AlRai, The Avenues, Souq Sharq, Al-Kout, Boulevard, Promenade
Made to bring magic to every moment.
Do you also feel like you just blinked, and it’s suddenly March? And we don’t think that things are going to slow down this month either. Our calendars are already starting to fill up quickly! Starting with International Women’s Day on the 8th, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, empower and champion the women around us. Next, we have Mother’s Day, the perfect chance to thank not just our own moms but everyone who has helped raise children. Finally, Ramadan starts and we’re already craving the deliciousness Ramadan feasting brings us and connecting with people we care about. And just because we know that there are history nerds amongst you reading this, the Ides of March.
It’s probably our fault for feeling that we are constantly chasing time, but this issue covers a diverse range of things that we’re excited to be sharing with you. Starting with the movers and shakers in Kuwait, we met up with Liaah, a 20-year-old model, singer, songwriter, creative, content creator, and self-taught nail artist. She loves experimenting with the content that she puts out into the world, from her outfits to her music, to the nail designs she makes on her re-opened business. In this issue, you will also meet Dana Dowmut, Kuwaiti artist and photographer. Her body of work is both personal and professional editorial. She has worked with Marie Claire, Jean Paul Gaultier, Emirates Women, Puma, and other brands that appreciate the sentimental quality of her photos. Her passion is mainly capturing women and historical traditional images. We were also fortunate enough to attend the premiere of Netflix’s latest local production, The Exchange, and we interviewed the cast and crew to get an exciting look into the past of pioneering women in the 80s in the field of money and power.
Exciting news always gives us a healthy appetite and the best place to work that off is at Edo, one of our all-time favorite authentic Japanese restaurants in Kuwait. This month, we take you with us as we experience and fall in love with their menu all over again in Salmiya’s Al Khaled Complex. If you’re after full blown Ramadan fanfare, then Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya should be your destination of choice! Interweaving exquisite cuisine, live music, and signature Four Seasons hospitality, Ramadan season at the hotel promises a spellbinding atmosphere.
If you are planning a Eid getaway, start planning right away. Our friends at Jazeera Airways and some of Kuwait’s favorite social media stars took to the skies and give us the low-down on several cities to inspire you for your next trip!
Happy reading!
Ahmed El-AdlyThe bazaar team...
Boss
Ahmed El-Adly
Editor
Alia Al Duaij
Operations Manager
Ihab Youssef
Content Manager
Yasmine El Charif
Mixed Media Solutions
Jennifer Cádiz
Account Manager
Ali Al-Hassan
Design
Shadi Mofeed
Staff Writer/Online Media
Mariam Raslan
Yasmin Gamal
Sahira Ladha
Ahmed Mikail
Contributing Writers
Rasha Ezzeddine
Craig Loomis
Hamad Al Khudher
Contributing Photographers
Muneera Alkhulaifi
Communications
Hala Y. Sharara
Syndicates & Sources
Fast Company
LA Times
MCT International
Newsweek
Printing
British Industries for Printing and Packaging
Introducing this new series of discussions by Hamad Al Khudher centered on the idea of sustainability in Kuwait, the businesses leading this movement, and locating tools to assist the general public in making wiser decisions. In his first interview, we got to know more about Hussain Jassim, the founder of The Sanity Store.
In this edition of Up Close and Personal, we meet Kuwaiti artist and photographer Dana Dowmut. Her photographic work is both personal and professional editorial, working with Marie Claire, Jean Paul Gaultier, Emirates Women, Puma, and other brands that appreciate the sentimental quality of her photos. Flip through to read more!
Liaah is a 20 year old model, singer, songwriter, creative, content creator, and self-taught nail artist. She loves experimenting with the content that she puts out into the world, from her outfits to her music, to the nail designs she makes on her reopened business.
“The Exchange” is the talk of the town for good reason! We deeply appreciated the show’s insight (and the outfits!) into what it was like for women in finance during 80s Kuwait and how they broke through barriers and created a space for themselves in an extremely male-dominated industry at the time. We caught up with the cast and crew of the Netflix original show to learn more, flip through to read this exciting feature.
There is an art to setting a table. We want our plates and bowls to highlight the food we worked so hard to perfect. We look for high-quality items that are food safe, easy to clean and can last us forever. And we’ve found it all this Ramadan at MUJI.
Jazeera Airways has always brought us great travel destinations, but recently they have been working even harder on broadening our horizons. Recently, some of our favorite influencers have been traveling the skies with Jazeera Airways to some of the fabulous destinations, and their trips have been nothing short of breathtaking.
As Lamborghini prepares to debut its first hybrid super sports car, the Italian company is celebrating its iconic naturally-aspirated V12 with the Invencible Coupe and Auténtica roadster: Two unique cars that showcase the brand’s DNA and epitomize its focus on personalization.
Taste the wonderful flavors of Japan in true form at Edo, a classic and popular Japanese Restaurant now located at Al Khaled Complex. With over 21 years of experience in Kuwait, Edo continuously proves its rightful place amongst the elite and consistently strives to be one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in the country.
bazaarmagazine bazaarTube bazaargram bazaartweets
members of:
www.bpaww.com
bazaar magazine became a member of BPA Worldwide in June 2010, a renouned agency which ensures complete transparency, and verifies bazaar as an audited publication which distributes 10,000 copies on a monthly basis. To access our BPA report, please visit www. bpaww.com or log onto our website www.bazaar. town for a downloadable pdf version.
what's trending
March 2023
#4
What: @cecakekw
Info: Gluten Free Cakes
Editor’s Note: Great news for the people who can’t digest gluten.
What: @tehaf.kw
Info: The largest website in Kuwait specialized in Vases and decorations
Editor’s Note: Because we appreciate the unique.
What: @powactivewear
Info: Local activewear brand
Editor’s Note: Look cute while you work out!
What: @brioandelan
Info: All your graphic design needs
Editor’s Note: Get your Ramadan cards now.
What: @thelondonerblog
Info: Seeing London through a different lens
Editor’s Note: Get travel inspo for your next trip.
shop the latest color drop — available at Grand Plaza, The Avenues & online at www.aloyoga.com.kw
By bazaar Staff
All you need is a pen, paper, and your creativity to take part! Red Bull Doodle Art is open to all students and artists in Kuwait. It’s a global competition, giving wings to a new generation of creatives. The best doodler will get the opportunity to represent Kuwait at the world finals in Amsterdam, where they’ll get to showcase their art to a global audience and potentially be chosen as the winner.
The innovative global competition where art and technology meet to empower a new generation of artists is back. In Red Bull Doodle Art, participants let their minds wander and draw doodles – those spontaneous creations that happen when pen meets paper, and the imagination runs free. In this “phygital” experience involving both the physical and digital realms of art, National winners from Kuwait will be invited to the World Final in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where the 2023 Red Bull Doodle Art winner will be chosen by a panel of renowned experts. The application window is now open until April.
The 2023 edition of Red Bull Doodle Art sees the introduction of Web3 and NFTs (non-fungible
tokens). All participants who submit a valid doodle will have access to a digital collectible in the form of an NFT on the Polygon blockchain. National winners will not only receive participant digital collectibles but will be awarded with a unique finalist’s digital collectible to commemorate the honor. All NFTs will be available to claim for free via a custom blockchain wallet for participants. Participating students and creatives will put pen on paper to see where their imagination takes them. You can submit your doodle digitally or on official Red Bull Doodle Art frame, which all can be downloaded and submitted at www. redbulldoodleart.com. The national selection will happen in April where 30 doodles will be
displayed in an exhibition open to the public and one will be announced the winner based on the criteria of creativity, artistic skill and the way the doodle expresses a love for life.
From 25 to 28 May 2023, the World Final will bring together all the national finalists globally for a three-day immersive experience in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This will feature workshops, exclusive “phygital” creative sessions, public gallery and the announcement of the global winner of Red Bull Doodle Art 2023.
The time to explore your artistry is now with info available at www.redbulldoodleart.com.
By Hamad Al Khudher
Talking Greene is a series of discussions centered on the idea of sustainability in Kuwait, the group leading this movement, and locating tools to assist the general public in making wiser decisions. As a business owner in the same industry, I believe it is my responsibility to promote local organizations and individuals working to change the way we shop for goods and to increase environmental consciousness both domestically and abroad.
In our first interview, we got to know more about Hussain Jassim, the founder of The Sanity Store. A graduate with a degree in Accounting and Masters in Business Management, he worked in the corporate industry for about 12 years before taking the risk to follow his passion and start his new business, The Sanity Store, in 2019.
Could you elaborate more about the idea behind your brand The Sanity Store?
I would easily describe The Sanity Store as a one stop destination for all consumers or people that need guidance with regards to sustainability or sustainable lifestyle; how to start being more sustainable and where to start, what kind of things do they need to know. This doesn’t not only focus on products’ wise, but also services. Hence, we provide consultation services for companies, as well as one on one sessions, Training course and workshops for people. For example, we suggest to our customers on what kind of switches they need to do in their lifestyle toward reducing their carbon footprint and living a waste free lifestyle.
Such sessions and consultancy can be catered based on each individual and what they’re facing in a way. We help raise awareness as part of our social responsibility and then we’ll provide the products that can help these consumers to slowly shift their mindset and behaviors from standard living towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Has being sustainable and environmentally aware always been a passion for you or was it something that you recently came into ?
I think that started around six to seven years ago. I was always aware of what I need to get in my life vs what I want. With my love for travel and creating content, that helped trigger my thoughts and inspire a part of me to try new methods,habits and practices when exploring different cultures and markets and how they are living more consciously and aware of the products we consume on a daily basis. You also get to see their waste management system and how they recycle their products. Most, if not all of these
products, are all made from natural ingredients that were locally sourced from their regions. Seeing their way of living helped me understand more about caring for the environment and consciously more aware of my role as a human to learn and educate those around me.
With regards to your eco-friendly products, did you face any struggle in gathering information about them in the early stages? Researching was hard to do sometimes as you don’t happen to find what you need always, which was when I started around five years ago. I had to do research by reading different websites, articles, interviews, documentaries, YouTube, for example, watching interviews and other experiences whenever possible. The exposure to such environmentally friendly products was very little and targeted a niche market. When I started I had few options to choose from; but now the industry has grown exponentially is mind opening. So when I started I was always trying to find out what kind of alternative products that can
be used, But we didn’t have many options here in Kuwait due to lack of exposure, awareness and government involvement . This made me realize the big gap that exists in Kuwait market and pushed me to go ahead and start Sanity.
Since you started The Sanity Store, do you think you were able to enhance people’s awareness about sustainability and are you seeing that the industry itself is growing slowly in Kuwait? 100%. I can’t say it’s the same as when I started five years ago. However, every year there’s an improvement not only by individuals and people showing interest in this sort of lifestyle, but also by new businesses coming into the picture. Most new businesses are focused on sustainability practices in their work toward becoming more sustainable products and packaging. This could be done when they are using sustainable packaging, being ethical business or even using natural ingredients and being transparent with your consumers. Using natural ingredients helps to avoid any health problems some have faced in their life due to toxic products that are filled with harmful chemicals. I still do see that we are still the minority nowadays in Kuwait. This is due to lack of awareness with many people, or the idea of just thinking that environmentally conscious means recycling only, when it actually goes much bigger and beyond that idea.
I do hope it will grow bigger in the near future. By raising awareness, having these open conversations with our friends and families to educate each other about our impact, roles and responsibilities toward a more sustainable lifestyle and greener future.
How can the local government better support sustainable businesses?
I don’t think we have enough support from the government. I speak on behalf of not only me, but so many other sustainable businesses in Kuwait, that we’re facing the same difficulties because we are promoting a sustainable lifestyle, raising awareness, beach cleanups campaigns, voluntary works in addition to providing products
and services to the market. But it will have a much bigger impact if these initiatives were supported by governments by creating the right policies, rules, controls, measures on the government institute. Cooperation and industries to focus on how we become a sustainable country, reduce our carbon footprints to become part of the solution. Applying sustainable practices across the country is much easier if it comes from higher governmental authorities when they try to influence the people locally to lead by example and do cultural change. Such governments in Europe, for example, do their best to encourage people to recycle, raise environmental awareness, and set new rules and regulations on big companies to follow for a greener and better future.
As you mentioned before that you started in 2019 online and you have recently opened your first store, do you have any other future goals in mind for sanity?
You can consider sanity as the pillars that we started with and now we have to continue the building. A goal of mine is to be able to see local
sustainable supermarkets with all your essentials from natural products, locally produced products, handmade products and everything that helps building this sustainable community under one roof. Creating more sustainable events, activities, workshops and campaigns for kids, youth & students because they will be the future. Having opened the first sustainable physical store is a huge achievement and hopefully it will grow to become something much bigger. Hopefully that will also encourage more people to start their own sustainable brands, spreading awareness for their audience and having open discussions about sustainability among their friends. This might sound little but it has a huge impact because it will widen their thoughts and make them question the lifestyle that we are being forced to live in and try to break through that.
For more information about The Sanity Store, follow @TheSanityStore on Instagram, visit the website www.TheSanityStore.com or the physical store at Wejha Center, Pearl Marzouq in Salmiya.
Dana Dowmut is a 23-year-old Kuwaiti photographer and multidisciplinary artist that finds inspiration from regional history, surroundings and life experiences. A lot of her work revolves around details of her life, especially those involving her relationship with time. Themes of womanhood, sisterhood, friendship and childhood also play a vivid role. Due to the strong representation of women in her art, Dana has had the opportunity to work with Marie Claire, Jean Paul Gaultier, Emirates Women, Puma and other brands that appreciate the sentimental quality of her photos.
When we chatted to Dana, we asked her about what her favorite subject matter was. She explained that she feels most inspired and driven around people in her life who evoke a unique sense of love and that “the women in my life mostly fulfill the roles of a muse as they symbolize different phases of womanhood that I have been through and am yet to go through. I am also inspired by my environment, especially the home I have grown up in.”
She enjoys working on a variety of projects, but editorial projects that let her have the creative freedom to capture the featured artist are her favorite. She loves getting to know the person she is trying to portray in the images. When working with Marie Claire, she thought it was great to see the photos in print and she remembers how the shoot was so sweet and how she was able to capture the love between mother and daughter.
Dana’s passion for art started at a young age, she shared her work online with a small audience of friends and family when she was just 15 years old. When she looks back at these photos, she observes herself coming of age. She finds this to be very touching and feels that her journeying through her archived photography allows her to love the outcomes of her work in different phases. She explains how her narrative hasn’t shifted as she has grown as an artist but has become bolder, more finetuned, and she hopes, more personalized.
Dana speaks of her journey and explains that the most “pivotal moment for me was in 2018 when I created the artwork ‘Do You Understand the Violence It Took To Be This Gentle.’ The artwork is a conceptual photographic work of furniture that I had partially submerged underwater in the sea. What stayed with me to this day is the promise I made to myself to follow my creative intuition and to trust it, wholeheartedly”.
Having found inspiration from many elements from her life and surroundings, Dana is also a big reader of Mahmoud Darwish and
sometimes titles her work after excerpts from his books. Music, poetry, and history play a predominant role in her work and she also finds inspiration in those around her, in particular her photographer brother, Aziz Motawa, and her artist best friend, Aidha Badr. Oftentimes, they are part of the process of her work behind the scenes.
Aidha Badr, in particular, has heavily shaped her work. Dana met Aidha at a coffee shop in Kuwait and they hit it off immediately. She would even go as far to say that she considers Aidha her muse – she is one of her favorite people to photograph. Aidha understands the premise of Dana’s work and the importance of capturing a real-life friendship in its evolving form. Dana also features in Aidha’s work. Aidha is a painter and has painted Dana as a character in her art pieces. Dana shares that “our artworks are often, and sometimes unintentionally in dialogue. The final goal of our work is to show a panned-out and honest time capsule of our friendship.” We absolutely love this sentiment and cannot wait to see the culmination of all the pieces of art come together.
Recently, Dana has been working on delivering the messages she has been conveying even more clearly to a greater audience. As well as encompassing practices from her life, Dana feels she still has a lot to share, like her love for music. She is a classically trained pianist and has started incorporating ballads into my video work. Her musical contribution has been a part of the award-winning short film ‘Walking Machine (2020).
She is also working on a short film with the filmmaker Haya Al Ghanem which centers around sisterhood, friendship, and our relationship with memory, these are the predominant themes across most of Dana’s work. The film is set to be released later this year. And she is also working on some personal film projects that involve music composition and dialogue with her grandmother.
What do you most value about your friends?
I value their timeless boundless love. I love them to the point of family. Even at an older age, being around friends sometimes feels like you are back in school sharing lunch. There’s always a childlike playfulness to being around them.
Which living person do you most admire?
I would have to say the women in my family. My grandmother, mother, and sister. These women share a lot of similarities with my life. I live and learn through an almost shared paradigm of how the world is.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting on the edge of the bed discussing my day with a friend. Making pasta late at night. Writing love letters and sending them. When street cats come to greet us. Listening to a favorite song over and over again. I have these small moments that come to me naturally I am always thankful for.
What is your most treasured possession?
I would be devastated if I lost my massive box of memories. I am such a hoarder. I have honestly collected every birthday card, letter, and photo, I have ever received. I’m saving them for an archive. I think my favorite thing in that box is a photo of my mother at my age.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is so personal but I think a lot of people share it. In a sense, my greatest fear is losing my confidence to do what I love to do. Shying away from bigger opportunities. It is important to put yourself out there if you have something important to convey. I also fear losing touch with my roots. A lot of times I find myself writing and sharing work with English titles. I prefer to do so in Arabic just to continue popularising having conversations about feelings, art, etc in my native language.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I think my most marked characteristic is being a positive energy to be around. I’m generally very appreciative and resilient. I am also quick to make a joke and it gets me in trouble sometimes but who doesn’t love a good joke?
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to pick up languages faster. I can see myself living in a lot of different places. I am getting the hang of it slowly but surely. First Spanish for sure, maybe french later, Italian? who knows.
What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?
I am very grateful to be sweet. I think that to any
degree is something people should be proud to be. I’m grateful for being a gentle person by nature. It requires emotional intelligence to be empathic and to understand others.
What is the human trait you most dislike about others?
I don’t like pessimists. I just think it’s funny to view the world like that. This is coming from someone who has truly seen it all. Being open to hope is mental work and not putting that work in will leave you upset with everything. You have to work towards what you expect for yourself to thrive.
What is it that you most dislike?
I don’t dislike many things. Maybe like watching a good show with that one bad actor. Ross from friends. He’s not a bad actor, but like I said I just cannot stand a pessimist at all. He has the coolest job and great friends. Why is Ross so sad all the time I cannot understand.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
The word smally to refer to cute things has caught on for the past couple of years.
What are your favorite words to live by?
Fear is optional.
Where would you most like to live?
Somewhere by the beach where it’s sunny yearround.
If you could have any job, what would it be?
I would love to study dialects and work in research, this is my academic ambition.
What do you hope for the future?
I hope for a future generation with a heightened awareness of the importance of self. Through craftsmanship, creating things with your own hands, and tributing to your culture for newer generations to be introduced to.
Although Dana is young, her art speaks of her journey through life and her talent is clearly undeniable. We urge you to keep an eye on her! You can follow her on Instagram @Dowmut to see what she has achieved so far and stay current with her latest work.
WOODLES BY ASCIA
Liaah is a 20 year old model, singer, songwriter, creative, content creator, and self-taught nail artist. She loves experimenting with the content that she puts out into the world, from her outfits to her music, to the nail designs she makes on her re-opened business. But she feels people know her mostly from her editorial shoots, modeling, and of course her iconic hair.
When you hear from Liaah, you understand that her individuality and originality are what make her stand out in a crowd. She isn’t scared of expressing herself! One way in which she expresses herself is her fashion and her hair - she loves streetwear and her orange hair. Clearly, Liaah isn’t scared of taking risks and putting herself out there, and that is exactly what she did when she launched her debut album.
Even though she recorded her album on a whim, she is exceptionally proud of what she
has accomplished. She tells us that her album came just as a “thought” and therefore she decided to call it that, ‘Thoughts’. With the support and confidence of her brother in her music, she recorded five songs in one night, which in itself is super impressive! But not only did they record five songs in one night, they completed the whole album in 4 days. That is no small feat let us tell you that.
The inspiration for Liaah’s music is connected to her inner child. Liaah shares that “honestly this is all for her. I just think of
how happy she probably is because she grew up to be the type of person she only dreamed of being”. Liaah continues that she feels that since she is a Gemini, her feelings are all over the place, we guess that is how she is able to create such beautiful music, since she can inject her passion into the songs. Liaah is not new to music, her parents have been very involved with the church choir and music, and in general they just loved to sing. In fact, it was her parents that encouraged her to follow her passion of singing by joining fundraising and charity concerts.
Other than her parents, Liaah explains that Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus have definitely made a big impact on her decision to make music. She grew up watching her every day on Disney Channel ever since she moved to Kuwait and she would even copy her outfits and her mannerisms on stage. Her style, then and now, has always been an inspiration for Liaah because of how much Miley continues to progress her voice, style and music. Other than Miley, Liaah was inspired by Jhene Aiko. With Jhene Aiko’s music, Liaah learnt to incorporate healing and relation with her music and credits her for “saving me during the toughest times”.
With Liaah as the lyric master and the vocal talent, her brother produces the music and they often call in the help of some of their friends with the instrumentals. She shares that “I direct my brother most of the time but all of it wouldn’t be possible without him. I write all the lyrics and melodies while he does all the complicated work, and I think that’s great for us, we have a great dynamic”.
Liaah tells us that “Thoughts is a complex album. It has happy, and at the same time pretty depressing, songs and lyrics. I feel like some people underestimated it when I announced the release. The reactions and feedback I got when it dropped were quite shocking; there were some backhanded compliments like ‘OMG I didn’t think it would be this good!,’ but I am really glad that we got to prove that I am not just another influencer experimenting with music as a hobby. I’m really happy too because everyone can relate to a song or two. I made sure that I released an album where it has genres mixed together and relatable life scenarios we all go through, so when people listen to it, it is inevitable that they would like at least one song.”
Liaah hopes that people feel less lonely and heartbroken when they listen to her music. She feels like the experiences she writes about aren’t talked about as much, and that in this generation we’re so heavily influenced by what the media portrays that we forget the reality and
real-life experiences and the ups and downs we go through. It is impressive for a 20 year old to have such a deep insight into life.
Other than writing and producing music right now, Liaah models and is focusing on her presson nail business. Her nail business started out of necessity when she wanted to save money instead of spending it on her nails, but now she can “make claws for the loveliest clients”. In the future, you can expect to see Liaah going international, she says she won’t stop until she gets to perform in the Madison Square Garden, and we believe she will get there!
We loved the album, it is something special and we suggest you go over and have a listen on any of the of the major streaming sites, the album is called Thoughts. You can follow Liaah on Instagram @aintiaah - this girl is going places and we are going along for the ride!
Bringing Arabs together this Ramadan, short 30-minute laughs will surely keep you entertained.
30-minute episodes every single day of Ramadan, Stand Up Ya Arab will surely keep you entertained. Comedians from twelve diverse Arab and African countries expressing their rich culture through stand-up comedy. With names such as Sheikha Al Khalidi, Mohamed Maher, Abdulla Al Ansar, and much more, the lineup is stacked. Talent from all over the region will come together and express their work. With such diversity you will surely find a comedian from your homeland. OSN is planning on exceeding expectations and going above and beyond, with Stand Up Ya Arab. Offering content that Arab audiences can relate to, connect with emotionally, and really on a deeper level. Stand Up Ya Arab was picked from several different precious shows. Stand Up Ya Arab will bring authentic, personal, and relevant stories to an Arab speaking audience.
OSN is the leading streaming platform that is in 22 countries and features exclusive and in demand content. They have worked with many major studios and ensure that the latest content is out at the same time as the U.S. Furthermore, easy access is eligible as OSN is available on major TV platforms, all iOS, and android devices, as well as from the web. Diversity can always be found on OSN as they offer content from Western, Arabic, Turkish, and more. A customerfirst approach, unrivaled content, and unbeatable value, ensures that OSN achieves their ambition.
Find out more and stream now on www.osnplus.com
By bazaar Staff
The 1980s are a time that holds a lot of historical importance for Kuwait. Whether in the world of sports, politics, or the stock market. “The Exchange” is an insight into what it was like for women during that time in Kuwait and how they broke through barriers and created a space for themselves in an extremely male-dominated industry at the time.
The Exchange is a story which perfectly takes you on a journey of two women and their personal struggles to make a life for themselves and their family. Based on the life of Nadia Ahmad, who is also one of the creators and writers of this show, we are given a rare insight into how the 80s were for Kuwaiti women in the country and how difficult breaking barriers were when you don’t have anyone else on your side to become the first two women to work at the Kuwait stock exchange.
Starring Rawan Mahdi as Farida and Mona Hussain as Munira perfectly encapsulated their characters. Farida, a recently divorced woman determined to provide for her daughter aiming to get into the workforce after over 10 years, and Munira, a clerk at the Kuwait Stock Exchange under the Bank of Tomorrow’s division, are cousins who find a way to come together and prove that they deserve their rightful place in the stock exchange.
“Agreeing to play Munira was a risk for me because it’s very different than anything I have worked on during my career, and the fact that this would be on Netflix makes it an even bigger risk. However, it’s a risk I’m so happy I took, and I’m glad to be a part of this project,” said Mona Hussain.
Produced by Abdullah Boushahri and directed by Karim El Shenawy, this show was a welcome challenge for them. For a show to be the first in Kuwait to be on Netflix and releasing in over 180 countries at the same time, this was an opportunity to not only put Kuwait on the world stage but to show the incredible talent and history available in the country and the region.
“The 80s were a time that shaped Kuwait’s history whether in sports, politics, TV or music. I grew up in Kuwait in the 80s and the fact that the show is based on that time was something that really grabbed my interest and to produce the first Kuwaiti Netflix TV show made it something that I had to take on.” said Abdullah Boushahri when speaking about what made him agree to take on this project.
The show has been a must-watch since before its release, and it did not disappoint. Whether you focus on the intriguing script, the incredible acting, the magnificent clothing, or the captivating storyline, this is a show that will keep you wanting more and definitely “bingeing” the full season.
You can watch “The Exchange” on Netflix.com and stay up to date with the latest new productions from Netflix, especially those catered for the Arab world, by following them on Instagram @NetflixMENA.
I was ready to share with you my sorrows about leaving my ‘unlasting home’ called Kuwait (check out Mai Al Nakib’s book!) and about the new way of life across the borders in the new land of dreams and opportunity called Dubai. Yet, one small conversation with my friend Kindah inspired me to tell you about my career break in this new life and why everyone (well every woman) should have one!
After 24 years of working like…well…let’s be honest, a donkey (but a fancy donkey #justSaying); I was burnt out. Something everyone saw but me. I was starting a new chapter and so I decided (you know…lived my Julia Roberts ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ moment in my head), that I deserved a break and with butterflies in my stomach [the kind I used to have as a kid when I had a crush on a boy], I took one!
I was going to travel the world, but I was so burnt out, instead, I slept like a teenager (although woke up earlier than planned…), I lived in lounge clothes, I gave Netflix, OSN, and Disney+ a run for their money, and finally started reading again. But that’s not why you should take a break - you should take it because of everything else that came with it. The freedom, the realizations, the wake-up calls, most importantly: the ego slap.
I started saying yes to everything and anything - this break was to discover my core, should I continue in the world of branding, marketing, and communications? Or should I go back to my core of helping others? It ended up being something else!
I disrupted my husband’s meditation sessions, I perfected singing in the shower, I mastered the swift but lethal art of killing flies with my hands, I attended the most random of conferences (ANYTHING that was free and completely unrelated to my life), I was cooking again, exercising (thanks Manomoves!), helping friends in editing, some in coursework, I was reviewing subtitles for award winning documentaries, shadowing my PR friends, testing products, talking to strangers, gate crashing my husband’s alumni groups, attending the most random retail events, gardening, journaling, labelling and storing anything that can be organized and labelled at home - you name it, I did it…except belly dancing…watch this space! 6 months of doing so much yet so little, the most liberating feeling, I LOVED it! More than anything - I made my house a home, I took care of my husband, I saw my siblings and fed them, I went all out for Christmas - Bublé would’ve been proud!
You need to understand that going into this, I was so tired all the time, I was suffering ‘imposter syndrome’, I was ashamed and felt like a failure. I called it a ‘sabbatical’. It seemed fancier than saying “I’m on a break” (queue in Ross and Rachel) - my ego was very bruised. Yes, it was my choice, but I felt like I failed in life to
have reached a point to make this choice. But the reality and the outcomes were so much more positive. And that’s where my ego got a slap.
I was enjoying it and it felt like a guilty pleasure. Why is it so bad to enjoy this? Why is it so shameful to want to do nothing but take care of myself, my family and home? And who said it was doing nothing? My days are packed! Kindah kindly and clearly summarized it as “…the feminist movement destroyed social and family construct”. And here I am with you asking when did it not become OK to be a woman and to not want to work? When did we become ‘victims’ if we weren’t working? How did they turn women into literally a ‘marketing segment’ of victims brainwashing us that our only solution is to join the workforce? Why are my friends like Kindah who are moms, made to feel like they are downgrading their lives when deciding to stay at home? I’m all for independence (trust me I worked hard for it), but who convinced us that these amazing women at home are bored and doing nothing? Trust me, they deserve more salaries than we do in our corporate jobs - they’re the ones keeping everything and everyone going and running…in more ways than one! They are setting pillars and foundations of family and friendships that money can’t buy, and that governments can’t fund…no matter how rich.
I can go into studies of gender equality and tax policies to find and debate root causes with you, but the only point I want to make is that everyone needs a break, and we should take it
in pride! Whether you are married, single, height of your career, mid-career, take those breaks and think, discover, experience. Some might argue they can’t afford it (financially or even time wise), but there’s so much free out there, where there’s a will there’s a way. It’s the best gift you can give yourself and those around you (I still I wouldn’t mind THAT bag though!). Your experience and findings will be different, but they will lead you somewhere, and they will slap sense into that ego we all have that is measuring us against societal, financial, and monetary gain.
Whilst I’m not telling everyone to quit their jobs and do nothing. I am also definitely not telling women to just all become housewives or stay at home moms, but what I am saying is
whatever you choose, it’s OK (for the men - it’s OK to be stay at home dads and let her be the bread winner). Do what makes you happy, most of us don’t know what that is because we’re in this race and never have time to think and find out. Stop, think, try, do…choose YOU…and don’t be ashamed of what that is.
If you’re wondering, I’m still in marketing and considering extending the break. Those bills though…
Rasha Ezzeddine, CMO at gigCMO - a spiritual global (Belgian) citizen, Sierra Leonean roots, Lebanese blood, Indian in a past life, London at heart, Kuwait at soul, redefining in Dubai. Follow her @Rasha208 on Instagram.
By bazaar Staff
Ramadan is almost here, and the excitement and anticipation can be felt in every home in Kuwait. This month is a time for spiritual growth and reflection, as well as an opportunity for families and friends to gather and break their fasts while enjoying the blessings of the month. It’s important to prepare not just our hearts and minds, but also our homes to create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere for ourselves and our loved ones.
To guide us in creating the perfect ambiance for our homes during Ramadan, we interviewed Farah AlHumaidhi, a renowned interior designer who recently designed a beautiful Ramadan dining table at the JYSK store in the Avenues. She shared valuable insights, from simple decorating ideas to practical tips on creating a welcoming dining room for guests, to help us make the most of this blessed month.
Ramadan as seen by Farah Al Humaidhi
What does Ramadan mean to Farah?
Ramadan is a month of reflection, spirituality, and family. It’s a time when I slow down at work a bit and focus more on self-care, spending more time with my loved ones. By connecting with myself and my family, I cultivate inner peace.
What aspects of Ramadan from the past do you miss that no longer exist?
Ramadan in Kuwait preserves its traditions, such as family reunions and fast-breaking together. What I had missed was the arrival of Ramadan in the winter season, which is happening now and bringing back childhood memories of gathering around the fire, eating chestnuts and corn, and sipping tea with loved ones.
How important is the furniture in enhancing the Ramadan atmosphere?
Furniture is essential for creating a pleasant atmosphere during Ramadan. Family gatherings are a valued tradition in Kuwait all year, not only during Ramadan. But having enough space in the dining and living rooms, for example, is essential during this month so everyone can come together. For that, you can add furniture such as consoles, back and side tables, and other products available at JYSK that are specifically created for this purpose.
Farah’s Ramadan-inspired Dining Room with JYSK
The dining room setup that you created for Ramadan with JYSK is fabulous. Could you please share with us tips and guidelines on how to create such a perfect dining setup for Ramadan?
To set up a dining room for Ramadan, you don’t have to completely renovate the space. Instead, adding a few accessories can create a new atmosphere. However, if you’re starting from scratch, the dining table should be your first point of consideration. Think about how many people will be seated to select the size. Once you have the table picked out, the rest of the accessories will fall into place. It’s best to buy the table separately, not as a set, and then mix and match it with other furniture. In the setup I created for JYSK, I chose a dining table, a buffet, and cabinets. I placed some of the food inside the closed cabinet. You can use this tip and place foods like desserts, soups, and juices in cupboards.
Arranging the dining room for Iftars is important, especially with so many plates and dishes placed on the table. What are the essential items that should be included, and how did you arrange them in the setup you created for JYSK?
To create the perfect ambiance for Iftar, it’s important to add a special Ramadani touch to the dining area. JYSK Lanterns, candles, or maybe crescent-shaped plates are great options, but be careful to place them correctly. Please avoid placing high accessories on the table itself, as they may disrupt conversation and dining. As per the rule, the height of any accessory and item on the table should not exceed 30cm. A practical and elegant solution is to use a base to create varied heights and levels on the table, enhancing the overall aesthetic while ensuring maximum functionality.
What is the significance of using a carpet underneath the dining table, and why did you choose to use two carpets in the setup you created?
When it comes to the carpet in the dining room, there are varying preferences. While some people appreciate the warmth that a carpet provides, others may find it difficult to clean, especially when kids are around. Personally, I am a fan of having a carpet under the table. If you can’t find one that’s large enough to cover the area under the table, a trick I recommend is to use two plain carpets and adhere them together under it. It’s
important to note that the ideal carpet should be at least 60 cm larger than the table to ensure it doesn’t hinder chair mobility.
We noticed that you used plants on the buffet table and in the corners of the dining room. Could you provide tips on how to choose the plants (color, size) and distribute them in a similar setup?
Plants are a great way to liven up any room, and it’s recommended to have plants of varying heights as they can add a bright and beautiful touch to any space while also filling up empty corners. So
if you choose a taller plant, it’s a good idea to place a smaller one beside it to make better use of the space. JYSK offers a diverse selection of plants to choose from, as they are an essential element in Scandinavian design.
How can we effectively select and distribute candles and lanterns to create a nice setup for Ramadan?
Candles and lanterns are beautiful accessories, but there are various other creative pieces that can be utilized to add a touch of elegance to your dining room. For instance, big jars, which are
available at JYSK, can be used to hold candles. The lighting is crucial in the dining room, as it highlights the food. Therefore, it should be positioned not only on the table but also on the buffet. JYSK offers several lighting options that can help you add a distinctive touch to your dining room and make it stand out.
We also observed that you utilized the trolley in the dining room. Could you please explain the importance of using it during gatherings and provide tips on how to decorate it?
You know how essential drinks are during Ramadan. We consume coffee, laban, juices, and other drinks during and after Iftar. Therefore, having a trolley can be very convenient, as it allows for quick and easy movement of drinks and desserts between the dining area and sitting room. In JYSK’s dining room, we decorated the trolley with plants, which can be complemented with modern or traditional ornaments such as Ramadan crescent-shaped accessories or battery-powered lighting that doesn’t require electricity.
Since we are all preparing for Ramadan, can you give us and JYSK lovers one last tip on where to start?
First tip: Avoid leaving everything until the last minute and instead give yourself ample time to go to the stores and shop. Examine the available space you have and gather inspiration. This will allow you to narrow down your options and make informed decisions.
When it comes to setting up your Iftar tables, consider using various heights to display dishes, as this does not only makes the food look more visually appealing but also creates more space. Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to the dining table; you may also use the buffet or back and side cabinets to display your dishes. And lastly, get creative with your decorations and ideas to make this Ramadan truly special.
In a few words, how do you find our products? JYSK’s products can seamlessly integrate into any home decor, capturing the very essence of Scandinavian style: simplicity, functionality, and usability throughout the year. Their simple and stylish designs make them ideal to complement a wide range of home decor and add a touch of elegance to any space.
What is your favorite JYSK product?
When I had my last child, JYSK gifted me a chair that quickly became my favorite. I use it every day because of its incredible comfort, high back, and the fact that I can hold my son while enjoying my favorite TV show. I absolutely adore this chair!
Tell us more about your experience and collaboration with JYSK.
I’m delighted to be collaborating with JYSK because it’s a truly unique brand with an impressive selection of products. Whenever I mention JYSK, my fans are always thrilled to
hear about their offerings. Not only do they offer a wide range of items, but their products are always in stock and reasonably priced. Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience working with JYSK, and I highly recommend their products to anyone looking for good-quality and affordable home decor.
With the help of Farah’s tips and JYSK products, preparing your home for Ramadan has never been easier. You can now create a modern atmosphere for your family and loved ones. Visit the website JYSK.com.kw or any of their showrooms in The Avenues, The Assimah Mall, Dhajeej and Shuwaikh to find the perfect products for your Ramadan home decoration. For questions, JYSK’s customer service team is available to assist you via WhatsApp, the hotline number 1813131, or email customerservice@JYSK.com.kw.
Deliveroo reflects on key milestones and initiatives, including around 5,000 restaurants, over 2,000+ riders, and 95% delivery coverage in Kuwait
By bazaar StaffDeliveroo turned four! With four years of food delivery under its belt, Deliveroo has successfully elevated the local food delivery experience, accomplishing multiple milestones across its three-sided marketplace of customers, riders, and restaurant partners.
Since launching in Kuwait in February 2019, Deliveroo has partnered with around 5,000 local and international restaurants, onboarded over 2,000 riders, and achieved 95% delivery coverage in Kuwait. Notably, Deliveroo has also set the bar for customer satisfaction in the country; last year, and for the second year in a row, Deliveroo was also named the “Best Delivery App” in Kuwait by Service Hero, the region’s only consumerpowered customer satisfaction index.
“This year, Deliveroo celebrated its fourth anniversary in Kuwait, a testament to our success in launching in a competitive food delivery market and, more importantly, Kuwait’s passion about food and local restaurants. We feel so proud to have partnered with so many restaurants that believe in our mission and goal of delivering great food to foodies around the country, and so honored to be working with riders and restaurant partners that make Kuwait such an outstanding food hub,” said Seham AlHusaini, General Manager of Deliveroo Kuwait. “This milestone was made possible only through the commitment of our incredible team of employees and riders, our enduring partnerships with local restaurants, and the trust our customers place in us daily.”
In celebration of its four-year anniversary, Deliveroo launched an exclusive “4 years, 4 partners, 40% off” campaign. The campaign includes weekly offers offering customers a 40% discount on weekday orders from four beloved restaurant partners: Ananas, Good Stuff, Thinnies, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Deliveroo is constantly implementing initiatives and resources that ensure rider safety and satisfaction year-round. Since its launch, Deliveroo Kuwait has been working on numerous ways to support riders over the summer season through multiple initiatives, including the provision of specialized rider kits, cooling vests, water, resting spots, and more. Deliveroo is also constantly working with restaurant partners to ensure that riders are treated with the utmost respect and courtesy and has also launched exclusive water distribution stations for riders.
Moreover, Deliveroo continues to invest in rider training. Earlier this year, Deliveroo partnered
with both the Ministry of Interior and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to conduct workshops for riders on road safety and first aid training.
Driven by its deep-rooted belief in the importance of giving back to our local communities, Deliveroo also launched its “Full Life” campaign last year in collaboration with the Social Work Society and Food Box. As a pillar of Deliveroo’s global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, the campaign was initially launched in the UK in 2021 to tackle food insecurities around the world and support local communities across Deliveroo’s markets. The campaign enables customers to donate food relief boxes from “Food Box” on the Deliveroo app, with Deliveroo
employees and riders also assisting in packing and distributing food relief boxes to families and workers in need in areas across the country. Last year, Deliveroo distributed around 1,000 boxes with ongoing plans to continue the Full Life campaign in 2023.
Since its launch, Deliveroo has set itself apart with its unbeatable customer service, a wide selection of global & local restaurants, and consistently reliable delivery.
Download the app, on the App Store or Google Play for quick and easy delivery from all of your favorite restaurants. Follow Deliveroo on Instagram @deliveroo_kw or visit deliveroo.com.kw for more information.
By bazaar Staff
On Saturday February 11, the iconic Red Bull Half Court tournament made its official return to Kuwait at the Marina Basketball Court! SAS were the team to be crowned the winners and will represent the country in the World Finals to be held in Serbia later in the year.
Streetballers from all over the country took part in the event after making it through a grueling qualifying round on an absolutely wonderful Saturday afternoon filled with activities, music and most importantly, high quality basketball competition!
This proved to be an extremely welcome return to Kuwait as it showcased the amount of extraordinary talent in the country, which kept everyone on the edge of their seats and with memories that will last a lifetime.
After some massive moments throughout the tournament, it was SAS who were able to make it to the end and take home the win for the male division and solidify their place in the World Finals. They will now begin preparations to take on winning teams from over 29 countries around the world as they aim for the coveted Red Bull Half Court Title.
As Kuwait prepares to be on the big stage, Serbia prepares to host some exceptional talent and 3x3 basketball games hosted by Red Bull which will surely create some iconic moments!
Stay up-to-date with the Red Bull Half Court tournament and so many other exciting things coming up from Red Bull on their Instagram @RedBullKuwait.
What is CGX®?
Control GX® is the first shampoo that gradually blends away grey. We have incorporated a unique, patented grey-reducing complex that will gradually reduce the amount of grey in your hair every time you shampoo. In addition, this product is a gentle cleansing and moisturizing shampoo that will clean and condition your hair every time you use it.
By bazaar Staff
We would be hard pressed nowadays to be able to find someone within our family or friends that hasn’t suffered something that affects the heart, whether it is high blood pressure, increased cholesterol or any myriad of issues that can potentially have dire consequences. Kuwait Hospital has a CSR campaign to educate the community about coronary artery disease and is offering tests to help you assess your risks, as well as providing you with a roadmap of how to prevent any issues in the future.
Artherosclerotic coronary artery disease is the most prevalent disease in the world and is the leading cause of death around the world and in Kuwait whether directly or indirectly. This disease is the reason for many issues such as heart attacks, strokes, stents, heart failure, water in the lungs, and so many more. Kuwait Hospital is working hard to make sure that we are all aware of this disease, and they are also helping us diagnose our likelihood of suffering from such a disease.
The Kuwait Hospital campaign invites all individuals living in Kuwait between the ages of 30 and 70 to partake in a revolutionary testing mechanism that determines the chances of an individual suffering from heart disease. This campaign includes some personal history questions, some blood tests and a CT scan which present a clear picture of your heart health and the likelihood of progression. This method differs from other globally adopted approach that uses calculations derived from north American/ European populations. These are not specific to the GCC or even Kuwaiti population, additionally, they do not undertake clear CT scans to show the current deposits of calcium already in the heart and body.
Doctor Altayyeb Al Gallaf, who is the Head of Cardiology at Kuwait Hospital, explained how he had come up with this modified approach to take into account cultural and environmental differences that we have as compared to the West. He told us that firstly we have a hotter environment, which is shown to increase heart diseases. Secondly, we have more inter-family marriages, and coupled with smoking this can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by 135% (as noted by preliminary analysis of the campaign data). He explains that the age of suffering from heart disease is on average 10 years younger for both males and females than the West.
With this campaign, not only is Kuwait Hospital, led by Doctor Gallaf, creating awareness about heart issues that need to be taken seriously, but they are also compiling the largest regional study on the prevalence of
As part of it’s Social Responsibility Program, Kuwait Hospital is raising awareness for corornary artery diseases (CAD). Through this awareness campaign we are pleased to provide you with comprehensive evaluation of CAD free of charge. This campaign targets general public aged 30 to 70 years old in general but also with specific emphasis to those at heightened risk of CAD such as:
heart disease. Kuwait Hospital is undertaking this study to understand country specific heart risk data, and also to be able to create a plan for mitigating the economic impact of heart disease since about 20% of the population that is on lipid lowering drugs, does not need to be on them, and of course, also to save lives.
This is the first time in the history of Kuwait that a private hospital is undertaking such a study, and it is truly commendable for Kuwait Hospital to be leading this study which is sure to present findings that will enhance all of our lives. At present, the study has gathered data from 1250 participants, who have benefitted from the testing themselves, but also shared invaluable data for research and analysis.
You may be wondering if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, chances are that if you suffer from diabetes, have kidney issues, suffer from high blood pressure, smoke, have a family history of heart disease, have high cholesterol, are obese, suffer from chronic inflammatory disease, then you could be at a heightened risk of heart disease, and if you are over the age of 30, you can benefit from Kuwait Hospital’s CSR campaign and have yourself checked for potential heart disease for free. As a woman, you may be at a heightened risk if you had a premature birth, preeclampsia or eclampsia or gestational diabetes when pregnant, or had menopause before the age of 40.
The first steps you can take to slow down the progression of heart disease is to stop smoking immediately and clean up your diet and adopt a healthy lifestyle. And then, perhaps you can partake in the testing offered by Kuwait Hospital.
We are signing up for the test, knowledge is power, and what a great way to participate in a country wide study to benefit the population in the future. If you are interested in registering to partake in the study, contact 22067878 to reserve an appointment in the campaign. At the same time, stay current with all of the latest in the world of health by following Kuwait Hospital on Instagram @Kuwait.Hospital.
Uniting exquisite cuisine, luxurious hospitality and heartfelt celebrations of togetherness, share the joys of Ramadan in spectacular Four Seasons style
By bazaar StaffThis Ramadan, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya welcomes guests to treasure the special traditions of the Holy Month with heart-warming celebrations designed to unite family and friends in the spirit of togetherness. Interweaving exquisite cuisine, live music, and signature Four Seasons hospitality, the inspirational event promises a spellbinding atmosphere in which to share the joys of Ramadan.
“We are honoured to welcome guests to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan with us here at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait,” says General Manager Martin Kipping. “Uniting exceptional experiences with luxurious hospitality and heartfelt connection, this is a moment to create cherished memories in truly unforgettable style.”
Recently becoming the first ever hotel in the city to achieve a coveted Forbes Five-Star rating, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait offers a beautifully curated setting in which to celebrate. The Ramadan events
take place in the opulent surrounds of the Jawaher Tent, a luxurious dining destination with seating for up to 600 guests. Created by a global team of expert interior designers, this breath-taking space showcases Arabian craftsmanship and an elegant atmosphere for a range of experiences, from premium seating in the VIP Lounge to six privately partitioned exclusive majlis areas.
A creative culinary adventure awaits guests as they savour the joyful tradition of breaking the fast. Lavish Iftar meals and sumptuous Ghabga spreads,
prepared by Executive Chef Thierry Papillier, feature local favourite dishes of Jareesh, Harees and Machboos, alongside dazzling Asian flavours from Sintoho and mouth-watering Italian favourites from Dai Forni, as well as many traditional Middle Eastern and Arabic dishes. A delicious array of finely crafted desserts and sweet treats including a free-flowing chocolate fountain round off the gastronomic delights and all the traditional Arabic sweets, alongside an elegant Shisha area in which to relax and unwind late into the night.
Ghabga meals are accompanied by live performances from traditional musicians, offering a magical ambience and an authentic taste of Kuwait’s rich culture. A dedicated Kids’ Corner with a program of special activities cater to little ones until midnight, while Gergean celebrations will also extend to the main tent for young and old to share in together.
Available for the first three days of Eid, The Sky 21 Brunch—available for lunch and dinner— unites flavours from the East and West as Sintoho and Dai Forni join hands to create a dazzling feast, complete with live music and DJ, interactive cooking stations and spectacular 21st floor views.
Extended celebrations across the rest of the Hotel include unique sweet treats in Al Soor Lounge, where sumptuous selections of dates and chocolate boxes make the perfect Ramadan gift to share with friends and family.
Iftar will be served daily from sunset until 8:30 pm, with rates starting at KD 25 per person, including full buffet access and hot and cold beverages.
Ghabga is available from 9:30 pm until 2:00 am, including live entertainment, with rates starting at KD 27 per person.
Children aged 6 to 11 dine for just KD 13 during Iftar and Ghabga, while kids aged 5 and under are welcomed free of charge.
Diners who wish to entertain in their own private space can choose from special majlis or VIP Lounge packages for up to five people at a rate of KWD 150.
For bookings or more details of the Ramadan celebrations at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, please contact +965 2200 6065.
In today’s fast paced world, choosing the right bank is very important. Financial institutions are no longer a place where we save our money only to deposit or withdraw from our accounts, they have become invaluable partners in the way we live our lives. We need a bank that has a strong digital presence to make our lives easier and for everything to run smoothly. Burgan Bank has proven once again that they are easily a leader in digital finance. Burgan Bank’s mobile app is the highest-rated banking app in Kuwait with an average rating of 4.65 and has won a slew of awards in the 2022 Global Finance Magazine awards.
Mr. Raed Abdullah Al-Haqhaq Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer & CEO Kuwait at Burgan Bank
Following a year of relentless digital innovation, Burgan Bank closed 2022 with four awards from Global Finance magazine, after seeing its advanced digital banking app land the highest rating on the iOS App Store and Android Google Play Store in Kuwait, with an average rating of 4.65. The four awards include ‘Best Information Security and Fraud Management’ for developing one of the region’s best security and fraud management systems and policy frameworks. Burgan Bank also received the award
for ‘Best Open Banking APIs’ in recognition of its development of secure and efficient banking application programming interfaces (APIs). APIs are fundamental in allowing fintechs and other financial third parties to collaborate and work with Burgan Bank to enhance and provide featurerich services.
Burgan Bank was also named ‘Best Mobile Banking Adaptive Site,’ citing the application’s seamless and frictionless user experience across a large range of devices and resolutions for
banking on the go. Global Finance also highlighted Burgan Bank’s support for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) across the region in 2022 with the ‘Best SME Banking’ award.
Securing its place as the highest-rated financial and banking app on the iOS App Store and Android Google Play Store in Kuwait, customers saw the Burgan Bank app evolve throughout 2022 with the addition of multiple new features, services and capabilities. The year began with the launch of a new digitally-advanced ‘Fast
International Transfer’ service in collaboration with MasterCard. Connecting customers to more than 25 countries and multiple currencies, the service gives access to competitively priced, seamless transfers in real time.
As the year progressed, Burgan Bank launched its next digital service, the “Electronic Know Your Customer” (eKYC) form, which allows customers to seamlessly update their personal information through Burgan Bank’s digital platform at their comfort without the need to visit the branches physically.
Following the launch of eKYC, the Bank launched ‘Apply Now’ – a new feature that makes it possible for both Burgan and non-Burgan Bank customers to apply for financing, credit cards, and new accounts using the Apply Now feature on the Burgan Bank mobile application. Rolled out across all digital channels, customers no longer need to visit branches to submit applications –with processing and approval times faster than ever before.
Commenting on a year of noteworthy milestones, Mr. Raed Abdullah Al-Haqhaq, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer & CEO – Kuwait at
Burgan Bank, said: “This year saw the Bank make multiple additions to its suite of digital services and products, each designed to address the changing needs of our customers with the highest and most advanced level of service.”
Underpinning much of Burgan Bank’s digital transformation in 2022 has focused on accelerating financial literacy across the population as part of its contribution to financial inclusion and responsible financial management. Burgan Bank’s Personal Finance Manager tool (PFM) was an important milestone in the Burgan Bank’s financial literacy journey. Which is now named Spending.
Created to advance financial literacy and made available on the Burgan App, Spending promotes smarter financial habits by facilitating the management of users’ personal finances and the tracking, organization and analysis of their expenditures anytime and anywhere.
Reflecting on the impact that Burgan Bank’s digital innovations have made throughout the year, Mr. Deniz Devrim Cengiz, Group Chief Digital Banking Officer at Burgan Bank, said: “The impact of Burgan Bank’s digital transformation on communities, businesses and individuals is suitably reflected in the many awards that the
Bank has received - and in the historic average rating of 4.65 on iOS App Store and Android Play Store in Kuwait. Thanks to Apply Now, eKYC and our international remittance partnership with Mastercard, Burgan Bank has continued to boost participation in the digital economy and advanced financial inclusion right across the region.”
Commenting on the widespread popularity of the Bank’s new digital banking experiences, Mr. Naser Mohammed Al Qaisi, Chief Retail Banking Officer at Burgan Bank, said: “2022 was truly a turning point for Burgan Bank in its digital evolution and its work in bringing the banking experience closer to the customer. The launch of so many exciting digital services in 2022 reflects the integration and dynamism of the Bank’s strategy across all channels and platforms.”
It serves to note that Burgan Bank’s strategy remains heavily centered around digitalization and service innovation, with a concentrated push to deliver an ever more seamless and convenient experience across every channel and touchpoint.
For more information about Burgan Bank’s accounts and services, visit your nearest Burgan Bank branch, call the bank’s Call Center at 1804080 or apply online at burgan.com.
Normal is good
By Craig LoomisMartin refuses to grow a beard, to get a tattoo, to carry a cellphone. Except for the tattoo part, he had tried the other two when he was younger, when he thought imitating someone else was a good idea; the beard had been a scrub of itchy brown-red that was forever collecting bits and pieces of his breakfast, while the cellphone was nothing more than a neat little rectangle in his back pocket that was always snapping in two whenever he sat down, and of course moving it to the front pocket only invited giggles, sometimes sneers. Truth be told, the tattoo part had never been a serious consideration because he couldn’t help but worry that years later he might change his mind but of course by then it would be too late. So there you have it: Martin at 39 going on 40, thinking almost nothing about what is fashionable when everybody tells him he should, at least a little bit.
But Martin is other things, too. When he walks to the coffee shop on Salem Mubarak Street on Thursdays and Fridays, even before he takes his seat at the table next to the big window, she begs him to leave her alone, just this once. “Please go away, not today, please not today.” And he, hands flat on the tabletop, will say, “Fine,” and she will say “Fine” back but his Fine has never been anything like her Fine, and after two cups of coffee, along with toast and butter and strawberry marmalade, not to mention him turning to watch the dusty street traffic churn by, he will wait for her to make one of her waitress table visits with coffee pot in hand and then, like some late-night villain, grab her by the wrist, jump out of his seat and start dancing, whirling her around tables and chairs as customers in midbreakfast watch on. And the best she can ever do is make an angry red face, insisting, “I’ll call the police. Wallah, I will,” until he stops. Hands on hips, he will sigh, “Fine” and she, once again, will Fine him back, as he neatly slides back into his seat, while she disappears into the back room. But as a waitress she has work to do, and after a short pause--something like an intermission-and with customers still twittering in humorous disbelief, she will reappear, her face more pink than red now, and when she edges too close to his table he cannot help but grab her wrist one more time. With this second time her anger grows bigger, demanding he stop: “I’ve work to do. I’ll lose my job,” all the while placing her hands firmly on his shoulders, as she follows his footwork. Finally, coming to her senses, she insists that he stop acting like a crazy man; she’s seen his sort before and wants nothing more to do with him. “Why can’t you just sip your coffee quietly, chew your toast and jam silently, like everybody else. What’s wrong with you?” He will, like always, grin a grin that could mean almost anything, or nothing.
So there you have it: Martin at 39 going on 40, caring almost nothing for some things and maybe too much about others. He acts as if he should have a tattoo, a beard, or at the very least a moustache, almost everybody who knows him says so.
Eventually there came a time when he didn’t
go to the coffee shop for weeks. If asked why, he would only shrug, saying, “I have my reasons.” When he did return, a Thursday in October, some stranger was sitting at his window table, reading the newspaper, and when she finally came his way, pouring his coffee, gingerly slipping the plate of toast and jam across the tabletop to him, he said nothing. At first she smirked at this, even felt something like relief, as she retreated to the back room to secretly watch him through the crack in the door.
A short time later--after something like an intermission--she, all done secretly watching, approached him, demanding, “And what’s wrong with you?”
He answered with another shrug, followed by, “I’ve learned my lesson—normal is good, right. Normal.” Although she answered with a Yes, she didn’t know what he meant, not really. He looked the same, nothing new but, . . . something different. Meanwhile, Martin ate, drank and watched as much of Salem Mubarak Street as he could from his new table, before wiping his mouth on one of their paper napkins, leaving a handful of coins on the tabletop and silently walking out. From the back room she watched him go and felt a hurt that, truth be told, didn’t make sense.
TAG Heuer announces the launch of the TAG Heuer Carrera Kuwait Limited Edition celebrating the 62nd Kuwait National Day
By bazaar StaffAfter releasing the first TAG Heuer Aquaracer Kuwait Limited Edition in 2020, TAG Heuer is back with another unique timepiece in appreciation for Kuwaiti identity and culture.
The Swiss luxury watchmaker is pleased to announce the launch of the exclusive TAG Heuer Carrera Kuwait Limited Edition in occasion of the Kuwait National Day.
Inspired by Kuwaiti essence, the TAG Heuer Carrera Kuwait Limited Edition pays tribute to the country’s celebrated Arabic culture and symbolic color and codes. It features a steel bracelet and case, housing a custom- designed dial in the signature Kuwaiti blue, with Arabic numeral applied indexes and “Kuwait” in Arabic printed above 6 o’clock. The 41-mm piece is an elegant three-hand automatic watch powered by the Calibre 5 movement. It is an exclusive edition, limited to 100 pieces, and only available in Kuwait.
The TAG Heuer Carrera collection has always been the ultimate showcase for the brand’s fascinating motor racing heritage, and is best known for its timeless, sporty, and elegant wristwatches. Since their introduction more than 60 years ago by visionary Jack Heuer, these timepieces, with their smooth, clean lines and perfect proportions, have become instantly recognizable and elevated to the ranks of horological icons. Today, TAG Heuer revisits its flagship collection and presents a new limited edition of its timeless three-hand watch.
The 41-mm TAG Heuer Carrera Kuwait Limited Edition blends elegance and modernity. An encounter testifying to the lasting ties between TAG Heuer and Kuwait. Presented in a refined steel edition with subtle fine brushed finishing on the case and bracelet, it is a contemporary and timeless interpretation of the celebrated Carrera spirit.
With contrasting silver Arabic numeral indexes and markings against an eye- catching sunray brushed deep blue dial, it is set to make a strong impression on the wrist. The rhodiumplated hours and minutes hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® for sophisticated contrast and optimal readability, while the central hand is lacquered white.
The TAG Heuer Carrera 41 mm is powered by the brand’s Calibre 5 automatic movement with a day and date display at three o’clock. The automatic movement is visible through the sapphire case back. A true collectors’ watch, each is inscribed with an exclusive engraving mentioning “KUWAIT”, “LIMITED EDITION” and “ONE OF 100” on the case back.
Presented on an elegant steel bracelet with ergonomic H-shaped links, the TAG Heuer Carrera Kuwait Limited Edition is limited to 100 pieces. The exclusive TAG Heuer Carrera Kuwait Limited Edition expresses the uniquely elegant and sporty character of its emblematic past, with an added touch of modernity that honors the Kuwaiti community. The TAG Heuer Carrera Kuwait Limited Edition will be available only in Kuwait as of February 2023.
Tribe of 6, the region’s homegrown and sustainable “fash-leisure” brand designed for those who style with a purpose, officially opened its first-ever standalone store in the Grand Avenue – The Avenues. The opening was attended by key influencers and artists across the fashion industry, special guests and officials of Alshaya Group and attracted visitors and onlookers.
With sustainability, inclusivity, and community at the core of the brand’s DNA, the vibrant store is expertly curated to showcase the full collection including looks to accentuate trends in athleisure, as well as fashion-forward styles to create effortless confident fits.
Tribe of 6 was born to create a community that celebrates timeless and comfortable pieces with regional designs and products. The collection is made from recycled materials of both organic and bamboo-based fabrics, the pieces use less harmful chemicals and are environmentally friendly, certified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS), while paper price tags are made under the guidance of the Forest Stewardship Council. The working conditions and wages of those involved with the brand overseen by Sedex, an ethical trade membership organization that aims to improve working conditions in the global supply chain.
Speaking about the launch of the store in Kuwait, Jazz Hayer, President, New Ventures Division said: “We are thrilled to be opening our first store today in the Avenues, Kuwait. We are passionate about sustainable and inclusive fashion and look forward to sharing our vision with the community across the region, starting with Kuwait. We can’t wait to meet our customers as we want them to feel confident and comfortable in their fashion choices, and our team is here to help them do just that.”
Tribe of 6 embraces diversity and body-positivity by offering a wide range of styles and sizes to choose from, including unisex styles. Standing at the crossroads of East and West, Tribe of 6 is the region’s go-to brand for mindful shoppers. The new store will highlight trends for SS23 which are categorized into three themes- sporty, core and utility looks. The key color palette for the women’s range consists of iced aqua, smoke green, fuchsia pink, and apricot in a collection of elevated designs including sporty tailored suits, wide-leg casual pants, baseball jacket inspired kimonos, with a Tribe of 6 twist.
The men’s collection comes to life with unique design details, premium embroidery, and print techniques which elevate the core designs and colours including fashion essentials.
In addition to the new stand-alone store in Kuwait, customers can shop online at www.kw.tribeof6.me as well as at Harvey Nichols in Kuwait and selected Foot Locker stores in Kuwait, KSA and UAE.
هداوــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــع
People tend to look at you funny when you say you’re going to Cambodia, as if maybe you’re a few fries short of a Happy Meal.
After all, it’s a small country that’s really, really far away and most of what people remember about it involves wars and other bad stuff like the murderous Khmer Rouge.
But I’m here to tell you that those days are long gone. The Khmer Rouge was only in power for four years in the 1970s, and, while its impacts can still be felt, today’s Cambodia is a fabulous place to visit. Trust me. I just went there.
Not only do you have mind-boggling ancient ruins to explore, great food to eat, beautiful white sand beaches, mountains, forests, cheap massages and kind and friendly people everywhere, but it’s really cheap for Americans, thanks to a strong exchange rate. Did I mention that it’s cheap?
Cambodia does have its own currency, which is called riels, but there’s 4,000 riels to the dollar, so most people just scratch their heads, give up and use dollars. So, yes, this is a country where you don’t have to stand there, trying to do math in your head to figure out how much that smoothie will cost. And the answer is: Probably less than you’d expect.
Most people go to Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat, which is the slightly inaccurate name for the largest religious complex ever built in the history of the world. It’s bigger than the Vatican. Crazy, right? Especially if you’ve never heard of it.
Because Angkor is so much more than just the “wat,” which means monastery and is the name of the largest structure there.
Angkor was an ancient city and the headquarters of the Khmer Empire, which dominated much of Southeast Asia for some 600 years.
I know, most people here have never even heard of it, but — trust me — if you like history,
you’ll love this place. You can channel your interior Indiana Jones. If you saw the movie “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” you’ve already seen Angkor, because the incredible Ta Prohm temple, which is being slowly overtaken by massive strangler fig trees, features prominently in it.
If you like Thai food, you’ll love this place, because Cambodian food has some of the same roots. If you like to save money, you’ll love it, because — remember — it’s cheap.
The remaining city of Ancient Angkor today includes 80 ancient stone temples, the most famous of which is Angkor Wat. Yes, I said 80 temples. Whew. And we’re not even talking about the other structures.
Now, I admit that during our nine days there, we only made it to four of the temples, but they were spectacular to visit. Each was unique and unforgettable.
Angkor Wat is the most important tourist attraction in Cambodia and is even featured on the Cambodian flag. It’s what is known as a “temple mountain,” an architectural representation of Mt. Meru, which is sacred in the Hindu religion. So, yes, there are a lot of stairs.
I’m not great at climbing stairs, so I didn’t explore the interiors of all of them, but just getting up to the entrance alone is a spectacular feeling.
Most tourists stay in the attractive city of Siem Reap — just outside the archeological zone — and that’s where we based ourselves for nine days. I was worried that we’d be spending too much time in one place, but there were so many things to do in the area that we actually could have stayed longer happily.
By the way, Siem Reap is near the border with
Thailand, so many people add it onto a trip to that fabulous country.
At one time, the Khmer Empire stretched far and wide, trading with India and China. The great temple complexes were originally Hindu, because that religion had found its way from India in the first century. Later, when most of the country became Buddhist, the temples were converted to Buddhist shrines.
So what if you want to visit?
Well, it’s possible to “do” the most famous sites in Angkor in one day, but that would be a very long, grueling day spent traipsing from one temple to the next.
These days, I prefer a much more leisurely pace. I’m less interested in seeing everything, and more interested in enjoying what I see.
That’s why on this trip we didn’t even visit the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Yes, there are plenty of attractions there, including a royal palace, boat cruises on the Mekong River and more. I’m not telling you that you shouldn’t go to Phnom Penh. I’m just admitting that we didn’t make it. Because I’m lazy and I just wanted to loiter around Siem Reap.
The Khmer Empire fell around the 13th century, and eventually the country was invaded and then colonized by other lands. The French took over around 1884, in addition to their leadership role in neighboring Vietnam.
This means that, today, there are crumbling examples of French architecture around the country. Sadly, most of them are in poor shape. It also means that the French had an influence on Cambodian cooking, as it did in Vietnam.
Cambodian cuisine is much older than Thai
YOUR HAIR, AND BETTER
YOUR MAKEUP, AND BETTER
YOUR SKIN, AND BETTER
YOUR NAILS, AND BETTER
YOUR PERFUME, AND BETTER
cooking, dating back to before Europeans began bringing hot chiles over that originally were discovered in Latin America.
Unlike in Thai food, where the chiles are mixed into the dish, Cambodians give you the spicy condiments on the side, so you can mix in as much or as little as you like.
And many people love to spend time at the beach resorts, which have become more accessible in recent years. Cambodia has a beautiful coastline off the Gulf of Thailand.
The islands off the coast of Sihanoukville offer crystal clear waters and a laid-back vibe, still mostly developed only with small hotels and businesses. People come here to relax on the powdery whitesand beaches, snorkel and scuba dive, hike in the jungle and just generally decompress.
Kep is another popular beach resort, less developed than Sihanoukville. We managed to slothfully also miss these destinations, even though they have a great reputation.
Instead, we devoted ourselves to the temples, to our hotel’s beautiful swimming pool, to eating and to visiting sites on day trips from town.
I’d hired a private driver guide, Dara Lann, and he took us on an unforgettable trip to Kulen Mountain. This mountain is considered sacred and has a long history of worship, dating back to the animism that was practiced by the earliest humans.
It took about 90 minutes to get up the mountain — and cost us $20 each to enter the area. Dara stopped first to show us the spectacular gorge beneath us, and then we visited the sacred Kulen river.
Known as “The River of 1,000 Lingas,” this area is known for its unique carvings that can
be seen underneath the flowing water. Ancient peoples diverted the waterway and carved unique symbols of male and female, known as lingas, into the riverbed. This meant that the water flowing down the mountain along the river was blessed as it passed over the lingas on its way to Angkor Wat.
Other attractions on the sacred mountain include a visit to a sacred waterfall and swimming hole, and to the very top, where a massive image of a reclining Buddha was carved into the peak. Pilgrims climb the steep stairs daily to see the Buddha and leave offerings.
We bought a bouquet of white lotus flowers for $1 to leave as an offering.
On the way home from the sacred mountain, we stopped at one of the best-known temples in the area. Carved from pink limestone, Bantay Srei is known as the “temple of women” because of the beautiful images carved into the stone.
One of the challenges facing today’s Cambodia is trying to recover the many temple carvings that have been looted and sold over the centuries. Headless statues and missing decorations attest to the looting that has taken place, particularly during the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge, when starving villagers would sell anything to stay alive. Nowadays, though, Cambodians want to see their patrimony restored.
Although it seems like an exotic adventure, travel to Cambodia is not hard or complicated. Nearly everyone involved in tourism speaks at least a bit of English. It’s easy and inexpensive to hire a taxi or tuk-tuk (a motorized conveyance powered by a motorcycle engine) to take you anywhere you want to go.
Your hotel can help you find a guide, or travel agencies around the Pub Street tourist district can supply.
Yes, it’s far away. We flew to Singapore and changed planes to Siem Reap. We spent 19 hours in the air. It was a party a minute. OK, I’m lying. But it was OK.
The Cambodian people might be the friendliest and most kind I’ve met in all my travels. When I would stand at the curb with my cane, evaluating what it would take to step down into the street, random strange guys would rush up to help me.
I’m not thinking that’s going to happen in Irvine, but if it does, let me know.
A mid-range tourist hotel will cost $30-60 per night. We scored a half-price deal for $55 a night at the Golden Temple Hotel in Siem Reap, and enjoyed it. If you like luxury, this is a good place to blow it out for less than you’d pay elsewhere.
An English-speaking driver-guide for a day will cost $25-80, depending on the number of hours and how fancy the vehicle.
A day pass to the Angkor archeological zone costs $30 or $72 for a week.
A simple restaurant meal of noodles will cost around $2 and up. We splurged one night and had a fancy eight-course tasting menu at the elegant Cuisine Wat Damnak for $45 per person.
In Siem Reap, don’t miss an Apsara dance show. We liked the elegant dinner show at Kanell Restaurant. Also make sure you see the Phare Cambodian Circus, which is an acrobatic show that benefits underprivileged kids.
Even though Cambodia is cheap, tip well, It’s one of the poorest countries in the world and your money will go far.
Transform your style from day to night with glossy, can’t get enough, curls and waves. Designed to be easy to use, this REVLON curling iron will make you addicted to
This unique curler is boosted by Rose Gold Technology for fast and long-lasting results. Rose Gold Technology combines gold and copper for the ultimate styling surface. High heat Rose Gold barrel quickly locks in curls for longer-lasting styles.
By bazaar Staff
Jazeera Airways has always brought us great travel destinations and recently they have been working even harder on broadening our horizons. There are now 59 direct flights to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central & South Asia, and Europe. Some of our favorite influencers have been travelling the skies with Jazeera Airways to some of the fabulous destinations, and their trips have been nothing short of breath-taking.
If you didn’t know, Prague is often referred to as the city of 100 spires! Add to this the gorgeous architecture and world-class museums, it is definitely a must visit city. Prague brings together a lovely mix of tradition, culture and art with a bohemian vibe. This city is almost fairy tale-like. Whether you are there for the food, fashion, or souvenirs to take home, Prague has it all!
When you visit Prague, don’t miss these attractions:
Prague Castle – Built in the 9th century, Prague Castle is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. Prague Castle has an area of almost 70,000 m², and is considered to be the largest castle complex in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle is
home to a composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings, bringing together different architectural styles such as 10th century Romanesquestyle buildings all the way to the 14th Century Gothic modifications.
Old Town Square (home to the Prague Astronomical Clock) – Founded in the 12th century, the Old Town Square is one of the most significant landmarks in the city’s history. The square was home to many historical events that have shaped Prague. Memorial stones in the pavement symbolise the executions of 27 Czech Lords in 1621. The square is also home to one the oldest astronomical clocks in the world (installed in 1410) that is still operational.
National Library (Clementinum) – Considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, Prague’s Strahov Library is housed in the city’s Clementium complex. The building is home to thousands of books, as well as unique antique objects and gorgeous frescoes adorn the walls.
Burcu Tufancli enjoyed the winter in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan @burcuinkuwait
Bishkek is not only the largest city in Kyrgyzstan, but one with beautiful sights, museums and cultural activities.
Some of the must visit places in Bishkek are:
Ala-Too Square – This is considered to be the beating heart of the city and the largest square in the city. It is a huge open space that buzzes with activity in the evenings. You will get to enjoy street entertainers, sing your heart out at karaoke booths, and watch a stunning display of music and lights show at the square’s fountains creating a dramatic display. The AlaToo square is in the center of Bishkek and is considered to be of cultural and political significance for people of Kyrgyzstan.
Osh Bazaar – The Osh Bazaar has it all - from sheep’s heads and Korean Kimchi to clothes and a huge variety of wonderful spices that tantalize the senses. This bazaar is a fabulous way to enjoy the hustle and bustle of life of the people of the city.
Panfilov Park – Don’t miss this for the best view of the city! You can take a ride on the Ferris Wheel which is at the center of the park to see the city from height, or perhaps enjoy a picnic amongst the greenery and spend the day enjoying the rides and lovely sites throughout the park.
Navat Restaurant – Loosen up your belts when you go out for a meal at this restaurant! Kyrgyz food is known to delight the taste buds and is incredibly rich and filling. The traditional meals usually consist of lamb, mutton, or beef with rice or potatoes and plenty of vegetables.
Ala Archa – This is a Nature Park which features wildlife and breath-taking views of the natural landscape. Located in the Tian Shan mountains, the AlaArcha Nature Park is an alpine national park located just 45 minutes away from the city of Bishkek. These spectacular glacial canyons are perfect to visit for a great day trip to the mountains.
AlShirazi and Mariam Alkandari explored the natural wonderland of Moscow, Russia @Shouggate & @mrm0o0ora
Moscow is a city that has a story to tell. You will start noticing all the secrets the city has to tell as you visit the parks, the statues and monuments, the water fountains, or even enjoy the local street food. Moscow has a variety of tourist hotspots as well as many activities for families and individuals alike. The city is at its charming best during winter, but also delights in the summer and spring season with picturesque green forests.
When you reach Moscow, you absolutely cannot miss:
The Moscow Kremlin – This is Moscow’s main sightseeing attraction, the Kremlin is located in the heart of Russia’s capital, and is considered to be Europe’s largest fortress. The Kremlin is connected to all of the historical and political events in the country since the 13th Century.
Red Square – The Red Square has been a public marketplace and meeting spot for centuries and houses the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral, the State Historical Museum and the enormous GUM Department Store. Additionally, the square has within it the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin.
Moskva River Tour – We definitely recommend a dining tour on the River Moskova, which is best enjoyed when the river is iced in. All of the boats that run along the river are able to break the ice, which aside from the gorgeous scenery, is an experience within itself.
Noura Khan adventured in Dushanbe, Tajikistan @Nourajtraveller
The city of Dushanbe is set in a valley which is adorned by the Gissar Mountains in the North and East, and the Karatau range peaks to the south. Home to less than 1 million people, the capital of Tajikistan is becoming known for its architectural proximity to Dubai. Dushanbe embraces its cultural and architectural past, but the city now features more and more skyscrapers made of steel and glass that glitter in the skies.
These are some of the hotspots to visit in Dushanbe:
National Museum of Tajikistan – This museum is set on the banks of the River Varzob, which makes it one of the most beautiful backdrops for a treasure trove of artefacts and antiquities.
Mevlana Yakub Charki Mosque – This mosque was formerly the largest mosque in the city, but still remains one of the most beautiful. It is one of the city’s most frequented buildings.
Fann Mountains – The views make the drive from the city, which takes a couple of hours, worth the trip to the Fann Mountains. This is considered to be the most scenic region of the country with gorgeous mountains, green valleys and large lakes. If you are inclined to adventure, these mountains have some great treks that are just waiting to be explored!
Musaed Albanwan visited our neighbouring country and explored Hail in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia @mejroxy
The Arabian Desert location of Hail has become one of the Middle East’s most popular holiday destinations. You can take a quick 90-minute flight and visit a great desert destination to experience both the natural history and to enjoy off-road adventures!
Some of the fabulous sites in Hail are:
Jubbah Rock Carvings – Jubbah gives you a spectacular glimpse into the region’s past. You can view Neolithic paintings that are considered to be over 10,000 years old in the Jabal Raat Caves. These caves are not only an astonishing glance into Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and history, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Al Nafud Desert – For those who enjoy off-road adventures, there’s little to beat the 40,000km2 of rusty red sands offered by the Al Nafud Desert. Whether you rent a 4x4 or go dune-bashing with a guide, this is the ultimate destination for the adrenaline junkies!
Shammar Mountains – Pack your camera and your hiking shoes! The Shammar Mountains are a must-see if you enjoy a good hike and historical sites. The great poet, Hatim Al Tai, is said to be laid to rest here. Don’t forget to take pictures of the enormous variety of wildlife such as the Nubian ibex and sand cats.
Jazeera Airways offers direct flights to all of the mentioned destinations, as well as many more! We are already packing our bags and booking our trips for now and the summer. What about you? To see more of these influencer’s trips, you can visit @jazeeraairways on Instagram and check out the highlights by city. Or if you are already convinced like us, head over to jazeeraairways.com and start booking some tickets.
Survival of the fittest takes on a new meaning in today’s world. We’re still grappling with the fallout of the pandemic, supply chain issues, war, inflation, and what appears to be an emerging recession. But in times of crisis come great opportunities. And amid this economic uncertainty, leaders would do well to take a page from Mother Nature.
The complex survival techniques and adaptation of organisms we’ve seen through evolution are gradual but profound. Genes do change over time, and the traits best suited to improving survivability generally get passed on and proliferate. Genes also constantly mutate and some of those spread in just a few generations in response to extreme environmental factors.
Ideas are a lot like genes. A set of diverse genetic mutations in a population can improve that species’ survivability over time. In much the same way, diverse ideas can enhance an organization’s capacity for innovation and problem-solving, and ultimately, the organization’s relevance.
In addition, like genes, ideas need to evolve. They must be propagated, nurtured, and shared. Not all will be successful, but it’s the continuous recalibration of these ideas and their constant iterations that drives rapid learning and breakthrough innovation.
The gene model is an excellent paradigm to understand how organizations can innovate, improve, and thrive, particularly when the economic environment is shifting quickly. Genes can be “switched on” and mutations thrive based on external factors. For example, the propensity to develop lung cancer can be thought of as a switch that can be turned on by smoking, or by prolonged exposure to airborne carcinogens (which is why some lifelong smokers never get lung cancer, and some people who have never smoked a cigarette in their life do). Similarly, ideas can also be “switched on” and mutated based on exposure to different perspectives.
Here are three important ways to do this within an organization:
1. Build diverse teams
To create an organization that can evolve, it’s critical to embed true diversity of perspective— across gender, ethnicity, race, and cognitive ability—into the fabric of an organization. Bringing in radically different perspectives tests ways of thinking, helps ideas evolve, and introduces more creativity in problem-solving.
Learning new skills allows employees to broaden their perspectives and is another way to inject
diverse thinking into the organization. When done at scale, this can significantly increase the organization’s ability and willingness to transform. When combined with # 1 above, it leads to what author Matt Ridley calls “ideas having sex.”
3. Move away from a risk-averse environment
Fostering a culture that isn’t afraid to make big bets and fail fast encourages and inspires
employees to go from idea to action, even when there’s no guarantee of success. Failure in turn spurs learning and diversified ideas.
If businesses are to survive in a continuously evolving and uncertain environment, they must reconfigure their DNA and ways of thinking to adapt to changes and ultimately, thrive in the long run.
“Is ‘the way I ate this up’ a compliment because it was nom-nom delish and had you gagged?” So asked guest host Pedro Pascal in a recent Saturday Night Live sketch. As a baffled high school teacher, Pascal led an assembly of Gen Z students and attempted to understand their barrage of slang terms—or rather, the SNL writing team’s best attempt at replicating Gen Z slang.
You may have found yourself feeling like Pascal lately. As Gen Zers become more and more prominent in the workplace, so does their unique brand of communication. Gen Z slang can sound like a foreign language to older coworkers—and often, when people attempt (and fail) to use it correctly, it can be more embarrassing than ingratiating.
Most Gen Zers are self-aware enough to know that these terms won’t be easily comprehensible to older coworkers, so they’ll just avoid them altogether (at least until they’re comfortable enough in the workplace to speak more naturally). Also, calling this vocabulary “Gen Z slang” is a misnomer. Most of these words and phrases didn’t originate with Gen Z, or with so-called internet culture. Many of them derive from Black and queer vernacular that’s spread in popularity on social platforms, and this proliferation has sparked conversations of cultural misappropriation.
But these terms are now in wide use, both on and offline, so understanding their definitions can’t hurt.
Here’s a no-judgment guide to some of the most widely used (and most widely misunderstood) Gen Z slang, so that the next time your fresh-out-of-college coworker drops one of these words, you can avoid being cringe.
In the sketch, the high schoolers say Pascal is in his “assembly era,” and it’s one of the few terms SNL uses correctly. To be in a “blank” era is to be in a period of your life defined by whatever that blank is— and that period can be as short as a moment or as long as a lifetime.
I’ve had salad for lunch every day this week. I’m in my salad era.
To be “gagged” is to be shocked, amazed, et cetera. It’s essentially synonymous with being at a loss for words, and it can be used with positive or negative connotations.
What did you think of the plot twist in that movie? I was totally gagged.
If you “ate” something, it means you executed it extremely well. Things can eat, too: if you love someone’s clothing, for example, you could say, “Those jeans eat.” And by extension, if you really knock something out of the park, you’ll eat and “leave no crumbs” — y’know, because you ate so much that
not a speck of food was left. Luis did so well in that presentation. He ate it up and left no crumbs.
These terms are similar, but slightly different: If something “sends” you, that means it amuses you. If something “gives you life,” that means you love it. Ellie’s jokes in that meeting were sending me. Lydia’s outfits always give me life.
This one’s pretty straightforward: someone is “mother” if they’re an iconic feminine figure, and an act is “mother” if it contributes to that icon status. It’s most often used to refer to pop stars, actresses, or other celebrities, but it can be applied in everyday life, too. And “mother” may be a feminine word, but Gen Z isn’t about binaries, so the term can apply to someone of any gender. And yes, it is an adjective. Kathy really killed that negotiation. She’s so mother for that.
This one can sound super rude if you don’t know the meaning. “Say less” doesn’t mean “shut up.” Rather, it means, “I understand,” as in, “You don’t have to say anything more, because I already get your point.” I need you to make 10 copies of this.
Say less!
“Rizz” is short for charisma (read: cha-rizz-ma), particularly when it comes to flirting. If you have “rizz,” it means you’re smooth, or you’ve got game. Hopefully, this one doesn’t come up at work too often. (If this one’s popping up at work too much, your office
may have bigger problems than slanguage barriers.) David has no problem getting dates—he has so much rizz.
“Mid” is basically short for “middling.” To call something “mid” is to call it of average or poor quality. I’m not a big fan of the office snack supply. It’s pretty mid.
Normally, “based” means well-founded or correct; you’d call an opinion based if you agree with it, especially in political contexts. But be warned—ironic usage of “based” is also common, and it means the exact opposite. It’s normally used as a stand-alone reply to someone else’s statement, not as an insentence adjective.
Unpaid internships are a scam.
One common usage of “slay” (meaning to kill a challenge, to succeed) has been around for a while, but slay now is also used as a neutral affirmative, akin to “gotcha” or “okay.”
I’ll be back in 15 minutes.
If you’re communicating on Slack, Gen Z emoji usage will come into play, so here are some common points of emoji misunderstanding. For Gen Z,and both represent laughing, not crying or literal death. A standard smiley face comes off passive aggressive, and a crying-laughing face will get your point across, but looks very dated. Check out our full guide to Gen Z emoji usage.
Ramadan is here and we now find ourselves in the most incredible and blessed month once again; a month filled with reward, blessing, giving to others and, yes, fasting.
Here is a healthier way to cook all your favourite meals with less oil.
Many of us struggle with an addiction to social media. The average millennial has 8.4 social media accounts. In 2020, the average American spent more than 3.5 hours per day on social media. Assuming we have an eight-hour workday, and need eight hours of sleep per night, more than 40% of our free time is spent per day consuming the curated content of others.
Fortunately, there are steps we can all take to address these concerns. Here are three things you can do to curb your addiction to social media:
1. Intentionally invest in your friendships
Social media has made it easy for us to conflate consumption with connection. On a daily basis, we use it to consume the endless highlight reels of people we’ll never laugh in the same room with. Social media has also tricked us into thinking that we can have hundreds—even thousands—of friends. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Oxford University professor Dr. Robin Dunbar coined the term “The Dunbar Number.” His research suggests that as humans we can have no more than 150 meaningful relationships, and five close friendships. And researchers have also found that the number of real-life friends we have increases our happiness and well-being but that increasing our online friends does not. It’s no wonder 61% of Americans report significant feelings of loneliness, according to the Cigna Loneliness Index.
Real friendship is an active investment, not a passive one. It requires intentionality, effort, presence, and some level of consistency. The same energy we have for overly planning our work calendars is the same energy we need to have about making sure that we’re connecting with friends in person as a way to replenish our souls.
2. Turn off your notifications
Notification silencing settings such as “Do Not Disturb” on mobile phones were created to help manage the sheer volume of notifications that we get. They can also be used to manage the type of notifications we get.
Social media notifications often trigger our need for external validation and feelings of FOMO and this is often by design. For example, a notification like “Jennifer and 10 others liked your photo” gives us a dopamine hit that most people have become addicted to, but it also perpetuates our validation-seeking behavior and feelings of self-doubt.
Don’t let these notifications get you caught in the trap of hyper-connectedness; the more we allow social media to have this level of pull on us in our everyday lives, the less effective we become at centering our real lives with joy.
3. Curate your feed  There are so many social media accounts we can casually follow simply because it piqued our interest in a given moment. But the question we should ask ourselves is “over a period of time, how does consuming the content of this page with regularity make me feel?”
I love a good Krispy Kreme’s donut, for example. But if I consume more than a few in one setting, I start to feel a little sickly. It’s the same with social media. We passively consume a lot of content out of habit or familiarity without the slightest regard for how it makes us feel.
And just like many other things in life, we end up consuming things that are not actually good for us. Layer these unhealthy instincts with algorithms that are designed to keep us glued to our screens and social media can easily suck us into a world that feels unhealthy.
I’m not a social media abolitionist, nor do I believe that it is all bad. However, in order to protect our mental health and effectively center joy in our lives, we need to be intentional about our relationship with social media, and the pull it has on us. In this case, a little intentionality can go a long way.
COOL, REFRESHING & SMOOTH
By Talib Visram
Whether trying to catch up on The Last of Us, binge the Oscar contenders, or gear up for the NBA playoffs, many people with serious hearing loss aren’t able to get the full experience.
To help remedy that, Amazon is launching an application that will allow, for the first time, a streaming device to connect directly to a cochlear implant. Wearers will be able to more comfortably access the content of Fire TV, the tech giant’s streaming device, which doesn’t just include Amazon services, but also apps like HBO Max, Netflix, and Hulu. The company is partnering with Australian company Cochlear, one of the biggest makers of cochlear implants.
Distinct from hearing aids, cochlear implants are for people with more profound deafness or hardness of hearing, where amplifying the volume alone won’t work. These devices, which have an exterior portion and a portion that’s surgically implanted into the inner ear, detect signals and then bypass the damaged parts of the ear and deliver the signals to the auditory nerve and the brain, which interpret them as sounds.
The sounds generated by the implants can be difficult to adjust to at first. (This struggle is portrayed in the movie, Sound of Metal, whose
rock drummer protagonist begins wearing one.) “Customers who use cochlear implants have to relearn what sounds are,” says Peter Korn, Amazon’s director of accessibility for devices. “Things don’t sound quite like they used to. And it’s especially problematic when it comes to things like TV.”
When sound emerges from the TV speaker, it bounces around the room, echoes off the wall, and is absorbed by furniture. Once it gets to the ear of a person with an implant, the sound is no longer clear. Some people just avoid watching television altogether.
But with the new connection, via Bluetooth, sound bypasses the TV speaker and goes straight to the tiny microphone of the cochlear implant, producing a “dramatically cleaner, clearer signal,” Korn says.
About 183,000 people in the U.S. and 737,000 worldwide use cochlear implants. Many more use hearing aids, which essentially amplify sounds.
Last year, Amazon worked with hearing aid
company Starkey to provide the same service to people who use hearing aids. The new iteration uses the same concept, and the same opensource tech protocol, known as ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids), originally designed for hearing aids.
Importantly, this direct connection means people won’t need to buy devices called streamers. These act as an intermediary between TVs and hearing aids and implants, such as Cochlear’s wireless streamer, but which can cost more than $200. Those extra expenses are often viewed as an unfair “disability tax,” Koch says, as people with disabilities have to pay to access the same services as others.
Starting Wednesday, people who have a Fire device—including sticks, cubes, and TVs—and a Cochlear implant can start using the tech. It will work for all available content on Fire TV. “We worked with all of the marquee streaming media companies to validate this,” Korn says.
New York, New York! Since its founding in 1989, DKNY has been synonymous with New York – the most iconic city in the world. This season, the brand pays tribute with the spring 2023 “IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW” campaign, a love letter to the city that provides constant inspiration. From sitting on the steps of the met to hopping on the ferry for Brooklyn, this is the real New York.
Photographed at hidden gems throughout the city, the campaign takes inspiration from the local haunts and iconic institutions that have shaped us over the years. Whether stopping for a slice of pizza downtown or skateboarding at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, embrace the spontaneous nature of urban life and anything it may bring.
The campaign includes an eclectic cast of talent including model and influencer Devon Lee Carlson, artist and musician Annahstasia Enuke, and TikTok star Cameron Porras. Photographed by Dan Martensen and styled by Alastair
Mckimm, the images embody the invigorating, uninhibited energy of New York, from the Bronx to the basketball courts of West 4th Street. It’s places like these that make New York, New York.
Hero items from the collection include sportswear-inspired outerwear, lightweight knitwear, and casual suiting. Styles are available in signature DKNY colorways of black and white, with colorful interjections of persimmon, cantaloupe, and goldfinch yellow.
The Spring 2023 campaign will take a digitalfirst approach with a focus on paid social content and high caliber influencer partnerships. The
campaign will be leveraged with high-impact outdoor advertising across New York City, as well as in key global markets. The collection will be available globally starting February 7th on DKNY. com and in select global retailers.
DKNY is located in Al Kout Mall, Al Kout –Soku, Gate Mall, Marina Mall, 360 MALL, The Promenade, Grand Avenue – The Avenues, Phase 2 – The Avenues. Follow the @DKNY. ME Instagram account for updates and fashion ideas or call 1 820 012, or 5519 9767 for free home delivery.
As Lamborghini prepares to debut its first hybrid super sports car, the Italian company is celebrating its iconic naturally-aspirated V12 with the Invencible Coupe and Auténtica roadster: Two unique cars that showcase the brand’s DNA and epitomize its focus on personalization.
Styled by Lamborghini Centro Stile to embody maximum creativity, these cars incorporate design cues that have contributed to the brand’s iconic status, as well as a sporting character inspired by the racetrack.
“The V12 engine is one of the pillars of our history and our marque’s success,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. “As we head towards embracing a new era of hybridization at the heart of our Cor Tauri strategy, this is the Lamborghini way of celebrating the naturally aspirated V12 with two one-off vehicles that perfectly represent our concept of excellence in personalization.”
The hexagonal motif, a well-known aspect of modern Lamborghini design, is integrated into the car’s distinctive visual elements, including the front and rear light assembly with innovative hexagonal LED running lights. The cabin is dominated by clean
lines, with a minimalist dashboard, hexagonal 3D-printed air vents, and no instrumentation on the console, to emphasize the cabin’s lightness and the focus on pure driving enjoyment.
The Invencible coupé features a dominant shade of red with carbon-look elements and red “flakes,” complemented by Rosso Mars brake callipers and hexagonal tricolors as a tribute to the Italian flag. The Auténtica roadster features bodywork in Grigio Titans with Matt Black details and a Giallo Auge livery, with contrasting interior embroidery and upholstery in Giallo Taurus, Nero Ade leather, and two-tone Nero Cosmus and Grigio Octans Alcantara.
The Invencible and Auténtica are the last cars to be produced by Lamborghini with a 12-cylinder 6.5 l engine, and mark the transition to a hybrid era. They deliver 780 CV and 720 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed ISR transmission, and can reach a top speed of over 350 km/h.
They embody the essence of Lamborghini’s commitment to personalization and excellence, as the company moves into a new era of hybridization at the heart of its Cor Tauri strategy.
To keep up-to-date with the latest Automobili Lamborghini news in the region, please visit www.lamborghini.com.
By bazaar Staff
We’ve been looking forward to Ramadan for a whole year now because we can’t wait to see more of our friends and loved ones at all the fabulous gatherings. The invitations are starting to roll in and we’re putting together our favorite outfits for the upcoming iftars, suhours and ghabqas. You can add some pizzazz to your wardrobe with a quick visit to Debenhams because they’re brought together a fabulous selection of pieces that will look perfect on you!
In the womenswear section keep an eye out for GWD, Eclipse, Phase 8 and Quiz. These labels offer a wide range of beautiful dresses in the most gorgeous textures from sparkly to silky. This season it is all about bright, happy colors that catch the light and everyone’s attention. Your mini-me can also look just as fabulous as you in GWD, IAME, Coast or Oasis.
Madonna has been winning Grammys since the ’80s, but this year it was her face, not her voice, that made headlines. She walked onstage at the 65th annual Grammy Awards to introduce artists Sam Smith and Kim Petras, and the internet burst into shame flames. She had a new-to-them face, and people were in their feelings about it.
They compared her to a Muppet and a monster. They speculated about her procedures.
“She’s lucky the climate activists in the crowd didn’t come after her for all the plastic in her face,” Fox News host Jimmy Failla commented.
“Fans ‘so confused’ by Madonna’s ‘new face’ at Grammys 2023,” a Page Six headline told us the next day.
Confused that she noticed the water she’s been swimming in her whole life?
Confused that she picked up on the persistent, toxic ageism and sexism that make women feel like there’s an expiration date on their worth, their appeal and their earning power? Confused that she might attempt to push that expiration date back a little?
Or just upset she didn’t hide it better?
We live in a culture that would like women to age slowly, gracefully and secretly.
A few outrage loops ago, it was Renee Zellweger’s face confusing us, and writer Sarah Seltzer introduced me to a term I’ve never forgotten.
“My theory is that if Renee Zellweger really did get work done, we’re not mad that she did it,” Seltzer wrote in a 2014 Flavorwire essay. “We’re mad that we think we can see it so clearly.
“She’s broken the invisible pact that women are supposed to make,” Seltzer continued. “Be beauty ducks, who look tranquil and eat hamburgers above the surface but are paddling beneath: working out, dieting, plucking, nipping, tucking and buffing all the time just out of sight, so we can appear this perfect.”
Beauty ducks. Brilliant.
It’s optional, of course, this invisible pact (prison?) that has us paddling like mad. And who better to bust out of it than Madonna? She’s made a career of bucking convention and disrupting norms and complicating our assumptions about gender, power, sex, beauty.
Why not bring that same energy to aging? Why not blow up the system that pressures women to nip and tuck and buff?
I don’t know. Maybe she doesn’t want to play a game of chicken with the entertainment industry, when the stakes are her livelihood.
Maybe because Sally Field was cast as Tom Hanks’ mom in “Forrest Gump” even though she’s only 10 years older than he is. Maybe because Leonardo DiCaprio keeps dating teenagers. Maybe because people lose their ever-loving minds when Paulina Porizkova, a
whole model, continues to post photos of herself showing skin, even though she’s 57.
“When I was in my twenties and thirties, the less I wore — the more popular I was,” Porizkova wrote on Instagram. “In my forties, I could walk around practically naked and elicit nothing more than a ticket for public indecency. At fifty, I am reviled for it. ‘Put on your clothes, grandma. Hungry for attention, are you? A little desperate here? You’re pathetic.’”
Maybe because when Nicole Kidman, 55, posed on the cover of Perfect magazine looking like a gorgeous CrossFit instructor, the Guardian devoted a whole article to shaming her: “Fab abs, Nicole Kidman. But this frantic effort to look half your age is frankly demeaning.”
In other words, aging is a game women can’t win. Do too much to hide it, you’re debasing yourself. Do too little to hide it, you’re a relic.
So why not play by your own rules?
Dye your hair. Stop dying your hair. Get Botox. Don’t get Botox. Get fillers. Don’t get fillers. Try
electromagnetic therapy to reduce fine lines and excess hair and saggy jowls and all the other things that none of the Kardashians have. Or don’t.
“I will never graduate from collagen,” Dolly Parton once quipped.
Bravo.
Because despite all indications to the contrary, women’s bodies are more than just vessels to host babies and people’s opinions. They are power and beauty and pleasure and pain and memories and adventures and frustrations and illness and recovery and a lifetime of knowing someone will say you’re too much and someone else will say you’re not enough and at the end of the day — all of the days — your best bet is to be your own Goldilocks and decide for yourself what’s just right.
And then give the people around you that same latitude.
And maybe that, in the end, is how we truly grow old gracefully.
By bazaar Staff
A spa day is exactly what we need right now. We’ve learned that the best way to stay ahead in today’s hectic world is to take care of our bodies and mind. Luckily for us, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Kuwait has announced the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Spa, a luxurious haven where guests are guaranteed an authentic and unparalleled spa experience.
Located
a luxurious wellness haven delivering elegant service and a comprehensive range of spa treatments, experiences, and individually curated journeys by the expert hands of the spa’s professional therapists.
Ni Ketut Candra, Director of Spa and Wellness at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait commented on the occasion, “Following the opening of the property last year, the team has worked diligently on
delivering the best wellness experience to bring to the hotel’s renowned guests. We are looking forward for our guests to experience this luxury wellness escape, offering a multi-sensory voyage into the world of deep relaxation and well-being using an array of world-renowned products and unique local ingredients.”
The 13,560 sqm spa area features eight treatment rooms, three Hammam spaces, two vitality pools, lavish separate male and female
spa areas, and a luxurious VIP Treatment Suite available for couples. The suite provides private changing facilities, a double treatment zone with therapy performed on warmed water pillows or warmed quartz crystal for maximum relaxation, with seated foot ritual area, lounging zone, bathing experience, private hammam, as well as a steam room. The team of spa experts will provide tailored treatments using an array of products from world-renowned brands such as
Tata Harper and AMRA, infused with unique local ingredients to meet a variety of wellness and beauty needs.
The Waldorf Astoria Spa also offers fitness facilities including a spacious Technogymequipped fitness center, grooming facilities, kids club and a range of memberships including “The Spa Club”, offering exclusive benefits to its members.
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is owned by Mabanee,
a leading real estate developer known for its modern vision and excellence in innovation projects. The property joins two Hilton properties currently operating in Kuwait, Hilton Kuwait Resort and Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait.
As one of Hilton’s iconic luxury hotel brands, Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits and the
Hilton Honors mobile app. Book direct at Hilton. com, through the Hilton Honors app or through other official Hilton channels for more perks and a price match guarantee. Hilton Honors members can redeem Points using the Points Explorer tool.
Treat yourself to some self-care, call 2477 4414 or visit the website for more information. Follow @WaldorfAstoriaKuwait to stay up to date with the exciting activities and events taking place at the hotel.
By Doug Aamoth
Is ChatGPT coming to take your job? Probably not anytime soon. But, while watching my editor, Harry, routinely razz the popular chatbot into the digital equivalent of the fetal position is one of the best things about the recent AI boom, the technology itself can be plenty useful for daily tasks.
In that spirit, here are a few free and helpful Chrome extensions that leverage ChatGPT to save you a ton of time.
Nobody really likes replying to email, so why not let the ChatGPT Writer extension do it for you?
In the product’s demo, the email user is responding to a recruiter about a job with the simple prompt, “Generate a reply to this email that I’m interested, ask about salary and remote work options.”
From there, ChatGPT spins up a thorough, thoughtful, and professional reply that reads better than whatever schlock 95% of us mere humans would be able to cobble together.
This extension has enhanced support for Gmail, but works across the web as well, letting you call on ChatGPT wherever you need to respond to something.
At some point soon, the ChatGPT for Google extension will fend off Google’s own impending AI chatbot offering. But for now, it’s an absolute must-have if you do a lot of searches.
Instead of wading through page after page of search results looking for the needle in a haystack that represents the specific answer to your query, ChatGPT will take a stab at answering your query to the right of Google’s search results.
And don’t let the name of the extension fool you. Yes, it’s Google-centric, but it also works for results from Bing, DuckDuckGo, and other popular search engines.
There’s no better way to build engagement on LinkedIn than by, well, engaging with people. Problem is, the more you engage, the more time it takes to read and respond to everything.
The Engage AI extension offers you a shortcut of sorts. Let’s say you come across a popular LinkedIn post but you don’t want to take the time to read the entire thing.
Engage AI will do the reading for you and generate a comment on your behalf based on the content contained in the post.
You can choose the tone of your comment: friendly, funny, disagreeable, congratulatory, or inquisitive: and edit it before you send it out.
Feta Mozzarella
Cheese Mix
Spicy Tomato Salsa
Herb Aioli
Organic Beef
Patty
AVAILABLE NOW IN ALL STORES AND ON DELIVERY
These plant-based refugee shelters were made to survive typhoons
By Adele PetersAt refugee camps near the coast in Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees have fled because of persecution in Myanmar, most people live in shacks made of bamboo and tarps. But for the past year, a handful of families have been testing shelters constructed with an affordable new plant-based plastic that is made locally and lasts longer. When a typhoon hit the area last year, the new homes were undamaged, unlike other shacks nearby.
The material “is cheap and doesn’t require power to create, and doesn’t require specialized training or equipment, just a few chemicals that are common on the market,” says Alex Blum, CEO of Applied Bioplastics, the startup that produces it. “So you can create housing for millions very inexpensively, and in a way that is both environmentally friendly and dignified. We’re not talking about tents; we’re talking about homes.”
Blum traveled to Bangladesh to make a film about the refugee crisis, and while there he met a scientist who had been developing the material for more than two decades. The inventor, Mubarek Ahmad Khan, “is a chemist, not a businessman, and he was unable to commercialize the product himself,” Blum says, noting that he eventually convinced Khan to let Applied Bioplastics bring it to market.
The basic design is simple. A locally farmed plant called jute is woven into rough cloth, painted with a plastic resin, and set with heat in a mold that forms sturdy walls or roofs in about an hour. The material resists heat, making the homes significantly cooler than tents or shelters made from materials like tin. It’s strong enough to stand up to typhoon winds, and unlike a tarp, it can’t be easily cut by thieves or invaded by rats.
In theory, homes constructed with this material could last decades, though they can also be easily dismantled, moved, and rebuilt if a temporary camp has to close. The material can also be ground up and recycled into new plastic.
Growing the fiber, weaving it, and making walls and roofs can all be done locally, helping a struggling economy and potentially allaying some of the resentment that some residents feel toward the refugees. “Refugees are almost
never dumped into the backyards of billionaires,” Blum says. “They’re typically moved in next to or on top of the already poor and disadvantaged. That’s true in Bangladesh.”
Building a 150-square-foot home, which can shelter a family of as many as 10 people, costs around $1,000. After a yearlong pilot test of six homes, along with the nonprofit Caritas and the health research organization International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Applied Bioplastics is now in talks with the U.N. to potentially build more. Blum says his company isn’t trying to make a profit on the project. But the same basic technology can be used to make a lower-carbon, partially plant-based plastic called BioFi, which Blum is trying to market to plastics producers as its main product line.
There is an art to setting a table. The French will have you believe that it is all about the order of your cutlery and the placement of your differently sized dishes This is all wonderful and great, but we’re talking about the art of maximizing visual and culinary joy, specially during Ramadan, when we go all out with colors, textures and number of courses. We want our plates and bowls to highlight the food we worked so hard to perfect. We look for high-quality items that are food safe, easy to clean and can last us forever. And we’ve found it all this Ramadan at MUJI.
We’re in love with MUJI’s Acacia tableware collection. Each piece is handmade in the Philippines. Acacia is a material with a shaded wooden pattern that gives an interesting look, from dark brown in the center to white in the periphery. Made of highly workable material, it
is resistant to impact and bending, and is also resistant to putrefaction. It is a fast-growing “early tree” that can be sustainably farmed, and when it grows, it grows to a diameter of 50 cm or more. Hollowing requires a great deal of skill, but craftsmen make handmade and highly accurate tableware.
There are so many sizes to choose from. We love using them as salad bowls because the rich wood tones are a great contrast for our vibrant and colorful salads. They match our clean white porcelain plates and their shape, thickness, and size are all designed to make it easier to match with other collections at MUJI.
White has always been one of our favorite colors of dishware. It is simple, clean and minimal while easily acting as the perfect sidekick for any hero dish at the table. The collection features a simple finish with no painting to fit any aesthetic, and is designed from fine porcelain for better performance and long-lasting utility.
Thanks to impeccable Japanese craftsmanship from the Tono region of Gifu prefecture and the Seto region of Aichi prefecture where the traditions of “Mino ware” and “Seto ware” are alive, we can still get beautifully crafted items. Machines are also used in the production process, but the handiwork of craftsmen is indispensable for finishing the details. The final inspection also relies on the sharpened eyes and finger sensations.
A Ramadan meal is only done after a warm cup of tea and this year we’re going with the beautifully made heat resistant glass tea pots from MUJI. Through the glass, you will be able to see the beautiful crimson tea tones transform as it steeps.
This year, let your meal be the star of the table with the support of the exquisitely crafted and timeless tableware collection from MUJI.
By Stephanie Vozza
It would be fun to see into the future—or at least interesting. While no one has a crystal ball, you might not need one. A better strategy may be to create your future, which requires the skill of prospection, says Gabriella Rosen Kellerman, author of Tomorrowmind: Thriving at Work with Resilience, Creativity, and Connection—Now and in an Uncertain Future and chief innovation officer for the coaching and care platform BetterUp.
Prospection is the ability to imagine and plan for the future,” she says. “In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, the better poised we can be to respond to the changes as they come, the more sense of empowerment and agency we will have.” To get better at prospection, Rosen Kellerman says you have to understand its two phases:
Phase one
The first phase is fast, optimistic, and divergent. “It’s everything that comes up when you first think about something that could happen in the future, such as planning the next phase in your career,” says Rosen Kellerman. “There’s excitement as ideas come to you. And some people get nervous during this phase.”
People who struggle with this phase often stay here longer than they need to be, focusing on the negative, says Rosen Kellerman. “We think it’s protective to think more pessimistically,” she says. “If I think about the worst-case scenario, I might be better prepared for it. But actually, optimism is much better for your health. Studies show that optimism extends your lifespan. Simply allowing yourself to be optimistic can be part of the work of getting better at phase one.”
For some people, the hardest part of phase one is overcoming the resistance of optimism. For others, it’s stretching the limits of their map, casting a broader and vaster picture. It helps to expand your default mode network, which is the brain network you use when you’re in daydreaming mode. This is essential for creativity, and it includes the raw material for divergent thinking tasks.
To create a wider future, Rosen Kellerman recommends feeding it more information by seeking novelty. For example, switch up a routine, taking a new route to work. You could also gently explore things that interest you. For example, reading a novel about someone who’s in that line of work can broaden the realm of the possible and enrich the default mode network.
“Challenge yourself to think bigger than you would have otherwise,” says Rosen Kellerman. “Stay in this phase, embracing the optimism and thinking as divergently as possible.”
Regardless of the emotions you have, all of us quickly shift into a second phase. Our brains naturally trigger us to get there all the time. While it’s important to spend enough time in phase one, phase two is when you’re more deliberative, evaluative, and realistic, says Rosen Kellerman. “This phase informs the actions you’ll take,” she says. “It’s where we’re down to brass tacks with what’s actually possible and what it might take to get there.”
There are some cognitive biases that make it harder for us to realistically plan for the future. One of them was described as the “planning fallacy,” a cognitive model identified by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky in 1979.
“It basically says that if you are trying to plan for something in your own theater with personal obligations, you have the tendency to underestimate the amount of time and cost it’s going to take,” says Rosen Kellerman. “If you’ve ever done a home renovation, you tend to think it’s going to go faster and be cheaper than it [ends up being]. That’s a classic example of the planning fallacy.”
To set yourself up for success, Rosen Kellerman recommends using a framework called “WOOP,” which was created by Gabriele Oettingen, a professor of psychology at New York University and the University of Hamburg. WOOP stands for “wish, outcome, obstacle, plan.”
The first step is to identify the wish; what you hope will come to pass. Rosen Kellermansays this is phase-one work. The second step is to identify the outcome you want if your wish comes true.
“What are the specific pieces of that outcome that you can most vividly imagine?” asks Rosen Kellerman. “That helps you get beyond the higher level emotional, intuitive feel for what that outcome could be to a much more concrete fleshed out idea of what you’re trying to accomplish.”
The third step is considering the obstacles, minimizing their potential. This is where you address the planning fallacy. “Call out as many obstacles as possible,” says Rosen Kellerman. “Think about external things, as well as things that could be internal, like existing habits of ours that could get in the way.”
The last step is to plan what to do when one of the obstacles happens, using “when then” statements.
“This helps us prevent wasting time if or when those things occur because we already have the plans in place,” says Rosen Kellerman. “It helps us keep from shutting ourselves down emotionally for something we think is unrealistic, because we know we’ve done the work to think about what it would take to overcome it.”
Prospection isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about positioning yourself to go after the things you want and positioning yourself to a wide range of potential outcomes, says Rosen Kellerman.
“Part of the work is making sure it’s divergent enough with a set of potential outcomes,” she says. “Then the planning is getting more focused about what we want to accomplish and going after it.”
Taste the wonderful flavors of Japan in true form at Edo, a classic and popular Japanese Restaurant now located at Al Khaled Complex. With more than two decades of experience in Kuwait, Edo continuously claims its rightful place amongst the elite and consistently strives to be one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in the country.
While we fondly remember jazz nights and delectable Japanese delights at Edo’s iconic Shaab Villa, and we’ve fallen in love with the expansive views at their previous Sahara Club location, there is something quintessentially poetic about this establishment’s cozy abode in Salmiya’s Al Khaled Complex. It’s actually quite fitting, an iconic Kuwait location is the perfect match for an iconic restaurant that constantly delivers pristinely clean Japanese flavors paired with an inimitable ambience.
As you walk towards the entrance, a colorful, hand illustrated sign informing you of their latest addition, the Soup Dumplings, is perfectly placed to create intrigue as to what Edo has in store: We couldn’t help but grin when we saw the sign, because we instantly knew that if Edo chooses to do dumplings, then they will be doing it perfectly. This is the same sign that signals to diners Edo’s daily chef specials, but as the gorgeous sign alluded, we knew we were ordering dumplings today!
Surrounded by the quiet wind, mellow background music and a cozy atmosphere, Edo’s outdoor area was our chosen dining spot. Whether you choose to sit indoors and blend into the atmosphere Edo has created with emblematic black, red and white decor colors, or outdoors in a perfectly sized area surrounded by the beautiful plants, you can’t go wrong. You can even book the upstairs seating if you plan to go with a group to have the perfect amount of privacy.
We cleansed our palates with the light, fragrant green tea served to you by the extremely friendly staff and we definitely realized how we have missed the banter at Edo. Nurturing, attentive and always smiling, if you are new to Edo, then you will keep coming back for this interaction as the team’s sense of hospitality is so refreshing. And while they knew us as Edo regulars, they took the time to explain the latest menu changes, the meticulous process behind creating the Soup Dumplings, and so much more. Dining isn’t just about a great food experience, it’s most certainly about the memories you create with your loved ones and the dining establishment itself. We always feel like we’ve picked up right where we left off when visiting Edo.
Our eyes danced across the pages of Edo’s extensive 14-page menu while our appetites were whetted, and we couldn’t decide between revisiting classic favorites, or simply diving into the dumplings experience we knew we wanted to try. To reach a happy medium we decided to do a mix of both!
We started off with the incredible Sunomono Mori salad, a mix of cucumbers, seaweed, scallops, octopus and crabsticks was the perfect introduction to what’s about to come. This classic salad is definitely an Edo best seller because of its simplicity. You know you’ve arrived at Edo once you’ve had the Tuna Tataki. Each handcut, sesame encrusted slice is a showcase of freshness and deep flavors. Nothing is doused in sauce, a massive no-no at this establishment, as quality of the Tuna itself is rightfully celebrated.
And, of course, we had to try the soup dumplings that were so beautifully advertised at the entrance! The Chicken Soup Dumplings, Shrimp Soup Dumplings and Beef Soup Dumplings were an adventure that our taste buds will never forget.
While each dumpling offering has its own unique flavor profile, the common unifying thread between them has to be the immaculately delicate dough. Each dumpling is hand wrapped and pleated to perfection, encapsulating the filling that is laden in the soulful, light broth and filling. Unlike classic gyoza, which are usually prepared with a chosen filling then pan fried or steamed, soup dumplings feature a traditional filling that includes a gelatinous broth layer mixed in, which then melts upon steaming, hence the beautiful explosion of soup flavor you get when you bite into each dumpling.
Edo’s founder Chris Boustany explained to us the trials of creating the ideal soup dumpling, and while the team had gone through so many renditions, he wasn’t going to stop until he believed that they were ready to be shared with the public, from the simple but tricky filling to the perfect pleating on each and every soup dumpling that is made fresh to order. Nonetheless, Edo’s team make the entire process look absolutely effortless. In the beef rendition, we loved how the broth didn’t overshadow the flavor of the beef, and all it took was a small dip of soy sauce to bring out the gentle flavors of the broth and beef together. The chicken could only be described as
a full explosion of taste, and we appreciated the gentle infusion of ginger in the filling to deliver a hearty flavor. For fans of seafood, the Shrimp Soup Dumpling offered a lively flavor pairing that danced on the palate. We now truly believe that we’re going to be starting a new tradition at Edo: Soup Dumplings night!
We were then treated to the magnificent Kaki Ponzu. A firm favorite of ours, we love how the fried oysters are lightly seasoned with the zesty citrus sauce. Not too much, but just enough to appreciate the salty flavor of the oysters which balanced out the Ponzu. Every bite was bold in flavor, and aptly came after the gentle Soup Dumpling tasting we just experienced. Our taste buds were energized, refreshed and ready to take us into our next selection of dishes: Sushi!
We were first treated to a stunning plate of mixed Sashimi, followed by the Jazz Roll. The different flavors of fish and onion quickly showed why the roll is called what it is. The ‘jazzy’ tastes danced in unison on our palates. Team up this roll with the Kyoto Roll and you can’t help but drop your chopsticks for a minute to completely savor the unbelievable taste of the Crab, Shrimp and Salmon, which again, like many of the other seafood dishes at Edo, pay homage to the quality ingredients faultlessly.
But don’t just visit Edo for their amazing rolls, as their noodles and Teppan offerings are truly memorable. We cannot recommend enough the Wagyu Beef Teppan, which is expertly prepared (and if you must ask, perfectly cooked Wagyu is only cooked to medium rare!) and served with a selection of fresh vegetables. One of the best beef dishes you can possibly try, the beef actually melts in your mouth, and you can taste every part of the hearty flavors that come with impeccable quality Wagyu beef. The incredible Chicken Rice Noodles, which like their other dishes, was expertly balanced to allow you to appreciate every element of the dish to absolute satisfaction, and we slurped this down happily.
We’re excited for Edo’s new abode in Salmiya, and while locations may change, the true spirit of this iconic establishment grows stronger than ever. From the inspired attention to quality ingredients to Edo’s unwavering commitment to Japanese authenticity, fans old and new alike will quickly find themselves back at Edo in no time.
You can follow Edo’s latest updates on Instagram @edo_restaurant or visit them at Al Khaled Complex in Salmiya. Have a look at their menu www.edo-delivery.com or give them a call on 6600 7341 or 6060 1042. Photography by Muneera Alkhulaifi @i9ora.
Most of the top-paying early-career jobs have one thing in common
By Michael GrothausIf you’re about to head off to college and haven’t decided on a major yet, you may find the latest labor market data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York helpful. The data, published February 10, reveals the labor market outcomes of college graduates based on major—in other words, the employment rates and salaries of those who majored in particular subjects.
When you narrow the list down to the top 10 majors sorted by median wage in early career, there is one thing most of the top-paying jobs have in common. They’re nearly all in engineering.
Of course, there is a massive difference in the skillsets of a chemical engineer versus a computer engineer versus a civil engineer, but the main takeaway here is that the majors that lead to the jobs that pay the most in early career are the majors that teach people how to build things— whether it’s chemicals, planes, or buildings.
On the more depressing side of things, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s data also revealed some of the majors that lead to the lowest-paid jobs in early career. And there is a clear trend with those jobs, too: Many of them are in education or social services fields.
Miscellaneous Education, Special Education, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education majors generally had early-career jobs with a median salary of $40,000. Psychology majors, as well as Family and Consumer
Sciences, Social Services, and Theology and Religion majors all saw jobs with median earlycareer salaries of below $38,000.
The New York Fed defines “early career graduates” as “those aged 22 to 27” and notes that its median wage figures are those for fulltime workers with only a bachelor’s degree in the subject.
Ikea’s newest smart home gadget, Vindstryka, is a smart air quality sensor for your home. It has a large display to show you the air pollutant level in a given room. It’ll work with the company’s Dirigera smart hub and be available in April. No pricing info has been announced.
This is Plugable’s first docking station that’s specifically designed to work with Chromebooks. It lets you use up to two external monitors with your Chromebook, plus adds a variety of other ports.
The well-known Android smartphone maker has collaborated with Keychron to create its first ever mechanical keyboard. The Keyboard 81 Pro has a CNC aluminum body, clicky switches and thermoplastic keycaps. It can be used wired or wirelessly.
Sonus Faber — the Italian hi-fi maker best known for its gorgeous and super high-end loudspeakers — has announced its first-ever outdoor speaker. The Aster is a wireless speaker with an IP65 rating and is probably best suited for public spaces like restaurants or museums.
The Garmin Vivomove Trend is the company’s new stylish hybrid smartwatch and it’s unique because it’s the company’s first smartphone that supports Qi wireless charging. Like its other Vivomove smartwatches, the Trend has a hidden display for alerts and activity tracking.
McIntosh announced in first AV receiver in several years. The MHT300 is a gorgeous and powerful 7.2-channel that can deliver 150 watts per channel. It basically supports every audio and video technology you’d want, but the catch is its price. You probably can’t afford it.
Source: bestproducts.com
If The Body Shop has taught us anything it’s that self-care with natural products, and organic ranges really does a body, and mind, good. So, what’s the safest way a person can embrace macquillage without it being a mask; having make-up work for you to enhance your natural beauty so you can be comfortable in your own skin and confident? Taking inspiration from Tik Tok and Gen Z - a generation that takes no-nonsense, and loves to love life - The Body Shop now provides the perfect tools and products for self-expression. bazaar decided to give the latest Tik Tok make-up trend of “Siren” and “Doe” eyes a try using The Body Shop cosmetics with makeup artist (MUA) Rossana and found out a lot more along the way!
Generation Z doesn’t allow itself to be made to fit into any pre-conceived boxes and that means celebrating all skin tones and types. There is a veritable smorgasbord of vegan-society approved foundation in the Skin Tint, or Fresh Nude refillable Face Base and another impressive range for the Vitamin C Concealers. These can be used conventionally to match your skin, yes, but can also be used like a palette of colors to shade and add depth where you most want to experiment with your look. Building a great base means it can be dewy in places, and more matt in others, with the application of products used not always the way it says to on the box. Setting spray as primer, anyone? ALL DAY LONG 3-IN-1 Makeup Setting Spray with its Community Fair Trade (CFT) Moringa Seed Oil formula, is a game-changer when sprayed between make-up application steps. You know your skin best, so mixing up the way you use products creates your ideal skin canvas to work on.
Serums that have been part of skin-care routines are now being used to blend, mix and apply dewy make-up. The Body Shop recognizes the importance of skin care within the DNA of their cosmetics and you can choose products with tea tree, vitamin C and coconut oil to boost your beauty even further.
Gen Z also likes to remind us that foundation (despite its name) doesn’t have to be the base, and a trending application is to place your blusher and contour first, and then blend with the application of your favored foundation. This gives a fresh-faced, in-from-the-cold look - Tik Tok trend - that radiates health. We used the Fresh Nude Foundation Brush, to blend out, then applied non-drying Face Base lightly with a powder brush. The Body Shop brushes have all been re-set in aluminum and bamboo for environmental and recycling purposes.
We lightly set the face frame by applying Frame It Brow Pomade brushing up to open out the eye, perfect for the extended eye-liners to come. If you’re wary of brow make-up the pomade also comes in a clear shade that gives the same level of conditioning and fixes eyebrows in place with long-lasting effect.
We took a fresh healthy glow and inspiration from Pantone’s Colour of the Year “Viva Magenta” to add a pop of color to the eyelids, cheeks and lips. Using two of the ten available colors of Freestyle Multi-Tasking Colour Pigment on the eyelid creates a nuanced look instead of one-color block and gives a true “pop” intensity. An important product ingredient used in Colour Pigment is organic virgin coconut oil, so the color is pigmented yet seamlessly blendable!
Both the Siren and Doe looks require lining the eye, Doe being a little softer. Using Freestyle Multi-Tasking Crayons, housed in a fully recyclable wooden pencil, the key feature of the velvety finish is the buildable intensity of color. These can also be used on lips and also come in ten colors! We gradually created the right intensity to then simply smudge out the flick for Doe and used the stunningly intense Wake-Up Call Liquid Eyeliner to add the elongated cat-eye for “Siren”. The Body Shop has even used CFT Organic Aloe Vera in this liner, vital where it’s being used on the most sensitive area of the face. We added Natural Form mascara at the end so as to not detract from the eyeliner impact, but for the other mascaras you can also choose either Turn It Up – which has a volumizing and curling effect, or Everproof – additionally lengthening and also waterproof. All the mascaras contain CFT organic virgin coconut oil.
Finally, we finished off with a natural wash of color by applying a swipe of Sheer Touch Lip and Cheek Tint on the lips! So which look do you prefer? If you want to try them both or experiment with other fabulous looks using The Body Shop cosmetics range, we used Chamomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter as an easy way to remove make-up. It melts away all products, even water proof mascara, and leaves the skin soft and moisturized. Ready to start again!
David Burroughs was once a devoted father to his three-year-old son Matthew, living a dream life just a short drive away from the workingclass suburb where he and his wife, Cheryl, first fell in love--until one fateful night when David woke suddenly to discover Matthew had been murdered while David was asleep just down the hall. Even though it can’t be, David just knows: Matthew is still alive.
by Sarah Penner, Historical Fiction
1873. At an abandoned château on the outskirts of Paris, a dark séance is about to take place, led by acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire. Known worldwide for her talent in conjuring the spirits of murder victims to ascertain the identities of the people who killed them, she is highly sought after by widows and investigators alike. When Vaudeline is beckoned to England to solve a high-profile murder, Lenna accompanies her as an understudy. But as the women team up with the powerful men of London’s exclusive Séance Society to solve the mystery, they begin to suspect that they are not merely out to solve a crime, but perhaps entangled in one themselves.
by Cole Kazdin, Non-Fiction
Twenty-one-year-old Tanner Quimby needs a place to live. Preferably one where she can continue sitting around in sweatpants and playing video games nineteen hours a day. Since she has no credit or money to speak of, her options are limited, so when an opportunity to work as a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman falls into her lap, she takes it. One slip on the rug. That’s all it took for Louise Wilt’s daughter to demand that Louise have a fulltime nanny living with her. Never mind that she can still walk fine, finish her daily crossword puzzle, and pour the two fingers of vodka she drinks every afternoon.Bottom line: Louise wants a caretaker even less than Tanner wants to be one.
What good are the arts? Why should we care about the past? For millennia, humanity has sought to understand and transmit to future generations not just the “know-how” of life, but the “know-why”—the meaning and purpose of our existence, as expressed in art, architecture, religion, and philosophy. This crucial passing down of knowledge has required the radical integration of insights from the past and from other cultures. In Culture, acclaimed author, professor, and public intellectual Martin Puchner takes us on a breakneck tour through pivotal moments in world history, providing a global introduction to the arts and humanities in one engaging volume.
by Lauren Willig, Fiction
Paris rose to prominence as an heiress to the Hilton Hotels empire, but cultivated her fame and fortune as the It Girl of the aughts, a time marked by the burgeoning twenty-four-hour entertainment news cycle and the advent of the celebrity blog. Using her celebrity brand, Paris set in motion her innovative business ventures, while being the constant target of tabloid culture that dismissively wrote her off as “famous for being famous.” With tenacity, sharp business acumen, and grit, she built a global empire and, in the process, became a truly modern icon beloved around the world. Now, with courage, honesty, and humor, Paris Hilton is ready to take stock, place it all in context, and share her story with the world.
Set during an electrifying era of nation-building, idealism, and upheaval, Two Wars and a Wedding is the tale of two remarkable women striving to make their place in a man’s world— an unforgettable saga of friendship, love, and fighting for what is right. From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig: a dramatic coming-of-age story with a dual timeline and a single heroine—a bold and adventuring young woman who finds herself caught up in two very different wars on both sides of the Atlantic.
Source: Goodreads.com
February was a short month, but that didn’t stop some great songs being released!
Title: Lost
Artist: Linkin Park
Album: Meteora – 20 Year Anniversary
Linkin Park is a part of many of our childhoods and their new single is bittersweet as it features the late Chester Bennington’s voice in this song that was recorded before he passed. It’s still very Linkin Park and is sure to bring back memories of their incredible music.
Title: Pegasus
Artist: MEDUZA, Eli & Fur Album: N/A
A new one to add to the list for all House Music enthusiasts. A great song to listen to at any moment as MEDUZA has returned with yet another great single and this time featuring Eli & Fur as well! Really, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Title: Queen of Me
Artist: Shania Twain
Album: Queen of Me
Whether you actively listened to Shania Twain in the past or not, some of her music will be known and instilled in your memories such as “You’re Still the One” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much”. She is back with her new single AND her new album, “Queen of Me” which rolls back the years in the most perfect way possible.
Title: I Made It
Artist: Tones & I
Album: N/A
After rising to international stardom with “Dance Monkey” in 2019, Tones & I has come out with a few tracks and this one is more on the mellow side focusing on accomplishments and successes throughout life.
Title: Running out of Time
Artist: Paramore
Album: This is Why
Who doesn’t like at least a couple Paramore songs? Well, you’ll probably have to add another one to that list as their new single (and album but the same name) is a definite mustlisten. A great mix of songs, beautiful lyrics as always, and all but guaranteed to have your next favorite track.
Title: You Don’t Call Me Anymore
Artist: Sam Fischer Album: N/A
For those looking for a new, slow country song to listen to that gets in all your feelings, Sam Fischer has you covered with his latest single. “You Don’t Call Me Anymore” focuses on exactly what the title of the song alludes in a way that really helps you relate and, as said earlier, gets in all your feelings by the end of it.
Sources: wikipedia.com
Simplify your Ramadan Futoor with some incredible products from Xcite
By bazaar StaffThis Ramdan, Xcite has got you covered with great products that will not only simplify preparations for Futoor but ensure absolutely delicious dishes for you and the family.
Philips Air Steam Cooker 7000 Series
Your favorite Ramadan dishes just got a lot easier to cook with the Philips Air Steam Cooker 7000 Series! Whether you plan to have Machboos, Mutabaq or any other dish, this is the perfect companion for you. With NutriFlavor Technology, you’re able to set the optimal combination of time, temperature and humidity in order to celebrate the flavors of your favorite foods. If that isn’t enough, this is also easy and quick to clean and it’s dishwasher safe!
Wansa Trolleys
We have all struggled with time management when it comes to having your incredible dishes ready and hot in time for Futoor. Well, that won’t be an issue with the Wansa Trolley! Prepare in advance and use the trolley to keep your food hot and fresh until it’s time for Futoor so that you can spend more time with the family! Can be wheeled to and from the table with ease and comes in different sizes so you can get the perfect one.
The Ninja Blender is perfectly named as it can be used for blending quite a few different things! Enjoy incredibly delicious beverages for Futoor even using Ramadan favorites like Vimto, Tang, and Fresh Lemon with mint using this blender. You can also create sauces, purees, dips, desserts and more using the 2.1 liter jug or if you’re planning to go solo, then the 700ml cup helps you make a drink on-the-go!
Right after a beautiful Futoor, coffee is a necessity . To be more specific, Arabic Coffee! With the Deem Dalla Bint Al-Darwazah Arabic Coffee Maker, you’re able to experience the incredible taste of traditional Arabic Coffee made hassle-free. Even if you’re not an expert in making coffee, this product simplifies things and helps you make it in a way that will definitely have people asking you for advice!
Space in the kitchen is always an issue, particularly during Ramadan. Maximize your counter space with just one machine that consists of a Food Processor, Juicer, Citrus Press, Meat Mincer, Beaker, Chopper, Blender, K Beater and Dough Hook! This machine helps speed up your everyday meal prep and even inspire you to try out some different recipes. With the generous bowl size, you are easily able to prepare delicious food for up to 6 people.
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.
This game allows you to study Japanese kanji words using a different approach than similar apps. Instead of studying the words individually the game selects a random word from JLPT list and proposes a set of kanji to be used to compose the word shown.
Android only
Productivity pet wraps the power of GPT3 in a cute package. Give your pet any personality you’d like, whether it is your favorite celebrity or movie character. Schedule your to do list and your pet with your chosen personality will remind you when its time!
iOS and Android
Spinnr is a video app that helps you meet new people who share your hobbies and interests, so you can do fun activities together!
iOS and Android
Descend into the void and befriend mysterious creatures that spawn from your emotions. Nurture your oasis through mindfulness and selfcare. Collect all of the rare species that visit your garden of consciousness!
iOS and Android
FLAMME
With daily discovery questions, hundreds of curated date ideas, an AI powered “love-guru”, and tons of other relationship strengthening tools, our goal is to help couples stay and grow in love!
iOS and Android
INPLAN
InPlan is the ultimate feed planner for Instagram. Easily plan, feed preview & schedule your future posts. InPlan provides you with a perfect experience of previewing your Instagram feed and planning ahead of time. Now Available on iOS and Android!
iOS and Android
play.google.com
itunes.apple.com
Release Date: 2 March
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Tom Hanks, Rachel Keller
Synopsis: Otto is a grump who’s given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.
65
Release Date: 2 March
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Cast: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt
Synopsis: An astronaut crash lands on a mysterious planet only to discover he’s not alone.
Release Date: 2 March
Genre: Drama, Sport
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors
Synopsis: Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight.
Release Date: 2 March
Genre: Adventure, Family
Cast: Sunny Pawar, Claudia Gerini
Synopsis: One night, the little orphan boy Balmani rescues a tiger cub from ruthless poachers. He escapes and sets off on a long and perilous journey to a remote sanctuary, where he believes they will be safe.
Release Date: 9 March
Genre: Horror Mystery
Cast: Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega
Synopsis: In the next installment, the survivors of the Ghostface killings leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter in New York City.
Source: cinescape.com.kw
Release Date: 16 March
Genre: Action, Adventure
Cast: Zachary Levi, Helen Mirren, Adam Brody, Asher Angel
Synopsis: The film continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam.
Designing the perfect nursery just got a whole lot easier and cuter with Pottery Barn Kids’ new collaboration with LoveShackFancy. It is unapologetically girly and pink, and we’re here for it! Add happiness make any room feel like stepping into a secret fairy garden.
If you have a little princess who is fiercely girly, loves fairy tales, all shades of pink and flowers, then this is the collection for her. From the wallpaper, to bedding and accents to accessories takes you into a magical world of pink flowers. Frilly pastels are everywhere and so will your daughters joy and happiness. Just like a beautiful garden filled with colorful flowers, fresh air and sunlight. Mix a little bit of whimsy, a whole lot of florals, some ethereal design-and voila your tiny dreamer will have the perfect room.
Pottery Barn Kids is located at 1st Avenue, The Avenue. Follow @potterybarnkidsmena to see more of the festive collection! Shop online at potterybarnkids.com.kw.
Balance choices to reduce cancer risk
Barbara IntermillWhat’s more important to our overall health: the individual nutrients we consume, or the types of food we eat? Sounds like a trick question to me. Our bodies require certain nutrients essential for health. And we get those nutrients in food, right?
Still, rather than focusing on isolated vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, experts now tell us to pay attention to our whole diet — how much and how frequently we eat certain types of food. And that’s especially important when it comes to curbing our risk for cancer.
We know that about 5% to 10% of all cancers are inherited through our genetics. Yet, according to the World Health Organization, almost 40% of all cancers could be prevented with adequate exercise, a healthful diet, little or no alcohol, and no tobacco use.
Experts tell us the best diet to lower cancer risk is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes (like beans) and lentils (like split peas). In other words, a diet rich in plant foods. Animalbased products can also be included in this balance.
Evidence is pretty strong that a high intake of
processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs and other meats that are salted, cured or smoked can increase one’s risk for colon cancer. Keep these foods to a minimum, says the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Excessive intake of red meat (more than about three servings a week) has also been implicated as a risk for colon cancer. Since meat is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc and other essential nutrients, cancer experts don’t discourage it in moderate amounts. They do recommend we balance our meat intake with other protein sources such as beans and seafood.
Dairy foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese may actually offer some protection against colon cancer, according to a review article on this topic in Today’s Dietitian. Calcium in these foods appears to guard the intestinal tract from
cancer-promoting substances, say researchers. No amount of alcohol is without risk when it comes to cancer prevention, says the AICR. If we do drink, cancer experts recommend we drink moderately, no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. (That includes beer and wine as well as liquor, by the way.)
What about tea and coffee? Yay, both these widely consumed beverages contain antiinflammatory properties that may help prevent certain types of cancer.
Lastly, it’s not always what we eat, but how much. Weight gain that leads to obesity is a significant risk factor for breast cancer in older women. Conversely, even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds (that is not gained back) may significantly lower a woman’s risk for breast cancer, according to an analysis published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
FEB 19 – MAR 19
After a long period intended to liberate you from the past, you are starting a reconstruction on new, more demanding bases. Count on your resources to enrich yourself and to communicate harmoniously with those around you.
ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19
Saturn urges you to free yourself from what is holding you back, and Pluto sparks a new life project. The Sun invites you to begin a new expansion. It’s about sorting out your life to keep only what allows you to evolve. Don’t shy away from the reflection that allows you to approach a new cycle with full knowledge of the facts.
TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20
Saturn invites you to make long-term plans without rushing. This month brings change for everyone, but consider your strategies before you jump in. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and relatives to share good moments with you. Your humor, new way of apprehending the world, and libertarian claims do not scare anyone; on the contrary.
GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21
Whatever your efforts, Saturn is waiting for you to turn the corner. If you have been on the right path, you are rewarded for your commitment. If you have not always been honest, the day-to-day is easier. In the meantime, you are mobilized to achieve your ambitions.
CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22
You aspire to lead the life you like, and you assert your ambitions. Whether professionally, socially or emotionally, you get the recognition you deserve. You seduce those you like and those you need to succeed. Identify the boundaries that you must not cross to avoid damaging your reputation.
LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22
Saturn encourages you to restructure your world if you have been questioning your relationship world. You will have to give up past conveniences and deal with real or symbolic bereavements that force you to take a different look at life. This evolution allows you to broaden your horizons.
VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22
Nothing prevents you from believing in your potential. You rally the votes around a unifying vision of the world and push back your limits. This adventurous spirit and audacity allow you to spend an excellent month. There is no question of maintaining relationships that do not bring you anything; you must change things.
The sky is working on the positive evolution of your sentimental and social life. Listening to others and being inclined to mingle, you appreciate the atmosphere in which you flourish in good company. Amid an inner transformation, you don’t want to blend in. You must follow your intuitions and break with a past of dependence and submission. You may want to obtain more autonomy and sign the contract of the century.
You are redoubling your goodwill and putting yourself at the service of those you love to improve your living conditions. Rely on your radiance to spice up the relationship, to get out of the routine. Take advantage of your increasing popularity to ask for a raise to request an upgrade in your efforts. No major obstacle will stand in the way of your quest. Your originality plays in your favor.
The month guarantees your fulfillment. Count on your charm to attract attention or rekindle the flame. You want to emancipate yourself from a family dependence that weighs you down, you express it, and you make it accepted. Count on your creativity to dare to claim the just reward for your merits. Nothing can be denied you. You shine with all your lights.
Saturn urges you to correct your communication to reflect your evolution and your need to better manage your exchanges. There is no question of leading superficial debates but rather of approaching discussions with those around you without giving in to the easy way. Count on Venus to smooth out the rough edges with your family and express your desires openly in love.
Saturn is completing its course in your sign. A stage of maturity is ending; you have redefined your priorities and are now digging into your potential. You are structuring your material world. You will win the support of those around you.
