bazaar December 2024

About the Cover: This month’s cover features the stunning Ferrari logo to celebrate the unveiling of the 12Cilindri at an exclusive event held at the iconic Kuwait Towers. This remarkable vehicle pays homage to Ferrari’s legendary twelve-cylinder engine, drawing inspiration from classic Gran Turismo models of the 1950s and 1960s. With an impressive 830 horsepower and a maximum rev of 9,500 rpm, it delivers instantaneous acceleration and continuous power. The luxurious cockpit features a glass roof and multiple displays for driver and passenger engagement. Aimed at driving enthusiasts, the Ferrari 12Cilindri embodies exceptional performance, comfort, and Italian craftsmanship—truly a car for the few.

Here we are, last issue of 2024, always a bittersweet sensation, since on the one hand, the year literally flew by, but on the other hand, nothing much has changed. The genocide is still going on in Gaza, and now Lebanon has been under attack for months as well. Hard to believe the entire international community seems so helpless and powerless at putting a stop to it, but here we are.

Closer to home, there is definitely a lot going on, and a lot of positivity in the air. Other than the relentless traffic jams, the weather is amazing, Kuwait is greener than ever, there are more outdoor leisure destinations than ever, and so many amazing restaurants and cafes opening up all over the country….we can barely keep up, and the list of places we want/need to visit keeps growing bigger and bigger!

Starting with our in-depth conversation with Dr. Ali Alhassan, a pediatric cardiologist at Taiba Hospital, who helped us understand more about children’s heart health, emphasizing the importance of early detection and understanding common conditions. Read the article to learn what key symptoms parents should monitor, advances in treatment and the significance of family involvement in care.

If your 2025 goals include hosting more friends, being more intentional about your cooking or just upgrading your kitchen or dining room, then a trip to IKEA is in order. From tips that will help you make your space work better for you to making room for more loved ones around the table, our guide has it all.

Get ready for events season with Revlon’s latest hair tools designed to create salonworthy styles at home. We’ve got the low-down on the latest hair tools from Revlon, which offer versatility for achieving everything from sleek straight looks to bouncy curls. With these tools, holiday hair has never been easier or more stylish.

Celebrate the festive season and New Years in style and luxury at our favorite iconic destinations, Jumeirah Messilah Beach, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait and Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. From delightful dining to incredible experiences, Kuwait’s finest hotels are ready to give your end of year celebrations the festive touch.

From fine dining to the great outdoors, discover the latest gadgets and tools that can transform your kashta escapades into a comfortable and enjoyable experience. From high capacity power-banks to outdoor heating solutions, Xcite offers a range of tools designed to enhance your camping setup.

Happy reading!

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

Design

Shadi Mofeed

Staff Writer/Online Media

Yasmin Gamal

Israa Odeh

Contributing Writers

Muna M. Al Gharabally

Communications

Hala Y. Sharara

Syndicates & Sources

Fast Company

LA Times

MCT International

Newsweek

Printing

British Industries for Printing and Packaging

members

www.bpaww.com

INDEX DECEMBER 2024

FERRARI 12CILINDRI

Unleash the thrill of driving perfection. This masterpiece of Italian engineering combines breathtaking design, cutting-edge technology, and unrivaled performance. Whether cruising Kuwait’s scenic desert roads or gliding along Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Causeway, every drive is a celebration of freedom and elegance. With a roaring 6.5L V12 engine, sleek design inspired by Ferrari legends, and a luxurious cockpit, the 12Cilindri transforms every journey into pure exhilaration. 40

80

COLOR YOUR LIFE THIS YEAR

Jotun Paints transforms the retail experience with a new concept store at Al Assima Mall, offering innovative paint solutions and creative inspiration. The carefully designed space provides expert guidance, curated color palettes, and cutting-edge technologies, enabling customers to reimagine their spaces with vibrant, personalized design possibilities.

104

NEW YEAR, NEW HAIR

Revamp your hair care routine this New Year with Revlon’s innovative styling tools! Experience the Revlon Air Flow Dryer, designed for efficient on-the-go drying with advanced ionic technology. The Revlon AirStraight offers a unique two-in-one solution, drying and straightening hair simultaneously for quick. For ultimate versatility, the One-Step BlowDry Air Styler 5-in-1 is the perfect choice.

118

HEALING LITTLE HEARTS

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Ali Alhassan of Taiba Hospital shares invaluable insights into children’s heart health. Addressing concerns like heart murmurs, early detection, and lifestyle factors. He highlights modern breakthroughs in treatment and the vital role of family involvement in care. With stories of hope and success, Dr. Alhassan emphasizes the importance of prevention.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT WALDORF ASTORIA

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait offers an enchanting festive season experience with luxurious dining and spa options. From Venice Carnival-themed New Year’s Eve celebrations at AVA to poolside dinners at Oxio and indulgent spa treatments like the Golden Glow Ritual, the hotel provides sophisticated entertainment and relaxation.

HOSTING MADE EASIER WITH IKEA

Create the perfect space for gathering and making memories with IKEA. Whether it’s a customized kitchen that fits your unique lifestyle or a dining space designed for intimate family meals or grand feasts, IKEA combines style, functionality, and sustainability. From Ramadan Iftars to everyday meals, hosting becomes effortless with thoughtful designs, durable materials, and solutions tailored to your needs. Every detail, from smart storage to elegant seating, transforms your home into a welcoming haven for loved ones. 78 54

92

TRUFFLE TIME

Savor the exquisite flavors of truffle season at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait! From November 14 to January 2, Chef Enrico Zambi presents a seasonal truffle menu at Dai Forni, featuring five luxurious dishes crafted with rare Alba truffles. Indulge in starters like Burrata y Tartufo Bianco and Zuppa Di Funghi e Tartufo Nero, followed by gourmet mains such as Pizza al Tartufo Nero and the decadent Dai Forni Burger. Join us for a memorable dining experience that celebrates Italy’s culinary treasures!

100

XCITING KASHATA

Elevate your outdoor adventures this kashta season with Xcite’s innovative gear! Enjoy entertainment on the go with a portable TV, perfect for movie nights under the stars or stay powered up with highcapacity power banks from trusted brands like Anker and Belkin. Keep warm with stylish outdoor heaters and explore rugged smartwatches and compact projectors for added convenience. Gear up for unforgettable moments in Kuwait’s beautiful outdoors with Xcite!

Don your nest mask for the Masquerade theme and indulge in an unforgettable New Year's Eve featuring exquisite dining experiences, spellbinding performances, captivating live music, and a breathtaking reworks display that will illuminate the night sky.

#1

What: @cupful.kw

Info: Unique and handmade

Editor’s Note: The perfect gift

#3

What: @bennysbookskw

Info: Kuwait’s parent-friendly

kid’s bookstore

Editor’s Note: We’re making sure all kids love reading

#4

#2

What: @nuwair_kw

Info: A gift for every occasion

Editor’s Note: Your little girl will love this

What: @matchaosaka

Info: Japanese Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Editor’s Note: Our healthy drinks game just leveled up

#5

What: @ellabakes.kw

Info: Your daily slice of happiness

Editor’s Note: They had us at brownies

THE HIDDEN MINDSETS MAKE IT HARDER TO WORK WITH OTHERS

Here’s how to tackle them

By Leanne Maskell

We are all neurodiverse, meaning our brains are wired differently, leading us to think, process, and function uniquely. However, workplace environments often require us to conform to unwritten “professional” standards and expectations. Since we’re all conditioned by our own biases of what is “normal,” misunderstandings can easily arise between colleagues.

This is particularly relevant as one in seven people are neurodivergent, meaning their ways of thinking differ from what is generally considered typical. Addressing our neuro-biases is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment and driving innovation.

Here’s how the neuro-biases you may not even realize you have could affect your relationships with colleagues, and how to overcome them.

Communication bias

Communication styles vary widely due to cultural norms and neurodiversity. For instance, while some cultures view eye contact as a sign of confidence, others see it as disrespectful. Similarly, neurodivergent individuals may find eye contact uncomfortable, or rely on it to focus.

These differences extend to various communication styles, including body language, tone of voice, and greetings.

These biases can lead to assumptions about colleagues’ intentions, resulting in potential miscommunications. To counteract communication bias, be mindful of your judgments, and remember that there’s more to people than meets the eye. Accepting different communication styles can foster stronger collaborative relationships.

Navigating unwritten workplace codes can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals. The expectation to attend after-work social events can be overwhelming, especially in overstimulating environments such as pubs.

Not participating in these activities doesn’t mean someone dislikes their colleagues or lacks commitment to their work. This neuro-bias could also disadvantage individuals with external responsibilities, such as childcare, or those who don’t drink alcohol, leading to feelings of exclusion.

Small talk can further complicate interactions. Some may not see its relevance, while others may interpret it literally. For instance, neurotypical individuals might expect brief answers to “How are you?” but could be equally surprised by a curt “Fine” or extremely detailed response.

To combat social interaction bias, question your assumptions about social norms. Focus on listening, rather than simply being heard, and acknowledge that different social preferences don’t imply disinterest or disrespect.

Cognitive and executive functioning bias   Neuro-bias often arises when colleagues approach tasks differently. For instance, someone with

ADHD may struggle with organizational tasks that seem simple to others, leading to frustration and assumptions about their effort.

Conversely, the intense focus associated with ADHD and autism could confuse them. Employees may conduct seemingly excessively thorough internal research to excel in their roles or overdeliver on tasks, which can lead to misunderstandings if their intentions aren’t clear.

Cognitive bias can also emerge from psychometric tests, creating barriers for talented individuals with non-linear thinking styles.

It’s essential to recognize that cognitive and executive functioning vary greatly. Some people may excel in certain areas while finding other tasks challenging. Instead of assuming laziness, consider that each person is trying their best.

Providing support and accommodations can help mitigate these biases, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Learning bias

Traditional education methods often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, which can carry over to the workplace. However, people have different learning styles. Some may need to move or fidget to concentrate, while others may prefer visual or auditory materials.

In high-pressure environments, learning neuro-biases can lead to misunderstandings, especially if individuals feel embarrassed to ask for help. Offering a variety of learning options and encouraging employees to choose what works best for them can enhance engagement.

Sensory bias

Open-plan offices can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals, who may be sensitive to noise, lighting, or other environmental factors.

These sensitivities aren’t preferences, they are legitimate needs, which can strongly impact a person’s ability to focus and cause significant discomfort.

To quash sensory bias, acknowledge that everyone’s sensory experience is different, and provide flexibility in the work environment. Respect individuals’ choices of where and how to work, such as noise-canceling headphones or working remotely.

Emotional bias

Unfortunately, expressing emotions at work is often viewed as unprofessional, despite being a natural human response to challenges.

Neurodivergent people may experience emotional regulation difficulties, especially under pressure to mask their symptoms, which can be draining. This can result in misunderstandings, particularly regarding criticism or requests for a “quick chat” without context.

To address emotional bias, it’s crucial to foster a culture where emotions are acknowledged and respected. Promoting psychological safety can help prevent misunderstandings and create a more empathetic workplace.

Neuro-biases are often unconscious, but can significantly impact workplace relationships. Creating neuro-affirming workplaces where everybody is accepted as they are, regardless of diagnosis or disclosure benefits everyone.

This begins with individual awareness of our biases, reminding ourselves that not everybody thinks like us, and that’s perfectly okay. Our differences make us unique, fostering innovation, productivity, and connection.

Photo by Megan Lee on Unsplash.

DIVERSIFYING YOUR MARKETING

3 ways to build brand awareness

By R Sanchez

Over the past five years, paid media and acquisition costs have skyrocketed, making it increasingly challenging for brands to reach new customers through paid advertising alone. For direct-to-consumer brands, in particular, this has caused significant disruption and revenue decline.

As the CEO and founder of wellness brand Bearaby, I have experienced this shift in the digital marketing landscape and know that it is increasingly necessary to experiment with outside-the-box methods to build branded consumer awareness. Brands are diversifying beyond paid media to reach consumers. Here are three methods I’ve found to be effective and why I believe they work.

Experiential marketing

As an e-commerce brand, providing unique and valuable in-person experiences helps you reach new, highly engaged brand loyalists.

When we were looking to expand Bearaby’s in-person presence we took inspiration from on-theground ambassador programs frequently adopted by apparel brands. Lululemon, for example, has focused on cultivating a community of fitness instructors who are intensely loyal to the brand, tapping into strong pre-existing communities within their target demographic.

The key to successful experiential activations is tailoring the experience to your product.  Consider whether seeing the product is enough for potential customers or would new customers prefer to interact with it more extensively? What is the most important factor that will influence a new customer’s decision to purchase—or, even better, to buy into your brand values and get on board with your mission?

At Bearaby, we’ve leaned into the benefits of weighted blankets for meditation by partnering with wellness studios like

Remedy Place, Sage + Sound, and THE WELL to include weighted blankets in sound bath and meditation experiences. Visitors get to feel the full benefits of resting under a weighted blanket, while learning about an often overlooked use case for the product. As a result of these activations, meditation instructors and wellness enthusiasts have become organic brand advocates, incorporating weighted blankets into their personal practice and beyond.

Whether you activate your product through traditional ambassadors, a pop-up shop, or a unique one-of-a-kind event, staying true to your brand’s authentic mission is the key to finding success through experiential marketing.

Proximity marketing

If an ad spend doesn’t allow you to meet consumers where they are, consider meeting them somewhere nearby. For example, a Super Bowl ad will run you $7 million dollars, but creating on-site experiences in the host city, or targeting digital out-of-home

screens in fan hubs may allow you to reach the most engaged consumers at a fraction of the cost. This is an excellent way to make the most of big events without going over budget. You can apply this same strategy to smaller, localized events that draw superfans who fit your audience.

For direct-to-consumer brands, it can also be useful to examine retail partnerships through the lens of proximity marketing. Brands often focus on the high sales volumes that come through securing placement in national chains, but placement in smaller, targeted boutiques lends itself to a more branded experience, potentially amplifying your presence in a particular state, city, or neighborhood.

If you’re hoping to achieve this, proper branding and signage remain essential. Even if a customer doesn’t choose to buy your product, they should have an opportunity to see your brand name, read more about it, or enter your digital marketing funnel.

Stunt marketing

Stunt marketing should be true to your brand while containing an unexpected element. Nobody would be surprised by Duolingo offering in-person language lessons, but when the brand went as far as to open a taqueria where diners could practice their Spanish in exchange for discounts, people took notice!

For newer brands, it can be helpful to tie stunt marketing to a particular holiday or time of year— something in the cultural landscape that already has people’s attention.

April Fools’ Day is a great time to flex your stunt marketing muscle with plenty of wiggle room for experimentation. Consumers are on the lookout for surprising, playful activations from the brands they

know best, so they’re prepared to be delighted by something truly over the top.

At Bearaby, we’ve seen community engagement skyrocket during fake product launches for April Fools’ Day, like our weighted blanket for hedgehogs. Our most recent “Bearabulky” April Fools’ campaign gave us valuable product feedback. We launched a fake 50-pound weighted stuffed bear, and brand fans we had never heard from before started sharing that they would love to purchase a slightly heavier version of our real 3.5-pound weighted stuffed animals. This stunt campaign helped us catch the attention of new customers, while simultaneously strengthening our understanding of our existing community.

When planning a stunt marketing campaign, it’s important to cater to both brand fans and new customers without alienating either group. Before launching your campaign, think through what success will look like for both groups and let that guide your messaging and budget.

With paid ads continuing to become more expensive, brand building will be put to the test more than ever. The more expensive it is to acquire a new customer, the more critical it will be for that customer to have a touchpoint where they can buy into your mission and become a brand fan. Strategies like experiential, proximity, and stunt marketing won’t replace the need for digital ads, but they can be high-value extensions of the brand backbone that ultimately makes paid advertising pay off.

Photo by Patrik Michalicka on Unsplash.

T H E A VENUES & AL

SHOP ALPHA INDUSTRIES at JACK WILLS - THE HOUSE

KOUT

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KUWAIT AT BURJ ALSHAYA IS NOW RESPONSIBLE HOSPITALITY VERIFIED™

Leading the way in sustainability standards in luxury hospitality

By bazaar Staff

Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is proud to announce that it has become Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™, an industry-leading sustainability standard for luxury hospitality. Responsible Hospitality is recognized by Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on hospitality excellence, as the official sustainability verification for its community of Star-Rated hotels in more than 80 countries.

The comprehensive assessment verifies hotels on best practices to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests and the community—creating a global standard for the world’s finest hotels and a trusted third-party verification for guests.

Designed in partnership with highly respected hotelier Hervé Houdré, a leader in the field, Responsible Hospitality allows discerning guests to make purposeful choices based on consistent, expertly designed global standards.

“Responsible Hospitality is about creating a welcoming, luxurious experience for guests, while being considerate of the environment and human welfare,” said Houdré.  “Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya has demonstrated excellence by eliminating single-use plastics and reducing paper usage, providing local and seasonal menu offerings, engaging in charitable outreach, and more.”

“We’re delighted to gain such a prestigious sustainability verification that honours the vision of Four Seasons and the efforts of our hotel team,” commented Martin Kipping, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. “From on-site water bottling to AI-driven waste management, our first e-limousine to ecofriendly key cards, we’re committed to pioneering responsible hospitality in the region. We hope our success marks a collective movement towards a greener future for Kuwait.”

Responsible Hospitality covers topics such as food and water waste, sustainable amenities, recycling programs, energy usage, health security, integration with the local community and culture, and other touchpoints.

The accolade follows on the heels of similar awards for Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. In 2023, Four Seasons introduced the Forbes FiveStar award to Kuwait. In 2024, the brand became the first in the country to achieve two Forbes Five-Star ratings for two consecutive years. In 2024, the hotel also became the first in the Arabian Gulf to achieve Platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – continuing to set the standard for responsible tourism in the region. For a complete list of hotels and resorts that currently are Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™ by Forbes Travel Guide, please visit forbestravelguide. com/collections/responsible-hospitality

About Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya

Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is a modern urban sanctuary in Kuwait City’s historical heart: a contemporary curation of Middle Eastern architecture, dazzling art and resort-like

spaciousness. In this 21-storey enclave of wonder, stunning sculptures merge with traditional design in soaring rooftop restaurants, award-winning leisure facilities, and the city’s largest guest rooms – a total of 284 accommodations including 217 rooms and 67 suites. Catch up in the chic surrounds of Al Soor, “La Chocolaterie of Kuwait”; relax in airconditioned cabanas by the infinity pool; retreat to tranquil terraces and wander the lush adjacent parkland. And with the city’s malls and souks within a few minutes’ drive, experience all the spoils of the city without spoiling precious relaxation time. For more information on Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait, please visit https://www.fourseasons.com/kuwait.

About Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the global authority on genuine Five-Star service, provides worldclass professional services to the hospitality industry and other service-oriented businesses

such as luxury retail, residential, healthcare and private clubs through bespoke training solutions, evaluation services and custom service standards. Started as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958, the company created the first Five-Star rating system in the United States. Today, in addition to providing professional services, FTG is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships. FTG’s prestigious annual Star Awards can only be earned through the company’s objective, in-person inspection process. For more information on FTG services, please visit partner.forbestravelguide.com.

To learn more about the Four Seasons and to see what else is going on, follow them on Instagram @FSKuwait, or give them a call on 22006000 to book a hotel stay or spa treatment.

THINKING IN MORE

Why we need to shift from a scarcity mindset to abundance now, more than ever

By Adrianne Wright

As I thumbed through my Instagram feed, nodding at the postelection takes and the cries of grief, one post stopped me. A video from a rightwing influencer, spouting the words “Your body, my choice.” I watched him chant the words with such enthusiasm, confidence, and ease. The video had already gotten millions of views.

I wish I could put into words what this felt like. How it felt in my chest and the tips of my fingers. My heart was no longer open, finding comfort in the words of social connection and community. Fear stung my body like pins and needles. I felt small. Stuck. Limited.

I knew these physical and emotional manifestations well—they’ve been a sharp and unexpected visitor that sucks my heart back in time.

As a victim of sexual assault, I have spent years in trauma therapy, examining my experience: my abduction and rape, the victim shaming I experienced from the police after I was found, and the resulting pregnancy I had to deal with on my own as a 16-year-old girl.

As an activist, I have worked with communities across the country to push back on some of our country’s most heartbreaking issues, including gun violence and paid family leave. And as the founder of Rosie, a nonprofit storytelling agency I’ve been leading since 2018, I work daily to shift the stories that shape our culture and values, and how people understand the world and their role to make it more loving, connected, and equitable.

Despite all the work I had done, here I was, falling back into the toxic narratives that have threatened to keep me small. Stuck. Limited. I knew these ideas could either break me or give me the strength to move forward. Both choices had to do with the mindset I could embrace: a scarcity mindset, or abundance. In the world that we live in, it is easy to fall into a scarcity mindset—a lens that is shaped by a world that has told us, time and time again, who we are, who belongs, and who does not.

The scarcity mindset is all around us. It influences everything about how we live, see, and think about ourselves. Our news feeds bombard us with clickbait that disproportionately “others” people of color and anyone who does not fit into a status quo version of the world. We see a blinding whiteness in storytelling that misses the nuances and intricacies of our lived experiences. The deficit

language that is used to describe people focuses less on our aspirations and more on our challenges, triggering associations in our subconscious that often tie the problem to a marginalized person or their community’s identity. How we put these concerns into words often encourages onedimensional stereotypes and accusations on one side, and distorts our sense of self on the other.

We live and breathe this double consciousness, warring ideals of who we are and who the world wants us to be. But at some point, we move away from standing firm in our stories. We lick our wounds, tuck away the trauma, and move on from it—theoretically.

The scarcity mindset is how we tell a

fundamentally American tall tale about a nation built on notions of individualism; a male-dominated story filled with loners who suck it up and ride off into the sunset as others applaud our resilience. We don’t quite realize that denying ourselves the breadth of our stories denies our full human experience and the processing required to embody ourselves.

My daughters Lily and Violet—7 and 3 years old—often remind me that we don’t come into this world like this. We have a strong sense of who we are, what we believe, and the choices we want to make. And this return to who we are and all we can be starts with telling our own stories from a place of abundance.

The morning after the election, I told myself to stay off my news feeds and social media accounts—it’d be the most “self-care” thing I could do. But it was exactly what I did not do. Part of me was searching to see if the result, and its implications for myself and my daughters as women of color, was all really true. Another part was looking for community, to validate that I was not alone in my despair, my deep shock that most of our country had chosen hate and chaos rather than humanity. Reading the shared experiences of others was a balm. I was not alone.  [Continued...]

Shifting our stories from scarcity to abundance honors the fullness of our humanity. It allows us to reclaim the truths inside of us, and declare that we are so much more than we are confined to believe. We are more than pain and suffering. We are worthy of care and love. Our storytelling is an investment in our collective liberation—our push to create a world we all deserve. Our work is our storytelling.

The question, however, always is: Where do we begin? Here are several crucial steps to move past the scarcity mindset, and the fear of vulnerability and judgment, to free ourselves and our stories.

Question the stories you’ve internalized about yourself, and form new truths: Self-discovery doesn’t always require therapy—the resources are right in front of you. Find a quiet and safe space to turn inward, and reflect. I often return to these questions:

What stories have I been living in, and for how long?

How has this shown up in my life?

How is this different from who I really am?

Seeing clearly how each truth refutes a specific misperception can help you explore how these thought constructs have ruled your decisions and choices throughout your life. Set a practice to return to these truths daily, or as often as necessary, to remind yourself of who you are, your power, and your potential. The world will continue to try to challenge, confine, disrupt, and conquer us. It’ll never be easy to combat this with our own truth, but it’ll always be necessary.

Become conscious of rigid constructions in daily life and advocate for the stories that are missing: So much about how we move through the world is based on the stories we’ve been conditioned to believe. Be aware and mindful of the reductive messages all around you, and push yourself to consider the missing people and perspectives.

Note that the call is not only to take notice. We have to make a concerted effort to advocate for the hidden stories. Advocacy can look like a lot of different things. We can ask why when we see stories told through a scarcity lens. We can read diverse books that center people of color, by people of color, and uplift them with whatever platforms and privileges we hold. We can add perspective when we find ourselves in conversations that lack nuance.

Without this, we can only tell limited stories about our humanity and lived experiences, and accordingly limit our perspective on the issues, and the solutions, of our time. We are all so much more than that.

Find your people: Octavia Raheem, a rest coach for Black, Indigenous, and women of color who are senior leaders, founders, and business owners, once told me that “to find your truth, you must hear it.” When we gather in community, whether it’s with one friend or a text thread with others, and we share our stories and witness others, we learn that we are not alone. We are all suffering under the weight of capitalist, racist, and sexist systems. Our exhaustion and isolation from these systems just keep us from recognizing it. But when we share, we experience revelations in belonging, create expansive language for our feelings, and make meaning out of our experiences and paths

forward. This is how we find our way back to each other.

It is an ongoing shift of the heart and mind to break away from embedded narratives and patterns. I continuously exercise that muscle of trust within myself. But as I continue mapping my blueprint to liberation, I return to our stories. Storytelling is an entry point into our humanity. Shifting from a scarcity mindset to the abundance we speak of reminds us of who we are, our power, and our potential. Systems of oppression will take generations to dismantle, so it is up to us to start now, with our truth. We build regenerative and collective power by elevating our experiences, one at a time, until our collective voice soars over the mountaintops, and it is only our truth that we hear.

Photos by Dushawn Jovic on Unsplash.

Enchanting festive moments

Join us for a truly enchanting festive season lled with splendid celebrations and exquisite dining experiences on the 24th and 25th of December 2024. Immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays and create lasting memories.

jumeirah.com

KLC VIRTUAL RESTAURANTS: FROM KUWAITI STARTUP TO REGIONAL CHAMPION, NOW SETTING FOOT IN ANOTHER VIBRANT CITY- ABU DHABI

By bazaar staff

KLC Virtual Restaurants’ story is one of resilience, innovation, and strategic expansion. Co-founder & CEO Mubarak Jaffar, together with his team, has transformed KLC from a family venture in 2008 into a thriving enterprise. Today, it stands as a regional powerhouse with 100 brands under its portfolio. The latest milestone—expanding into the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi—marks another chapter in its growth story, solidifying its position as a leader in the cloud kitchen landscape across the GCC.

“THE RECENT EXPANSION INTO ABU

DHABI IS

A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE, WITH KLC NOW OPERATING IN FOUR MAJOR CITIES ACROSS THE GCC.

KLC Virtual Restaurants (KLC) has pioneered the cloud kitchen movement in the region, setting a high standard for innovative food delivery solutions. We caught up with Mubarak Jaffar to discuss his journey in crafting KLC into a regional culinary powerhouse.

KLC’s ‘secret recipe’ isn’t only found in the kitchen, it also lies in the dedication of its team and the seamless coordination across departments. This dynamic culture, built on collaboration, teamwork and shared aspirations is the true cornerstone of KLC’s sustainable growth trajectory.

The recent expansion into Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone, with KLC now operating in four major cities across the GCC.

This isn’t just another new opening– Abu Dhabi represents something greater; growing profitably is possible in an extremely challenging food delivery market.

This journey has been a marathon, not a sprint, and patience has always been the key to thriving. KLC strives to continue growing sustainably as a family-owned, privately funded company that

focuses on serving their customers with highquality, fresh, made-to-order dishes available for round-the-clock delivery.

Operating across 4 major cities within the GCC, and achieving over 2 million orders this past year has been a reflection of KLC’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience. Innovation and new brand concepts under the KLC umbrella are also on the agenda, with the goal of surprising and further delighting customers with new experiences.

KLC NOW BOASTS A PORTFOLIO OF OVER 100 DIVERSE BRANDS “

KLC now boasts a portfolio of over 100 diverse brands. This extensive brand variety not only highlights KLC’s commitment to innovation, but also aligns with their eco-conscious approach. By focusing on reducing waste, optimizing operations with shared ingredients, and using eco-friendly packaging, KLC has managed to prioritize sustainability in its production processes.

When asked about food trends in the region, Mubarak noted a rising demand for healthier, sustainable options, as consumers increasingly prioritize nutritious, environmentally friendly choices. Customization is also shaping the food landscape, and adapting to these preferences is key to memorable food delivery experiences. KLC continuously invests in market research to stay attuned to customer preferences, noting that each city’s market has its distinct traits.

Despite challenges—such as adapting to customer preferences and ensuring consistency across markets—KLC’s hands-on approach and in-house control have allowed it to stay ahead. This strategy is core to its ongoing growth and success. as the company has experienced an average annual growth of 30% in orders over the course of 3 years throughout the GCC, underscoring the steady demand and efficiency of KLC’s business model.

Mubarak added a heartfelt note to conclude with, “We are grateful to Allah for the opportunities and blessings that have allowed us to reach this stage, as well as the unwavering support of family, friends, colleagues, and the incredible team, who made this possible.”

“

THE COMPANY HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH OF 30% IN ORDERS OVER THE COURSE OF 3 YEARS THROUGHOUT THE GCC, UNDERSCORING THE STEADY DEMAND AND EFFICIENCY OF KLC’S BUSINESS MODEL.

GRATEFUL JOURNEYS

Pack extra kindness in your bags next vacation

By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes

As poet and author Maya Angelou encouraged, we can all “be a rainbow in someone’s world.” And, in today’s complex global community, a single act of kindness can go a long way toward brightening the day for others. In fact, research shows that encouraging kids to be kind has a positive influence on a slew of academic, health and social outcomes including increased self-esteem, motivation to learn and resilience.

So why not incorporate an extra dose of kindness into your next family vacation? Here are five ideas to consider.

Pack an attitude of gratitude

Leave impatience and judgment behind and showcase an attitude of gratitude on your next getaway. Lead with a smile and offer thanks to those you meet along the way, including harried flight attendants, pilots, TSA agents and front desk personnel. Offer good cheer to tour guides, bus drivers, restaurant servers and room attendants, and encourage the kids to say thank you whenever appropriate. Consider leaving a handwritten note or crayon drawing along with your tip, an extra effort sure to garner a smile from the recipient. If you loved your hotel stay or guest ranch experience, leave a note congratulating the whole crew for a job well done.

Pay it forward with a kind act

What goes around comes around. So give kindness a nudge in the right direction. Discuss (and model) how offering a seat or opening a door can be helpful. Encourage the heavily laden or parents managing a cranky child to go ahead in line. Perhaps a strong teen can assist a frail adult with removing a heavy piece of luggage from the overhead compartment. In the queue for a soda or coffee? Quietly pay for someone in uniform, the elderly or the safety officer behind you in line. By simply taking notice, opportunities for extending kindness will multiply.

Pack with a purpose

Reserve a little space in your luggage for books, clothing or school supplies that will make a difference in the lives of others in your destination.

The non-profit organization Pack For A Purpose works with hundreds of hotels and tour operators in dozens of countries to help travelers contribute to those in need. Whether you stow pencils, a deflated soccer ball, a stethoscope or pet supplies in your bags, you and your family will return home knowing you’ve helped spread kindness beyond your own backyard.

For more: www.packforapurpose.org

Go local at your destination

Travel and tourism, and the individuals who keep the industry humming, continue to be challenged

by our changing world. As you plan your future vacation, discuss how the places you will visit might be different or similar to your own home.

Near or far, burrow into the culture and make a point to learn about how and where the locals live, work and play. Skip the chains and seek out locally owned eateries, shops and lodging. Visit local farmers markets. If the language is not your own, learn at least a few key phrases and practice them before and during the visit. Get creative and uncover what’s compelling closer to your own home.

Take a volunteer vacation

Whether you offer an hour, a day or a week, giving back of your time and resources makes for a meaningful holiday. Spend time reading to kids at a nearby school, help save sharks or turtles, share the gift of language or scoop ice cream and assist with pony rides for kids with life-threatening illnesses staying at a non-profit resort.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash.

ALL IN A GOOD DAY’S WORK

How leaders can create a culture where people see work as its own reward

By Yonason Goldson

A new manager has hit the ground running. He lurks around every corner, catching employees whenever they stop to chat, talk on their phones, or take a moment to scroll through social media posts.

Still stinging from the manager’s reprimand one morning, Elaine complains to her coworker, Connor. “I never see him hassle you,” she says.  “How do you avoid getting in his crosshairs?”

“Simple,” replies Connor. “I do nothing faster.”

“What do you mean?”

Connor smiles. “I move purposefully from place to place, looking extremely busy without doing any work at all.”

Let’s face it: In a world spinning at light speed, who has time to wait for real results to determine progress, productivity, or success? It’s no surprise that we’ve become increasingly dependent on benchmarks and short-term goals. And, by doing so, we’ve created a vicious circle in which we rely on incomplete data to project hypothetical results, and then base our decisions on those projections to produce more unreliable data.

What should be obvious is that the less sound our systems of evaluation are, the easier it is for unethical or unmotivated players to game those systems. One particularly deceptive form of behavior easily overlooked is this week’s entry into the Ethical Lexicon:

Snudge (snudj) verb

To be stingy or miserly.

To cheat or fudge.

To snuggle or nestle.

To appear thoughtful and purposeful while accomplishing nothing of value.

At first glance, these definitions seem unrelated to one another. But miserliness is essentially a manifestation of greed, which is a likely motivator for cheating or fudging, and which encourages drawing inward to protectively hold close one’s acquired possessions, wealth, or nest egg.

Rather than using one’s resources of time, industry, and creativity for the benefit of an employer–even while collecting a paycheck to do just that–the snudging employee hoards his talents and energy for his own selfish indulgences, expending minimal effort to look productive rather than actually being productive.

In this, snudgers in workplaces the world over find dependable allies in their smartphones and tablets. Simply lean into your device, furrow your brow, and peer intently at the screen. Coworkers and bosses have no way of knowing whether you’re busy contemplating the next step in your current project or checking out a new watering hole for your next after-hours drink.

The sad truth is that snudging is ultimately unfulfilling. On the one hand, there might be a certain wicked pleasure in taking home a

day’s pay without having done a day’s work. But time spent flying under the radar provides no genuine satisfaction since there’s no sense of accomplishment to make each day meaningful.

Therefore, the question that employees like Connor need to ask themselves is this:  What do I want from my job? Do I want to collect a paycheck by exerting minimal effort, or do I want to utilize my potential by contributing to a worthwhile enterprise?

The question employers need to ask themselves becomes: Am I providing an environment in which my employees see themselves as partners in a higher mission so they feel driven to devote themselves to our collective success?

A Jewish parable illustrates the point: A fellow walks into a shop one afternoon and is immediately greeted by a young employee. His name tag identifies him as Josh.

“How can I help you today?” Josh asks. He quickly and politely answers the customer’s questions, guides him to where he can find what he’s looking for, and then seems to vanish, reappearing moments later on the other side of the shop to help another customer.

Josh seems to be everywhere at once, stepping up to do whatever needs to be done without being asked or instructed. The visitor watches in wonder until he eventually notices a second employee who is the antithesis of the first. This worker shuffles along without energy or direction, takes no initiative, and moves slowly into action only when prodded by the owner.

The visitor can’t help pointing out the contrast to another customer. “It’s no surprise, really,” he’s told. “The slacker… he’s just a high school kid who wants to make a few bucks for pocket money. But Josh… well, he’s the owner’s son.”

We don’t need to hire family members to find eager and enthusiastic workers. Leaders need to make employees feel like they’re part of a community, have a stake in the organization, and are valued and appreciated for their contributions. When leaders give their people not only a paycheck but a sense of purpose and responsibility, they will never have to worry about employees snudging their way through work day after day.

Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash.

THE FERRARI 12CILINDRI

A POWERFUL STATEMENT CAR DOMINATES THE SCENE

By bazaar staff

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is a masterpiece of automotive engineering that embodies the beauty, power, and elegance synonymous with the Ferrari brand. As a grand tourer, it combines cutting-edge technology with a timeless design, making it not just a car, but an experience that resonates deeply with driving enthusiasts. In Kuwait, where the open roads and stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop, driving the 12Cilindri becomes a joyous celebration of freedom and exhilaration.

Driving the Ferrari 12Cilindri in Kuwait is an experience like no other. The country’s vast highways and scenic desert routes provide an ideal setting for unleashing the car’s full potential. Whether cruising along the corniche or crossing the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Causeway, the 12Cilindri delivers refined and thrilling driving experience.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri’s design pays homage to the classic Ferrari lineage while introducing modern elements that enhance its aesthetic appeal. Its sleek lines and aggressive stance are complemented by a front-mid engine layout that not only contributes to its striking silhouette but also optimizes weight distribution for superior handling. The car’s exterior features a distinctive black

band on the hood, reminiscent of the iconic Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, which adds a touch of nostalgia while ensuring that this model stands out on any road.

Inside, the cockpit is a sanctuary of luxury and comfort. Inspired by the dualcockpit architecture seen in recent models like the Ferrari Roma and Purosangue, it features high-quality materials and advanced technology. The interior is designed to ensure that both driver and passenger experience an atmosphere of elegance and spaciousness, enhanced by a glass roof that invites natural light into the cabin. This attention to detail not only elevates the driving experience but also reflects Ferrari’s commitment to creating vehicles that are as beautiful as they are powerful.

At the core of the Ferrari 12Cilindri lies its magnificent 6.5-liter F140 HD V12 engine, capable of producing an astounding 830 PS (819 hp) at 9,250 rpm. This powerhouse offers a torque output of 678 N m (500 lb-ft) at 7,250 rpm, ensuring that acceleration is both immediate and exhilarating. The car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h), making it one of the most formidable grand tourers on the market today.

The engineering behind this performance is equally impressive. The 12Cilindri features an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that allows for lightning-fast gear changes, enhancing both performance and

driving pleasure. Additionally, innovations such as four-wheel independent steering (4WS) improve maneuverability and responsiveness, making it easier to navigate both urban environments and winding roads.

The car’s performance is complemented by its dynamic handling capabilities. The suspension system is designed to absorb bumps while maintaining stability at high speeds, allowing drivers to enjoy smooth rides even on less-than-perfect roads. Furthermore, the sound of the V12 engine is music to any enthusiast’s ears—its growl resonates with power and precision, creating an emotional connection between driver and machine.

There’s an undeniable joy that comes from driving a Ferrari, particularly one as sophisticated as the 12Cilindri. Each journey transforms into an adventure filled with excitement and anticipation. The feeling of gripping the steering wheel, hearing the roar of the engine as you accelerate, and experiencing

the rush of wind through your hair creates a sense of liberation that few other vehicles can match.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri stands as a testament to what makes Ferrari legendary—a perfect blend of beauty, power, and elegance. It captures the essence of grand touring while

pushing boundaries in performance and design. For those fortunate enough to drive it in Kuwait, every moment behind the wheel becomes a celebration of life’s finer pleasures.

Owning a Ferrari is more than just having a car; it’s about being part of an elite community that appreciates luxury and performance.

WORRIED ABOUT THE FUTURE?

History proves it’s hard to predict

By Ted C. Fishman

In 1974, the worthy Saturday Review, then in its 50th year, published several anniversary issues that took stock of how the century led to a grim present of Watergate scandals, impending thermonuclear war, a population boom that would soon outrun the planet’s food and tappable energy, and other world-threatening fumbles. To wrap up, however, the Review offered an atypically fantastical issue full of imaginative, sometimes loopy predictions and proposals for the world a half century into the future.

More erudite than newspapers or news weeklies and more timely and readable than academic journals, the now defunct Review was a home for center-left commentary, reviews, and reports. The magazine mostly dived deep into culture and geopolitics, yet it worked to offer a bright side to a bleak world, too.

One of the anniversary issues in ’74 was devoted entirely to ways “The World Can Get Its Confidence Back.” The issues were shepherded by the Review’s longtime editor Norman Cousins, himself a prolific public intellectual and once the nation’s most famous optimist.

Cousins was a kind of High Lama in our home. My mother, a high school counselor, cornered our family (or was it just me?) with snippets from his columns. In 1979, his bestseller, Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient, described how, following a terminal diagnosis, he successfully treated himself, in part, with madcap movie comedies and belly laughs. Anatomy still influences my mom for whom, at 97, joy remains a potent elixir.

Cousins’s optimism hit my mailbox recently, too. When an editor friend was clearing out his parents’ home, he found a copy of the prognosticative anniversary issue that his mom had saved. He sent it to me. Because I write about the future, he said, he wanted my thoughts on this past version of it. He knew I’d bite.

Famous futurists

Cousins assembled a roster of world-famous mandarins, such as Andrei Sakharov, Neil Armstrong, Jacques Cousteau, Isaac Asimov, and Clare Boothe Luce (the only woman). Some of the problems they most hoped the world would engineer a way out of—especially the scarcity of oil and overpopulation—have receded. Wisely or not, those concerns have been superseded by their seeming opposites. In rich countries.

Today, hands wring over epidemics of obesity and the wreckage of too-abundant fossil fuels. Only two of the world’s big oil and gas companies, Saudi Aramco and Exxon, are more valuable than Novo Nordisk, the maker of weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy.

Nations now panic over the worldwide slide in birth rates and their shrinking and aging populations. This trend, by the way, is one I once dissected at length in two future-focused books—

China, Inc. and Shock of Gray. I can be smug at how much I got right, but I am also aware of what my own futurism was blind to. I predicted that shrinking birth rates would grip the whole world, but I didn’t foresee how many adults—in some countries nearly 40%—would choose to have no children at all.

I predicted correctly that China’s one-child-perfamily policy would push Chinese families to invest ever more in the education of their children in order to ready them for the global market. I didn’t foresee that millions of college-educated but professionally frustrated young Chinese (the so-called rotten-tail kids) would prefer to remain unemployed for years instead of taking jobs they regard as beneath them. Or that they’d stay dependent on their parents, unmarried and childless.

I certainly didn’t foresee that in America, prosperity and low unemployment would dissuade young men from going to college, or that “The Uneducateds” would brandish their lack of degrees as a political virtue and then be puffed up as

vanguards of America’s great-again rejuvenation.

Future shock

The stuff I missed isn’t nearly as wild as some of the wacko visions of the Review’s crew in 1974. Neil Armstrong foresaw whole enclaves of humans living in an ocean of methane goop under the survivable surface of Jupiter. They’d work their day jobs, shop and party while they floated around in wetsuits, but only after surgery replaced the colonizers’ hearts and lungs with implantable oxygenators. Bizarrely, Armstrong, an aeronautical engineer, saw this as a rosy vision of 2024. I would like to experience it, though . . . as a Paul Verhoeven movie.

Andrei Sakharov, father of the Soviet H-bomb and future (1975) Nobel Peace Prize winner, also dished out ideas on how to get people “out of an industrial world that is overcrowded and inhospitable to human life and nature.”

Sakharov believed the world of 2024 would be divided into grim industrial zones and densely populated green belts where people would spend

most of their time. But the Earth’s surface would not be enough for its “7 billion people in 2024” (he was short by 1 billion). Sakharov also foresaw vast cities in space that would be home to farms and factories. I guess that sounds like a utopian vision if the dystopia on surface Earth is so much worse. Especially if you were a Soviet dissident who already suffered it.

More upsetting to me than the hellscapes described as escapes is that Sakharov’s description of 1974 sounds so much like our moment today. “In the present,” he wrote, “. . . the world is openly dividing into opposing groups of governments [and] all the dangers that threaten mankind increase by an incredible degree.”

What he saw as the dark fruit of Communism applies to a growing list of autarchic states today. “The party and the state monopoly in all aspects of economic, political, ideological, and cultural life; the persistent burden of the uncovered bloody crimes of the recent past, the permanent suppression of non-conformist thought; the hypocritical, self-praising, dogmatic, and nationalistic ideology; the oppression in these societies . . . create a situation that is . . . dangerous for all mankind.” Jupiter, here I come!

Political conservative and LSD-tripper Clare Boothe Luce, who had been a playwright, congressional representative, ambassador to Italy,

and wife of powerful men, wrote that the too-slow progress of women could be seen in the contours of their past. Luce’s essay features pictures of 18 other prominent women writers, artists, athletes, and intellectuals, including Joan Didion, Gloria Steinem, and Billie Jean King. It’s doubtful that any of them would agree with Luce’s view that “the very durability of the superior male-inferior female relationship is reasonably good proof that it has so far served the best interests of human society.”

Luce believed equality for women would come, but would take a century or more. Reaching “somewhat reluctantly for my crystal ball,” she wrote, “I am sorry to say that the picture I see there is not one of the Woman sitting in the Oval Room of the White House in 2024.” Perhaps the other diviners would have been as uncannily timely with their predictions had they dropped acid.

Future Faith

Lately, I’ve been trying to see the future by spending time at the building sites of data centers that are springing up around the country to capture the boom in artificial intelligence. One astounding prediction driving money and policy today is that the world will spend more than $1 trillion building out data infrastructure (Sam Altman, OpenAI’s founder, predicts $7 trillion) for next-gen computing that could obviate human prediction and replace it

with predictive models run by machines. Though no one knows where all that computing power will lead, the world is betting big on it nonetheless. The boom makes my imagination—something I’ve been pretty proud of—feel small, overwhelmed.

Yet, like my mom, I can take some comfort in the optimism of Cousins, the editor. He noted that expert predictions routinely fall short because they—like the output of AI—are based on the facts up to now. Cousins was moved less by the visions of the future extrapolated from current fact than by the emotional intelligence and hopeful visions of those who used their knowledge to break with the past.

Paradoxically, he argued, predictions do not account enough for the optimism people project into the future. If enough people have faith that the human species is sufficiently intelligent and energetic to work on global problems together, he concluded, “the pessimistic forecasts of the experts will lose their power to paralyze or intimidate. The biggest task of humanity in the next 50 years will be to prove the [pessimistic] experts wrong.”

My mom would agree. I can’t predict whether I’ll come around.

Photos by Viva Luna Studios on Unsplash.

CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE FEASON AT WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT

Experience unforgettable celebrations and savor the rich flavors of the Festive Season

By bazaar Staff

Connected to The Avenues—the country’s largest destination for retail, entertainment, and luxury living—Waldorf Astoria Kuwait redefines elegance with unmatched luxury, bespoke hospitality, and extraordinary dining experiences. This festive season, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait invites guests to celebrate in style with an exquisite array of New Year-themed dinners and festive afternoon teas at its award-winning culinary venues.

Experience the Festive High Tea at Peacock Alley

Peacock Alley surprises guests with its Festive High Tea experience to celebrate the holiday season. Guests are invited to enjoy a selection of sweet and salty delicacies, freshly brewed tea, and signature coffee. The Festive High Tea offer is available throughout December from Saturday to Wednesday, between 3:00 pm and 11:00 pm, for KWD 19 per person. Additionally, during December, the Festive High Tea Brunch is available only on Thursday and Friday, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, priced at KWD 12 per person excluding beverages, 15 KWD per person including beverages.

New Year’s Eve High Tea Experience

Guests are invited to savor a delightful High Tea experience on New Year’s Eve, featuring an array of delectable treats and beverages to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. The New Year’s Eve High Tea offer is available on December 31, 2024, from 3:00 pm and onwards, priced at KWD 25 per person.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Venice Carnival Style

AVA lights up in spirit and invites guests to celebrate the night away with a ‘Venice Carnival’ themed evening. AVA’s New Year’s Eve set menu

is available on December 31st from 8:00 pm onwards, starting at KWD 75 per person for bar seating and indoor seating, and KWD 95 per person for the prestige terrace area. For ultimate exclusivity, guests can also book the Private Dining Room for KWD for five people, with an additional price of KWD 75 per person more than five.

OXIO POOL SIDE LOUNGE AND BAR

Surrounded by lush foliage, Oxio by the poolside is the perfect haven to relax and unwind while enjoying a refreshing cocktail or savoring a flavorful sandwich or salad. This casual yet refined poolside

restaurant provides a vibrant setting, offering respite from the city for those seeking a delightful dining experience. The dinner menu showcases a variety of delicious specialties from Levantine cuisine, bringing the essence of the Middle East to the poolside. For a more intimate experience, guests can indulge in romantic dinners within private cabanas, or gather with family for special occasions.

One Thousand and One Nights at Oxio New Year’s Eve

Ring in the New Year at Oxio Poolside Lounge and Bar with unparalleled style. The poolside restaurant will feature an exquisite 5-course premium set menu and a festive ambiance starting at 8:00 PM. The dynamic “One Thousand and One Nights” themed poolside celebration guarantees a special evening brimming with enjoyment.

The Oxio New Year’s Eve set menu is available on December 31st, from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am, for the Lounge area KWD 45 per person, KWD 75 per person for the Pool area, KWD 300 for a small cabana for 2 people, or KWD 450 for a large cabana for 4 people.

UNWRAP SERENITY THIS FESTIVE SEASON AT WALDORF ASTORIA SPA

Golden Glow Ritual at Waldorf Astoria Spa

Celebrate the season of joy with the specially curated festive spa experiences. Immerse yourself in luxury and let the magic of the holidays rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. The bespoke treatments combine festive-inspired ingredients with the elegance you deserve.

Indulge in a full-body exfoliation with AMRA 24k gold-infused rejuvenation body scrub, followed by a deeply relaxing massage, your ritual completed by golden opulence facial which has a natural antiinflammatory known for its powerful cell renewal properties. The golden opulence facial has been formulated with the unique 4 in 1 anti-ageing actives, giving your skin clearer definition.

Duration: 150 mins | Price: KWD 145

Refine Indulgence at Waldorf Astoria Spa

A luxurious experience personally crafted to celebrate the festive season at Waldorf Astoria Spa.

Enjoy a 60-minute bespoke massage by AMRA, followed by a 30-minute express facial. This experience includes a complimentary 30-minute private relaxation room, designed to provide unique mind and body relaxation and recovery.

Duration: 90 Min. | Price: KWD 80

FESTIVE SEASON ESCAPE AT WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT

Celebrate the Festive Season in style at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, where spacious rooms have been meticulously designed to provide modern

comforts for an unparalleled and relaxing stay. The connecting rooms and suites offer the perfect haven for families, allowing everyone to enjoy their own space while remaining in effortlessly connected rooms. With a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sensibility, the 200 well-appointed rooms and suites provide tranquil spaces to recharge. At Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, we ensure that guests have everything they need for a flawless escape during the Festive Season, offering a range of luxurious amenities and personalized service. Indulge in a truly exceptional retreat that

caters to your every need, whether you’re relaxing by the pool, savoring exquisite dining options, or exploring the city’s attractions. Waldorf Astoria Kuwait guarantees an unforgettable escape where every detail is taken care of.

To make your festive reservations at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, please call +965 24774414, email restaurantreservations.kuwait@waldorfastoria.com, or visit kuwait.waldorfastoria.com. Follow the hotel @WaldorfAstoriaKuwait on Instagram for the latest updates.

Innovation meets

Our culinary creations fuse innovation with the finest Ingredients, leading to a luxurious dining experience

ORDER NOW

WRITE ON

The ancient art of calligraphy just got a high-tech makeover

By Elissaveta M. Brandon

If you were to draw a timeline of human civilization, you would probably place calligraphy towards the beginning, and robots to the end. But earlier this month, both ends of the spectrum converged on the same stage.

A fascinating performance took place at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, and again at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin. Titled Ink, the show brought 11 dancers—13, if you count the two robots on stage—together for a multimedia performance in which dancers swooped their arms, flung their legs, and bent their bodies to mimic brush strokes from the renowned Taiwanese calligrapher Tong Yang-Tze. While the dancers performed on stage, a series of holographic brush strokes appeared in front of them, like an unspoken duet between body and tech.

Tong is famous for her interdisciplinary collaborations with architects, fashion designers, and even musicians. Her inky brushstrokes can be found at train stations in Taipei, bookshops, and even the stamp on your passport when you arrive in Taiwan. Later this month, her work will also appear in the Great Hall of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan.

For Ink, she collaborated with the Taiwanese choreographer Huang Yi, who is known for working with robots, and Japanese audiovisual artist Ryoichi Kurokawa. But as Huang recalls it, Tong purposefully distanced herself from the process, and refused to see the show until it premiered. “She gave us so much freedom and space to showcase our work,” Huang told me over Zoom via a translator.

Ink has been in the works for about three years, but the idea behind it was a long time coming. Huang says Tong first approached him ten years ago, after seeing another one of his shows called Under the Horizon. She asked Huang if he would consider bringing her calligraphy to life, but the choreographer didn’t feel quite up to par. “I was still too young, so I pledged for her to wait a bit until I was prepared,” he says.

It wasn’t until 2020 that Huang began in earnest. The team decided to focus on Tong’s abstract work, and set out to digitize all of her brushworks. They disassembled each stroke into digital pixels, which they went on to project from three different angles and onto three different surfaces: a canvas at the back of the stage, a translucent screen at the front of the stage, and the stage floor itself.

This approach resulted in a holographic spectacle where, on top of the lines being projected on the floor and a canvas behind the stage, seemingly three-dimensional brushstrokes also appeared to float in the air between the dancers and the audience.

Sometimes, the lines scattered, distorted, or otherwise faded away to the beat of the show’s electric soundtrack. And sometimes it looked

as though the dancers were the ones drawing them with nothing but the movement of their bodies. (Huang says the show is entirely preprogrammed and what looks like a real-time correlation is simply synchronization.)

Huang did consult Tong once, mostly to ask if she would draw a few straight lines specifically for the show. One of those lines became a key feature during Huang’s dance with two robots by the robotics company Kuka. The choreographer programed both robots himself and gave each of them a long pole inspired by a martial art practice that calls for a staff weapon.

He then walked on stage and danced with them, slowly, smoothly, until he spread his hands wide and aligned them with the horizontal staffs of both robots. While Tong’s horizontal line appeared on the canvas behind him, Huang and the robots formed their own straight line.

It may seem odd for a dance performance to include robots, but by bringing cutting-edge technology to an ancient craft, Huang says he wanted to bridge the gap between the past and present. The ultimate hope, he says, is for the show to shift people’s perceptions of calligraphy, from a traditional art form that might seem stuffy or boring, to one that transcends time— and maybe even the page.

WHAT IS COFFEE BADGING?

How some hybrid employees are finding a new way to quiet quit

By Lydia Gerike

As some companies are adding more in-office days to their hybrid work policies, employees unhappy about the adjustment have found a way to skirt the requirements. A controversial trend called “coffee badging” has seen renewed popularity in recent weeks. Coffee badging is where an employee badges into the office and stays only a few hours— long enough to grab a coffee and maybe attend a meeting before heading home to beat the afternoon rush hour.

Coffee badging and quiet quitting

Employees are using coffee badging to maintain control over their office hours and work-life balance. It could be viewed as an alternative to fully quiet quitting—meeting the technical requirements while still setting their own parameters around the workday.

The trend was first coined in a 2023 report by Owl Labs, which found that 58% of hybrid employees surveyed admitted to “showing face at the office and then leaving.” Another 8% said they hadn’t coffee-badged at the time but wanted to.

Within that number, coffee badging also varied by age group, showing different generations’ varying sentiments toward return to office (RTO).

“Among hybrid workers, 63% of millennials coffee badge compared to 54% of Gen X, 43% of Gen Z, and 38% of boomers,” the report said.

Although the trend first popped up in conversations last year, coffee badging has seen renewed scrutiny in recent weeks as major employers have ramped up in-office requirements in an attempt to crack down on these loopholes.

Earlier this week, Business Insider obtained Slack messages from Amazon workers who were told they had to be in the office for at least two hours for their in-person workday to count. Other teams were directed to stay as many as six hours.

The disconnect between employees and management

Companies including Amazon and Dell have attempted to enforce RTO mandates and office relocation by blocking promotions for some employees who don’t comply.

Coffee badging is another sign of the disconnect

between employees and management on remote and hybrid work.

About 35% of Americans are doing at least some or all of their work from home, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number is the same as it was in 2022 and about a 10% jump from before the pandemic.

Flexible work seems to be not just the new norm but also beneficial for worker productivity. When employees are in the office, they are often more distracted by the people around them.

And a new working paper found that RTO mandates didn’t actually help a company’s productivity or financial outlook.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash.

We’ve prepared something special for you this winter season—Santa’s Brunch, a Xmas BBQ, and delightful goodies to share with loved ones. Experience the warmth of the holidays at Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait.

FERRARI 12CILINDRI DEBUTS IN KUWAIT AT THE ICONIC KUWAIT TOWERS

A New Era of Performance

By bazaar Staff

Al Zayani, the official Ferrari importer in Kuwait, is thrilled to announce the arrival of the stunning new Ferrari 12Cilindri. The new car was recently unveiled at an exclusive event held at the iconic Kuwait Towers, the nation’s premier touristic destination.

As a unique and symbolic landmark, Kuwait Towers provided the perfect backdrop for this occasion, where Ferraristi had the unique opportunity to be among the first to preview the car. The intimate unveiling ceremony underpins Ferrari’s dedication to the client experience, with personalization emphasised at every touchpoint of the individual Ferrari Journey.

Kuwait is the third destination in the region to receive the V12-powered Ferrari, following its recent regional premiere. The 12Cilindri is a high-performance marvel that pays homage to Ferrari’s legendary twelve-cylinder engine, drawing inspiration from the iconic Gran Turismo models of the 1950s and 1960s.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri’s engine is the latest development of the iconic V12 that laid the

foundations for the Maranello legend, in this version unleashing 830 cv and with maximum revs rising to a heady 9500 rpm. The impressive power curve ensures 80% of total torque is already available at just 2500 rpm, resulting in instantaneous pick-up for maximum accelerator response and a feeling of never-ending power all the way to the red line.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri’s cockpit guarantees superb comfort for both driver and passenger, even on long journeys: its feeling of airiness and space is heightened still further by a glass roof, prestigious materials and a central display in addition to one for the driver and a third ahead of the passenger.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is aimed at driving enthusiasts, but also at those who demand new

standards of performance, comfort and design: long-standing Ferraristi, loyal to the unique emotions that only the Ferrari V12 can deliver, as well as new clients dreaming of combining outstanding Italian design with exhilarating driving pleasure. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is designed for connoisseurs with a very clear vision of what Ferrari’s DNA has always been, truly making it a car for the few.

For more information, please visit the official Ferrari Showroom in Kuwait- Kuwait Automobile & Trading Co located in Al-Rai, on the 4th Ring Road or call 180 8010. Please visit the website safat.ferraridealers.com or follow them on Instagram @ferrarialzayanikuwait.

HEY BOSS!

How do I give feedback to my boss?

By Kathleen Davis

We all know what it feels like to have a bad day at work. Instead of wearing rose-colored glasses, you’re wearing red-colored glasses. Everything—and everyone—aggravates you at your job. You’re annoyed at your colleagues sending you messages. You’re frustrated with your IT system. And you can’t stand your commute.

Giving feedback to your boss is frequently called “managing up” and it’s a delicate balance. A lot of the advice I gave about delivering negative feedback still applies, with the obvious caveat that there’s a power dynamic at play.

For managers getting feedback is critical. As an employee, you likely receive at least semi-regular feedback on your job performance. But so many people suffer though bad bosses because no one tells managers how to improve and many get promoted without any training. If your manager is wise, they will see your feedback as a gift, because not only does it take a lot of guts to speak up, but they likely wonder how they’re doing.

With that in mind, here’s how to give feedback to your boss:

Approach it as a problem you need help solving People get defensive quickly if they feel they are being criticized. So a good approach can be to

present the feedback as an issue the two of you can work together to solve. (That way the change might even feel like their idea.) For example, if your boss is constantly checking up on you, you might approach it like this: “I’ve noticed you are checking in on the status of sales numbers a lot, is there another way I can get you that information that would save time?”

Or if they talk over you in meetings you could try an approach like “I’ve noticed our brainstorming meetings get unwieldy. Maybe if we use the raise-hand function they will run more smoothly.” Whatever you do, approach it in a collaborative way that makes it clear you’re asking how you can help.

Tread lightly with emotions

How your boss makes you feel is important and when you give feedback, it’s valid to bring up how their words and actions impact you. Always assume good intentions though. You can even acknowledge

that it’s uncomfortable to talk about by saying something like, “This is difficult to talk about, but I want to give you some honest feedback. I don’t think you mean this, but when you don’t respond to my messages, it makes me feel like you don’t value my ideas.” A good manager will appreciate that feedback and work to correct the mistake.

Ask for feedback, too

Feedback is a two-way street. When you are giving suggestions to your boss, make sure you ask for feedback, too. “Is there anything I can do to make our meetings more efficient?” or “Is there a better way for me to send ideas?”

Managing up is tricky but it can also make your work life much more harmonious.

Photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash.

TREAD LIGHTLY

Be mindful of the Earth you are vacationing on

By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes

As temperatures rise, hurricanes whirl and wildfires burn, the conversation about climate change and our role in it is intensifying. And, with increased documentation about the environmental, economic and social impact of travel, families may be wondering how best to be a responsible traveler.

Here are five ideas to consider.

Choose wisely

Popular vacation spots like Barcelona, Spain; Venice, Italy; and many U.S. national parks have begun taking steps to protect their destinations from the effects of overcrowding by managing access, establishing visitor fees and sharing information about responsible practices. If you still plan to visit tourism hot spots, consider a shoulder or off-season trip when the impact may be less. When researching your next family adventure, review second-tier cities, parks with fewer visitors, uncrowded beaches or other locations not currently experiencing a high profile, as your holiday possibilities. Consider visiting a location that is rebuilding after a natural disaster. For example, Florida and other coastal beach communities hard hit by hurricanes will be grateful for the return of visitors as they recover. And if a visit to the Hawaiian island of Maui is on your list, consider engaging in a volunteer experience, contributing to the destination’s ongoing resurgence.

When choosing a tour operator, opt for those that give back to their communities and make a strong effort to tread softly in each destination. Companies like Country Walkers, Lindblad Expeditions, Abercrombie & Kent, and G Adventures, a small group adventure firm that helps develop rural tourism projects, are among those striving to find a healthy balance in the travel equation.

Opt for outside

A young people’s experiences in nature can strongly influence their view of the wider world and instill a desire to preserve and protect the planet. As you hike, bike and paddle, discuss the environmental changes that might be underway in your location. Share your knowledge and encourage kids to research areas of specific interest on their own. Explain how small changes can have a big impact when enough people are in the mix. For example, using proper sunscreen can help protect important coral reefs around the world. Skin protection that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate washes off beachgoers, swimmers and divers and has been found to cause bleaching, deformities and potentially death to coral. Palau, Hawaii, and other destinations are taking steps to ban these chemicals. Check for products that do not use these harmful substances and consider the use of clothing that blocks harmful rays from the body.

How will you roll?

Consider exploring close to home or plan trips that don’t require air travel. If you fly, limit emissions by taking direct flights. Travel by train, a boat or other forms of public or human-powered transportation. You might also research buying carbon offsets. In doing so, you would effectively pay others to plant or not cut trees or to embark on other projects that reduce greenhouse gases. Organizations like Cool Effect offer options with more than “90 percent of every dollar going to directly to projects” in Oregon, Tennessee, Indonesia and Guatemala. Combine your adventure with a local volunteer experience. Join a beach cleanup, read to kids at a local school, or assist at a wildlife sanctuary.

Conserve to preserve

Just as you might at home, keep water usage low, avoid unnecessary packaging, plastics and shopping bags. Recycle and turn the lights out when departing your hotel room or vacation rental. Reuse towels and other linens. Encourage each member of the family to bring their own reusable water bottle and refill from large containers if the local water is not safe to use. Hop on board local transportation, use bikes or walk whenever possible.

Pay attention to local signs and customs. Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact.

When we all do our part, we stand a better chance of protecting our parks, keeping forests healthy and ensuring wildlife is unharmed.

Support locals

Before your trip, research the destination and its culture and discuss the importance of spending your travel dollars in ways that can support sustainable tourism. Hire a resident guide to introduce your family to the local ways and, when possible, explore on two wheels or on foot. Choose local outfitters for your adventures. Buy indigenous crafts, pull up chairs in neighborhood restaurants to sample fare from the region and peruse what’s possible at a farmers market. If relevant, encourage everyone in your group to learn a few phrases of the language and to understand local traditions.

For example, in Hawaii, “aloha” is more than a slogan. It refers to a way of life passed down through generations, according to locals. So greeting others with a sincere “aloha” is meaningful. Be respectful and ask permission to take photos of people and private spaces. Be thoughtful about how and what you share on social media. The World Tourism Organization encourages travelers to always “be tolerant and respect diversity.”

Photo by NEOM on Unsplash.

IT’S WORK-O-CLOCK

The surprising time of day you’re most creative

By Cameron Adams

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to creativity. Part of the wonderful nature of being creative is that it’s a unique journey for each individual.

That uniqueness extends to the time and place in which creativity occurs. Do you struggle to keep your eyes open past 9 p.m.? Well, you’re a kindred spirit to French painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who—at odds with his candlelight-loving historical peers—always created his impressionist works in the afternoon. Twentieth-century American author Gertrude Stein wrote only at night, burning the midnight oil until sunrise. Her art-world contemporary, Irish painter Francis Bacon, drank alcohol from the afternoon through the evening but would rise early in the morning to break out his brushes, evidently feeling a heightened sense of clarity while hungover. Indeed, people’s creative juices flow at different times. This is true for artistic geniuses and businessworld standouts. Canva surveyed 3,700 global leaders about the tools and environments that best support creative work and uncovered several interesting insights, including the days of the week and times of day when participants in the poll got their best thinking done.

Here is an exclusive look at the findings, and what we can learn from this comparative analysis.

Top of Monday morning or “Fri-yay”?

As a company leader, creative technologist, and forever-budding DJ, my most creative stints happen in the dead of night when I know there are no other souls around and I can really focus on exploration.  Does my late-night preference make me like my peers, or am I an outlier? It’s a mixed bag.

According to the survey data, it’s clear that business leaders have their own distinct “creative hours.” For instance, 35% of leaders report feeling most creative early on Monday morning, and 43% feel inspired during mid- and late morning on Mondays, but then creativity gradually wanes as the day progresses. The rest of the week sees a steady increase in creativity as the day moves beyond the morning, with late morning being a popular creative time on Tuesdays (46%), early afternoon on Wednesdays (37%), and midafternoon on Thursdays (35%).

But here’s a counterintuitive finding: Business leaders—potentially with weekend plans on their minds, or fewer meetings on the calendar—are actually most creative on Fridays compared to every other day of the week. In fact, at least one-third stated they were most creative on Friday afternoon (34%) and evening (33%). Those stats indicate a new reason to say “TGIF.”

The upshot: Creative patterns shift throughout the week, getting later in the day as the week progresses. More specifically, leaders should

consider setting brainstorming sessions on Monday morning, later in the day midweek, and on Fridays to optimize creativity with their teams. Making space on daily and weekly calendars for these creative patterns can be a professional’s secret sauce for doing their best work. People are getting more thoughtful about when they’re at their best during the day; for instance, the rise of movements like the “4 a.m. club” indicates a larger interest in making intentional shifts to optimize creativity and mental performance.

Weekend warriors have ideas, too Business leaders often feel more creative during the workweek, but creativity levels remain high on weekends as well. Specifically, Saturdays are just as productive in terms of creativity as Mondays, with leaders maintaining a strong sense of innovation throughout the day.

What’s more, leaders feel more creative on weekend evenings than Monday through Thursday after-hours, with Friday (33%), Saturday (34%), and Sunday (33%) evenings ranking on top for that time of day.

The upshot: Saturday and Sunday nights seem to provide a relaxed yet productive atmosphere conducive to creativity, similar to the fresh start of a new workweek. The above stats also suggest reduced work pressures and more personal time free up the mind for new ideas.

More inspiration drives purpose

The weekend activity probably should not be surprising. We all know that in many professions today weekdays mean back-to-back-to-back meetings, which can make a free flow of creative thinking challenging.

Protecting time for teams to do deep, creative thinking should be a goal when establishing workplace culture and ways of working. It should be operationalized with time on everyone’s calendar blocked off for creative thinking. This engenders not only bottom-line success but also better employee engagement, retention, and recruiting.

Creativity is also important because it helps give folks purpose, which I’d argue is increasingly important in the hybrid work era. After all, a Gallup poll last year found that only 28% of employees strongly agreed they felt connected to their organization’s mission and purpose, tying a record low from 2011.

Operationalizing for a little more “genius”

Having this data at hand is a useful tool for helping to unlock your team’s creativity, but it also highlights

to me that understanding yourself is crucial to finding the ways of working that enable you to be a creative leader. Whether you’re a night owl or a lark, intentionally shaping your week to maximize those creative cadences is one of the most powerful things you can do, rather than jamming in a creative sprint amid other peoples’ calendar requests.

Understanding how the daily clock and weekly calendar impact our creativity can unlock many benefits. Embracing these insights, companies can foster environments that align with natural creative flows, ultimately operationalizing more effective and inspired outcomes.

Policies will vary from one company or group to the next. But based on the new survey data, business leaders should consider putting no-meeting zones on the calendar—brainstorming sessions only—for times such as early morning until late morning on Mondays. By aligning no-meeting zones with these peak creative times for brainstorming, business leaders can help establish an environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Some of the benefits will be incremental— business leaders cannot expect to be transformed into Renoir, Stein, or Bacon. But they can still increasingly move the needle on their personal productivity and organizational strategy, one day at a time.

Photo by DANNY G on Unsplash.

EXPERT CONSULTATION TO FLAWLESS INSTALLATION

FULL-SERVICE CUSTOM CURTAINS & BLINDS

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Festive Delights at Jumeirah Messilah Beach

By bazaar Staff

Jumeirah Messilah Beach is the ultimate destination for seasonal festivities, offering a plethora of delightful activities that cater to all ages. This December, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a variety of exquisite dining experiences and enchanting celebrations.

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

Let the festivi-teas (get it?) begin. Get into the jovial spirit of the season with an indulgent Afternoon Tea full of merriment. Savor a rich selection of festive-themed sandwiches, homemade scones, pastries, and cakes; lovingly prepared for you this December, and presented with plenty of cheer. Available at the Lobby Lounge during December

FESTIVE DINNER AT GARDEN CAFÉ

Embrace the year-end celebrations at Kuwait’s idyllic resort with an unforgettable taste of abundant luxury this festive season. The lavish dinner buffet is designed to dazzle and delight, inspiring the whole family to embrace the spirit of the season and all the festive cheer that comes with it. You are invited to indulge in unlimited international cuisines as you merrily celebrate this year’s festivities, with indoor and alfresco seating. 24 December 2024 | 19:00–23:00

FESTIVE GATHERING SET MENU AT OLIO

TRATTORIA ITALIANA

Enjoy the distinctive magic of late December with your family, and marvel at the cheerful array of festive decorations as you indulge in a five-course festivity dinner set menu at Olio Trattoria Italiana.

24 and 25 December 2024 | 18:00–23:00

FESTIVE-DAY LUNCH BUFFET AT MINT CAFÉ

Get glammed up in your most festive attire and treat yourself to a trip to Mint Café for a delicious festive day lunch. We invite you to indulge in a lavish buffet that is generously comprised of some specially curated signature festive delicacies along with show-stopping live-cooking stations to satisfy the whole family at this special time of year. Little guests will also be able to enjoy an array of festive activities during this, season to be jolly, with a special appearance from Santa Claus as well as live music entertainment to enhance the spirit and create long-lasting memories with your family.

25 December 2024 | Lunch 13:00–16:00

AN ENCHANTING EVENING AWAITS AT THE MASQUERADE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Step into a world of glamour and mystery this New Year’s Eve at Jumeirah Messilah Beach. The Masquerade theme invites you to don your finest mask and indulge in an unforgettable night filled with spellbinding performances, captivating melodies, and a breathtaking fireworks display that will light up the night sky.

Join us as we toast to new beginnings and create memories that will linger long after the clock strikes midnight. Let’s welcome 2025 with elegance and flair.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT GARDEN CAFÉ, A FAMILY AFFAIR

Delight in a sumptuous buffet featuring signature live stations, alongside a welcome glass of sparkling juice. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Masquerade celebration, complete with dazzling dance shows, whimsical clown performances, and live music to keep spirits high. Little ones will adore the enchanting decorations, face painting, and exciting activities, making it a magical night for all.

31 December 2024 | Time: 19:00–00:00

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT MINT CAFÉ: UNDER THE STARS

Celebrate under the stars at Mint Café, where breathtaking views of the pool and the sparkling Arabian Gulf set the scene for a magical evening. Enjoy an enchanting outdoor buffet while being

mesmerized by thrilling dance performances, a lively DJ, and a spectacular fireworks display as you count down to the New Year. Each guest will receive a complimentary glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine to toast the occasion.

31 December 2024 | Time: 19:00–00:00

A CULINARY NEW YEAR’S EVE JOURNEY AT OLIO TRATTORIA ITALIANA

Savor a specially crafted five-course menu paired with a complimentary glass of sparkling juice as you bid farewell to the old year. Enjoy live countdowns on screen and immerse yourself in the elegance of the Masquerade theme. Be captivated by enchanting performances from a talented violinist and a dazzling dance show that will elevate your evening.

31 December 2024 | Time: 19:00–00:00

NEW YEAR’S EVE UNDER THE STARS AT PRIVATE CABANA

Experience the magic of New Year’s Eve in your own private cabana, the closest spot to the glistening midnight beach. Enjoy a gourmet five-course dinner in serene privacy, complemented by a glass of sparkling juice. Dance the night away with the lively DJ and be dazzled by a spectacular fireworks display as we welcome the New Year together.

31 December 2024 | Time: 19:00–00:00

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES, NEW YEAR’S EVE AT PEPPER

Elevate your evening with a sumptuous five-course dinner set menu at Pepper, accompanied by a welcome glass of sparkling juice. For an intimate experience, opt for a private dining room, complete with a delightful bottle of sparkling juice and a

31 December 2024 | Time: 19:00–00:00

beautiful flower bouquet. Enjoy the enchanting ambiance enhanced by live music, making your celebration truly special.

Styling and grooming play a crucial role in a man’s overall personality and self-confidence. In today’s fast-paced world, personal appearance speaks volumes, often serving as the first impression in both personal and professional settings.

THIS AI TAUGHT ITSELF TO DO SURGERY BY WATCHING VIDEOS

And it’s ready to operate on humans

By Jesus Diaz

“Imagine that you need to get surgery within a few minutes or you may not survive,” John Hopkins University postdoc student Bri Kim tells me over email. “There happen to be no surgeons around but there is an autonomous surgical robot available that can perform this procedure with a very high probability of success—would you take the chance?”

It sounds like a B-movie scenario, but it’s now a tangible reality that you may encounter sooner than you think. For the first time in history, Kim and his colleagues managed to teach an artificial intelligence to use a robotic surgery machine to perform precise surgical tasks by making it watch thousands of hours of actual procedures happening in real surgical theaters. The research team says it’s a breakthrough development that crosses a definitive medical frontier and opens the path to a new era in healthcare.

According to their recently published paper, the researchers say the AI managed to achieve a performance level comparable to human surgeons without prior explicit programming. Rather than trying to painstakingly program a robot to operate— which the research paper says has always failed in the past—they trained this AI through something called imitation learning, a branch of artificial intelligence where the machine observes and replicates human actions. This allowed the AI to learn the complex sequences of actions required to complete surgical tasks by breaking them down into kinematic components. These components translate into simpler actions—like joint angles, positions, and paths—which are easier to understand, replicate, and adapt during surgery.

How they did it

Kim and his colleagues used a da Vinci Surgical System as the hands and eyes for this AI. But before using the established robotic platform (currently used by surgeons to conduct precise operations locally and remotely) to prove the new AI works, they also ran virtual simulations. This allowed for faster iteration and safety validation before the learned procedures were applied on actual hardware.

“All we need is image input, and then this AI system finds the right action,” Kim says. The da Vinci robots were also the source of the videos that the AI analyzed, using more than 10,000 recordings captured by wrist cameras during human-driven surgeries to learn three surgical tasks: Handling and positioning a surgical needle, carefully lifting and manipulating tissue, and suturing—all complex tasks that require fine, extremely sensitive control. This large-scale dataset enabled the AI to learn nuanced differences between similar surgical actions, such as the appropriate tension needed to handle tissue without causing damage.

Those training videos are just a very small part of an extensive repository of surgical data. With

nearly 7,000 da Vinci robots in use worldwide, there is a vast library of surgical demonstrations to observe and learn from, which the research team is now using to expand the AI’s surgical repertoire for a new, not-yet-published study.

“In our follow-up work, which we will be releasing soon, we study whether these models can work for long-horizon surgical procedures involving unseen anatomical structures,” Kim writes, referring to complex surgical procedures that require adapting to the patient’s condition at any given time, like when operating on a serious internal wound.

During development, the team worked closely with practicing surgeons to evaluate the model’s performance and provide critical feedback (particularly regarding the subtle handling of tissue), which the robot integrated into its learning process.

Finally, to validate the model, they used a separate dataset not included in the initial training to create virtual simulations, ensuring the AI could adapt to new and unseen surgical scenarios before proceeding to test it in physical procedures. This cross-validation confirmed the robot’s ability to generalize rather than merely memorize actions, which of course is crucial given the number of potential unknowns that may arise in the operating theater.

It all worked beautifully. The robot’s model learned these tasks to the level of experienced surgeons. “It’s really magical to have this model where all we do is feed it camera input, and it can predict the robotic movements needed for surgery,” Axel Krieger, assistant professor in mechanical engineering at Johns Hopkins and senior author of the study, says in an emailed statement. “We believe this marks a significant step forward toward a new frontier in medical robotics.”

Just in time the for New Yea r!

A breakthrough discovery

One of the keys to this success is the use of relative movements rather than absolute instructions. In the da Vinci system, the robotic arms might not end up exactly where they are intended due to tiny discrepancies in joint movement that accumulate over multiple actions and can eventually lead to significant errors—especially in a sensitive environment like surgery. The team had to find a solution, so rather than depending on those measurements, it trained the model to move based on what it observes in real time while performing the operation.

But the main innovation here is that imitation learning removes the need for manual programming of individual movements. Before this breakthrough, programming a robot to suture required handcoding every action in detail. This method was also error-prone and a major limitation in advancing robotic surgery, Kim says.

It limited what the robot could do because of the development effort, and the lack of flexibility that made it extremely difficult for robots to do new tasks. Imitation learning, however, allows the robot to adapt quickly to anything it can watch, learning similarly to a surgical student. “[We] only have to collect imitation learning data of different procedures, and we can train a robot to learn it in a couple of days,” Krieger says. “It allows us to accelerate toward the goal of autonomy while reducing medical errors and achieving more precise surgery.”

To quantify how well the AI works, the researchers defined key performance metrics, such as precision in needle placement and consistency in tissue manipulation using a set of physical mock surgical environments, which included synthetic tissue simulators and surgical dummies. The results left them speechless. “The model is so good at learning things we haven’t taught it,” Krieger says. “For instance, if it drops the needle, it will automatically pick it up and continue.”

Such adaptability is not only important to keep learning new skills but also crucial for handling unpredictable events in live surgeries, like an artery rupturing or a patient’s vitals changing suddenly. Additionally, the model demonstrated improved time efficiency, reducing the completion time for standard surgical tasks such as suturing by approximately 30%, which is particularly promising for time-critical operations.

The future

The scientists envision a scenario where these robots assist surgeons in high-pressure situations, enhancing their capabilities and minimizing human error. These future AI surgeons will significantly impact the availability of surgical care, making high-quality medical interventions available to a broader population. Initially, this would be especially true in underdeveloped areas lacking medical infrastructure. Diagnostics AI is already

playing a role in making medicine more affordable in those zones of the world, so surgeons is the next logical step.

Before all that happens, however, this autonomous learning AI needs to prove that it is reliable in any given situation, “at least as good or better than a human surgeon, statistically speaking,” Kim says. He tells me that one way to ensure safety is through statistics: “If the model is able to perform 1,000 surgeries without any complications—including really hard-edge cases— then that might be a decent way to measure its reliability.”

Their work shows that if the model has been trained on similar situations, it is able to handle them. “The model is very good at generalizing and interpolating based on data it has been trained on before,” he says. If the model encounters a slightly different organ structure, it should be able to recognize it and interact appropriately, thanks to a training that is designed to generalize across a variety of anatomical and situational challenges, like patients’ anatomical differences, unexpected bleeding, or tissue abnormalities.

Regulations and ethics

There are also ethical and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed before such an AI can be deployed in real surgical environments without human oversight. The leap to autonomous surgical robots introduces new ethical concerns. There’s the issue of accountability: Who is going to be responsible if there’s a problem? The company that made the AI surgeon? The medical professionals supervising it (if there’s any supervision)? There’s also the question of patient consent, which will require educating both the person undergoing the surgery and the people around that person on what these AIs are, what exactly they can do, and what risks are posed in comparison to human surgeons.

Kim admits that right now the future is in a gray area where everyone can merely speculate on what should or will happen. Regulatory authorities

will have their hands full, from addressing accountability and ethical concerns when allowing AI surgeons to operate autonomously, to setting standards for obtaining informed consent from patients.

But when choosing between having an emergency, lifesaving procedure performed by an autonomous surgeon or having no treatment because a human surgeon isn’t available (like in a remote location or an underdeveloped area), Kim argues that the better choice is clear. I can easily imagine a near future in which—given statistical proof that AI surgeons operate safely—people start choosing AI robots over their human counterparts.

What’s next?

Beyond the ethical and legal challenges, more work is needed to enable practical implementation. Hospitals will need to invest in infrastructure that supports AI robotic surgery, including physical hardware and technical expertise for operation and maintenance. Additionally, training medical teams to manage the process will be critical. They will need to understand the machine and when to intervention is necessary, eventually transitioning human surgeons from direct surgical tasks to roles focused on supervision and safety.

At the practical level, the researchers envision a phased introduction, beginning with simpler, lowrisk surgeries like hernia repairs and gradually advancing to more complex operations. A gradual approach will help validate the robot’s reliability while addressing regulatory and ethical concerns over time, as well as helping the population to trust AI to perform life-critical operations.

“We are still in the early stages of understanding what these machines can truly achieve,” Krieger says. “The ultimate goal is to have fully autonomous surgical systems that are reliable, adaptable, and capable of performing surgeries that currently require a highly trained specialist.”

Photos by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash.

HOSTING MADE EASY WITH IKEA®

Redefining the heart of every home: IKEA empowers us to transform our kitchens, dining experiences, and the moments that bring us together

By bazaar Staff

In Kuwait, hospitality takes on such an emotional meaning. We deeply cherish the joy of gathering around food, sharing meals, and creating meaningful moments with loved ones. From Friday morning breakfasts with family to indulgent Iftars during Ramadan or cozy pizza nights with friends, hosting brings people together. A shared table nourishes not just the body, but the heart and mind, strengthening emotional bonds and fostering connection. It’s in these moments of hospitality that memories are made and relationships flourish.

Whether you’ve mastered the culinary and hosting arts or are just getting started, we’ve put together a great hosting guide with the expert advice of our friends at IKEA to help you make the most out of your cooking and dining spaces for a better every day.

The Power of Personalization

A kitchen needs to be designed just for you. It should match your personal taste, and preferences. There’s no need to conform to a design aesthetic that doesn’t serve you. Make

the most of IKEA Kitchen design services that can help you choose colors, materials, layouts and smart solutions that work best for your needs and available space. Consider your lifestyle and design for that. Do you want more storage for large pots because you love inviting large groups of people? Or maybe you have a smaller kitchen and need to maximize the space as much as possible. Maybe you have little kids and need to make sure that they can spend time with you in the kitchen while you make them nutritious meals but stay safe. Always keep in mind that you can mix and match

cabinets, countertops, handles, and accessories to create a space that is unique and perfect for you.

Affordable Luxury

The scariest thing about designing a new kitchen or renovating an older one is the budget. Good quality is often expensive and out of reach but not with IKEA. It’s absolutely possible to design a kitchen and dining space that is within your means. IKEA also offers flexible payment and financing options that will help you build the kitchen of your dreams

without breaking the bank. Make sure to check in with a member of staff to learn about the different services, guarantees and options that you have.

IKEA on Wheels: Home Planning, Delivered!

IKEA on Wheels represents an innovative home planning service offered by IKEA, designed to provide convenience and personalized assistance directly at your location. This service connects you with a dedicated home furnishing specialist who will serve as your single point of contact throughout the entire planning journey. An IKEA expert will arrive at your home to engage in a collaborative planning session. During this visit, the IKEA specialist will share creative insights and suggestions, present a diverse selection of samples, and work closely with you to develop customized solutions that align with your specific preferences and requirements.

Elegance tailored for Kuwaiti Homes

IKEA kitchens effortlessly merge contemporary sophistication with the distinct aesthetic that is appreciated in Kuwait. With an extensive array of customizable features, IKEA empowers customers to craft a kitchen that embodies both functionality

and style. Each kitchen is meticulously tailored to ensure harmony with your individual space, personal preferences, and lifestyle requirements. This commitment to personalization guarantees that every aspect of your kitchen reflects your unique vision while maintaining the high standards of modern design.

Welcome Everyone to your Table

There’s nothing as social as a dinner party, and we’ve extended that to breakfast, lunch, brunch, snacks and late-night meals too. Ramadan Iftars, Ghabqas and Suhours are a testament to how much we love to entertain our loved ones and shower them with delicious food, generosity and love. Creating a dining room table is an art. Think of how many people you would normally invite and make sure there are enough seats around the table. You can also get creative with different seating options, from the classic dining chairs to benches and soft seating that can help you stay flexible and accommodate different size groups and occasions, IKEA has it all! We also love adding our own touches like a themed throw, textured rugs to make floor seating cozier and lots of cushions for cozy post-meal fun.

Stay Smart, Sustainable and Stylish

The IKEA commitment to sustainability is a concept that you can take home with you. Simple changes to our everyday lives can help us make a difference. We want to make sure that all the generations that come after us can live well too. From using renewable or recycled materials to energy-efficient appliances, IKEA can help you make more sustainable choices in your kitchen and hosting. Switching to water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient lighting are just two examples of quick changes that can help you make a difference. Reducing food waste by investing in any of the wide range of IKEA food storage is another step in the right direction. Check the labels when buying and opt for natural materials, recycled and recyclable products for another easy change. And the most sustainable thing you can do is to take care of the things you already own which is much easier when you buy quality products that can last a lifetime from IKEA.

Shop at IKEA the Avenues, IKEA the Warehouse (Sabahiya), IKEA 360, IKEA Assima, IKEA Khiran or online at www.IKEA.com.kw. For more information, please call 184 0408 or follow @IKEAKuwait on Instagram.

JOTUN PAINTS KUWAIT BRINGS THE NEW SHOP CONCEPT TO THE COMMUNITY!

Elevate your space with Jotun Paints

By bazaar Staff

Jotun Paints has recently unveiled an innovative retail concept at Al Assima Mall, designed to enhance the shopping experience for customers seeking to elevate their spaces with vibrant colors and quality paints. This new store concept not only showcases Jotun’s extensive range of premium paint products but also serves as a hub for creativity and inspiration, making it easier for individuals to bring their design visions to life.

The newly launched Jotun shop is crafted with a focus on convenience and expert guidance. Inside, customers will find curated color palettes that cater to various tastes and styles, alongside cutting-edge paint technologies. This thoughtful design aims to inspire creativity and help customers create unique and personalized interiors and exteriors. Whether it’s a cozy home makeover or a larger project, Jotun’s offerings ensure that every space can be transformed into something beautiful and distinctive.

Jotun’s new concept transcends the traditional paint shopping experience. It emphasizes functionality and style, allowing customers to explore endless possibilities. Expert advice is

readily available, ensuring that turning ideas into reality is both seamless and rewarding. The vibrant displays of colors and innovative products invite customers to envision how each shade can enhance their living spaces.

As we approach the new year, many people consider refreshing their homes, and what better way to do so than with freshly painted walls? The act of painting not only revitalizes a space but also brings a sense of renewal and optimism.

Starting the year with a fresh coat of paint can symbolize new beginnings and positive change. It allows individuals to express their personality through color choices while creating a harmonious environment that supports their mental health.

Jotun Paints invites everyone to visit their shops to uncover the beauty of colors and discover tailored solutions for their needs. With the launch of this new retail concept, Jotun continues to solidify its commitment to enhancing living spaces across Kuwait. By embracing the joy of painting and understanding the impact of color on wellbeing, customers can transform not just their homes but also their lives as they step into the new year with renewed energy and inspiration.

Learn more about Jotun Paints at www.jotun.com/ww-en. Follow@JotunPaintsArabia on Instagram for the latest updates.

1700 WATT

8-IN-1 INDOOR DIGITAL GRILL & AIR FRYER

Featuring Digital Touch Control and Cyclonic Grilling Technology, you can cut down cooking time by 45%. This versatile appliance allows you to GRILL - ROAST - AIR CRISP - DEHYDRATE - BROIL - BAKE and much more. Elevate your culinary creations with ease and e ciency.

CHATGPT VS. GOOGLE

Which is more helpful for creativity?

By The Conversation

Think back to a time when you needed a quick answer, maybe for a recipe or a DIY project. A few years ago, most people’s first instinct was to “Google it.” Today, however, many people are more likely to reach for ChatGPT, OpenAI’s conversational artificial intelligence tool, which is changing the way people look for information.

Rather than simply providing lists of websites, ChatGPT gives more direct, conversational responses. But can ChatGPT do more than just answer straightforward questions? Can it actually help people be more creative?

I study new technologies and consumer interaction with social media. My colleague Byung Lee and I set out to explore this question: Can ChatGPT genuinely assist people in creatively solving problems, and does it perform better at this than traditional search engines like Google?

Across a series of experiments in a study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, we found that ChatGPT does boost creativity, especially in everyday, practical tasks. Here’s what we learned about how this technology is changing the way people solve problems, brainstorm ideas and think creatively.

ChatGPT and creative tasks

Imagine you’re searching for a creative gift idea for a teenage niece. Previously, you might have googled “creative gifts for teens” and then browsed articles until something clicked. Now, if you ask ChatGPT, it generates a direct response based on its analysis of patterns across the web. It might suggest a custom DIY project or a unique experience, crafting the idea in real time.

To explore whether ChatGPT surpasses Google in creative thinking tasks, we conducted five experiments where participants tackled various creative tasks. For example, we randomly assigned participants to either use ChatGPT for assistance, use Google search, or generate ideas on their own. Once the ideas were collected, external judges, unaware of the participants’ assigned conditions, rated each idea for creativity. We averaged the judges’ scores to provide an overall creativity rating.

One task involved brainstorming ways to repurpose everyday items, such as turning an old tennis racket and a garden hose into something new. Another asked participants to design an innovative dining table. The goal was to test whether ChatGPT could help people come up with more creative solutions compared with using a web search engine or just their own imagination.

The results were clear: Judges rated ideas generated with ChatGPT’s assistance as more creative than those generated with Google searches or without any assistance. Interestingly, ideas generated with ChatGPT—even without any human modification—scored higher in creativity than those generated with Google.

One notable finding was ChatGPT’s ability to generate incrementally creative ideas: those that improve or build on what already exists. While truly radical ideas might still be challenging for AI, ChatGPT excelled at suggesting practical yet innovative approaches. In the toy-design experiment, for example, participants using ChatGPT came up with imaginative designs, such as turning a leftover fan and a paper bag into a wind-powered craft.

Limits of AI creativity

ChatGPT’s strength lies in its ability to combine unrelated concepts into a cohesive response. Unlike Google, which requires users to sift through links and piece together information, ChatGPT offers an integrated answer that helps users articulate and refine ideas in a polished format. This makes ChatGPT promising as a creativity tool, especially for tasks that connect disparate ideas or generate new concepts.

It’s important to note, however, that ChatGPT doesn’t generate truly novel ideas. It recognizes and combines linguistic patterns from its training data, subsequently generating outputs with the most probable sequences based on its training. If you’re looking for a way to make an existing idea better or adapt it in a new way, ChatGPT can be a helpful resource. For something groundbreaking, though, human ingenuity and imagination are still essential.

Additionally, while ChatGPT can generate creative suggestions, these aren’t always practical or scalable without expert input. Steps such as

screening, feasibility checks, fact-checking and market validation require human expertise. Given that ChatGPT’s responses may reflect biases in its training data, people should exercise caution in sensitive contexts such as those involving race or gender.

We also tested whether ChatGPT could assist with tasks often seen as requiring empathy, such as repurposing items cherished by a loved one. Surprisingly, ChatGPT enhanced creativity even in these scenarios, generating ideas that users found relevant and thoughtful. This result challenges the belief that AI cannot assist with emotionally driven tasks.

Future of AI and creativity

As ChatGPT and similar AI tools become more accessible, they open up new possibilities for creative tasks. Whether in the workplace or at home, AI could assist in brainstorming, problemsolving and enhancing creative projects. However, our research also points to the need for caution: While ChatGPT can augment human creativity, it doesn’t replace the unique human capacity for truly radical, out-of-the-box thinking.

This shift from Googling to asking ChatGPT represents more than just a new way to access information. It marks a transformation in how people collaborate with technology to think, create and innovate.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.

THE AIU KUWAIT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Paving the Way for Emerging Talent in Kuwait’s Film Industry

By Muna M. Al Gharabally

This November, the American International University (AIU) Kuwait ran their 3rd Annual International Film Festival. Historically, this has always been a challenging field to break into, especially so in the Kuwaiti market due to the scarcity of opportunities, funding and commercial interest in this field. This has frustrated many budding talents wishing to break in especially if they moved away from a traditional format or genre. What festivals like this one does, is it gives new entries a guidance roadmap of how to pursue their careers in this field thus making it an exciting time to be involved in film making and production in Kuwait as new doors are opened and interest for new talent is encouraged.

The festival ran for five days and was a mix of workshops, movie screenings and panel discussions with Q & As. Registration was open to all who were interested and it allowed ways for like-minded people to network, learn and grow.

Although many international movies were screened, there was time dedicated to showcasing local cinema, its production and its future. On the 3rd day, they featured a Kuwaiti Director’s night. Four Kuwaiti made movies were screened at 360’s Cinescape (the festival’s strategic partner). They were:

5th Bird – A short directed by Maryam Al Abbad; beautifully exploring one of the few meaningful taboos and tradition that remains in Kuwait related to divorced women with children and the potential cycle of trauma some experience.

Mouj – A student production directed by Eman Al Shaya; a spooky maritime fairy tale told as two friends go on a fishing trip just off the coastline of Kuwait. The movie deservedly won Best Kuwaiti Short at the festival.

Desert Duet Harmony – An award-winning

student short by Noura Al Hasawi who wore multiple hats including director, script writer and producer of this music themed love story of east meets west.

Amakor – A full length feature directed by Ahmed Al Khudari that highlights the superficial world of social media through the eyes of a successful influencer with amnesia. Made with a micro budget, the movie has already achieved commercial profitability and was the recipient of an Honorable Mention Award for Best Arab Feature Fiction Film at this festival.

On the 4th day, there was a panel discussion entitled ‘Visual Storytelling.’ Ahmad Jamal and Bader Al Moulah from invisible.inc productions gave a presentation on their work in their early years in the business where they honed their craft in companies like Disney and productions such as those in the Marval universe. After giving the audience a crash course in the fundamentals of visuals, they then spoke of returning to Kuwait and establishing invisible.inc productions. Then the panel introduced Khaled Hamad Al Busairi and Ibraheem Al Jeraidan representing Cinescape and they segued into how they commercially collaborated  with Cinescape and made a prefilm short animation to inform the audience about cinema etiquette and viewing rules so that all audience members can enjoy their cinema experience. Khaled and Ibraheem also spoke about how they seek collaborations with local talent endeavouring to always encourage, empower and develop their skills.

Thursday 14th November was the last day of

Film Week and they held a panel called ‘The Future of Kuwaiti Cinema.’ Dawood Shuail moderated a lively discussion with Dr. Zeyad (Z) Alhusaini and Dr. Ahmed Hamada. The three Kuwaiti Directors ended with a Q & A. The audience were electrified and the energy and enthusiasm in the theatre was palpable.  So much so that even when time ran out, many participants followed the Directors into the lobby to pepper them with more questions.

Film making and production is a dynamic and ever developing field as technology, audience appetites for different stories and genres and funding requirements among a thousand other things are all moving targets. Key advice given in a nutshell for all who sought to pursue a career in this field, was to love the industry. People entering this field must be ready to experience setbacks and criticism and it is only if they are able to invest their heart and soul into what they love, that they will be able to keep perfecting their craft and giving them the strength and determination to survive to the fruition of their project.

Always keep an open mind and keep learning so that you evolve and grow with the industry. When approaching anyone for funding or collaboration, do your homework and present well-formed concepts when you pitch. Stay humble and be prepared to adopt positively to any feedback or criticism offered – your finished work can only improve when you are open to seeing your work from another perspective.

The Festival received 3100 international film submissions. The awards night was held at the AIU campus on Saturday 16th November. Esteemed guests, faculty, students, press and guests made this night feel glamourous and it was the perfect evening to cap the Film Festival.

Kuwait’s 3rd Annual International Film Festival was presented by American International University aiu.edu.kw/film-festival. Strategic Partner: Cinescape, cinescape.com. Official Partner: Zain, kw.zain.com. Media Partner: M2r, m2rkw.com. Sponsored by Shasha, shasha.com.

FACING REJECTION?

10 simple ways to turn a no into a yes

By Rob Solsberg

Rejection is part of the game in business, but hearing no doesn’t mean it’s the end. In fact, a no often opens up new opportunities to learn, adjust, and come back stronger. Whether you’re negotiating a raise, seeking a partnership, or pitching an idea, there’s a way to turn that rejection into a positive outcome. Here are ten strategies to help you transform a no into a yes and get what you need.

Listen actively

When someone says no, resist the urge to immediately defend your position. Instead, listen—really listen. Ask open-ended questions to understand the reasons behind their refusal. Is it about timing? Budget? Misalignment of needs? By showing genuine curiosity, you open the door to deeper conversations that can reveal areas of flexibility. Often, the real objection lies beneath the surface, and only through active listening can you uncover it.

Acknowledge their concerns

Everyone wants to feel heard. When whoever you are trying to convince – whether it’s a colleague, boss, or potential customer voices a concern, don’t jump straight into counterarguments. Instead, acknowledge their points and show empathy. A simple, “I understand where you’re coming from,” can go a long way in softening their stance. Let them know you’re there to help, not just to push. This builds trust and creates a foundation for moving forward.

Clarify misunderstandings

Sometimes, a “no” happens because of a misunderstanding. Maybe your proposal was misinterpreted, or they didn’t fully grasp the benefits. This is your chance to step in with clear information. Politely address any misconceptions and use data points or examples to back up your claims. The goal here isn’t to be defensive but to offer clarity. Highlight benefits that matter

Always tailor your pitch to the person you’re talking to and their pain points. If it’s your boss, show them how your recommendation directly solves their problems or meets their needs. If you’re asking for a promotion, be prepared to speak to how changing your responsibilities benefits them and the broader business. Be direct, and be thoughtful. This isn’t about making generic claims—it’s about demonstrating value in a way that resonates with their current situation.

Offer alternatives

If the first option you presented doesn’t hit the mark, don’t be afraid to suggest a different path. Offering alternative approaches or perspectives shows that you’re flexible and willing to meet people halfway. But be strategic—don’t flood them with too many choices. Thoughtfully recommend an option that truly addresses a person’s concerns, and make sure it’s one you believe will work.

Create urgency

Sometimes a well-timed nudge can push a hesitant boss, team, or partner into action. Introducing a sense of urgency, such as outlining a potential specific loss from waiting, can be the tipping point to turn rejection into acceptance. Be bold and genuine, but don’t instill fear. Urgency should feel like a natural part of the negotiation process, not a pressure tactic.

It’s one thing to say your idea is great; it’s another to prove. Specific examples, data support, success stories of others in your field finding success, etc. can provide the evidence someone needs to feel confident in their decision. Building trust through social proof can help overcome skepticism. The more relatable your examples, the better.

Follow up with purpose

Rejection often isn’t forever. If someone says no, that’s not a cue to vanish. Set clear expectations for follow-up and stick to them. Whether you check back in a few weeks or a few months, the key is to be consistent and professional. Following up shows you’re serious and committed without coming across as pushy. Business needs can change quickly, and keeping your proposal on their radar can pay off in the long run.

Stay positive

Positivity is contagious. A rejection might sting, but keeping a positive attitude not only leaves a good impression but can also influence future decisions. People remember how you made them feel during a conversation, and your enthusiasm may shift their perspective. Don’t be surprised if they come back after a period of reflection, especially if you maintain a confident, upbeat tone.

Know when to walk away

Sometimes, a rejection is truly final. Respecting that decision doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re leaving the door open for future opportunities. Walking away with grace demonstrates professionalism, and you might even gain something from it. A confident okay can sometimes speak louder than a hard push. Turning a no into a yes isn’t about manipulation or pressure—it’s about listening, adjusting, and building trust. With the right mix of empathy and strategy, even the toughest rejections can be transformed into opportunities for growth. By staying focused on understanding the needs of those you are working with and offering solutions that genuinely help, you’ll find more doors opening than you ever expected.

Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash.

SPREADING THE WORD

Codify the shapers of modern marketing

By Chris Kay

To be a catalyst of change as a new generation marketeer shaping modern marketing, it seems you simply need to be fortunate enough to have a brand moniker that starts with the letter L.

From Loewe to Liquid Death, Lego to Louis Vuitton, and Lay’s to e.l.f. Okay, that last one was potentially a stretch, but it does have an “L” in its name, and with the others, e.l.f. is also leading with a fluidity, frivolity, and freshness to what new world marketing feels like in 2024.

We’ve seen Loewe stretch the fantasy world of fashion photography with David Sims and Juergen Teller bringing a visual cornucopia of celebrity to life in unexpected ways with the absurd reinvention of Daniel Craig and the demure attitude of 88-yearold Dame Maggie Smith. They have also flipped into fully embracing self-deprecating humor with a Loewe production, Decades of Confusion, where Dan Levy and Aubrey Plaza help the world learn how to pronounce the brand’s name.

Unpredictability leads to success

From the world of high fashion we move to high impact with Liquid Death, as the new darling of antimarketing, becoming a $1.4 billion dollar brand by subverting the category and asking its consumers to murder their thirst. Giving away a fighter jet, creating corpse paint make-up with e.l.f., or collaborating with Ozzy Ozbourne, the brand brings a curated chaos to how it drops its culture bombs.

Like Liquid Death, Lego brings unpredictably in shaping and shifting how it comes to market, but its unpredictably always predictably feels like Lego regardless of the shift. We see Lego DNA in a global study creating more creative confidence in young girls, to sky-rocketing collaboration and an inspiring documentary with Pharrell Williams, or embracing a new sustainability story.

Shape culture

Like the team at Loewe, Louis Vuitton is also showing that luxury fashion knows how to shape and supercharge culture. Taking over Paris to create a mega cultural statement to a masterful collaboration that leads not follows with Tyler the Creator.

From couture to crisps, we see Lay’s playing with the market in a way that brings absurdly appropriate snacking energy to its world. The whimsical Dog. Car. Window and the banal snackable stupidity of running 75 ads on Groundhog Day with Groundhog Lay’s are winners.

And finishing with the overstretch of the letter “L” theme to e.l.f. Cosmetics that hacked the connection from their C-suite to their community to create unadulterated love for the brand. With a blind world champion swimmer in a Beauty for Every Eye campaign, to its 4.5 million followers

plus Beauty Squad who shape the company like no other community, to creating deep love with its So Many Dicks campaign.

All the above are super inspiring, but in a seemingly no rules world, can we codify some lessons to learn from?

Shamelessly stealing from the 1960s four P’s marketing structure work of Jerome McCarthy we wonder, is there a new set of P’s that can be a loose system to innovate with? Here’s a perspective.

Personality

These brands have created a world built from—and with—their audience, deepening the communities’ advocacy and ownership. Liquid Death is a master at this. How they look and feel, the tone they bring to the world, and the value system they live through their personalities, is the glue sticking the brand and community together. Building your personality can be hard, but once you have it, each decision you make—and how you land your brand in culture— becomes effortless and energizing.

Participation

A personality helps create a deep connection, but today’s audience also needs to feel like a brand not only feels like them but they have an ownership to help shape it. Being a collaborator and creator of how a brand forms and functions is key, and e.l.f. is the leader to learn from. Brands need to be as open as possible to learn in real time, to create a system to form deep connections to iterate and innovate together, to become as sticky as possible to drive advocacy and growth.

SAVOR TRUFFLE SEASON AT DAI FORNI RESTAURANT

Chef

Zambi’s

Seasonal Truffle Menu Takes Center Stage

By bazaar Staff

Chef Enrico Zambi is set to enchant diners at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait this winter with a seasonal truffle menu that celebrates the culinary treasures of his homeland, Italy. Running from November 14 to January 2, this exclusive offering at Dai Forni, located on the 21st floor, features five exquisite dishes highlighting the famed Alba truffles, renowned for their rarity and exceptional flavor.

Available for both lunch and dinner, the truffle menu invites guests to indulge in the luxurious experience of Alba truffles, which can be added by the gram to any dish on the regular menu. The menu is available daily from 12 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 11 PM, making it accessible for both midday and evening dining.The menu showcases two of the world’s most sought-after truffles: the delicate white Alba truffles, known for their subtle hints of oak, nut, and sweet earthiness, and the rich, aromatic black truffles celebrated for their deep, earthy flavors. These black truffles are sourced from the wild forests surrounding Alba in Piedmont, Italy.Diners can look forward to a selection of five elevated dishes that highlight these exquisite ingredients.

The first starter is Burrata y Tartufo Bianco, featuring fresh white truffle paired with a sautéed peach syrup on sourdough bread. This combination of creamy burrata and aromatic truffle creates a delightful introduction to the meal. Another starter is Zuppa Di Funghi e Tartufo Nero, a fragrant mixed mushroom soup enhanced with whipped black truffle cream and fresh truffle snow, embodying warmth and comfort.

For mains, guests can savor Pizza al Tartufo Nero, a wood-fired pizza that combines ricotta black truffle sauce with shaved fresh truffle, mozzarella fior di latte, and foie gras mousse. This dish exemplifies Italian comfort food elevated to gourmet status. Another option is Pappardelle al Ragu di Agnello e Tartufo Bianco, where fresh homemade pasta is paired with a rich white lamb ragu infused with white truffle, creating a hearty yet refined main course. Finally, the indulgent Dai Forni Burger features a double smash Wagyu beef patty topped with black truffle cream and fresh truffle snow, offering a luxurious twist on a classic favorite.In addition to the seasonal menu, Dai Forni hosts a weekly event titled Mix and Mingle every Thursday until the end of the year. This sophisticated

gathering combines Italian comfort food with live music from renowned Kuwaiti maestro Zak Musawi. Guests can enjoy half-price starters alongside custom Martini Mocktails while taking in stunning views from the restaurant.

Chef Enrico Zambi’s seasonal truffle menu at Dai Forni not only highlights the rich culinary heritage of Italy but also invites diners to partake in an experience that celebrates fine dining during the festive winter season. The combination of luxurious ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and an inviting atmosphere creates an unforgettable dining experience that is sure to delight both locals and visitors alike. This winter at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait promises to be a gastronomic journey through Italy’s finest offerings, making it an ideal destination for those looking to savor exquisite flavors amidst a backdrop of elegance and sophistication.

For more information on the seasonal truffle menu or Mix and Mingle event at Dai Forni at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait please contact 2200 6000.

LEADING WITH KINDNESS

This is how to be an empathic leader during stressful times

By Kathleen Davis

Being a good leader is challenging in the best of times. But in stressful or uncertain times, it’s even more daunting. As a manager, you are responsible for business results and your employees’ job satisfaction and well-being. It’s a tall order, especially when most people who find themselves in management roles were never taught how to manage.

The best way to make your employees feel respected and valued during stressful times is to be more empathic. Here’s what empathy looks like in the workplace and how to put it into practice:

Empathy isn’t an emotion, it’s a choice Fast Company contributor Davianne Harris writes that empathy is often misconstrued as a way of responding or reacting in challenging situations. Empathy is a mindset more than an attribute. She explains that being an empathetic leader is the “difference between telling employees how to solve a problem and developing people who can craft solutions in their own way.”

Leading with empathy requires making people feel heard and valued, which means asking your employees for their perspective, and considering what they express when making decisions.

Transparent and clear communication

One of the biggest ways to build and maintain trust as a leader is to be as clear and transparent as possible. Especially in times of uncertainty, employees crave straightforward, transparent messaging from their bosses that goes beyond directives and plans, explains Fast Company contributor Leah Mether.

When things feel uncertain or stressful, share as much information as you can and be honest. People are smart and see through the platitudes. It’s also helpful to be able to clearly articulate your team or company’s vision, direction, and priorities and explain the “why” behind decisions.

It’s also important to set realistic expectations. Mether points out that when so much feels out of control, having realistic and clear expectations about job requirements, behavioral standards, workload sustainability, and work flexibility are essential.

Put yourself in your employee’s shoes

Fast Company contributor Stephen Kohler advises leaders to use empathetic pragmatism, saying that navigating difficult times requires leaders to “acknowledge the harsh realities of business while keeping in mind the people those decisions affect.”

Another way to think of it is balancing compassion with decisiveness. One of the biggest ways to put this into action is to put yourself in your employee’s shoes.

It may sound obvious, but it’s easily overlooked. Ask yourself: If I were given extra work, if I were

reading about mass layoffs in my industry, if I heard our company missed its profit goals, what might I be thinking or feeling? How would it directly impact me, my team, or my family? How would I want to be

treated? After all, treating people as you would like to be treated is called the “golden rule” for a reason.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash.

MANSPLAINING

Why half the population still faces workplace dismissal—and how to combat it

By Kelly Meerbott

As time speeds us through the early part of the 21st century, it’s easy to think of ourselves as advanced. In 2024, we’ve advanced enough to send 60 tourists to space, and yet a quieter, more insidious—and much less evolved—issue remains earthbound: mansplaining.

Despite some progress in gender equality, the phenomenon of men explaining things to women in a patronizing manner—often without realizing the expertise they dismiss—still permeates workplaces across the globe. It’s a stark reminder that while society may be moving forward in some areas, deeply ingrained power dynamics continue to drag us backward.

Why does mansplaining persist in the workplace? And how can we, as a collective workforce, break the cycle? This issue isn’t just about men or women. It’s about the future of inclusive leadership, creative collaboration, and human connection. Until we tackle mansplaining head-on, half of our workforce will continue to be dismissed—from conversations and opportunities to shape the future.

The quiet cost of mansplaining

Imagine you’re sitting in a meeting with several colleagues. A woman—let’s call her Emma—offers a suggestion based on years of experience. A moment of silence passes, and then a male colleague jumps in, reiterating the same point with different words. Heads nod, and suddenly, his voice takes center stage while Emma’s contribution fades into the background. This scenario isn’t just a fleeting annoyance—it’s a slow erasure of women’s authority, confidence, and potential.

A 2020 One Poll survey of 2,000 women in the workplace (commissioned by Self Inc.) found that the average woman gets “mansplained” while on the job six times each week. That’s 312 mansplaining moments each year. Women who face constant dismissal often begin to question their worth. They stop raising their hands, stop speaking up, and— most dangerously—stop believing that their insights matter. Over time, this leads to disengagement, a loss of innovation, and even attrition. The emotional fallout is palpable: Women are tired of fighting to be heard, and the exhaustion is absolute.

A modern epidemic

Mansplaining may look different today, but it’s no less harmful. In 2024, it often shows up in more subtle ways. It’s the casual interruptions in meetings, the unsolicited advice, or the over-explanation of concepts to someone more qualified than the person offering the advice. These microaggressions build up, and their cumulative effect can be just as damaging as outright discrimination.

It’s not just women who suffer—teams and organizations feel the impact, too. When you consistently overlook the contributions of half the workforce, you’re not just silencing voices; you’re

strangling creativity. Organizations with a culture of mansplaining fail to harness the full power of diverse perspectives, and that’s where true innovation dies.

Why does it persist?

The root of mansplaining lies in deeply ingrained gender norms, ones that tell us—subconsciously or not—that male voices carry more authority. Even in the most progressive workplaces, these biases creep in, fueled by a societal structure that has long valued men’s contributions over women’s.

And let’s not forget the intersectional aspect: Women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others from marginalized communities often bear the brunt of this behavior, experiencing not just mansplaining but a compounded form of dismissal that cuts deeper and lasts longer.

But here’s the truth: It’s not just about “men versus women.” We’ve all been conditioned by a world that subtly reinforces these hierarchies, and even women can find themselves perpetuating mansplaining behaviors in moments of internalized bias or hierarchical power.

Breaking the cycle

It’s time to envision a future where mansplaining is no longer a workplace norm but a relic of an outdated system. Here’s how we can start:

Redefine assertiveness for women We’ve been told for years to lean in, but leaning in isn’t enough when your voice is drowned out. Women need not just a seat at the table but the confidence and skills to take the microphone and keep it. This means investing in communication training that teaches women to assert themselves without being penalized. It also means celebrating women’s voices loudly and publicly—when a woman speaks, credit her by name, ensure she’s acknowledged, and amplify her ideas.

Men must become allies: Mansplaining isn’t always malicious, but ignorance is no excuse for inaction. Men need to be part of the solution. They must be willing to self-reflect, challenge their behaviors, and actively promote gender equity. Allies can disrupt mansplaining by deferring to women’s expertise, supporting them publicly in meetings, and calling out dismissive behavior when they see it.

In 2024, allyship must evolve from “not harming” to actively “doing good.” Imagine a world where male colleagues regularly lift their female peers, ensuring they’re given the respect and recognition they deserve. That’s not just progressive, that’s leadership.

Demand accountability from the top: Leaders set the tone for workplace culture. Without a clear message from leadership that dismissive behaviors

won’t be tolerated, mansplaining will continue unchecked. Organizations must create accountability structures—whether through performance reviews, 360-degree feedback, or leadership modeling—that prioritize inclusivity. Leaders must not only talk about change but actively embody it, making it clear that everyone’s voice matters, regardless of gender.

Reimagine how we communicate: Workplace conversations are often unstructured, allowing dominant voices to take over. We can create space for more balanced discussions by redesigning how we hold meetings. This might mean setting ground rules for sharing ideas, using a “talking stick” approach to prevent interruptions, or actively soliciting input from quieter voices. Structure doesn’t stifle creativity—it liberates it by ensuring that the best ideas rise to the top.

How to build a future where every voice counts  The fight against mansplaining is not just a gender issue—it’s an innovation, leadership, and human issue. If we’re serious about creating workplaces where every voice is heard and valued, we must dismantle the power dynamics that allow mansplaining to thrive.

We have the opportunity to rewrite the rules of engagement and build companies where women and other marginalized groups are not only present but also listened to, credited, and empowered. In doing so, we create environments where everyone— regardless of gender—can contribute their brilliance to a shared future. It’s time we stop dismissing half the population and start embracing their full potential.

Photo by steffen wienberg on Unsplash.

Exceptional Chinese Experience

Indulge in luxury and savor culinary perfection at Tang Chao. Discover our master chefs delectable Chinese dishes in an exquisite, upscale atmosphere.

Authentic Indian Culinary Journey

Experience authentic Indian cuisines as you dine at Jamawar restaurant that offers wide array of traditionally prepared dishes with the real essence of the famous Indian spices.

HAVE TEEN, WILL TRAVEL

Involve your teen in travel decisions

By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes

Traveling with teens? Plan ahead for memory-making good times. Here are five ideas to consider.

1. Plan together.

Teens are developing adults, and most want to be included in choosing a destination or planning activities. When possible, offer your teen a portion of the trip to research or manage on his or her own. Consider a long list of hotels, resorts and cruise lines that offer special spaces, social programs, sports competitions, dance classes and Wi-Fi packages designed to keep everyone happy.

2. Teens and tech.

It’s difficult to engage in conversation or share an experience when competing with a phone or tablet. Let your teen know how much you and other family members, especially grandparents, value the time together. While some families may be able to ban technology completely during a vacation, most will seek a workable compromise. The cost of connecting to Wi-Fi on cruise ships and some resorts may factor into your plan. Discuss defining techfree zones such as dining tables, beach chairs or tour lectures. Agree, for example, that plane, train, airports and defined personal time are free zones for pursuing individual interests.

3. Sleep matters.

While you and other family members or fellow travelers might want to be first in line on the chair lift, at the museum or for the city tour, remember that if your teen is a fan of sleeping in and staying up late at home, the habit is not likely to disappear on the road. Be realistic. Talk it through. And proceed accordingly. Home rentals or suite hotels provide separate sleep spaces that accommodate both early risers and night owls.

4. Compromise, compromise.

At different life stages, you and the teens in your life are likely to have varied interests. Talk through the options for transportation, dining, activities and lodging. Define the sticking points and agree to disagree on some items. While working out the kinks is part of the growth process, tours designed to appeal to adults and teens may provide built-in solutions.

5. Seek new horizons.

Use travel as an opportunity to introduce your young travel companion to new experiences. Even if you have to nudge a little. From sushi and sashimi and smelly cheeses, to a long hike or paddle, to off-the-beaten path museums and theater performances, there is a first time for everything. You may spark a lifetime interest or provide fodder for future career conversations. By encouraging teens to move away from the familiar while in a safe environment, they’ll have more confidence when the time comes to go it alone. And that time will come before you know it.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.

KASHTA WITH XCITE

Making your outdoorsy time even more magical

By bazaar Staff

As the camping season (AKA kashta for the uninitiated) sweeps across Kuwait, it’s time to gather friends and family for unforgettable adventures under the open skies. Whether you’re setting up camp in the desert, by the beach having the right gear can make all the difference. At Xcite, they are here to help you elevate your kashta experience with electronics and gadgets designed for the outdoors.

Stay Connected and Entertained

Camping doesn’t mean leaving entertainment behind. With the Wansa 32-inch HD Smart Portable TV, you can bring the big screen wherever you go. Lightweight and easy to carry, this TV is perfect for movie nights under the stars or catching up on your favorite shows. Its smart features ensure access to a variety of streaming platforms, making it a must-have for any outdoor adventure. Pair it with portable speakers to create a complete outdoor entertainment setup.

Power Up, Anywhere

Keeping your devices charged during kashta is essential, and Xcite’s range of high-capacity power banks has you covered. From trusted brands like Anker, Belkin and EQ, these power banks offer fast charging and long-lasting performance. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or camping gadgets, these compact and portable solutions ensure you stay powered up throughout your trip. Choose from various capacities to suit your needs, from quick top-ups to full-day power backup.

Technology Meets Adventure

For those who love blending adventure with technology, Xcite offers a range of gadgets that make outdoor living more convenient. From rugged smartwatches to monitor your activities to compact projectors for a cinematic experience, there’s something to suit every camper’s taste.

Your Trusted Partner for Kashta

At Xcite, they take pride in being your go-to destination for all things electronics, including kashta essentials. With our wide range of products tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, you can focus on making memories while we take care of the tech. Visit our stores or explore our online selection to prepare for your next adventure.

This kashta season, let Xcite be part of your journey. Gear up, gather your loved ones, and create moments to cherish in the beauty of Kuwait’s great outdoors.

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.

Comfort in the Wild

Make your kashta nights cozy with outdoor heating solutions from Xcite. Xcite offers high-quality heaters from trusted brands like wansa designed to keep you warm and comfortable. Perfect for outdoor gatherings and camping trips, these heaters combine efficiency with style, ensuring your adventures are always enjoyable.

SECURITY IN THE FUTURE

Say Goodbye to Passwords

By Jared Newman

It’s been a couple of years since Apple, Google, and Microsoft started trying to kill the password, and its demise seems more likely than ever.

In 2022, all three companies embraced an alternative called passkeys, which sync securely between your devices and are protected by face recognition, a fingerprint, or a PIN. The thinking goes that if you don’t have to remember a password—or even create one in a password manager—you’re less likely to fall prey to phishing scams. And if websites don’t have to store their customers’ passwords anymore, security breaches won’t be as disastrous.

Despite a lot of early hype around passkeys, the initial rollout has been messy. Apps and websites all have different ideas about how to introduce the concept of not needing a password anymore, and storing passkeys with third-party password managers such as Bitwarden and 1Password can be a convoluted process. Worst of all, there’s no way to transfer all your passkeys to another platform or password manager, turning them into yet another form ecosystem lock-in.

All of that is finally changing. The FIDO Alliance, the industry group spearheading the passkey push, is putting out some much-needed guidelines to make passkeys usage feel more consistent from one site to the next, and the big tech platforms are getting better at letting you store passkeys in your preferred password manager. Work is also underway on a protocol to let people securely switch between password managers and take all their passkeys with them.

All this is contributing to an air of inevitability for passkeys, especially as major e-commerce players such as Amazon and Shopify get on board. Even if you’re not fully attuned to the passkey movement, you’ll soon have to go out of your way to avoid it.

Boosting adoption

One of the biggest challenges for passkeys is inertia. People aren’t used to the idea of signing in without a password, and having to set up a passkey can be confusing or annoying, especially when it gets in the way of using the site you just logged into.

There’s no easy answer to this problem, but the FIDO Alliance has set up a a Passkey Central website to walk companies through the potential solutions. It lays out different strategies for getting users to adopt passkeys, and it encourages the entire industry adopt similar visual cues and messaging.

“I think this guidance that we’re giving—this step-by-step support, helping people along those journeys—will be another way of addressing these pain points,” Shikiar says.

Embracing password mangers

When passkeys first launched a couple of years ago, third-party password managers seemed like an afterthought.

If you set up a passkey on an iPhone, for instance, it would automatically be stored in Apple’s iCloud Keychain, even if you preferred to use third-party option such as Bitwarden or 1Password. When those password managers eventually added passkey support, they had to rely on hacky workarounds to store them.

Thankfully, that’s changing too. Apple now supports saving and accessing passkeys in thirdparty password managers, and Microsoft says it will soon let Windows users choose a default third-party passkey manager. Google, meanwhile, is updating Chrome for Android so its autofill feature uses whatever password manager you set as the default at the system level.

Take them with you

Even as it gets easier to store passkeys in your preferred password manager, there’s still no way to transfer them in bulk. If you’re a longtime 1Password user who wants to switch to Apple’s Passwords app, for instance, the passkeys you’ve created in 1Password are stuck there.

Now, the FIDO Alliance is proposing a solution with the Credential Exchange Format and Credential Exchange Protocol. The former provides a universally-recognized data format for logins, while the latter specifies how password managers can transfer that data among themselves.

CXF and CXP aren’t just for passkeys. They also cover traditional passwords, providing a secure way to switch to a new password manager. Today, your

only option is to export a .CSV spreadsheet of all your logins, then upload it elsewhere, and in the meantime anyone with access to that spreadsheet can see all your logins in plain text. CXF and CXP are still in the working draft stage, but the goal is for them to provide a more secure way to switch.

“I think it’s really cool that we’re doing this,” FIDO’s Andrew Shikiar says. “We want to be secure, we want to interoperate, we want to be competitive, and we’ve seen that bear out.”

Gaining traction

Shikiar says he’s happy with the progress passkeys have made over the past two years. He points to a recent survey the FIDO Alliance conducted, showing that 40% of consumers has some awareness of passkeys. He also pointed to a recent Amazon announcement that 175 million of its customers have enabled passkeys on their accounts.

The next big goal will be to bring financial service providers on board. The earliest passkey support tend to be e-commerce and hospitality services whose main goal is ease-of-access, he says, the greater proof point will be adoption from companies see the security benefits of passkeys as well.

Once that happens, he expects the password to feel increasingly obsolete. “To be clear, there will be scenarios where we’re still using passwords in five years,” he says, “but less and less.”

Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash.

SEASONAL FAVORITES

Gingerbread Latte

Toffee Cake Latte

Iced or Hot

Iced or Hot

Turkey Cranberry Simit

Toffee Cake Hot Chocolate

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Revolutionize Your Hair Care Routine with Revlon’s Latest Innovations

By bazaar Staff

Start 2025 with a fresh approach to hair styling! Revlon proudly introduces its newest collection of cutting-edge hair devices, designed to bring professional-grade results into your daily routine. Each tool combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making salon-quality hair care more accessible than ever.

1. The Ultimate On-the-Go Drying Companion:

Revlon Air Flow Dryer

Transform your morning routine with the compact yet powerful Revlon Air Flow Dryer. This lightweight marvel packs professional-grade performance into a travel-friendly design, making it your perfect styling companion wherever life takes you.

The Air Flow Dryer features advanced ionic technology that significantly reduces frizz while enhancing your hair’s natural shine. Its dual

voltage capability ensures you can achieve perfect styles anywhere in the world. The versatile three heat and two speed settings allow you to customize your drying experience to match your hair type and desired style. For a long-lasting finish, the cool shot button helps lock in your look. The thoughtfully designed ergonomic folding handle makes storage and packing a breeze, while the included concentrator attachment enables precise styling when you need it most.

2. Dry and Straighten Hair in Just One Step:

Revlon AirStraight

Say goodbye to juggling multiple tools! The Revlon AirStraight combines the power of a dryer with the precision of a straightener, cutting your styling time in half while delivering impeccable results.

At the heart of this innovative device is the groundbreaking air-flow technology that simultaneously dries and straightens your hair. The ceramic-coated plates glide smoothly through your

locks, ensuring snag-free styling every time. A built-in ionic generator works continuously to combat frizz, leaving your hair sleek and manageable. The digital temperature control system features an easy-toread LCD display, putting precise heat settings at your fingertips. With a rapid 30-second heat-up time, you’ll be ready to style at a moment’s notice. For your peace of mind, an automatic shut-off feature activates after extended use. The floating plates adjust automatically to maintain even pressure distribution, ensuring consistent results from root to tip.

3. Now Achieve Even More Styles in One Step:

Revlon One-Step™ Blow-Dry Air Styler 5-in-1

Experience the ultimate in versatility with the most innovative styling tool yet. The Revlon OneStep™ Blow-Dry Air Styler 5-in-1 adapts to your styling needs with interchangeable attachments that create endless possibilities.

This revolutionary styling system comes complete with five professional attachments, each designed to perfect a specific look. The oval brush attachment creates stunning volume and shine, while the round brush delivers bouncy, salon-worthy blowouts. For those seeking sleek, straight styles, the paddle brush attachment provides smooth, professional results. The diffuser attachment helps define and enhance natural curls, and the concentrator enables precise drying and styling for any hair type.

The styler’s ceramic titanium barrel ensures even heat distribution throughout your styling session, while the advanced ionic technology reduces frizz by up to 75%. With three heat and speed settings plus a cool option, you have complete control over your styling experience. The ergonomically designed handle fits comfortably in your hand for extended styling sessions, and the tangle-free swivel cord provides unlimited range of motion as you style.

Transform your hair care routine this New Year with Revlon’s latest innovations. The professionalgrade tools bring the salon experience home, making it easier than ever to achieve the styles you love. Whether you’re traveling, rushing to work, or creating multiple looks, Revlon has the perfect solution for your hair styling needs.

THE MOST PISSED OFF PEOPLE ON THE PLANET

The internet is falling in love with the drama on the Crumbl cookie subreddit

By Eve Upton-Clark

Allow me to introduce you to my new favorite place on the internet: the Crumbl cookie subreddit.  The fan-run subreddit r/CrumblCookies, which boasts 77,000 members, recently went viral after a user on X posted about how much everyone on there seems to actually hate Crumbl cookies. “They’re the most pissed off people on the planet,” the X user adds.

A quick scroll down the page includes detailed reviews of the different rotating weekly menu items, hidden behind spoiler warnings, customers vote pairing for different store locations’ Customer Pick Days, and offering up their top ten cookie rankings for judgement. The one thing they have in common? They all take their cookies seriously.

One fan went to the lengths of buying extra of their favorite flavor to freeze – the brownie sundae, in case you were wondering – to defrost five months later and post a side-by-side comparison to the re-released version. “Spoiler alert: no comparison, Crumbl has once again done us dirty,” declared the unhappy customer. The new cookie, they describe “is a flat, overcooked, dry husky of a cookie.” The only flavor, they describe, is burnt, compared to the deep chocolate of the OG which “tastes like a brownie (and not cardboard).”

Others have taken umbrage over the recent pie offerings. “Has Crumbl lost there fucking minds? An entire week of only pies,” one Redditor posted in an angry rant last month. “They could done one or two. All 6 options are pies. this is ridiculous.”

If those posting on the subreddit are so critical of the dessert chain, what keeps them coming back for more? “Is this some sort of gambling addiction type of thing?” one non-American Reddit user asks on the subreddit. Loyal fans were quick to jump to Crumbl’s defence. “They are a very specific cookie experience,” one replied. “I don’t just enjoy them, I love them,” added another.

It seems customers aren’t the only ones lurking on the subreddit. “I worked for Crumbl’s corporate team and I am not joking when I tell you they had to basically take away the CEO’s phone because he was addicted to doomscrolling this subreddit. He almost fired an entire department because someone leaked a cookie lineup,” one user commented under the initial post on X. “He was assigned a PR assistant to handle his socials because the redditors found his burner account,” they added. “Also because he wouldn’t stop posting combative tiktoks.”

Photo by James Trenda

on Unsplash.

LOVING CARE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE

Discover the Magic of Septona Baby Wipes

By bazaar Staff

Every parent knows that magical moment when your baby’s eyes light up after feeling fresh and clean. That’s exactly why we’re excited to tell you about Septona Baby Wipes – your perfect partner in keeping your precious little one comfortable and happy throughout the day.

Your Baby’s Gentle Touch of Comfort

Picture this: a wipe so soft it feels like cotton clouds, enriched with nature’s most soothing ingredients. That’s what makes Septona Baby Wipes truly special. These wonderful wipes bring together the calming touch of chamomile and the nourishing power of vitamin E to pamper your baby’s delicate skin. It’s like giving your little one a gentle hug with every wipe!

Want to know what makes parents fall in love with these wipes? It’s the perfect blend of natural goodness and practical care. Imagine having the gentle healing properties of aloe vera in every wipe, keeping your baby’s skin soft and happy. And here’s something that’ll make you smile –these wipes are 96% pure water, mixed with plantbased fibers, making them as natural as morning dew.

We know how precious your little one’s skin is, which is why Septona has created these wipes to be completely free from harsh chemicals like parabens and ethanol. They’re so gentle, you can use them from day one, giving you complete peace of mind. And the best part? They’re perfect for everything – from quick face cleanups to diaper changes, making them your trusted companion whether you’re at home or out and about.

Creating Cozy Winter Moments with Your Baby

As the winter winds blow, your baby needs extra special care to stay snuggly and comfortable. Let’s create a simple, loving routine that will keep your little one happy throughout the cold season.

Morning Snuggles and Care

Start your day with a warm, gentle bath using Septona Baby Shampoo & Bath. It’s like wrapping your baby in a soft, caring embrace. After bath time, treat your little one to a loving massage with Septona Baby Body Oil – it’s your secret weapon against dry winter skin! Follow up with Septona Baby Moisturizer to seal in all that goodness. Throughout the day, make diaper changes a breeze with Septona Baby Wipes. Their gentle touch keeps your baby clean and comfortable. Don’t forget to apply Septona Baby Calm N’ Care Nappy Rash Protective Cream – it’s like a protective shield for your baby’s sensitive skin, with amazing ingredients like Hypericum extracts and Panthenol that work together to keep rashes at bay.

Afternoon Freshness

Keep those tiny hands and sweet face clean with quick Septona Baby Wipes touch-ups. If you notice any dry patches, a little dab of moisturizer will keep that baby-soft skin happy and protected.

Bedtime Cuddles

End your day with a gentle clean-up using either warm water or the super-soft Septona Max Wet Wipes. Then comes everyone’s favorite part – bedtime massage! A few drops of Septona Baby Body Oil will help your little one drift off to dreamland. Add a layer of moisturizer and finish with a fresh diaper change using your trusty Septona Baby Wipes.

Remember, your loving touch combined with these gentle products creates a cocoon of comfort for your baby during the chilly winter months. Every

wipe, every gentle pat, and every tender moment helps your little one grow happy and healthy. After all, there’s nothing more precious than your baby’s comfort and joy!

Snuggle up, stay warm, and enjoy these precious moments with your little bundle of joy! Find Septona products at roomserviceq8. com and all major supermarkets and co-ops. Follow @septonakuwait to learn more about their full line of products.

HOPE THIS EMAIL FINDS YOU WELL

How do I get people to respond to my emails?

By Kathleen Davis

Q: How do I get people to respond to my emails?

A: This is the equally annoying cousin to being ghosted at work. And while it’s frustrating to be the one who takes the time to write an email that is ignored, when you consider the sheer volume of emails we receive every day, it’s understandable that so many go unanswered.

By some estimates, the average office worker gets 120 emails a day. Responding to all of those messages would consume the entire workday. I admit I delete nearly every single mass email and generic PR pitch I receive.

So, how do you write an email that not only gets noticed but also responded to? Think of what gets you to respond to an email. Chances are higher that you’ll respond if you know the sender, if the subject line is clear, if the email is short and easy to skim, and if what is being asked of you is easy to decipher and your response can be quick.

Let’s break each of those down:

Establish familiarity

If you’re sending an email to a colleague, you’ve already overcome this hurdle—but if you’re emailing someone outside of your company, you have to rise above the spam. Adding a genuine personal touch is a good way to break though the generic “hope you are well.”

You don’t have to lay it on too thick, but a sentence opener with some sort of personal connection or something that will jog their memory on how they know you (Know they have kids? “I hope the beginning of the school year is going well.” Met them at a conference? “I enjoyed talking to you after the workshop at the Innovation Festival.”)

Write a clear subject line

When I was in college, one of my journalism professors told the class that the copy editor is the most widely read journalist at any newspaper because they wrote the headlines and captions. While that’s not the way it works in all newsrooms, it’s stuck with me. It’s human nature to skim. Your email subject line is your headline; you have to make it click-worthy if you want the rest of the content to be read.

Put your ask right there in the subject line: “Panelist invite,” “Questions about budget.” You can also put your connection in the subject line if your name won’t be familiar to them “Recommended by Kathleen Davis,” or “Met at last week’s conference.” If you know the receiver gets a lot of similar emails, you can call out how yours is different. For example, I advise freelance journalists pitching me to put “Freelance Pitch:” in the subject line so it will rise above the PR din. Sometimes people don’t respond to your email because it’s not clear if you need a response. If

your email is just informational, you can say that in the subject line or right up top of your email. If you need a response (especially by a certain date or time), make that clear at the end of your subject line: “Newsletter Ideas – Response Needed by Friday.”

Get to the point

Another rule of journalism that applies to email: Don’t bury the lede. Put the most important information (why the reader should care) up top. From there, keep it short. According to an emailmarketing study, the best response rate came from emails that were between 50 and 125 words. That’s not a lot. (This paragraph is about 60 words long.)

You don’t need to stress too much about keeping emails that short, but you should certainly try to keep it under 500 words if you want the whole thing to get read.

It’s also helpful to break out questions or information with bullet points or a numbered list. If your email is about more than one thing, consider adding headings like in this article, even if what’s under the heading is just one sentence. The headings can even be a person’s name if you are sending to a group and different items or questions are for individuals.

Photo by Never Dull Studio on Unsplash.

DASHE BEAUTY

Say hello to your next beauty destination

By bazaar Staff

DASHE Beauty is a testament to the power of a well-conceived brand that seamlessly blends personal identity, luxury and cutting-edge beauty services. Found by Deema and Dalal AlShaye, DASHE Beauty has quickly become a premier destination for high-end beauty treatments in Kuwait. The brand’s journey from concept to execution highlights its commitment to excellence, minimalism and an elevated client experience.

From its inception, DASHE Beauty was built on a strategic vision that extended far beyond creating just another beauty salon. The founders, Deema and Dalal Alshaye anticipated the needs of a discerning market. They aimed to establish a holistic beauty ecosystem that caters to a premium clientele, particularly in residential areas. This decision to locate DASHE Beauty in a tranquil residential neighborhood in Yarmouk was part of a broader strategy to offer convenience without sacrificing luxury. This approach allowed DASHE to serve clients who value exclusivity and accessibility, effectively avoiding the congestion typical of high-traffic commercial zones.

The vision for DASHE Beauty includes expanding into other residential areas and thereby establishing a network of premium beauty destinations across Kuwait. This forward-thinking strategy positions DASHE not just as a participant in the beauty industry but also as a trendsetter and market leader. This is portrayed effortlessly by the stunning interiors and brand identity, created by tb.d studio https://tbd. studio.

DASHE Beauty exemplifies how a carefully crafted brand, grounded in personal identity and a commitment to luxury, can rapidly ascend to prominence in a competitive market. By offering premium services, embracing minimalistic yet impactful design and constantly innovating. DASHE Beauty has successfully created a unique and enduring brand that resonates with Kuwait’s discerning clientele. The management’s role in managing and orchestrating every aspect of this journey, from concept creation to execution, has been pivotal in ensuring DASHE Beauty’s success and growth.

DASHE Beauty is located in Yarmouk Block 4, Saqran Mall. For more information, please call 66307999 and follow @dashebeautykw on Instagram.

CARA Multi-Modal Tool

Developed by dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, this versatile tool targets breakout-prone skin while restoring a healthy glow and smoother texture. It mimics in-office treatments for at-home use. Benefits: Best used at night with topical skincare products, it works for about 10 minutes to rejuvenate the skin, leaving it plumper and more radiant.

Therabody Theraface Depuffing Wand

This innovative wand offers customizable hot and cold therapy, allowing users to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and minimize pores with cooling effects, or enhance circulation and product absorption with heating. The contoured applicator is designed for precision, making it effective for hard-to-reach areas like under the eyes, promoting a refreshed appearance

Oura Ring Generation 3

The Oura Ring tracks sleep, activity, heart rate variability, and body temperature. The latest generation includes improved sensors for more accurate health insights and a longer battery life. It provides personalized insights into your health and wellness, helping users optimize their sleep and fitness routines.

Withings Body Comp Scale

This smart scale measures weight, body composition (fat mass, muscle mass, water percentage), and heart rate. It connects to the Withings Health Mate app for comprehensive tracking. The Body Comp Scale helps users monitor their overall health trends over time, making it easier to achieve fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Canon EOS R8

The Canon EOS R8 features a 24.2MP fullframe sensor, dual pixel autofocus, and 4K video recording capabilities. It is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for both enthusiasts and professionals. This camera is designed for versatility, offering excellent low-light performance and high-speed continuous shooting, making it suitable for various photography styles, from portraits to action shots.

GOPRO HERO12 BLACK

The GoPro HERO12 Black features improved image stabilization, a new larger sensor for better lowlight performance, and the ability to shoot in 5.3K video at 60fps. It also supports live streaming and has enhanced battery life. This action camera is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, providing rugged durability and versatile mounting options, allowing users to capture high-quality footage in extreme conditions.

Source: bestproducts.com

RAGNAROK: MONSTER WORLD

A thrilling real-time 1:1 strategy game set in the beloved Ragnarok Online universe. Take control as the character in-game, leading your monster deck to victory!

KAFKA’S METAMORPHOSIS

A emotional short-form story game based on the life of Czech writer Franz Kafka and his most famous novella. It captures Kafka’s struggle to live as a writer while being pressured to fulfill roles as a young man, employee, and eldest son.

RUBBER DUCK: IDLE GAME

Embark on an extraordinary RPG journey with Rubber Duck: Idle Game, a standout title in the Role-Playing and Adventure Games category. This enchanting role play duck game invites you to follow the idle adventures of Rubber Duck Q, an ordinary rubber duck who unexpectedly joins the superhero team of the Super Ducks.

TINY CAFE

A new cozy cafe game from the developers of Forest Island, a relaxing animal game downloaded by 5 million players who love beautiful nature and animals!

LETTER BURP

It’s a good time to play something different (and chaotic). Get ready for a juicy letter stacking game never seen before!

MEMORY STAMPS

Memory Stamps is an elegant puzzle game that combines a few a proven methods to enhance visual memory and helps you relax.

HEALING LITTLE HEARTS

Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Ali Alhassan’s Journey in Children’s Cardiac Care

By bazaar Staff

In the complex world of pediatric medicine, few specialties require the delicate balance of technical expertise and compassionate care quite like pediatric cardiology. Dr. Ali Alhassan, a distinguished pediatric cardiologist at Taiba Hospital, shares his insights with bazaar on children’s heart health, offering hope and guidance to families navigating this challenging terrain.

The Heart of the Matter: Understanding Pediatric Heart Conditions

“The most common reason for referring a child to a pediatric cardiologist is the presence of an extra sound in the heart, what we call a heart murmur,” explains Dr. Alhassan, addressing a concern that often worries parents. He emphasizes an important point that many parents need to hear: “What parents need to know is that the presence of an extra sound in the heart does not mean that there is something wrong in their child’s heart. More than half of children with normal hearts will have an extra sound at some stage of their lives.”

Early Detection and Warning Signs

Understanding when and how heart conditions can be detected is crucial for parents. Dr. Alhassan notes that detection can begin even before birth: “A congenital heart defect can be detected when the child is still a fetus in the womb by a specific ultrasound of the heart called fetal echocardiography.”

For newborns and young children, he outlines several key symptoms parents should watch for: “Poor or slow feeding, fast breathing especially on feeding, excessive sweating on feeding, blue discoloration of the lips or tongue, failing to gain good weight.” For older children, the signs may include “getting short of breath during exercise or activities, getting tired very easily, fainting during exercise, and swelling in the hands, ankles or feet.”

The Genetic Connection

The role of genetics in pediatric heart disease is complex. “Congenital heart defects affect approximately one in every 100 newborns,” Dr. Alhassan reveals. “While for the majority of cases there is no known reason, genetics does play some part. There is an overall 3 times increased risk for congenital heart disease when a first-degree relative has a congenital heart disease.”

Modern Medicine’s Impact

Technology has revolutionized both diagnosis and treatment. “Major advances have occurred in treating heart defects by percutaneous cardiac intervention,” Dr. Alhassan shares enthusiastically. “This means less traumatic experiences for both the patient and their family, fewer days of hospital stays, and fewer complications in general.”

A Personal Touch in Treatment

Dr. Alhassan’s approach to treatment emphasizes family involvement. “It is very important that the parents have all the information about the nature of the disease, management plan, prognosis and options available for treatment,” he states. “Their full understanding of the medical problem and the different options available is crucial to achieve compliance with the management plan.”

Looking to the Future

When asked about lifestyle factors affecting children’s heart health, Dr. Alhassan emphasizes prevention: “Today’s children are the future’s adults. It is crucial that they have a healthy lifestyle regarding diet, exercise and avoiding toxins that will impact their health as children and adults.”

A Story of Hope

Perhaps nothing illustrates the impact of pediatric cardiology better than success stories. Dr. Alhassan shares a particularly moving one: “I always remember a 9-year-old girl, Fatima, who we treated in one of our humanitarian missions to a warzone country. She and her family stayed in touch with our team for many years after the surgery. She is now in her final year of medical school saying ‘I want to be a doctor to help others, just like the way you helped me.’”

Dispelling Common Myths

Dr. Alhassan is passionate about addressing misconceptions: “Another misconception is that any defect or hole in the heart is a major issue that needs surgery. In fact, a large proportion of these

‘holes’ in the heart does not need any intervention and mostly will close by itself.”

Preventive Measures and Parent Advice

For parents concerned about their children’s heart health, Dr. Alhassan offers practical advice: “Parents should start from an early age teaching their child how to eat a healthy diet and avoid or at least limit fast food intake. Also, they need to limit their children’s exposure to technology screens and encourage more outdoor activities and exercise to lead a healthy life.”

The field of pediatric cardiology continues to evolve, bringing new hope to families facing cardiac challenges. Through the dedicated work of specialists like Dr. Alhassan, children with heart conditions have increasingly positive outcomes and brighter futures ahead.

Taiba Hospital is located in Sabah Al Salem, off of route 30 on Road 3. Call them 24 hours at 180 80 88. For updates and information, visit the website taibahospital.com, and follow them on Instagram @taibahospital.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRIM

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Cast: John Rhys-Davies, Miranda Otto, Richard Armitage

Synopsis: A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg.

BABYGIRL

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Lawrence, David Oyelowo

Synopsis: A gripping thriller about a young woman who must navigate a dangerous game of survival and deception.

THE HELLFIRE CLUB

By Peter Straub, Psychological Thriller

They are dying, one by one. Wealthy, middleaged women in an exclusive Connecticut suburb. Their murderer remains at large. Nora Chancel, wife of publishing scion Davey Chancel, fears she may be next. After all, her past has branded her a victim. Then Davey tells Nora a surreal story about the Hellfire Club, where years before he met an obsessed fan of Chancel House’s most successful book, Night Journey--a book that has a strange history of its own. Suddenly terror engulfs Nora: She must defend herself against fantastic accusations even as a madman l

Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi, a trailblazing 19th-century physician, defied societal norms and challenged the male-dominated medical establishment. Her groundbreaking research and advocacy for women’s health rights revolutionized the field. “The Cure for Women” delves into her extraordinary life, highlighting her struggles and triumphs. Jacobi’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and equality paved the way for future generations of women in medicine. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women to break down barriers and pursue their dreams.

THE SHADOWED LAND

The Shadowed Land is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 19th-century England. The story follows a young woman named Elara, who is forced to flee her homeland and seek refuge in a mysterious and dangerous world. As she navigates this unfamiliar landscape, she encounters a captivating and enigmatic man who will change the course of her life forever. Filled with suspense, romance, and historical intrigue, The Shadowed Land is a thrilling journey into the past.

UNDER LOCH AND KEY

By Lana Ferguson, Romance

Keyanna “Key” MacKay is used to secrets. Raised by a single father who never divulged his past, it’s only after his death that she finds herself thrust into the world he’d always refused to speak of. With just a childhood bedtime story about a monster that saved her father’s life and the name of her estranged grandmother to go off of, Key has no idea what she’ll find in Scotland. But repeating her father’s mistakes and being rescued by a gorgeous, angry Scotsman--who thinks she’s an idiot--is definitely the last thing she expects.

What the Wife Knew is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a seemingly perfect couple whose lives unravel after a shocking discovery. When a young woman is found dead, the wife of a prominent attorney becomes entangled in a web of lies, deceit, and danger. As she delves deeper into the truth, she uncovers a dark secret that could destroy everything she holds dear. With each twist and turn, the suspense builds, leaving readers guessing until the final page.

I WILL SCREAM TO THE WORLD

by Jaha Marie Dukureh, Non Fiction

Source: Goodreads.com

This poignant memoir by Jaha Marie Dukureh shares her incredible journey from growing up in Gambia to becoming an activist against child marriage and female genital mutilation. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the fight for justice, aiming to inspire and empower young girls everywhere

by Signe Pike, Sci-Fi

THE CURE FOR WOMEN

by Lydia Reeder, Non Fiction

WHAT THE WIFE KNEW

by Darby Kane, Thriller

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 - DEC 21

December brings a mix of calm and excitement for Sagittarius. The month begins with a focus on personal growth and introspection. As the month progresses, opportunities for travel and adventure arise. However, it’s important to balance these desires with practical considerations. A harmonious blend of work and play will lead to overall satisfaction.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 – JAN 19

Capricorn’s December is marked by a strong focus on career and professional goals. Hard work and dedication will pay off, leading to recognition and advancement. However, be mindful of potential stress and take time for relaxation. A balance between ambition and well-being is crucial.

AQUARIUS

JAN 20 – FEB 18

Aquarius will experience a month of social activity and intellectual stimulation. Engaging in group projects and collaborating with like-minded individuals can be rewarding. However, it’s important to avoid getting caught up in drama or gossip. Focus on positive connections and creative pursuits.

PISCES

FEB 19 – MAR 19

Pisces will find themselves in a dreamy and imaginative state during December. This is a great time for artistic expression and spiritual exploration. However, avoid getting lost in fantasies and pay attention to practical matters. A balance between idealism and realism will lead to fulfillment.

ARIES

MAR 20 – APR 19

Aries will experience a surge of energy and enthusiasm in December. This is a great time to take on new challenges and pursue ambitious goals. However, be mindful of impulsive decisions and potential conflicts with others. A calm and assertive approach will lead to success.

TAURUS

APR 20 – MAY 20

Taurus will enjoy a peaceful and stable December. Focus on nurturing relationships with loved ones and creating a harmonious home environment. However, avoid overindulging in material possessions. A minimalist approach will bring greater contentment.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUN 21

Gemini’s December is filled with opportunities for communication and learning. Engage in stimulating conversations, attend workshops, or take up a new hobby. However, be mindful of spreading yourself too thin. Focus on a few key areas of interest.

CANCER

JUN 22 – JUL 22

Cancer will experience a month of introspection and emotional depth. Take time to connect with your inner self and nurture your emotional needs. However, avoid withdrawing from social interactions. A balance between solitude and connection will lead to emotional well-being.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22

Leo’s December is marked by a strong focus on creativity and selfexpression. Engage in artistic pursuits, such as painting, writing, or music. However, be mindful of ego-driven behavior and potential conflicts with others. A humble and cooperative approach will lead to positive outcomes.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22

Virgo will experience a productive and organized December. Focus on practical tasks and attention to detail. However, avoid overworking and neglecting your health. A balanced approach to work and leisure will lead to overall well-being.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22

Libra’s December is filled with social events and romantic opportunities. Spend time with loved ones and enjoy the company of friends. However, be mindful of impulsive spending and superficial relationships. Focus on building deep and meaningful connections.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22

Scorpio will experience a transformative period in December. Focus on personal growth and spiritual development. However, avoid dwelling on the past or harboring resentment. A positive outlook and a willingness to let go of the past will lead to a brighter future.