bazaar March 2024

Let's Talk Ramadan

Creating special moments together this Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem!

From March 10 until April 16, 2024

IKEA Ramadan Buffet

Don’t miss our delicious Ramadan Buffet and enjoy a tasty variety of food and beverages with your family and friends!

Iftar Buffet

IKEA The Avenues - IKEA The Warehouse

Time: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Price: KD2.950/per person

Kids eat for FREE (6 year olds and below)

Suhoor Buffet

IKEA The Avenues - IKEA The Warehouse Time: 11 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Price: KD1.950/per person

Kids eat for FREE (6 year olds and below)

IKEA

IKEA The Warehouse

IKEA

IKEA

I must say, I’m impressed. I didn’t get attacked by any hordes of kids, or hit by a single water balloon on National Day. I didn’t get stuck in traffic a single time. I didn’t nearly get run over by mad men in pickups with huge flags fluttering behind them. The next day, the roads were clean, everything was back to normal. All in all, it was a really lovely, cozy, fun long weekend, and the perfect way to say goodbye to February and hello to March and Ramadan which is literally around the corner.

Ramadan is an exceptional time of year here in Kuwait. It’s a time of reflection, recharging and reconnecting with ourselves and our loved ones. We are grateful for the wonderful people in our lives, whether they are friends, families or the chosen communities we have built and can’t wait to see them this month during the multitude of iftars, suhours and ghabqas. Before you start accepting invitations, you might want to make sure you’ve got the right looks set up for the occasion. We’ve got you covered in a variety of styles and designs. Inspired by aquatic gardens and underwater adventuring, drops two and three of the Limited Edition collection are whimsical and exciting. COS, on the other hand, are encouraging us to experiment this Ramadan with interchangeable separates that are designed to bring comfort and versatility to dressing. The brand’s renowed traditional tailoring is still present but is reimagined and presented in a monochrome palette. Another of our favorite brands River Island, is bringing us bold yet modest options this Ramadan. If you are looking for timeless elegance with a contemporary flair, then head to & Other Stories. The exclusive Ramadan Capsule Collection blends modern silhouettes with the feeling of serene glamour. Effortlessly transition from iftar to suhour with these gorgeous outfits.

Now that you look fabulous, you will need a glamorous destination to match. This Ramadan, induldge in the Four Season’s Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya’s Jawaher tent. If the iftar isn’t enough to entice you then the special kids’ activities, fantastic spa treats, and great room offers definitely will. The Waldorf Astoria Kuwait are also treating us to a delightful assortment of Middle Eastern delicacies alongside beloved dishes from around the globe at their Kubbar tent.

The final thing you’ll need, is arriving in style. There are few options in the high-performance luxury vehicles category that match the BMW X6 M Competition with the unparalleled control and agility. Whether cruising along winding roads or unleashing its full potential on the track, this vehicle remains poised and responsive, delivering a driving experience that is nothing short of exhilarating.

You thought we forgot about Mother’s Day this year, but we just saved the best for last. Spoil your favorite maternal figure this year with the perfect gift from Xcite. Skip the traditional bouquet of flowers and chocolates, and get her a gadget that will make her life better.

Happy Reading

Ahmed El-Adly

The bazaar team...

Boss

Ahmed El-Adly Editor

Alia Al Duaij

Operations Manager

Ihab Youssef

Content Manager

Yasmine El Charif

Mixed Media Solutions

Jennifer Cádiz

Design

Shadi Mofeed

Staff Writer/Online Media

Yasmin Gamal

Sahira Ladha

Israa Odeh

Contributing Writers

Craig Loomis

Yasmin Mostafa

Contributing Photographers

Hamed Ashkanani

Communications

Hala Y. Sharara

Syndicates & Sources

Fast Company

LA Times

MCT International

Newsweek

Printing

British Industries for Printing and Packaging

X6 M60i

5 Year warranty

5 Year maintenance

5 Year road assistance

INDEX MARCH 2024

48

RAMADAN NIGHTS AT WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, we are looking forward to Waldorf Astoria Kuwait’s grand opening of Kubbar Tent. With Lincoln Motor Company as the diamond sponsors, Kubbar Tent is where guests can immerse themselves in a culinary journey filled with authentic flavors and cherished traditions.

68

PERFECT RAMADAN MOMENTS WITH IKEA

Ramadan Mubarak! It’s finally our favorite month of the year, when we reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones. We’ve learned over the years that the real secret to a great Ramadan is proper planning and organization to make the most of it. This year we’re taking a (literal) page from IKEA’s magazine, Ramadan Edition, to help us stay ahead of the game and create magical Ramadan moments.

116

EID ELEGANCE WITH EUSTON DESIGN & MASTARA

The Diwaniya is a uniquely Kuwaiti concept. Serving as venues for social interaction and a space where people can connect, the traditional diwaniya has evolved and cemented its place in everyday Kuwaiti culture. We spoke to Jamal S AlFahham, Mastara’s CEO and Dr Khalid Al Mutawa, Euston Design’s founder to learn more about their thoughts on diwaniyas and how we can create the perfect one for ourselves with their help.

NOT A CRUMB WASTED WITH PRET A MANGER AND RE:FOOD

The globally renowned popular sandwich shop Pret a Manger has always been committed to reducing food waste while ensuring customers always get the freshest food possible. They’ve joined forces with refood Kuwait to donate unsold food every day so it can reach individuals in need.

56

THE ALL-NEW BMW X6 M COMPETITION

In the exhilarating world of high-performance luxury vehicles, BMW has long reigned supreme, setting the gold standard for innovation and sheer excellence. Get ready to discover a machine that doesn’t just push the envelope but shatters it into a thousand gleaming pieces. With a dazzling array of groundbreaking specs in a sleek, ultra-modern design; it’s a bold proclamation of supremacy, embodying unrivaled power, opulence, and technological sophistication.

74

A GLOWING RAMADAN AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

The city’s art-filled sanctuary unveils its exciting celebrations for the Holy Month. First up, the dazzling Iftar and Ghabga feasting in the opulent surroundings of the Jawaher tent are a must! And if that wasn’t enough, there are special kids’ activities, fantastic spa treats, great room offers, and even more exciting things in store!

64

A CONVERSATION WITH 4SALE’S CPO AND CTO MOHAMED NABIL

We’ve been watching 4Sale grow for years and were excited to learn about their recent record growth and revenue increase. We had a chat with 4Sale’s Nabil Mohamed, Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of 4Sale to learn more about the company’s stellar performance, his role in the company, and how he sees things changing in the future.

88

FIND YOUR RAMADAN STYLE AT DEBENHAMS

We take our Ramadan fits very seriously. With the endless social gatherings, it’s the perfect opportunity to give our wardrobes a refresh and flex our fashion muscles. We’ve found everything we need and more at Debenhams and their wide selection of different labels.

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bazaar magazine became a member of BPA Worldwide in June 2010, a renowned 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.

#1

What: @try.tatas

Info: Longest fries in town

Editor’s Note: Because fries are life.

#3

What: @narayanacolony

Info: Beautiful dresses

Editor’s Note: We’re already shopping for our Ramadan darra3as.

#2

What: @serve.q8

Info: Fresh and tasty delivery only food

Editor’s Note: Perfect for Ramadan gatherings.

#4

What: @qotnhome

Info: Luxurious embroidered linen napkins and placemats

Editor’s Note: Hosting futour looks perfect

#5

What: @bud_kids

Info: Grow your little buds in style

Editor’s Note: We’re suffering from cuteness overload

A DOUBLE WIN FOR AUK

The American University of Kuwait Basketball Teams Secure First Place in UAAK Tournament

By bazaar Staff

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) men’s and women’s basketball teams claimed the championship in the 2023-2024 UAAK Tournament. The teams’ remarkable achievement was marked by an impressive streak of consecutive victories, underscoring their dominance and proficiency on the basketball court throughout the tournament.

Eight universities participated in the league. The men’s basketball team maintained an impeccable record, remaining undefeated throughout the league. Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team secured victories in all but one game during this competitive season.

Commenting on this impressive achievement, Mohammed Al-Saleh, senior sports coordinator, stated, “AUK athletics have become an attraction for prospective students, and I am very happy about this. When team players win, they feel that they are recognized as athletes, however at AUK just being part of an AUK sports team makes our players immediately feel like athletes. I am very proud of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams and congratulate them for all their efforts and for winning in the UAAK Basketball League.”

Omar Mehdi, director of the Office of Student Life, also shared the same sentiment, “The Office of Student Life is very proud of our champions who dominated both the men’s and women’s UAAK basketball league. Our studentathletes’ character and passion led them to this well-deserved victory.”

This victory not only underscores AUK’s athletic excellence but also reflects their unwavering dedication. The values of discipline, hard work, and teamwork exemplified by the athletes are ingrained in the ethos of the University, fostering a culture of excellence that extends beyond the sports field.

For more information on the American University of Kuwait please visit auk.edu. kw and follow their latest on Instagram and social media

VENTING IN CORPORATE

A new TikTok meme has workers venting their corporate frustrations

By Joe Berkowitz

Feeling undervalued in one’s job can be demoralizing enough on its own. What tends to exacerbate that feeling, to the point of extremely loud quitting, is when bosses throw patronizing attempts at appreciation into the mix, rather than financial compensation.

A new meme has emerged as an ideal vessel for venting frustration with a corporate culture that pats people on the head instead of putting money in their pocket—and it’s taken over TikTok.

The original video comes from MainlyMannie, who is part of the vanguard of satirical TikTokers focusing on office culture, along with Corporate Erin, Corporate Sween, and Nicole Daniels. MainlyMannie has been portraying her Boss and CEO character since 2021, but this marks her most popular moment yet. It starts with her telling a staff member that after picking up today’s trash, this worker has the honor and privilege of . . . also handing out flyers. “We’ve just fired the person who does that, but now you have been promoted,” she says, opening her mouth canyon-wide to project a level of celebration beyond belief, before

adding: “You are now one of my elite employees!”

The Boss and CEO then points out to her newest “elite employee” an overlooked spot of trash on the ground that needs seeing to.

Several versions of the meme comment directly on getting promoted with either no additional pay or the tiniest possible amount. It’s a fairly common frustration. In a widely cited survey from 2018, staffing firm OfficeTeam found that 39% of employers commonly offer a promotion without a raise—a 17% increase from a similar survey in 2011. More recently, 78% of employees in a survey from November 2022 claimed they had taken on a heavier workload with no increased compensation. The amount of wages that have been absorbed by inflation recently only makes the extra unpaid labor even harder to swallow.

Beyond that particular indignity, though, TikTokers are using the meme to comment on all other sorts of work issues, from being asked to perform menial tasks to being offered weak rewards for doing so. (The Apple TV+ series, Severance, also commented on this aspect of corporate culture with the head office dangling the performance reward of a “waffle party.”)

Of course, the meme eventually spread its wings further on the app, with creators using it to call out other more domestic forms of unpaid or undervalued labor. It got so popular—more than 50 million views on the original video alone—that even RuPaul did a lip sync of the meme to promote an upcoming book.

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash.

A SANCTUARY OF SPLENDOR: FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KUWAIT AT BURJ ALSHAYA

Received the Forbes Five-Star Award for both its Hotel and Spa again!

By bazaar Staff

When you think of some of the most fabulous hotels in Kuwait, the Four Seasons Hotel at Burj Alshaya is usually top of mind. We love that place and the hotel has definitely raised the bar high for luxury and the art of hospitality. The establishment has won the Forbes Five-Star Award for both its Hotel and Spa operations for the second consecutive year. This marks a significant milestone as the first property in Kuwait to bring the coveted international Forbes recognition.

“It is truly an honor to be at the helm of a Hotel that is pioneering such a unique, forward-looking approach to five-star hospitality in the Arabian Gulf.”

- General Manager Martin Kipping

The Forbes rating, a hallmark of excellence in the hospitality industry, is awarded based on an assessment by anonymous inspectors against 900 objective criteria, emphasizing an outstanding guest experience and a highly customized level of service with sustainability at its core. The Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya’s commitment to these values is evident in every facet of its operation, from its pioneering approach to five-star hospitality to its dedication to responsible luxury.

General Manager Martin Kipping reflects on this achievement with pride, noting, “It is truly an honor to be at the helm of a Hotel that is pioneering such a unique, forward-looking approach to five-star hospitality in the Arabian Gulf.” This sentiment is a reflection of the hotel’s commitment to creating a legacy of luxury and wellbeing, with responsible hospitality at its heart.

We are especially fond of the hotel’s approach to sustainability which is both innovative and inspiring, featuring an onsite water processing and bottling plant, complimentary vehicle e-charging stations, and wastemanagement and recycling practices. These initiatives, along with plastic-free guest rooms and the championing of local products, demonstrate a profound respect for the natural environment.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait is a realm of relaxation and rejuvenation, offering cutting-edge therapies and ecological products amidst opulent surroundings. From the palatial Moroccan hammam to the grand pool with majestic views of Kuwait, every detail is designed to provide a sanctuary for the senses. We love to unwind here!

Dining at the hotel is an experience in itself, with the rooftop restaurants’ four-elements design motif capturing the imagination. The green living wall, outside terrace, and the water-themed Asian eatery Sintoho contrast beautifully with the fire-inspired modern Italian restaurant, Dai Forni, complete with its gleaming copper wood-fired ovens.

The hotel’s commitment to luxury extends to its art and design, featuring interiors by Yabu Pushelberg and architecture by Gensler, adorned with one-of-a-kind local artworks and installations. The “Stairway to Heaven,” an illuminated 43-foot spiral staircase, is just one example of the hotel’s dedication to creating an environment where art and luxury converge.

The Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya invites you to discover what makes it not just a hotel, but a legacy in the heart of Kuwait. To learn more about the hotel, follow them on Instagram @FSKuwait, or go ahead and give them a call on 22006000 to book a stay or a spa treatment.

THE JOURNEY OF A SUCCESSFUL CAREER STARTS WITH THE RIGHT INTERNSHIP

PAM interns successfully complete Winter Internship at Alshaya

By bazaar Staff

Alshaya Group in association with the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) in Kuwait, recently recognized over 30 interns who successfully completed their winter internship at the company.

The one-month program that ran for four weeks from 7th January to 1st February, witnessed the participation of young students who received training at popular brands across various locations including H&M, KidZania, Harvey Nichols Kuwait, Pottery Barn and the Head Office.

This was the second winter program for the company where Kuwaiti students received hands-on professional training and intensive insight into all aspects of store operations, including sales, promotions, customer service, merchandising and stock management – ideal preparation for those interested in a career in retail.

“The design of PAM internships revolves around offering practical learning experiences

to the youth of Kuwait, with the intent of uplifting their skill sets and readying them for their professional endeavors. We have been partnered with PAM for internship opportunities since 2007 and looking forward to our continued partnership to ensure that we are promoting the work culture in the private sector, and particularly the retail industry among nationals in Kuwait” said Khaled Albusairi -Recruitment Manager of People Division – Alshaya Group, who led the internship project at Alshaya.

“Our association with Alshaya Group represents a continuous relationship based on supporting Kuwaiti youth by providing training opportunities to guide them towards working in the private sector and determining the course of their future through many initiatives. One of the

most prominent goals of our partnership with Alshaya is to give students practical experience by engaging them in the work environment and learning about the work mechanism within the different departments,” said Najat Al-Yousef, Deputy Director General for The Public Authority of Manpower.

Every year, Alshaya collaborates with Kuwaiti government bodies to offer retail internships to local students. These programs complement university education with practical experience, fostering future retail professionals.

Learn more about Alshaya Group at www. alshaya.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

PURIFYING HAMMAM EXPERIENCE

BEWARE THE SELF-CARE SCAM

How women should really be taking care of themselves

By bazaar Staff

As an older millennial (some might even say Gen X), the term self-care is not something we grew up with. Today it’s everywhere. Companies will sell you everything from bath bombs to makeup and label it as #selfcare. I’m all for it, but I think it’s time women redefine the meaning of taking care of themselves.

First, let’s differentiate between self-care, self-maintenance, and personal hygiene. A lot of the items on lists of self-care on the internet will tell you to take an everyday shower, book a mani-pedi or drink more water. These are not luxuries, they are essential tasks that are a part of health. You should not be dehydrated and ignoring cracked heels can lead to infection. Most of the discourse on self-care is targeted toward women, to get them to buy more products or take part in the latest meditation class. It’s yet another way women’s issues are minimized and distilled into something superficial. You can’t buy or meditate your way into a better life. But you can rethink and redesign your daily routine and lifestyle to better serve you.

It’s time to reframe our needs as women. The two things that most women need are time and money. Real self-care is planning for the future, today. If you are so stressed that you’re on the verge of a mental breakdown or swimming in burnout, then it is time to find help. You can

burn a warehouse full of candles, but if you don’t get the help you need, you will never fully relax. This might look like professional therapy, and it might be working on your social safety network. Healthy relationships with friends and family are not something that just happens, it takes nurturing and an investment of time and energy that pays off over a lifetime. We can’t go through life alone, no matter how independent we are. Strengthening the bond with your siblings, picking up the phone to connect with a friend, or hosting a group get-together are some of the best ways to feel better instantly and make sure you have a social safety net to fall back on when times are tough. Unsurprisingly, social interactions trigger positive emotions when endorphin binds to opioid receptors in the brain. Succinctly said, connecting with people is better than doing drugs.

The other thing that we rarely see tackled by the #selfcare crowd, is the effect of financial stress. We all get a dopamine rush when we

buy something new, but if you’re not careful you could be facing more anxiety and stress in the future. Sitting down and taking an honest look at your finances is something everyone should do. If you have debt, you should prioritize paying it off before making any more purchases. Next, you should start setting goals for the future. Do you have an emergency fund? Should you upskill and ask for a raise or a better job? Can you start investing small amounts today, so you have a good nest egg by the time you retire? Talking about money has become crass and taboo in most companies, but you should have that conversation with yourself. But you can’t do that if you keep ignoring it.

We all love instant gratification, but doing things today that will improve your life in the future is the ultimate form of #selfcare.

Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash.

THE UNVEILING OF THE AIKON AUTOMATIC LIMITED-EDITION TIMEPIECES

Trafalgar Luxury Group brings us the magic of Maurice Lacroix’s exclusive new watches

By bazaar Staff

In a celebration of heritage and culture, Maurice Lacroix proudly presents the exclusive AIKON Kuwait Limited Edition, unveiled just in time for Kuwait National Day at the glamorous Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait Burj Alshaya. This exquisite timepiece is a testament to the rich traditions and vibrancy of the Arab world, encapsulating the essence of Kuwait with every detail. Trafalgar unveiled these Maurice Lacroix exquisite timepieces in February, and as expected, the watches captured the attention of the guests.

Guests of the special event were treated to immaculate rooftop vibes at the hotel’s swanky Cigar Lounge, paired with delightful treats, live music, and even personal portraits created by the talented local artist Yara Meraki. Most of all, everyone in attendance was enamored by the fabulous timepiece on display, the true star of the evening!

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the AIKON Automatic for Kuwait boasts special Arabic numerical indexes and a date display, honoring the country and its cultural heritage. Limited to a mere 150 pieces, each watch is a rare treasure, featuring a beautifully adorned back glass proudly showcasing the Kuwaiti flag. The case back, designed by local watch enthusiast Mohammad Saleh Alelewah, pays homage to Kuwait’s National and Liberation Day, also features intricate calligraphy alongside the Maurice Lacroix emblem. The 42mm stainless steel case is elegantly engraved with a special Middle East Edition marking on the case back, complemented by a captivating light blue Clous de Paris dial, reminiscent of the azure skies of Kuwait.

At the heart of this exceptional timepiece beats the automatic ML115 caliber, ensuring precision and reliability with every tick. Available with a choice of a 5-row stainless-steel bracelet or

a light blue rubber strap adorned with the gleaming ‘M’ logo, this edition offers versatility and style. Embodying the essence of the AIKON collection, the watch features the innovative Easy Strap Exchange system, allowing wearers to effortlessly switch between stunning rubber and metal straps without the need for tools, adding a personalized touch to their timepieces.

The AIKON Kuwait Limited Edition is more than just a watch; it is a symbol of unity, culture, and heritage. With its exquisite design and impeccable craftsmanship, it pays homage to Kuwait and its people, embodying the spirit of pride and celebration. Whether worn as a statement piece or cherished as a collector’s item, this extraordinary timepiece is a tribute to the timeless elegance and sophistication of Kuwait.

Join Maurice Lacroix in celebrating Kuwait National Day with the AIKON Kuwait Limited Edition, a masterpiece that transcends time and culture, uniting watch lovers around the world in a shared appreciation of beauty and craftsmanship. You can find these watches at the Trafalgar boutiques around Kuwait. For more information on these timepieces and other surprising luxury launches, follow @TrafalgarLuxuryGroup.

RAMADAN

Experience unforgettable moments this Ramadan at our outdoor tent and splendid restaurants. Indulge in mouth-watering buffets and captivating entertainment for exceptional gatherings.

HOW TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS WHEN THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE

You can’t just roll with it

By Elaine Mak

As 2024 unfolds, we all know that the only constant is change. Yet, time and again, we see companies that are unable to manage change fail in the marketplace. According to a recent report, “more organizations are failing when it comes to business outcomes during times of change” than ever before.

Adding to this challenge is the continuous and rapid acceleration of change in our world.

In 2023, we saw major shifts that will affect businesses for decades to come. Companies continue to reconcile and reimagine remote and hybrid working models, deal with ongoing economic uncertainty, and face the fallout from a never-ending string of catchy, but disruptive workplace phenomena, from the Great Resignation to quiet quitting to the Great Rethink. And then there’s generative AI—a deeply disruptive change agent whose full impact we’re just beginning to conceptualize.

To survive in this environment, every organization in business today needs to do more than prepare for the possibility of change. They need to create structures and mindsets that can continuously absorb shocks and turn them into opportunities. These companies will not only manage through change, but be the standout examples that can thrive and grow in 2024’s predicted mix of rapid disruption and cautious optimism.

It’s not enough to have an organization aligned around what is, but to develop a culture that imagines what could be. To do so, start by asking these two fundamental questions.

Is your business model designed for the age of change?

Old business models were not structured to operate at the speed of the digital age. Even systems that were in place to manage change were built around a single, rare, one-off event. We haven’t evolved our organizational models to meet the speed, scope and number of changes that companies now face on a daily basis.

The speed and reach of customer feedback is a good example of this. Gone are the days of customer feedback slowly traveling up the command chain. Today, customer feedback is instant and impactful. Customers now have the power and tools to immediately report about their experience and broadcast it to the world, whether that experience was good or bad. The onus is now on businesses to have the appropriate communications structures and cultures in place to empower frontline employees to make brand-aligned decisions, rather than wait for headquarters to react.

Is your growth plan too rigid for rapid response?

More and more, companies are faced with the opportunity (or necessity) to make quick decisions based on fluctuating circumstances. These decisions can have significant impact on business strategy as well as performance, and more risk-averse leaders may chafe against too much change, too quickly. But while sticking to a core strategy is obviously important, neglecting opportunities for growth could be lethal. To make room for change, company structures must be flexible enough to support both a stable core business and the real-time opportunities that arise.

To turn the tides of rapid change in your favor, build resilience and values-driven agility into your business structure so your team can thrive in any environment. Here are three design principles to help you make the strategic shift:

1) Follow an 80/20 rule to maintain stability and flexibility. Plan 80% of your operations around your core business to focus resources on maintaining your bread-and-butter offerings. Save 20% of your operations’ resources for exploring new opportunities and responding to the unexpected.

2) Maintain a diverse talent mix. The profile of teams suited to optimize the core business may be different from the profile of the team that assesses and tests new opportunities. Always maintain a mix of talent to create a well-rounded team that covers both.

3) Stay true to your values. Companies that lead with and live by their values can create a consistent environment during times of change. Your values become the bedrock that allows employees to make decisions and take risks without the weight of heavier oversight. The greater capacity your organization has for employees to participate in problem-solving, the greater your organization’s resilience to micro and macro change.

The rate of change is so fast today that it may feel impossible to keep up. But there are a few key factors that can spell the difference between success and failure. Building values, flexibility, and resilience into your company culture and operations and engaging diverse teams can help you not only weather the storms of change, but begin to thrive in new and unexpected ways.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

RAMADAN NIGHTS UNDER THE STARS AT WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT

Exquisite delights at the Kubbar Tent

By bazaar Staff

Waldorf Astoria always delights and tantalizing our taste buds, and this year, as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, we are looking forward to Waldorf Astoria Kuwait’s grand opening of Kubbar Tent. With Lincoln Alghanim as the diamond sponsors, Kubbar Tent is where guests can immerse themselves in a culinary journey filled with authentic flavors and cherished traditions.

Located within the luxurious confines of Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, Kubbar Tent offers a delightful assortment of Middle Eastern delicacies alongside beloved dishes from around the globe, from traditional favorites to international delights.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, Kubbar Tent will welcome guests from sundown until late, providing both Iftar and Ghabga experiences. Pricing for these unforgettable dining experiences is set at KWD 27 per person for Iftar and KWD 25 per person for Ghabga. Additionally, children below the age of six can indulge in complimentary dining, while children aged six to 12 years old can enjoy 50% off on both Iftar and Ghabga meals.

A STARLIT CULINARY JOURNEY

This Ramadan, guests are invited to indulge in a celestial dining experience under the stars at Kubbar Tent. Nestled in Kuwait, this openair venue offers a captivating ambiance where guests can savor an extensive array of Ramadan favorites amidst the night sky.

Executive Chef Gurkan Gozyilmaz and his expert culinary team have curated a carefully crafted menu that showcases traditional Middle Eastern delicacies alongside tantalizing international cuisine options for both Iftar and Ghabga. From delectable soups and salads to hot and cold appetizers, guests can explore a diverse range of flavors to tantalize their taste buds.

The culinary journey continues with live cooking stations featuring freshly baked bread from the wood-fired oven, succulent signature kebabs, mouth-watering Wagyu beef shawarma, and much more. Each dish is prepared with precision and passion, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.

We are excited to go on this culinary journey under the stars at Kubbar Tent this Ramadan and breaking our day-long fast with a feast fit for royalty. We assure you that, whether dining with family, friends, or your guests, the luxurious setting and sumptuous offerings promise an unforgettable evening of culinary delight and cherished moments; Waldorf Astoria sets the bar very high.

RAMADAN SWEET TREATS

What is Ramadan without the desserts and sweets? Waldorf Astoria Kuwait has definitely outdone itself one that front! In celebration of the season, savor the sweetness with a delectable array of sweet treats and beverages to complement their Iftar and Ghabga experiences. Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy a curated selection of Ramadan beverages, from the beloved Qamar Al-Deen to the refreshing Jellab, alongside essentials like tea and coffee. As the night unfolds, guests can end their evening on a sweet note with a wide range of oriental desserts, we especially like to indulge in the delicate layers of homemade baklava,

and we like to treat ourselves to a scoop of the special mastic ice cream, crafted to perfection. Each bite is a celebration of tradition and flavor, and the perfect last note to the glorious dining experience. Along with the fabulous meal, there are live Ramadan-themed performances and entertainment. Are you as excited as we are?

OUR LITTLE GUESTS

When dining out with the little ones, you have to plan so much entertainment! Waldorf Astoria has left no detail to change, with activities and games, face painting, and a selection of cartoons for the little ones at the Kids Club, while the adults indulge in the exquisite, curated dining experience.

HOST YOUR RAMADAN EVENT AT WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT

If you are looking to host your own Ramadan Iftar or Ghabga gathering and create everlasting memories with your family, friends, or your guests, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait’s outstanding venues are the must-go. With exceptional service and attention to detail, select venues can accommodate up to 600 guests in different layouts for private or corporate bookings. And of course, the set packages come with special group pricing.

PURIFYING HAMMAM EXPERIENCE AT WALDORF ASTORIA SPA

This Ramadan, we are also looking forward to pampering ourselves in the traditional grandeur of the Turkish Hammam, where time-honored traditions blend with ultimate luxury. What we love is that you get a thorough consultation with your therapist, and then dedicated hammam spaces will be reserved according to your needs. The treatment features 24kt gold for cellular renewal, Vitamin C for brightening, and MicroCellular actives for toning and firming, revealing beautifully rejuvenated skin. Price: KWD 85, Duration: 75 Minutes

For those seeking extended relaxation, and who isn’t, you can enjoy 15% off when booking a 90-minute massage of your choice, ensuring that your journey to rejuvenation is remarkable and unforgettable. At Waldorf Astoria Spa, pampering guests with exclusive offers makes each visit an unforgettable journey of bliss and tranquility, which is just what they do best!

SWEET GIFTS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

Looking for the perfect gift this Ramadan? Waldorf Astoria Kuwait honors the special season with delightul gifts crafted by expert Executive Pastry Chef Can Mergen and his team. From rich chocolate bonbons, macarons to homemade baklava, there’s something for everyone to savor. Enjoy gourmet delights with your family and loved ones from the comfort of your home throughout the month, or pass by and pick up a selection for your next weekend Iftar gathering!

THE MAGIC OF GRAISH

Love, a non-authoritative community, and members holding space and trust for one another make for the winning formula behind the team at Free Jabriya

by Yasmin Mostafa

Graish. Offstage; Intense rehearsals, 12 hour schedules and back to back production meetings. On stage; a rush of nostalgia and “warmth” at reliving selective childhood memories on Tv Screens, segments of narration, and interpretive art rolled into a series of beautiful performances on stage. A gripping development of pivotal scenes that take you on a journey within a journey of memories that touches hearts of all ages. The show develops through Thirty-four scenes against continuous transitions of beautiful sets on stage. Over the concert’s hour and a half, we follow the nostalgic ramadan memories from the 80s and 90s in the artist’s mind, Director Mr Fahad Al Rahmani.

Directed by Mr Fahad Al Rahmani and produced by the creative powerhouse that is Free Jabriya, the production features talented young performers that extend an immersive experience to audiences in Kuwait. In a very original approach, Free Jabriya invites you to their latest musical with a dress code. A Graish reception followed by the Graish show in an optional dress code, “Graish” attire, beautiful Ramadan Daraas and Dishdashas to convey they are not just an audience but a part of the show. Think of your ticket as an invitation to a warm reception and a community space followed by an entertaining show.

As much as you would think theatre is a lost art, Free jabriya proves you wrong. At a time when entertainment seekers wait for new Netflix releases, Free jabriya ensures their theatre work stays immensely relatable, touches several generations, and stays relevant to our times. They pledge to inform audiences on our culture, middle eastern legacies and heritage and aim to elevate Arabic performances to a more global scale by celebrating our nuances. This time, they depict those unique ramadan moments, amalgamated into an artwork that speaks unity, making us feel closer than ever because we share the same memories and practices.

Mr. Fahad Al Rahmani’s passion for theatre and the stage started since childhood. It was last summer in Spain when he introduced the idea to the team at Free Jabriya. Despite the first meeting didn’t happen physically, the idea translated instantly, and it took the team twenty four hours to embrace and love the concept behind it. Fuelled by his vision, Mr Fahad Al Rahmani took to writing the show all summer and took it into his own hands to dissect it scene by scene to translate it to stage. He didn’t stop there, but also composed and wrote two original songs for the show. Having given previous lectures about leadership and management, he attests the loving team behind Free Jabriya, passionate people who love doing what they do, as must-win ingredients to a successful and creative environment and what encouraged him to keep giving to the show and believing in it more and more. It was the strong

desire and hopes of allowing older audiences to reminisce of “Al Zaman Al Gameel”..a.k.a the good times. Art can unify us and Graish offers us just that, by providing an opportunity to re live our wonderful memories of the 90s and 80s. Younger audiences are invited to enjoy the dance, performances, and music even if they don’t get to recognize every historical television reference.

“We aim to deliver value-driven entertainment” says Maryam Al Khatrash, Creative producer at

Free Jabriya, “ not a run of the mill performance to get a show together and sell tickets for business, but to provide an art. There is an intent behind every show, a memory or a certain emotion that audiences can walk away with.” She goes on to explain that at the base of everything they do is Joy, a major value for the team, and a wider sense of a community feeling. From previous experiences with successful productions, the likes of “Roo7 Al Sharq” “Rahbaniyat” and “Miami” they found the

Embark on a culinary journey at Garden Cafe, nestled within the picturesque Jumeirah Messilah Beach. Let the magic of Ramadan unfold in this enchanting oasis of flavours and festivities.

best vision for Mr Fahad and helped to visualize it more and develop it further for stage. “Coming out of the last Miami show, the new challenge for Graish was acting, together with performative dance, a new category of show which I was intrigued to learn from and see on our stage. We wanted our audiences to leave with more.” Says Maryam Al Khatrash.

Apart from the rich layers and details to the scenes of the show there was a major culture element. “Focusing on regional talent to deliver Graish was important. We hired talented individuals who could relate to the message and voice of the Show. From stage design to song curation to Costume design and lighting, people working with us on the show understood the culture element to Graish” Says Zaina Ammouneh, Production Manager at Free Jabriya. She attests to the originality of the show to the new ways of experiencing the old, and re interpreting our memories.

Over the play’s one hour and half long running show we follow two beautiful journeys taking place on stage. Echoing a Ramadan timeline, it begins with the first glimpses/sightings of the moon crescent that announces the entry of Ramadan, from the exquisite Graish, “the last supper” through gerge3an till Eid celebrations. Simultaenously the show also journeys through a typical day in Ramadan.

The show opens with the first act of “salo 3ala ahmad” song, a tribute to the early eighties shows. The female choir are decked out in traditional “thoubs”, Arabic gowns with intricate goldwork and embellishments, and male choirs in “Bishts”, embellished male gowns on top of their formal dishdashas. The show transitions to the hustle and bustle of a very busy night, the night before the first day of Ramadan. An insanely busy COOP/Supermarket set comes up on stage with frantic mothers and families stocking up and shopping for essential commodities of Ramadan. The Props and visuals on screen behind re inforce our beloved Kuwaiti brands in ramadan. The show then transitions to a very popular scene and re enactment of “el 3eyal kebret” a widely known Egyptian comical play in 1979 for which many television networks have provided hundreds of re runs to garner love and laughs from more than two generations. We find our performers leaving behind their Kuwaiti heritage garments and get into the signature Egyptian nightgowns and robes of the play. What was stunning was the true to form re enactment of the Egyptian performer “Younes Shalaby” in his copy of his Egyptian robe, his acting and a close resemblance to his singing voice.

The next scene is another rush of nostalgic memories of early mornings in our grandmas bedrooms or living rooms. A rush of our beloved Arabic cartoon characters come out of the big TV Screen on stage and engulf the kids performers. Sebastien, Jazoora and Jongar bring back so many nostalgic memories. Next comes a scene, drawing

inspiration from popular Kuwaiti Drama Series in the early 2000s “Al Qarar Al Akheer” and “Droob Al Shak”. Drama series remain synonymous with Ramadan and a tool which glues families together. Performers take to the stage looking like characters straight out of both Drama series.

The story of Graish continues to spin seamlessly from scene to scene unfolding from “ fawazeer” characters sherihan and Fatoota to more drama kuwaiti series to Badr Al Zaman an iconic historical show, to Gerge3an and many more. The unfolding happens in different time periods or eras bridging Arabic characters and themes in a compelling and swift artistry and fashion.

Storytelling is nothing without costume development. “Costume is an integral part of character development and storytelling”, says Adel Al Asaad, lead Costume Designer and director for Hair and Make-up for the show. To build on transformations throughout the show’s many scenes, finer details of dress styles, and aesthetics from different time periods had to be considered. Many of the show’s costumes and fabrics were sourced and adapted to stage locally and from Istanbul. Adel’s favorite time period in the show to work with was the 80s. “There’s a lot of sharp silhouettes like big shoulders and mix of fabrics and dramatic cuts and lengths that can be played with and invoke heavy nostalgia for the show and makes you fully re live the characters on stage.”

Stroytelling is further re inforced on stage. Two elements set the Graish stage apart from others. A big television screen to reinforce our imagination and memories with playbacks of original shows from the eighties and nineties and an elevated platform where star performers/key characters are shed light on. Apart from that, different sets had to be built for the different scenes. Architect by degree and a true activist at heart, Mohammed Al Mulla who started stage designing for Free Jabriya on Rahbinyat and Roo7 al Sharq pushed his boundaries further with Graish to meet the challenges of the show’s fast pace and multitude of scenes. He says Graish his most challenging show yet to design that many sets for all those scene, but the love and trust he received from Free Jabriya made him enjoy the process very much. “Theatre is one form of art to communicate ideas through. With time I started seeing things with the artists’ eyes, being in their world, relating to them and believing more in their idea to translate it to my sketches” He says.

The four days of the show sells out in a week. Audiences remembered, re lived, laughed and enjoyed and loved the performers and their performances. Everyone who worked on the show felt very sad to close the show and bring their journey to an end. Though Graish is considered a timeless show, taking the time tunnel is sometimes necessary to go back to our inner child and understand our journey in life all over again. It was a beautiful Graish, a beautiful journey. Well done Free Jabriya. You did it again.

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE: THE ALL-NEW BMW X6 M COMPETITION

In the exhilarating world of high-performance luxury vehicles, BMW has long reigned supreme, setting the gold standard for innovation and sheer excellence. And with the unveiling of the all-new BMW X6 M Competition, get ready to discover a machine that doesn’t just push the envelope, but shatters it into a thousand gleaming pieces. With a dazzling array of groundbreaking specs in a sleek, ultra-modern design, this isn’t merely any other luxury Sports Activity Vehicle; it’s a bold proclamation of supremacy, embodying unrivaled power, opulence, and technological sophistication.

At the heart of the BMW X6 M Competition lies a powerhouse of a V8 engine, now augmented with groundbreaking 48V technology. This combination not only enhances performance but also ushers in a new era of responsiveness and efficiency. With a staggering output of 460 kW/625 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft), the BMW X6 M Competition catapults from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds. The integration of an electric motor further amplifies this performance, delivering an exhilarating driving experience unlike any other.

But power is just one aspect of the equation. The precision with which this power is transferred to the road is equally impressive. Thanks to advancements in the drive system, including the new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the BMW X6 M Competition offers unparalleled control and agility. Whether cruising along winding roads or unleashing its full potential on the track, this vehicle remains poised and responsive, delivering a driving experience that is nothing short of exhilarating.

Of course, performance is only part of the story. The BMW X6 M Competition also commands attention with its bold and aggressive design.

From the sleek silhouette to the distinctive kidney grille and matrix LED headlights, every detail has been meticulously crafted to exude power and presence. Optional carbon fiber accents further enhance its sporty aesthetic, while the available Jet Black forged M light-alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication.

Inside the cabin, the BMW X6 M Competition offers a blend of luxury and technology that

is truly unmatched. The BMW Curved Display takes center stage, providing a modern and exclusive interface for accessing a plethora of digital features. From the control display with its touchscreen functionality to the ambient light bar and M leather steering wheel, every detail has been designed with the driver in mind. And with standard features such as M multifunction seats, fine-grain Merino leather trim, and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, the interior of the BMW X6 M Competition is a sanctuary of comfort and refinement.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the BMW X6 M Competition is its array of advanced driver assistance systems. From front collision warning to lane departure warning with steering assistance, this vehicle is equipped with cuttingedge technology designed to enhance safety and convenience on the road. The optional Parking Assistant Professional even allows for automated parking maneuvers, further demonstrating BMW’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

The new BMW X6 M Competition represents the pinnacle of high-performance luxury vehicles. With its formidable engine, precise handling, and luxurious interior, it sets a new standard for excellence in its class. Whether you’re seeking thrills on the open road or simply cruising in style, this vehicle delivers an experience that is truly unparalleled. So why settle for anything less? Experience the future of driving today with the BMW X6 M Competition.

For more information, please visit Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive showrooms in Shuwaikh, Jahra or 360 Mall, please call 1846 464 and follow @Alialghanimsons on Instagram.

Photography by Hamed Ashkanani, @hamed__ashkanani on Instagram.

4SALE AND RECORD REVENUES IN 2023

A conversation with Nabil Mohamed

By bazaar Staff

We’ve been watching 4Sale grow over the years and have used it to buy and sell items. The site has grown from a car classified website to the giant it is today. They recently announced record revenues in 2023 that marked an 11% increase in their main consumer division. Last year was an outstanding year for the platform; they saw increased activity across all their 197 categories while over 90% of sales were completed fully online - up from 65% as recently as 2019. The company is expecting 2024 to be another strong year for growth, especially with its implementation of hyper-personalized recommendations.

Nabil Mohamed

We had a chat with 4Sale’s Nabil Mohamed, Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of 4Sale to learn more about the company’s stellar performance, his role in the company, and how he sees things changing in the future.

Nabil graduated from the American University in Cairo with Honors armed with an Industrial Engineering degree, joined Vodafone’s Discover program, and stayed there for 3 years. Next he moved to Boston and enrolled in Harvard’s MBA program. After graduating he spent five years working at Amazon. By 2020 he was back in Egypt and joined the 4Sale team, where he has been focused on transforming 4Sale into a regional powerhouse.

As 4Sale’s CPO and CTO he leads a workforce of around 80 people in both engineering teams and product teams that span Software Engineering, Product, UX Design, Analytics, and Operations. This is a rare setup in the tech world, yet this has helped 4Sale operate more smoothly. Team members are encouraged to focus on customer satisfaction and performance instead of on their products. This attitude has helped propel 4Sale forward. Currently, the platform has over three million users, 70,000 transactions monthly, more than one million listings annually, and 600,000 active monthly customers. These numbers just prove how big 4Sale really is.

The company is currently focusing on perfecting every part of its processes; from user interfaces to searching and the back end. It’s this level of attention to detail that has helped improve the customer experience and keeps users coming back for their next transaction. A good example of this is how they constantly collect information and feedback from their team in Kuwait as well as focus groups on how to phrase words so they can create better interfaces for the multi-lingual community they serve.

4Sale has four main verticals that create revenue; traditional consumer revenue from the ads that are being placed, which makes up about three-quarters of their income, but they also make money from commercial businesses and tastefully placed ads on their pages.

The fourth and final vertical is their latest addition to the 4Sale portfolio, 4Sale Realty. It’s a game changer when it comes to renting a place in Kuwait. Finding a new apartment is a daunting task when done through the traditional route. 4Sale Realty is a one-stop shop for people looking for a place to rent. The company noticed that this market was very fragmented, yet they had a lot of data on popular locations, units, and actual availability. So they decided to streamline the experience and offer users an easier channel to find a place to call home.

The platform shows users a 3D view of the space with measurements, so you can do a virtual walk-through from your laptop or phone screen. You can take a look at all the rooms without having to get up from the couch. It saves everyone time because you don’t have to physically visit unless you are sure you like the place.

If you are interested, then you contact the dedicated call center to schedule a visit. They have already hired experts from the real estate industry who understand how things are done and have poured a lot of time and effort in developing the technical process. Once you’ve reached a decision and would like to proceed, they also help facilitate the deal. It saves everyone time and money.

“We’ve been working like crazy for this past year and a half. We planned for this growth. We didn’t know exactly what it would be. There is something major that I learned from Amazon and it’s being input-driven because that’s what you can control. So, in the here and now, what can we get done? How quickly can we get it done? What are

the trade-offs that we need to make and then what are the input metrics that we can use to measure how well we’re doing, whether it’s errors, whether it’s velocity, quality, or initial customer response to a feature that we’re working on. Yes, the growth was intentional, the 11% growth in the consumers category was a nice surprise. I thought it would be less,” Nabil explained.

They’re also using last year’s success to fuel 2024. This year they are focusing on helping more people find what they’re looking for by directly going to 4Sale, whether they’re looking for a new place to live or a car. The second thing they’re working on is their infrastructure, especially the back end and databases to become much more scalable. As their features become more sophisticated and their user base increases, they need to make sure that they’re stable. The third thing is hyper-personalization. By using sophisticated data science models they want to offer users alternatives that are the best for them.

All of this is going on while they continue their zero-tolerance policy towards foul play. They work hard to keep 4Sale an honest and open platform. They quickly blacklist and block users who engage in activities that go against their policies. Trusted Sellers, only receive that honor after they have proven their track record and have strong credentials. It is just one of the ways that keeps everyone safe and happy. 4Sale is slowly but surely shifting how we think about buying and selling used and new items, as well as renting and leasing property. We’re excited to see what they have in store for us in 2024 and in the coming years too.

Visit q84sale.com to make your next favorite purchase, or sell something to make more room for joy in your life. Follow @q84sale on Instagram to stay updated on special offers, deals and news.

CREATING SPECIAL MOMENTS THIS RAMADAN WITH IKEA®

Making the most of the holy month

By bazaar Staff

Ramadan Mubarak! It’s finally our favorite month of the year, when we reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones. It’s always full of engaging events, social gatherings and personal reflection time and is always over in instant. We’ve learned over the years that the real secret to a great Ramadan is proper planning and organization to make the most of it. This year we are sharing some of IKEA’s tips and tricks to help us stay ahead of the game and create magical Ramadan moments together.

IT IS ALL ABOUT PRE-PREPARING

The holy month comes with its bitter-sweetness. Stressing about food and how to prepare and manage to finish all these meals without complete exhaustion and spending a lot of time in the kitchen. We normally meal prep all year round, but even more so before and during Ramadan. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, you can dedicate a day to making lots of meals, or you can make double the serving for every meal for a couple of weeks before Ramadan and freeze half of it. Either way, you can find the best food container solutions from IKEA that are stackable, dishwasher safe and come in different sizes that will be suitable for every household.

BECOME A CLEVER COOK AND SAVE TIME FOR RAMADAN

Even if you don’t create full meals, you can prep separate ingredients to streamline the entire process. Chopped onions and minced garlic can be stored in lockable bags in the freezer for weeks. You can even store pre-marinated chicken and beef in freezer bags before Ramadan. Just let it defrost in the fridge the day before and your iftar cooking time just got cut down.

PREPARE YOUR KITCHEN FOR RAMADAN

A well-designed, thought-out kitchen will make life easier and cooking more satisfying while fasting. Having the right gear and storage – and having it right where you need it – lets your creativity flow. Make sure that you have all the tools you need. Realizing that your chef’s knife is dull while you’re trying to create a memorable meal can be very frustrating. Things like peelers, scissors, chopping boards and graters are the tools that can make things go much smoother.

GOODBYE WASTE, HELLO DELICIOUS

We hate food waste, and it feels even worse in Ramadan. The first law of food waste: if you can see it, you’ll eat it. That’s why neat, transparent food storage is so important. It helps you to keep stock of what food you already have, so you’ll use it before it expires and skip unnecessary extra trips to the supermarket.

IFTAR AT IKEA

We love cooking at home, but after a couple of weeks of it, we feel ready to take a break. IKEA Iftars are our favorite. Amazing portion sizes and delicious options are just two reasons we love heading to IKEA. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is great and after we’re done breaking our fast we can take a leisurely stroll inside the IKEA store and pick up what we need to make our lives easier.

RAMADAN IS HERE AND SO IS SCHOOL!

Many children want their own workspace while still being in the middle of things. Create a dedicated children’s studying nook and make space for the little ones to play in the kitchen so that you can easily follow up on them while cooking for Iftar.

CREATE FUN ZONES IN A KID’S ROOM

Children can easily decorate their room and make garlands from MÅLA paper and hang them on the walls to get Ramadan vibes. In a child’s room, the opportunity to play is central. See how you can create a playroom which will be fun and functional at the same time. Arranging it around the different things they want and need to do will make everything easier and more fun for them, and keep them entertained during the holy month and after as well.

SET THE STAGE FOR ALL THAT WONDERFUL FOOD

The GOKVÄLLÅ Ramadan Collection from IKEA will instantly add Ramadan vibes to your home. The much anticipated and lovingly prepared food is beautifully supported by adding the accents of gold and tealights. And here it is! Your Iftar table is elevated to another level. Adding beautiful serving trays and dishes from the GOKVÄLLÅ will build a beautiful look.

EASY IDEAS FOR THROWING A GHABGA

Living in a small or big space doesn’t matter. There’s no excuse not to throw a good Ghabga for family and friends. Serving a buffet, combining mingling and free seating, and putting every surface to good use – your table, some stackable stools, a trolley – go a long way to creating fun and memorable moments. The GOKVÄLLÅ cushions and throws add an extra level of coziness and are very Ramadan chic.

Get ready for Ramadan and Eid by visiting IKEA the Avenues, IKEA the Warehouse (Sabahiya), IKEA 360, IKEA Assima, IKEA Khiran or shopping online at www.IKEA.com.kw. For more information, please call 184 0408 or follow @IKEAKuwait on Instagram.

NO TRICKS

3 application hacks that recruiters see right through

By Alyshia Hull

“How do I make my job application stand out? Are there any tricks?”

These are questions Erica Rivera, a former recruiter at Google and now career coach at Career Diva, has heard time and time again.In today’s competitive job market, the need to make a lasting impression quickly is crucial. So it’s understandable that candidates are looking for any extra way to grab a recruiters’ attention.

However, according to Rivera, these hacks don’t usually work and can instead hurt your chances, because it shows a lack of trust and credibility. Here are three tricks you should avoid, and what you should do instead when applying to any job:

Don’t use white text

Applicants will sometimes copy the job description and paste it into their résumé in small white font so that it’s not visible, says Rivera. “Their goal is to get their résumé through the applicant tracking system by filling it with keywords.”

But here is the thing: If it does go through, and lands in the hands of the recruiter, they are going to wonder where those keywords are. It raises a red flag, she says.

“In the past, I’ve had to reject people because of this, which is hard,” Rivera says. “I’ve sat there and wondered, why is the ATS giving them such a high score when I can’t see any of these keywords?”

She realized that they were secretly included in the résumé when she scanned the page with her cursor. The experience left a bad impression, she says, because even if she hadn’t noticed and the candidate made it to the interview stage, they weren’t likely going to have the requisite experience.

Instead, when crafting a résumé, she recommends speaking to the experiences you do have, and using keywords that are relevant to you. You could even create a section on your résumé of relevant skills and qualifications.

Don’t use fake job titles

Another common “hack” some applicants use is listing a job title on their résumé that they haven’t officially held, says Rivera.

“Their hope is to look more appealing, but if you’re doing that, and the company then runs a background check on you, or speaks with a reference, it can backfire,” she says. “For example, your reference might say something like, ‘Oh, they weren’t a team lead, they were an individual contributor.’”

Additionally it’s important to ensure that your job titles on your résumé match those listed on your LinkedIn profile. It happens more than you’d

think, Rivera says. “Then I wonder, what is it? For me as a recruiter it’s a red flag as I am now being provided with two different pieces of information.”

Do what you can to maintain credibility and trust throughout the process. “I tell people you want to be as honest as possible, as more often than not you’re going to get caught up in the process somewhere [if you aren’t fully transparent].”

Don’t use made up references

Rivera also says she has seen people give fake references, such as using a family member or friend’s name and falsely claiming them as past managers or coworkers.

“Then, when a recruiter goes to reach out, it becomes suspicious when they can’t verify who they say they are,” says Rivera. For instance, they don’t have a company email address, or it is obvious they don’t work for that company.

“The reasons as to why someone does this varies, but I’ve heard things like, ‘I had a toxic work environment, or I didn’t have a great relationship with my manager, so I looked for a way around it,’” she says. “I get it, but unfortunately, when a background check doesn’t line up, an offer can get pulled back.”

Instead she advises applicants to use someone else at their past company. Select someone you have a better relationship with, or maybe a peer who isn’t a friend. “Companies, big ones especially, are thorough with their background

checks, so it’s best to be honest. Otherwise, you’re probably not going to move forward.”

What helps you stand out

Now that we’ve debunked a few hacks that don’t work, if you are trying to get your job application noticed, there are a couple things you can do.

If you’re concerned about lacking specific experience for a role, concentrate on highlighting your existing strengths and accomplishments when crafting your résumé, says Rivera.

“You can do this by highlighting your relevant background, such as coursework or extracurricular activities, particularly if you’re a recent graduate. You can also emphasize specific skills or qualities that demonstrate your value, even if they’re not directly aligned with the desired position.”

Additionally, consider taking an intermediate role within your target industry to gain experience before pursuing your ideal job, she says. “It can be beneficial to explore alternative avenues, such as personal projects or volunteer work, to bolster your résumé with tangible examples of your abilities and dedication.”

At the end of day, there are a lot of hacks out there, and a lot of misinformation, too. But when applying for jobs, honesty will get you further than any trick will.

Photo by João Ferrão on Unsplash.

THIS RAMADAN, CELEBRATE THE GLOW OF TOGETHERNESS AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KUWAIT

Savor the spirit of the season with heartfelt traditions and decadent dining

By bazaar staff

This Ramadan, we are oh so excited to make glittering memories awaits at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. The city’s art-filled sanctuary unveils its exciting celebrations for the Holy Month and yes, we will be there! First up, dazzling Iftar and Ghabga feasting in the opulent surroundings of the Jawaher tent! And if that wasn’t enough, there are special kids’ activities, fantastic spa treats, great room offers, and even more exciting things in store!

The combined vision of a global team of interior designers comes together for the Hotel’s Jawaher Tent.

“It’s always a privilege to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan with our guests in Kuwait City.” General Manager Martin Kipping tells us. “Whether it’s creating culinary magic for a Ghabga spread, decorating the opulent Jawaher Tent, or entertaining the little ones at Kids’ Corner, our dedicated team consider it a great honor to help make special memories for guests of all ages.”

“We are also excited this year about our cooperation with Genesis Cars and its authorized dealer in Kuwait, Northern Gulf Trading Co.”, added Kipping. Northern Gulf Trading Group, the exclusive authorized dealer for the Genesis brand in Kuwait is the exclusive sponsor of Jawaher Ramadan tent this year.

“We are delighted to partner with the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait this Ramadan, bringing together GENESIS’s pinnacle of automotive luxury and the unparalleled hospitality of the Four Seasons. This collaboration celebrates our shared commitment to elegance, quality, and creating extraordinary experiences. Together, we aim to offer an unforgettable blend of sophistication and luxury, embodying our mutual dedication to exceeding expectations.” commented Raed Turjuman, CEO, Northern Gulf Trading Company-Genesis.

Divine Dining, Decadent Setting

The combined vision of a global team of interior designers comes together for the Hotel’s Jawaher Tent. The venue is the ultimate for Ramadan dining. Up to 600 guests can savor its sparkling, gold-hued ambience and Arabian elegance, while six private majlis and VIP Lounges seating allow for exclusive evenings.

Executive Chef Thierry Papillier and his team of culinary artists pour heart and soul into abundant Iftar and Ghabga feasts. Traditional Kuwaiti and Arabic fare such as jareesh, harees and machboos are joined by Asian delights from Sintoho and Italian creativity from Dai Forni. The tent features a brand new section of Indian food, featuring all the favorite classics of this loved cuisine.

Each meal is a celebration, and ends on an especially high note with an artful selection of desserts and bite-size treats including a freeflowing chocolate fountain, while the Hotel’s Al Soor Lounge offers boxes of handcrafted chocolates for take-home treats and Ramadan gift giving. Well, now we know where to pick up our lovely gifts for all of our gatherings.

Live performances from traditional musicians set the auditory scene for joyful connection, to continue the festivities well into the night.

Fun for all the Family

Ensuring adults get some well-deserved downtime, a dedicated Kids’ Corner showcases plenty of inspiring activities to keep younger guests entertained. During Iftar and Ghabga, children aged six to eleven dine for just half the price, while kids aged five and under are welcomed free of charge.

On the nights of 13 and 15 of Ramadan, special Gergean celebrations channel the sweet and jubilant warmth of the occasion, inviting families to savor time together. And for the first three days of Eid, the 21st floor brunch will be available for lunch and dinner. The cuisine unites flavors 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. What a splendid way to end the month of fasting with a fabulous meal with family and friends, don’t you think so - we do!

Ramadan Stay, Your Way!

For the first time in Kuwait, embrace the spirit of Ramadan with the Four Seasons Hotel’s 24-Hour Stay offer. Check in at your convenience and savor a full day and night of luxury, with your departure a full 24 hours after arrival. We thought that this was a lovely way to break the routine in Ramadan. Room Offers start at KWD 80 with the option to include a decadent Iftar dining at Jawaher tent, with prices from KWD 95.

Elevate Your Wellness at Our Five-Star Retreat

If you wantto enjoy a more luxurious and relaxing Ramadan this year, why not dive into relaxation with the Moroccan Hammam and Recovery Experience at the hotel’s spa. The 90-minute journey is priced at KD 110. Or you can enhance your well-being with membership access to the Forbes Five-Star Spa and Wellness Centre, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, diverse fitness classes, personalized training, and luxurious pools. Discover the pinnacle of tranquility and health in one elite destination.

To learn more about the Ramadan celebration at the Four Seasons or to see what else is going on, follow them on Instagram @FSKuwait, or give them a call on 22006000 to book your Ramadan experience or spa treatment.

HOW TO DEAL WITH 4 TYPES OF BAD BOSSES

Or tell if you are one

By Kathleen Davis

The old adage is true: You don’t quit a job, you quit a manager. If you like your work but not your boss, it can feel like a waste to leave, but hell to stay. Luckily not all is lost if you don’t like your boss. There are ways to manage your manager. But not all bad bosses are created equal, so different approaches might work, depending on your pain points.But what about if you are a manager yourself and are worried that you might be making some missteps that could make your employees leave? Don’t worry, there’s hope for you, too.

Bad Boss #1: The Micromanager

One of the bad boss behaviors that comes up most frequently is micromanagement. Autonomy is important for a lot of people, but especially comes up when managers feel the need to keep a closer eye on remote and hybrid employees. If your boss is micromanaging you there are a few ways you can deal with it. The best is to be tactfully direct. If you don’t already have a weekly check-in, suggest that. Work together to outline exactly what deliverables are expected on a shortand long-term basis and agree on what check-ins will make you both comfortable. Establish “open communication” times or expectations on when you’ll respond if they tend to randomly call or message you a lot. These same tools are useful if you are a manager; step back and think about what you really need to know. Understanding where the urge to micromanage is coming from can be the first step in curbing the behavior.

Bad Boss #2: The Absentee Manager

One of the most frustrating scenarios is when your boss is generally MIA and doesn’t provide you with good feedback. A critical part of advancing in your career or getting a promotion is receiving feedback and when you don’t receive any you don’t know what to improve.

Luckily there are was ways to manage up and explicitly ask for feedback:

Set up regular check-ins and ask questions about what you could be doing differently so you get feedback privately and can course-correct.

Prioritize what you need to talk with your manager about and group your requests together if they always seem too busy to meet.

Ask how to reach them in a situation when you really need their feedback. Frame that request around wanting to ensure things don’t get held up.

Are you an MIA manager? Even if you are very busy and pulled in a million directions, you should still make sure you are providing feedback regularly—not just during annual performance reviews. It can mean the difference between keeping a good employee happy and having to spend more time finding their replacement.

Bad Boss #3: The Withholder

The other side of the feedback coin is when a manager withholds negative feedback. While it can

be difficult to give (and receive) negative feedback, one of the most valuable things a manager can do is preemptively share opportunities for improvement.

Not only can this feedback help you grow, but it’s also always better to get feedback from your immediate boss before you potentially overlook a way in which you could be hurting your career, or before a potential weakness of yours is brought up to a boss who is higher up your organization’s leadership tree.

Some of the best bosses are those who give concrete, clear, kind feedback and pair that feedback with opportunities to show improvement.

Bad Boss #4: The Toxic Jerk

If your boss is toxic or disrespectful, this is a case where it’s likely for the best to look for another position, but that’s not always possible.Depending on the behavior you can identify their triggers, and preemptively prepare for them. For example if they give you vague instructions, yet expect you to know exactly what they want. You can ask them something like, “I know that it bothers you when you get a report that doesn’t analyze these things

in detail. Can I run a few questions by you to make sure that I’m focusing on the right things?”

However, if they are abusive or say or do things that cross the line, you can take your complaints to HR or their manager or ask about being transferred to a different team. (Remember, in those situations, it’s likely that you’ll end up wanting to look for a different job.)If you are a manager and you’ve found yourself yelling or losing your temper, having that awareness is an important first step. Also all managers should consider asking for feedback, but you need to do so carefully. On an episode of the Fast Company podcast The New Way We Work titled “How to avoid inadvertently being a bad boss,” author Diana Kander pointed out that direct reports aren’t likely to give their bosses honest feedback. She suggested instead regular anonymous 360 reviews where managers ask for suggestions on how they can better manage their blind spots. “You’ll never uncover a blind spot on your own. It takes feedback from others to help shine a light on this huge opportunity for growth and improvement,” she said.

Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash.

HOW (AND WHY) YOU SHOULD LET GO OF PET PEEVES

Let it go now

By Stephanie Vozza

I hate when a stranger invades my personal space. Like the person who takes up the armrest on an airplane. Or the concertgoer who dances her way into the area around my seat. This pet peeve usually causes me to focus on my irritation for the entire flight or show, instead of relaxing and enjoying the day.

Like me, you probably have a pet peeve or two. While they’re common, there’s a compelling reason called the “heliotropic effect” that should encourage you to get rid of them, says Harry D. Cohen, author of Be the Sun, Not the Salt.

“The heliotropic effect is the tendency for all living organisms to be drawn to energy, which sustains life,” he says. “It’s why a plant tilts toward the sun. A professor from the University of Michigan’s Ross Business School did some research on why organizations are more effective, and it turns out they have a higher number of positive energizers in their leadership roles. It’s a person who’s heliotropic, and they make people feel great.”

Pet peeves stand in your way of being heliotropic, says Cohen. When you keep your pet peeves around, you feed and groom them and nurse your irritation. You pour salt on your roots, as well as someone else’s, instead of letting in the sun.

Why We Have Pet Peeves

Pet peeves can come from a variety of places, conscious and unconscious. According to Cohen, some are emotional habits we picked up over the years but didn’t examine.

“We don’t stare them down because there’s a kernel of truth in our irritation or frustration,” he says. “There’s some reason for justified annoyance, so we only focus on that part. We cop a holier-thanthou attitude.”

Pet peeves are often formed from a deep, innate sense of justice. Cohen says they’re transgressions that we feel are inappropriate that need to be corrected.

“We’re all sensitive to injustice, such as when somebody cuts in line or is rude to someone,” he says. “There’s a natural human impulse to protect the weak. We want to right that wrong.”

Social media can make pet peeves worse by stoking them. “I think the dominant culture supports being annoyed and irritated,” says Cohen. “It’s ‘harrumph beliefs,’ such as ‘I can’t believe she did that’ or ‘I can’t believe he said that.’”

What To Do Instead

To be heliotropic, you must feed the part of yourself that isn’t made miserable by life’s little hassles. When you feel a pet peeve bubble up, Cohen says it’s a chance to go inward.

“Ask yourself, ‘What am I getting irritated about? Why is this bothering me?’” he says.

“Even if you love your pet peeves, you don’t have to respond with irritation. You can take a different attitude to correct the issue.”

Holding on to pet peeves is almost guaranteed to be ineffective or unhelpful. Instead, consider what would be the most effective way to respond. For example, you could assume positive intent and learn to cut people some slack. You could politely ask the person stop their behavior. Or you could simply walk away.

“Nobody’s perfect,” says Cohen. “Having healthy relationships means holding the door or holding your tongue. Both are good. Even if you’re justified in your annoyance, you’re going to exude some kind of negativity on them, and it’s not going to be productive. All we do when we hold on to pet peeves is give ourselves reasons to be pissed and disappointed and frustrated and irritated.”

Why You Should Let Go

Releasing your pet peeves allows you to do better in your own life. We all have moments when we

drop the ball, make a mistake, or don’t follow through on a commitment. Your action may be someone else’s pet peeve. When you sense that you irritated someone or let them down, ask yourself, “Can I do better?” suggests Cohen.

“The thing about pet peeves is that a simple apology often clears up the situation,” he says. “If you were late to a meeting, for example, immediately owning it demonstrates to the other person that you value your time and recognize your won misstep. Then make every effort to not let it happen again.”

While letting go of your pet peeves benefits the target of your annoyance, it primarily helps you.

“Holding on to our pet peeves just makes you and the people around you more stressed,” says Cohen. “If you can let it go, your face relaxes, your body relaxes, and you have less cortisol flowing through your bloodstream. You feel better and the people around you feel better, too.”

Photo by Christian Erfurt on Unsplash.

DKNY SPRING 2024: KAIA GERBER

Defines a New Day at DKNY

By bazaar Staff

In a bold move echoing the spirit of a new generation, DKNY reveals Kaia Gerber as the new face of the brand, infusing the Spring 2024 Campaign with a fresh energy that sets the stage for a new era of iconic American style with a New York edge. With a renewed focus on classic design codes reimagined for the next generation, this spring, DKNY is a manifesto of all things new—from an elevated collection and cutting-edge designs to a redesigned logo and a captivating new face—it’s the dawn of a new day at DKNY.

Embodying all-American style with a New York spirit, Kaia Gerber takes center stage as the global face of the relaunch, bringing undeniably real sophistication to the campaign. “This season brings a whole new energy to DKNY, but with a laser focus on the original tone to build on the DNA

of the brand,” emphasizes Jeffrey Goldfarb, EVP at G-III Apparel Group.

With a renewed focus on DKNY icons and fundamentals, the collection reimagines core elements like denim, blazers, trenches, and leather jackets—all refreshed with a GEN Z twist.

A new take on the DKNY logo sets the tone for the global reintroduction of all-American street style to the world. All the new brand signatures breathe life back into the classic DKNY codes—while always remaining styled back to the signature iconic pieces.

Captured by the visionary photographer Alasdair McLellan and styled by Alastair McKimm, the campaign unfolds in a bold, graphic NY studio, presenting a clean slate for the brand’s visual identity. McLellan’s lens, known for its aspirational yet authentic edge, elevates the fashion while capturing the true essence of Kaia—a natural authenticity that is nothing short of magnetic. “Kaia best represents the all-American style which classic DKNY was known for, but with a new energy and spirit,” states Trey Laird, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Team Laird.

The campaign’s fresh visual palette offers a new perspective, transcending the city streets. Spring 2024 becomes a study of Kaia, New York, and the collection in a real, raw, sophisticated light. McLellan captures not just the fashion but also the textures, sights, and sounds of New York, narrating a universally emotive story of the city’s energy and spirit. In a tribute to DKNY’s iconic billboard legacy, the campaign video brings the NYC billboards to life as Kaia literally steps off and out into the city, symbolizing a bold leap into the future.

As DKNY continues to evolve, the Spring 2024 campaign stands as a defining moment, reflecting the brand’s renewed commitment to creativity, authenticity, and global accessibility. Join DKNY on this transformative journey, celebrating a new era of fashion that resonates with the spirit of today and the aspirations of tomorrow.

“The DKNY campaign will launch today on our DKNY Instagram @DKNY and globally through a diversified media mix of print, digital, premium outdoor and social/influencer partnerships. Additional campaign content will be rolling out on our Instagram channel throughout the season,” states Jacki Bouza, SVP, Global Marketing + Communications at G-III Apparel Group.

The Spring 2024 collection is available on DKNY.COM.KW, DKNY stores in Al Kout, The Avenues, 360 Kuwait, Marina Mall, Gate Mall, Promenade and Awtad Jahra or WhatsApp 55199767 for home deliveries.

Photographed by Alasdair McLellan. Styled by Alastair McKimm. Creative Direction by Trey Laird. Hair by Anthony Turner. Make-up by Diane Kendal.

NISSAN SUNNY’S ENDEARING LEGACY

A journey of evolution emphasizing innovation in technology and design for over 58 years

By bazaar Staff

With an illustrious legacy spanning over half a century, Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Co. (AABC) is proud to showcase the Nissan Sunny which has earned its reputation as a symbol of efficiency, reliability, and quality. Introduced to the Kuwait market several decades ago, the Nissan Sunny has emerged as a beloved choice amongst families and young drivers, amassing a staggering following across the region.

As a core model in Nissan’s line-up, the Sunny nameplate came about from a major naming campaign that took place in Japanese newspapers in 1966. People from across the country submitted over 8.5 million names for Nissan’s latest passenger vehicle at the time, with “Sunny” being chosen for its perceived image of being bright, cheerful, and youthful.

Presently, the Sunny stands as a frontrunner in its segment, with the recently launched 2024 Nissan Sunny featuring a host of aesthetic and technological upgrades, including a redesigned front fascia and an exciting color palette comprising of eight exterior colors. This is supported by segment-first zero-gravity front seats and a variety of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies.

For numerous decades, the Nissan Sunny has not just been a car; it has defied ordinary and gone on to become a symbol of innovation, reliability, and a reflection of the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the customers. Each generation has left an undeniable mark, showcasing the dedication to delivering vehicles that provide value. The longstanding success of the Nissan Sunny is a testament to offering innovative and advanced mobility solutions that stand the test of time to customers across the region.”

Across eleven illustrious generations, the Nissan Sunny has consistently set itself apart with a distinctive array of characteristics. Originally under the Datsun nameplate, the Sunny made a key move in 1981 by transitioning to the Nissan name, symbolizing a strategic evolution in its branding. Each evolutionary step has marked a new chapter, achieving noteworthy milestones which have become an integral part of its legacy. Here, we unfold five pivotal milestones that encapsulate the essence and enviable heritage of the Nissan Sunny:

1960s: The Pioneer of Japanese Private Vehicles

The Datsun Sunny 1000, launched in 1966,

marked the birth of the iconic Sunny that heralded a groundbreaking era in Japan’s private vehicle ownership. Boasting a sporty design and an affordable price tag, it quickly captured the hearts of salaried workers, selling over 30,000 units in just five months.

A few years later, the Datsun 1200 was revealed and had gained popularity for its familyfriendliness. Available as a sedan, coupe, and van, the sedan offered the largest cabin space in

its class and stood out with its quirky advertising tagline “Car next door looks small”.

1970s: The 70s Performance Marvel

Venturing into the ‘70s, the Datsun Sunny Excellent made a bold entrance, embodying style, and sportiness in a two-door coupe. It was heavily used as a base car for races in the “TS Race” category of Fuji International Speedway and won eight championships between 1971 and 1982.

However, the pinnacle of its racing legacy unfolded at the ‘73 Japan Grand Prix. Nissan participated with nine Sunny Excellents, each equipped with the new LZ14 engine. In a spectacle of speed and precision, they dominated the race, securing the top three spots, underscoring the LZ engine’s pedigree as a twin-cam powerhouse.

1980s: US Market Triumph

In a groundbreaking move, in 1981, Nissan marked its triumph in one of biggest auto markets - The USA. Branded as the Nissan Sentra in the USA, a veritable bestseller that outshone global competitors, the model embraced a front-wheeldrive layout, optimizing space efficiency. The transition showcased Nissan’s commitment to both market demand and innovation, epitomized by the stylish bodywork.

Throughout the 1980s, the Sunny underscored Nissan’s dedication to innovation, particularly in driving systems, with the introduction of electronic fuel injection, further solidifying its status as a trendsetter. This evolution not only enhanced functionality but also added a touch of style to the Sunny, making it a favorite among discerning consumers.

1990s: Symbol of Reliability and Comfort

The ‘90s ushered in a new era characterized by squared-off styling and introduced a four-wheeldrive variant for added versatility. Renowned for robustness, some units clocked over 700,000 kilometers without requiring any engine adjustments.

In 1998, the Nissan Sunny underwent a revolutionary transformation, prioritizing comfort with an expanded design that set a global standard. Exclusive as a four-door sedan, it not only redefined the entry sedan segment but also introduced innovative, affordable features. This marked a paradigm shift, making the Sunny a symbol of unrivaled comfort. Simultaneously excelling in motorsports, it solidified its reputation as a reliable and fun vehicle.

Building on Heritage and Technology

With continuous aesthetic and technological upgrades, the Nissan Sunny stands as a symbol of innovation, reliability, and commitment to customer needs. The latest generation introduced in 2019, embodies Nissan’s vision of making advanced mobility accessible to all with a wide range of innovative technologies. While raising the bar for

safety in the segment, the 2024 Nissan Sunny offers customers Rear Parking Sensors and Rear Seat Alert, it also further built on the Nissan’s innovative technologies with a number of innovative Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) features, including Nissan Safety Shield® 360 for comprehensive protection available across all trims.

The 2024 Nissan Sunny, a culmination of success and heritage, is now available at

For more information, customers may visit any of Nissan Al-Babtain showrooms in Al-Rai, Al-Jahra or Al-Ahmadi, or they can contact the customer service at 1804888.

Nissan’s Partner company Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain. in Kuwait, carrying forward the legacy of its predecessors into a new era of automotive excellence.

Celebrate the holy month of Ramadan & cherish those memorable family moments while exploring our delicious Ramadan Ghabqa & Suhoor menu

FIND YOUR RAMADAN STYLE AT DEBENHAMS

A perfect fit for everyone

By bazaar Staff

After years of summer Ramadans, we’re very ready for this year’s holy month. Not only will fasting be much gentler, getting dressed and creating Iftar, Ghabqa and Suhour looks will also be more fun. We love our kaftans as much as the next girl and have a whole collection of Ramadan darra’as but we also love creating different ‘fits that work with our personal style, so we can enjoy them all year round too. We’ve picked some of our favorite stylish pieces from Debenhams this season that might help you get started.

French Connection

French Connection is synonymous with contemporary style and urban sophistication. Founded in the 1970s, it epitomizes chic European design infused with a rebellious edge. The brand seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern trends, offering a diverse range of clothing and accessories for men and women. This Ramadan, choose from sleek tailored suits to casual everyday essentials. French Connection captures the essence of cosmopolitan flair and this is what we’re going for with this beautiful light coat in an exciting and unconventional color. With an emphasis on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, it continues to be a go-to choice for fashion-forward individuals seeking effortless refinement and individuality in their wardrobe.

GWD

Our next pick is from, GWD the contemporary British fashion brand created by the fashion innovator and design guru George Davies, specializing in creating unique styles that are loved by everyone. GWD prides itself on producing current and exciting collections and styles created from travelling the world and gathering the latest inspiration in fabric, color, style, and detail. We love this bold green chiffon dress because it fits the Ramadan vibe without being too specific, so you can enjoy it all year round at different occasions.

Jabbi

Jabbi is a dynamic fashion label renowned for its innovative designs and eclectic style. Established with a vision to redefine contemporary fashion, Jabbi captivates with its bold patterns, vibrant colors, and avant-garde silhouettes. Rooted in creativity and a passion for individuality, the brand offers a diverse range of clothing and accessories that exude confidence and personality. From striking statement pieces to versatile wardrobe staples, Jabbi effortlessly merges cutting-edge fashion with timeless elegance.

Feel empowered and chic in this oversized, gold embellished jacket that can be worn with a skirt or tailored pants for an entirely unique look.

Phase Eight

Phase Eight is a distinguished fashion label synonymous with elegant, feminine designs and timeless sophistication. Founded with a focus on creating beautiful and flattering clothing for women of all ages, Phase Eight epitomizes classic British style with a modern twist. Renowned for its attention to detail, luxurious fabrics, and impeccable tailoring, the brand offers a versatile range of dresses, separates, and accessories suitable for both casual and formal occasions. We love a strong print on a tailored suit. It makes us feel strong but still feminine and ready to wow everyone at the Iftar table.

John Richard

Don’t forget your accessories! Our personalities are bright, but we like to be extra sparkly at gatherings. John Richard is celebrated for exquisite craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and unparalleled beauty. With a rich heritage spanning decades, each John Richard piece is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation. Renowned for intricate designs, luxurious materials, and attention to detail, John Richard jewelry exudes sophistication and allure. Dazzle your friends and family with this stunning gemstone hairpiece that can make even the most basic outfit look luxurious.

Create your new favorite look from Debenhams by visiting the website at www.debenhams.com.kw. You can find GWD, Jabbi and Phase 8 at Debenhams in Grand Avenue - The Avenues and Gate Mall while French Connection and John Richard are exclusively available at Debenhams in Grand Avenue - The Avenues. Follow @debenhamsmiddleeast on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates. Call Customer Service: 182 1212.

& OTHER STORIES UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE RAMADAN CAPSULE COLLECTION

Blending timelessness elegance with contemporary flair

By bazaar Staff

We’re always excited for Ramadan and all the social invitations that roll in. We want to look perfect for futours, suhours and ghabqas. And one of our favorite stores is & Other Stories. We can create a full outfit starting with accessories and an outfit to the perfect pair of shoes. Lucky for us, that in anticipation of the month of Ramadan, & Other Stories presents an exclusive Ramadan Capsule Collection, blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair.

& Other Stories launched in March 2013 and offers fashion-loving women a wide range of shoes, bags, accessories, beauty and ready-towear – all equally important for the whole look. We inspire women to create their own personal style and expression. Our ateliers design diverse collections with great attention to detail and quality, always with modern femininity in mind. Today, & Other Stories has physical and online stores across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.

“For this exclusive capsule collection, our vision was to blend modern silhouettes with the feeling of serene glamour. These pieces effortlessly transition from day to evening, perfectly suited for a variety of special occasions”, says Malin Sone, Head of Design at & Other Stories.

The carefully curated collection features 12 exquisite ready-to-wear garments, including light and breezy pleated dresses made from highquality linen blends, a stylish two-piece suit, and a chic jumpsuit. Eye-catching accessories such as delicate 3D floral jewelry, a beautifully crafted handbag, and strappy gold sandals add a celebratory feel.

The collection unfolds in two parts. The first, released before Ramadan, draws inspiration from the enchanting world of botanicals. In a softly vibrant color palette, a range of graceful styles made from breathable linen fabrics are adorned with pleats, decorative buttons, and floral prints. The second part, arriving in time for Eid, features soft-colored dresses in flowing silhouettes, embellished with beaded details that evoke a feeling of festive and relaxed elegance.

The Ramadan Capsule Collection will be available in selected stores. Prices range from 11KD for accessories and 39KD to 79KD for trousers, shoes & dresses.

MUJI LINEN

Durable and cool everyday clothing

By bazaar Staff

Humans have been wearing linen for thousands of years. Our ancestors definitely knew what they were doing. Today, linen is widely appreciated as an excellent fabric due to its unique combination of durability, breathability, and environmental friendliness. Japanese brand MUJI understood the assignment and has given us a wide range of linen items that truly make our lives better.

Known for its strong fibers, which surpass those of cotton in length and strength, linen boasts remarkable durability, allowing items made from it to endure for decades while becoming softer and more pleasant to the touch over time. This natural fiber is exceptionally breathable, ensuring comfort in hot weather by allowing air to flow freely and moisture to evaporate quickly. Moreover, linen’s ability to absorb moisture without feeling damp to the touch contributes to its reputation as a luxurious yet practical choice for clothing and bedding. Its natural resistance to bacteria and moths further enhances its appeal for use in the composition of various textiles. Additionally, linen is environmentally friendly; it is made from the flax plant, which requires less water and pesticides than cotton, making it a sustainable choice for those looking to minimize their ecological footprint. These qualities collectively make linen a highly sought-after material for those seeking comfort, durability, and an eco-conscious option in their textiles.

Most MUJI linen products, clothing as well as household goods, have been manufactured with 100% pure linen. One can feel the pureness of linen against their skin and the linen clothes are perfect for everyone.

Women can choose from a variety of shirt, dress and pant options. We think that every modern woman needs to have at least a couple of linen shirts. They’re lightweight and airy for the summer and are perfect layering pieces for the winter. While we love classic button-down shirts, right now, we’re loving the Washed Linen Stand Collar 3/4 Sleeve Blouse. It’s available in black and white, but we think the thin pinstripe version in red can be a fun addition to any wardrobe.

Men will also love the options at MUJI. Linen shirts in the summer always make us think of summer vacations in Europe. They can be worn to the office or the beach, making them a super versatile option all year round. The linen jackets though are an instant win for any man. Chic, classic and style in one garment can make it simple to look stylish. Both men and women will find linen pants in a selection of neutral colors that can be easily introduced to any closet. These durable pants are easy to style and wear.

Get ready to look great in linen from MUJI! Explore the everything linen at MUJI by visiting the MUJI stores in 2nd Avenue – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues, Al Kout Mall or muji.com.kw. For more information, follow MUJI on Instagram @mujimiddleeast.

A RAINY SATURDAY MORNING IN SALWA

None of this is fair

By Craig Loomis

Later, sitting in the car, in the parking lot, watching the rain come down, I turn on the engine so I can use the windshield wipers once, twice and even a third time before turning the engine off again. With both hands on the steering wheel, I watch two women scurry to their car, holding up their hands against the rain.

I mean, I have done all the right things. When I am out walking and have to spit, I’ll wait, hold it, until there is a sliver of grass, a batch of weeds, anything like a bush, and then spit. I always park between the white lines, and if one tire strays too far left or right, I back up and do it again, and all the while my wife, rolling her eyes, saying but not saying, “Really?” And how about that time I just happened to have a plastic bag under the backseat and seeing what that fellow did, he and his poodle, and as the two of them uncaringly disappeared around the corner, I grabbed that plastic bag to scoop the poop. But there’s more. Every now and again, I’ll stop to see what some homeless person is all about, the way they are sprawled out across the sidewalk, shopping bags full of who knows what, their faces a dirty sunburnt, but never mind, because I am stopping to see what they need, and of course, what they need I can’t help them with, not really, but stopping to open my wallet and handing them a ten-dollar bill must count for something. Or, how about all those times after washing the dishes, how I’d peek at the almost invisible groove between stove and cabinet, that slot of wood and porcelain that nobody bothers to see, let alone clean, I sponge clean. How about that? Not to mention all those times I said, “Hello,

how are you?” when I didn’t mean it, not once, none of it was heart-felt. But there you have it: doing my duty, doing what had to be done. Doesn’t that count for something?

So when he motioned for me to have a seat and I did and he asked me how I was and I said fine, he opened up my chart—flipping through his notes, lab reports, two ex-rays, one EKG—before gently shutting the chart, saying with a sigh, “You know, it doesn’t look good” and me asking, “What does that mean?’ and he, again, looking down into my chart, reflipping through pages, a casual glance at the EKG numbers, before answering, “ I am afraid it’s malignant,” and of course I wait a moment before asking if there’s another word for that, and for a third time he looks down at my chart, then at the rain tapping on the window, then at the pink eraser on his pencil, before saying, “Yes, unfortunately, there is another word for it.” And so, in the end, he is forced to say the word cancer. I nod, but all of this back and forth has made me tired, almost weary, and just when I was getting ready to leave, thinking that’s that, what else is there to say, he goes on, “There are stages to this, you know.” I nod like I know all about stages but finally say, “How many?” and he says about four, and when I wait for him to say more but he doesn’t

I ask, ”What stage am I?” and he says, “You’re at the top stage,” and I have to ask is that a good top or a bad top? And he says, “Unfortunately, it’s a bad top.” I think about this for a moment. “How many stages did you say?”

“Four, five. if you count the last stage.”

“That last stage, what’s that all about?” And of course, he just looks at me. I want to say, but don’t, that none of this is fair, is it? But then I change my mind and do say, “Not fair.” He says nothing. So I say, “I mean, after all I’ve done to make things right, this cancer surprise is unfair, don’t you think?” As a doctor he has to say yes. Meanwhile, the rain is at the window like it wants to come in. Before I leave, he stands to shake my hand like he’s never done before, saying, “Let me see you in a couple of weeks.”

When I say, “Ok,” it doesn’t sound like nearly enough but all this talk of stages has made me tired.

With both hands knuckle-white on the steering wheel, I start the car and drive off into the Saturday rainy morning, never mind using the windshield wipers.

Photo by Osman Rana on Unsplash.

Celebrate festivities with... a new look “Everyday”

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AN EXTRAVAGANT UNDERWATER FANTASY

H&M releases the second and third drops of the Limited Edition 2024 collection for Ramadan

By bazaar Staff

Journeying to an underwater world, this second part of the Limited Edition 2024 collection conjures a surreal aquatic garden in its floating gowns, oceanic coral embroideries, and shimmering metallic details. The collection turns dressing up into a dazzling affair, offering a sophisticated take on evening wear in its powerful, free-flowing silhouettes. Pieces are enhanced by drapery, twists, and delicate ruching.

Under the sea, shapes are fluid and colors ever-shifting: this collection captures that evolving beauty. Colors run from saturated blues and chartreuse to delicate pastel shades. Bold yellow and zingy teal mimic the vibrant shades found in water flora.

Opulent and regal materials come with reflective elements that nod to light on the surface of the water and the glistening look of bubbles or sea flora. Shiny jacquard is a standout material across this part of the collection, providing a luxurious sheen and a tactile richness to the garments.

Other nature-inspired materials include a pleated chiffon - which suggests rippling coral - and shining viscose satin, selected for its watery quality. Together, these carefully considered elements add richness and storytelling to each piece, making them not just garments but wearable art.

From caped gowns to effortless two pieces, shell-shaped clutches to jewelry fit for a mermaid, the collection is a bold and versatile vision of marine glamour.

Perfect for Ramadan evenings, it allows the wearer to exude confidence.

“With this [second] drop of the Limited Edition collection, we are under the sea, visiting the treasures of an aquatic garden. Rich in sparkling detail, the collection is ideal for celebrating.” - Eliana Masgalos, Concept Designer, H&M

For the third and final drop, the surreal, aquaticinspired story of H&M’s Limited Edition collection is completed with the release of a final set of dazzling pieces that look to the glamour and mystery of the ocean at night.

Perfectly suited to Eid gatherings and festivities, the designs capture the majesty of the sea with shimmering surfaces and a range of stunning blue hues. A lesson in fluidity, the pieces float elegantly across the body, recalling the undulating motions of the seabed.

Each piece delivers its own distinct and alluring nod to an aquatic garden at night. A quartz plisse kaftan billows like a rippling spray, offering timeless elegance. A bold blue dress with a cape detail and longline length recalls the dynamism and magnificence of water. Another dress comes in rich inky navy suggesting the depths of the ocean. Its long sleeves fall into graceful waves, channeling the mesmerizing movement of the sea. Finally, an iridescent dress with a chic high-neckline and sweeping ankle-length hem perfectly captures the glimmer of coral reefs and the light on the water’s surface. Together, the mood is surreal yet luxurious and sophisticated.

“These final additions to our Limited Edition collection take inspiration from the most glorious aspects of the sea. They are glamorous and eyecatching and ideal for dressing up and celebrating.”

- Eliana Masgalos, Concept Designer, H&M

The Limited Edition Collection Drop 2 will launch in selected stores and online on 7 March with prices starting from KWD 13.99. The final drop of the Limited Edition collection will launch in selected stores and online with prices starting from KWD 29.99 on 28 March.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

What one longtime design editor learned

by Elissaveta M. Brandon

Twenty-six years. That’s how long Robert Thiemann spent at the helm of the interior design magazine Frame after cofounding it in 1997. “If you’re doing something for such a long time, that’s your identity,” Thiemann told me on a recent video call.

But last month, Thiemann stepped down from his position as editor-in-chief of the publication to start a design consultancy called Betterness. In his new role, he will leverage 25-plus years of design expertise to help organizations create healthy, sustainable, and altogether better spaces. In practice, this means he will act as a matchmaker between organizations, brands, and companies looking for creative direction or advice—and designers, architects, and other creative professionals.

Thiemann’s transition away from the publishing industry coincides with a devastating media hemorrhage, with recent layoffs at the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, Vox, and others. But Thiemann says his departure was entirely voluntary. In fact, the decision to leave Frame had been brewing for years before the wheels really started to turn in October 2022, on his 25th anniversary at the magazine. “I thought, It’s pretty sad that I’m doing [the same thing] for

25 years. Why can’t I do something else?”

Thiemann studied chemical engineering, but he quickly found out it didn’t align with his interests. After graduating, he worked in advertising and public relations before landing a job as the editor of an interior design magazine printed in Dutch. There, he met Peter Huiberts, with whom he’d go on to launch Frame.

Fast-forward 26 years, and Thiemann felt so embedded in the design world that it never occurred to him to leave it. Instead, he asked himself three questions: “What can I offer to the design industry? Would people trust me? Would I trust myself?”

Soon enough, he realized the extent of his network and the deep understanding—or “helicopter view”—he had gained of spatial design over his career. He had watched the industry shift from designing for the “wow factor” to designing for the “human factor,” and he wanted to continue ushering designers in that direction.

He also understood the impact he could have as a consultant coming in at the beginning or partway through a project, instead of as an editor coming in at the end: “I’m looking forward to that shift from being at the sidelines to helping shape what’s coming,” he says.

The transition from editor to consultant seems pretty natural, but for Thiemann, it is akin to a new beginning. “I feel like a newborn learning to walk,” he told me.

Several transferrable skills should help cushion the inevitable tumbles of a toddler. Chief among them is the role of the critic that Thiemann has spent a quarter of a century mastering. “In the role of the critic, you can’t publish everything, so you’re always looking for what you think is the best,” he says. “You need to learn to be critical, and that is already helping me in my new role.”

Photo by Cookie the Pom on Unsplash

RAMADAN KAREEM WITH RIVER ISLAND

Modesty and style come together

By bazaar Staff

In the gentle embrace of Ramadan’s sacred ambiance, a sartorial symphony unfolds with the latest River Island collection – an ode to elegance, a celebration of modesty, and a tapestry of style that pushes the boundary of the traditional without compromising on modesty. Step into a world where fashion becomes an art, where every thread tells a story of grace and poise.

The River Island Ramadan collection is a curated selection of beautifully designed pieces that resonate with the spirit of the holy month, offering a perfect fusion of modesty and style. You’ll find a harmonious balance that speaks volumes about the essence of the occasion. Delightful vibrant prints, luxurious fabrics, and modern silhouettes are the main hallmarks of the collection

Soft, flowing fabrics cascade gracefully, creating silhouettes that are as modest as they are chic. From drapey dresses to tailored suits that embody modern sophistication, each piece helps magnify the wearer’s inner and outer beauty.

Utility meets luxury, with attention also paid to comfort and versatility. Lightweight fabrics ensure ease of movement during the day and after sundown, so you can enjoy iftars, ghabqas, and suhours without feeling constrained, while embellishments and detailing elevate the entire collection to another level; that of refined opulence.

The collection is available at The Avenues (1st Phase), Marina Mall, The Avenues Debenhams and The Gate Mall Debenhams. For more information, follow @riverislandme on Instagram and Facebook.

POP CULTURE-INSPIRED TRAVEL

A serious trend in 2024

By Laurie Baratti

A recent study conducted by trip-planning website TripIt reveals that pop culture-inspired travel is set to double in the coming year, with younger generations leading the trend. When we talk of pop culture trips, that might encompass anything from traveling to attend a concert in another city or country to taking a “set-jetting” trip to see the overseas filming locations of a favorite movie or TV series.

In a survey of a representative group of 1,000 Americans, TripIt found that twice as many participants are planning on taking pop culture trips in 2024 than did in 2023 (40% vs. 22%), underscoring a growing trend among U.S. travelers.

Younger generations are at the forefront of this shift, with 41% of Gen Zers and 32% of Millennials having taken a pop culture-related trip over the past year, while only 17% of Gen Xers and 7% of Boomers said the same. And those figures are continuing to rise, with 59% of Gen Zers and 58% of Millennials planning a pop culture trip within the coming year, while Gen Xers trail at 35% and Boomers at 19%.

The research also uncovered a correlation between income levels and the likelihood that people will embark on pop culture escapades. Respondents who earn less than $50K per year were found to be more than twice as likely to plan a pop culture trip, while higher-income individuals ($100K+) are only 1.5 times more inclined to do so.

This inclination towards pop culture travel isn’t just a solitary pursuit; it’s a social experience. Approximately 86% of respondents expressed a desire to share their pop culture travel experiences

with friends or family, highlighting the communal aspect of these journeys. The survey further revealed that having a companion — whether a friend or family member (41%) or romantic partner (16%) — significantly impacts the decision to embark on a pop culture-inspired getaway, with nearly half (48%) of participants emphasizing the importance of shared experiences that money can’t buy.

Interestingly, music emerges as a prime motivator for pop culture travel. Concerts and music festivals top the list of pop culture activities, attracting 66% of those who have taken pop culture trips in the past year. And more than half of survey respondents (56%) plan on traveling to attend a music event in the near future.

Beyond concert and music festival events, pop culture trips are largely being taken to experience sporting events (43%); locations from a movie, TV show or book (28%); and viral social media locations (16%).

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is proving to be a key driver for travel plans in 2024, garnering interest from 39% of respondents who said they would travel to see one of her shows this year. Festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza also hold

significant appeal, particularly among Gen Zers (56%) and Millennials (60%), although Gen Xers (35%) and Boomers (21%) are also tempted to a lesser degree.

Notably, nearly all travelers (94%) who took pop culture trips last year said that the memories they made during their travels lived up to the hype. This may not be as wholesome a sentiment as it initially sounds, though, since their reasons for saying so are less personal than prompted by perceived social standing.

Asked about the reasons that these trips lived up to their expectations, nearly half of Gen Zers and Millennials (45%) said it was because their friends were envious, compared to 26% of Gen Xers and Boomers who said the same. Even more (57%) Gen Zers and Millennials cited getting great content for their social media streams as the primary reason why their trips didn’t disappoint, while 26% of Gen Xers and Boomers said the same. And 71% of those younger generations thought that acquiring awesome merchandise during their trip was the clincher, while 55% of the older generations felt the same.

Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash.

COS LAUNCHES

LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTION FOR RAMADAN AND EID AL-FITR

Re-imagined traditional tailoring

By

London-based fashion brand COS embraces the month of Ramadan with a limited-edition womenswear collection. The latest capsule features elevated everyday designs to mark time spent with loved ones, alongside elegant occasion wear pieces for the forthcoming Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.

Encouraging experimentation, interchangeable separates in a vibrant blue are designed to bring comfort and versatility to set dressing. Traditional tailoring is reimagined; presented in a monochrome palette, a classic white shirt set adorned with a unique floral-inspired artwork is crafted using intricate silver embroidery. An ideal layering staple, the functional trench coat is modernized in a sleeveless design, adding a new dimension to everyday dressing.

Setting the tone for the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, refined wide-leg trousers and asymmetric shirting in a rich brown create an elegantly sophisticated silhouette. Encapsulating COS’ core principles of timelessness and quality, a softly draped jumpsuit allows fluid movement, designed to be worn seamlessly from day-to-evening. A contemporary suit in a soft lilac hue ensures an understated elegance, finished with an elongated hem and single-breasted fastening.

Continuing its commitment to more sustainable materials, the collection is crafted from natural and organic fibers, light linen, and cotton, as well as innovative fabrics such as Naia cellulosic acetate, a traceable material made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, known for its softness.

The collection will be introduced in two parts, with the first part launching on the 20th of February and the second on the 12th of March.

THE KID WHISPERER

How to students can become experts at being safe

By Scott Ervin

Dear Kid Whisperer,

I teach at an alternative school, where most students have been unable to be successful at their assigned public school and most students have at least one behavior goal in their Individualized Education Plan. I have received your training and read your book. They both have helped tremendously. Things are going well in my classroom overall, except with one student. He has threatened to punch me multiple times. As you have taught me, I delayed the learning opportunity (consequence). The problem is that he refuses to do the Delayed Learning Opportunity. What do I do now?

Answer: In the previous columns, I addressed the need for a paradigm shift before answering this question. We need to stop thinking of the refusal to do the Delayed Learning Opportunity (DLO) as a negative. This kid just needs to learn that belligerence and refusing a reasonable request from an adult authority figure does not get them out of trouble and does not get them what they want.

If a person does not learn this lesson, they cannot graduate from high school, they cannot hold a job and they cannot have positive relationships with other human beings.

Means of creating Inevitability Logistics so that kids have no choice but to learn lessons about behavior were briefly shared in the last two columns. In the last column I gave you a problem-solving DLO. This one involves the student practicing the required positive behavior.

Let’s start with delaying the learning opportunity, just like we did last time:

Kid: I will punch you right in your stupid, ugly face.

Kid Whisperer: Oh, man. This is rough. I’m going to help you do some learning later.

How and when we have student removed for safety reasons will have to do with a multitude of factors, including whether other students heard the threat, school policies, and of utmost importance, whether you are comfortable with the student being in your room, which may relate to whether you find this to be a real threat. I will not weigh in on this here.

Then, later, perhaps after a suspension due to school policies, or due to the fact that you need a break from the student, or due to other factors, during a non-instructional time, I would have this conversation:

Kid Whisperer: Yikes. Do you remember when you threatened to punch me the other day? Yikes! I’m not mad at you. We just require that everyone is an expert at not punching people. I, for example, am an expert at this. So, I’m just going to have you practice not punching me.

Kid: Surely you jest.

Kid Whisperer: How long will it take you to become an expert at not threatening to punch people? Do you need to practice not threatening to punch people for one hour or two hours?

Kid: How about no hours?

Kid Whisperer: Two hours is fine.

Kid: No! Wait!!

Kid Whisperer: We’ll be doing this during every lunch and recess and during the non-academic assembly on Friday if we need it. We’ll get you a lunch, of course. Your dad says that we can also use after school next week if it comes to that. I’ll count good practice minutes as all minutes where you are calm, seated and not threatening to punch me. This isn’t some kind of mean punishment: You can draw or read, or do whatever, as long as you aren’t sleeping, because you can’t sleep and practice not threatening to punch me at the same time.

Once the two hours are up, here’s what I say:

Kid Whisperer: DUDE! You did not threaten to punch me once in two hours! Are you an expert at not threatening people?

Kid: I clearly am an expert!

Kid Whisperer: SWEET! Get out of here! Have a great recess. All of this stuff is over! You are an expert at this part of being an awesome person. I’m proud of you! What are you still doing here!?! Go enjoy your life!!

In this way, we can strengthen our relationship with Kid through and because of his negative behavior, while simultaneously training him to use positive, pro-social behaviors that will give him a better chance of becoming a happy, healthy person.

Behavioral consultant Scott Ervin, M.Ed, is a parent and former teacher and principal. He is the author of “The Classroom Behavior Manual: How to Build Relationships, Share Control, and Teach Positive Behaviors,” published by ASCD. More information can be found at www. behavioralleadership.com

Photo

New Ramadan collection Share Moments in New Romantics Style

NEW BROWSER ALERT

Why Floorp has become the browser of my dreams

By Jared Newman

I’ve always been a big proponent of experimenting with different web browsers. It’s one of the simplest ways to get out of your tech comfort zone, and you might even discover some new features that you never knew you needed.

So when I found out last week about a browser called Floorp, I had to give it a try. Beyond just having an excellent name (which requires all my willpower not to write in all caps), Floorp caters to browser power users with all kinds of customizations. It’s similar to Vivaldi, but built on the same code as Firefox instead of Google Chrome.

I fell in love with Floorp almost instantly, and now I’m using it as my default browser despite its various imperfections.

This story first appeared in Jared’s Advisorator newsletter. Sign up to get tech tips in your inbox every Tuesday.

What I like about FLOORP

Floorp will look familiar if you’ve used Firefox before, but it adds some extra features found in other browsers, some of which I consider essential:

Vertical tabs: Pinning your tabs to the side of the screen makes so much more sense than putting them up top, because you can fit more of them without cutting off page titles. While Firefox requires hacky workarounds to enable vertical tabs, Floorp lets you enable them through a button in its Settings menu.

Web apps: Most browsers have an “install site as app” feature, which lets you run them as free-standing windows without the usual browser clutter. It’s great for app-like sites, such as Gmail and Google Calendar, as you can open them quickly from the taskbar, separate from your other tabs. While Firefox abandoned the idea years ago, Floorp managed to make it work, with a little install button that appears in the address bar. (Sadly, it’s only available on Floorp’s Windows version, not Mac or Linux.)

Side panels: Taking a page from Vivaldi, Floorp lets you pin websites to the right sidebar and slide them into view next to your main window. I use it to quickly glance at my calendar, quick notes in Google Keep, and my Raindrop.io bookmarks.

Workspaces: Like some other productivitycentric browsers, Floorp’s “Workspaces” feature lets you toggle between several groups of tabs within a single window. You can have a space for social media, one for travel planning, one for workrelated research, and so on.

Cool customizations: Digging into Floorp’s settings menu reveals all kinds of hidden treasures. I opted to keep my bookmarks hidden except when scrolling over the address bar, and I enabled the “round the corners” setting that makes the web pages look a little cuter.

Ties to Firefox

As I mentioned earlier, Floorp is based on the same code as Firefox, which itself has a bunch of nice features:

Right-click the top toolbar and click “Customize,” and you can choose which controls show up there. (I added a button to copy the current address with one click.)

A built-in screenshot tool lets you capture specific elements or the entire length of the page.

“Firefox View” (called Floorp View here) shows all your recently closed tabs, along with tabs you’ve opened on other devices linked to the same Mozilla account.

Firefox’s strong anti-tracking protections are built in, and Floorp collects no data about how you use it. I also installed the excellent uBlock Origin extension for additional ad- and trackerblocking, which is at risk of being restricted in future Chrome versions.

If you really want to get nerdy, you can make more tweaks by editing the browser’s UserChrome.CSS file. I used this to replace the default interface font with DM Sans.

On a philosophical level, I also derive some small satisfaction from using a browser built on Firefox’s Gecko-rendering engine, if only because it’s nice to support an internet that’s not controlled by Google or Apple.

Yes, but . . .

As for those rough edges I mentioned earlier, Floorp has a bunch of them:

Video playback: Floorp doesn’t have the same DRM media support as larger browsers. While video works fine on YouTube and other social sites, I got a playback error on Netflix’s website and couldn’t play more than 10 seconds of any audio track on Spotify.

User-friendliness: Being a browser for power users means Floorp is inherently more complicated than, say, Chrome or Safari, but even then, some features just aren’t explained well or at all.

No mobile app: If you want to access Floorp’s tabs, bookmarks, and history on a phone, you’ll need to sync with a Mozilla account and Firefox’s mobile app, which I don’t love.

Uncertain future: Floorp was built by a tiny team in Japan with one primary developer, and asks only for voluntary donations in return. The team has committed to monthly updates that integrate Firefox’s latest security patches, but if that commitment ever wavers, I’m gone.

Leaving Brave behind

I’d previously been using Brave as my primary web browser. While it’s still a solid alternative to Google Chrome with better privacy protections, a few things about it have always bothered me, including its cryptocurrency peddling and its installing of VPN software without permission. Lately it’s also been trying to push an AI assistant that I never asked for, with an “Ask Leo” button in the address bar that can’t be disabled.

Floorp has provided a convenient off-ramp while providing some power-user features that Brave isn’t likely to offer. If development ceases or new problems pile up, I’ll happily take the chance to experiment with other browsers once again.

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING SECURES DOUBLE PODIUM FINISH

Starting the season strong in Monte-Carlo

By bazaar Staff

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) World Rally Team (WRT) has started the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with a double podium finish with its GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric vehicles at Rallye Monte-Carlo. With the second and third place finishes, Toyota currently leads the manufacturers’ championship by one point.

Sébastien Ogier placed second in the No. 17 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle with Elfyn Evans finishing the competition third in the No. 33 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Both drivers were involved in an exciting fight for victory throughout the event into the rally-ending Power Stage which saw Ogier return to his hometown to compete following first-place victory at the Rallye Monte-Carlo in 2023.

Akio Toyoda, TGR-WRT Chairman, commented: “The start of our eighth WRC season was a new step for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT. Nine years ago, on 15 January 2015, I announced Toyota’s return to the WRC and explained the following: ‘Rally is the best place to strengthen people and cars because it is a sport in which you compete using cars based on production vehicles on the roads that our customers use in their daily life.”

Toyoda added, “For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, WRC is not just a competition to win. We compete in WRC to make ever-better cars and make more people smile. The joys and disappointments we have experienced over the 85 events so far have led even closer to the cars for our customers. This is a very big step. We were not able to clinch first-place this time, but the continuous efforts of the team will certainly lead to achieving that success in future events. I trust Jari-Matti will lead the team like past years to continue to work hard and to make the 2024 season a great year.”

Evans and co-driver Scott Martin made an excellent start to their 2024 season at the beginning of the rally during the night of Day One, securing an early lead that they held until Day Three. Ogier triumphantly claimed the lead during Day Four when he recorded the 700th stage win of his WRC career and ultimately went into the final day just 3.3 seconds away from the first-place finisher.

The oldest and most recognizable event on the WRC calendar, Rallye Monte-Carlo is also considered one of the most demanding thanks to unpredictable weather conditions, which can bring ice and snow to the asphalt roads. The new and improved GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle trumped the challenges of the championship equipped with strengthened functionality including new updates to further improve low-speed responses and torque curves.

Over the years, Toyota has been participating in many different forms of motorsports, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. Toyota’s participation in these events was overseen by separate entities within the company until April 2015, when Toyota established TGR, to consolidate all of its motorsport activities under one in-house brand. Representing Toyota’s belief that ‘the roads build the people, and the people build the cars,’ TGR highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of Toyota’s commitment to making ‘ever-better’ cars. Harnessing years of experience gained under the extreme conditions of various motorsports events, TGR aims to forge new technologies and solutions that bring the freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone.

The upcoming Rally Sweden on 15-18 February is the next competition of the season and the only full winter event taking place on snow and ice. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has had new studs inserted into team members’ tires to grip into the track allowing drivers and vehicles to deliver some of the highest speeds of the year.

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

HOW CAN PARENTS SET SAFE AND HEALTHY MEDIA LIMITS?

Ask the Pediatrician

By Roslyn Gerwin, DO, and Suzy Tomopoulos, MD, FAAP

As a parent, you can talk with your child about media use, setting healthy limits and being responsible citizens online. But how can you reinforce healthy digital habits when they’re not with you? Parental media controls can be a great option to help keep children’s media time happy and safe.

As a parent, you should always feel comfortable taking steps to ensure your kids’ media use is safe and appropriate. In fact, all families should have conversations about healthy media limits.

Parental controls are important teaching points for kids to learn how to manage their online experiences. Remember, it’s not just about fixing a problem. These talks can be helpful even if screen time isn’t an issue.

Signs of problematic media use in children and teens may include:

Your child becomes angry or irritable when they don’t have access to media.

Their media use is affecting their grades or participation in family activities.

Media use interferes with your child getting enough sleep and exercise.

It is your child’s only enjoyed activity or conversation topic.

There are many resources with information about the most popular video games and social media platforms. Many include feedback from other parents and kids, along with discussions about the features, benefits and drawbacks of controls. Many also offer clear, user-friendly instructions. You can

find examples at these websites: Common Sense Media, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, Google Family Link and Apple Parental Controls.

There are parental controls for all devices, including video game consoles, smartphones, tablets and sometimes even desktop computers.

Parental control options include blocking websites and apps; filtering content (such as by age rating); setting time limits; chat and text monitoring; and spending. Devices such as smartphones and tablets can show how much time all family members spend on them. Sometimes families do not realize how much time is spent on media. So this can be a helpful activity. Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link offer screen trackers, for instance.

Screen time tracking can also spark a conversation as to what other activities are being crowded out by screen time. How media is being used can be just as important as how much time is being consumed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan is another valuable resource to guide and inspire family discussions about mindful media use. The tool can help families find ways to

balance screen time with other activities as well as to set boundaries. You can choose a few topic areas to focus on initially that they want to try out.

The Family Media Plan provides practical tips and encourages age-appropriate thinking and discussion about digital media. The goal of this tool is to help families feel less overwhelmed and help find alternatives for healthy on- and off-line activities.

We know that parental controls and limit setting work better alongside positive family communication and relationship-building. Don’t just make rules! Play video games as a family. Co-view media. Encourage your child to teach you about their online activities.

Also, while adults know healthy media limits are important, don’t be surprised if your child disagrees. In fact, you should expect some possible behavior issues in reaction to limit setting. Staying consistent and following through are key to getting through these as your child learns healthier media habits.

Find more information at HealthyChildren.org.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.

YOUR BRAIN AND WHAT YOU BREATHE

Researchers find association between air pollution and Alzheimer’s

By Shelia Poole

A new study from Emory University researchers has found an association between traffic-related air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

Using brain tissue donated by metro Atlanta residents, researchers evaluated their home addresses for air pollution generated by nearby traffic. The study, released Wednesday, does not prove air pollution causes Alzheimer’s, but found an association between exposure to air pollution caused by traffic and signs of Alzheimer’s in brain tissue.

Medical and environmental officials have long warned about the consequences of air pollution on respiratory and cardiac health.

The study contributes to already existing evidence that breathing pollution may lead to “plaques” or deposits in the brain — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s concerning because the reason most of the air pollution is high in Atlanta is due to traffic,” said Anke Huels, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of epidemiology at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health. “It’s also why we focused specifically on traffic-related air pollution exposure.“

The study is one of the first to look at the association between air pollution and signs of Alzheimer’s disease in human brain samples, she said. The findings are published in “Neurology,” the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Brain tissue used in the study was taken from 224 donors in the brain bank at Emory’s Goizeuta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center who died before 2020. The patients had lived in urban or suburban areas in the 20-county metro area. Most of the patients were white, 59% were male, and the patients’ mean age of death was 76.

Most of the brains studied were from people who had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia before they died.

While the study population isn’t comparable with the general population, Huels said the study findings are still valuable because it shows pollution is associated with plaques in the brain.

More than 6.7 million U.S. residents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, including at least 150,000 Georgians.

Alzheimer’s, one of the dementias, is a progressive disease that affects memory and other brain functions, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Researchers do not know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but it likely is due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Air pollution has been suspected previously as a potential factor.

“In our study we used air pollution models, which can give us an estimate of the residential traffic-related air pollution concentration with a very fine resolution up to 200 to 250 meters,” Huels said. “Of course you would see the highest levels of these pollutants around major highways, so people who lived very close to major highways had the highest exposure to traffic-related pollutants.”

The study looked at “fine particulate matter” from traffic exhaust and whether there was an association between breathing polluted air and signs of Alzheimer’s in the brain. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, particulate pollution is made up of tiny particles of solids or liquids so small they can be inhaled deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing health problems. They are the cause of haze in some parts of the U.S.

Huels said the findings are in line with previous studies, which have shown associations between particulate pollution and cognitive decline, memory loss or a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers also looked at patients who carried the “APOE gene” a major genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s. But the strongest association between pollution and Alzheimer’s was seen in those without that risk factor. This suggests that environmental factors like air pollution could be a contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease in patients in which the disease cannot be explained by genetics.

“We know that air pollution is bad for our health, including our brains,” according to a statement from Jill Disney, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. “Multiple studies presented during AAIC 2021 were the first to suggest that reducing pollution is associated with lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Disney called for more research in areas of the United States with high levels of pollution that tend to be populated by low income individuals and people of color.

The Chicago-based Alzheimer’s Association last year said it invested $100 million into dementia research, the largest single-year investment since 1980 when the nonprofit was founded. In Georgia alone, $600,000 was awarded to advance research efforts in 2023.

Overall, the state of Georgia has 19 ongoing projects totaling nearly $3.5 million and includes research being conducted including looking at risk factors, care and early detection.

The Emory study was funded by an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center pilot grant through the National Institute of Aging. Huels and other researchers had no relevant financial interest in the outcome.

Photo by Bret Kavanaugh on Unsplash.

EID ELEGANCE WITH EUSTON DESIGN & MASTARA

By bazaar Staff

The Diwaniya is a uniquely Kuwaiti concept. Traditionally, they serve as venues for social interaction where Kuwaiti men gather to engage in discussions pertinent to their lives. However, we’re also seeing them being used by the women and families of the household. Given the regular attendance of Kuwaiti men at dīwāniyya sessions, this tradition has become an integral aspect of everyday Kuwaiti culture.

Our favorite home textile manufacturer Mastara has joined forces with Euston Design and is offering clients free interior design consultations to help you revamp or redesign your Diwaniya This Ramadan.

Euston Design are known for transforming your personal feelings about space into artistic realizations that match your expectations. They are passionate about providing the most technologically advanced contemporary interior design solutions and will always be “ahead of the curve,” giving clients thoughtful, practical, and inspiring interior design services.

We all have fond memories of diwaniya time and would like to create more magical moments at home. We spoke to Jamal S AlFahham, Mastara’s CEO and Dr Khalid Al Mutawa, Euston Design’s founder to learn why they think diwaniyas are special and how we can improve ours.

“One of my fondest childhood memories centers around the vibrant game nights spent in the diwaniya. It was more than just a physical space; it served as the backdrop for forming strong bonds through spirited card battles, entertaining PlayStation matchups, and traditional board games. These

gatherings, filled with merriment and good-natured competition, embodied the essence of my upbringing. The diwaniya was our haven where my friends and I could revel in each other’s company, crafting treasured moments that have remained with me to this day,” Jamal S AlFahham, Mastara CEO explains.

“One of my favorite childhood memories in a diwaniya was during Eid celebrations. The diwaniya, filled with the warmth of family and friends. I remember sitting with my friends and relatives, eagerly waiting for the delicious traditional (homemade) sweets that were being served. The vibes were filled with laughter and joy. Feeling a sense of unity and belonging in the festive atmosphere. It was a time of bonding, happiness, and cherished memories that I will always hold dear,” Dr Khalid Al Mutawa, Euston Design’s founder told us.

Designing the perfect Diwaniya is tricky, it’s crucial to consider utility and ensure that it caters to the needs of its users. Many overlook simple additions that can significantly enhance comfort and functionality. A Diwaniya

should be equipped with everything necessary for its intended use, whether for formal gatherings or casual meet-ups. In both scenarios, practicality, connectivity, and comfort should be the core elements. For instance, in a casual Diwaniya, there should be ample, comfortable seating and easily accessible power outlets for devices, creating a relaxed environment where friends can gather. Meanwhile, a formal Diwaniya requires a different approach, focusing on elegant design while still maintaining the essence of hospitality and ease of use. Remembering these small details can transform the Diwaniya experience, making it more welcoming and suited to its purpose.

In a Diwaniya, it’s important to create an environment that fosters camaraderie, relaxation, and social interaction. Here are some elements that Dr Khalid told us to consider:

Comfortable seating: Arrange ample seating arrangements, such as sofas, chairs, or floor cushions, to ensure guests can relax and socialize comfortably.

Refreshments: Offer a variety of refreshments, including tea, coffee, soft drinks, and water. You can also include traditional beverages, dates, and snacks to add a cultural touch to the gathering.

Entertainment: Provide entertainment options such as board games, cards, or video games, depending on the preferences of your guests. You could also have a television for watching sports events or movies.

Decorations: Decorate the diwaniya with decorations and accessories that reflect the occasion or theme of the gathering. This could include painting arts, flowers, or thematic decor items.

Cultural elements: Incorporate cultural elements such as coffee corner and/or Arabic coffee (Dallah) shelves.

Inviting ambiance: Pay attention to lighting and ambiance to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Outdoor space: If possible, utilize any outdoor space available to expand the Diwaniya area. This could be a garden, patio, or balcony where guests can enjoy fresh air and nature, especially during pleasant weather.

By considering these elements, you can create a welcoming and enjoyable environment in your diwaniya for gatherings with family and friends.

“My favorite aspect of Diwaniyas is their role as a communal space that brings people together. Growing up in Kuwait, Diwaniyas were not just rooms; they were where bonds were strengthened, and traditions were passed down. They epitomize the spirit of community and hospitality that is deeply rooted in Kuwaiti culture,” Jamal S AlFahham, tells us.

Collaborating with Euston Design was a natural choice for Mastara. The pair share values in enhancing living spaces and their commitment to quality and creativity makes this collaboration a perfect fit. The experience has been incredibly rewarding for both parties, especially seeing the positive impact on customers’ lives.

“My favorite part [of the collaboration] has been the mutual exchange of ideas and the fusion of our strengths to revamp Diwaniyas, making them ready for Ramadan in ways that resonate with modern lifestyles while preserving our cherished traditions,” Jamal S AlFahham enthuses.

While we love the look and feel of the classic Diwaniya, they don’t always fit today’s aesthetics. Designing a modern diwaniya while preserving important cultural elements is both achievable and meaningful. Here are some suggestions that Dr. Khalid gave us on how to accomplish this:

Blend Traditional and Modern Aesthetics:

Incorporate traditional elements such as Arabic calligraphy, geometric patterns, or cultural artifacts into the modern design scheme.

Use modern furniture with clean lines and neutral colors as a backdrop for showcasing traditional textiles, artwork, or decorative pieces.

Embrace Cultural Colors and Textures:

Infuse the space with rich, warm colors inspired by traditional Middle Eastern palettes, such as deep blues, earthy browns, and vibrant reds.

Integrate traditional textiles like embroidered fabrics, plush carpets, or intricately patterned rugs to add texture and visual interest to the modern decor.

Create a Multifunctional Space:

Design the Diwaniya to serve multiple purposes, such as a lounge area for socializing, a dining area for sharing meals, and a space for cultural activities or gatherings.

Incorporate flexible furniture arrangements and versatile storage solutions to accommodate different activities and needs.

Focus on Comfort and Hospitality:

Prioritize comfort by selecting plush seating options like oversized sofas, and floor cushions that encourage relaxation and conversation.

Enhance the hospitality of the space with amenities such as a refreshment station stocked with traditional beverages, a designated area for serving sweets or snacks, and comfortable seating areas conducive to socializing.

Celebrate Cultural Heritage:

Showcase cultural heritage through artwork, photographs, or displays that highlight significant aspects of Middle Eastern culture, history, and traditions.

Incorporate elements like traditional lanterns, ornate mirrors, or carved wooden screens as focal points that pay homage to cultural heritage while complementing modern design elements.

While we all wish we had lots of room for the perfect social space, we’re not all that lucky. Creating a diwaniya-like space in smaller homes or apartments requires thoughtful planning and creative design solutions to maximize the available space while maintaining the essence of a traditional diwaniya. Here are some of Dr.Khalid’s ideas:

Multi-Functional Furniture:

Use multi-functional furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. For example, choose a sofa bed or a daybed that can double as seating during the day and a sleeping area at night.

Consider ottomans or storage benches that provide seating as well as hidden storage space for blankets, cushions, or other items.

Flexible Seating Arrangements:

Opt for flexible seating arrangements that can easily be reconfigured to accommodate different activities and group sizes. This could include folding chairs, stackable stools, or floor cushions that can be easily moved around as needed.

Use lightweight and portable furniture that can be easily rearranged or stored away when not in use to free up space.

Utilize Vertical Space:

Maximize vertical space by incorporating wall-mounted shelves, bookcases, or storage units to display decorative items, books, or personal belongings.

Consider installing floating shelves or wall-mounted desks to create functional work or display areas without taking up valuable floor space.

Strategic Use of Mirrors:

Use mirrors strategically to create the illusion of a larger space and enhance natural light. Place mirrors opposite windows or in areas where they can reflect light and visually expand the room.

Consider decorative mirrors with ornate frames or geometric designs to add visual interest and reflect cultural elements.

Lighting Design:

Pay attention to lighting design to create ambiance and enhance the mood of the space. Use a combination of overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to illuminate different areas and highlight key features.

Incorporate soft, warm lighting sources such as floor lamps, table lamps, or string lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional diwaniya.

Create Intimate Zones:

Divide the space into distinct zones or areas to serve different purposes while maintaining an open and cohesive layout. For example, designate a corner for lounging and socializing, a dining area for meals, and a quiet nook for reading or relaxation.

Use area rugs, room dividers, or decorative screens to delineate separate zones and add visual interest to the space.

Minimalist Decor with Cultural Accents:

Adopt a minimalist approach to decor to prevent the space from feeling cluttered or overcrowded. Choose furniture and accessories with clean lines and simple designs to create a modern and streamlined look.

Incorporate cultural accents and elements inspired by traditional Diwaniyas, such as colorful textiles, patterned rugs, decorative cushions, or artwork that reflects your cultural heritage.

Mastara is the first and only bilingual app and website in the region to offer customized sofas, curtains and blinds online. Book a free consultation today at www.mastara.me/appointment or Whatsapp 9092 5757.

THE END IS NIGH

A science fiction magazine closed submissions after being bombarded with stories written by ChatGPT

By Michael Grothaus

Clarkesworld Magazine is no stranger to tales of artificial intelligence impacting society, but in a sad and wild case of life imitating art, the Hugo Award-winning magazine has had to temporarily close its doors to submissions due to it being bombarded with people filing science fiction stories ostensibly written by ChatGPT.

Clarkesworld Magazine editor Neil Clarke made the announcement on Twitter yesterday with the simple statement, “Submissions are currently closed. It shouldn’t be hard to guess why.” When a user replied that Clarke should use an AI tool to scan submissions for AI involvement, Clarke replied, “None of the detection tools are reliable enough.”

Clarke’s decision to close submissions came five days after he wrote a blog post outlining the explosion in AI-written submissions that the magazine had received beginning in late 2022—right when OpenAI’s ChatGPT tool went mainstream. Before October 2022, Clarke’s data shows Clarkesworld Magazine received fewer than 25 plagiarized or AI/chatbot-generated submissions a month. In December 2022, the number rose to 50. In January 2023, it more than doubled to just under 120. But in February 2023, the number of AI submissions jumped to over 500 (and the month isn’t even finished yet).

Clarke says he’s reached out to other editors and has found his situation is far from unique. As for what to do, Clarke writes, “While rejecting and banning these submissions has been simple, it’s growing at a rate that will necessitate changes. To make matters worse, the technology is only going to get better, so detection will become more challenging.”

He goes on to suggest that magazines such as his may have to resort to limiting submission windows, offering invitations to submit to only “known” authors, or requiring a submitter to provide more personal and identifiable contact information to fight AI plagiarism. He finds none of these options appealing.

“It’s clear that business as usual won’t be sustainable and I worry that this path will lead to an increased number of barriers for new and international authors,” Clarke says.

What’s even more depressing is that while many of the responses to Clarke’s blog post are supportive, some seem to defend the practice of writers using AI to generate “their” work. One commenter replied, “Having ChatGPT learn my ideas and help flesh them out or provide character dialog for me to converse with, that was everything I needed. To the point I generated a whole novella.”

It shouldn’t need to be said that “generating” a novella and “writing” one are two completely different things. But that’s what happens when science fiction and reality collide.

Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash.

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ANGER MANAGEMENT IN THE OFFICE

How

do I deal with an annoying coworker?

By Kathleen Davis

Q: How do I deal with an annoying coworker?

A: Hell is other people, amiright?

First, it may help you to know that you aren’t alone; according to a recent survey, more than two-thirds of employees said they have to deal with rude coworkers, bosses, or clients.Beyond knowing that dealing with annoying people is just a part of being a human interacting with others, a good first step is to check yourself (well… before you wreck your workplace relationships). There’s a chance that their annoying behavior is less about them and more about you. Being five minutes late to a meeting is annoying, but is it actually a big deal or just a pet peeve? Is stress from other areas of your life or work making your coworker’s behavior seem worse?

Next, if you still feel that their behavior is egregious, assume they aren’t doing the annoying behavior intentionally (at least we hope not!). If you approach them with curiosity rather than a confrontation in mind, your chances of improving things increase. A simple “I’m curious, why do you . . . ” can be a good starting point. After all, maybe they have no idea how loud their phone conversations are, or that when they cc your manager on emails, it makes you feel undermined.

The next step is to share, as politely as possible, how their behavior impacts you, and ask for what you need. Here again, it’s important not to place blame, but instead to approach it as a

problem-solving conversation. For example: “Would it be possible to take phone calls in a different part of the office?” or “Instead of cc’ing Margaret on status updates, what if I make sure to update her in our weekly one-on-ones?”Finally, if nothing changes, you have two choices:1. Find a way to deal with it. Headphones? Remote work? Deep breaths? Screaming into a pillow?2. Find a new job. (But remember that the annoying coworkers you know might be better than the ones you don’t.)

Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash.

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MOTHER’S DAY WITH XCITE

Because moms deserve the best

By bazaar Staff

Spoil your mum this Mother Day with Xcite. Why not something this Mother’s Day? Instead of getting her the traditional bouquet of flowers and chocolates to get her electronics from new smartphones to massage chairs, there are countless options to suit her interests and make her life easier. Show your appreciation for all she does with a gift that keeps her connected and enhances her daily routine.

New phone (iPhone 15 + Samsung S24)

Why not surprise your mom with a brand-new phone, elevating her communication and tech experience? With the release of the latest iPhone 15 and Samsung S24, you can choose a device that aligns perfectly with her preferences and needs. From iPhone 15’s cuttingedge technology, superior camera quality, seamless integration, and sleek design. Or from Samsung S24 dynamic display, versatile camera system, enhanced productivity, and long-lasting battery. A new phone will undoubtedly make her feel appreciated and valued this Mother’s Day.

Massage Chairs

Gift your mom the ultimate relaxation experience with a luxurious massage chair? Xcite has a range of massage chairs to choose from whether it was Oto, iRest or Wansa available in showrooms and xcite. com. Give her the gift of rejuvenation and well-being this Mother’s Day with a massage chair that will provide endless moments of blissful relaxation.

Dyson Air purifier & humidifier

Gift your mom a Dyson Air purifier & humidifier with its advanced filtration technology, the Dyson purifier effectively removes allergens and pollutants, ensuring that the air she breathes is fresh and healthy. Additionally, the integrated humidifier function maintains the ideal humidity level in her home, preventing dryness and promoting comfort. Give her the gift of a healthier living environment and enhanced well-being with the Dyson purifier and humidifier this Mother’s Day.

Coffee Machines

Consider gifting your mom the perfect pick-me-up with a coffee machine from Xcite. With their wide range of options from various brands like Philips, Beko, sage and Delonghi. You will find the ideal machine to suit her taste and brewing preferences. Whether she prefers a classic espresso, a creamy latte, or a bold cup of drip coffee, Xcite has the perfect coffee machine to elevate her coffee making.

Make your mom happy and head over to Xcite.com or to a store to pick your gifts – there are a plethora of options to choose from, or look for more inspiration on their Instagram page @xcitealghanim.

HEARTY FOOD

Food for a happy heart

By Barbara Intermill

It’s only about the size of your fist. Yet it pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body every day. If you could stretch out the complex network of blood vessels in your body through which your heart pumps oxygen and nutrients, it would extend over 60,000 miles.

Pretty amazing, these hearts of ours. And pretty sad when they get sick. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death and disease for both men and women in the U.S. As of 2021 statistics, one in every five deaths each year was due to heart disease.

Yet here’s another amazing fact. An estimated 80% of heart attacks and strokes could have been prevented, according to the World Heatlth Organization.

How to do that is nothing we haven’t heard before. Eat a healthful diet. Get regular physical activity. (At least 30 minutes a day.) Don’t use tobacco. (The risk for a heart attack or stroke begins to drop immediately after you stop using tobacco, says the WHO.)

So…what is a healthful diet? One proven to lower blood pressure and keep blood cholesterol in a normal range, says the American Heart Association. One such diet is the DASH (Dietary

Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan.

Spoiler alert: If you detest fruits and vegetables, get over it. Among other benefits, these foods are vital to blood pressure control. Most adults should aim for 4 to 5 servings (about 2 to 3 cups) of vegetables every day. Ditto for fruit.

Dairy foods (2 to 3 daily servings of low fat milk, cheese or yogurt) are also part of the DASH plan, based on findings that the synergy between these and other foods are favorable for heart health.

Eat nuts, seeds and legumes 4 to 5 times a week. They provide heart-healthy fat and cholesterol-lowering dietary fiber.

DASH guidelines also recommend 1 or 2 fish meals a week along with a variety of other protein foods such as poultry, eggs and lean meats— emphasis on lean.

Modest (3 ounce) servings of lean meats are low in calories and saturated fat while providing protein (the heart is a muscle, remember) and

other essential nutrients. And lest you think this limits your choices, there at least 29 cuts of meat that meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s definition for lean, including sirloin, round, tenderloin and even tri-tip.

Healthy hearts also thrive on a fair share of (6 to 8 servings a day) of grains, whole grains when possible. Choose a variety of cereals, rice, pasta and breads for the most benefit.

Fats? Focus on vegetable-based oils and dressings in small amounts (1 to 2 tablespoons a day).

Even occasional sweets (no more than 5 servings a week) can fit into a heart healthy eating plan, according to DASH recommendations. Caution, though. A serving is just one tablespoon of jam, jelly or sugar.

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash.

THE MOST IN-DEMAND JOB SKILLS

It’s not what you think

By Lydia Dishman

Raise your hand if you’ve gotten so familiar with some of your tasks at work that you can do them practically without thinking

Some rote tasks become this seamless nearly instantly, yet others require certain skills to start with and that muscle develops over time, the more you complete each one.

This became so clear to me this week when training two new team members on parts of our system. The good news is that it forced me to slow down and think through how best to explain each step and what skills are needed to tackle each project. The mix of technical skills and soft/ creative ones were thrown into high relief and I couldn’t help but wonder: What are the most basic skills anyone could use to accomplish the most mundane items on a to-do list as well as the more amorphous aspects of teamwork and collaboration?

For example, as early career expert Anna Homayoun noted, “Because Gen Z members saw daily routines completely upended during key developmental years, many could benefit from more time, structure and support to build workflow strategies, manage distractions, and develop professionalism older generations might take for granted.”

There are myriad ways to develop new technical skills, some even at your current employer. According to Indeed, AI-related skills are helping workers who have them make bank.

But new research from business school

professor Peter Cardon indicated that as AI is evolving at a rapid clip, companies are placing more of an emphasis on those kinds of soft skills Gen Z might not have developed yet.

Sitting at the top of Andrew Fennell’s list of most in-demand skills of 2024 is (unsurprisingly) adaptability. “Adaptability also shows that you can keep an open mind and be innovative, choosing to see these changes or challenges as new opportunities for growth. This could be what sets you apart from other candidates,” the founder of StandOut CV wrote.

I’d argue that critical thinking is just as important as an adjacent skill. Heide Abelli, the cofounder of SageX finds this true. Abelli noted that it’s particularly valuable when working with AI. “Critical thinking must be applied to evaluate AI responses,” she wrote, “Not all responses will be valid, unbiased, factual, or error-free. It’s in the evaluation of prompts where human logical reasoning, reflective thinking, rational thought, and unbiased evaluation come into play.

But even the best critical thinkers can’t solve every problem alone. That’s why Judith Humphrey maintains that the ability to leverage

connections is tantamount to success. A report for Fast Company on essential skills for any stage of your career stated, “People with this ability are good at observing the strengths of others. They might notice that a certain person in their network would suit a particular position perfectly and possesses the skills necessary to build a super team of collaborators.”

There’s an opportunity to hone this skill even (and perhaps especially) in informal settings. Psychologist Michelle King underscores how “informal networking occurs when we go for a coffee with a colleague or take a few minutes each morning to make small talk on Zoom with teammates.” She wrote, “These small acts help nurture the connections we need at work.”The skills you need to do this successfully relates to the indisputable importance of emotional intelligence. In an era of layoffs, RTO debates, political upheaval, and general economic uncertainty, one thing is for sure: EQ can help you make stronger connections with others.

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash.

IFTAR OFFERINGS

Enjoy a range of delights with Ramadan platters by Maki Restaurant

By bazaar Staff

Breaking the fast at iftar is one of the joys of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Sharing food with family and friends, delighting in delectable dishes, everyone simultaneously experiencing the same enjoyment of fellowship and food if we’re fortunate enough. Maki Restaurant has created not one but two Ramadan platters to satisfy every taste bud and bazaar is overjoyed to have been invited to witness the creativity and skill it takes the team at Maki to design and construct these incredible comestibles.

There is something particularly thrilling when it comes to watching a skilled chef at work, and one of the most noticeable things is the equipment that surrounds the team of highly trained chefs at Maki. The sharpest knives are brandished with such precision when carving the freshest of ingredients, and with one dexterous movement, we see slice after slice of salmon and tuna expertly cut, each piece the same width as the slice before it. Perfection.

The most colorful of plates emerge dripping with the jewel-colored quality components with which the chef will roll and dress the maki as we watch; jet-black truffle pearls, emerald green afilla cress, shining citrine caviaroli, thinly sliced yuzu bright like orange tourmaline. The ingredients are thrilling to look at, and there’s an exciting crunch when Chef deftly runs his knife through the shrimp tempura; ASMR in full effect.

Maki is known for embracing innovation to find flavor in its fusion cuisine inspired by the fine art of the Japanese cuisine we know as sushi. You won’t find only a utilitarian nori seaweed sheet at work here. Maki introduced us to their exclusive ume wrap, a sheet that has dried plum as its main ingredient and now the latest items on the satisfying maki menu include mango wrap. All the Maki wrap sheets are made diligently in-house. As we watch how neatly Chef prepares the fare, everyone watches closely to see the production of the new Hanin Maki.

Succulent sushi rice is spread evenly and pressed firmly onto the mango sheet. Shrimp tempura fills the center, bright-green wedges of creamy avocado adroitly placed into the mix with mango and in one swift movement rolled into a cylindrical shape. Taking the bamboo rolling instrument, Chef uses it to firmly squeeze down onto the slivers of avocado he’s just placed on the top of the roll and revealed is a perfect form, dense with flavors and textures ready to be sliced into eight equal pieces and finished by Chef’s expertly balanced hand.

The Ramadan Maki Platter features some of the restaurant’s most popular makis such as Dr Shahad Maki; salmon, prawn tempura, crab sticks, avocado, kumquat, black truffle pearls, yuzu flakes, ume wrap, and the Volcano Maki; crabsticks and crispy tempura, sesame seeds, spring onion with Maki’s very own special sweet and spicy sauce. A tower of texture and flavor.

For those of you who like your dishes to have seen some more cooking time and have a bit of heat to them, Maki Restaurant has also created the Ramadan Appetizers Platter; a combination of hot starters, and the chefs have been super creative in these fusion dishes. Shawarmaki comes in prawn or chicken and is a tasty twist on the ever-popular Levantine shawarma. Fluffy baos are filled with scrumptiously flavorsome and sticky plum chicken, and also delectable and tender pulled BBQ short ribs accompanied by lollo beandoo lettuce. At the center of the platter, which is beautifully presented on stunning black-lacquer flatware, is a stack of vegetable spring rolls known as Harumaki surrounded by Gyoza Karaage with a bite to die for!

You can’t go wrong by ordering the Ramadan Maki Platter, with forty maki pieces of deliciously well-crafted cuisine, all in your group will be fully satisfied. The perfect pairing is the Ramadan Appetisers Platter for a truly enjoyable range of flavors and textures that you and your guests will appreciate. Sahtain!

Follow @makirest on Instagram for the launch date of the Ramadan Appetizer Platter and the Ramadan Maki Platter.

Photography by Leena Al Jabi.

FOOD OF THE FUTURE?

The future of fake meat has roots 1,000 years in the past

By Grace Snelling

For Tyler Huggins, CEO and cofounder of the animal-free protein company Meati, the key to creating sustainable food products is all around us—stored in thousands of years of natural history.

“My philosophy and my approach has always been if you have a problem, look into nature,” Huggins says. “Get billions of years of evolution solving problems, and there’s probably a solution in nature already there. We just have to listen and learn.”

On this week’s Leaders in Innovation podcast, Huggins explains how his team has used that learning process to build a product that’s natural, scalable, and capable of making a difference in the climate crisis. At Meati, that started with a core mission: “We founded this company with the sole purpose of having a net positive impact on the world, and we mean that,” Huggins says. “When we built out the approach, we reverse engineered it and said, ‘Alright, if the goal is global impact, what does that actually mean? What are the first principles that are required in order to do so?’”

The company found that they would need to address consumer demand for a nutritious (yet equally delicious) faux meat product, while keeping production cost-effective. That’s where nature came in. Huggins identified the mycelium

mushroom—a fungus that has been used by humans as a fermenting agent for thousands of years—as a source of protein that could meet those criteria. Unlike some plant-based alternatives, the rootlike structure of the mycelium mushroom has a texture that closely mimics meat. It’s also over 60% protein by weight and highly nutrient-dense. To reach a large customer base, and especially the vast majority of people who still incorporate animal meat in their diets, Huggins says it’s important for Meati products to look and taste familiar.

“I think you have to be careful on how many new things you introduce all at one time,” Huggins says. “If we really want to create change, you have to do things differently. The way we’re doing it now is not working. Our food production system is not sustainable, so we need new innovation, but how much innovation can you introduce at one time? I would argue not much.”

Perhaps most crucially, Huggins says that mycelium meat alternative production could ultimately reach “unmatched efficiency” compared to animal products. Meati is already producing

millions of pounds annually from its ranch facility, and has expanded through partnerships with Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods, Meijer, and Fresh Thyme. Huggins hopes that Meati’s efforts will pave the way for other companies to look at nature as a partner in combating the climate crisis.

“Fighting nature and having to do things that it doesn’t want to do is very difficult,” Huggins says. “So the easiest thing is to find parts of nature that have that intrinsic, inherent capabilities that we want, and leverage them to help solve our problems. That’s what we’ve been able to do that I think is different than the bulk of our agricultural and food system.”

Listen to the full conversation between Tyler Huggins and James Vincent on this week’s Leaders in Innovation podcast.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash.

NEW TOASTIES ALERT!

ONLINE IDENTITY THEFT IS REAL

Your online identity is not as safeguarded as you think—and it’s not on you to fix

By Dustin Heywood

I’ve been stealing people’s identities for over 20 years.  No, I’m not a criminal—I’m a hacker hired by companies to stress-test the digital identities of their workforce and verify that cybercriminals aren’t able to sneak onto company networks disguised as an employee.

But after cracking virtually every login combination you can think of throughout my career, I no longer need to “hack” my way in—instead I can just log in.

For cybercriminals it’s becoming something alarmingly easy to do, too. Last year, most cyberattacks that IBM responded to were caused by cybercriminals using employees’ identities to access their company network. Add to that, there was a 71% uptick in the volume of these attacks compared to the year prior, telling us that the tactic is gaining in popularity amongst cybercrime groups.

You might be wondering what’s changed that’s made this tactic so popular. Well, your identity is no longer as safeguarded as you think it is. There are little fragments of it exposed, stolen, or (unbeknownst to you) public that cybercriminals are stitching together for a big payout. In fact, with generative AI at their disposal, locating those fragments and linking them together will become much easier to do.

The Bytes and Pieces of our Identity

Our identities are made up of multiple components that need to be protected at all times. In the physical world, this would include (for the most part) whatever information you keep in your wallet—credit cards, ID, various insurance cards, medical ID cards, business cards, etc. In the digital world, beyond digitized versions of this same data, your usernames, passwords, and emails are also identity components. In fact, all of this classifies as personally identifiable information (PII).

Now, what if I told you that the same information that’s in your wallet is likely already available on the Dark Web, or on public records websites?  While you may not consider your privacy severely violated if someone got ahold of your Costco membership card, your sentiment may change if a cybercriminal stitched together multiple personal identifiers revealing your hobbies, commutes, and other traits.

That online access would not only reveal where you shop, but what you buy; what car you drive; when and where you’re vacationing. All of this can be valuable to someone with a malicious cause. In breaches that IBM responded to, we’ve seen cybercriminals collect information from the type of pizza their victim ordered to the diaper size they stock up on for their baby.

An Identity Destined to Be Used Against You

It’s only a matter of time before your identity is exploited amid the growing adoption of generative

AI and cybercriminals showing more interest in its use cases. My team has seen hundreds of thousands of discussions on Dark Web forums on this very topic already. They could use these tools to sort through and monetize on the billions of records they’ve collected from breaches over the years, collating all the information they have available on an individual and prioritizing them as a target based on their value or the likelihood of a successful compromise. Similar to how marketers will use AI to optimize their customer acquisition, cybercriminals will use it for “target acquisition.”

This identity crisis will not only exacerbate the situation, but it will also take on a different form as cybercriminals use generative AI to distort our identities for their attacks. A few years ago, when banks and internet providers prompted customers to use their voice as an added form of authentication, it sounded like a bulletproof safeguard. Now, generative AI chatbots are making it all too easy for malicious actors to clone someone’s voice or use a deepfake service to authenticate in your stead to a telephone agent.

Don’t Blame the User

While human error might trigger a security incident, it’s important to dispel the notion of users as the “root cause” of a data breach. Cybercriminals are continually investing in ways to access identity data. Just last year, the FBI and European law enforcement took down a cybercrime ring that had collected login details for 80 million user accounts—the problem is too big to place upon consumers to solve.

When access to this data is beyond users’ control it becomes a critical security issue that’s incumbent on enterprises to combat, considering this data remains the primary method that

organizations adopt for user authentication—at work and across personal online activities.

The less we rely on it online, the more we lower the risk of our identifiers being used for malicious purposes. This growing problem has incentivized large organizations to move toward overhauling their access management processes—the more this movement scales, the more individuals will be able to regain control of their digital identities.

For criminals, pretending they are you is easy, but acting like it, too—not so much. Take it from me. This is why more and more businesses are making behavior—not identity per se—the foundation of their online authentication. Habits, typing speed, keystrokes, etc. all make up part of the behavioral analytics that can verify a unique user is legitimate.

Another tactic that’s gaining momentum is reducing the need for users to input their credentials into a system to access their accounts. Anytime a user is prompted to enter a password is an opportunity for a cybercriminal to exploit. More organizations are realizing this and investing in building an identity fabric that weaves together all the different identity profiles used across the various tools in that environment. This centralizes and even simplifies protection of users’ credentials for organizations, as opposed to managing this data in multiple different places.

Once identity data is exposed, it’s irreversible. That’s the ugly truth. This is why enterprises first— and consumers second—need to make identity a harder and longer path to success for cybercriminals to pursue. The harder it is to monetize on this data, the less incentivized will cybercriminals be to exploit it as a “pawn” for their schemes.

Photo by Luther.M.E. Bottrill on Unsplash.

ACTS OF KINDNESS WITH PRET: OVER 20,000 FOOD ITEMS DONATED IN 2023

At Pret, fresh is best! Your favorite items at Pret are made today, gone today, or donated to those who need it most with refood.

By bazaar Staff

There’s a reason why Pret a Manger is everyone’s favorite sandwich shop: They care about their communities. When we learned that the good folks at Pret have partnered with refood for an ongoing food donations program, we were amazed by how much this partnership fosters a great sense of community. Last year alone, more than 20,000 products have been donated from Pret to those who need it most, all thanks to this incredible collaboration with refood.

With eight distinct locations in Kuwait, Pret a Manger is a firm favorite amongst locals. Evenings are usually buzzing at any Pret location, but this isn’t because people are there for their new Pulled Beef and Cheese Toastie and organic Oat Lattes.

It’s because the good people at Pret are busy preparing food donations with refood, Kuwait’s first non-profit company dedicated to reducing waste in the food and consumer goods sector. Founded in 2014, refood follows a sustainable model that closes the gap between excess production and people with limited food budgets.

With a strong emphasis on fresh and natural ingredients, the name “Pret a Manger” is French for “ready to eat” and was founded in London in 1983 by Sinclair Beecham and Julian Metcalfe as a single iconic shop in Victoria, London.

Pret a Manger offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, and bakery items, all made fresh on-site each day. They focus on natural ingredients, avoiding additives and preservatives. Following a strict ‘made today, gone today’ policy that emphasizes freshness as the driving experience for its valued customers, Pret’s

partnership with refood ensures that unsold food offerings at its various locations are donated to those who need it most.

It comes as no surprise for Pret to partner with an entity like refood, as the brand’s continued commitment to the local community stems from an ethos deeply rooted in sustainability and environmental responsibility. They have initiatives to reduce waste, such as donating unsold food to charity at the end of each day and offering discounts to customers who bring reusable cups.

In 2014, Pret started building long-term relationships with farmers and sharing sustainable farming practices through the Pret Coffee Fund. Through The Pret Foundation, they tackle hunger, poverty, and homelessness. Because they try really hard not to throw good food (and hard work) into the bin, donating unsold food is a logical and natural solution.

With Pret’s ongoing donations campaign, refood can then distribute unsold food to the people who need them the most. Since the beginning of the program, Pret and refood have successfully donated more than 20,000 items to people in

need in Kuwait. Ensuring that food quality remains paramount throughout the whole process is key because Pret champions freshness in their food operations, so recipients of donated Pret items will not only enjoy a much-needed meal, they also enjoy freshly made goodness, every single time.

Food wastage in Kuwait is estimated at 400,000 tons annually, according to the Food Wastage Index Report for 2021 issued by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). refood collaborates with suppliers who want to reduce waste and improve the industry’s environmental footprint. refood warehouses operate daily, saving tons of excess food and goods from being categorized as waste.

With Ramadan just around the corner, food waste remains top of mind for many in our local communities. This is why this partnership eases the minds of Pret lovers everywhere in Kuwait,

ensuring that their favorite spot for fresh food and organic coffee is always doing the right thing. The partnership between Pret A Manger and refood is a testament to the former’s commitment to serving local communities in which they operate.

This year marks the 7th in which refood has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of food waste in Kuwait, its environmental impact and taking concrete action to help fight the problem. This collaboration positively depicts the renowned Pret A Manger ethos, consistently working to change wasteful behavior and encouraging healthier social and cultural values that focus on preserving resources and valuing blessings.

For more information and to find out how you can be part of the food waste solution, follow @pretkw.official and @refoodkw on Instagram.

Not a Crumb wasted!

We try hard not to throw good food ( & hard work) into the bin by donating our unsold food to individuals who need it the most

HEART HEALTH

Take heart murmurs seriously

By Mayo Clinic News Network

Detecting a heart murmur on your own can be tricky. A murmur is an extra heart sound that can be heard by a stethoscope.

Sometimes, a murmur sounds like a humming sound, which can be faint or loud. It might be temporary or persistent. Heart murmurs may be present at birth or develop later in life during pregnancy, phases of rapid growth like adolescence, or from a fever or anemia.

“The murmur may disappear as quickly as it comes if it has a temporary cause,” says Michel Barsoum, M.B., Ch.B., a cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and Rice Lake, Wisconsin. “However, a murmur also could be persistent and loud, easily heard, and sound like a churning mill wheel or cooing seagull. This might indicate a serious heart problem.”

What causes a heart murmur?

Several factors can cause a murmur. It could be a heart valve problem or a hole in the heart.

The valves in your heart act as doors between the chambers, or rooms, of the heart. In the case of a murmur, a valve may be tight or leaky. When heart valves are narrow, this is called stenosis. A murmur also could be from a leaky valve, called regurgitation.

A murmur also may occur from high blood flow in people with a fever or with low red blood cells, called anemia.

Some people have a family history of heart murmur and heart disease. Some are born with a congenital condition causing a murmur. Others have had a recent severe infection or illness that could damage a heart valve and need immediate medical attention.

Innocent or harmless heart murmurs don’t typically cause symptoms, and most heart murmurs aren’t serious.

Symptoms of a serious or worrisome heart murmur depend on the cause and require evaluation by a healthcare professional.

These heart murmur symptoms may include:

•Blue or gray lips or fingernails

•Chest pain

•Fainting

•Fever

•Leg swelling

•Lingering cough

•Shortness of breath

•Sudden weight gain

•Swollen liver or neck veins

•Worsening fatigue

How is a heart murmur diagnosed?

It’s common for a heart murmur to be detected

during a physical exam being given for another reason. If a healthcare professional hears a murmur, you’ll be asked questions about your personal and family history that could indicate a reason for the murmur.

Several criteria are used to determine if a murmur is innocent or worrisome, including:

•Volume: The loudness of the heart murmur is evaluated on a scale from 1 to 6. The loudest heart murmur is a 6.

•Location: The location of the murmur in the heart will be identified, along with determining if the sound spreads to the neck or back.

•Pitch: The heart murmur may have a high, medium or low pitch.

•Timing: A heart murmur that occurs when blood leaves the heart is a systolic murmur. A murmur that occurs when the heart fills with blood

is called a diastolic murmur. A murmur also may be heard throughout the heartbeat. When the murmur is heard as blood passes through the heart, it may be a sign of a larger heart problem.

You will need to undergo testing to determine the cause of the heart murmur. Your health care professional likely will order an ultrasound picture of your heart, called an echocardiogram, or echo, to show detailed images of your heart’s valves, chambers, structure and function.

“Once the cause of a heart murmur has been found, some people will need repeated evaluation over the years,” says Dr. Barsoum. “It’s important to find the cause so the right treatment can be determined.”

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash.

BECOME A LIE DETECTOR

How to find the truth when everyone at work is lying

By Lydia Dishman

Earlier this week, I spoke with someone close to me about their experiences hiring a new director. The job description went up on LinkedIn and carried two additional requirements that applicants had to meet in order to move further. As this is not a job that can be done remotely, the first requirement was that the candidate live within commuting distance. The other was that they have at least five years of very specialized experience in this industry.

The idea was that these two factors would narrow the pool to individuals who had the skills to do the job in person. Simple, right? Yet, the hiring manager told me that, conservatively, they received 150 applications and as many as 120 of them didn’t even live in the right state and had no related experience. At all.

Now, we’ve spilled a lot of ink about not being afraid to apply for jobs in different industries when you have transferable skills. And prevailing wisdom on job seeking encourages candidates to apply, even if they don’t meet all the requirements. But checking a box on geography when the hiring manager can clearly see your location and your past work (or volunteer) experience? That sounds like not telling the truth to me.

Lying during all parts of the hiring process

Unfortunately, this is pretty pervasive behavior in the job-interview process. Fast Company reporter Jennifer Alsever noted that a recent survey by ResumeLab revealed, “as many as 70% of workers said they have lied on their résumés, with 37% admitting that they lie frequently, according to ResumeLab’s Job Applicant Behavior Survey of 1,900 workers. Three-quarters lied on their cover letters and 80% lied during the job interview.” It’s not just the applicants telling falsehoods, Alsever wrote. “Four in 10 hiring managers admitted to lying to job candidates during the hiring process to get them to take the job.”

Higher EQ = more lying?

The people who traffic in untruths will surprise you. The above report indicates that those with higher education were more likely to lie about their experience and credentials.

Regular Fast Company contributor Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic says those with one highly coveted skill are also guilty. “People with higher emotional intelligence—a trait that is usually associated with all things moral—are better liars, too. Why? Because their higher EQ enables them to stay calm under pressure, control and regulate their emotions, assess how others feel and think of them, and put up a strong poker face.”

Although the résumé is the most common receptacle of deception (think: George Santos and his outrageously falsified CV), workers lie about

everything from being sick to stealing, and worse. It happens so often, an ethicist even broke down the reasons why someone might try to justify lying in a job interview (if they’re out of work and have a family to support, for instance), and whether or not it’s acceptable.

Of course, you don’t have to lie on your résumé. As veteran search consultant Donna Svei points out, there are five ways to sound more impressive, without needing to stretch the truth.

How to tell who’s lying

If you’re now sufficiently suspicious that everyone around you is not being honest, there are ways to detect deception. According to the authors of The Definitive Book of Body Language, there are some common physical mannerisms that can help you detect if someone is fibbing in the moment:

Hand-to-head and hand-to-face touching Nose rubbing

Ear pulling

Eye scratching while gazing away from the other person

Looking down, usually to the left Shaking your head “no” when you’re saying “yes”

“To detect a lie, look for a cluster of at least three signals. It’s possible to make a mistake when trying to understand someone’s motivations if you rely on a single gesture,” the authors advised.

“For example, if someone touches their nose, it may just mean they have an itchy nose, but if they touch their nose while shaking their head slowly, blinking, and looking at the ground, that is a cluster of at least three gestures that can indicate deceit.”

It’s also easy to tell if someone is lying in an interview when they clearly don’t have a grasp of a particular skill or type of project when they answer a question.

Ultimately though, Pamela Meyer, the TED speaker on “liespotting,” suggests that when confronting colleagues or applicants you suspect may not be telling the whole truth, it’s important to remember, “Honesty does not mean 100% transparency“—and some people may not be revealing everything (like a health issue) for a reason. A recent report found that only 20% of workers admitted they were taking time off for mental health because they’d rather say they have a physical illness than reveal a struggle with anxiety or depression.

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash.

VITHIT

The Low-Calorie Vitamin Drink

By bazaar Staff

Staying hydrated can be a challenge for many of us. We want to grab a drink but also want it to be fun and good for us. We love water, but sometimes we also want flavor and a little bit of excitement, without getting high on sugar.

Gary Lavin, Managing Director and creator of VITHIT seems to have had the same idea, and decided to do something about it. VITHIT was created because of a lack of healthy drinks available in our fridges today. “Most drinks contain buckets of sugar. Sugar means calories, and people no longer want calories in their diet” says Gary Lavin.

“I created VITHIT because I used to see people on treadmills for 30 minutes burning calories, then coming off and taking those calories back in with a sports drink. Most sports drinks contain 180 calories, sugar and salts; not exactly ideal for weight loss. Our first mission was to make sure our drinks tasted as good or better than their sugary counterparts, then add as much goodness without compromising on taste,” he explains.

VITHIT also contains 100% of your recommended daily allowance of 8 vitamins, plus health-giving teas and herbs for overall wellbeing. VITHIT has proven that with innovation and creativity, Irish brands can compete nationally and internationally in a tough, competitive, global marketplace. Who knew health could be so beneficial!

There are currently four exciting flavors of VITHIT to choose from:

Detox is a thirst-quenching blend of both mandarin and orange juice blended with spring water and vitamins.

Boost is a delicious blend of summer berries, fused with water and a powerful burst of ginseng and rooibos tea.

Immunitea is a delicious juice blend of dragon fruit and yuzu combined with health-boosting Ceylon tea.

Lean & Green is a mouthwatering blend of apple and elderflower for a fresh, crisp taste combined with an antioxidant hit of Maté Tea.

You can find VITHIT in most supermarkets and co-ops or order it directly from roomserviceq8.com.

Teatox - Mandarin & Orange, Green Tea + Vitamins

Immunitea - Dragonfruit & Yuzu, Zinc + Ceylon Tea

Boost - Summer Berries, Ginseng + Rooibos Tea

Lean & Green - Apple & Elderflower, Maté Tea + L-Carnitine

HOW DO I ASK FOR A RAISE?

The best way to ask

By Kathleen Davis

Q: How do I ask for a raise?

A: This is one of the most common (and tricky) workplace questions. In fact, according to surveys, some 50% to 70% of employees think they don’t make enough money.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just tell your boss “I think I should be making 10% more” and they’d agree? Or better yet, if all salaries were transparent and everyone received fair and equitable compensation?

Unfortunately that’s not how it usually works. Much like negotiating your salary when you get a job offer, there are a lot of factors to consider.1. Timing. Know when raises are typically given. Is it during end-of-year performance reviews? Midyear reviews? Knowing when a raise pool is most likely a planned part of the company’s budget sets you up to be able to pull from it. It’s not that you can get a raise only at these times but it makes it easier to get a yes to your request for a pay bump.

2. Decide what you’re asking for and be clear, but flexible. If you want a raise and a promotion, that’s a different conversation than if you just want a raise to remain in your current role. You should also know how much you’re asking for. You don’t have to lead with it, but you should have a goal number in mind, as well as a minimum number you’d expect to receive. 3. Be prepared with the “why.” Life circumstances (childcare costs, a partner’s job loss, inflation, home buying) may be what’s driving you to make the ask. Unfortunately you can’t lead with the reasons why you need to make money. The “why” in why you deserve a raise needs to be the work you’ve done.

So, bring the receipts: Come to the conversation with a list of your accomplishments and put a dollar amount on them if you can. The between-the-lines message is this: “I’ve made this much money for the company; don’t you think you should pay me more so I can keep doing it?” The final part of your “why”: what you’ll keep doing—or do more of—once you get the raise.

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash.

WANTED MAN

Genre: Action, Thriller

Cast: Dolph Lundgren, Christina Villa

Synopsis: Follows a police officer who must retrieve an eyewitness and escort her after a cartel shooting leaves several DEA agents dead, but then he must decide who to trust when they discover that the attack was executed by American forces.

STOPMOTION

Genre: Horror

Cast:  Aisling Franiciosi, Stella Gonet

Synopsis: A stop-motion animator struggles to control her demons after the loss of her overbearing mother.

DARKGAME

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Cast: Ed Westwick, Lola Wayne

Synopsis: A determined detective is in a race against time to stop a twisted game show on the dark web, where captives are forced to compete for their lives.

THE HOLDOVER

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Cast: aul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa

Synopsis: A cranky history teacher at a remote prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a troubled student who has no place to go and a grieving cook.

INSIDE MAN

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast: Emile Hirsch, Jake Cannavale

Synopsis: Based on true events, a disgraced police detective seeking redemption by going undercover to expose a violent crime syndicate. But as he sinks deeper into the mob, the price for absolution may be higher than he can afford.

DUNE: PART TWO

Genre: Action, Adventure

Cast: Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson

Synopsis: Paul atreides unites with chani and the fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Dreame X30 Ultra

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369Sonic

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AZIO RC Prestige

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Oladance OWS Sports

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ecobee Smart Doorbell

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Dyson Supersonic r professional

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SLOW PRODUCTIVITY

by Cal Newport, Non Fiction

From the New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work , a groundbreaking philosophy for pursuing meaningful accomplishment while avoiding overload. Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. It pushes us to treat busyness as a proxy for useful effort, leading to impossibly lengthy task lists and ceaseless meetings. We’re overwhelmed by all we have to do and on the edge of burnout, left to decide between giving into soul-sapping hustle culture or rejecting ambition altogether. But are these really our only choices?

THE DAY TRIPPER

by James Goodhand, Science Fiction

It’s 1995, and Alex Dean has it a spot at Cambridge University next year, the love of an amazing woman named Holly and all the time in the world ahead of him. That is until a brutal encounter with a ghost from his past sees him beaten, battered and almost drowning in the Thames. He wakes the next day to find he’s in a messy, derelict room he’s never seen before, in grimy clothes he doesn’t recognize, with no idea of how he got there. A glimpse in the mirror tells him he’s older—much older—and has been living a hard life, his features ravaged by time and poor decisions. He snatches a newspaper and finds it’s 2010—fifteen years since the fight.

THE WISHING GAME

by Meg SHaffer, Fantasy

Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel. For Lucy, the chance of winning the most soughtafter book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.

Source: Goodreads.com

SNOOZY

Don’t let Ramadan get in the way of sleep this year. Design your own soundscape by mixing and matching ambient atmospheres and soothing sound effects - right before bedtime!

CURU

Skincare choices driving you crazy? Discover and choose your skincare the smarter way, with Curu. Personalized recommendations, bite-sized product insights, trusted reviews and more - all in a few taps.

ASK MAMA AI

First of its kind, here to make your parenting journey delightful and stress-free. Harnessing the power of cutting-edge AI technology, our platform provides personalized tips and guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs, from infancy to early childhood.

REJOY

Get on top of everything this Ramadan with Rejoy. Your favorite organization tools (calendars, shopping lists, tasks, meal plans, notes) in one family superapp that brings harmony to your home.

ALOHA PLANNER

Another Ramadan helper, this all-in-one platform combines grocery list management, meal planning, journaling, note-taking, habit tracking, and to-do lists, making it the perfect companion for your daily life.

KID HAB

KidHab is a collaborative parent-child app which helps develop useful habits in an entertaining way. A unique gamification system will motivate your child to perform useful habits regurarly otherwise the progress is lost if the lessons are missed.

no added sugar100% rda of 8 essential vitamins

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19

Even though you will be mostly in a good mood, strange feelings will be affecting you. You should not hide your doubts, and you should try to talk about them. In this time period, your acts will be affected by the energy you radiate. Follow your feelings and try to solve everything in good time, so you do not go into some depressive states or hurt someone else.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19

March will bring you a lot of emotional experiences. During this period, you will be very sensitive, and the hormones will go crazy. If you have a partner, you will have both very pleasant moments full of love, as well as disagreements, especially in planning your future together.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 2

This will be a month full of new experiences for you, especially when it comes to self-development. You will finally get rid of the negative thoughts from last year and decide to start building something new. Whether it is mental development or building something material, you will make enormous progress.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21

This month will bring you a lot of energy and strength, which you will use mainly for the benefit of your physical condition. However, do not overdo it right at the beginning, your body may not be prepared for such a load, and you could get injured. Almost everything will be a piece of cake for you, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22

This month you will be more prone to colds, so rest and do not overdo it unnecessarily; you will not miss anything. On the contrary, you have a great chance that you will come up with a good idea, which you will be able to implement later, thanks to physical and mental well-being. During this period, you will also prosper financially, which will be noticed by your surroundings and people who are only interested in your money will stick to you.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22

With great enthusiasm, you will embark on everything that comes your way, and you will excel in everything. This can upset your surroundings, which will be envious of your success. In the company of others, you will stand out with great communication skills and a sense of humor.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22

Your memory will be very good during this period, so open up to new information and try activities demanding analytical thinking. At the same time, you can look forward to a big dose of creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Your ideas will be worth it, so introduce them to your supervisor.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22

Get ready for big changes in your personal life. If you feel like you haven’t moved anywhere for a long time, it’s time to do something about it. If you’ve been thinking about moving, don’t worry and go for it. If you are thinking of changing jobs, you are most likely to find something that you will really enjoy.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22

This month, you will start to desire a feeling of safety. You will feel the best when being hugged by a close person, whether your partner or a member of your family. Your need to share your feelings will be very strong, so if there is nobody you could open your heart to, you will tend to be melancholic or even depressed.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21

This month you will start to feel very self-confident and relaxed. You will radiate positive energy, which will attract your friends and close ones, so they will feel a need to spend time with you. Your diary will fill up with meetings with your friends, you will become very popular.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19

You will have to deal with feelings such as that you are always attracted to the wrong person and will stay alone forever. Do let those feelings fill you up; it is not true. Those feelings are just taking over in moments of despair. So try to focus on something else and invest your energy in some creative activities, you will be very good at them this month.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18

Do not expect any big sports achievements this month because you will feel tired and might experience some muscle pain. However, your mind will not rest, so you will be able to use this calm period to sort your thoughts out. You can also dive into learning something completely new that was always a big challenge for you.