’t like, want to do more of, and where we see ourselves going, which is so important. But I don’t think enough emphasis is put on our finances, and understanding how to lay a solid financial foundation for the rest of our lives. Many people enter the workforce after high school or college, meaning that in the first 10 years of our careers, we’re in our twenties and thirties. Many life events typically happen during this time, like marriage, paying off student loans, starting a family, and saving for a down payment on a house. But because all of our paths are different, this often

[...Continued]

means we’re all in very different places in our lives and financial journeys. Most people have to work to make a living. We have to remember that in the most basic form, our careers are contractual agreements with an employer to perform a service. So while money is the reason most of us have careers, what to do with that money once we get it is often not discussed enough. The first 10 years of our careers should be spent getting our money right, which means determining our priorities and goals, and understanding how to make our money work for us. There is no such thing as a linear career path I graduated from college with a full-time job and a five-year plan. It was linear and defined, and I loved the absoluteness of it. Two years later, I threw my linear career path out the window when I realized what I thought was my ideal was actually far from it. While I felt like a failure for venturing off the beaten path, the more I grew in my career, the more I learned that my journey is more the norm than the outliner. Each career path will look different. There are always nuances and differences, even when, at face value, two people’s paths may appear identical. Career paths used to be seen as ladders: linear and direct. But they’re more like an entire

playground. Sometimes you move up, sometimes over, and sometimes you get entirely off one piece of equipment and hop on to another. Careers are malleable and require flexibility, so kiss linearity goodbye and say hello to multidimensional careers. Having fun and being happy at work is okay A lot of people don’t associate work or labor with happiness. But over the past 10 years, I’ve discovered that my career provides me with joy and fulfillment that only work can give me. I left my first job because I was unhappy, and in every job since I’ve leaned into finding satisfying work that lights me up. We spend years and years of our lives working in one way or another. That’s too much time to spend miserable. Of course, we all have bad days and aspects of our jobs that are less than stellar, but building a career you love is possible. Every day won’t be awesome, but the majority can be. At the very least, you owe it to yourself to find what feels good and do your best to steer your career toward enjoyment and happiness.

Photo by Razvan Chisu on Unsplash.

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THE AIU FILM FESTIVAL

The highly anticipated AIU Film Festival returns to American International University in partnership with Cinescape By bazaar Staff

After a very successful event just last year, the AIU Film Festival returns to the American International University campus in Kuwait from November 5 to November 11, and it promises to be a cinematic extravaganza once again, full of excitement and creative energy. The countdown has certainly begun for film enthusiasts as they gear up for an immersive experience which is not only a showcase of films, but a celebration of storytelling, visual artistry and the magic of the silver screen. This event promises to be bigger, better and even more captivating than its predecessor, which was a very successful inaugural event last year. This year includes seasoned professionals who will take part in the screenings, workshops, and lectures from November 5 until November 9. Cinescape has joined efforts with AIU as a strategic partner in the Film Festival, helping to enhance the festival’s scope and reach by hosting screenings at their venues in Assimah Mall and 360 Mall. This collaboration aims to engage a larger youth audience in Kuwait. Cinescape’s experts will also serve as speakers, sharing valuable industry insights to elevate the festival’s quality and reach. In addition to Cinescape, AIU have also partnered with several esteemed sponsors – Debenhams, Weyay 50

and Ali Alghanim & Sons – who have all generously supported the festival and demonstrated their commitment to the promotion of culture and arts, within Kuwait and beyond. The speakers include award-winning Director, Dr. Zeyad (Z) Alhusaini, Deputy General Manager of Programs and Marketing at the Kuwait National Cinema Company, Ghalia Hayat, Director at the Bustop Creative Agency, Tarek Jammal, Director of Photography at Ethos, Aida Alzanki, Director Maryam Alabbad, Screenwriter Mohammed Al-Mayahi, and Executive Director Maryam Faisal AlOmani. It also includes Creative Director, Costume and Set Designer Fay Faisal Al-Homoud, Producer, Director and Musician, Sayood and Co-Founder of Sinbad Pictures, Faisal Al Agel.

The first four days of the Festival are bound to be exciting with lectures that are sure to keep everyone excited and on the edge of their seats. It begins with Dr. Zeyad (Z) Alhusaiai as he speaks about his popular film, ‘How I Got There’ and the process he went through from script to film on November 5. If you’re interested in how producing a film works and all the intricacies of it, then make sure to take part in Faisal Al Agel’s lecture, “How to Produce a Film” taking place on November 6. The next day is bound to be busy with two lectures as Aida Al Zanki takes the stage to give tips on “How to Get Into the Industry” before Mohammed Al Matahi speaks about “The Art of Storytelling”. November 8 will also see two speaks as Tarek Jammal talks about “Framing the

Emotions” while Maryam Al Abbad tackles a critical topic focused on “Women in the Industry”. Last but most certainly not least is Sayood and he speaks about what made him the person he is today with the “Art of Animation”. Throughout the festival week, the AIU Film Festival will of course, be showing screenings of films daily from 9:30-10:30 AM and from 12:301:30 PM. “The Moon Follows Me”, “Night”, “Aalish”, “Traffic”, “The Mist” and many more captivating films await the screen, so be sure to join in, immerse yourself, and actively engage in the full experience. This year’s film festival received an overwhelming response from filmmakers worldwide, with over 3,000 films submitted from over 114 countries. The selection process was rigorous, resulting in the showcasing of over 40 outstanding films that will be shown throughout the festival, which encompasses a wide spectrum of genres and styles, promising to captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations. What makes this festival particularly thrilling is the convergence of emerging talents and seasoned veterans all under one roof to exchange ideas, learn, and find various ways to grow. The screenings are not just about watching a film, it’s a shared exploration of the art form and the different ways storytelling can be effective. The festival is planned to be concluded with an Award Ceremony taking place on November 11 to close the curtains on an educational, fun and engaging week. The AIU Film Festival is one that no one should miss as it promises to be a hub of artistic exchange, workshops, discussions and interactive sessions that delve deeply into the intricacies of filmmaking. It’s an opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of the craft, learn from established professionals, and perhaps even discover the spark that ignites their own creative journey.

For more information, please visit the official festival website www.aiu.edu.kw/film-festival, or follow AIU on social media @aiu_kw for updates and highlights. Be part of a cinematic celebration that promises to be bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever before. Strategic Partner:

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Sponsors:

Makeshift 48. Artwork by Tareq Qaddumi, @kickstq on Instagram, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. 52

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LIVING IN THE NOLTE KITCHEN Nolte Küchen unveils its 2024 Innovations during its HausMesse event in Germany By bazaar Staff

Nolte Küchen, the most renowned name in the kitchen industry, recently hosted its international gathering at the Nolte forum in September, bringing together partners, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from across the globe, including Kuwait. The event served as a grand platform for the introduction of Nolte Küchen’s groundbreaking 2024 innovations, setting new standards in the world of kitchen design.

Nolte Küchen’s 2024 innovations are a harmonious blend of creativity and functionality. The array of innovations includes a captivating spectrum of colors, mesmerizing new kitchen lines, innovative worktops, striking fronts, and open designs that cater to even the most compact living spaces. Among these innovations, the new caramel color has taken the spotlight, capturing the essence of breathtaking beauty and versatility. This delightful tint seamlessly complements any home decor, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. With Nolte Kuchen, Living in the Kitchen is 54

a joyful journey filled with delightful surprises. Nolte Küchen offers you the flexibility to develop your own personal style when it comes to your kitchen. Various elements allow you to influence the look of your kitchen, such as open-shelf units that provide detail and contrast and closed display units and large surfaces for a more linear and calm appearance. You can combine everything to suit your taste. Whichever elements and combinations you prefer, you can be sure that a Nolte Küchen will offer high-quality and practicality that meets your expectations. And it is a pleasurable surprise every time!

Nolte Kuchen continues to be a trendsetter in the kitchen design industry, shaping culinary spaces’ future with innovative products. For more information on Nolte Küchen and our latest innovations, visit: https://www.nolte-kuechen.com/

Visit the AAW showroom to see for yourself the variety of kitchen ranges from nolteneo and follow @aawkitchens to stay in the know!

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WHAT’S YOUR TYPE? Computer scientists have predicted whether your startup will fail based on your personality By Clint Rainey

Ask business experts what qualities they believe successful startup founders possess, and there’s a number and metric for everybody: It’s three personality traits and four types of founders, or it’s the Big Five traits, or maybe six successful traits, or it’s seven, with seven personality types—on up to 16 distinct personalities, or even 50 traits defining great entrepreneurs. It gets dizzying fast. But researchers from the University of New South Wales, Oxford University, and two other Australian universities argue in a new study that while, yes, the odds of success can be linked to specific founder-personality types, their paper formally settles on six. To reach this conclusion, they used data on more than 21,000 startup founders. And moreover, they found that the combined personalities of the startup’s entire founding team can also be a key factor. Their paper, published on Monday in the journal Scientific Reports, claims successful founders have traits not typically found in the population at large, and their findings suggest that six particular personality types—Fighters, Operators, Accomplishers, Leaders, Engineers, and Developers, or collectively, “FOALED”—predict success much better than other factors that the business world often weighs first, such as which industry the company belongs to (their traits-based metric is allegedly five times more predictive of success), or the founder’s age (their metric is allegedly two times more predictive). “Personality traits don’t simply matter for startups—they are critical to elevating the chances of success,” lead author and University of New South Wales adjunct professor Paul McCarthy said in a press release. “A small number of astute venture capitalists have suspected this for some time, but now we have the data to demonstrate this is the case.” They say they divined the personality traits of their 21,000-plus founders by training a machinelearning algorithm to trawl the group’s Twitter posts. Their methodology might raise eyebrows, but it is based on a widely cited method that three of the coauthors created in 2019 to match workers with their ideal occupations. It did that by creating psychological profiles for 128,000 Twitter users (generated using the language found in their tweets) and syncing those profiles with their professions. For this new paper on startups, the authors write that their algorithm distinguished successful founders with 82.5% accuracy. They used Crunchbase’s directory to pull data on startups’ fundraising, mergers, and acquisitions, and IPOs to measure if companies were, in fact, successful. Their conclusion, after studying the successful startups and analyzing founders’ traits, was that good founders had a couple of particular facets of their personalities that aren’t that common. They include a drive for variety and novelty, an 56

openness to adventure, less modesty, and higher energy levels. The more these traits are found in a company, the paper says, the greater its odds of success are. And that is where the emphasis shifts: These traits don’t need to be concentrated in a singular founder, they write. “Firms with three or more founders are more than twice as likely to succeed than solo-founded start-ups,” a coauthor from Oxford, Fabian Stephany, said. Startups with diverse combinations of founder types have an 8- to 10-times greater chance of success than companies with a sole founder, leading the study authors to coin something they call the Ensemble Theory of Success. It’s a theory echoing others commonly subscribed to in startup circles, perhaps most obviously the Three

Hs (“hipster, hacker, hustler”), that were coined in 2012 by AKQA chief creative officer Rei Inamoto, and claim to present the winning startup formula: You need a founder who’s uber-cool, another who’s a programmer savant, and a third who always keeps their nose to the grindstone. “There are lessons here for organizations of all kinds about the importance of having a diversity of personality types in teams,” McCarthy told Science Daily of the findings. “We estimate 8% of people worldwide may have personality traits that could make them successful founders,” he added. “Likely, many are not in the entrepreneurial field right now.”

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash.

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PORSCHE TAYCAN TURBO S

SETS ELECTRIC VEHICLE LAP RECORD AT KUWAIT MOTOR TOWN Kuwaiti Porsche Track Experience and racing champion, Ahmed Al-Shehab, sets a benchmark of 1:54.27 By bazaar Staff

On October 25th, a momentous occasion unfolded at the National Circuit of Kuwait Motor Town as Behbehani Motors Company, Porsche Centre Kuwait, the leading automotive brand, achieved a remarkable feat. They set the very first electric vehicle lap record with the Porsche Taycan Turbo S at Kuwait Motor Town, completing the circuit in an astonishing 1 minute, 54 seconds, and 277 milliseconds, all while undergoing rigorous testing under real road conditions.

The monumental achievement marked the ideal celebration of Porsche’s 75th anniversary, underlining the prowess of electric vehicles and delivering a clear message that they can be as formidable and exhilarating as their internal combustion counterparts. Behind the wheel was the Kuwaiti Porsche Track Experience and racing champion, Ahmed Al-Shehab, who set a benchmark of 1:54.27 and showcased the capabilities of the Taycan Turbo S, demonstrating his true skill as a driver. Commenting on this event, Ahmed Al-Shehab stated, “This record is a testament to the remarkable capabilities of the Taycan Turbo S and the incredible potential of electric vehicles. The car’s performance on the track, using road tires, underscores its exceptional power, handling, and adaptability to real-world road conditions.” Distinguished by its sporty silhouette and remarkable performance: The Porsche Taycan Turbo S boasts impressive features, including a sleek design, advanced battery technology, quick charging times, cuttingedge technology, and powerful performance. Its striking and aerodynamic design turns heads wherever it goes, with sleek lines and bold curves that make it a true masterpiece of automotive design. The Taycan Turbo S is equipped with an advanced 93.4 kWh battery, offering an impressive range of 388-412 kilometers on a single charge. [Continued...]

Porsche racer Ahmed Al Shehab driving the Taycan Turbo S Moreover, its cutting-edge battery technology enables rapid and efficient charging, requiring just 93 minutes for 80 percent battery capacity with direct current at 50kW and a mere 22.5 minutes with maximum charging power for the same capacity. With its potent engine, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km in a mere 2.8 seconds, delivering an exhilarating driving experience. Furthermore, it boasts a wealth of state-of-the-art features, including an advanced infotainment system, sophisticated driver assistance systems, and more. Thrilled by this accomplishment, Hany Marie, General Manager of Porsche Centre Kuwait, expressed his enthusiasm saying: “Setting the inaugural electric vehicle lap record at Kuwait Motor Town and showcasing the capabilities of the Taycan Turbo S is a source of immense pride for us.” He then added, “The Taycan Turbo S, with its elegant design, advanced battery technology, quick charging capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and powerful performance, has been leading the way in the electric vehicle revolution. We’re eagerly looking forward to further pushing the limits of what can be achieved.” As the first Porsche dealership in the Middle East and the ninth in the world, Porsche Centre Kuwait has a long history of excellence and innovation. The record-setting lap at Kuwait Motor Town is just the latest example of Porsche Centre Kuwait’s commitment to delivering unparalleled driving experiences. For more information about the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and to schedule a test drive, visit Porsche Centre Kuwait’s showroom or call Porsche Centre Kuwait’s hotline. 60

[...Continued]

Porsche Taycan Turbo S while breaking the record in Kuwait Motor Town.

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Take in the views and savor the delicious steaks and fresh seafood grilled to perfection by our expert chefs. Experience dining like none other aboard Al Boom dhow, an authentic piece of Kuwait’s heritage. Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait Al Bida’a Road, Al Ta’awn Street, Salwa, P.O. Box 26199, Safat 13122, Kuwait T: +965 2567 3430 sales.kuwait@radissonblu.com

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A BRIEF MESSAGE: PALESTINE It seems like the world has lost some color. Everything is just that bit darker now. Waking up in the morning, as much as it is a privilege, is also increasingly difficult. Things that brought me joy just a few weeks ago, no longer do so to the same degree. Each smile, each laugh, includes pain. Guilt, too. Humans should look after humans, right? Logic doesn’t have a place here though, it sits hidden in the dark alongside humanity and empathy. It’s 2023 and we still find ourselves telling people that killing innocent people, many of them children, isn’t okay. The year doesn’t matter really, it’s never been okay but… It’s 2023 and this is what the discussion is? This isn’t new in Palestine, they have been going through it for years and fought daily for years. But when they stood up and asked for help, the world sat down and looked the other way. The world has lost color and it will never shine like it did before. The least we can do is preserve whatever color is left. Ali Al Hassan

Man’s inhumanity to man never fails to shock as societies rise and fall, borders are gerrymandered on a global scale for mere money, and we all are pawns; the playthings of the 1 tenth of the 1%. While mainstream media narratives can’t be trusted, trust at least in the scenes shared overcoming shadow banning and censorship, the bodies scarred, burned and torn, the psyches damaged forever, the divisions further stretched across chasms over rivers of blood, divisions enforced through power not in our hands. But what is in our hands, is the ability to care, understand and say that none of this is in our name. Take vengeance out of our voices, and still shout even louder, “Stop the genocide!” Everywhere. Be the rise of the 99.9%. Jennifer Cádiz

I mean really, what is there to say? Does one talk about the hypocrisy of the world? Does one talk about the impotence of the UN? Does one talk about the savagery of the Israeli army? Does one talk about the atrocities taking place in our beloved Palestine, and the superhuman strength and resilience of the people of Gaza? Does one talk about Western media and how it has failed us all yet again, only worse this time? Does one engage in futile whataboutisms? Does one talk about how we should all scream and shout, and write, and post, and tweet, and change misguided people’s opinions, and educate them one by one until there is finally a fair and balanced solution that leads to an actual Palestinian state? I mean really, what is there to say? Ahmed El-Adly

I am old enough to have clear memories of the second Intifada of 2000. I remember watching the news, feeling heartbroken and thinking there is nothing worse than this. I was wrong. What we’re witnessing today is a million times worse. While western mainstream media continues to lie and churn out Zionist propaganda, Palestinians in Gaza are showing us in real time the raw feeds of what is happening. We can hear them scream, cry and die. Watching events unfold is frustrating and demoralizing while cementing the fact that we are helpless. I can only imagine how horrific it actually feels to be standing in the eye of the storm. My prayer for the Palestinian people has not changed since 2000; justice, peace, prosperity and freedom. Yasmin Gamal 62

I’ve been walking around in a constant state of daze and grief. I’ve never had such a hard time stringing two words together like this. But, every moment I’ve felt extremely defeated in attempting to find the right words, I take a breath, as I am doing now, and remember our brothers and sisters in Gaza. This isn’t hard. Typing on a keyboard from the confines of my very safe office, is not hard. We’re allowed to feel the torment, the senselessness, but we’re not allowed to stop. Not only for them, but more importantly for us. It’s on us as a collective community to own our narrative in everything that is happening. It’s time to flip the script, because no matter how hard they try to twist the truth behind what continues to happen in Gaza even as I type this message, no matter what we do, no matter how far we rise in their eyes, somehow it’s not good enough. We will always be asked to condemn our own people before we can have a seat at the table. We will constantly be dehumanized. They are tallying up Arab condemnations. You condemn Hamas? Good. But the genocide will continue anyways. If we don’t condemn the oppressed, then we are on the wrong side of freedom. Now consider the sheer audacity of not being in control of your own narrative. So we metaphorically soldier on (because let’s face it, we’re all sitting ducks here), we will continue to serve our readers, our clients, with every ounce of professionalism we have left, but we also will not condemn the oppressed. Never. Yasmine El Charif

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ALL-NEW NISSAN X-TRAIL RECORDS SEGMENTLEADING SALES IN THE MIDDLE EAST Al-Babtain Company thanks its customers for choosing this iconic car By bazaar Staff

Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Company, the exclusive agent for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in Kuwait, has announced a new success achieved by the all-new Nissan X-Trail since its launch in Kuwait, and the region at the beginning of this year. It has recorded outstanding sales performance within its category. This significant success in Kuwait and the Arab Gulf region is attributed to its enhanced capabilities and increased appeal. The fourth generation of the Nissan X-Trail has demonstrated its strong presence on the roads and solidified its leading position in this category of vehicles, contributing to a significant increase in X-Trail sales in Kuwait and the region, nearly tripling during the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year. Kuwait, through the exclusive agent for Nissan, doubled the market share of this vehicle in the Kuwaiti market for the same category. The 2023 Nissan X-Trail has succeeded in meeting the diverse expectations of drivers, offering a sporty, multi-purpose vehicle with strong performance and practical capabilities. Its total market share in the Gulf region increased by six points during the first half of 2023. The vehicle has gained the admiration of drivers, especially in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, which together accounted for about 75% of its total sales in the region. The market share of the X-Trail within its category increased by nine points in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and in Qatar, it maintained its market share stability. The X-Trail received more praise and admiration for its various customization options and solidified its position thanks to its flexible features that meet the diverse needs and preferences of drivers. The wide range of aesthetic and practical upgrades has received significant acclaim among drivers in the region, as the X-Trail has elevated the style and functionality of the luxury urban crossover category. Many of the X-Trail’s accessories have gained wide popularity among X-Trail owners, and some of the prominent accessories include: Illuminated Grille Accentuating the X-TRAIL’s bold front-end presence, the illuminated grille allows customers to add a touch of sophistication and flair to their SUV – capturing the attention of passersby during the day and night. Roof Rail Crossbars Boosting the versatility of the X-TRAIL, the Roof Rail Crossbars enables customers to carry additional cargo securely. This includes adventure enthusiasts seeking to transport bicycles or surfboards, and families requiring extra storage space for luggage or other essential items. 64

Illuminated Kick Plates Introducing a refined yet impactful visual element, the illuminated kick plates in brushed aluminum safeguard the front sills. They extend a warm reception upon entry to the cabin and a gratifying farewell upon departure from the X-TRAIL. Removable Tote Cargo Organizer Permitting better usage of cargo space, the Removable Tote Cargo Organizer lets customers store everything from groceries to adventure gear neatly and ensures it is easily accessible at all times. Convenience is further enhanced with customizable dividers and a collapsible design for easy storage when not in use. Splash Guards Contoured to match the wheel openings, Splash

Guards protect the paint of the X-TRAIL and avoid debris from scratching the finish. Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy adventurous pursuits but are keen to maintain the striking appearance of their X-TRAIL are bound to find these beneficial. Protection within the X-TRAIL is offered through custom-fit floor and trunk mats that are securely held in place with a grommet hole / positioning hook system. The 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL, which offers customers a variety of class-leading features and customizable accessories, is available in three trim levels (S, SV, SL) with 2WD or 4WD configurations and the option of a 5-seater or 7-seater. To book a test drive or learn more, contact the dedicated call center on 1804 888 or visit the official website www.babtain.com.

UNPARALLELED LUXURY FOR YOUR BESPOKE EVENTS AT WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT Every day is unique and special at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait By bazaar Staff

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait offers the ultimate location for the most prestigious 2,274 square meters of event areas, encompassing 13 meticulously designed rooms, making it the ideal choice for discerning business travelers and those seeking to host exclusive events. 66

Gulcin Ispir Sevdinli, Director of Groups, Meetings and Events - Waldorf Astoria Kuwait The crown jewel of Waldorf Astoria Kuwait’s event facilities is the Al Yasmine Ballroom, a versatile space that can be partitioned to accommodate events of various sizes. Additionally, the Al Narjis Multi-Function Room offers flexibility with its ability to be divided into three separate rooms. Complementing these grand spaces, the hotel offers offer five sophisticated meeting rooms, including a Boardroom, Pre-Function areas, Show Kitchen area, Bridal Suite, Diwaniya, and the Library Business Centre. Their devoted team is committed to ensuring that every event held here is a resounding success. At Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, every wedding is a unique love story. That’s why they provide every

couple with the services of a wedding specialist, overseeing every exquisite detail, from the floral arrangements to the culinary delights. Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is dedicated to ensuring that your dream wedding day unfolds exactly as you’ve always imagined it. Crafting Your Dream Celebration at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Speaking on tailoring your dream celebration, Gulcin Ispir Sevdinli, Director of Groups, Meetings and Events describes the hotel as the best destination for weddings, “We are committed to curating an exceptional experience for your wedding celebration. Our team of culinary

maestros design a flawless menu tailored to your preferences, ensuring that you and your guests enjoy an unforgettable dining experience on your special wedding day. Our chefs celebrate dining by using the best, locally sourced ingredients to deliver seasonal flavors that will forever stay in your memory.” Step into a world of elegance at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, where Al Yasmine Ballroom’s captivating decor harmonizes seamlessly with a personalized menu and dedicated service. The hotel offers a comprehensive range of luxurious wedding packages, guiding you through every step from your initial meeting to your magical wedding day. Your dream celebration begins at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. [Continued...]

Elevate Your Business Meetings at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait At Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, the standard for business meetings and conferences is redefined with unparalleled service and a truly exceptional venue. The facilities are designed to cater to both small, intimate meetings and large corporate gatherings, ensuring your event is nothing short of extraordinary. A modern and stylish atmosphere, and sophisticated décor, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait provides the perfect backdrop for your professional engagements. Whether you’re organizing a small team meeting or bringing your entire group together, they offer exclusive packages and group room bookings to accommodate your specific needs. Your guests and colleagues will not only experience the hotel’s world-class meeting facilities but also have the opportunity to enjoy the landmark destination, complete with fantastic indoor and outdoor amenities. What sets Waldorf Astoria Kuwait apart is their unique catering experience, highlighted by the Show Kitchen. This adds an extra layer of exclusivity and luxury to your event, ensuring that every aspect of your business gathering is truly extraordinary. Experience the difference at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. Unleash an outside catering tailored to perfection Experience outside catering with Waldorf Astoria Kuwait’s personalized touch. The Hotel’s team

[...Continued]

is passionate about transforming events into unforgettable moments, one custom detail at a time. Whether you’re hosting a corporate luncheon, a wedding reception, or a private gathering, their dedicated team of culinary experts and event planners will work closely with you to craft a unique and mouthwatering menu that perfectly suits your occasion. From exquisite dishes to elegant presentations, they will go above and beyond to

ensure your event is a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. Let Waldorf Astoria Kuwait take care of the details while you savor every moment. For Reservations and more information, please visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/kwiwawawaldorf-astoria-kuwait/weddings/ or contact the hotel at +965 2477 4444.

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FILMS FOR PALESTINE

The current situation in Gaza and Palestine, is just one in the sad reality that we live in. Anyone with Arab ancestry or who has spent any time in the region knows how painful the topic is. We protest, we share content on social media, and we donate, but we know how little it does. This month we’ve put together a short list of films that tell some parts of the Palestinian story. Watch them, think about them, and maybe recommend them to people who need to learn more about the cause from a source that isn’t propaganda.

OMAR (2013)

200 METERS (2020)

GAZA MON AMOUR (2020)

200 Meters, written and directed by Ameen Nayfeh is a story of a Palestinian father trapped on the other side of the separation wall trying to reach the hospital for his son.

Sixty-year-old fisherman Issa is secretly in love with Siham, a woman who works at the market with her daughter Leila. When he discovers an ancient phallic statue of Apollo in his fishing nets, Issa hides it, not knowing what to do with this mysterious and potent treasure. Yet deep inside, he feels that this discovery will change his life forever. Strangely, his confidence starts to grow and eventually he decides to approach Siham. Gazan Mon Amour is written and directed by Arab and Tarazan Nasser.

3000 NIGHTS (2015)

THE PRESENT (2020)

THE TALE OF THE THREE LOST JEWELS (1995)

Written and directed by Hany Abu-Assad, Omar is an Academy award nominated story of A young Palestinian freedom fighter who agrees to work as an informant after he’s tricked into an admission of guilt by association in the wake of an Israeli soldier’s killing.

3000 Nights is a film by Mai Masri, it tells the story of a young Palestinian school teacher whoo gives birth to her son in an Israeli prison where she fights to protect him, survive and maintain hope.

On his wedding anniversary, Yusef and his young daughter set out in the West Bank to buy his wife a gift. Between soldiers, segregated roads and checkpoints, how easy would it be to go shopping? The Present is a film written by Farah Nabulsi and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.

Michel Khleifi’s story is of Yussef ,a twelve-year old Palestinian child of the First Intifada. With his father is in prison and his brother a fugitive from the Israeli army, he lives alone with his mother and sister. Though his life is marked by violence, he lives in his imagination, often escaping from the refugee-camp into the Gaza countryside. While hunting for birds one day, Yussef meets Aida, a young gypsy girl who poses a daunting challenge, leading him into a perilous adventure.

Nakba 21. Artwork by Nada Dalloul, @nadameow on Instagram, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. An ode to the rich culture of Palestine and to commemorate the ongoing Nakba. A man and woman in traditional Palestinian attire, wearing the Kuffiyeh a symbol of resistance while carrying a key to their house. The key is a popular Palestinian symbol for the right of return. This work takes inspiration from Palestinian resistance art, particularly the works of Abdul Rahman Al-Muzayen. 72

PUSHING THE LIMITS FOR BETTER AlSayer announces Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris Cup in Kuwait By bazaar Staff

Embarking on a historic journey for the development of motorsport in the State of Kuwait and encourage young and affluent drivers to come forward and participate in unique events, Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons Est Co. has announced the launch of Gazoo Racing (GR) Yaris Cup supported by Toyota Motor Corporation in association with Kuwait Motor Town and Suffix Sports. The exciting announcement comes as a tribute for the GR Yaris: A pure sports car with the DNA of motorsports. Bader Faisal Al Sayer - Martin Aherne - Ahmad Al Majed

The names of drivers participating in GR Yaris Cup 2023 are as follows:

The Fédération Internationale de l ‘Automobile (FIA) certified event will be the first grass root level one-make race initiated by an automotive distributor in the region and will feature 10 Kuwaiti racing drivers backed by a strong track record of achievements in the field of motorsports. According to Martin Aherne Senior Business Director Toyota Sales, he said, “We are excited to introduce a thrilling new season for all the racing enthusiasts with GR Yaris Cup. Toyota and AlSayer are reaching out to support aspiring Kuwaiti racers who are looking forward to accelerating their racing career, winners of Karting competition progressing towards rally and circuit racing. For the debut season, we are fortunate to have 10 top class drivers with us for the first edition. Our vision is to make this a regional championship in the future with the support of other Toyota distributors. Further we are also planning to branch out this championship to other GR models in the coming years”. 74

· Mohammad Al Mannai

· Mohammed Al Nusif

· Mohammad Al Kazemi

· Mohammad Al Sabah

· Ahmad Al Humaidhi

· Ahmad Al Ghanem

· Ahmad Al Kandari

· Fahad AlGhanim

· Mohammad Al Abdulrazzaq

· Nasser Al Ali

Ahmad Al Majed Chief Operating Officer Suffix Sports said “Suffix is proud to be involved in the event with AlSayer, a collaboration that seeks to redefine the realm of motorsports awareness, extending it beyond conventional sports boundaries. SUFFIX and AlSayer are committed to elevating motorsports into a lifestyle, culture, and passion. By fusing their expertise into the event as it aims to bridge the gap between motorsport enthusiasts and newcomers, delivering unprecedented international standard results. This groundbreaking initiative underscores SUFFIX’s dedication to pioneering concepts and their ambition to be part of remarkable endeavors”. The inaugural race of the GR is scheduled will

be held during 16th to 18th November at Kuwait Motor Town followed by races during the months of December, January, February, and the final race scheduled in March. Visitors will be treated with a unique spectacle by experiencing a thrilling atmosphere at the venue. Additionally, each event will also feature a GR village which will showcase the latest GR models in addition to unique Toyota models such as the Mirai, GR Corolla, BZ4X, Rav4 PHEV. Motorsports enthusiasts will get a chance to interact with the Chief Engineer of the GR Yaris for the round 2 race which will be held in December along with a unique drift session by a leading GR World Rally Championship driver.

GR YARIS SPECIFICATIONS Engine

Transmission

Engine

In-Line 3-Cylinder Intercooler

Type

G16E-GTS (10.5:1 compression ratio) Turbo boost is set between 1.4 and 1.81 bar

Displacement

1,618cc

)]Maximum Output (KW[PS

]272[ 220

)]Maximum Torque (KW[PS

4,600~3,000/ )37.7(370

Transmission

)6-Speed manual transmission (MT

Drive system

Four-Wheel drive

GR Yaris is true sports car developed by experts at the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team and the 10 units which are part of the GR Yaris Cup are being race prepared under FIA regulations, in-house with skill and precision by service technicians at Al Sayer Ahmadi Performance. Carefully selected race specific components are added to the impressive standard specification to create a car at home circuit in the cutthroat environment of a one-make competition. Each car features adjustable race shocks, race exhaust, race brake pads with braided lines, and 18-inch alloy wheels, fitted with Yokohama A050 tires. Inside is equipped with race logger to log the car’s performance data so drivers can identify areas of improvement. The driver’s safety environment is all race car, with a Recaro pole position car race seat, six-point safety harness, Race fire suppression system and race steering wheel all fitted inside an FIA six-point roll cage. Control parts ensure the championship remains competitive and fair. Only officially built GR Yaris cars are eligible for the championship. All units of GR Yaris will be exclusively branded for the affluent sponsoring brands in Kuwait which consists of leading banks, food chains, media houses as well as a leading tire brand. Over the years, Toyota has participated in many different motorsports forms, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. Toyota’s participation in these events was overseen by separate entities within the company until April 2015, when Toyota established TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) to consolidate all of its motorsport’s activities under one in-house brand. Representing Toyota’s belief that ‘the roads build the people, and the people build the cars,’ TGR highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of Toyota’s commitment to making ‘ever-better’ cars. Harnessing years of experience gained under the extreme conditions of various motorsports events, TGR aims to forge new technologies and solutions that bring the freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone.

GR YARIS

Racers during the briefing session

Visit toyota.com.kw, call 1803803, or follow @toyotakw on Instagram.

LETTING THE SUN IN The 4 barriers that might stop solar power from taking over By Kristin Toussaint

In a clean energy future, solar power is crucial, which means it needs to be widespread, efficient, and cost-effective. And it looks like it will be: The technology may have already crossed a tipping point, set to dominate the global electricity market before 2050, according to new research. But there are still four major barriers that could hold back our clean energy transition.

Solar is likely to become the main energy source even without any further climate policies. But that doesn’t mean our energy will be 100% solar, or even 100% clean. Solar can be variable; it depends on things like the time of day, so it isn’t always a consistent source of power. “If we don’t include other renewable policy support, quite a lot of what supports [that] solar variability is fossil fuel,” says Femke Nijsse, a lecturer at the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute and lead author of a study in Nature Communications on the research. To get to a full clean energy transition, there’s still policy work to be done—but not where you might think. While the price of solar has been a sticking point for decades, it has dropped nearly 90% since 2009, and it won’t be the most important aspect to tackle going forward. “At the moment, we see that the bare costs of solar are much cheaper than other variants,” Nijsse says. “But still, you can’t completely get your transition that way. There’s so much more that’s not specific to the costs.” If we want a true clean energy future, Nijsse says, we “need to work on these non-cost barriers.” Grid Resilience In addition to time of day, solar as an energy source is affected by seasonal weather changes, and power grids need to be designed to compensate. That will mean including other renewables like wind, having ample electricity storage, or even 76

using transmission lines to link regions so that when it’s sunny in one state, the power can still travel to another where it’s already dark. If these things don’t happen, then fossil fuels may pick up the slack. According to the International Energy Agency, we’re way behind on building the power lines to support clean energy. Grid adjustments could also come from personal changes, like encouraging people to use energy at off-peak hours, and to be more efficient at times of high demand.

is concentrated. Currently, high-income countries have most of the money for clean energy. Even international finance that’s intended to support the development of clean energy, like from Climate Investment Funds, banks, and government agencies, hasn’t reached everywhere. In the Global South, Nijsse says, it’s more expensive to invest in renewables, so if the financing isn’t there, then solar won’t be the cheapest form of electricity to use.

Supply chains This is a tricky one to plan for, Nijsse admits, but it’s undeniable that a future filled with solar power will rely on lots of metals and minerals (just like electric vehicles do today). Renewable technologies could make up as much as 90% of the demand for lithium by the year 2040—along with 40% of the demand for copper and rare earth elements, and up to 70% of the demand for nickel and cobalt. If the systems for mining and refining those minerals and metals aren’t adequately prepared, or if there aren’t enough to meet the demand, solar development could be delayed. (There are also environmental costs to the mining of these minerals and metals, which could become more of an issue as the demand increases.)

Political opposition Finally, there’s the public perception of solar, and the political opposition that may rise against it. If there aren’t effective policies in place to help people currently in fossil fuel jobs transition into clean energy jobs, there could be strong opposition to new solar farms, because it means some people will be left out of that future. In the Netherlands, there’s a proposed ban on solar on agricultural land, Nijsse notes, in part because of the belief that solar takes away land used for farming (although agrivoltaic projects combine both). “When you do see a lot of poverty attributed, correctly or incorrectly, to the energy transition, then these kinds of countermovements are more likely,” she says.

Access to finance This barrier sounds as if it’s related to price, but it actually has to do with where the funding for solar

Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash.

The Martyrs. Artwork by Nada Dalloul, @Nadameow on Instagram, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. “And if they ask you about Gaza.. Tell them: In it there is a martyr nursed by a martyr photographed by a martyr sent off by a martyr and prayed for by a martyr” -Mahmoud Darwish

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VERO MODA

The family-owned fashion company BESTSELLER is launching another brand in Debenhams! By bazaar Staff

Vero Moda, is dedicated to providing stylish and affordable clothes for women around the world. And now the brand is available at Debenham’s. Get ready to feel confident, comfortable, and stylish all at the same time! With over 550+ retail stores worldwide, VERO MODA, has since 1987 been one of the most recognizable high-street European female fashion brands. Being a cornerstone in the fashion industry, they have captivated the women’s hearts worldwide with their blend of sophistication, affordability, and quality. Their mission was to transform everyday wear from ordinary to modern, elevated essentials. VERO MODA’s design approach is deeply rooted in Scandinavia, where the core characteristics are trend degree, quality, price and fit. You can find ranges from casual to formal, making it the go-to brand for every occasion. Whether it’s a casual dinner, date night or looking for the perfect work outfit, they have you covered! The VERO MODA girl is characterized not by her age, but by her unique lifestyle and confident mindset. Embracing inclusivity and diversity is a paramount focus for the brand, which proudly offers a wide range of sizes to cater to individuals of all body types and generations. Their collections include stylish pieces that focus on sustainability with earthy tones to very colorful and boutique-feel styles, to must-need basics that every girl needs in her wardrobe. Sustainable fashion In the modern era, the focus and importance of sustainability is increasing, and VERO MODA is no exception. In 2021 48% of all sold VERO MODA styles were made with responsible sourced material and their sub-brand AWARE is a perfect example, being one of BESTSELLER’s first sub-brands to claim EU Eco labelling, bringing sustainable fashion forward. VERO MODA has made significant strides when it comes to incorporating eco-friendly production practices, using sustainable materials, and reducing energy consumption. The brands believe that sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessity and continue to incorporate sustainable initiatives, whilst keeping their promise of affordable and quality products.

Explore the Vero Moda brand from the comfort of your own home on Debenhams Kuwait’s website at www.debenhams.com.kw. Follow @debenhamsmiddleeast on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates. Shop the selections at Debenhams in Grand Avenue – The Avenues, Souq Sharq and The Gate Mall. Call Customer Service: 182 1212. 81

Dawn to Dusk in New Gaza. AI Art by Riyad Jouka, @riyad.joucka on Instagram, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. 82

BOUNDLESS POTENTIAL COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

• Design (Concentration in Graphic Design)

• Accounting

• Communication & Media

• Finance

• English • International Relations • Social & Behavioral Sciences (Concentration in Anthropology)

• Economics • Management • Marketing

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCES • Information Systems • Computer Science • Systems Engineering • Computer Engineering • Electrical Engineering

• Human Resource Management

APPLY NOW

admissions@auk.edu.kw The American University of Kuwait received its Institutional Accreditation from the Private Universities Council (PUC), Ministry of Higher Education in the State of Kuwait, and has a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with Dartmouth College (Hanover, N Hampshire - USA).

Tel: 1802040/(+965) 2224-8399 Ext: 3148 www.auk.edu.kw

TIMELESS WINTER STYLE WITH

MUJI

Stay warm and chic By bazaar Staff

We all know the “sweater weather” meme, it goes viral every year because it’s relatable. As soon as the temperatures start falling, we are excited to dive deep into our winter wardrobe and pull out our favorites. There’s something so comforting when you put on a cozy cardigan or take a walk in the brisk morning air while feeling warm in your jacket. MUJI is giving us all that and more with their A/W2023 collection. The collection is elegant, cozy and easy to layer. Featuring classic neutrals like brown, navy, gray and beige, it’s easy to mix and match different items together too. These are staples that will be an invaluable addition to any wardrobe and can be worn for seasons, especially given MUJI’s use of quality materials. We love the women’s water-repellent trench coat. It hits just below the knee and can be worn over dresses or pants. It is a practical item that also makes any winter outfit look instantly more put together with minimum effort. If coats aren’t your thing, check out the collarless down options, available with sleeves and without and stay warm without any added bulk while you enjoy Kuwait’s cooler months. Another bazaar favorite is the Wool Yak Blend Long Cardigan, something about this silhouette makes it so elegant. There are so many other items in the collection that you can add to your lineup for some extra style points such as the denim overalls, button down shirts and cute beanies. The men’s collection is just as exciting and also very practical. The collection features pocketable down vests and jackets. These are pure genius, since they can be folded into a tiny pocketable pack; you never have to worry about carrying your jacket around. In addition, it is general consensus that the Double Knits Half Zip Sweatshirts are a closet must-have - it is available in three basic colors with discrete pockets andcan be paired with jeans or slacks for a minimalist,yet stylish, look. Everything you need for a warm winter wardrobe is available at MUJI right now!

Visit the MUJI stores in 2nd Avenue – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues and Al Kout Mall or shop online. For more information, follow MUJI on Instagram @mujimiddleeast. 85

YOU CAN LEAD These 4 non-productive habits hurt your ability to lead By Stephanie Vozza

Motivating others is one of the most critical jobs in any organization. While every leader has their management style, ingrained habits could be derailing their effectiveness, say Doug Lennick and Chuck Wachendorfer, authors of Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It: 8 Essentials to Enhance Your Leadership Impact at Work, Home, and Anywhere Else That Needs You. “Most of us are really gifted at seeing what’s wrong with everything and everybody else,” says Lennick. “We’re pointing fingers and start with blame. I’ll blame you, and I want you to fix whatever it is.” Leaders often think, “If my people were better, we’ll be fine,” adds Wachendorfer. “But it really begins with aiming to be your ideal self and knowing who my ideal self should be,” he says. Instead of waiting for others to change, consider if you’re guilty of any of these four habits that could hinder your team’s results. Being Emotionally Reflexive The word “emotion” comes from the Latin word “Modus” or “motion,” says Lennick. “Emotions are feelings in motion,” he says. “Emotions stimulate action, but they don’t cause action.” For example, if someone says, “I was so angry, I had to hit him,” it would suggest that anger caused the hitting. Between anger and hitting, however, is an opportunity for choice. Go from being emotionally reflexive to being emotionally reflective, says Wachendorfer. “We’re hardwired to be emotional first and logical second,” he says. “Emotions sacrifice accuracy for speed. They want us to respond very quickly. The worst time to make any important decision is when you’re emotional. If you don’t pay attention to yourself before making a decision, your decision-making behavior is most at risk.” Not Defining Your Ideal Self Making the best reflective choices requires knowing your ideal self. People often say they’re valuesoriented, but it leads to the question, what are your values? It can get fuzzy, says Wachendorfer. “When people don’t know what their values are, they’ll say things like family, integrity, or honesty,” he explains. “If I aim to be my ideal self, I ought to know who that is.” Our values are personal; they’re shaped by who we once were, who we are, where we were born, how old we are, our family experiences, our gender, our race, and our religious background. Take time to determine what is really important to you. “How often am I that person? Could I be that person more often?” asks Wachendorfer. “For many leaders, it begins by looking in the mirror and really knowing who you are, and how that stacks up against who you ideally would like to be.” 86

Lacking Self-awareness Living by your values requires self-awareness, yet many leaders aren’t practicing this foundational tool. Lennick and Wachendorfer suggest playing the “freeze game,” stopping yourself throughout the day and paying attention to who you are in the moment. “Say to yourself, ‘freeze,’” says Lennick. “At that moment, record in your mind or on a piece of paper [the answers to], ‘What am I thinking right now? How am I feeling emotionally, right now? And what am I doing right now?’ Then compare that to your ideal self. Am I who I am really?” Every behavior pattern you have worked for you at some point, but it may not work for you now. “As we get older, our lives change and some of those patterns stop working and hold us back,” says Lennick. Practicing self-awareness can help you question and understand where behavior patterns come from. Then, you can decide whether to continue it or make different choices. For example, one of Lennick and Wachendorfer’s clients worked 12-hour days and then went home to care for her husband and two adult children. She was miserable. “We noticed this pattern of sacrificing her own needs to help other people,” says Wachendorfer. “Generally, that can be a good thing. But if you do it all the time, it’s at your own expense. We asked her, ‘Where did you learn that your needs didn’t matter?” Without hesitation, she said she had been raised by a single mom who was diagnosed with cancer when she was seven years old. She

cared for her mom until she died four years later. “That was a pattern she needed to survive,” says Wachendorfer. “She continued that pattern and well into her 50s. Behavioral changes start with noticing that self-awareness.” Not Having Self-empathy Empathy is essential as a leader. You must recognize how someone feels to take advantage of an opportunity to help them get unstuck. “Empathy is not sympathy,” says Wachendorfer. “Empathy is ‘I recognize how you’re feeling.’ Sympathy is ‘I feel what you’re feeling.’ If I don’t recognize how you’re feeling, I miss an opportunity to help you get unstuck.” However, empathy begins at home. “If I don’t pay attention to how I’m feeling, I’m probably not going to pay attention to how you’re feeling,” says Lennick. “This can be a problem for overachievers. Compassion begins with me taking care of myself. If I pay attention to how I’m feeling, I’m probably going to do a better job of paying attention to how you’re feeling.” We all want to be good at being ourselves. Managers can remain true to their personalities and be good leaders if they examine their habits. “If you never do anything else, learn to pay attention to yourself,” says Lennick. “It’s not about always being focused; it’s about knowing where your mind is and doing the right thing.” Photo by Khyta on Unsplash.

RABANNE H&M

Creative director at Rabanne Julien Dossena and H&M Head of Design Womenswear and Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson answer our questions about the collection By bazaar Staff

Last month H&M dropped exciting news, a Rabanne H&M collection, which includes womenswear, menswear and accessories as well as home décor will be dropping this month. Rabanne’s renowned use of unconventional materials such as metal and plastic and the incorporation of futuristic elements in designs, cemented their space in the fashion scene since. And now all of that is coming to an H&M near you.

How did this collaborative Rabanne H&M collection come about? Ann-Sofie Johansson: When it comes to designer collaborations at H&M, we have a wish list of designers and brands we’d love to work with, and Rabanne has been on it for a long time. Paco Rabanne was truly the master of metal, and the brand has always been iconic: people immediately associate it with fabulous metallic dresses. In the 10 years that Julien has been the creative director at Rabanne, we could really feel he was on a brilliant trajectory, reenergizing the extraordinary heritage of the brand while at the same time making it modern and relevant again. We began 88

the conversation about a year ago, and it’s been a mutually instructive and exhilarating experience for both teams. Julien Dossena: I was very excited to work with H&M on a collection that would help to democratize the Rabanne brand. We create luxury fashion that champions radical expression and exceptional craftsmanship. We know that our product is highend and sometimes difficult to find. So, to be able to introduce iconic pieces with an incredible design integrity, at a price that is accessible for a larger number of people, felt inspiring to me. I’ve followed lots of the H&M designer collaborations in the past, and my favorites were always the

collections where you had access to pieces that were key to the design identity of the brand. From the perspective of a young man, a fashion student, it was so exciting to be able to get your hands on one of those house icons. These are the kinds of pieces you cherish and wear again and again – so I was excited to be able to create memorable Rabanne pieces that felt more accessible. Once we began the conversation, we were also excited to work with H&M on the materiality and to take advantage of their extensive sustainability knowledge. We learnt so much in the process, and I’m really proud of the collection we’ve created together.

Tell us about the Rabanne H&M collection; the pieces, the details, the inspirations. JD: I wanted the Rabanne H&M collection to create a luxurious mood of enjoyment. I envisioned a utopic gathering of strong people, with a light-hearted but electric atmosphere. It was important to draw out the inclusive and empowering side of the brand, with the archive-inspired chainmail and paillette pieces we are so known for offset with effortless 1970s tailoring and elevated leisurewear. I wanted the collection to feel confidence-boosting, but easy to wear too – it’s a balance I always try to strike with my designs. At the same time, we wanted to look towards more sustainable materials in order to make the collection as thoughtful as possible. I’m really thrilled that H&M has been able to develop a version of our metallic mesh containing a blend of recycled and conventional metal, which took months to develop, as well as sequins that contain recycled PET. ASJ: Julien presented his idea for a pool party collection with lots of incredible eveningwear offset with swimwear and leisurewear, and we loved it

straight away. The idea was very strong and clear from the beginning, so the design process between the two teams in Paris and Stockholm was quite straight-forward. The most challenging element was delivering that vision in as sustainable a way as possible. Our product development and sustainability teams have done a brilliant job in collaborating with different suppliers and pushing them to develop new innovations. The metallic mesh pieces in a blend of recycled and conventional metal are a particularly proud achievement. What are some of the key pieces in the collection, and which are your personal favorites? JD: As a designer, I’ve always been interested in exploring glamour and the way that it can empower and uplift you, while recontextualizing it for a modern audience. The pieces I’m most excited about are the icons, which are adapted from designs in the archive, and to me feel very glamorous but also very effortless. The ready-towear and accessories that feature the famous paillette disc sequins capture the sensuality of Rabanne, along with the recycled metallic mesh

pieces. I also love the 1930s-style flowing dresses, some embellished with rhinestones – they’re very flattering and expressive. With the menswear I was focussed on making things feel fluid, and I personally love the silver suit. ASJ: It’s a very sparkly collection, which is great, because it’s coming out in November just in time for party season. In addition to the icons which Julien mentioned, I particularly love the accessories, which are so joyful – my favorite is the little mesh bag with the fringing. But there are also so many wearable pieces that are so versatile and can be worn in so many combinations, like the beautifully slender black coat, which has such an elegant silhouette. We also liked the idea of mixing up the partywear pieces with the classic wardrobe styles – the metallic top with tracksuit pants and sparkly pool slides, for example, for when you’re feeling relaxed at the end of the pool party. Craftsmanship is so important to Rabanne. How did you bring that attention to detail to this collection? JD: Rabanne is a brand built on radical materiality – [Continued...]

Paco Rabanne was unique in the fashion landscape for his use of chainmail. The metallic mesh is such an interesting material to work on, and it’s extraordinary to wear – more sensual than silk, but also protective, like armour. With this collection for H&M I was very insistent that we maintained the same focus on materiality as we would for any of our mainline Rabanne collections. As I mentioned, we really encouraged H&M to develop a version of our metallic mesh containing a blend of 70% recycled metal and 30% conventional metal, which took months to develop. Some of the pieces feature hand-woven metallic crochet that holds together different sizes of metallic mesh panels – these are technically-advanced pieces. The qualities of wool, organic cotton and leather in particular are very high. Working with H&M in this sense was a joy, because they are so efficient and detail-oriented. They really listened to what we were asking for in terms of the fabrications and the qualities, and they pushed it really far. I felt that the team really put their heart into it, which was the most important thing for me. Julien, tell us more about the process of designing homeware for this collection – a first for you, as well as the most comprehensive interiors offering yet for an H&M designer collaboration? JD: The home décor was definitely a fun part of the project for me, because I’ve never designed homeware before. Our founder Paco Rabanne was obsessed with covering everything in metal, and he did some furniture in the 1970s which was of course metallic, so it felt like an authentic extension for the house. I liked the idea of embellishing the lifestyle element of the collection’s ready-to-wear to incorporate items that might be used at a pool party – metal goblets that are a little reminiscent of the cups you get at American house parties, amazing silver side tables that shimmer like the dresses, or even a beautiful metal vase set on an angle to give a very modernist feeling to a mantelpiece. ASJ: One of the things that really sets Julien and Rabanne apart from other brands is the fact that the house has such a clear, decisive point of view that’s light-hearted and fun. It felt like a natural decision to extend the feel-good factor of the ready-to-wear with exclusive homeware pieces that captured the optimistic spirit of the house and gave a nod to the amazing heritage of Rabanne. What’s the secret to a successful collaboration? JD: The alliance is like a marriage. It needs to make sense from the beginning and to be properly thought-out and executed. For us, the goal was to democratize our work, and to learn from H&M’s expertise in terms of sustainability; for H&M it was about going back to the principle of collaboration to deliver really special pieces that they feel will resonate with their customers. If we achieve those goals, it’s already a good collaboration. But I think the thing that really elevates a collaboration, and makes it feel extra special, is when the teams have 90

[...Continued]

fun together and go the extra mile – and that was the case here. In the end, it creates a kind of magic that is very special. ASJ: We’re coming up to 20 years of designer collaborations at H&M, and I think the founding principle still holds: it’s as simple as offering a designer piece at an affordable price. We really try to make sure that everyone is able to buy something from the collection, while keeping our ambition level for the design and the execution

really high. It’s important that both parties can share knowledge and skills, whether in terms of sustainability or production or reach. Our teams put so much effort into the collaborations, and it’s clear the excitement level is still there both for those inside the company and for our customers. The Rabanne H&M collection for womenswear, menswear, and H&M HOME will be available on November 9 at H&M The Forum and on kw.hm.com.

DKNY FALL WINTER 2023 FOR KIDS Giving the younger generation exactly what they need By bazaar Staff

The Fall/Winter 2023 season marks the beginning of a new era at DKNY. Inspired by the energy of the youth, their freedom, their determination, their gender – and non-gender! – it’s a season that renews with the brand’s more individualistic values whilst acknowledging how much this is a generation who craves for belonging. Integrating effortlessly into the teens’ wardrobe, the collection goes back to some of the brand’s basics while imbuing it with novelty and what’s on trends. The DKNY DNA is ever present in the collection, offering items that seamlessly fit together, can be mixed and matched and layered, while still giving the wearer the opportunity to create their own style with ever outfit. New York City, serves as inspiration and helped create this capsule collection. The collection includes an essential color-block range that is made up of 6 tones that work together and plays well with other colors. The iconic black and white styles are more innovative in this collection with full-on blacks and all-over prints. Even something timeless and ubiquitous as denim, got the DKNY treatment and got a modern twist. All 4 lines easy to mix and match to elevate and enhance each kid’s personal style – and lifestyle! – so they can make it their style and live life on their terms. The Fall 2023 is available in the GCC in September in stores at 360 Kuwait, The Avenues, Al Kout, Marina Mall and Awtad Jahra. For home delivery WhatsAPP: 5519 9767. Follow @DKNY.ME on Instagram for more updates. 93

Artwork by Hanan AlSagoff, @Hanan.alsagoff on Instagram, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. 94

JOIN THE PORSCHE CLUB KUWAIT Home to a family of Porsche owners, lovers, and enthusiasts By bazaar Staff

The Porsche Club Kuwait was established on 18th November 2003 and aimed to help connect passionate Porsche owners with their fellows and enthusiasts in Kuwait. Membership offers you great experiences at several events that are hosted throughout the calendar year and the opportunity to forge close friendships with other Porsche owners in Kuwait and the Middle East. All Porsche owners in Kuwait can become a member and participate at events that promote traffic laws and safe driving. A membership also gives you an exclusive discount on services, spare parts, Porsche Heritage, accessories, and the body shop at the Porsche Centre Kuwait, a 50% discount on entrance to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, as well as more discounts at many other stores. But really, the events are what members really love. The club regularly hosts events that focus on enjoying driving, sport, technical and social aspects of being a Porsche owner. Members also enjoy the competitive motorsport competitions that help them truly experience the core values of Porsche on the racetrack. The club regularly collaborates with brands to create exclusive experiences that interest Porsche owners. The Porsche Club Kuwait helps you truly appreciate your Porsche, whether it is by hosting a photography competition or giving you the opportunity to test your car on the track. It’s also a way to socialize and make new friends that share your passion. Register and join our exciting events through the year, meet new and old Porsche friends and learn more about this great brand that we all love. Learn more about Porsche Club Kuwait by visiting www.porscheclubkuwait.com.kw or @PorscheClubQ8 on all social media platforms. 97

THE FUTURE OF BUILDING The world has a concrete problem. These quirky concrete alternatives want to be a solution By Elissaveta M. Brandon

The concrete industry is having a bit of a reckoning. As the world’s most ubiquitous construction material, concrete contributes about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. About 30 billion tons of concrete are produced every year, which is three times more than it was 40 years ago.

This has fueled a slew of innovations as researchers and companies strive to produce lower-carbon alternatives. Some are looking to the past: the deep tech startup Dmat, for example, makes self-healing concrete inspired by Ancient Romans. Others are looking to the future: a team of researchers at Northwestern are developing “Martian concrete” that doesn’t require water and is more than twice as strong. Over the past few decades, researchers have also experimented with volcanic ash, carbon black, rice husk ash, algae, and even human hair. These experiments often make the headlines (including our own), but according to Christopher Cheeseman, a professor of materials resources engineering at Imperial College London, few are bound to have the kind of global impact we need to curb concrete’s carbon footprint. “You can take coffee grinds and put them into concrete, and maybe you can make something locally that is quite clever, but it’s going to have zero impact globally,” he says. Mixing shredded diapers in concrete provides an intriguing opportunity to help divert diapers from landfill. And ground coffee could replace a portion of the sand that is used to make concrete, therefore reducing the impact of sand mining, which 98

can damage river and coastal ecosystems. But for Cheeseman, there just aren’t enough of these ingredients on the planet to make a big difference. Instead, he says, researchers should focus on materials that are available all around the world, like limestone, clay, demolition waste, and silicate minerals that make up about 90 percent of Earth’s crust. The primary culprit behind concrete’s overwhelming carbon footprint is Portland cement—the powdery binder that acts as glue and binds together the other ingredients in concrete. Cement, however, emits loads of carbon during its creation process and requires tremendous amounts of energy to produce as it is made by heating limestone and other materials at over 2,640 degrees Fahrenheit, in kilns that are mostly powered by fossil fuels. To make lower-carbon concrete, some companies, like Solidia or Heirloom Carbon, are taking CO2 from the air and storing it into concrete. Others are using kilns that are powered by the sun, the wind, or even hydrogen. According to Cheeseman, all have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, but because cement is the biggest culprit, cementitious alternatives can have

the biggest impact. Cheeseman notes several companies worth watching in this field. Seratech replaces some of the cement with a type of silica that is created with CO2 captured directly from factory ducts. Blue Planet Systems does something similar by diverting CO2 from power plants then using it to manufacture aggregates for concrete. Meanwhile, the California-based company Brimstone is using calcium silicate rocks, which are 200 times more abundant than limestone. Elsewhere, technologies like LC3 are gaining momentum, as well. LC3 stands for Limestone Calcined Clay Cement and could reduce emissions by up to 40% compared to ordinary Portland cement. Ultimately, clay or limestone may not have the shock value of used diapers or the cool factor of ground coffee, but they’re available globally, and that’s the most important part. “The growth in concrete isn’t in the U.S., it isn’t in Europe, it is in Southeast Asian countries and developing countries globally,” says Cheeseman. “They’re the people who would need the infrastructure and clays are generally available in those countries.” Photo by Anaya Katlego on Unsplash.

GETTING COZY WITH WESTINGHOUSE Enjoy the winter months with the perfect appliances By bazaar Staff

We love the excitement of summer, but we usually start winding down during the fall. By the time winter rolls around, we’re ready to fully embrace the warmth and coziness that can only be found at home. Curling up with a book or inviting friends over for a night of board games always makes us feel better. This is why we’re prepping our homes with the latest and coolest appliances from Westinghouse that not only feature the latest technology available in the market but are also designed to fit your aesthetic at home. There are three separate lines to choose from: Retro, Bamboo and Digital.

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Elevate your kitchen with a touch of elegance and functionality. From the perfect toast to aromatic coffee brews, smooth blends, and more, the Retro collection has it all, allowing you to embrace the past with a contemporary twist. The series is available in sleek black and ravishing red matte finishes. We love the idea of feeling like we stepped back in time visually but without compromising any of the bells and whistles that the present offers. Our favorite appliance is the new coffee maker, because we need our caffeine. The kettle is our bestie at the end of the day though for making that soothing cup of herbal tea to help us wind down and warm up. The Bamboo series had us at “hello”. Natural bamboo elements are integrated into the appliances to add a touch of art, elegance, and minimal Nordic aesthetic to your kitchen. Designed with real bamboo, which is natural and durable, every individual piece has its own distinctive

wood grain. There’s nothing like starting the day with freshly toasted bread using the toaster and fresh juice made using the blender. Finally, the Digital Series is a game-changing solution that will transform the way you cook at home with style and performance. The series focuses on the functionality with sleek-minimalist design for ‘tech-savvy’ customers. Clear digital displays on the Air Grill, Kettle and Toaster offer you precision, accuracy, and total control over your culinary creations. Our favorite appliance is the Air Grill which has totally changed the way we meal prep and is helping us eat healthier meals at home without having to work too hard for it. Find all Westinghouse products online at roomserviceq8.com and in stores. Follow @westinghousehomeware_kw on Instagram and Westinghouse Homeware Kuwait on Facebook to stay up-to-date with Westinghouse’s latest news.

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CMY

ّ ‫شدو بعضكم‬ !‫يا أهل فلسطين‬

Stay Strong, People of PALESTINE! Artwork by bazaar Staff, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. 102

PALESTINE IS A DIRTY WORD By Yasmine Dalloul

Palestine is a dirty word Unspoken for a reason It’s filled with hatred, it’s filled with war And evokes a feeling of treason Palestine was once was a peaceful land With commerce, education and beauty Until Europe devised a master plan To fulfil a Godly duty It’s now reclaimed as our own and it is no longer the same “But whatever happened to Palestine?” Hush! Don’t call it by its name! You must forget about Palestine, for it never truly existed. And suffering Palestinians? All untrue. They really could have resisted! In the meantime, we’ll evict their homes and settle on their land And let the Palestinians demise so that we can in turn expand We’ll send them to camps, control their movement, their rivers and their sea We’ll limit their water intake, their harvest and electricity We’ll blame their discomfort on Hamas, which is very easy to do Because they are an unlikeable force, the world will see it as true We’ll tell the news that they are terrorists and that they use human shields And while people watch in horror, we’ll come up with more things to steal Go to an Arab household and quick, while they aren’t looking! Take a peek through their kitchen window and find out what they are cooking Is it something delicious we can use? How about taboon bread and hummus? Call it laffa and khumus! What about the tangy wild thyme, dried and turned to za’atar We’ll put it on everything, call it fusion, and it will make your mouth water! Falafel and labneh, chopped salad and cheese Because we’re inventing a culture, we can do what we please But we can’t fully do this without giving them credit Hush! Don’t call it Palestinian - saying “Arab” will be our edit “Druzy”, Muslims, Christians and Bedouins, farmers and refugees too These are a few words to replace “Palestine” that you are allowed to use They aren’t gentle people, they want to kill us all They are not mighty like us, but they want to see us fall They will not be happy till they push us in the sea Those people are barbaric, and they do not want peace Let us build a wall around them to annex them even further We’ll kill their children and put them in jail then wash our hands of murder We’ll then put our hands behind our backs and call it self defence We’re hiding them behind a wall “but really, it’s only a fence” Don’t you call it Palestine, and don’t ask for it to be free For if you do, then that is how you will betray me And don’t tell us we’re wrong or that we are acting pathetic Because to call us pathetic, is for sure, antisemitic (But hush! hush! Keep it on the low! Palestinians are Semites too, but nobody seems to know.) Don’t forget what we went through, how many of us died And after we came to Palestine, you all said that we lied But you also said this is our land and with you we lived beside So what’s the difference between Arabs and Poles, why can’t you decide? Are we not Middle Eastern, and from the desert too? Do we not enjoy falafel and hummus, just like you? Look at us! Look at us! We say “yalla” too! And now we go to Dubai, with our history in your schools We aren’t going anywhere, don’t you forget And the more we annex Palestinians, the more our country is set Just accept our existence and you will feel less perturbed. But just don’t forget, never say Palestine. For that is a dirty word 104

Photo by Latrach Med Jamil on Unsplash

Dine-in and Enjoy a Delightful Breakfast www.amitinoura.com

OUTDOOR SEASON WITH XCITE Prepare for the great outdoors with Xcite this winter! By bazaar Staff

With the weather gradually cooling down, it is more comfortable to spend time outdoors and partake in numerous outdoor activities. Let Xcite be your go-to destination for everything you need!

Power Banks:

Torches:

Stay safe and stay connected when doing outdoor activities with the wide range of power banks at Xcite. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you won’t be left alone due to not having any battery is invaluable and power banks step in as indispensable companions for the upcoming season. These portable sources are not just convenient, they are absolutely vital tools for modern campers as it allows you to stay connected with loved ones or even rely on essential navigation apps without the worry of running out of battery. With so many different brands such as Anker, Belkin, EQ and more as well as different varieties to choose from, you’ll find the perfect companion for you at Xcite.

An essential requirement when doing any outdoor activity is a torch. It helps you set up and navigate through your camping site, locate your gear, prepare meals or light up your surroundings when sitting with friends and playing cards! Having a torch with you that is reliable and strong ensures your safety and the safety of those around you. Xcite is aware of this and that’s why they have a full range of torches for you to be able to pick up the one you need from Wansa, Varta or Hoto.

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Portable Speakers: Add an extra layer of delight to your camping experience and transform the ambiance around your campsite with por table speakers. Whether you want to use it for music, podcasts, audiobooks, movies, or whatever you want to listen to, por table speakers are a requirement with any outdoor activity especially if you plan to camp in a cer tain place for some time. Whether you’re gathered around a crackling campfire, sitting beneath the canopy of stars or simply lounging in the cozy confines of your tents, the soothing rhythm of music, captivating narratives of podcasts and the immersive tales of audiobooks all merge to create a harmonious atmosphere. At Xcite, you can shop through speakers from JBL, Sony, EQ, and many more that come in different sizes and colors!

Cameras:

Hot Plates:

Keeping your cherished moments spent outdoors with family and friends is a timeless desire. Simply enjoy the laughter of loved ones around a campfire and take some great images or record vlogs and keep them as memories that will be looked back on for the rest of time. You are not only able to freeze time, but also invite others to your experiences by sharing the wonder and magic of the great outdoors with a range of digital cameras from Canon, Sony, Fuji and Nikon all available at Xcite.

Hot plates are an essential companion for any outdoor adventure, be it camping in the wilderness or simply enjoying a weekend getaway. These versatile devises are designed to provide you with the convenience and comfor t of preparing your favorite camping foods and drinks, ensuring that your culinar y experiences in the outdoors are nothing shor t of delightful. Prepare your smores, hot chocolate and favorite camping recipes with the range of hot plates from Wansa and Princess available at Xcite!

Stay updated on the latest events, monthly promotions and offers by subscribing to the monthly newsletter on xcite.com, follow Xcite’s social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Snapchat, @xcitealghanim or Facebook at XcitebyAlghanim and win prizes with contests, or visit the online store at www.xcite.com. 107

WRITTEN BY A PALESTINIAN AUTHOR

There is so much we can learn and understand by reading books. Non-fiction books can educate us about history and geopolitics while novels can show us the narratives that we might never experience ourselves. We’re sharing some deep books by Palestinian authors, because we believe that preserving and sharing a people’s culture and heritage is part of their cause. THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE

MEN IN THE SUN

by Edward Said

by Ghassan Kanafani

With the same academic rigor that he applied in the construction of Orientalism, Edward Said’s The Question of Palestine “traces the fatal collision between two peoples in the Middle East and its repercussions in the lives of both the occupier and the occupied–as well as in the conscience of the West.” While written almost 50 years ago, the book has been updated to include major events like the Second Intifada, Gulf War and Madrid Peace conference, and remains an authoritative account of the complex political undercurrents of “the question of Palestine.”

Men in the Sun follows three Palestinian refugees at an Iraqi refugee camp, from where they wish to escape to Kuwait and find work as labourers in the oil boom. Written by Palestinian revolutionary Ghassan Kanafani, the novel deftly captures the tragedy, humanity, and heartbreak of Palestinian displacement during the 20th century.

MORNINGS IN JENIN

MINOR DETAIL

By Susan Abulhawa

by Adania Shibli

Minor Detail is a meditation on violence, displacement, and memory, as it explores Palestinian suffering during Al-Nakba (literally, The Catastrophe) — events that included the Palestinian exodus that occurred during the 1948 War with Israel, denial of the right to return of Palestinians and the forcible collapse of Palestinian society. Focusing on a brutal crime that occurs during these historical events, Minor Detail follows a young woman in Ramallah, much later in the future, who becomes obsessed with this “minor detail.”

Following the Abulhejas — a forcibly displaced Palestinian family in 1948 — Mornings in Jenin explores their longings of freedom, peace, and home, as they are moved into the Jenin refugee camp. Originally published as The Scar of David, the book is deeply compelling in its depiction of Palestinian humanity, the costs of war, and hopes for reconciliation.

SALT HOUSES

BORN PALESTINIAN, BORN BLACK

by Hala Alyan

by Suheir Hammad

A multi-generational saga that spans four generations of a family hailing from Palestine, Salt Houses humanizes the catastrophic consequences of political violence and displacement. Narrated from multiple perspectives of the same family, Palestinian author Hala Alyan’s novel explores themes of survival, hope, tradition, and the costs of war.

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An urgent voice for the dispossessed, Palestinian author Suheir Hammad’s Born Palestinian, Born Black is a vividly emotional anthology. Exploring the struggles that both unite and divide humanity, Born Palestinian, Born Black explores intergenerational fractures, the costs of political violence, and the essential, human survival spirit.

NEW ITALIAN DISHES TO DELIGHT THE PALATE AT MIA Pizzas, pastas and more. So much more! By bazaar Staff

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Mia has consistently dazzled diners with delectable breakfast dishes that are only beaten by their beautiful lunch and dinner options full of imagination and flavor. Now, they have added to that with their new items infused with authentic Italian flavors as the restaurant located in Al Assima Mall continues to elevate the dining experience for its guests. Widely known for its mastery of Mediterranean cuisine, Mia seamlessly integrated the essence of Italy into its offerings that creates a harmonious blend of flavors. Pastas, Salads, Risotto, Pizza and more have now been added to their already delicious menu. Of course, we had to try it all! Beginning with their Bruschetta, a tray with grilled, freshly baked bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil and served with marinated cherry tomatoes and basil, it was a perfect welcome to usher how the rest of the night was going to go. We were also served Parmesan Chicken Wings and Fried Mozzarella Squares which came with the extremely popular Mia Tomato Sauce. They were all paired beautifully with the Caprese, fresh Mozzarella Cheese slices served with marinated cherry

tomatoes and drizzled with balsamic vinegar as well as their Bresaola Salad, which included sliced beef bresaola mixed with their citrus vinaigrette dressed arugula and topped with sliced red radish and crumbled feta. Then the real party began with the introduction of Mia’s three new incredible pizzas. As a perfect partner to the Bresaola Salad, we first tried the Bresaola Pizza which had tomato sauce and was topped with beef bresaola, Stracciatella Cheese and cherry tomatoes and every bite was more marvelous than the one before. If you were like us and wondered if zucchini goes on pizza, the answer is a very loud “Yes!” and was proven with the Chicken pizza that came with Zucchini sauce

topped with grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese and grilled zucchini which gave us a very beautiful blend of flavors that we absolutely adored. Without taking away from the great pizzas that came before, the star in our opinion was the Burrata & Figs Pizza and it came with a show! The server spread the Italian burrata across the pizza which had homemade fig jam topped with arugula. They were marvelous, as all three pizzas deserved a recognition on its own for the uniqueness and quality that it showed. To top it off, we were served their Matcha Mojito to drink, which included Matcha powder, ginger ale, fresh lime and lemon topped with fresh mint. It was the absolute perfect complement to the pizzas. [Continued...]

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Of course, we were only halfway through the new items! Next up were their pastas, starting with the Lasagna. Four layers of lasagna sheets (yes, FOUR!) layered with mixed cheeses, Beef Bolognese and Bechamel sauce. Yum. We had to physically stop ourselves from having even more since we knew a lot more was on the way – and Mia as usual did not disappoint with three very different yet very delicious pastas. The Lamb Ragu Rigatoni is a dish that features a two-hour cooked diced lamb perfectly seasoned with herbs and ensures that every single bite you take creates an unforgettable memory on its own. We then had their Pesto Penne, which included their delicious in-house basil pesto cooked with cream, parmesan cheese and topped with pine nuts as well as their Chicken Piccata inclusive of their perfectly cooked chicken breast and piccata sauce. With this, we had to try the Passion Fruit Mojito. A mix of fresh passion fruit, mint leaves, lemon juice, passion fruit purée and Sprite went really well with the dishes that we were being introduced to. Do we stop there though? No, no we most certainly do not. Meat lovers will want to pay close attention to what’s coming up. First came the Short Ribs Saffron Risotto. The mixture of the saffron and parmesan cheese risotto alone was absolutely sensational but it was also topped with a 12-hour braised Short Rib and that was impeccable to say the least. This dish was one of the popular ones for us and it wasn’t difficult to see why. We decided to pair it with the Funky Farawla drink, which had fresh strawberries, strawberry purée, cranberry juice and lime all topped with beetroot and fresh mint. The burst of strawberry was truly the perfect companion to the risotto. Once the table was cleared, we were then introduced to the big guns – and this is one for meat lovers anywhere and everywhere. The Wagyu Steak. You don’t need a fancy name when you’re the star of any room you walk into, right? 300 grams of Wagyu Ribeye Steak served with delicious baby potatoes and bearnaise sauce ended our dinner in a way that only Mia can guarantee. We had this with their Simply Cherry drink which is a classic mix of ginger ale, cherry syrup and lime all under some tasty maraschino cherries. We sat back as the table was cleared and talked about how great the food was with everyone having something different to say about their favorite dishes. What we didn’t know though was that we were not done just yet as we saw the server walk in with one of the most popular desserts at Mia – the Tiramisu. It even looked as good at it tastes and it tasted unbelievably good. It was the definition of the perfect ending. There is always a reason to visit Mia, and all they did now was add even more reason with Italian dishes that we already can’t wait to try again as soon as possible. Mia is located on the ground floor of The Assima Mall in Kuwait City. Follow @MiaKuwait for their latest updates on Instagram.

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Rise Up. Artwork by Tareq Qaddumi, @kickstq on Instagram, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. 114

Now on

bazaar books

IRON FLAME

FROZEN RIVER

by Rebecca Yarros, Fantasy

By Ariel Lawhon, Thriller

Rebecca Yarros took the bestseller list by storm this summer with her captivating fantasy romance Fourth Wing. In the highly anticipated sequel, Violet Sorrengail returns for her second year at Basgiath War College. No one expected her to survive this long, much less bond with one of the strongest dragons in existence. Now that she knows the secret the nation has been hiding, it will take all her wits to survive her second year, especially with the new vice commandant determined to make her betray the man she loves.

CLASS

From the author of Code Name Hélène, comes a new novel based on the true story of a fearless midwife determined to find justice. In 1789, Martha Ballard is asked to determine the cause of death of a man found buried in the ice. As a local midwife, Martha knows all the town’s secrets, including that this man was one of the men accused of a heinous rape four months ago. As the trial nears, Martha believes the two cases are connected and her detailed diary ends up as pivotal evidence that might tear the whole town, and her family, apart.

CHECK AND MATE

by Stephanie Land, Non-Fiction

by Ali Hazelwood, Romance

When Mallory reluctantly enters a charity chess event, she unexpectedly beats the handsome world champion Nolan Sawyer. Despite her antagonism towards chess for destroying her family, Mallory finds herself entering the professional chess world, since her family desperately needs the prize money. As things heat up between Mallory and Nolan, Mallory must balance her love of the game with the deep pain it has caused her family.

In her bestselling memoir Maid, Stephanie Land described her story of working as a house cleaner and trying her best to raise her child in extreme poverty. In the final chapter, she wrote about moving to Montana to attend college. Yet, getting a degree was not the happily-everafter she imagined. With a searing look at America’s education system, Land discusses navigating a tricky loan system, attending college while still in poverty, and the struggle of a single mother full of desire and ambition.

A CITY ON MARS

ENTANGLED LIFE

by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith, Non-Fiction

by Merlin Sheldrake, Non-Fiction

Earth is not well. The promise of starting life anew somewhere far, far away—no climate change, no war, no Twitter—beckons, and settling the stars finally seems within our grasp. Or is it? Critically acclaimed, bestselling authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith set out to write the essential guide to a glorious future of space settlements, but after years of research, they aren’t so sure it’s a good idea. Space technologies and space business are progressing fast, but we lack the knowledge needed to have space kids, build space farms, and create space nations in a way that doesn’t spark conflict back home.

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Source: Goodreads.com

When we think of fungi, we likely think of mushrooms. But mushrooms are only fruiting bodies, analogous to apples on a tree. Most fungi live out of sight yet make up a massively diverse kingdom of organisms that supports and sustains nearly all living systems. Fungi provide a key to understanding the planet on which we live, and the ways we think, feel, and behave.

ELEVATE YOUR BREAKFAST AT AMITI NOURA Here’s why we think that Amiti Noura is the perfect Kuwaiti breakfast destination By bazaar Staff

At Amiti Noura, there exists a breakfast destination that transcends the ordinary. It is a place where traditional Kuwaiti flavors meet modern charm set amidst a beautifully designed atmosphere making you feel like you’re truly having a meal at your favorite aunt’s house – Amiti Noura. We have heard all about it as the ideal place for family gatherings sharing in delightful local cuisine, all that was missing was visiting and trying the incredible breakfast offerings! 118

Picture this: An inviting table complete with a spread of Hummus, Labneh, Shakshuka, Falafel, a heaping Cheese Platter, and vegetables. With the morning sun letting a perfect amount of light seep into the restaurant, you’re first drawn into the aromatic Lamb Mince Hamssah, a savory delight that captures the essence of Kuwaiti cuisine with tomato sauce spiced with cumin seeds, curry leaves, red chilis and flavored with the delicious and traditional hamssah spices. All this served alongside bread that has elevated Kuwaiti cuisine for centuries. Going perfectly with any of their dishes, the Tannour bread is a requirement, and prepare to be asking for bread refills along your breakfast! The Shakshuka deserves recognition on its own, as it’s a culinary masterpiece of baked eggs with tomato sauce and cheese, topped with herb oil and black pepper, inviting you to cozy up with your loved ones and delight in the best conversations. By this point, which is still quite early in your journey, you begin to realize one thing: Breakfast at Amiti Noura isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of flavors that are carefully studied to create the optimal experience for everyone regardless of what you order. Arguably the best Hummus in town (yes, that statement is a big one to make but one we’re comfortable making!) is in the middle of the table in perfect distance from everyone as they keep an eye on it making sure that it’s not done before they have enough of it. Spoiler alert: You can never have

enough of it. It’s the perfect prelude, companion, or finale to breakfast. At all points, this hummus dish is worth a bite or two. Right beside it is a friend of every home and certainly a friend of Amiti Noura; The Labneh. With its thick and tangy allure, it is everyone’s companion for a reason. We loved it so much that we ensured to also add the Labneh Manakeesh to our order, which did not disappoint on perfectly baked flatbread. Amongst all the different dishes, it’s easy to let one pass you by but that’s not the case at Amiti Noura as the Cheese Platter, adorned with an assortment of cheeses and vegetables including Halloumi, Kashkaval, Cucumbers, Tomatoes and more. [Continued...]

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For us though, there is one dish that really stole the spotlight as the Halloumi Manakeesh is a savory revelation that combines the distinct flavors of the Halloumi with the perfectly thin and crispy bread and the sauce as each bite is a harmonious blend of textures. Then there is the Karak, a soul-warming hot beverage that is a symbol of comfort and community in Kuwaiti culture. The warmth it conveys, both in temperature and sentiment, is an absolute must-have with any dish you order at Amiti Noura as no breakfast there is complete without it. Beyond the delectable dishes at Amiti Noura, there is an undeniable charm in the atmosphere. The warm hospitality and attention to detail elevates the dining experience making you feel like you’re an honored guest invited into the home of the country’s favorite family member.

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There is no reason to wait before making your next trip to Amiti Noura, whether in the Avenues Mall or at Argan Bedaya. Embark on a breakfast adventure like no other and be ready to enchant your senses and leave a beautiful memory on your culinary journey. When it comes to Kuwaiti breakfast, there is no place like home – Amiti Noura’s home to be exact. You can find Amiti Noura at Argan Bedaya, Sabah Al Salem or in The Souk - The Avenues. To stay up to date with their news, follow them on Instagram @AmitiNoura.

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play.google.com itunes.apple.com 122

TEACHING BEYOND BORDERS How the ‘MBA in One Day’ class sparked a groundbreaking Rwandan school By Adele Peters

When he was growing up in a small village in Rwanda in the 1990s, Vital Nsengiyumva didn’t always go to school. If he needed to take care of his family’s cattle, that came first. If he needed to walk three miles to get water for his family, he might be late for school, or not show up at all. “I also grew up in the aftermath of genocide, and there was a lot of emotional stress,” he says. “Education was really like, you take it or leave it.” Many students also dropped out because they couldn’t afford school fees. But Nsegiyumva was able to keep going because a religious organization helped pay his fees, making it possible for him to go to high school elsewhere and then attend university in Kigali. Eventually, he ended up in a master’s program in Germany, and he started working as an engineer there. He kept thinking about how he could help Magu, the village where he’d grown up. “It was always a question like, ‘Why me?’” he says. “’Why did I get all these chances?’ I don’t take it for granted. That’s what pushes me, requires me, to really give back and see that other kids can also [reach] their potential.” The opportunity to help came about partly by chance. Nsegiyumva was working as a project manager and realized that he needed to learn more about business to be able to talk with executives at his company. In 2019, he signed up for a short MBA course on Udemy, the online learning platform. Chris Haroun, the instructor, was a former venture capitalist who originally developed the “MBA in One Day” class as a side project, aimed at students in the lower-income Bay Area community of East Palo Alto. Later that year, Nsegiyumva and Haroun met at a conference in Berlin and started talking. Haroun asked the engineer what he was passionate about, and what he would do if money and time weren’t a consideration. Nsegiyumva said that he wanted to start a school in his home village. The idea immediately resonated with Haroun. “We have the same ideals in life, in that we believe that education can fix every problem in the world,” Haroun says. “So, when I met him, within a couple of hours, we decided on the spot that we were going to build a school in his hometown, Magu, Rwanda.” “Chris was like, ‘Screw it, let’s do this,’” says Nsegiyumva. “And we started brainstorming together.” They cofounded a nonprofit called Project Magu. Haroun covered most of the costs of building the new school through the earnings from his Udemy course, and Udemy also made a donation to support the project. (Haroun declined to share the total cost of construction.) Construction of the school started during the pandemic, and it officially opened this summer. The school, powered by solar panels on the roof, has access to internet and computers, 124

so online learning is possible, though Haroun and Nsegiyumva came in person to teach the first class, the seven-and-a-half-hour “MBA in One Day.” The course covers topics like how to legally protect a business and how to raise money from investors. “Initially, we thought we might have 20 or 30 students, but we had over 100 students,” Haroun says. “It was from very young ages—we had some people that were 10 or 11 years old—all the way up to 70-year-olds.” Already, one of the participants, Ayinkamiye Godelive, has launched a small business, using local honey to make hair products. (Haroun separately advised her about how to create a business plan and how to begin to connect with global distribution channels like department stores.) The school is aimed especially at students who dropped out of high school—often because they couldn’t afford school fees—or who couldn’t pass the national exams to go to university. Beyond business classes, it offers computer science and vocational training in trades like welding and

carpentry. Through Udemy, students can also take classes on subjects like AI. The community has embraced the space, says Nsegiyumva, who still works in Germany but periodically travels back to Rwanda. “It’s not like someone came and said, ‘Hey, here’s a solution.’ They’re making it their own.” He already sees changes in the community because of it. “People are happy and feeling like we are not the worst village in Rwanda,” he says. “We can also do some great things.” The cofounders now want to open more schools in villages throughout Africa. “We learned a lot doing this over the past couple of years, to the extent that we think we know how to do it much faster,” Haroun says. “Our goal is to build 1,000 of these things. In order to do so, we’re going to need these to get great corporate sponsorship longer term to make this possible.” Photo by maxime niyomwungeri on Unsplash.

A WORLD OF FLAVORS, JUST ONE TAP AWAY DOWNLOAD THE APP & ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE JAPANESE FOOD

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COZY TREATS WITH WILLIAMS SONOMA

It’s the time to enjoy the limited-edition peppermint bark holiday treats By bazaar Staff

We know that the festive season has started when the Williams Sonoma world-famous Peppermint Bark is back in stock. We’re weak against the pull of the gorgeous packaging, and total goners for the content. The iconic Williams Sonoma Dalmatian is just the icing on the cake. The holidays are the season for giving, celebrating connections and recharging our souls. The Williams Sonoma holiday treats are perfect for all of the above; whether you are buying them as gifts, adding them to your holiday table spread or indulging in them all on your own.

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The Williams Sonoma’s signature Hot Chocolate Nothing screams cozy winter day like Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate. Made with real chocolate shavings rather than the typical cocoa powder variety, Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate is inspired by the velvety hot chocolate served at the renowned Angelina café in Paris. Discover a rich, intensely chocolaty flavor, smooth texture and exquisite aroma. To guarantee the silkiest sip, Williams Sonoma chose a couverture bittersweet chocolate from Guittard that melts quickly and consistently in hot milk. The perfectly balanced beverage is in a class of its own, and the perfect way to soothe any soul. Don’t forget to check out the fall flavor that has a hint of spice and the super dark chocolate version that is rich without being too intense. The OG Holiday Peppermint Bark The Original Peppermint Bark is the perfect way to celebrate the season. True to Williams Sonoma tradition, this nostalgic confection combines layers of Guittard’s velvety white chocolate and infused with triple distilled peppermint oil, all topped with a merry snowfall of crisp peppermint candy bits. While the original Peppermint Bark first made its debut in 1998, Williams Sonoma continues to pour their heart and soul into the process of perfecting it, by trying out more than 20 rounds till they settled on that one famous recipe that everyone’s obsessed with. Good things take time, perfect things, take time and dedication which is what each Peppermint Bark from Williams Sonoma promises and delivers. The rest of the Peppermint Bark gang While we love the OG Peppermint Bark we’re also committed to the range because we love variety and quality. Their famous Peppermint Bark range have something for every craving. People who like mixing salty and sweet will love the Salted Peppermint Bark which offers a sophisticated twist to the legendary original, and is presented in a keepsake tin that’s great for sharing with family and friends. To highlight the bark’s cool, refreshing sweetness, Williams Sonoma have added a sprinkling of Jacobsen’s pure flake sea salt for a subtle savory flavor and delicate crunch. Underneath is the classic treat you know and love: layers of peppermint infused Guittard semisweet chocolate and creamy white chocolate, topped with peppermint candy bits. Discerning fans who aren’t afraid of rich deep flavors must try the Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark which presents a luscious twist to the famous classic. For the most intense chocolate flavor, this exclusive confection showcases layers of Guittard premium semisweet and bittersweet chocolates, infused with cool, refreshing oil of peppermint. Just like the classic bark, this irresistible holiday treat is topped with red-and-white peppermint candy bits – plus rich, chocolate cocoa nibs. Williams Sonoma knows how to push the envelope with their range of Peppermint Bark. These irresistible truffles are handcrafted using the finest and most traditional European techniques. The creation of each confection begins with a velvety chocolate ganache highlighted with the cool, refreshing essence of peppermint. For a delectable finishing touch, the truffles are

enrobed in Guittard dark chocolate or white chocolate, then topped with crushed peppermint candy. Also perfectly giftable are the Bark Cookies, as these all-natural chocolate wafers are scintillatingly enrobed in a generous layer of the finest Guittard white chocolate infused with pure peppermint oil. A sprinkling of peppermint candy adds to the cookies’ wonderful crunch. The newest addition to the Williams Sonoma holiday lineup this year is Sticky Paws. A candy-shop classic that gives a new meaning to sweet decadence. These handmade treats combine a layer of crunchy almonds with soft, buttery caramel. Each cluster is then dipped in premium Guittard milk chocolate. Packaged in a nostalgic tin, the confections are perfect for holiday gift giving and snacking in the office. You can find Williams Sonoma at Grand Avenue – The Avenues (2228 3101). Check out Williams Sonoma on Instagram @williamssonomamena. 127

Artwork by Omar Sha3, @omarsha3 on Instagram, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. 128

bazaar techno

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop

If you want to splurge to treat a gamer you care about, consider gifting them the ROG Strix G16 from ASUS — one of the best gaming laptops for the money. It packs Intel’s latest Core i7 processor, an up-to-date NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics chip, abundant 16GB of RAM that’s easily upgradeable, and a zippy SSD with enough space for several AAA titles.

BenQ HT4550i 4K Projector

The HT4550i is a new addition to the company’s lineup, offering excellent performance and features. It provides a brightness rating of 3,200 lumens, support for HDR10+, and covers 100 percent of DCI-P3, a color space standard that allows the projector to deliver a color-accurate picture the way filmmakers intended.

Razer Kishi V2 Mobile Gaming Controller

8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

Quatro Wireless Power Bank

Satechi Dual Vertical Aluminum Stand

If you’re gifting someone who is always gaming on the go, the Razer Kishi smartphone gaming controller is a great option. It will transform their smartphone into a portable gaming console whose controls have better performance and tactility than those of a Nintendo Switch.

As its name suggests, the Satechi Quatro is the ultimate battery pack for Apple Watch owners. The surprisingly sleek gadget has an Apple Watch magnetic charger, a wireless charging pad that’s handy for an iPhone or AirPods, and a duo of fast USB ports (USB-C and USB-A). It can simultaneously charge up to four devices.

Source: bestproducts.com 130

This mechanical keyboard by 8Bitdo is a gift that’s guaranteed to become an instant favorite to nostalgic gamers. The desktop accessory has a retro styling inspired by the iconic Nintendo NES console, mechanical switches with an amazing feel, and dedicated knobs.

If you’re tired of having a cluttered workspace due to having multiple laptops or a laptop and a tablet, the Satechi Dual stand has your back. This option is made from heavy-duty aluminum and has a slot for a closed laptop up to 0.6 inches thick as well as a tablet or smartphone.

Enjoy a journey of flavours!

THE NEVER-ENDING CHARM OF DANISH BAKERY The little bakery that could is expanding in Kuwait, and we’re here for it! By bazaar Staff

Let’s take a quick tour down memory lane. The year is 1991, and the most humble vision for delicious baked goods by Danish Chef Mrs. Gurli is born. Danish Bakery first started off as a modest home-based enterprise that set out to tantalize taste buds with a delectable assortment of artisanal baked goods and pastries. These confections were not just delectable; to the discerning palate, they spoke of warmth and an unwavering commitment to superior quality. It’s a sense of warmth we all grew up with, little fatayers that remind us of the best family gatherings, and incredible pastries we constantly crave to this very moment.

Over time, Danish Bakery didn’t merely stick to its sweet origins but embarked on a gastronomic exploration that expanded its repertoire to include a lavish array of sumptuous savory dishes and a curated selection of hot and cold beverages that would make even the most discerning gourmand’s heart skip a beat. From desserts, cakes, and sweets, to fatayer and pizza, and everything in between, Danish Bakery has you covered. And while we love to reminisce about Danish Bakery’s early starts, today it is no longer the small, cozy kitchen as this concept has evolved and is now experiencing a remarkable transformation, and expanding rapidly in Kuwait. As part of the “Hajery Group” for Bakery Boutiques and catering services, 132

it ensures that its culinary delights continue to find their way into the hearts and homes of food connoisseurs far and wide. If you haven’t visited their flagship location in Al Yarmouk, then you have probably delighted in their yummy offerings at your most recent family gatherings. Currently, Danish Bakery is also available at Daiya Co-op, and Sabah Al Ahmad Co-op, with many more locations planned in the pipeline. Danish Bakery is further renowned for its catering services, coffee sweets, and varieties of freshly baked artisanal bread. If you’ve been following them on social media lately, they were the first local concept to launch the Giant Croissant, a testament to their incredible pastry-making skills! We salute Danish

Bakery because not many bakeries in Kuwait have mastered the art of croissants, and maintained this quality, like these guys. Every bite always delivers layer upon layer of buttery, flakey goodness. We just can’t get enough! Backing up their powerful statement of flavor is an unwavering commitment to creating delicious food experiences for more than twenty years. Creativity and passion are at the helm of this operation, this is why you will always find something sumptuous to nibble on at Danish Bakery, no matter your craving! We especially enjoy their incredible array of tea cakes in various sizes, perfect for gatherings with friends and family. The Victoria Cake is always an

instant hit with friends, their cheesecake renditions are always rich and creamy, no matter which topping you prefer! We adore the Pistachio Rose cake, with an original recipe by Mrs. Gurli herself! Fragrant with orange zest, rose blossom, and lusciously moist, we love how this perfect cake is topped with fresh cream, caramelized pistachio for an added crunch, and rose petals. But the dessert foray doesn’t stop here. Choose from incredible sweet bites that are curated for sharing, from Simsimya to brownies, mini Pecan Tarts to Brownies, your gatherings are made perfect with Danish Bakery. They even offer Arabic Sweets for your favorite Auntie, who refused to have her tea without Ghuraiba and Warbat! But you can’t have all the sweets without something savory to kick off your culinary journey of flavors. This is why we appreciate Danish Bakery’s wholesome approach to hospitality. Choose from sandwiches in various sizes, dive into a world of refreshing salads, and furnish your dining table with a spread of main dishes like Machboos and Lasagna, it’s just like Friday Lunch at your grandmother’s house! Breakfast is made perfect with Danish Bakery, and we started off our ode with the Giant Croissant. Rest assured, you will find the freshest, heartwarming bread, from toasts to classic Samoon bread rolls, Simit and rustic French Baguettes, and [Continued...]

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even homemade sourdough! Choose from pastries, both sweet and savory, to pair your cheese spread with the Danish Bakery’s signature flaky pastry. Don’t forget to order their mini fatayer to take the hassle out of planning the next brunch you plan to host! We appreciate and champion establishments that give back to the local community. As part of its ongoing CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts, Danish Bakery prides itself on its daily End-of-the-Day product giveaway policy. At the close of each day, Danish Bakery’s surplus or unsold products find a meaningful purpose in the hands of those who require them most. Rather than allowing these goods to languish in waste or disposal, they repurpose them to lend a hand to underprivileged communities and support the noble causes championed by charitable organizations. This benevolent approach is not merely an act of waste reduction; it serves as a catalyst for addressing pressing societal concerns, especially since food waste is on the rise in Kuwait. To minimize its environmental impact, Danish Bakery also prioritizes compostable and biodegradable materials in its product packaging. By leading by example, Danish Bakery inspires us and the local community to follow suit! So what are you waiting for? From delicious morsels of goodness backed by a local establishment that champions its community at its heart, don’t hesitate to make Danish Bakery your go-to for your next destination or gathering at home to create memories with your loved ones. For more information, please call 2239 9993 and 9559 1449. Order online danishbakery.ordable.com or visit danishbakery.com.kw. Follow their latest on Instagram @danishbakery. 134

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bazaar movie night

Novemebr Movies

DEEP FEAR

KING OF KILLERS

THE QUEST FOR TOM SAWYER’S GOLD

Release Date: 2 November Genre: Horror, Thriler Cast: Ed Westwick, Madalina Ghenea Synopsis: On a journey across the Caribbean to meet her fiancé, Naomi goes to aid a sinking vessel. Events soon take a malevolent twist when it transpires the survivors are drug traffickers who force Naomi to dive down into the hull of the sunken wreck.

Release Date: 2 November Genre: Action, Thriller Cast: Stephen Dorff, Frank Grillo, Marie Avgeropoulos Synopsis: Follows former Agency hitman Marcus Garan as he attempts to unravel the mystery behind a tragic incident. When offered a $10 million contract to eliminate the world’s greatest assassin, Marcus travels to Tokyo to meet the client.

Release Date: 2 November Genre: Family, Adventure Cast: Joey Lauren Adams, Patrick Muldoon Synopsis: A risk-averse English teacher is forced to face her greatest fears when several of her students venture alone into the southern wilderness in search of Tom Sawyer’s long lost gold.

WHAT HAPPENS LATER

THE MARVELS

NAPOLEAN

Release Date: 2 November Genre: Comedy, Romance Cast: Meg Ryan, David Duchovny Synopsis: Willa and Bill are ex-lovers that will see each other for the first time in years when they both find themselves snowed in, in-transit, at an airport overnight.

Date: 9 November Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson Synopsis: Carol Danvers gets her powers entangled with those of Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau, forcing them to work together to save the universe.

Date: 23 November Genre: Action, Biography Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby Synopsis: The film takes a personal look at Napoleon Bonaparte’s origins, and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor viewed through the prism of his addictive, and often volatile, relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine.

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Source: cinescape.com.kw

Wall to Wall. Artwork by Tareq Qaddumi, @kickstq on Instagram, contributing to the movement of the liberation of the people of Palestine. 138

CAPTURING THE STARS Want to take majestic night sky photographs in the desert? There’s a class for that By Julia Carmel

It’s no secret that one of the best stargazing spots in Southern California is Joshua Tree National Park. The park is an International Dark Sky Place — meaning that aside from some light pollution coming from Palm Springs and the Morongo Basin, it has some of the darkest skies in the region — and it’s just a two- or three- hour drive from Los Angeles. But the best way to see the stars there isn’t with your eyes. It’s with a camera. “As it gets dark, you’ll see there’s a kind of light, mottled appearance where the Milky Way band is,” said Jon Norris, who has taught photography workshops in the park for four years. “You will be able to perceive the Milky Way, but the image your digital camera will take will be much, much clearer than what your eyes can perceive.” Norris, a former aerospace engineer turned landscape photographer, teaches some of his dark-sky photography workshops via the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, a nonprofit cooperating association that provides educational programming for the park. “We’re here to provide specialized or in-depth opportunities for people to explore the park and understand this resource from a more specialized perspective,” said Sarah Witt, Desert Institute program director of Desert Institute. The educational programs can range from school trips to field classes on local insects, flora and fauna. And though the institute has offered classes and workshops for 24 years, Witt said it’s now trying to provide more short-form, entry-level activities for people to engage with. “When we come to a desert, we want to do everything,” Witt said. “You know, we want to get our chakras cleansed, and we want to go to Pappy & Harriet’s and wear cowboy boots. We don’t want to go bird-watching for two days, necessarily, right? But we do want to educate people on birds!” Relative to some of the multi-day programs that the Desert Institute offers, these darksky photography workshops are pretty low commitment. During my six-hour class, I took hundreds of photos in the same amount of time that my partner had a rack of ribs and watched a Grateful Shred show at Pappy & Harriet›s in nearby Pioneertown. Astrophotography workshops are usually scheduled around the new moon — when the sky is darkest — during the Milky Way season, which is February to October in the Northern Hemisphere. So just two days after September’s new moon, I found myself fumbling with a camera in a pitchblack field of Yucca brevifolia, trying to capture a few decent photos for this story. Want to take your own photos of the night sky? Here are some night photography tips and tricks from Norris. 140

Get set up while there’s still light out By 5:30 p.m., our class of five was gathered in the Cap Rock parking lot — one of the lots that stays open at night for stargazers. After Norris and a park volunteer named Chris checked our names and waivers, we got straight to work on our cameras. Participants must bring a DSLR or a mirrorless camera that they’re familiar with, but Norris helped each of us set our focus, aperture, exposure and ISO manually to prepare for shooting in the dark. “What we’re trying to do is capture an image of a very dark scene, and the most important thing in that scene is the stars,” Norris said. “We want the stars to be absolutely pin sharp, so one of the things we need to do before it gets dark is we’re going to set up our focus on something at infinity.” Once we all managed to focus on a mountain in the distance and finished tinkering with our various camera settings and lenses, Norris taped our focal rings to keep them in place throughout

the night, since it’s “impossible” to focus properly in the dark. He helped us set delays (so pressing the shutter button wouldn’t shake the cameras at the beginning of our shots), and instructed us to shoot in RAW — rather than JPEG — since RAW images capture the highest level of detail. After a reminder to bring water and a rundown of Cap Rock Trail, which is a 0.4-mile loop with a bathroom near the parking lot, Norris led us onto the trail to start planning our shots. Don’t be afraid of technology “With a dark-sky photo, preferably, you want to have an interesting foreground, because it helps give it scale and makes the image look more interesting,” Norris said as we left the parking lot. “So we’re going to spend the next hour or so wandering around this trail, looking for different compositions.” To plan his shots, Norris swears by a phone app called PhotoPills, which allows him to figure

out shot compositions ahead of time with the help of nighttime augmented reality. The app also tracks the moon phases and daily timing of moonrise, moonset and galactic center visibility. PhotoPills works without wifi, so we were able to see where the Milky Way would be at every minute between 8:14 and 11:22 p.m. (when the galactic center was visible that night). The app also has a photography calculator labeled “spot stars,” which allows you to input your camera model, which millimeter you want to shoot at and your widest aperture to calculate the optimal shutter speed for your camera. That leaves the camera’s ISO as the only guesswork — Norris recommends starting with 1600 and toggling up or down (to 3200 or 800) as you begin shooting. In terms of composition, Norris suggested that each of us include at least one tree above the ridgeline, so the silhouette can contrast the night sky. When each of us found a shot that we liked, we were able to screenshot the composition on PhotoPills and drop a pin on our maps app to return to the same spot later. “Well, I mean, knowing where is only half the battle,” Norris said. “It’s still plenty hard enough to get a decent shot.” Let your creativity run wild Though the camera settings may be similar for most astrophotographers, there are countless ways to take different photos of the same stars. Norris likes to keep his images fairly accurate to what he captures in real life, but some photographers incorporate surreal light painting (another class recently offered by the Desert Institute) and other artistic effects. Lucy Delaney, a biology professor at UC Riverside, was hoping to take a few self-portraits with the stars during our workshop. As we moved around and experimented with different ISO values, she realized that people’s red headlamps and flashlights could make the foreground bright enough to light up her face (and the surrounding Joshua trees) in a portrait. Norris explained that it’s also common for photographers to blend multiple images together to reduce noise from passing planes and car headlights. Stacking multiple photos can also make the landscape look a bit more interesting — for example, images where you’re able to see more detail than just a dark silhouette in the foreground are likely composites. “They’ll take images of the foreground at the end of twilight so you can still see some definition — so you could see bushes, you could see some of these other trees, you can see the ridgeline,” Norris said. “Then they’ll wait two or three hours and then take the Milky Way picture without moving the tripod.” Follow the star trails The latter half of Norris’ workshop involved

setting up our cameras in a stationary spot to take hundreds of shots over the course of about an hour. If your camera doesn’t have one built in, he recommends bringing an intervalometer to automatically take time-lapse photos. Using PhotoPills, we were also able to see what paths the star trails would be moving along. “With star trails, there’s a couple of different options you’ve got,” Norris said. “So you can find a composition where Polaris is in the shot, and you’ll get concentric rings, or if you move 90 degrees left or right to the pole star, then there’s a diagonal line that’s called the celestial equator.” And though it makes sense to assume that the stars are in motion, these trails actually show us how the planet is moving. “The stars aren’t moving, we are,” Norris said. “It’s a bit of a mind melt. You’re basically taking pictures as the Earth spins, but the impression it gives us is that the stars are moving.” Norris usually takes about 200 photos in the same spot that he later cleans up — “because every fifth shot, I guarantee you, you’re gonna have aircraft lights,” he said. He then exports them as TIFF files, to make sure they don’t lose any data, and uploads them to an application called Starry Sky Stacker, which combines all the photos to build the actual star trails. Working on different projects throughout the night also allowed us to learn a bit more about photography faux pas that amateurs typically make.

“I always just leave the shutter open, how come no one does that?” Sung-Ho Tsai, an engineer taking the class, asked earlier in the evening. “You basically want to have the shutter speed as short as you can get away with, but capturing enough light,” Norris explained. “The good thing about doing shorts is you get less digital noise, but also if some Bozo walks through your shop with a headlamp on — which will happen — it only ruins one 15-second shot, and you can throw it away, and it doesn’t affect the rest of your your final star trail.” Because I didn’t have an intervalometer, I manually took a photo every 20 seconds for an hour. It was certainly more work than if my camera could space shots out on its own, but at least I had good company. As we killed an hour taking photos for our respective star trails, the class sat on one big rock, chitchatting about airplanes, aliens and longdistance relationships. Our conversation was occasionally interrupted by one of us spotting a shooting star, which the rest of the group quickly tried to find in the vast darkness. “You can’t really find them — they’ll find us,” Norris said as we scoured the star-filled sky for more wishes. “You just have to be looking.” Photo by Timothée Duran and Warren on Unsplash. 141

bazaar music

NOVEMBER MUSIC & PODCASTS Some of the latest albums that you have to listen to today!

Artist: Drake Album: For All The Dogs

Artist: Blink 182 Album: One More Time

When Drake releases a new album, we listen. ‘For All The Dogs’ is an album where he focuses a lot of troubles and heartbreak while there are a few songs in there that will also get you off your seat! It also features some big names in the music world including 21 Savage, J. Cole, SZA, Bad Bunny and more.

This is a dedication to everyone who grew up listening to one of the most legendary bands to ever hit the radio. One More Time is full of nostalgia, great moments, and memories. It’s definitely a must-listen for anyone, especially those who spent a chunk of their childhood listening to them.

CMY

Get closer to European football with these two great podcasts!

Podcast: The Spanish Football Podcast

Podcast: The Rest is Football

If you’re into Spanish football, then this is a must for you. Hosted by three highly reputable journalists in Phil Kitromilides, Sid Lowe and Alex Kirkland, this award-winning podcast tackles everything related to Spanish football while keeping it light, fun, and engaging. Available wherever you listen to your podcasts while you can also sign up for extra content on Patreon.

Focusing on English football, this podcast is hosted by some of the greatest English players to play the game in Gary Linekar, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. It’s quirky and funny but more importantly, it gives you an insight into the game from people that were living it day to day. Available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Sources: wikipedia.com 142

bazaar scopes

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19 Expect to be booked and busy, as you’re going to have to turn down a number of invites and soirees. Venus is the socialite of the planetary choir, and she’ll be moving into your relationship zone on the 8th. So, there›s no better excuse to buy that new sparkly dress that you have your eye on.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 From the moment you entered this world, you were gifted with extra sensory senses. Which often can make you feel sensitive to the outside world. But, as Venus sweeps into your house of health on the 8th, you can commit yourself to a new routine that doesn’t actually need to be overcomplicated. Allowing you to inhabit your body in full.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 Your creative spark is on fire, to the point where you might find yourself slipping into the shoes of the free-spirited Clementine From ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotlight Mind’ As Venus slides into your house of creativity on the 8th, you might feel inspired to embrace a new hue for your hair, and explore fresh dimensions of your spontaneous nature.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22

Hidden admires might step out of the shadows, and any unspoken connect that’s been quietly brewing may transform into something more ‘real’ It’s akin to the skin of electric, undeniable tension. You’re offered an opportunity to shed any lingering remnants of imposter syndrome. This powerful lunar magic will remind you of your inherent power, don’t waste a second on over questioning what is already yours.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21 This month is set to be a world wind of social activity for you, with barely a moment to catch your breath. It’s essential that you balance all the schmoozing, when Venus enters your house of network on the 8th. Grant yourself a solo cabin trip in the forest to recharge. A potential leadership role may make itself known to you, allowing you to act with a clear sense of purpose that is aligned with your bigger goals.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19 It’s no secret that you have a strong desire to ascend Mount Olympus on your career trajectory, much like the Capricorn Issa Rae, and her many accomplished businesses. As Venus enters your career domain, you’ll have the opportunity to redefine your approach to work. This may involve making significant changes in the way you handle your professional life.

It’s shaping up to be a snug and cosy month for you. When the sensual Venus moves into your homebase on the 8th you’ll naturally want to redecorate your environment that makes you feel more embodied. Sprinkle some rosemary and frankincense to cleanse and purify your living space.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22 In your personal one to one connections, conscious communication is your strong suit, and you’ll know where you stand. When Venus enters your house of communication on the 8th, she sets up the right foundations to create the space in your relationships. Taking your relationships to a new layer of depth, where your inner child feels seen, heard and understood.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22 Significant relationship decisions may be looping on the horizon, especially when Saturn retrograde ends on the 4th. Venus feels her best, when she has the freedom to do what she wants, when she wants. Her magic graces your house of resources on the 8th, offering you a chance to get clear on what financial security looks and feels like to you long term.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 After your toil of tending to your desires, wants and wishes away from the public eye, the spotlight is finally on you. By the time Venus enters your house of identity on the 8th, it’s your moment to step into the limelight and make your grand debut. All the delicate refinements you’ve been working on over the past few weeks are now ready to be unveiled.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 If you’ve been waiting to book a retreat all year, this is the perfect time to make it happen. With Venus entering your house of wisdom and expansion on the 8th, you’ll feel drawn to take a break away from the mundane so that you can seek spiritual fulfilment. We don’t need to book a luxury retreat to experience spiritual transcendence, you can create your own stylish retreat at home.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 With Saturn moving directly on the 4th, you’ll find that you have the time and clarity to make more grounded and pragmatic decisions about where you want to be. This is your chance to proactively move forward with a step by step plan that doesn’t overpromise on what it can deliver.

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Source: wisehoroscope.org

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