Issue 19

Issue 19 / January 2014

WISHES

The Monthly Key to Your City

Where to find us?

info@thecitym.com @thecitymagazine @thecitymags theCity Magazine

Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa

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‫ا‬

‫وز‬

‫ﺔ‬

‫ﺟﻴ‬

‫رة اﻟ ﺨ ﺎر‬

99 KUWAITI EMBASSIES WORLDWIDE

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We don’t know about you but, over here at theCITY, we’ve never been too big on the concept of New Year’s resolutions. We’re of the belief that positive change is a possibility we can all wake up to every single day of our lives, if only we found the right dose of inspiration, support, and perseverance in our hearts and minds. Yet, we set out to create our January issue—our first issue of 2014—with an attitude of embracing radical, life-affirming change through our pages. That’s because, at theCITY, we believe that true beauty is to be found in difference and variety; not in sameness and repetitiveness. We believe that diversity is not only a spice, but also a joy of life.

Khaled Al-Qahtani, Editor-in-Chief

Lana Al-Resheed, Managing Director

What resulted was a sense of new promise and sparking energy that carries over into every article, every feature, and every monthly page in our most aspirational issue of the year: our ‘Wishes’ issue.

We’ve included inspiring, world-renowned (and yummy!) success stories all the way from Paris, France in Tout Sweet and reaching Chicago, Illinois in A Purist Revival. We’ve also shined our spotlights on some of the up and coming innovators and creators of Kuwait (and beyond) in features like Common Grounds, Carved In Stone, and Flash On. Our hopes to re-ignite your passions for life and for your own goals and dreams are waiting in such features as A Wealth of Happiness, Shadowing Greatness, and The Road Less Travelled. Finally, our monthly fashion spread, Paradise Lost (decked out in Vintage 55's sharpest duds), is set to let your imagination run wild with glitzy dreams and tragic spells of an era long forgotten.

And, as our tempting cover suggests, we’ve also got some delights and goodies just for you, our most exceptional readers! (Hint: follow us on Instagram to find out more!)

So, here’s to you, here’s to us, and here’s to a brighter, fuller, greater 2014 in theCITY!

Shaza Ayesh, General Manager

MEET OUR FAMILY Asma Al-Mulla

Doha Al-Mutawa

Joumana Soufi

Mohammed Al-Rasheed

Anmar Al-Aldarmi

Dana Al-Tuwarish

Jumana Al-Awadhi

Shabari Al-Qahtani

Ali Al-Khudari

Farah Al-Humaidhi

Jinan Mohammad

Noor Al-Nafisi

Bashayer Al-Osaimi

Hind Al-Nahedh

Jenny Wright

Rawan Al-Sharif

Dalal Al-Janaie

Hisham Al-Sumaiew

Khalil Al-Hamar

Rawan Elabd

Khaled Al-Qahtani Editor-in-Chief

Lana Al-Resheed Managing Director

Shaza Ayesh General Manager

Yousef Al-Neemah

Ziad Al-Obaid

Fashion Director

Joumana Soufi Sales Director

Dana Baluch

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Content Editor

Hussain Al-Qatari Graphic Designer

Hussain Kuwala Design Intern

Muneera Al-Hendi Head of Photography

Abdulrhman Al-Yousef

Ebrahim Al-Awadi

Hussain Shamo

Abdulrhman Al-Yousef

@eaPhotology

@hussaingram

@GoldenVisionQ8

@awadi85

@hshamo_q8

@GoldenVisionQ8

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sales@thecitym.com 22390518 - 65558679 For Media and Press Invitations:

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@jalilmarvin Statement of Copyright: theCITY™ is owned and published by GREAT KUWAIT MEDIA. Copyright 2012.

All rights reserved. ® the CITY logo is owned by GREAT KUWAIT MEDIA. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER Photographer: Hussain Shamo

Bayan Al-Sadiq @BayanAlSadiq

Reasonable care is taken to ensure that theCITY Magazine articles and other information in the magazine are up-to-date and as accurate as possible as of the time of publication. No responsibility can be taken by theCITY Magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this magazine is not the responsibility of theCITY Magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of theCITY Magazine.

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98 LIFE 10 12 20 24 27 28 36 40

Hiding from Your Life?

A Wealth of Happiness Sunny Side Up New Year Old Wishes Old is Gold theVISIT Shadowing Greatness They Live Where They Love

WELLNESS 44 50

The Smile Makers thePHARMACISTS

FOOD 52

Chef's Choice

56

Common Grounds

60

Slice of Life

64

Anmar is Cooking

68

Tout Sweet

BEAUTY & FASHION 72

Flash On

78

Paradise Lost

SSue ART & CULTURE

92 The Road less Travelled 98 An Observer In Full 102 theCITY KIDS 104 To Paint a Future 108 Carved in Stone 112 A Purist Revival

TECH & SPORTS 116 Vroom! Vroom!

120 theAUTO

theVIBE 124 Triwa Watches

Behabahani event

92 72

104

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Dalal Al-Janaie dalal@marsvenuscoaching.com www.marsvenuscoachdalal.com @marsvenuskuwait @marsvenuskuwait

Hiding from Your Life?

Hello dearest readers, I am so pleased to meet with you once again this month. As we start our 2014, we are embraced with new possibilities and the idea of hope and change. I don’t want to talk with you about the typical topics surrounding New Year’s resolutions and planning. Through my years of coaching I am now convinced that pieces of paper don’t change lives. We need something more realistic, something that hits home. So tell me, do you love your life? What changes do you have in mind for your life? Do you really want 2014 to be different or do you just want more of the same?

You know, today is the youngest you will ever be in your life and time waits for no one. So, let me ask you, what are you waiting for?

I see people daily who tell me they would like to achieve change in their lives. Topics include self confidence, changing jobs, repairing relationships and of course finding ‘the one.’ As a coach, my job is to push people out of their comfort zone and into the life they want. As they try and do new things, their lives change. The only failure is the failure to participate in your life. Sitting on the sidelines of your life will not get you anywhere. In life, the bigger the risk the bigger the reward. If you are willing to put yourself out there and be vulnerable, you will have so much more to gain than those who choose to sit on the couch and blanket their lives with “security.” The truth is that real growth occurs when you get and stay out of your normal comfort zone. You only gain the most when you push yourself to do things you are uncomfortable doing under normal circumstances.

To better understand what is going on within us, one of the main reasons we do not take a chance and try goes back to our limiting beliefs. The problem is that people believe false beliefs, which keep them from being fully present in life. Throughout the years, I’ve found amazingly talented people, but no matter how experienced or successful they become, when an old wound gets scratched, they hide behind their computers instead of experiencing the world. Everyone deals with limiting beliefs at one time or another regardless of what stage of life they are in. Limiting beliefs cross all social and economic lines and can hold you captive. They can keep you from living a life of abundance, peace and joy. They can sneak in at any moment and negatively affect your relationships, your finances, and even your career.

So when the rubber hits the road, so to speak, people get scared and start to spout out excuses.

This is when limiting beliefs start to pop up. I constantly hear, ‘I don’t know if I can, I am not ready, I need more time.’ I also hear, I’m not smart enough, experienced enough, old enough, young enough, etc… The question isn’t about whether you’re ready or not. You must understand that ‘you have to do it.’ Time’s already up! It’s now time to take a step. It is a lot better to do “okay” now rather than “amazing” later. Later may never come. Perfect will never arrive with time. Perfect is the result of practice and repeated failure.

Dearest readers, take a stand today. Choose to live. Stop walking around with those limiting beliefs tied to your back like yesterday’s trash and take a stand for YOU. Make a decision to crush those limiting beliefs. Do it now!

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@RAHappiness

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Photographer: Hussain Shamo Creative Director: Zainab Bahman

A Wealth of

Several decades ago, Anne Herbert sat down in a coffee shop in Sausalito and coined the following phrase: “Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.� Little did she know that, in that one phrase, she would ignite a global surge of positivity and compassion that would ultimately reach the hearts and minds of a group of young, energetic, Kuwaiti hopefuls 30 years later. Random Acts of Happiness (or RAH) are looking to make a real, meaningful change in the way Kuwait thinks, behaves, and perceives the world. It is a foundation of appreciation; of kindness; and, ultimately, of hope. They are bright, they are young, and, just like Ms. Herbert, they are starting our 2014 with a simple yet revolutionary message of love. To this aspirational bunch, 2014 is the year of RAH. Let it be yours as well.

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What is Random Acts of Happiness and who are its founding members?

Random Acts of Happiness (RAH) is a nonprofit youth developed foundation aiming to highlight the importance of happiness.

We intend to encourage acts of happiness and appreciation starting in Kuwait, and hopefully expanding internationally. Our goal is to identify and reward unappreciated and hardworking individuals in our society who are worthy of public recognition. We have 5 categories of people we will be RAHing. Each RAH will be carefully planned and coordinated by our team and volunteers, to surprise a hardworking member of society with a heartwarming personalized gesture and an event showing them just how much they mean to our society!

We officially have 21 founding members: Abdulaziz Al Marzouq, Ali Al Khudari, Aseel Al

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Suaileek, Abdulaziz Al Mutawa, Bader Al Fahad, Dalal Al Basri, Fatema Al Najjar, Hadeel AlAnezi, Hessah Al-Maian, Jena Al Awadhi, Mariam Al Abdulghafour, Maryam Shehab, Myriam Qutop, Noura Al-Qassar, Omar Al Qahtani, Rataj Al Hasawi, Razan Al Sarraf, Thuraya Al-Otaibi, Yasir Al Amir, and Zahraa Al Herz.

Where did the idea behind Random Acts of Happiness come from?

As part of The Protégés program, we had to come up with a project to serve the society using all the information and experiences we had learned from during the 4-week program.

After brainstorming 100 different ideas, we categorized them into different groups. Then we voted on the group of projects we wanted to act upon. Within that group was “Random Acts of Kindness.” The idea boomed from that point onwards! After we discussed all the different ways to serve those random acts to

society, we realized that happiness was way more effective and interesting.

After getting back to Kuwait from our trip to the UK we wanted to surprise our mentors with a happy “Thank You” gesture. When we saw their reactions to our surprise we immediately got inspired to thank the people of our society as well.

Hence, the road to Random Acts of Happiness began.

What does Random Acts of Happiness hope to achieve and spread in the community?

Our main goal is to show appreciation to those who work hard and are not acknowledged.

When the people of Kuwait see how hard work really pays off, it will encourage them to be better individuals whether it was at home, at work, with friends and with themselves.

Eventually, the community will begin to thank each other, and be happy.

How do you think Random Acts of Happiness can inspire others to be more positive and giving?

When people see how hard work can be appreciated they will immediately act upon it to become their best, in order to be thought of as well. At the end of the day, who wouldn’t love to be surprised with gratitude returned from a thankful society?

In what ways do you think Kuwait needs to be more positive on a social or cultural level?

We believe that Kuwait should create an environment in which we can all appreciate the array of cultures Kuwait holds, and this can start by endorsing cultural centers for the arts.

In this way, the people of our community will not only be entertained, but will experience the diversity of cultures. The influence of

these cultural events and activities could be magnified, by RAH, through the ease of social media. In the course of our years and through the use this plan, we expect many improvements in Kuwait by making it more positive, both socially and culturally.

and thanked him for all his beautiful and heartwarming contributions to Kuwait, which immediately sparked a buzz in the community.

We plan on surprising around 25 individuals from 5 different categories (which are Health, Education, Family, Celebrity, and Spontaneous).

What kind of activities and initiatives will Random Acts of Happiness organize and how can people join in?

The type of activities and initiatives we have are almost always spontaneous. We started off with our ‘Post-Its Revolution,’ which consisted of happy and inspiring quotes written on PostIts and placed in random areas of Kuwait. Some ended up in universities, schools, restaurants, cafes, malls, offices, and many more. This helped us gain awareness from the society, and also helped us leave a mark in people’s hearts.

Over the course of our plan we aim to reach the people through social media and hopefully our upcoming website, where people can volunteer and help us thank and appreciate their own recommendations and nominations. Of course, these recommendations must be researched to make sure they are worthy of appreciation.

Then, by contacting their friends or family we get to know what makes that person happy.

With careful planning and brainstorming from our team, we then come up with a special, customized RAH and surprise that nominee with an unforgettable gesture of happiness and gratitude!

After that we surprised Shadi Al Khaleej

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‫رغبتي في اكتساب الخبرة والمعرفة الالزمة لخوض‬ ‫الحياة العملية مستقبال‪ ،‬السيما أنني تخصصت في‬ ‫التمويل‪.‬‬ ‫•عبد اهلل العنجري‪ :‬رغبت باإلنضمام إلى هذا النادي ألنه‬ ‫األكثر تفاع ً‬ ‫ال مع الطالب على مستوى الجامعة‪.‬‬ ‫•سعود العتيبي‪ :‬أسعى دائما إلى التعلم واإلنخراط‬ ‫في العمل الجماعي ولذلك اخترت نادي التمويل‪.‬‬ ‫•عائشة الهنيدي‪ :‬أرى أن إنضمامي للنادي بمثابة أول‬ ‫خطوة نحو الحياة العملية‪.‬‬ ‫•صبا السعدون‪ :‬شغفي وحبي للعمل الجماعي وراء‬ ‫اختياري لنادي التمويل‪ ،‬باإلضافة إلى ميلي إلى معرفة‬ ‫المزيد عن عالم اإلقتصاد والتجارة‪.‬‬ ‫•عبداللطيف العدواني‪ :‬إهتمامي بمجاالت التجارة‬ ‫والعقار واإلستثمار وراء إنضمامي للنادي‪ ،‬حيث أؤمن‬ ‫بأن نادي التمويل قادرعلى صقل خبراتي من أجل‬ ‫تحقيق النجاح في حياتي الوظيفية‪.‬‬ ‫•رتاج الحساوي‪ :‬الدعم المستمر الذي تلقيته من والدي‬ ‫الذي يعمل كرئيس تنفيذي في إحدى الشركات‬ ‫اإلستثمارية هو سر وراء انضمامي للنادي ‪ ،‬وهو الدافع‬ ‫الذي حفزني على خوض مجال اإلستثمار واألعمال‬ ‫التجارية‪.‬‬ ‫كيف يمكن التواصل مع نادي التمويل؟‬ ‫يمكنكم التواصل معنا عن طريق حساباتنا التالية‪:‬‬ ‫‪Twitter @aukfinanceclub‬‬ ‫‪Instagram: @thefinanceclubauk‬‬ ‫‪E-mail : thefinanceclub@auk.edu.kw‬‬

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‫‪Ali Al-Khudari‬‬ ‫‪alialkhudari@hotmail.com‬‬ ‫‪@ALIALKHUDARI‬‬ ‫‪@alialkhudari‬‬

‫نادي التمويل بالجامعة‬ ‫األمريكية‬ ‫بعد انقطاعي الشهر الماضي عن المجله لالسف بسبب‬ ‫الظروف اشكر المجله على العمل الجبار في عدد‬ ‫ديسمبر و الغالف المبدع ‪ .‬بعد ان كنت منحاز في عدد‬ ‫شهر ابريل لتخصصي التمويل و خصوصا في جامعة‬ ‫الكويت و مقابلتي لنادي التمويل في كلية العلوم‬ ‫االدارية قررت عمل مقابله مع نادي التمويل ايضا لكن في‬ ‫الجامعه االمريكيه في الكويت ‪ .‬و التي التقيت في احد‬ ‫اعضاء النادي و هي رتاج الحساوي خالل برنامج البروتيجيز‬ ‫الذي سبق ايضا الكتابه عنهم في عدد شهر سبتمبر ‪ .‬و‬ ‫ايضا مستقبال انا على اتم استعداد لمقابلة اي من االنديه‬ ‫الجامعيه او الشباب الطموح و المنجز و كذلك الشباب‬ ‫المبادرين ‪.‬‬ ‫ماهو تخصص التمويل؟‬ ‫التمويل هو تحديد احتياجات األفراد والمنظمات‬ ‫والشركات من الموارد النقدية وتحديد سبل جمعها‬ ‫واستخدامها مع األخد في الحسبان المخاطر المرتبطة‬ ‫بمشاريعهم‪.‬‬ ‫ماهو نادي التمويل ومن يرأسه؟‬ ‫هو نادي يسعى إلى تثقيف وتعليم الطالب تمهيدا‬ ‫لخوض الحياة العملية من خالل تقديم ورش عمل ودورات‬ ‫تدريبية ومحاضرات متميزة يلقيها مدربين متخصصين‬ ‫في عدة مجاالت‪ .‬والطالبة " طيبة اإلبراهيم" تترأس نادي‬ ‫التمويل حاليا‪.‬‬ ‫وفعالياته‬

‫ماهي إنجازات النادي‬ ‫ومشاريعه المستقبلية؟‬ ‫حصل نادي التمويل على جائزة "أفضل نادي بالجامعة"‬ ‫للسنة الثالثة على التوالي ففي العام الدراسي (‪2010-‬‬ ‫‪ )2011‬حصل النادي على جائزة ال(‪،)Dean’s Award‬‬ ‫أما في العام الدراسي (‪ )2011-2012‬فقد حصل رئيس‬ ‫النادي‪" -‬عبدالوهاب العثمان" على شهادة " الطالب‬ ‫المتميز" ( ‪،)Outstanding student of the year‬‬ ‫كما حصلت "لولوة العمر"‪ -‬رئيسة العالقات العامة‬

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‫السابقة‬

‫الداخلية للنادي على شهادة (‪The most exceptional‬‬ ‫‪)organizational member of the year‬‬ ‫أما في العام الدراسي (‪ )2012-2013‬فقد حصلت رئيسة‬ ‫النادي –فرح العجيل على شهادة ( ‪Outstanding‬‬ ‫‪.)student of the year‬‬ ‫وبالنسبة للفعاليات التي نظمها النادي فهي كالتالي‪:‬‬ ‫(‪)2010-2011‬‬ ‫•دروة " التداول في سوق األوراق المالية" تقديم ‪ /‬غالية‬ ‫الفارس‪.‬‬ ‫•رحلة إلى سوق األوراق المالية‪.‬‬ ‫•محاضرة " ركود الوضع اإلقتصادي ‪ " 2008‬مع المحاضر ‪/‬‬ ‫خالد الزومان ‪.‬‬ ‫• محاضرة " أنت األساسي" مع المحاضرة ‪ /‬رنا الخالد‪.‬‬ ‫( ‪)2011-2012‬‬ ‫•دورة " إدارة المحافظ" مع المحاضرة ‪ /‬عالية الفارس‪.‬‬ ‫• دورة "البرمجة العصبية اللغوية" مع المحاضر ‪ /‬مشاري‬ ‫المفرح‪.‬‬ ‫• محاضرة "إدارة الشيف المالية" مع المحاضر ‪ /‬أحمد البدر‬ ‫•محاضرة بالتعاون شركتي بروتجيز و‪...‬بنك كوفي؟؟‪.........‬‬ ‫•محاضرة "خطة تنمية الكويت‪ ،‬حقيقة أم خيال؟" مع‬ ‫المحاضر‪ /‬جاسم السعدون‪.‬‬ ‫(‪)2013 2012-‬‬ ‫•محاضرة ألقاها السيد ‪ /‬فهد الفهد‪.‬‬ ‫•دورة "مبادئ التجارة واألسواق المالية " قدمتها نخبة من‬ ‫المتخصصين في االقتصاد العالمي (ذي ون فينانشال‬

‫ماركت – لندن)‪.‬‬ ‫•كويتنا – اإلحتفال بعيد التحرير واإلستقالل للكويت‪.‬‬ ‫•محاضرة "كيف تميز فكرتك" مع المحاضر ‪ /‬راكان النصف‪.‬‬ ‫•المناقشة المصرفية التي نظمها اتحاد مصارف الكويت‬ ‫والتي حاضر فيها كل من الرئيس التنفيذي لبيت‬ ‫التمويل الكويتي والرئيس التنفيذي لبنك مسقط‪.‬‬ ‫•محاضرة" الحصول مع ماتحب" مع المحاضر‪ /‬زيد اللهيب‪.‬‬ ‫وفيما يخص المشاريع المستقبلية لنادي التمويل‬ ‫فنتطلع إلى تنظيم التالي ‪:‬‬ ‫•أسبوع "نادي التمويل" والذي سوف يتضمن العديد من‬ ‫المحاضرات التثقيفية واألنشطة المتنوعة‬ ‫•مؤتمر "المصارف" ‪.‬‬ ‫•أسبوع " المشاريع الصغيرة"‪.‬‬ ‫•اإلحتفال بالعيد الوطني وذكرى المصادقة على‬ ‫الدستور‪.‬‬ ‫ما شروط اإلنضمام لنادي التمويل وما آليات‬ ‫إختيار األعضاء ؟‬ ‫يتم فتح باب التسجيل لألعضاء الجدد مع بداية كل عام‬ ‫دراسي جديد‪ ،‬وبالنسبة آلليات إختيار األعضاء فيتم عن‬ ‫طريق إجراء مقابالت شخصية واختبارات من أجل تحديد‬ ‫السمات الشخصية للمتقدم وتقييم خبراته لمعرفة‬ ‫إمكانياته واستعداداته ومدى قدرته على بذل الجهد من‬ ‫أجل إرتقاء نادي التمويل‪.‬‬ ‫ما أهم اختيارك لنادي التمويل؟ ( إجابات أعضاء‬ ‫النادي)‬ ‫•طيبة اإلبراهيم ‪ :‬سبب إنضمامي لنادي التمويل هي‬

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By Rawan Al Sharif

The amount of times I’ve heard people rant about not being able to do what they want, or not following their dreams because of where they’re living—namely Kuwait— is countless. The Eve’s complain about not being able to do what they want because of their gender. The Adam’s complain about not living the life they want because of society. And everyone else either blames the country, the government, their parents, or the weather.

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Photographer: Abdulrhman Al-Yousef Photographer: Somood Faris

Gender, social protocol, and being born Muslim or Arab are simply not an excuse to stop striving for greatness and for the fulfillment of your highest hopes and dreams. Where you live doesn’t determine whether or not you live.

I’ve lived in both the east and the west. I’ve seen people on both sides of the globe live as failures and wash-ups. But I’ve also seen people on both sides strive to change their surroundings and their environments in order to make a difference. I’ve seen individuals struggle to find meaning, make something out of themselves, and make sure their lives don’t go to waste. All kinds of people, from all walks of life and of various interests, manage to start up businesses and companies from scratch every single day. There are people out there who are constantly breaking world records, and others who are taking

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part in worldwide events, activities, and exhibitions on a regular basis. I’ve met people that have put up fights to end cruelty, not just in their own country… but also in places like Syria, Palestine, and Guantanamo Bay, all in the name of humanity. And yes, most of these individuals are locals that were born, raised, and reside in Kuwait.

Gender, social protocol, and being born Muslim or Arab are simply not an excuse to stop striving for greatness and for the fulfillment of your highest hopes and dreams. Where you live doesn’t determine whether or not you live. The people around you can only in-

fluence you so much, but when it comes to decisions or actions… it’s your call! Yes, there are a few restrictions when it comes to morals, values, or even the breathing space your family gives you, but setting mental barriers without so much as giving it a trying shot is self-oppression. Using other people as an excuse, or your gender as a disability to why you aren’t pursuing your dreams won’t get you anywhere. So many of us blame society and see it as one of our main restrictions in life. “You are confined only by the walls you build around yourself,” Andrew Murphy once said and the phrase couldn’t ring truer for

many a Kuwaiti youth today. I can’t reiterate this point enough but, if we have any hope of coming into our own as fully-accomplished, well-rounded individuals, then its important for us to stop letting others dictate what we can or can’t do. Learn to dot your own I’s and cross your own t’s. Draw your own red lines, and set your own limits. Because the reality is that society does not and cannot oppress us as much as we oppress ourselves.

@SunshineKuwait

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Doha Al-Mutawa

New Year, Old Wishes Let this year be the clearance for all wishes!

Don’t let wishes remain as merely that: wishes. Rather, try turning them into achievable resolutions—and, as we all know, no time is more fitting for the creation of a new resolution than the arrival of a brand new year! Whatever you have in mind you can have in the palm of your hands (this could even happen literally!). In Kuwaiti: “Kilshay ib eedik/eedich”, after God’s acceptance of course.

Sometimes in the fantasy bank account of life’s wishes, a balance remains carried over to the new year. All your wishes are a bundle of desires that you assume stand in the way of your happiness. But the key to happiness begins with you and you alone. In a nutshell, your wishes and actions are parallel. If you direct yourself in line with your wishes, they will come true (and vice versa!). Take some time to listen to yourself and admit it when you’ve gone the wrong direction. Maybe you took the incorrect path, which is why you didn’t reach the desired destination.

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That’s totally normal and is nothing to be ashamed of. Life is all about learning from experience and letting your past mistakes guide you towards a clearer, more certain future. It’s your chances, your choices, and your changes. As long as you take the drivers seat in the journey of your life, you will be in control!

Here’s a helpful way to kickstart your wishmaking journey: take a moment to list down all your wishes in order of importance.

Then, alongside each wish, write down your thoughts of what can be done in order to fulfill this wish. After your wish list is created, frame it on your wall! Why? So that every morning, when you feel lazy or are called back to wistful sleep, you look at your wish list and realize that getting up is, as always, the first step towards checking that list off. After all, as old saying goes, “you get what you work for, not what you wish for.”

Keep in mind that, wish number one is your very first goal. No matter what it takes or how long you try, focus on the strategies

you will utilize in your life to see it into fruition. Once achieved, wish number two has the spotlight, and so on... The aim is to clear all your wishes in order of importance, and have zero balance for the upcoming year.

The clock is ticking anyhow, and an inch of time is an inch of gold. You are the first and only player in this game; nobody is going to steer the wheel for you!

May everyone make the very best out of this year and remember: nothing will magically appear the way we want it to be! Most importantly, don’t dwell on the past. Don’t regret anything. Every day is an opportunity to start all over again. Happiness is a door; patience is the key. Your daily positive thoughts, actions, and reactions are the power you always needed to unlock that door once and for all. Once unlocked, take the drivers seat, remember to buckle up your seatbelt, and drive safely. Do not rush, or else you’ll bump into an accident. Let this year be the beginning of an endless road to happiness!

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‫الوثائق التي كانت تخص تجار الكويت من اكثر من ‪ 100‬سنه ‪ ،‬باإلضافه الى مراسالت‬ ‫كثيره تخص فترة الغوص لبعض التجار والنواخذه‬ ‫ومن مقتنيات المتحف الكثير من األوراق الرسميه لدولة الكويت قبل اإلستقالل‬ ‫منها وثائق سفر وإجازات القياده والجناسي والعديد من الهويات واألوراق الرسميه‬ ‫التي تحمل جميعها شعار العلمين الذي كان متداول قبل استقالل الكويت‬ ‫وكذلك بحتوي المتحف على اكثر من ‪ 3000‬صوره ابيض واسود لدولة الكويت‬ ‫والصور متعدده منها لشخصيات ومواطنين وايضا مرافق ومنازل قديمه ‪ ،‬بشكل‬ ‫عام الحياة قديما في الكويت ‪.‬‬ ‫اكثر شي شد انتباهي في متحف السيد عبداهلل اهو علم من اندر األعالم اهو‬ ‫العلم االميري كان موجود عند مدخل قصر السيف وهو صناعه بريطانيه حياكه‬ ‫من قطعه وحده كامله غير منفضله وكتب على الجانب من جهة اليمين كلمة‬ ‫(ال االه اال اهلل محمد رسول اهلل) ووضع التاج األميري في نصف العلم ويعتبر الوحيد‬ ‫من نوعه ‪.‬‬ ‫من الوثائق التي يعتز فيها المؤرخ هي مجموعة دفاتر الغوص ألشهر النواخذه‬ ‫الكويتيين ‪.‬‬ ‫هذا شي من ال شئ من مقتنيات السيد الفاضل عبداهلل بن ناصر حاولت انتقي‬ ‫لكم المميز لكن اكتشفت ان كل ورقه وكل وثيقه لها خصوصيه ووراها قصه‬ ‫طويله ماراح تستوعبها صفحات قديمك نديمك ‪.‬‬ ‫كل الشكر للفاضل عبداهلل بن ناصر وابنه السيد ناصر بن ناصر لحسن ضيافتهم‬ ‫وسعة بالهم معانا‪.‬‬

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‫‪Photographer: Hussain Shamo‬‬

‫‪OLD IS GOLD‬‬ ‫‪@bashayeros‬‬

‫‪By Bashayer Alosami‬‬

‫اول ما قررت اكتب صفحة قديمك نديمك كانت‬ ‫امنيتي اني اثقف الناس واثقف نفسي قبلهم‬ ‫بتراث الكويت الغني بالقصص واإلحداث ‪،‬‬ ‫وبعد ارجع الناس حق عادات وتقاليد وطريقة‬ ‫حياة كانو يعيشونها اجدادنا ‪.‬‬ ‫‪www.thecitym.com 27‬‬

‫واجهتني وايد عقبات في ظل الروتين القاتل بالكويت‬ ‫ورفض بعض الهيئات انها تساعدنا وتسمح لنا نصور‬ ‫في بعض األماكن اللي تكون تابعه لها ‪.‬‬ ‫بس بنفس الوقت لقيت اشخاص ساعدوني‬ ‫وساندوني وفتحولي ابواب بيوتهم عشان يحيون‬ ‫تراث الكويت القديم النابع من حرصهم الداخلي ‪.‬‬ ‫من هاالشخاص اللي كان لي شرف مقابلتهم المؤرخ‬ ‫واألديب عبداهلل محمد بن ناصر الباحث في التراث‬ ‫الكويتي ‪ ،‬بدا من ‪ 15‬سنه بابحاث وقراءات في التاريخ‬ ‫الكويتي وكون متحف صغير لكن فيه كميه كبيره‬ ‫ونادره من التحف والوثائق اللي تخص الكويت وبعض‬ ‫الدول المجاوره لها ‪.‬‬ ‫المتحف يحتوي على مجموعه من الوثائق‬ ‫والمخطوطات الخاصه بتاريخ الكويت وقام األديب‬ ‫بجمع هذه الوثائق لتوثيق واألستفاده منها لذلك‬ ‫حرص على ان يجمع النادر والمميز من مقتنيات‬ ‫المتحف مثل اإليصاالت الخاصه باول بنك فتح بالكويت‬ ‫وهو البنك اإلمبراطوري اإليراني في سنة ‪ 1942‬بعد‬ ‫الحرب العالميه الثانيه تقريبا ومن ثم تغير البنك الى‬ ‫مسمى البنك البريطاني للشرق األوسط وغيرها من‬

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By Noor Al-Nafisi

For bookworms the world over, visiting your favorite bookstore is like meeting up with a group of old friends.

You feel both at home and at the edge of the world all at once. It’s a cozy feeling of belonging, and an enthralling feeling of unknown exploration. With it’s endearing and persevering story of small beginnings and big dreams, Q8Books is just that charming, comfortable, and worldly reading nook for the Kuwaiti bibliophile. I got to sit down with Fajer Al-Refai, owner and operator of Q8Books, to learn from her the story of how this delightfully modest non-profit bookstore is determined to reignite the love of reading in Kuwait, one reader at a time.

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What's the story behind the creation of Q8Books?

Q8Books was previously located in Salhiya and owned by a well-read man, Mr. Jacoub, and it ran successfully for 10 years and had many loyal and regular customers including myself. One day, however, Mr. Jacob decided he wanted to sell the bookstore and, because it was one of my favorite places in Kuwait, I did not want to see it go down. I wanted to give people the same joy I got when I walked in, and therefore I decided to buy the bookstore from him.

I started researching where to move the store to and how I can get more and more people to read. I started emailing community centers and no one replied, till one day Bayt Lothan said they will support us and provide us with the space for free.

How does the selection of books found at Q8Books differ from the selection found in chain stores?

Around 99% of our books are used and the rest are new books. We also usually include new releases or popular books, which are ordered specifically for our customers due to popular demand. Our books come from different people with different backgrounds; sometimes you find signed copies of books or books dating back to the early 1900s. The variety is huge; we have around 15 thousand different titles available to date.

What was the most surprising aspect of founding and creating a non-profit bookstore?

One day I was returning to Kuwait after a research trip I took to Dubai to get ideas

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from a bookstore there. I was reading a book on the plane and the two people that were seated next to me turned to me and said: “No one reads anymore, especially Arabs!”

I started laughing. If only the strangers knew what I had in mind! You would be surprised, but a lot of Arabs do still read.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

Our biggest challenge was finding a place when we first started, but thankfully Bayt Lothan came to our rescue. Now it’s finding enough books for our diverse community and having a decent stock of popular books that are on demand. Everyone seems to want to read certain authors and there isn’t enough to go around.

How do you think the local book market is faring in today’s digital age?

Yes, a lot of people have moved to the digital age, but I still have a lot of people coming in looking for hard copies. If people read that’s great, it doesn’t matter how and where they do it. If you have a Kindle feel free to bring it with you and read at our store!

What about authors? Is there anything local authors can do to help Q8Books out?

We love having local authors around. One of Q8Books’ policies is to encourage writing in Kuwait. Therefore, we do not charge local writers to sell their books at the store. We also host regular book signings for local authors. We enjoyed the three that we have done already, and I would like it to be a monthly thing. So, if you are a local writer, please contact us via email at ask@ q8bookstore.com.

We also have the fabulous Q8Writing Club meeting at our store, but the store is not exclusive for them. If you are in a writing club or a reading club, feel free to meet at our store as well—just email us!

How does Q8Books serve the community culturally and socially?

We are a part of one of Kuwait’s most prominent community centers, Bayt Lothan.

They have been serving the community through art, music, and culture for the past 20 years. Q8Books holds a lot of events, and sometimes you will see Bayt Lothan’s amazing influence on us. For example we will have one of their musicians playing outside, or one of their artists reading for us.

We've seen a couple of great literary events held at Q8Books over the past year. Why do you think those kinds of events are important?

I think they are important for many reasons.

One is to give all the hard working writers the chance they deserve to share their work and get the feedback they need. I also strongly believe that those events lure the non-readers in, and that the whole point of the store to get more and more non-readers to read.

What is the planning process for these events? Who generally starts the process?

I have an amazing team of volunteers that are hardworking and creative. We all have different strengths and different weaknesses, but we meet once in a while and try to plan something and then share the workload.

Also, a lot of times we are contacted by different organizations to hold events at our store, and if it has to do with reading or writing, we collaborate with the respective parties.

Do you often recommend books to your customers or do they mostly know what they're looking for?

Yes, we do recommend books, but in order to do that we need to know what the person likes to read, or the genre at least. We are honest though. If we haven’t read a book we say we haven’t, and if we have read a book, we say what we think about it. Sometimes people get offended if we don’t like a book that they are particular fans of, but we are volunteers in a non-profit organization and we believe in freedom of speech. So if we don’t like a book that we have read, we will let you know.

For folks who are reading this and thinking, “I want to get involved,” what does Q8Books need these days?

If you have any English or Arabic books that you think you are done with please bring them in (the only books that we don’t take are Academic books). We give store credit for the books people bring in, so you can exchange the books you have read for new books to read! If you want to be part of our team and volunteer, we would love to meet you: email us at ask@q8bookstore.com.

If you have an idea for an event that has to do with encouraging reading or writing in Kuwait, we would love to meet you too, email us also!

@Q8Bookstore ask@q8bookstore.com

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Jinan Mohammad @J1nan

The Quarter Life Crisis

Many of you who are reading this have recently graduated from university (yay, congrats!), or are employed, or are even still studying. So, a few of you might actually be familiar with what I’m about to talk about and are going through the very same phase. You might be hoping to find some sort of a solution to this lingering dilemma. And to those wayfaring souls out there I say FEAR NOT! I understand your suffering completely. I’m personally going through the exact same thing at the moment and, with the blessings of my editor, I’ve decided to make this my first published article.

Let’s start from the beginning: let’s go back to that stage in your life when everything was laid out perfectly before you. Your clothes, your food, your toys, your goals and aims in life. It was all so simple and didn’t really require much thinking. All you had to was to behave (or not) and do as you’re told. You were already given a mold to fit into to. Your job was to simply follow the rules and everything would be easy and straight forward. Of course, every childhood is different but this is more or less the way it goes.

I’d say that, for many of you, this is the longest comfort stage of your life. It starts from the moment you are born and it carries on through all the different, formative phases— all the way up to your university/college years.

During those years we didn’t really have to

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worry about the future. All we had to do was to pass our exams, do our homework, not harass our teachers, and try to stay in school without ditching. The next stage of our lives was a given. Think of it as a video game. Like Super Mario Brothers or Sonic the Hedgehog.

You needed to complete certain tasks in order to move up to the next level and while it does get harder with each obstacle you pass, it was more or less assured.

So, you go through all the motions and all the stages; checking off one task after the next.

Then you reach your senior year in university/ college. For many a woeful undergrad this is the most stressful year ever. I remember my last semester was hectic and I made constant visits to Caribou Coffee to get my coffee fix.

The barista never failed me, bless his heart.

With the help of my friends and hours of constant ranting on the phone, trying to let out all that was on my troubled mind, I survived and graduated.

Then graduation rolls around and you feel like you’ve completed the game. You’re done!

The struggle of so many years being confined to a school system was over. You don’t have to put up with nagging teachers, lazy project teammates and university elections. But you and I both know that the joy of graduation doesn’t really last because this is when reality starts to sink in. YOU ARE OFFICIALLY AN ADULT NOW. Now you have adult decisions to make. But, oddly, all you want to do right now is crawl into your bed and have a Friends marathon while munching on Oreos and sipping on Diet Coke.

So, fast forward to the present and here you are: trying to figure out this great mystery called life. Suddenly, you feel like you don’t know yourself anymore. You start doubting every major decision that comes your way.

Is this job right for me? Should I leave? What if it’s too late? Should I create a budget or splurge on that new bag/phone that I’ve had my eye on for ages? Save up for marriage or a trip to Europe? Am I with the right person? Is it too late to get out of it? What am I looking for in a guy/girl? Should I buy organic eggs or just order pizza and hope there are leftovers

for breakfast? Am I getting too fat? Should I go on a diet? Is my cat plotting to kill me? Are my parents secretly planning on kicking me out?

And along with this mixed bag of doubt and anxiety comes that feeling of failure that laches on to you like a child clinging to your legs as you hand-out Eid Al Fitr money. It’s a ridiculous feeling that is almost unbearable to contain and you really just want to stab it. (The feeling not the child, mind you.)

Not to mention that you now start comparing your life to others and thus digging yourself into a deeper hole of sadness. As a girl, I’ve compared myself to the lives of other girls within my age range who are married and already have their own families. And it just seems like they have their all lives sorted out.

And I feel this stab of jealousy from within and wonder what the hell I did wrong.

And you know what I think, o dear, confused, young adult? It’s going to be all right.

No really, I’m serious. You’re going to be fine.

Actually better than fine: you’re going to survive this. I care about you enough to say a whole bunch of tumblr-inspired positive quotes. So, read on.

There’s no life manual that you can use to compare your journey to. So, when it all comes down to it, your life thus far is unique to you and you alone. Forget trying to make your life match the life of others. It’s nearly impossible.

What you need to do is sit down and think about the things you want to do. Goals you wish to accomplish. Find ways to jumpstart your career. Go out there. Meet new people.

Travel. Explore things that are beyond your comfort zone.

If you can’t get a full time job, get a part time job at a retail store or café. Go to art galleries; attend sporting events, concerts and comedy shows. I understand what you’re going to say: “But there’s nothing to do in Kuwait! We should move to (insert name of country here).”

No, my darlings. You need to stop making excuses and do your own research. You’ll be surprised to find out that there are interesting events being carried out in Kuwait every day.

If you stop checking your Twitter/Instagram newsfeed and actually took the time to look up events, you’re bound to find SOMETHING that matches your interests.

I understand that a quarter life crisis isn’t the easiest phase in the world. It’s scary and there are times when you just feel like cuddling with your old, tattered stuffed animal and hiding under the sheets. But that’s alright—you’re allowed to feel that way. But only for a little while. After that, my advice to you is to get up, put on clean clothes and explore your surroundings. Talk to people who care about you—especially your parents/guardians. As much as you may hate to admit it, your parents know best when it comes to this life-stuff.

Talk to your elders as well, you’d be surprised at what kind of advice they’d have to offer.

Listen to their stories and experiences. Learn something! You’ll feel slightly better about your situation.

Just keep in mind that life is not a race.

No one is holding a gun to your head telling you to go be a 20-something, successful prodigy.

And if someone is holding a gun to your head, kindly tell them to point it elsewhere.

The adult world isn’t exactly easy but, at the same time, it’s not all that bad. Growing up is part of life. We’re not in Neverland. Sometimes we wish we were but, alas, Peter Pan isn’t going to snatch you up from your bedroom

window and sprinkle pixie dust all over you.

Don’t be afraid of failure. I know you’ve been programmed to think that failure is the end of everything. Failure is normal. It’s all part of our learning process. It is, in fact, what makes you grow.

I myself am still learning. I still feel unsure about many things. But what makes me feel a little more assured is the fact that there is someone I can go to whenever I feel doubt. So, when all is said and done, keep calm. Have fun and enjoy the ride. You’ll be laughing toothlessly about it all when you’re old and grey.

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Shadowing Greatness The measure of greatness differs from one person to the next.

For some, greatness is measured in resilience; for others in kindheartedness. To some people to be great is to be the accumulator of vast wealth and fortune, while to others it is to live within a humble means. It is largely agreed upon, however, that the greatest of the greats are those who are capable of combining all the above attributes (and then some) into one, happy, effective package. But creating that kind of greatness—that kind of enduring, all-encompassing success—does not come out of nowhere. It is, in fact, a group effort both on our own part and the part of those who surround us. We cannot be experienced without working; cannot be knowledgeable without learning; cannot be great without witnessing the presence of greatness. And, when it comes to this creation of greatness of Kuwait, The Shadow Program is the perfect place to start. We sat down with Shadow Program organizer Eman Al-Rashied to find out more about joining this inspiring path!

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Photographer: Abdulrhman Al-Yousef Photographer: Somood Faris

What inspired you to start or take part in The Shadow Program?

I loved the idea of the Shadow Program when my mentors Shamlan AlBahar and Rana AlKhaled introduced it to me. The cause of the Shadow Program is what inspired me to take part in it and hopefully turn it into reality. The program’s purpose is to give people a chance to learn more about a career field or an interest of their choice from individuals who made it big and to experience their experience.

Many people do not get the chance to truly understand a major they decide to study or a job they decide to pursue before they actually do it.

Sitting with a professional can help anyone to make the right decision in choosing their career paths, and the Shadow Program will help people to do that and more.

What does The Shadow Program aim to do and how will it operate?

The Shadow program comes from the creators of the Protégés program, and anyone who knows the Protégés program knows the noble goal behind it and will understand the noble goal of the Shadow Program as well.

The idea behind the Shadow Program was to introduce a new professional learning tool—the shadowing experience—where a young beginner stays close to (like a shadow) and observes

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a successful professional giving the Shadower an opportunity to reflect, to interact, and to ask questions that explore their professional interest and ambition, as is relevant to their observed experience.

The program aims at providing tools on how to maximize a learning experience and how to extract the best effort out of someone in a short period of time.

The Shadow Program is a three-day workshop which includes a one day shadowing experience that allows participants aged from 18-36 to learn more about a career field or interest from our carefully hand-picked professional individuals who enjoy a great reputation in their respective sector.

During the program, participants will be trained how to learn and benefit from a mentor within in a short period of time. The participants will also be given the tools to help them know themselves better by realizing their ambitions, and by focusing on their strengths not their weaknesses.

Our Shadowees have a wealth of knowledge and daily experience in various fields, with plenty of advice and guidance to share. Depending on one’s interests, participants (Shadowers) can pick from the following categories: CEOs,

entrepreneurs, actors, artists, athletes, singers, doctors, education (professors), social media personalities/bloggers, governmental officials, humanitarians, writers, and poets.

The Shadow program matches participants with the successful individuals for a one-day visit (one on one) at their workplace.

We want to create an exciting environment that encourages people to be motivated by sharing valuable expertise and experiences and by providing participants with multiple perspectives.

We aim to attract qualified, smart, committed, adaptable talents and ensure that they work together effectively in a program.

Our speaker are Rana AlKhaled, Yarub Burhama, and Mishari AlMufarreh.

Why do you think role models are important for motivating people?

Role models are important because they are living proof that what we want to achieve is not impossible. They are normal people who made it big by working hard on themselves and we can be just like them if we worked just as hard.

Having a role model inspires you and pushes you to do better; a role model creates a powerful energy for learning, growing, and achieving objectives.

Can you tell us about your own professional role models and how they helped shape your career?

My own professional role models are my mentors from the Protégés Program. I cannot say how lucky and blessed I am to have people like Rana AlKhaled, Yarub Burhama, Shamlan AlBahar and my other mentors around me whenever I need support and help. These people are the true meaning of greatness and I wish one day to be like them or even a just little like them. Nothing I say or write will explain their impact on my life and how I feel about them. If I ever achieve something great, I give all the credit to them because they are the people who pushed me and who helped me to do great.

In spite of their busy schedules my mentors still make time for us. They are super busy with their life, their businesses, and their families and yet they still find time to be there for us whenever we need them. They dedicate half of their time to volunteering and helping others. I want to give back to them and hopefully be like them in regards to giving back to the community.

What do you think stops people from being successful or aspiring to be like their role models?

Most people have great goals in life and big dreams but they do not have the tools to make them turn those dreams into reality. They just

need a small push and motivation to get them started. Furthermore, they need to be surrounded by positive, successful people to teach them path and keep them excited about the future, and that;s what we seek to do in the Shadow Program. We are asking people to help us help them.

What is the most powerful advice you can give to a young person today?

Find something you truly love to do, and surround yourself with people who encourage you to be who you want to be. These are people who believe in you, people who share their knowledge with you, and people who want you to be successful. These people will give you opportunities to not only be like them, but the opportunity to see you grow farther and better.

Share and spread your own knowledge and try to learn something new and do something great everyday. It’s always good to try new things, there is no shame in changing majors or careers until you find what you truly love doing.

I got the most powerful advice from my mentor Yarub Bourahma and I want to pass it on to everyone because it is one of conversation that have made a huge impact on my life. Yarub once said to me: “If you head out every single day to a place you love working, for a passion you love pursuing, with the guidance of the people you love, then it’s invigorating, inspiring, energiz-

ing, and exciting every moment of everyday.

You will feel nothing but power, you will go nowhere but up. Money is a drug. Love and passion are the fuel. Love is the key to do wonders.

To devote yourself to a cause, to state what you are afraid of bluntly and start anyway, is brave and beautiful. Close your eyes and take a deep breathe 3 times, and the answers will come to you. You will find it in your heart not you brain.

But only with a believer.”

I am thankful to Yarub for sharing this priceless advice with me and I wish this kind of positive attitude that is necessary for true success would spread within Kuwait and helps others find their paths as well.

I encourage everyone to participate in our programs—the Protégés program and the Shadow Program—because they will meet those kinds of essenitally amazing people and experience the most amazing experiences that come along with their company. No regrets whatsoever.

How can our readers find out more about The Shadow Program and sign up if interested?

People can find more about the shadow program by following us on our Instagram account @theshadowprog and can book their spot for our upcoming workshop by emailing us on theshadow@pinkcoffee.co.uk

@TheShadowProg

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They Live Where They

@MutlaqBenGandeel

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Mutlaq Ben-Gandeel is a young, hopeful, energetic Saudi Arabian citizen who found opportunity and community in his neighboring Kuwait. Mutlaq’s bright and resourceful nature fits right in with Kuwait’s bustling entrepreneurial spirit. His vitality for innovation both in his own private business ventures and his day-to-day job make Mutlaq a promising, young Khaleeji name to watch out for in 2014 and make him the perfect pick for our ‘Wishes’ issue! www.thecitym.com 41

What do you think of the Kuwaiti lifestyle and culture?

Kuwaitis have largely kept the same coherent social dynamics ever since the oldest Kuwaiti generations had started their own amazing culture. This revered, unique culture and social history has been inherited and modernly developed by a highly educated new generation of Kuwaitis and I think it is very welcoming and forwardthinking at the same time. As far as business goes, Kuwaiti local businesses seem to be steadily progressing and excelling over time. They hit the highest benchmark for

Where are you from?

I'm a citizen of Saudi Arabia.

When did you come to Kuwait?

I moved to Kuwait in 2008.

What do you do?

I work for a telecom provider with a full time job, I do freelance business, and I'm an official member of Scuderia Ferrari club in Northern Italy.

Why did you choose Kuwait as your home?

Kuwait is a multi-culturally based community.

I find myself more in business and closely in

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touch with those cultivated figures in the market. Kuwaitis, and all those who are really involved in the social atmosphere, are taking the direction extremely and ethically well. This is why I have precisely chosen Kuwait for it’s high functioning, booming business process.

What do you love most about Kuwait?

Kuwait is a lovable place where many cultures meet and are exchanged freely and openly. Not only that, but different cultures and identities here are fully respected and all are given the opportunities and dignity they deserve.

attractive local markets, so much so that some Kuwaiti business have expanded to the larger GCC zone.

How much of an impact has Kuwait had on your life?

Kuwait has positively influenced me on so many levels, as I’ve mentioned previously. Nothing is better than being in a place in which you are easily in touch with innovative people. It has clanged the way I communicate with others and taught me how to be a well-timed individual, especially when dealing with an overlapping business network.

What have you gained from Kuwait and given Kuwait?

What words would you like to say to Kuwait if you could?

Kuwait inspired me to embrace cultural exchange, give respect openly and thoroughly, and to show care and devotion whenever I can!

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have many things in common: both of our nations try their best to bring different elements together in order to create our own identity and in order to utilize what we all need to build a very strong social, economical, and advanced community of professional, cultured, modern individuals who thrive on respect and understanding of one another. I wish Kuwait nothing but future excellence and eternal prosperity!

What does Kuwait mean to you on a personal level?

To me, Kuwait means the ability to be in touch with some of the highest sources of innovation in the region. Kuwait comprises all I need for complete serenity and peace of mind.

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The Smile Makers Bayan Dental has a long standing reputation in Kuwait as one of the most professional, well-staffed, highly advanced dental clinics around. Their impressive roster of doctors who range in all fields of dental speciality make it so that every patient can find just the right kind of treatment they need, performed with the skill and the finesse of just the right set of hands. The excellence and the far breadth of expertise shown by Bayan Dental's group of diverse medical staff guarantees confidence, inspires radiance, and, of course, effectively creates that 100 watt smile! At theCITY, we're bringing you a monthly insight on the Bayan dentists responsible for the creation of those pearly whites: Kuwait's definitive Smile-Makers www.thecitym.com 45

Dr. Haneen Nasser Bokhadhoor DDS, CAGS, MSD

Bayan Dental @bayandentalkw

First thing's first! Tell us more about yourself and about your dental specialty.

My name is Dr. Haneen Nasser Bokhadhoor, DDS, CAGS, MSD. I’m a wife to an amazingly kind man, and a mother to two angles, Lulu and Hamad. I was the first Kuwaiti female dentist to ever graduate from the United States of America. I finished my Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree (DDS) from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Missouri State. I then continued my higher education in Boston University achieving a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in the specialty of Periodontics with a Master Degree (MSD) in Oral Biology. I then have continued my studies and achieved a fellowship in Implant Dentistry. I am an American Board Certified Consultant in Periodontics (Full Board). I have published several dental articles and contributed to several books related to the field of Periodontology.

In 2008, I became the director of the Periodontology Postgraduate Program in the Boston University Institute of Dental Research and Education (BUIDRE) in Dubai for two years. After that I joined Bayan Dental in 2010 and became the Dental Director of their branch in Egaila area.

Periodontics is a dental specialty that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum and bone diseases of the supporting tissues of teeth. It maintains the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. Dental implantology and soft/hard tissue augmentation therapies are other ventures of Periodontology.

Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist?

Honestly, no. I always knew I wanted to get my higher education in the United States of America, just like my Dad, but I never really thought of Dentistry. After graduation from high school in 1993, I asked my dad to help me choose a major and he suggested Dentistry for me.

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@Bayandental

Besides sufficient medical treatment, what values and lessons would you like your patients to take away from you after every appointment?

The success of any periodontal therapy depends on both, the treating doctor and the patient. I will treat the gum disease, restore their periodontal health/function and that's a major part of the treatment, the rest depends on the patient’s post-operative care. To be able to maintain a successful result, I always provide my patients with the post-operative instructions that they have to follow in order to achieve the optimal outcome. In general, patients will be placed on a recall program, where I will see them every 4 to 6 months, for the maintenance of the provided therapy.

Tell us about your experience at Bayan Clinic. Why do you think it is a special place for both dentists and patients?

I love Bayan dental! Bayan, in its all branches, provides a comprehensive range of treatment and procedures including complex and comprehensive full mouth rehabilitation as well as cosmetic dentistry such as veneers and all ceramic restorations, root canal therapy ‘Endodontics’, dental implant therapy, bone and soft tissue augmentation, crowns, bridge work, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, state of the art C.T Scan technology for the head and neck ‘cone beam computerized tomography.’

Bayan also has an on-site, full laboratory equipped with the most advanced machines facilitating the outstanding outcome, which Bayan strives for.

Bayan holds 4 branches spread all around Kuwait, from north to south, solidifying our philosophy of reaching out to our patients.

Bayan has qualified dentists who are each experts in their own specialty. Most of the specialists at Bayan received their doctoral and their post-doctoral studies from wellknown Universities in the United States. We want our patients to be comfortable and satisfied not only with the dental service but

also with the surrounding environment. A big factor in why one should choose Bayan is that we provide a long term guarantee to all services provided in any of our branches.

Bayan dental centers have spacious and luxurious waiting areas for our patients’ comfort. The dental clinics are equipped with the state of the art dental chairs and equipment. The standard of infection control at Bayan clinics is set very high since patients health is a priority.

What do you most enjoy about being a dentist?

A successful outcome of the therapy I provide to my patients is what I strive for.

This significantly impacts the patient’s social life improving their level of confidence and health.

Are there any dental tips you would like to pass on to our readers?

Your general health is related to your dental health. Research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with several other diseases. Periodontal treatment of an inflamed tissue may not only help manage periodontal disease but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as; diabetes, heart disease and many other diseases. Research have shown that pregnant women who have periodontal disease maybe more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. I would like to recommend to all women considering pregnancy to have a periodontal evaluation on a regular basis before and during pregnancy with a Periodontist.

Protect your teeth from cavities and gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste.

Floss every night. Use a mouth rinse twice daily. Brush your tongue every night. See your dentist every 6 months for a maintenance cleaning and a routine check-up.

www.thecitym.com 47 Photographer: Hussain Shamo Creative Director: Zainab Bahman

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‫‪Jumana Al-Awadhi‬‬ ‫‪@organickuwait‬‬ ‫‪@welovekuwait‬‬

‫منهج الغذاء‬ ‫الصحي‬ ‫ال يوجد شيء اهم من جودة و نوعية الغذاء الذي نقدمه الطفالنا! فنموهم و صحتهم و سعادتهم تعتمد عليه‪ .‬قد تختلف مدارس التغذية بالعديد‬ ‫منذ اول ورقة اعددتها قبل والدة ابني البكر بسنوات و حتى يومنا هذا و عمره تسع سنوات هناك نقاط معينة لم و لن تتغير في المنهج الذي اعددته‬ ‫لبرنامج الدورات التي اقدمها و حاليا ادرسه هنا باريزونا‪ ،‬و مع اني اعددته خصيصا لدورات التغذية الطبيعية للطفل و العائلة‪ ،‬اال ان هذة العوامل‬ ‫مهمة الي شخص كان‪:‬‬ ‫‪1.1‬اهمية ان تكون خضرواتنا مزروعة بطريقة عضوية و من غير اساليب الزراعة الحديثة مثل المبيدات و االسمدة المعالجة كيميائيا‪.‬‬ ‫‪2.2‬عدم استخدام السكر او اعتماد الحلويات حتى لو كانت بدون سكر ابيض كغذاء يومي او حتى اسبوعي ( فاالفضل عدم تقديمه لالطفال من‬ ‫البداية حتى ال يتعودوا على المذاق الحلو و يتعودوا طلبه على حساب وجباتهم االساسية )‪.‬‬ ‫‪ 3.3‬عدم استخدام المعلبات و االغذية المحفوظة او المثلجة و قراءة محتويات ما تشترونه من الجمعية بحرص و دقة و تجنب أي مواد صناعية‪.‬‬ ‫‪4.4‬االستمتاع بالطبخ و جعله وقت العائلة يتعرف الطفل على غذاءة و شكله قبل و بعد الطبخ! بل و اشراكه بعملية اعداد الطعام و تعريفه على‬ ‫اسماء الخضار و الوانها و اشكالها‪.‬‬ ‫‪ 5.5‬تناول الوجبات الرئيسية على طاولة واحدة و بنفس الوقت‪ ،‬و استغالل هذا الوقت للتحدث عن الطعام شكله و لونه و رائحته و كم هو لذيذ و‬ ‫مفيد لنا حتى يتعلم الطفل حسن اختيار اكله بالمستقبل كما انه وقت مناسب ليحصل االطفال على انتباه الجميع و التباهي بمعلوماته و‬ ‫ما يعرفه عن طعامه‪.‬‬ ‫‪6.6‬اشراك الطفل بالزراعة و التعرف على طريقة حصاد الخضار كثيرا ما تحبب االطفال باكلها‪ ،‬فاستخدام كلمات االعجاب لوصف عملية الزراعة و‬ ‫الوان الخضار يقرب الطفل من الطبيعة و يوسع مداركه‪ .‬كما يمكنكم زراعة بعض الخضار في المنزل و سيتعلق اطفالكم بها!‬ ‫‪7.7‬عدم استخدام الزيوت المهدرجة ‪ ،‬االمتناع عن القلي‪ .‬و شراء افضل و اغلى انواع الزيوت على االطالق ( عصرة باردة)‪.‬‬ ‫‪8.8‬عدم المغاالة باستخدام البهارات‪ ،‬فتعودين الطفل على حب و تقدير المذاق الحقيقي و الطبيعي للطعام!‬ ‫الغذاء الجيد مهم جدا الطفالنا‪ ،‬و االهم ان يستمتعوا به!‬

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thePHARMACIST Shabari Al-Qahtani @dwaa_kwt

B R O U G H T TO YO U BY

Have you ever thought, "I've got blackheads!" or "I want to get rid of my pigmentations!" Ever wondered why some girls have such flawless skin, and you don't? Don't envy her. You can have flawless skin as well if you know your skin type and follow my tips.

First of all, what is pigmentation ?

Pigmentation is typically characterized by a darkening of an area of skin caused by the overproduction of pigment or melanin. It is relatively common and harmless, but for cosmetic reasons, it can be a nuisance to those who have it. Either one of two things occur when pigmentation happens: an abnormally high concentration of melanocytes produce melanin in the skin or when melanocytes are hyperactive. For instance, too much sun exposure stimulates the production of melanin. It's important to point out that pigmentation can affect anyone regardless of their race. However, this condition is more prevalent among certain ethnicities such as Asian, Mediterranean, African or Latin. Pigmentation can occur and appear visible in any exposed part of the body including the face, hands, and neck.

What are the causes of pigmentation?

There are various causes of pigmentation, including overexposure to the sun (sun damage), heredity (sensitivity to picking at the skin),

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hormonal changes, and certain medications such as antibiotics.

Hormone treatments and antiseizure drugs can also lead to a hyperpigmented reaction, while inflammation and skin injuries such as acne or burns can scar and pigment the skin as well.

I have dark spots on my skin. Is this pigmentation?

Any and all discoloration of the skin which results in darker areas or patches than the rest of your skin is considered pigmentation. It can possibly occur on any part of your body (even the feet!). However, pigmentation usually tends to appear on the face or hands as these are usually the most exposed areas.

What Is post-inflammatory pigmentation?

Post-inflammatory pigmentation or PIH occurs after a pimple, burn, cut, abrasion or a minor injury has healed and scarred. This usually leaves a mark on the surface of the skin (epidermis) that is darker than the rest of the skin, the severity of which depends on the nature and the extent of the injury.

Treatment for pigmentation?

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Your face should be cleaned regularly by foaming gel such as purifying cleaning foaming gel from Bioderma. This is to avoid skin sensiitivity and keep your skin brighter and fresher than ever!

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Another essential clearing savior from the Institut Esthederm White System is the skin moisturizeer, Serum Eclaircissant.

This serum contains high concentrations of whitening substances to quickly correct and prevent the development of skin discoloration. It is an effectiveness booster that enhances the action of all of the other White System products. Regular moisturizer use will guarantee a lasting decrease in the size and intensity of skin discoloration.

Using a toner from Institut Esthederm White System (Lotion lactee) is one easy way to make sure your skintone is evenly spread out. Its a gentle, alcohol free formula, usually used to complete the cleansing process and keep the skin clear and clean day after day. It absorbs impurities, tightens the pores, refines skin texture and diminishes discoloration Upon consistent use, the complexion becomes even, brighter and more radiant. You'll also see a lasting decrease in the size and intensity of skin discoloration Most importantly, it reduces melanin synthesis and corrects existing pigmentation.

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A night cream from Institust Esthederm White System (repair night cream) can be a very important step to insuring blemish-free skin. It clarifyies the skin and achievies a flawless complexion.That's because the White System targets pigment flaws, wrinkles and aims for continuous dermal perfection.

Wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily such as photoderm SPF 100 by Bioderma is an absoulte must as there is no more effective shield against sun discoloration than sun block.

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It's important to be mindful that discoloration is also in dead surface cells so it is imperative to exfoliate regularly to keep from discoloring, dead cell build-up. By applying the white objective moussant

by Bioderma , this will clear up any pore and dead cell build up to avoid pigmentations.

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@q80chef We first stepped into Bice (pronounced Bee-chee) at 8 pm on a Monday night, at a time when the crowd was somewhere between buzzing and cozy. It was a nice, cool vibe that imbued a hint of uptown glamour with a splash of authentic culture and flair. As we waited to be seated to our table, Andre, the head chef, stepped out of the kitchen for a minute to greet us, introduce himself, and tell us more about the history of Bice. Upon looking around the restaurant, I got an immediate sense of the kind of dining experience I would be having on a culinary level.

While I am generally a huge fan of Italian food on the whole, it is important to note that, when it comes to authentic Italian cuisine, the selection and the origins can vary from region to region. For the most part, it is divided between southern and northern Italian cuisine and I immediately noticed the authentic, northern Italian atmosphere at Bice the minute I entered.

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff!

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A nice, cool vibe that imbued a hint of uptown glamour with a splash of authentic culture and flair.

Appetizers • Wild Mushroom Soup Have to say this right off the bat: not your typical creamy mushroom soup at all. I’ve grown quite tired of a lot of them over the years for a lack of originality but this one was a different matter. The thickness of the soup and the overall taste was pretty on point but what really did it for me was the creative twist of adding a shrimp skewer to the soup. It elevated the dish completely and re-conceptualized what would have otherwise been a pretty standard choice. I

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think that, for a lot of people, this one will be either a hit or miss. You’ll either love it or you wont. For me personally, it was a hit. It was neither overcooked nor over-seasoned.

The wild mushroom addition was also a cool, subtle twist and the coloring of the soup was visually appealing too. Definitely worth giving a try!

• Fritto di Calamari To start, let me clarify that I am absolutely fine with the concept of frying vegetables and seafood. If done well, it can come out quite tasty and have just that right crunch to

it. However, in the case of the Fritto di Calamari that I tried out, it was, unfortunately, oily and very under-seasoned. Don't get me wrong: the calamari and the shrimp where well-cooked and not a notch overdone, but it was lacking as a dish. Plus, the spicy sauce included with the dish was not all that spicy on my spice barometer (which is not unreasonably high). Can’t say I’d recommend this one.

• Eggplant with Cheese Nothing fancy, really. The presentation was quite nice but it didn’t bowl me over tastewise. It was a little more on the bland side

for me and the eggplant was quite chewy.

The tomato sauce included was pretty good but nothing special about it besides that.

Main Course • Risotto al Funghi This was a wild mushroom risotto and the Arborio rice used in the dish was cooked al dente. As far as taste goes it was a solid 8 at least. Not too salty and not too bland; everything you expected in a mushroom risotto was there and cooked to perfection. Noth-

The Dessert • Chocolate Soufflé As a rule, you usually can’t go wrong with a chocolate soufflé. However, for some reason, this one didn’t make any kind of lasting impression. The cake itself was overcooked and I think the chocolate was also a little burned in some places. It was a little on the dryer side which is not how I prefer my soufflé at all. Not a wowing experience by any measure.

• Cubo Chocolate Three words: too much chocolate. If you’re

a huge chocolate fan then this might be a winner for you but, as for me, three layers of heavy chocolate is just above my tolerance level.

• Millefoglie This was three pieces of puff pastry with double cream and strawberry ice cream.

I’m always impressed when a dessert can be both sweet, fulfilling, and yet light. This one was lighter than air so it definitely makes my list of dishes to try! I really liked it. Simple; not too sweet; comfortably light; a very enjoyable closer to any hearty, Italian meal.

ing shocking or creative but it was Italian comfort food at it’s best, so I quite liked it.

• Saffron Risotto Now, judging by the name you would assume that, if nothing else, the saffron was a pretty integral part of the dish, right? Well, think again. For an admitted saffron risotto, I have to say that the taste of the saffron itself was pretty non-existent. Besides the yellow coloring of the food itself, I could almost swear there was no saffron in there at all. Basically underwhelming.

@Bice_Kuwait

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If you're not won over by Malabar's quaint, home-brewed feel or it's nofrills, raw approach to making essentially good coffee, you will be by Haya Al-Khaldi's clear, ambitious dream to share her own java journey with Kuwait. She's the owner and operator of Malabar Coffee and we had the chance to talk her about the deliciously fresh and authentic blends (that Qout Market goers have been queuing in line for), and why Malabar's is just the java jolt Kuwait was waiting for!

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Photographer: Abdulrhman Al-Yousef Photographer: Somood Faris

start with the good stuff! What's your favorite: espresso or regular coffee?

My love for coffee began with my very first taste of espresso but I must say there is no such thing as regular coffee.

There are so many ways of brewing coffee and endless ways of extracting mind boggling flavors from such tiny beans.

We normally carry several varieties of coffee of different origins. After tasting the coffees, we decide on a brewing technique depending on the flavours we want to bring out from certain beans.

For fruity or floral coffees, we prefer the Chemex for instance.

Do you remember your first experience drinking an espresso?

What did you think?

Growing up, I used to enjoy watching my mother have her cup of espresso in the afternoon. I was always tempted by the way it smelled and the golden froth that appeared on top. I would constantly beg her for a taste and she’d always turn me down. One day she caved and with a teeny tiny spoon, allowed me to have a little bit of crema (the creamy layer on top of an espresso). I must’ve been around 12 years old.

Tell us more about Malabar and why you thought coffee-blending was the right fit for you?

Malabar was born when I grew frustrated with the fact that good coffee in Kuwait is not accessible to everyone. Coffee lovers resort to buying a limited amount of coffee when they travel or online, which they end up brewing at home. Not only are we deprived of quality coffee, we are also deprived of the experience we have in independent coffee bars across the globe, where coffee and conversation are essential. There you are welcomed by the smiles of baristas who take their time to talk to you about brewing processes or which coffee you should try. Coffee is brewed with care and that is the sort of experience people should have with Malabar.

At the moment, I buy the best freshly roasted coffee I have found that is closest in proximity to Kuwait, to ensure that it retains its quality.

Right now, Malabar’s objective is to bring exceptional coffee to the local market and focus on the simple ways we can make a perfect cup of coffee. Personally I prefer single-origins when drinking black coffee, even espressos. I use espresso blends for lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso based drinks but still haven't created my own blend.

What kind of special setup do you have to brew your coffee?

It’s simple really. A clutter-free counter or table, a hot water dispenser, a grinder, coffee and the rest of my brewing gadgets.

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How did you first happen upon Ethiopian coffee and why did you think it was so special?

I have tried three varieties of Ethiopian coffee: Yirgacheffe, Sidamo and Harar. Last market we were brewing the Sidamo with a siphon. It was our house special because we were using the siphon at the market for the first time, with coffee that we haven’t previously brewed. Ethiopia on the other hand has its historical significance in the world of coffee. It is believed that coffee was discovered there and later on transported to Yemen by the Arabs, who kick-started the global coffee trade.

What is your favorite roast right now?

In general terms, I prefer a medium roast most of the time because it yields a rich, more rounded cup of coffee that is less acidic than a light roast. This isn’t always the case though because my preference is relative to the coffee’s origin and my mood. I tend to lean towards medium and lighter roasts but am not very fond of dark roasts.

Is Malabar going to branch out in the future or will it only be exclusively available at Qout Market?

Malabar made its debut at Qout Market and will continue to be there until the season ends in April. I am so grateful to have started in a place like Qout where I have the privilege of interacting with such an eclectic blend of people of different age groups and backgrounds. Coffee is the essence of Malabar but in the end, it’s the people that are our driving force.

As a popup coffee bar, Malabar will continue to appear in various events and we don’t plan on depriving people’s taste buds of exceptional coffee ever. However, our long-term plan is to open a coffee bar where people can be comfortable, engage in pleasant conversation and savor an exquisite cup (or cups) of coffee.

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From the heart of Saudi Arabia

Slice of Life

At theCITY, we believe more than anything else in our responsibility as members in the GCC media to shine our light on the promising and worthy businesses that are not only to be found in Kuwait, but also those which span the border to our friendly neighbors across the Gulf. And so we introduce our new monthly addition brought to you by Saudi Arabian photography extraordinaire Bayan Al-Sadiq, as she brings us an exclusive, photo shoot and interview feature on a new, interesting Saudi Arabian business every month and one who deserves our support and our attention. This month we got to know the humble, determined owners behind Pizzarific: Abduallah Al-Reziza talks to us about his Saudi Arabian pizza parlor with culture and style to boot!

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Photographer: Bayan Al-Sadiq

Tell us about your early days starting the business.

First of all, I would like to thank theCITY Magazine for giving us the opportunity and for selecting Pizzarific for this interview.

The initial plan of starting an authentic class restaurant began in early 2010, later the idea was developed to create a Saudi franchise specialized in the Food and Beverages sector.

During the planning phase, market surveys were conducted specifically to address the gross demand and customer segments for our product. The results were very promising and we were able to identify our own identity and the focused values we needed to deliver to our customers.

What is unusual or unique about Pizzarific?

In Pizzarific, we took advantage of being part of the local community, and we build on that to deliver a taste that is unique for our customers and a taste they can familiarize with. Also, we are focusing on providing the highest quality of ingredients with affordable prices to all pizza lovers. This kind of strategy holds high risk for us, as entrepreneurs we are trying our best to achieve an acceptable net profit. To do this we need to have high sales turnover to recover the initial investment we’ve made in the quality of our product and the accessibility we’ve provided to our customers. We’re very hopeful and, thankfully, our investment seems to be paying off.

What is your typical customer like?

Pizzarific customers vary from different genders, ages, and social classes but they all share the same appreciation towards our high standards of taste, quality, and services.

What are some of the greatest challenges you faced in starting and running your business?

Starting any new business, investors are very like to face some challenging moments.

One of which is knowing and complying with the government license processes and regulations, especially in developing markets such as Saudi Arabia where the procedure changes frequently, causing unanticipated delays and costs to the project. In addition, sourcing the qualified personnel was the second challenge we went through. During operation, we are very challenged to compete with ourselves in order to continue to better serve our customers.

What are some of the most rewarding moments?

The moment we achieve customer satisfaction; it is the most rewarding moment.

Who was your support system?

Remaining passionate enough to not only establish but also operate a successful business has been the key factor to us maintaining both external and internal support.

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What would you advise those who want to create their own business but don't know where to start?

Surveying the market in the most important phase because it helps shape your brand image and helps you to focus on the targeted customer. Spending more time in planning, followed by fast actions of implementation is also key. A soft opening is a good way to testtrial your team and your menu. This is usually a time that provides a great deal of confidence for the team.

How are you finding the local Saudi market and the response from customers?

The Saudi market is an excellent market to start a new business in terms of customers’ income and the purchasing behavior towards quality food; however, recruiting labors and granting licenses are quite difficult due to the frequent changes in regulation here.

What are the larger goals you would like to accomplish through your business?

To have a successful international franchise that is 100% Saudi owned.

Care to share any messages for the upcoming businesses and youth of the GCC? Integrity and credibility are the primary factors to sustain and continue the growth of any business. Stick with those two essential ingredients and you can’t go wrong!

The moment we achieve customer satisfaction; it is the most rewarding moment.

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‫‪Anmar is‬‬ ‫‪Cooking‬‬ ‫‪@anmariscooking‬‬

‫المربين من االكالت الرئيسية في المطبخ الكويتي‬ ‫التي يفضلونها الكويتين صيفًا وشتائًا وتتنوع‬ ‫البهارات وطريقة الطبخ واليكم طريقتي في طبخ‬ ‫المربين وهي سهلة وشهية‪.‬‬ ‫‪64 www.thecitym.com‬‬

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‫مــــــربـــــــــيـــــــــن‬

‫المقادير‪:‬‬

‫الطريقة‪:‬‬

‫‪ ٢‬كيلو ربيان‪ -‬حجم متوسط‬

‫‪ -١‬يحمس البصل والثوم والكزبرة ‪ -٤‬يوضع الزعفران والهيل المنقوع‬ ‫الخضراء والزنجبيل مع فلفل اسود‪ ،‬في ماء الورد على سطح العيش ثم‬ ‫هيل‪ ،‬كزبر ناعم‪ ،‬كركم وكمون يترك حتى ينضج‪.‬‬ ‫والقليل من معجون الطماط‬ ‫‪ -٥‬حشو التزين‪ :‬يتبل بعض الربيان‬ ‫والطماطم المقطعة‪.‬‬ ‫بصلصة الليمون وقليل من معجون‬ ‫‪ -٢‬يضاف الربيان الى الحمسة ويترك الطماط والزيت والقليل جدًا من‬ ‫حتى يستوي‪.‬‬ ‫البهارات السابقة ثم يشوى على‬ ‫‪ -٣‬توضع طبقة من العيش المسلوق الشواية‪.‬‬ ‫مع القليل من الزيت في الجدر ثم ‪ -٦‬يحمص القليل من الكازو واللوز‬ ‫توضع طبقة من الربيان ثم طبقة من والبصل لتزين الطبق‬ ‫العيش المسلوق ثم طبقة اخرى من‬ ‫وبالعافية !‬ ‫الربيان ثم العيش‪.‬‬

‫كوبين عيش مسلوق‬ ‫‪ ٥‬بصل‬ ‫‪ ٣‬طماط‬ ‫معجون طماط‬ ‫ثوم‬ ‫زنجبيل‬ ‫كزبرة خضراء‬

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From the heart of France

TOU It turns out that great chocolatiers are no longer exclusively found in Belgium.

French chocolates—in their subtly delicate making process and their rich texture of Parisian sophistication that is evident in every indulgent bite—are rising up through the global chocosphere. Z Chocolat is one such sweet, decadent frontrunner. Blending the authentic tastes and standards of French gourmet cuisine with a class of luxury and service that is scarcely matched the world over, Z Chocolat is a symbol of sweet decadence and finesse wrapped up in a beautiful, personally gifted, life-long adornment.

We couldn’t pass up the chance to chat with Jean-Phillipe Khodara, the President of Z Chocolat and the passionate brainchild behind the story and the creation of these tout sweet delights!

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What initially made you gravitate towards making chocolates as opposed to other dessert specializations?

Chocolate has long been hailed in mythology as ‘the food of the Gods,’ and it also happens to be my wife’s favorite gourmet product. We have always been sensitive to the excellence of French chocolates, as they are smaller than regular chocolates, but are prepared with a finesse and quality that is much to complex to match anywhere else. Having travelled to many countries, we found that it was difficult to find excellent chocolates, or chocolates that could compete in excellence with the French chocolate. So, we decided to make these kinds of exceptional French chocolates accessible worldwide and the Internet provided us with the perfect venue. That is how Z Chocolat was born; it is our way of sharing a tiny piece of French gastronomy with the rest of the world.

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What were the biggest challenges you've faced in the creation of Z Chocolat?

everyone, of every chocolate leaning, would get a chance to taste it!

Finding the right chocolatier with the knowhow to create the exact flavor and French

You have so many different 'lines' and assortments of chocolate available! How do you determine the flavor combinations for each separate occasion and what inspires them?

What's the flavor profile which Z Chocolat uses as a base?

The core of our chocolate recipes is our Numbered Collection. Divided into 2 assortments, it is composed of 26 recipes, covering classic ingredients such as hazelnut, raspberry and passion fruit, and exotic ingredients such as Sri Lankan coconut, Sichuan pepper and Chinese ginger—all declined in ganaches, pralines, caramels and solid chocolates in dark, milk and white covertures.

However our flagship recipe, that is part of our Numbered Collection, is the Z chocolate. It is a combination of crunchy praline with sweet and salty caramel. It’s so good we declined it in dark, milk and white covertures to make sure

That is actually a privilege we leave to our customer. We are well aware that taste buds vary from one person to the other—or even one culture to the next— and we therefore always suggest by default the assortments from our Numbered Collection; as this is a nice assortment that can usually please most tastes. Our customer, however, is always free to change their assortment at no additional cost. They have the choice between our Traditional, Exotic, Praliné, Z, Dark, Milk, Heart, Chocamandines and Orangettes Assortment.

For those who have specific recipes in mind

and that prefer choosing their own variety, we have a Personalized Assortment where they can handpick each chocolate individually as well. The Romantic collection however contains by default our Heart Assortment.

How does your inclusion of custom made gifts help personify and expand the Z Chocolat brand?

Offering chocolate as gift is not a new concept and has existed for centuries now. Our mission at Z Chocolat, however, goes beyond chocolate. We want to elevate the art of gift giving to a new level of personal expression— one of elegance, intelligence, and excellence— and one that assures the sender will make a grand and lasting impression anywhere in the world. The majority of chocolates on the market are presented in traditional ballotins and, once they are eaten, the box is thrown out and nothing remains of the gift

besides the memory of savoring the sweet delight within it. With Z Chocolat boxes, our customers customize their box with a name, date, or any other personal message of their choosing. In doing so, their gift recipients can keep the boxes, refill them with our refill cartridges from our Refill Collection or use them for other sentimental purposes, such as jewelry boxes, pen cases, or whatever else they fancy.

What makes Z Chocolat a luxury?

Z Chocolat is 100% made in France; handmade by world champion chocolatiers in small batches; and served in refined mahogany gifts boxes with an obsessional attention to details. Our services are world class in their decadence and professionalism, and our product is exclusive and thoroughly refined in every possible.

Who is Z Chocolat targeted towards as consumer product?

All chocolate-lovers!

How do you see the global confectionary market developing in 2014?

Well, I am not an expert in confectionaries; however, with the worldwide increase in cocoa prices the gap between mass-marketed chocolates and high-end chocolate will widen even more.

What does someone's taste in chocolate say about them?

A lot! It can tell how sophisticated a person is; how daring or conservative they can be; how reckless or cautious. It’s quite remarkable— and wonderful!—how revealing and personal someone’s taste in chocolate can be.

It’s quite remarkable—and wonderful!—how revealing and personal someone’s taste in chocolate can be.

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FLASH

ON Mashael Al-Mutawa’s new, inspired line—filled with rich color, elusive texture, and immaculate structure— flashes on theCITY pages exclusively! We talked to Mashael about all the drama, the romance, and the unique pop that makes Design ME a star to watch out for in 2014!

Make-up: Shaikha Al-Shaya'a @makeuproomkw Hair: By Abeer @AbeerHairDresser

Model: Professional Model Service @promodel_service

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Photographer: Hussain Shamo Creative Director: Zainab Bahman

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what yield the most wonderful and meaningful moments to me. When I see an idea of mine or even something as simple and basic as a sketch turning into a real, wearable garment, it is always an irreplaceable moment to me. Other great perks of being a fashion designer is the vast experience and fashion knowledge I’m adding to my credit of expertise in the industry, as well as all the nice, creative people I get to meet on a daily basis.

Tell us about your latest collection! What inspired these new designs?

My view of Kuwait City’s buildings and towers through my window at work have always inspired me with their geometrics, along with their architectural shapes and lines. This fascinating structure, paired together with the spring essence that covered the city at the time, led to the final creation of this line. So it is a mix between the softer hues and essence of the season, along with the more structural, geometric designs of the Kuwaiti metropolis!

What is the vibe and the essence you want to convey through this new collection?

Strength, simplicity, femininity, and elegance.

What is your unique design touch or quality?

When it comes to our unique touch I can say that, within the simplicity of our designs, there should always be a wow factor that pops somehow. That can either be through some trendy embellishment, geometric cut, textile matching, color blocking, or any other number of strong, individualistic flairs. The point is to have that punch in each piece in the midst of the simplicity, no matter how subtle.

When and how did your love for fashion design begin?

inspiration to the next level and start sketching a piece that represents that inspiration.

When it comes to quality, I have to say that it’s my main concern! I search for the highest quality textiles worldwide as well as from the best shops within the local market. We also care about having clean, precise finishing just as much as we care about the details of the garment itself.

Like most passionate designer, my love for fashion started at childhood. There are so many little things I can remember clearly about my childhood and fashion, such as my love for colors and art. My great passion towards colors and art helped me to step into the door of fashion at an early age.

What are the most difficult and rewarding parts of being a fashion designer?

How can our readers find you and get a hold of your designs in Kuwait?

Let start with the most difficult part as it is the most challenging part for me to aptly describe.

Sometimes fashion designers have to work for long hours, weekends and holidays in order to meet deadlines. This dynamic keeps you under pressure almost all the time. Moreover, the fashion industry is one of the most competitive businesses out there. It takes a lot of dedication, hard work and especially patience with the customers!

By visiting us in our Botique, Design ME boutique and atelier, located in Hawali, Beirut street, beside Amal Al-Kuwait perfume’s shop.

Do you have a special process for coming up with your creations?

Creating a new design can start in one of two ways: either I fall in love with a textile and let it speak for itself, or I may get inspired by anything around me at which point I take my

The rewarding aspects of being a designer are

@Design_me 22612319 Design.me@hotmail.com

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Creative Director: Joumana Soufi @Thesidetalk Photographer: Jalil Marvin @Jalilmarvin Model: Toosha @Toosha_z The Glowing Mask @Theglowingmask

Wardrobe: Vintage55 @Vintage55_kw Accessories: Stylist's Own @Thesidetalk Hair: Aziza 'Zizi' Skaff / Blush Hair & Beauty @Blushkwt Makeup: Ghadeer Qambar @Gqmakeup Location: THE One @TheOnePlanet

Paradise Lost Desperation over a fleeting love; rage over the doubt of betrayal; a burning, unrequited desire to be loved... Can you summon those sensations? Hold on to them as you take one woman's journey towards a paradise lost. Let the air of desperation and 1960s-melodrama cling to you like the aroma of tobacco clings to tweed, like the way a trail of mascara tears stains fine satin.

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MY ACHING SOUL

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A DISH BEST SERVED COLD

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A DUSTING DAME

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WHAT DO YOU HAVE THERE?

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DEAD SILENCE

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TÊTE-À-TÊTE

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A PASSIONATE DISINTEREST

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MAN IN THOUGHT

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HE SAID, SHE SAID

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Travelled Be honest: don’t you wish you were somewhere else right now? Have you ever seen the Port of Istanbul, the glistening sands of the Maldives, the historic mists of Easter Island? Don't you want to see the penguins in Antarctica before all the ice melts? Well, we can all dream, can’t we? For Faisal Al-Busairi, however, 2013 was the year to turn some far-flung travel dreams into up-close, wondrous realities. Now with 2014 ushering itself in, he talks to us about his inspiringly brave and remarkable globetrotting journey across 20 countries, on 7 continents, in one year.

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Why was 2013 the year to take on such an ambitious travel project?

Having lived and worked in the States since I was a teenager, I was able to embark on outdoor adventures because the country is rich in natural diversity and landscape, ranging from barren deserts to pine forests. I was surrounded by mountain valleys, waterfalls, and interesting cities – urban or rural - and so I always had options whenever I wanted to hike a mountain or visit a cave, for example, and go on spontaneous short trips. I came to Kuwait in the late 2000s and my passion for natural discovery continued, surfing the harsh deserts of Kuwait and observing and taking note of its cultural heritage. Failaka was one of the most notable places for me in Kuwait. The remains of the Iraqi invasion are still there, and you could say it represents a national historical landmark for Kuwait and therefore I spent a lot of time there discovering its most untouched places.

Kuwait is a small country and geographically uniform, and so it wasn’t very long until I

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was able to scan and gather a photography portfolio at every corner. At the beginning of 2013, I drew the ’20 countries, 7 continents’ map extending my overall interest for nature to all parts of the world. Kuwait is the perfect place to be at, since it lies somewhat at the center of three distinct regions which include Africa, Asia and Europe. I wanted to share my experience with everyone and so I carried a camera.

Where have you travelled throughout this adventurous year? What are your three favorite places?

I travelled to the following places: United States, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Oman, Maldives, Turkey, Palestine, England, India, Indonesia, Australia, Cyprus, Lebanon, Argentina, Chile, Jordan, and Antarctica. I have also been on places with claims by Russia, Chile and Argentina on the outskirts of Antarctica. My favorite places were Antarctica, Palestine, and Sri Lanka.

When you started your travels, was photography a big focus (pardon the pun) for you or more of an afterthought?

Photography is a fairly new experience: a means to a good adventure and discovery. It is an accessory to the journey of exploring a magnificent world. I am not undermining photography because it is extremely important which has added so much value to my journey, and hence, has no longer become a discovery of a beautiful Earth and what it entails, but a holistic self-journey coming into full-circle, taking record of moments enriched with beauty and reflection.

After coming back to Kuwait, I realized that I am not able to share the places I have seen or moments of inspiration I have witnessed and so a big chapter of my life being a traveler has been lost because I did not integrate photography as part of my travelling experiences. I love to explore and now with

photography, I can take snippets of life at its most real, drawing attention to places, villages, or countries with less exposure that no one has ever heard about. In a nutshell, my major focus is travelling and examining a country or a city inclusively, and so might as well take a photo!

Was this your first year-long international travel adventure?

I think if I count the time travelled in days, it would definitely add up to far more than a year! I could say that this was my first planned year-long international travel project. I have travelled extensively in the past while I was studying and working in the United States, however it was sporadic and impulsive travel that was planned approximately a month in advance. The fast paced environment and a culture that promoted a working lifestyle in the US did not allow for enough flexibility in order to make such a long term plan.

Do you recommend traveling solo or with a partner/group?

I cannot make a recommendation because we are all unique human beings who get inspired differently. It all depends on an individual’s purpose for travelling and what kind of gains are they looking for. For instance, someone may want to share an experience with loved ones and their aim is to spend some quality time with them, while another may want to travel solo so to stay focused on their own individuality by exploring a country’s landscape and culture, live the experience by meeting people from different parts of the world, and include reflection as part of their travel plans. I personally enjoy the latter because the experience is quite different.

I want to take it all in, the moment and the photograph that comes with it. As great as it is to have company, the disadvantage of that is the result of lower levels of concentration on your surroundings. Also, I have reached

a high threshold when it comes to surviving harsh conditions, and friends or family may be more or less inclined to place themselves in compromising situations. It is very limiting to maintaining extreme curiosity when your companions may not agree to be in places where you most want to see.

What are usually the main focuses of your travels? What are you most interested in seeing and doing out in the world?

Every place has its own charm: I travel with no focus. I can easily prepare and select interesting places to see beforehand, however, that would be a major setback because it will filter out many things to see or try. For example, a very enticing rice field cannot be placed on a map because it is not considered an attraction. The most beautiful sights are ironically a struggle to find and cannot be traced in ‘Google maps’, for example. Travelling with the aim of exploration will require a lot of walking,

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speaking to the locals, and the willingness to try all kinds of food when you’re very hungry!

What has this year of international globe-trotting taught you about the world and the global community?

I learned that in order to get the full experience, one must do it by observation, and I consider myself a blessed person because I was able to see human beings across the world living their daily routine and just being themselves. A crucial lesson that I want to share and I am sure some heard this before is to stop believing what the media brings to your smartphones or TV. You must immerse yourself truly in places to see the entire picture and not rely on fragment pieces of news that propagate and lead to biased conclusions. On a larger scheme of things, human beings at their core are better than evil and the poor, despite their difficult lives, find reasons to laugh, dance, and have more resilience and hope to live every day with their loved ones. That’s what I call inner peace, to live each day as it comes. I enjoyed every moment speaking to people from all around the world and they had such high appreciation when a foreigner was interested in their culture and where they live. Strangely enough, it also gives them a chance to see their country and culture from a different light, so they appreciate it too! I encourage people to travel and be more engaged, it really brings us closer.

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What are three places you're still 'dying' to visit? Why? I would definitely like to see Papa New Guinea, Tuvalu, and Sao Tome and Principe. PNG is an island considered to be one of the most culturally diverse in the world, but the least explored, culturally and also geographically. There are hundreds of active tribes that belong to ethnic groups indigenous to Papa New Guinea. There are also yet undiscovered plants and animals in its central regions. Tuvalu is one of the most little visited places on earth, and if sea levels continue to rise, it will be the first country to vanish under water. I heard their government is considering buying land elsewhere to move their citizens. And last (only for this list), Sao Tome and Principe is an interesting place to see and is not easily accessible. It is also considered one of the least visited places in the world, and the first country to sink due to global warming.

The geography there is exhilarating and filled with volcanic plug peaks and lavish forests.

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When Did You Know?

The avenues through which we can tell stories are overwhelmingly numerous. Whether on stage, in film, or through the written word, compelling story-telling can elevate the experience from mere ‘hearing’ to ‘listening;’ ‘seeing’ to ‘watching;’ ‘reading’ to ‘conceptualizing.’ However, to tell a good story, it is absolutely necessary to be an observer in full—to have an eye for the hidden, untold tales, which are being lived out every day, all around us. Kuwaiti film-maker, journalist, and nascent dreamweaver, Hamad Al-Tourah, has one such eye.

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Photographer: Wendy Tzu-Ying Weng Photographer: Song Ting

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I let people go about their motions until they've almost forgotten I was there and choose which moments to “roll the curtain on” or write into my narrative of them. This approach to writing non-fiction evolved into documentary filmmaking and finally, to fiction filmmaking where I still practice.

I can't say there was one singular moment where I knew I would actually be writing and directing films, but I can pinpoint when I first became interested in storytelling itself. Everything beginning with a small role in theatre and ending with a stint in journalism I consider to be just preparation for the kind of filmmaker I would become.

Before film I had been deeply involved in the theatre. My childhood self measured all things against how well I was doing in theatre—whether I was just a stagehand, a supporting role, the director, or the lead actor. One of my first roles on a stage play was as a curtain boy (who controls the house lights and stage curtains) on our high school productions of Oklahoma! and The Veldt. Being generally introverted, I enjoyed being there—it was a place where you weren't bothered so long as you hit your cues and yet, you were still part of this larger community of cast, crew, and audience members. Left alone during much

of rehearsals, I would sit with a script and learn it until I could practically transcribe it from memory. As the curtain boy, it felt like my own private triumph to know that I had mastered the script better than anyone else.

Eventually, the writing took over and I decided to approach storytelling in a new way by studying journalism in college. Journalism helped me engage with storytelling through real people and experiences. Writing nonfiction required me to find stories in real life rather than on the page. I inhabited the role with ease. Most of it was like my days as a curtain boy. I let people go about their motions until they've almost forgotten I was there and choose which moments to “roll the curtain on” or write into my narrative of them. This approach to writing non-fiction evolved into documentary filmmaking and finally, to fiction filmmaking where I still practice. While I always had doubts about spending so much time studying journalism, I am grateful for the place it had in my life

@hamadaltourah

in leading me not backwards to theater, but forward into film.

I trace my progress back to the curtain even though I never knew I'd become a filmmaker until I picked up a camera much later. Being a curtain boy literally gave me a window into the world that could form around a script. Those early days also informed me how to be a director by being an observer first. Often, the best moments in my films will come out of real life moments observed and transcribed during rehearsals or locations scouts. Film, like theatre, allows me endless “behind-thecurtain” moments where I can work on my own and still have this built-in community.

It allows me to incorporate all my skills into a single medium and constantly provides something new - whether wrestling with a script, rehearsing a scene, or piecing together the story in the editing room.

www.wandering-native.com

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@latifamadouh

By Latifa Madouh

CITY KIDS

the

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To

Hamad Al-Humaidhan is the kind of accomplished, artistic, well-rounded individual you’d like to be when you grow up—except he’s still a teenager.

Hailed with such illustrious titles as ‘The Young Picasso’ by international art critics and publications the world over, Hamad has been a global creative force to be reckoned with since the tender age of 10 with exhibitions and paintings showing all the way from Covent Garden to Kuwait’s final JAMM art auction.

Today, Hamad is 14 and he’s still got a world of talent to share! He’s a prodigy; a wunderkind; and consistently rising star in Kuwait’s future hope for youthful drive and artistic beauty.

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Tell us a little about yourself, Hamad! How and when did you start painting?

I first started painting when I was 10 years old and it all started when I caught my dad walking up the stairs with a blank canvas and I asked him, “can I paint on that?” He smiled curiously and immediately said yes. I took it to my room and tried to come up with something but my imagination was blank. There was just this CR7 card (Christiano Ronaldo card) on the floor next to me so I picked it up and just started painting it on the canvas. I added my own background to it in order to give it my own touch and that was how it all started!

How do you balance school and painting?

Well, I make sure to devote all the time and effort I need to both aspects of my life and I don’t compromise school for the sake of painting or the other way around. I usually get back from school, have dinner, get all my homework done, then I start painting.

What's your first memory of painting?

My first real memories of painting was when I first started painting one of my favorite footballers Cristiano Rinaldo, as I mentioned before. I enjoyed it so much because I was such a

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huge soccer fan as well, while adding my own style to it! I just kept on making more paintings from that point on.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

From everywhere! From stories that are happening around me; to the way my senses respond to the environment; people; places; but, mostly my inspiration comes from my own wild imagination and from my dreams.

What do you like to do when you're not painting?

All the usual teenage things! I like going out to see my friends and cousins, playing football, watching TV—just normal stuff, really.

Is there something you like to listen to when you paint?

I enjoy listening to African music when I paint because the beat can be so dramatic and forceful. But, really, I find that any kind of music that has a good beat to it is fun to listen to while painting.

What kind of painting do you most enjoy doing? (oil, watercolors, acrylic, etc.)

I mostly enjoy working with acrylics, but I also really like working and experimenting with

other medias like oil, watercolors, and whatever else I can get my hands on!

How did you get discovered? How did people start buying your paintings?

Well, my parents first noticed my paintings and they were personally very impressed by them, so they showed them to some very artistically knowledgeable friends of theirs in Bath, England where we lived. They liked them very much and they recommended that my parents get in touch with few local magazines and newspapers to let them know about my paintings. So, they got in touch with The Chronicle newspaper that ended up doing a story on me and my paintings when I was 10 years old, and they compared my work to Picasso and even gave me the title ‘Young Picasso!’ After that, my parents got in touch with the Turner Fine Arts agency and the owner, Steve Turner, was immediately impressed by my work and placed 6 of my paintings to be sold online, all of which sold in a very short period of time. He then gave us 5 meters of space in an exhibition; then 13 meters in the next exhibition at which about 12 of my paintings were sold during this time. That’s when people really started to recognize my work.

What was your favorite, most recent sell?

The latest painting I sold was at the JAMM auction, which was directed by the illustrious Lulu Al-Sabah. It was the second and last JAMM auction held in Kuwait so it was a bit of a historic moment! I was nervous to show my work as a young boy with all of these other well-established local artists but the feedback I got from everyone there was so great and they all really respected my work which was quite nice and humbling.

Is painting the only thing you want to do or do you have other goals and dreams?

Well, at the moment, I’ve got two. One is to become a big, successful artist and to make my living by enjoying what I do. The other dream I have is to go to the Olympics and eventually become a great athlete. I really enjoy long-jumping very much and would love to do it professionally!

Are we going to be seeing you in any exhibitions or shows any time soon?

Yes, there is one exhibition that is going to be held in Salhiya in February, and they asked me to showcase in their long walkway so I’m pretty excited about it!

www.hamadalhumaidhan.com

@Young_Picasso_Hamad

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Carved in Stone Muneera Al-Sharhan is nothing if not a dreamer. To Muneera, conceptualizing, wearing, and physically making jewelry is a personal affair. It is a representation of her wildest, most magical fantasies emblazoned in gemstones that dazzle the imagination and materials that construct a lifetime of stories. With her latest jewelry collection “Daughters of the Moons” recently debuted, we had the chance to talk to Muneera more about her talent for creation, her passion for storytelling, and her effervescent, infectiously buoyant relationship with jewelry in all it’s forms. www.thecitym.com 109

Tell us about your jewelry collection and where your inspiration comes from?

My latest jewelry collection is called "Daughters of the Moons." I have been wanting to create a jewelry collection inspired by the universe for several years, but I was waiting for the right time to release my first fine jewelry collection. I researched and immersed myself in all things related to space until I was able to willfully take my self there, until I was dreaming about it.

I spent a little over six months searching for the perfect gemstones to use in this collection. They had to have the right colors, give you the right feelings, and they had to have magic.

I then started to think about the characters that these jewelry would belong to; Feminine, powerful, and free; royalty from another world. They were Daughters of the Moons.

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Where did you learn your craft?

I went to Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing. They focused mostly on contemporary jewelry and encouraged us to use alternative materials than the traditional jewelry materials like gold and gemstones. They also encouraged us to think of it as body adornment or sculptures that interact with the body. I am really happy to have been trained in contemporary jewelry because it gave me a chance to design with no limitations and it gave ne the freedom/authority to make/ do what ever is needed in order to bring my idea and concept across. It also let me focus on understanding the interaction between a person and these objects and how they could affect each other. But I have always had a love for the rich materials used in traditional jewelry. I have always been fascinated with how world histories and personal histories are intertwined with jewelry and it's materi-

als. But I continue to learn and educate my self, I have only just started and we can never stop learning.

Has jewelry design always been something you were interested in?

Yes. I've been making jewelry ever since I was a kid in elementary using whatever material I can string or put an ear hook on. I stared hand-making jewelry once I realized I that could make better looking accessories then the ones available in the stores. I realized very quickly how much I loved working with my hands and that this was what I wanted to do. I am also really grateful for my wonderful family who always encouraged and supported me to follow my dreams.

What other jewelry designers have inspired you?

Duke Fulco di Verdura, Rene Lalique, Joel Rosenthal (JAR), Victoire de Castellane, and Cartier from the 1930's and earlier.

Photographer: Hussain Shamou

What are you favorite materials and gems to work with?

I have a soft spot for silver. To me it's playful and not intimidating. However nothing is like gold. Specifically yellow gold. I feel like all colors of gemstones look richer next to yellow gold. I always like gemstones that have a certain character. I see their flaws and blemishes as unique markings, making them one of a kind. The gems I am obsessed with right now are opals. There is some thing otherworldly and magical about them that I can't get enough of.

Some jewelry designers like to tell a story through their creations and others just like to experiment and make the pieces fashionable. Which approach do you most follow?

I approach creating my pieces more like art rather then design. In design your priority

is function and aesthetics, in art it's getting your story and idea across. I enjoy having the chance to transport people, even if just for a moment, to the place I created. I like to tell a story through my pieces. Through the colors and shapes, the sounds they make, or even the way the pieces feel or make you feel when worn.

If you had to sum up your jewelry designs in three words, what would they be?

From the heart.

Where would you like to take your collection next?

I want to continue to expand the collection and explore different ideas in the same theme. I'm enjoying my state of mind with this collection and I'm in no rush to move on.

I hope to share this collection outside of Kuwait and outside the region as well, and see if it translates in to other cultural backgrounds.

Who would you say your collection is designed for?

It's designed for a confident woman who has plenty of love for herself and for others. It is for a woman who always feels young and full of life. For a woman who is still a little girl at heart—who wants to open up her jewelry box and have it looking like a pirates treasure chest.

If you could only wear one piece of jewelry for the rest of your life what would it be?

A ring. I like that I would always be able to justlook down and see it on my finger.

@MHSQ8 www.muneeraalsharhan.com

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B R O U G H T TO YO U BY

Filligar are rock ’n’ roll purists. Plain and simple. If you’ve got a soft-spot for indie-laced Americana tunes that harken back to many a Wilco-inspired alt-rock anthem, Filligar is right up your alley. They’ve got old-time charms and new age cool: a combination of echodriven, crisp synths peppered with the good old fun of straight up rock ‘n’ roll.

With their latest studio album Hexagon racking up accolades from critics and fans alike, Filligar was chosen by the US State Department to globally represent the ‘Best of the US Arts Community’ and it’s no wonder why. We caught up with Filligar during the Kuwaiti leg of their tour and, after a soulful, cozy jam session at Bayt Lothan, we’re quite prepared to declare them the essential revivalists of true rock ‘n’ roll.

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Who came up with the name of the band and why was it Filligar?

Filligar is an invented name. But it wasn't invented for our band – it was the name of a pet goldfish we had as kids growing up in Chicago.

and "Pacific Time" are two of our favorites, especially to perform. But definitely listen to everything in between!

is humbling and motivates us to create more.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?

We are a keyboardist, guitarist, drummer and bass player. But it's more than just straightforward rock music – we write songs based on a shared love of many genres of music from around the world.

Can you give us some insight on the making of Hexagon, and the reason behind its title?

Hexagon derives its name from the six sided figure –– since its our sixth studio album. The album was written on the road and recorded over a series of sessions between tours. We always try to find time during sound checks and in the hotel room to work on new material.

I'd say we have that moment every time we're on stage. When we were just starting out as young musicians, all we wanted was an audience and to tour and make a living doing something we love. That being said, we've had some shows where we're playing in front of thousands of people. That's always a great feeling.

Are there any overall lyrical themes on Hexagon?

Who would you most like to work with or open for in the music industry?

The lyrics are definitely influenced by being on the road in the USA and all the feelings that comes with.

We’d want to open for fellow Chicago band Wilco, work with Radiohead, and if we could be magically transformed into another band it would probably be… actually we like being Filligar.

How much has touring, including traveling and meeting other musicians, influenced your music?

We've spent most of the past few years on the road. We're usually in a different city every night, meeting different people and, yes, lots of other musicians. Travel has opened us up to new ideas and has encouraged us to try new things, musically and otherwise.

Which songs from your latest album, Hexagon, do you personally like most?

The opening and closing tracks "New Local"

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Were you surprised by all the positive critical and fan reactions that Hexagon has been getting?

It's always a nice surprise to find out people are listening. There are so many great records that go completely unnoticed. So to have the kind of positive response from fans and critics

What was your definitive 'I think we've made it' moment?

How does it feel to be officially chosen by the US State Department as global, cultural ambassadors?

It’s an honor not only to be chosen from the many thousands of diverse groups from

Photographer: Abdulrhman Al-Yousef Photographer: Somood Faris Photographer: Hussain Shamou American culture, but also to have the chance to share our music with the rest of the world. For us, it’s the experience of a lifetime and we’re thankful for the opportunity.

What can we expect from Filligar in 2014?

We just finished recording a new record—we’re really excited to see what people think of it. It was recorded in our own studio in LA with some atypical instrumentation… we had the time and the equipment to explore some new sonic textures. Expect the next record to be a little different than the other ones… That’s all we can say for now!

Which artist/band would your fans be most surprised to find on your iPods?

The new record definitely has a classical influence in its arrangements… Berlioz and Brahms, 19th- and 20th-century classical. Those are the kind of things we’ve been listening to.

Prepared piano, big synth string and brass sections, atypical time signatures. That is probably the weirdest stuff on there.

@Filligar www.filligar.com

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To many people in Kuwait, automobiles are among their most prized possessions and lifetime hobbies. For everyone else, automobiles are still pretty essential. Whether it’s utility, luxury, or even the individual representations of character, a great deal of Kuwait’s population would go nowhere without a car, both literally and figuratively. So its no wonder that, when it comes to browsing, testing, and finally selecting our own unique rides, we have a particularly discerning taste and require a wide variety of options to choose from.

Enter Auto Moto: Kuwait’s most comprehensive, singularly consistent new car motor show. Whoever you are and whatever your lifestyle, if you’re looking for a new set of wheels (or if you’re just a pure car aficionado) look no further than this year’s Auto Moto exhibition. We sat down with the brain behind the full-throttled car show, CEO of EPR Osama Bastaki, to find out more from him on what we can expect in Auto Moto ’14.

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Photographer: Abdulrhman Al-Yousef Photographer: Somood Faris

Tell us more about yourself and about the Auto Moto expo.

I started business early in life after a corporate career in one of Kuwait's largest conglomerates. I ventured into many fields and tackled many projects varying from media to F&B and everything in between. After exiting the Media field in 2010, and after a rapid change in the landscape of advertising, PR, and publicity, I began focusing on more operational and consumer related products and services that targeted the mainstream everyday target audience. Here, the rebirth of one of my old ventures and it originated as the PR arm of my media group, and over time it was shaped to focus on Events that were created, marketed, and executed by our very talented team members. We began inventing the backbone of today’s activity scene in Kuwait with events in the sports realm such as the Asian Squash Championship and other local tournaments, F&B with our smash hit "Sukar Ramadan" and our latest and greatest project "Auto Moto: The Kuwait Motor Show".

Auto Moto was derived out of a love for automobiles and pretty much anything with an engine. With the disappearance of the Motor Show in Kuwait, a social void was created, and so it demanded someone come up with a new idea to deliver a unique event in Kuwait that showcased the latest and greatest that the auto industry had to offer.

The start was a struggle and almost failed if it was not for the support of some of Kuwait's Auto Dealers that believed in our vision along with the unmatched support that 360 Mall gave to the project in order to make it shine.

The idea was simple: lets create a show that was just the right size for Kuwait. We must realize that, in the current moment, Kuwait is not set to attract the masses from abroad, nor are people from the region giong to come

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simply to see a motor show. So we created a show by the people and for the people of Kuwait. Our recipe was straightforward: attract good brands to a great modern facility such as 360 Mall with fun, food, shopping and entertainment available for the entire family, and all while showing them a great variety of amazing cars. Today I am proud to say that we have accomplished what we set out to do, and we are growing it one car at a time.

Can you tell us about the different line-up of automobiles that are set to show in the Auto Moto expo?

At Auto Moto 14, you will find vehicles ranging from 3,000 KD up to 140,000 KD. Something to suit all tastes and preferences.

The line up includes Mercedes, BMW, Range Rover, Cadillac, Audi, Chevrolet, KIA, Honda, Rolls Royce, McLaren, Fiat, Alpha Romeo, Lamborghini, AMG, Mini Cooper, Ford, Lincoln, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ayaan Leasing, Victory Motorcycles, Polaris, and much more. I wont talk about specific vehicles that will appear, because that will ruin the launches that will take place for up to 6 brand new neverbefore-seen cars here in Kuwait. You will need to come to 360 Mall to see them for yourself!

What will distinguish the Auto Moto expo in comparison to other car shows that showcase around Kuwait?

First of all, there is no other car show in the country as comprehensive as Auto Moto. Other car shows that exist are targeted to very niche markets and or projects and activities. Auto Moto is positioned as the only new car motor show in the country, and we are set apart in everything from venue, to display style, to the overall experience of having a show this large in a shopping center. Our show is the only show in town where you can test drive the vehicle of your dreams right at the show.

Who is the Auto Moto expo targeted towards, both in concept and in car selection?

Our target is really the entire family. Whether its an adult looking for a new car, a woman looking to upgrade her car, or the youth demographic that cant wait to buy their first ride. Our show is all about building brand equity for our dealers. We want to get you in the front wheel of as many cars as possible in one place so you can see, experience, and learn about the latest and greatest the industry has to offer. I would call it the most comprehensive car display a mall has ever seen and everyone is our target.

How will the Auto Moto expo appeal to the strong Kuwaiti desire forautomobile exclusivity and uniqueness?

I believe our range of selected dealers and vehicles this year will create the buzz and appeal we desire. I don’t want to give too much away, but 3 very popular sports cars are launching at the show, including a couple of luxury vehicles that are jaw dropping. The greatest part of this job is catering to what people already love, technology, beauty, and style. If they can drive it, they will find it here.

In your opinion, what is the hottest car of 2014?

That’s a tricky question and that I will refrain from answering because we don’t want to upset any of our participating partners.

However, I will admit that my favorite car for 2014 is at Auto Moto 14, so I suggest that you come see it rather than just hearing it from me.

@AutoMoto_Q8

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theAUTO

By Hisham

It’s a new year and with it comes a lot of new editions and upgrades to some of our classic, old favorites: and, in my eyes, nothing personifies a classic sports car like a Porsche Turbo!

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The Turbo twins have always been speedhungry beasts and this has always been the main forte of these two sports classics.

Now, Porsche has finally done these two racehorses justice in their introduction of the latest 911-generations. Like its many predecessers, the newest Turbo and Turbo S are chart-toppers and stat-busters in the realm of speed and agility. With the twitch of a right foot these engines will take off at the same mind-warpping speeds and full-throttle engines that all Porsche lovers have come accustomed to Both 911s boast of a slick all-wheel drive, twin turbos, and an array of electronic gizmos that are sure to keep any car tech geek satisfied and comforted. Some additions include a new four-wheel-steering setup, active aerodynamics, and more comfort and convenience features.

When it comes to propelling power, both the Turbo and Turbo S are loaded with the

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same twin-turbocharged fixins, 3.8-liter flat-six with different outputs, both of which got a considerable upgrade for 2014.

When it comes to horsepower, the Turbo has made a small but worthy jump up from 500 to 520, while torque increases by 7 lb-ft to 487. You also have the option of intergreating the Sport Chrono package which allows for a temporary overboost function that bumps torque by 37 lb-ft for those short, exciting bursts. The Turbo S makes an even greater jump in the horsepower department, rising from the mindbogglingly fast 530 to a damn-near timewarpped 560. It’s torque, however, is the same as last year making 516 lb-ft. The Sport Chrono gear and overboost function comes in as a standard on the S. With these respectable increseas in throttle power and front-axle integration, Porsche promies accelaration numbers from the 2014 Turbo that swiftly outrun those of it’s

already speedy 2013 models. The standard Turbo is claimed to go from 0 to 100 in 3.4 seconds which is a triumph of power, even for Porsche. If you opt for the Sport Chrono package you’re looking to shave off two tenths of a second from that time.

The Turbo S, supercharged by the standard Sport Chrono addition, will hit the 100 in just under 2.9 seconds.

If those stats don’t get your heart pumping and your blood racing already, then you’ll be happy to know that when it comes to factory performance Porsche is pretty reliable and conservative for a sports car.

I personally shot off at 100 KM/h several consecutive in this bad-boy within a mindmelting 2.7, with no visible or internal drawbacks to speak of.

On the turbo, top speed is a claimed to reach 315 KM/h, while the Turbo S boasts of a slightly higher 318 KM/h.

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the VIBE

Classy watches and timepieces go even better with classier company! A decadent and whimsical time was to be had at the Triwa Watches-Behabahani event held at Q Cafe!

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the VIBE

Gulf Bank provides Seasonal Flu shots to all its employees as part of its annual health program As part of Gulf Bank’s continued effort to maintain the health and wellbeing of its staff, the Bank in association with the Dar Al Fouad Clinic provided free flu shots for all its employees. With flu season approaching Gulf Bank undertook the responsibility to provide its employees with preventative measures in order to ensure employees maintain good health. This is an annual activity along with other health initiatives, which aim at enhancing the employees work environment.

This is in line with Gulf Bank’s recently launched ‘Health Awareness’ road show in partnership with Dar Al Fouad Clinic, who specialize in dietary health and wellbeing advice and treatment. This year-long program has been designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and general wellbeing amongst employees. Each employee is given the opportunity to receive a free general consultation to review sugar levels, blood pressure, weight analysis as well as dietary or nutritional advice where needed.

As a socially responsible leading financial institution Gulf Bank will continue to provide employees with programs that promote a healthy lifestyle as a healthy body supports a healthy mind.

Omar Alghanim addresses a group of visiting Harvard Business School students and local Harvard alumni Omar Alghanim, CEO of Alghanim Industries and Chairman of Gulf Bank, addressed visiting second year Harvard Business School (HBS) students and members of the Harvard University Alumni Association of Kuwait (HUAAK) on the importance of entrepreneurism during a dinner on 6 January, which was sponsored by the HUAAK to mark the inaugural HBS ‘Trek’ to Kuwait.

Attending the dinner were 30 students from HBS as part of a business tour of the GCC, which included stops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The visit to Kuwait was organised by Hamad Al Wazzan and Khaled Jafar, who are currently studying at HBS. Also present at the dinner was Dr Brian Hall, the Albert H. Gordon Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, as well as several prominent Kuwaiti Harvard alumni, including: Mohammad Eissa, Managing Director of Gulf Investment Corporation, Yousef Al Essa, CEO, Amwal International Investment Company and Salah Al Fulaij, CEO, NBK Capital .

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WARM UP YOUR WINTER WITH THE SHEA BUTTER ULTRA SOFT CREAM L’OCCITANE was one of the first cosmetic laboratories to develop a complete skincare range made with Shea Butter.

This unique ingredient nourishes, moisturizes and protects. Indeed, its remarkable properties are numerous.

The success of Shea Butter is shared with the women of Burkina Faso. Since 1980, our butter has been produced through a sustainable jointdevelopment programme instigated by Olivier Baussan, founder of the brand. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently recognized L’OCCITANE officially as an exemplary company for its work with and for the women of Burkina Faso.

Coach Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary with Ascia Al-Faraj To mark its first year anniversary at The Avenues, Coach – a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections – celebrated in style with renowned fashion blogger Ascia Al-Faraj of The Hybrids.

Taking place in-store, guests were treated to a live cellist performance, as well as a complimentary monogramming service and a competition that gave one lucky customer the opportunity to win their favourite Coach item.

Throughout the evening, as guests enjoyed the delicious canapés and mocktails on offer, they also had the chance to meet and mingle with Ascia – who topped off a great night with a memorable cake cutting ceremony.

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JAN 21ST - 25TH, 2014 AT 360 MALL

Over 6 million dollars of vehicles on display

Over 70 cars, motor bikes & atvs

New vehicle launches

Free test drives

@automoto_q8

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‫‪tig‬‬

‫‪@vintage55_kw‬‬

‫‪www.tigkw.com‬‬

‫‪@vintage55_kw‬‬

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