CP Journal

since 2010

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Appoints Kemal Sirtikirmizi as General Manager

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, the highly anticipated luxury hotel opening in End Q1 2022, has appointed Kemal Sirtikirmizi as general manager. Located within The Avenues, the country’s largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will feature 200 contemporary deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the vibrant city skyline.

Kemal brings more than twenty years of international hospitality experience across North America, the Middle East and North Africa, and Turkey, having worked with many luxury brands including St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Luxury Collection, and W Hotels. As general manager, Kemal envisions a holistic approach to hospitality that perfectly communicates and delivers unforgettable guest experiences through Waldorf Astoria’s globally renowned and personalised True Waldorf Service.

Adding further value, Kemal’s former experience in F&B operations includes a renowned portfolio of culinary brands, such as Buddha Bar and Beach, Paper Moon, and Jean-Georges, enabling him to play an instrumental role in the partnership between Waldorf Astoria Kuwait and ROKA Kuwait, which is being brought to the country for the first time by award-winning restaurant business Azumi Group.

On his appointment, Kemal said: “I am honoured to be entrusted by our owners, Mabanee, to lead a world-class management team for the opening of Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, which will no doubt be one of Kuwait’s most prestigious landmarks. I, along with my team, will strive to provide our guests with memorable experiences, upholding the traditions and exceptional service that Waldorf Astoria has become synonymous with and emulating them in Kuwait.”

Also speaking on Kemal’s appointment, Mr Waleed Alsharian, Chief Executive Officer of Mabanee, said: “We are pleased to welcome Mr Kemal Sirtikirmizi to Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. We believe he will be an excellent asset to the team and the new property, bringing his extensive experience in the industry to this remarkable hotel.”

Commenting on Kemal’s appointment, William Costley, Senior Vice President - Operations, Arabian Peninsula and Turkey, Hilton, said: “Kemal’s extensive background in hospitality and F&B will make him a valuable leader at this incredible new property and iconic luxury brand that we are bringing to Kuwait. We wish Kemal every success as he prepares to launch Waldorf Astoria Kuwait – what is set to be the country’s most coveted address for exquisite gastronomy and refined hospitality.”

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is owned and managed by Mabanee, a leading real estate developer known for its modern vision and excellence in innovation projects. Guests will enjoy a transformative journey of the senses at this ultra-luxurious property, from exquisite dining venues to the awe-inspiring 13,560sqft Waldorf Spa that will leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Meanwhile, beautiful meeting and event spaces – including a spectacular Grand Ballroom – will provide idyllic venues for unforgettable celebrations or tailored corporate events.

CHEVROLET GROOVE DRUMS UP FAN SUPPORT BY CREATING A WHOLE NEW GENRE OF MUSIC: ME-POP

Every ride needs a suitable soundtrack to get your motor running, and memorable auto-companions like Chevrolet even share the spotlight in iconic tracks. Whether it’s driving that Chevy to the levee, down old country roads, with Snoop Dog or Taylor Swift, or towards a love that’s gonna last, music and Chevrolet have been going together like steering and suspension. Now, the American automaker, is revving up its music act in the Middle East.

Chevrolet Groove, the all-new compact SUV arriving in the region later this year, has chimed in to headline a new boost for the local music scene, creating a brand-new genre of music in collaboration with some of the region’s hottest talent. Bringing together 12 eclectic and wholly original artists from across the Arab world, Chevrolet Groove is launching an album of its signature ME-Pop sound, titled Find Your Groove, coming soon to your favorite music streaming platforms.

SUVs often offer drivers tech features or an affordable price, but the Chevrolet Groove bucks the trend, with segment-leading features from the base trim up. This unusual combination served as the inspiration behind the album which challenged musicians with their own unique groove to collaborate and create something never-heard-before.

Big Hass, Radio Host and Music Blogger said, “The regional music scene is always developing, but this is the first time we’ve brought together such high-profile talented artists and challenged them to collaborate and create a whole new genre of music. When Chevy came to us with the idea, we were excited by the opportunity to create something fresh to take the region’s sound to next level and we believe the best to do so is collaboration.”

“The Groove is a young, fun, exciting SUV, bringing a new dynamic to the region with its tech-savvy offering and affordable price tag. As Groove carves out its own unique place in the motoring mix, we were delighted to work with these talented musicians to create an album as unique as the inspiration. Chevy has always been part of pop culture, starring in movies and music, but now we take an active step forward in helping to shape pop culture in real time with the launch of the soon-to-be-stuck-in-your-head ME-Pop album. We can’t wait to show you more!” said Sharon Nishi, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Middle East & Africa.

In recent years, the Trésor has become one of OMEGA’s most sought-after women’s timepieces. Always popular for its diverse array of materials and colours, the collection has now been enhanced yet again, with the introduction of two new models featuring domed malachite dials.

The decorative stone malachite is instantly recognisable for its hypnotic green tones, which are harmoniously distributed in concentric areas. The material has been cherished since antiquity and has been used throughout history for meaningful purposes, such as the creation of palaces, cathedrals and churches.

OMEGA’s reveal of the new watch shows the timepiece being worn by Kaia Gerber – a notable face of the Trésor collection and one of the world’s most in-demand models. Her classic yet youthful spirit is the perfect match for this modern ladies’ collection.

To further distinguish the watch design, OMEGA has given the malachite dials their own Roman numeral hour-markers and diamond-polished hands in 18K Moonshine Gold. This exclusive alloy is one of OMEGA’s most astonishing creations. Inspired by the shining moonlight in a dark blue sky, Moonshine Gold is a lighter tone than traditional yellow gold and also offers a high resistance to the fading of colour and lustre over time.

For both of the new Trésor timepieces, the 36 mm cases are crafted in 18K Moonshine Gold, with the signature addition of 38 full-cut diamonds, which elegantly curve along the sides. As well as a single diamond placed in the crown, surrounded by an OMEGA flower in red liquid ceramic, the timepiece also features a metallised caseback with a mirror effect.

To complete the incredible design, two options are available around the wrist. These include a beautiful mesh bracelet in 18K Moonshine Gold with a silk-like pattern, or a shimmering green leather strap.

The new Trésor models are driven by the OMEGA Calibre 4061, and in keeping with OMEGA’s exceptional standards of quality, are offered with the brand’s full 5-year warranty.

CINESCAPE LAUNCHES LATEST HIGH TECHNOLOGY CINEMA IN NEW ASSIMA MALL

Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC) has enhanced its reputation as a progressive leader in the region’s entertainment industry with the official opening of Cinescape in Assima Mall. Kuwait’s newest retail and lifestyle destination mall features a state-of-the-art 13-screen cinema with more than 1,300 seats across two floors offering upscale auditoriums and two world exclusive cinematic experiences. Underlining the brand’s mission to provide consumers with an unrivalled moviegoing experience following the success of Cinescape 360, Cinescape Al Assima Mall features a 290-premium seat Dolby Cinema. Powered by Dolby Vision technology, this cinema experience delivers high dynamic range with enhanced colour technology and a superior contrast ratio, resulting in a dramatically different viewing experience that presents strikingly vivid and realistic images, making viewers feel like they are inside the movie's world. In addition, Cinescape introduces for the first time in the Middle East 4DX Screen where both 4DX and Screen X meet in one auditorium. The new venue has an 84seat 4DX theatre, featuring the world's first multi-projection system that provides a 270-degree panoramic film viewing experience within a theatre setting, expanding the reach of the 4DX experience to four screens in Kuwait. Complementing the renowned experiences, the new cinema’s mezzanine floor is dedicated to 4 VIP screens offering a total of 185 seats, a VIP lounge and balcony overlooking Assima Mall. One of the VIP screens has its own exclusive lobby area and stage for events, allowing for private or large-scale corporate events to take place in such an auditorium. Furthermore, the Barco laser projection, incorporated in the venue’s seven standard screens is environmentally friendly with industry-leading efficiency and flawless imagery, complemented by Dolby 7.1 surround sound to deliver the most advanced cinema experience in Kuwait. Celebrating the opening, Mr. Naser B. Al-Rowdan, KNCC CEO, said: “Our newest venue in Al Assima Mall reinforces our commitment to provide our customers with the very best cinema entertainment. We pride ourselves in listening to our audiences and this new offering caters to all preferences of cinema goers in Kuwait,”.