Issue 26 by theCITY Magazine

From kuwait to the world

‫ﻄﺎﻟﻴﺔاﻟﺠﺪﻳﺪة‬ ‫ﺎﻟﻴﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﺠﺪﻳﺪة‬

‫‪www.thecitym.com‬‬

‫‪2‬‬

‫‪BikeWorld‬‬

‫‪1100‬د‪.‬ك‬ ‫ﻣﻦ‪1100‬‬ ‫اﺑﺘﺪاءﻣﻦ‬ ‫د‪.‬ك‬ ‫ً‬ ‫اﺑﺘﺪاءً‬ ‫‪www.bikeworld-kw.com‬‬

‫اﺑﺘﺪاء ﻣﻦ ‪ 1100‬د‪.‬ك‬ ‫ً‬

‫‪: 24929303 / 24928686‬‬

‫ا ن ﻓﻲ اﻟﻜﻮﻳﺖ‪ ...‬ﻓﻴﺴﺒﺎ ا ﻳﻄﺎﻟﻴﺔ اﻟﺠﺪﻳﺪة‬

‫ا ﻳﻄﺎ‬ ‫اﻟﻜﻮﻳﺖ‪...‬ﻓﻴﺴﺒﺎ‬ ‫ﻓﻲاﻟﻜﻮﻳﺖ‪...‬‬ ‫ا نﻓﻲ‬ ‫ا ن‬ ‫ﻓﻴﺴﺒﺎ ا ﻳﻄ‬

thecitym.com

All issues, one website! More news, more events on our instagram account

@thecitymagazine 2

www.thecitym.com

Where

info@thecitym.com @thecitymagazine thecitym www.thecitym.com

find Al Raya Mall

‫ﺟﻴﺔ‬ ‫وزارة اﻟ ﺨ ﺎ ر‬ 9 9 KU WA I T I E MB A S S I E S WORLDWIDE

Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa

us? www.thecitym.com

DEAR READERS

What does your taste really say about you? We started off this issue with that one editorial question in mind. If our readers knew nothing about us except what our favorite music, our favorite meals, or our favorite fashion statements were, what would that say about us? If you knew nothing about THE CITY Magazine other than what we found so essentially delicious in sight, in touch, in hearing and, of course, in taste, then how would you read these pages? Well, if you’re a regular reader of ours then you probably already have a pretty good idea of how we like to do things around here. You already know that we believe in the power of the little guy to make a big impact. You already know that we place value on quality of content, quality of design and, above all else, quality of community. You already know that we don’t do things halfway here in THE CITY. It’s still quite undeniable however that what we eat, listen to, wear, touch, and inhale with every happy breath we have can say something otherwise unknowable, otherwise unsayable, about us as people, as communities, and as nations. More than any amount of verbose statements or extravagant gestures, our senses speak for us on a very basic and primal level. And in our ‘Delicious’ issue of THE CITY? We’re letting our senses do the talking. In this issue we’ve focused entirely on taking you, our reader, on a sensory ride—with a Kuwaiti twist, of course. Sure, we’ve got food that both looks and taste delicious beyond compare (and lots of it too!), but this special issue is about more than food. It’s about listening to a far-off, strumming guitar playing somewhere along the Sharq shore, and hearing a Kuwaiti singer-

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Director

Khaled Al-Qahtani

Lana Al-Resheed General Manager

Shaza Ayesh

Khaled Al-Qahtani Editor-in-Chief

Lana Al-Resheed Managing Director

songwriter tell his story through melody, and melody through story. We invite you to meet that singer-songwriter in The Wandering Troubadour. It’s about looking out onto a sea of green, leafy expanse and letting your senses get bombarded with the scent of ripening, coloring fruit, planted in fertile soil with rough yet tender hands, and breathing in a sigh of pride and dignity in features like This Land Is Your Land. It’s about letting the tips of your fingertips enjoy the plush feel of saduweaved fabric and letting the palm of your hands hold up the weight of an architecturally immaculate mubkhar, from which a wafting trail of poignant bukhoor is never far. Meet a Kuwaiti woman who wants to enamor you in this cultural, sensory experience at every turn in Modes of Mastery. And, of course, it’s also about food! That happy victory of grabbing the last spoonful of your grandmother’s secret recipe ma’booj in features like Please Pass The Ma’booj. The laughing gathering of friends and loved ones made even sweeter and dearer with a helping of some healthily delicious delights here, or a mouthwatering spread of scrumptious cakes and pastries there in profiles like Let Them Eat Cake or features like What Sweet Delight! Our ‘Delicious’ cover is telling of a texture and a savory taste that is so delectably familiar and meaningful to us as an Arab community, both here in Kuwait and in the Arab world at large. That pleasant bunch of oil-drenched olives, green for the seeing and sour for the eating that, no matter how hard we may try, we just can’t help our twiddling fingertips from gravitating towards. After all, its quite ‘Delicious’ isn’t it?

Shaza Ayesh General Manager Sales Director

Essa Zain PR Manager

Fatma Al Khaldi Graphic Designer

Hussain Kuwalawala Head of Photography

Abdulrhman Al-Yousef Co. Head of Photography

Hussain Shamo Published and Distributed By:

GREAT KUWAIT MEDIA FOR ADVERTISING & PUBLISHING For General Enquiries:

info@thecitym.com For Advertising, contact:

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

events@thecitym.com

Until next time,

Address:

Salmiya, Salem Al-Mubarak St. Al Fanar Mall 1st Floor, Office No: F21

Printed by:

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 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.

Without this issue Hind Al-Nahedh

Jinan Mohammad

Farah Al-Humaidhi

not possible. Ziad Al-Obaid

Noora Al-Askar

whom woulD

Photographers

Roqaya Shamo

Hussain Shamo

Somood Faris

Abdulrhman Al-Yousef

Latifa Madouh

Ramez A.Sabawi

Writers

www.thecitym.com

12 10

LIFE 10

Where Food and Culture Meet

This Land Is Your Land

An Open Garden Rose

They Live Where They love

THE CITY Kids

A r t & C u lt u r e 30

Shabby Chic Lovin'!

The Incomparable Mister King

Cover By: THE CITY FAMILY

The Wandering Troubadour

Modes of Mastery

Inside Kuwait's Cultural Market Hub

F00d 54

Mindful Eating

Chef's Choice

From Bosnia To Kuwait

Wellness

Connoisseurs Welcome

The Secrets of Cancer Fighting Foods

Please Pass The Ma’booj

The Smile Makers

What Sweet Delight!

Let Them Eat Cake

Beauty & Fashion 82

Shahnaz Dreams On

Handmade Luxuries

LA BEAUTÉ Au Natur

Business 98

The Freelance Economy

ost countries in the world have unique cultures and backgrounds, which evolve over time to create unique ethnicities and refer to different social groups. These countries can share certain, distinctive features such as language, culture, physical appearance, religion, moral values, and customs.

Among those features is culture, which refers to how we do and view things in our particular group. For example, culture can mean a shared set of values, assumptions, perceptions and conventions based on a shared history and language and those elements can really help to shape a certain social or ethnic group. In order for any society to function efficiently and smoothly people of various cultures must learn to integrate and coexist together. This will involve, among other things, accepting and sampling different types of foods and sometimes even making an adjustment to your diet. This is due to the large impact cultures and ethnicities have on our diets. Kuwaiti society is no exception to this theory, as cuisine is a very important identifier of the Kuwaiti culture. As a matter of fact, Kuwaiti culture is so embedded in Kuwaiti cuisine that, in many ways, the Kuwaiti dinner table can hint at tales and histories that are centuries old. When we look at Kuwaiti cuisine, we will find that it is, essentially, a very special infusion of Mediterranean, Persian, Arabian and Indian cuisines and this diversity of origion is what makes food in Kuwait rich with powerful tastes and rice-heavy dishes, for example. A prominent dish in Kuwait is known as Machboos, a rice-based dish made with spices, rice (usually basmati) and chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, or vegetables, and if you haven’t tried this staple then you haven’t taken in the full Kuwaiti experience until you do.

Food in the Middle East in general and Kuwait in particular is, in many ways, an event in it’s own right. We have special dishes linked to special occasions and certain eating habits for certain seasons of the year. Our food is carried across from one generation to another with secret recipes never far behind, usually taught by one generation to another in such a way that defines the uniqueness and deep rooted cultural bonds which linked people to this land for hundreds of years before us. Today, a great deal of the Kuwaiti cuisine restaurants to be found in Kuwait have honored their ancestry and heritage by decorating their venues with ornaments and interior design choices which depict a former, traditional, more authentically Kuwaiti way of life. Many Kuwaiti restaurant owners even showcase photos of their family members from decades ago to show their deep devotion to the historic, cultural ties they have with Kuwait and it’s cuisine as well. Food in Kuwait has evolved so much and has been representing so many people lately that it seems to have almost turned into a statement on social life and moral values, as Kuwait continues to modernize at an increasingly fast rate. It was only fifteen years ago that most Kuwaiti families didn’t dine in restaurants whereas today many modern families don’t eat (or have the time for) home-cooked meals. Perhaps the Kuwaiti restaurant owners are creating interactive mini-museums for us to travel back in time within. Museums where the most prized artifacts and precious relics are the recipes passed down by our forefathers and eating habits that tell us of who we were and who we still are.

Where Food and Culture Meet

Geography also is a major element in determining the type of food favored by any city, as Kuwait is blessed with access to the Arabian Gulf which is famous for its pearl-diving history and it’s expert fishing talents which today yield the top class sea food. There’s really no wonder why, in a lot of Kuwaiti dishes, sea food is considered the essential ingredient. Mixed with the colorful herbs and spices which historically came via mutual trading routes to Kuwait from Persia and India, those historical ties also inform the current Kuwaiti flavor palette. A majority of people living in Kuwait, both nationals and expats, adore the local Kuwait dishes, which tend to be the main cuisine on a majority of Kuwaiti tables. This inclination to local eats is clearly shown in the success of many local restaurants and chefs who are specialized only in local dishes and yet it continues to be favored by many, regardless of the western fast food outlets which are popping up like mushrooms in the city. At the end of the day though, with all the varieties and tastes that are up for offer, local Kuwaiti dishes continue to be preserved and admired in our society. Many of my Kuwaiti friends even make special efforts to visit restaurants famous for traditional gulf dishes—even when visiting Europe or other places during their travels! Drawing this link between our food and our selves is very important in maintaining the unique character of our traditions and our histories. Many people would think of this matter as a trivial thing, but on the contrary, this is a major part

10 www.thecitym.com

of people’s history and culture that deserves our protection and our understanding of it.

Ramez Sabawi ramez_sabawi ramez.sabawi@viva.com.kw

As the Treasury Director of one of Kuwait’s telecom mega-giants—VIVA—Ramez is a man with his finger on the pulse of the latest and greatest in communication development. Through his words Ramez Al-Sabawi gives us a chance to take a step back, look at ourselves and our home—Kuwait—with clearer eyes, and fresher attitudes.

This Land Is Your Land Growing food with our own two hands can have a transformative effect on us. The process of tenderly caring for each produce, studying it’s growth cycle, understanding it’s unique seasonal orientations, and making sure it receives just the right conditions to yield good fruit, makes it so that every plant, every crop, and every seedling is a wondrously worthwhile achievement in the hands of it’s farmer. That is the connection that Kuwaiti farmer and farm-owner Ali Bukhamseen holds between him and his locally harvested, ever-precious produce, that he tends to with his own two hands and sells through his local, family farming business, Kenaneya Farms.

12 www.thecitym.com Photographer: Hussain Shamo

www.thecitym.com 13

When did your interest in farming first start and what brought Kenaneya Farms together as a business? Well my interests in farming did not develop in any kind of linear way, there were a number of factors that contributed in my current interest. My love of food is the first reason. My father used to work in a hotel and he used to bring me there as a child at a very early age, so I developed an interest in international cuisine, which included a variation of the same kinds of produce used in the cuisine. The second reason was my love for animals, which was another childhood obsession of mine. I think it was every kid’s dream at one point or another to have a zoo in his or her home. The third reason, and probably the most important, is my father. His deep love for agriculture is the main reason why I am doing what I do today and why I have such a deep appreciation for it. Finally, the fourth reason would have to be that, in 2006 we bought our farm, so that was when we officially became farmers. We honestly don’t think Kenaneya Farms as a business; we think of it more as a hobby farm. However, we started participating in farmers markets in 2012 and it was then that we discovered that their was a niche market for specialty produce in Kuwait so we’re trying to fill that gap with our quality produce. Is there a story or meaning behind the name,’Kenaneya Farms?’ I am sure there is but we don’t know what it means. The farm was named after another farm that dates back almost 8 to 10 generations ago and that used to belong to our great, great, great grandfather. When we ask the people in the original Kenaneya farm what the name means they don’t know either. So it’s a historical name that alludes to our heritage and family legacy I guess. What are the crops and produce that Kenanya Farms harvests on a seasonal basis and where can they be purchased? Kenaneya Farms specializes in or rather would like to specialize in heirloom crops. Currently, we can only sell our products within farmers markets due to pur low production capacities at the moment. However, we do have

14 www.thecitym.com

plans to increase production as soon as possible to meet our increasingly rising demands. Our signature produce is: 1) Citrons

2) Green Zucchini and their blossoms 3) Various Heirloom Tomatoes like: Italian Beefsteak and Plum Tomatoes. 4) Santé Fe Peppers 5) Pasilla Peppers

6) Purple Jalapeños 7) Ultra Butternut Squash 8) Lemons and Limes 9) Papaya

10) Bananas

"Diversify your crops. It’s the best way to understand your land and figure out what works best for you."

11) Green Figs and Purple Figs 12) Green and Purple Grapes 13) Okra 14) Red Russian Kale 15) Free Range Grass Fed Cows Milk. (Seasonal)

16) Free Range Heritage Chicken and Duck Eggs. Do you use organic or genetically-modified farming methods, and what are the benefits behind your choice?

In principal, we don’t use GMOs because they are illegal in Kuwait and many suppliers don’t carry them. We use quality seeds that either come from suppliers who specializes in developing very strong hybrid plants or from specialty hierloom seed supplier. As to the method of farming, we like to use the term ethical farming rather than organic for the following reasons: 1) Organic farming is not defined in Kuwait because its not the job of the farmer to state his produce is organic. Its the job a third party certifier.

2) The word organic means different things to different people. As a matter of fact, it can have entirely different meanings in different countries. 3) The best way to describe our farming method is as a minimal reactive farming method. We only give the plants what they need and only if we really have to. What are the steps that you take to ensure that Kenanya Farms produce is always of the highest quality? It varies for each product but the basic rules of thumb are: 1) Provision of the correct fertilizer to each plant. 2) Controlled arrogation. 3) We make sure growth occurs in the best seasons. 4) We cross-pollinate to ensure that our field grown produce is at it’s best. 5) And, most importantly, we learn from our previous failures.

www.thecitym.com 15

How has Kenanya Farms adapted to the changing marketplace as a modern farming business? First of all, it’s important to understand which foods are staple trends and which are fads. Many people don’t realize that certain foods, just like clothes, are in fashion and others aren’t. Last season, kale was highly in demand. Now, for this season, what we will see is kale becoming more of a staple in Kuwait. Also attending farmers markets and listening to your customers always helps. And sometimes, promoting a certain idea via social media also helps. For example: we’ve decided to sell unripe green tomatoes in the last few farmers markets. We were happy to see that many people were familiar with green tomatoes and it was quite well received. What are the challenges of owning and running a farming business? What are the rewards? It might be easier to say what’s not challenging but, so far, it’s been a learning process. Acquainting yourself with water management, understanding the needs and environments of different plants, the labor involved, managing the unique finances that come along with handling a farming business, marketing it on a daily basis, increasing supply over time, getting a handle on pest control, and the list just goes on. The reward is definitely not financial because farming as a business model does not yield the best, most immediate return on investment. I guess the reward is the results we see every day. We look around us at what used to be a desert and, through our hard work and the belief of others, we turned it into some kind of oasis—our own private oasis.

16 www.thecitym.com

What advice would you give to aspiring farmers and urban agriculturists in Kuwait who want to grow at home and turn into a business?

For farmers: diversify your crops. It’s the best way to understand your land and figure out what works best for you. Also read into heirlooms a little more and understand the trends that shape international cuisine. It well help you gain a better understanding of what’s required in the market. For urban growers: look at what your neighbors are doing in their gardens or rooftops. You can most likely do the same thing with your plots. Also, I always recommend that people grow plants that they can eat straight away like herbs, cabbages, kale, and radishes. When buying flowers, choose one kind and one color, at least for the first time. Its shows that you know what you’re doing and are focused on a particular aesthetic. What does the future hold for Kenanya Farms? How does you plan on developing and expanding in the near future? We are considering the following projects for the coming 18 months: 1 2 3 4

Free range chickens for eating and poultry farming purposes. More heirlooms. Increasing milk production. Improving date production.

We are also considering partnering up with other farms, in order to make sure that we can supply our customers with more high-quality produce.

@kenaneyafarms info@kenaneyafarms.com

www.thecitym.com 17

AN OPEN GARDEN ROSE

To dedicate your life, your hands, and your heart to the art of making beautiful, vibrant flowers, more beautiful and more vibrant still, is a path and an ambition few have the delicate elegance and whimsical youth of heart to pull off for their entire lives. Like world-famous, seasoned, well-travelled florist and arrangement instructor, Judith Blacklock, you must have soul and heart that bloom like an open garden rose.

18 www.thecitym.com

Photographer: Hussain Shamo

www.thecitym.com 19

Can you tell us about how you first started in the floral industry?

What's the biggest challenge you've faced in the floral industry?

I grew up with a mother who was passionate about flowers so it was inherited. I started taking courses in the UK after I came back from living in Paris in 1984. I’ve been rapidly teaching and writing books since then.

Probably the amount of imitators that keep cropping up! I have to keep thinking that it's the highest form of flattery and, really, the competition keeps you on your toes so it’s actually a good thing!

What attracted you to the flower business?

What's your favourite flower of all time?

Working with flowers has the added benefit of enriching you with a good, beautiful feeling of well being no matter who you are. It’s a line of work that only gives pleasure, and never gives harm.

Oh, I have so many! But if I had to choose, then probably an open garden rose with lots of petals… and a wonderful perfume! That’s always a must.

Do you have a signature style and how did you develop it?

I look worldwide for inspiration: in the shops and the work of international designers; in magazines. I look at fashion and interior designs to spot trends or interesting structural arrangement and, whatever I see, I never stop connecting it to flowers!

My style has always revolved around the idea of simple beauty that is accessible to all and that everyone can aesthetically enjoy. This simplistic approach to aesthetic beauty has developed through my passion for giving my customers the best experience possible, my own experience in the field seeing what works and what doesn’t—and realizing that simplicity never fails—and, finally, my never ending search for new ideas & inspiration everywhere I go. What has been the highlight of your career to date? Traveling around the world and getting to meet so many avid flower-lovers like myself is always a highlight and pleasure. My visit to Kuwait has been a particular highlight as well! Everyone I have met here is so friendly, warm, and welcoming—I won’t soon forget my Kuwaiti visit or my Kuwaiti friends that’s for sure! When and why did you decide to start your school? I started my school in 1999 and I initially did it because I believe I have a duty to share my knowledge and help others find their way in the floral industry, if they so wished. I also have a deep passion for nature and a love for what I personally do, so I wanted to pass that passion along to others and share them this joy that I feel every day with the work that I do.

20 www.thecitym.com

Where do you look for inspiration?

What should shoppers look for to spot the better florists? What do you look for? The number one attribute of a good florist is the level of care they put in their product: good florists handle their flowers gently and truly with love. Also, their buckets/containers should not be overcrowded and if they are that’s not a good sign. If they offer Lilies then they should make sure to have their stamens removed if pollen is falling on the petals—if they haven’t done so then it is a sign of negligence. Florists who submerge leaves/foliage under water in the buckets are ill experienced as doing so can cause rapid multiplications of bacteria. Finally, the wrapping materials should be original and fit the image of the florist, not shoddy or treated as an after-thought. Do you always have fresh flowers at home, and what are your favourite kinds of house plants? Yes, I always have fresh flowers at home even if only a single bloom which I get to see as soon as I open the front door. Whenever I see those freshblooming flowers greeting me at the door, I know that I am home.

Good florists handle their flowers gently and truly with love. @judithblacklockflowerschool

www.thecitym.com 21

THEY LIVE WHERE THEY LOVE Monica Flowerday is a South African woman with a lot of heart, a lot of belief, and a lot dreams. She came to Kuwait 3 years ago with the intention of starting her career off as a Pastry Chef on the right foot but, somewhere along the way, she’s transformed into something so much more. She’s discovered her talent and her passion for organic cosmetic care (among many other talents!), she’s embraced Islam as her new way of life, and she’s made a 2nd family and a home-away-from-home here in Kuwait.

22 www.thecitym.com

Photographer: Hussain Shamo

www.thecitym.com 23 Photographer: Hussain Shamo

In Kuwait, I’ve pursued dreams I didn’t even knew I had before I came here and for that I am very grateful.

Where are you from?

I'm proudly from Cape Town, South Africa. When did you come to Kuwait?

I touched down in Kuwait almost 3 years ago, in the beginning of 2012. What do you do?

Well, in Kuwait the question is what don’t I do! I'm originally a French Le Cordon Blue Pastry Chef, specialising in Novelty and Wedding cakes and all things sweet. But then I made a wild career change after just over 1 year spent in Kuwait, and I navigated more towards the front-end of the restaurant field, where I worked as Assistant Restuarant Manager at Roberto Cavalli Café Kuwait. Once again, after meeting the most incredible people in my life who had such a big impact on me as a person, I tried out modeling with my very

24 www.thecitym.com

close friend, makeup extraordinaire Sharifa Al-jaber, and from there the Beauty industry opened up to me as well and many other doors also started opening up at around that time. Today, I can proudly say that I am the Sales Manager for Shahnaz Herbals allorganic beauty range in Kuwait. Why did you choose Kuwait as your home? Well, at first my reasons for choosing Kuwait was purely the unique difference in food and culture here from anything I had previously experienced. At the time, I wanted to involve and further myself more in the knowledge of different sweets and pastries as a Pastry Chef. And Kuwait holds the biggest difference as far as just any other Arab county in the Gulf goes, I think thats what made it so much more interesting for me. But what happened was

that I ended up staying and calling it my home for so much more than just the food. What do you love most about Kuwait? I love the fact that I came here all by myself, leaving my family behind in South Africa. However, I am so fortunate to have gained myself another massive family here in Kuwait—a family who has guided and supported me through some very big changes in my life. You will hardly find what I found here in Kuwait in any other country. Kuwait also has many more opportunities for the younger generation than many of us can find in our own countries. Young people can evolve more and more here and at a speedy rate. We have the future and all of life at our fingertips in Kuwait—its just that not all people realise it here. Kuwait may have many laws and restrictions but, in many ways, that can make life so much more excitingly challenging and endearing .

What do you think of the Kuwaiti lifestyle and culture? When I first got here I knew little to nothing about the Kuwaiti way of life. Fortunately my career allowed me to experience so much more of the culture and way of life which food can bring together, both in the happy times and the sad times too. However, the amount of respect given to the final decisions of fathers and brothers on any matter in a young woman’s life blew my mind at first, but looking at it now from within a Kuwaiti household it’s become more and more understandable for me over time. Family ties are definitely very valued back home as well, but in Kuwait the effort in consciously coming together every single Friday is a definitely a change from the way of life back home in South Africa. In Kuwait, family is number one and most people who are born and raised in here will never consider leaving their families behind and going to live in another country alone. How much of an impact has Kuwait had on your life?

The impact that Kuwait has had on my life is actually larger than life! I arrived here as a Christian who initially had many questions about Islam itself—today I am a Muslim! Now that I look back on the amount of change I have undergone in this year alone, converting into Islam was by far the most precious moment I had in my life, and having all the questions that I had for so many years finally answered makes everything worth it. That’s not to say that it’s been an easy road so far, but having a Kuwaiti sister/boss like I do, who has supported me, accepted my differences, and has guided me closer to Allah, definitely makes my journey a pleasant one. No one could ask for anything more! What have you gained from Kuwait and given Kuwait? Kuwait has given me the opportunity to grow in so many ways withn my own career than I could have ever thought possible. In Kuwait, I’ve pursued dreams I didn’t even knew I had before I came here and for that I am very grateful. Throughout my work in the organic beauty field I hope to enlighten the people in Kuwait and beyond more and more about the joys of leading an organic lifestyle and the importance of starting to look after yourself sooner rather than later. What does Kuwait mean to you on a personal level?

Kuwait is where my heart is. I have truely been blessed in so many ways. My biggest changes and memories are made in this country. I no longer just see it as Kuwait—it’s also my home. What words would you like to say to Kuwait if you could? That rules and restrictions are not always a bad thing. You just have to learn how to embrace it.

www.thecitym.com 25

THE CITY KIDS by Latifa Maduh @latifamadouh

26 www.thecitym.com

HORSE PILOT GIRLS

www.thecitym.com 27

What are your names and ages?

Our names are Al-Rayan (11 years old), Al-Retaj (10 years old), and Al-Zain (7 years old), and we are Horse Pilot Girls! Whats your favorite hobby?

We love horse riding very much! When did you start riding horses?

We grew up with the horses and started riding really early because our father is a horseman. Who encouraged you to practice horseback riding as a sport? Our mother and father both encouraged us. What do you want to be when you grow up?

We want to lead a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horseriding team and teach them the sport, and we also want to win prizes and medals in equestrian competitions. What would you like to tell your parents?

Thank you mom and dad for everything that you do for us. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do anything without you! Does each one of you have her own horse?

Yes, each one of us has her own horse and we each practice on our family farms with our horses. We have so much fun whenever we spend time around our horses!

@horse_pilot_girls

28 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 29

easons greeting, everyone! From this month onwards I will be writing a series on different styles used in designing rooms. To start with let’s talk about “Shabby Chic.”

So what is Shabby Chic? It’s a form of Interior Design that is one of the most popular styles in the world. This style emerged in the eighties and came from a desire to commemorate the romantic past while achieving an overall refined effect through usage of reprocessed old furniture and fabrics. This decorating idea is about the cozy and comfortable atmosphere, inspired by happy memories. It is a form of design which permeates the softness of femininity, the harmony of pastel-colors and charm of old items. However, don't let that word, Shabby Chic, fool you when adapting the principles of this design style into a room. The look may be unstructured and lacking in formal rules, but this timeless aesthetic can add an effortless elegance to your home. Shabby Chic represents a revived appreciation for what is useful, well loved, and comfortable, for those things that some might perceive as being too tattered and worn to be of use or value. With handicrafts, salvaged furniture and vintage textiles available not only in flea markets, but also in retail shops (often as reproductions), you don’t have to search high and low for the perfect piece. You might even have a diamond in the rough right under your nose – a piece of furniture just waiting to be whitewashed and restored. That’s the beauty of shabby chic style not only is it budget friendly but also easily available.

• Getting the Vintage effects Get out the old fabrics from the attic or buy vintage looking fabrics. To impress the age upon them or to make fabrics look old, faded & worn one can stain them with a brew of tea. But do a test on a fabric piece in order to get the right shade… from stark white to a soft creamy white - just right for the look. • Fusing Patterns and Colors Combine stripes, checks, and floral fabrics to achieve a warm and inviting look. You don't have to follow traditional rules of combining prints, but for easiest mixing keep the background color the same (white or ivory, etc.). Then choose one color to repeat in almost every fabric, such as a soft green or pale pink. • White Painted Furniture Practically any piece of wooden furniture will fit into a Shabby Chic interior if it's painted white. Gather pieces from flea markets, garage sales, or even the attic and spray them with white paint, sand off the corners and rough it up a little, and voila! You have Shabby Chic furniture. You'd be surprised how a coat of paint transforms a dark dingy chair or table.

Shabby chic lovin'!

For those looking out for comfortable & casual style… look no further! Here’s a style that uses vintage accessories, pastels, and comfortable furniture. Shabby Chic is no particular style, but rather balances of elegant things with old and worn, shiny silver accessories with painted wooden tables, soft throw rugs with rough old lace. To apply this fascinating style in a home, you don't need to buy all the stuffs. Some of it is be available in your garage or in the attics of your house. Even while redecorating your home in this style you don`t need to redecorate the whole house rather you just need to put accent on some items which will be the hallmark in the whole house. Few tips are mentioned below: • Soft & Gentle Colors If you love bold & loud, primary colors, this is not for you. Soft white, muted grey, pale pink, and faded greens are musts.

30 www.thecitym.com

• Think Outside the Box Do not restrain your thinking & confine it within the boundaries of conventional designing. Try using an old picnic bench or trunk to serve as a coffee table. Stack wooden boxes at the side of a chair for books and flowers. Be creative and use what you have.

Farah Al-Humaidhi @interiorart @pa-ia

As the delicate-in-style and committed-in-excellence creative founder and brainchild behind the ultra-popular, elegantly iconic Pieces by Farah, as well as the powerhouse behind Interior Art for design and construction, we couldn't think of a better interior design guru than Farah Al-Humaidhi to give you exclusive monthly input on how turn any space into a work of art.

lissah badri ∫ƒe â«L • Gôª◊G • ∫ƒe QÉæŸG • Rƒ«æaG ófGôL • Rƒ«æa’G • á«cQÉÑŸG • Ö∏¡ŸG • ∫ƒe ÉæjQÉŸG • QÉæØdG • á«◊É°üdG : âjƒµdG 24711946, 24711926 :¿ƒØ∏J

32 www.thecitym.com Photographer:Roqaya Shamo

H WIT IAL N C W DO HT SO G T I S IG S IN ELY VERN UT K UT HI V I C D ,O US L BO XCL IZARD E FINA HIM A SS, AN E W H K TO CE OT FECT ION, T TO AS SUC G WE EO EF NSAT ING ET TO K VID IA SE ACH SECR AIT! Z D , ME SELF E, HIS D KUW M HIM ID FA FOUN P E'S RA WH O H

www.thecitym.com 33

I o y g . a d y d a d a z n r i o a h a t k r e u e c g y o h n e y i a t liv r e e If s m a be w d w u l s o i o d y t h l t t u h t o g a w u h I o t ife h t l e of ld’v u o w 5 a1 hin ually t i ts w us ffec oes it e l d a g visu long tryin g w n ’re ges, i o u z h o a y m and an ra lly if ha e , l ch ecia spatia d cam ou suc frame p e s t E t or n Y a time a ! . e t ff r o , c n ng ec pull oveme e editi o perf t which you econd o t n t s d i h a g s m n c e g n c i o e i r 6 r d r eng f rapi ore p s of tim get it 15 sec l l Howond o a h ! lot o en m lock il you ome ry c edit sec ? e ve with a uire ev ense b it unt were s t, and e b k n s to g q a o t t ca stun gs re me up? imm peatin There n, sho ker y l a l d g a a e n a i k in -m r, It re ull off ose th ke up eep re g time. to pla row ever as -make film p ory th an ta and k y lon o just eg or n r f i o m e e l t e s fi n s r e st ing d c t u ich w t o e k i h e a a t t s y v c u c y s i m n e t a g a a tr h yo be to b intere com n be ole d brin shoo lego t dy kw ime hen y to ing or portan s st t wanted really o be a first han wor have to es, ca s 2 wh t i a l ew l i d b b t s t i e r n m y e I a i t u a h o t d o a a b s t t c t s e e n ? k ju t k a or to ed er too ork -maker a few d mos e: I alw you uic ome wan memb es, bef used y did w scover in s os that y q their w m ering st an sk m low if ou l i I n l v e y r r d a a , e e I e t e fil a d d s r n s l i vid ave ow to ly is th s mas the fir they will fol ide eve mory ears o tually before h s at d t ’ e h l n u a n e c b w s y a e t W o o a y u f p e m h n y r d s lt a 7 u k os t is Do a bit o t’ trick mporta t’s alw kers w ow’ re nd ew thin f my ide w, I of i v e i a r Wo Well, i at arou sign. I en I gr a w d s n ch ‘ u s h m e d o i u a o T e a g d y ! m e m d th ave that h was ego de ind wh ‘han twic here. er fil ind n ow m. l k dh c os h ind the a The e—it’s and t sk oth story a beh r film g. n e l n a i d a i whi s and some k f t fo aking a v i e h n n l e a e n I r e p e e y h a o e v m o b t v t p t e f h e m a y ic s on gi por to m me Leg ner o ut filmo— he t of hen stor cks adv od ig ly imroach eas cotime is t a lo was a ch vide alize w he tri ce of to focu rk. sG e i t k des ed abo n u l o n id o o e p o d e re pi hem he w ea re as thi n y. T abs ted ap resting t in th ocess t you t lear ou ks? n re ing, the tory in people worth , but s l i l t t y n I u i a r e a n e t t p t . p y e o h m c l t s n u e 0 i h i i n d l o a r t r w e p rthy t e 5 t f a a e t y a t h l at of ? 50/ ecial, w and akers ow th re wo ple, h at t han an t of th part th or sh ithin re ment o l jus n Wh e coo h c y t t g l k en rger h mu abilit an eve n sp the ne film-m ding h ly sha exam on, stin t ele ore ed w y. A thin lem a all t r ll ti n tru t ow or How nical tere ry bas ed tha journe e if stly use, m t the e much l n i e bou their here a rtant fondersta uce a ries, f unctua h v n e i a d a m t c e o v a u c e c l v e h s a t o i w ’ p h d o t e e e h t t c t u t I o i t v o s p ff s s b a n d ’ r i n y a t e e n d n y h v d la nd s l is all imagi ha sa ,a op me y im an vira lly belie tory—p ople fi long an made alf a I’d ers to ause t equall ering them t aweso pelling e me r be h t k c a s r s p s o d o r a e e e t , g r s s a r n r o l b v y n m os I e o e ma on wh er f sho ts a n m telli nev sec ’ve vide , but i ffort o in ord air for of gram ic very mes to t be 6- deos I dience would m i y m e fl l i u l s m h o o v fr the hnica got a basic it c es mig pular k my a effects well. ry to aily, i o l nd t f my d at and rks tec ou’ve w the a stor ost p hat too specia al story s h o ll t r m ion st wo o. If y n’t kno rvat eflect a enario ould the telling ks and at cent ? e s s a vide you do r b y ide e o ideos ible sc gine w rios stor ool tric rame th k o a e but a a v m c ss f id es I gh my e impo hat I im le scen the didn’t ur v m o i t y u b e w o th si they ires ow Som ly th pos r all insp hings. . Most ears o y to sh ose im t a t f m tr f th Wh lot o ody the gerated sually e or if u u r ll, a We or pa ly exag ideos ame tr v c them asonab e. My s ever r n unre imagi ose fea ned. n I ca en if th happe p ly hap actual r e v e

34 www.thecitym.com

nal atio tern t but n i y rea ut te m ’s g ecia eryone here.’ B ry r p p t v a y e ays nd .S. read ve a the U u’re al hey alw o l t o n eally se i now y d and I. . I r becau k e a k i o are e s o d t w , A s or nd ial way , well, really s ent, as n a a l gp ong spec e ‘yeah lways mom gK ry k akin is a orable m and t Hon in a ve y just li e see ow film me ll em e y I s t a l i g m n u e s e t n , i o fa us ia en on ial opp com w? y’re med YouTub ere I very ly spec e p e e h m h u t i t s h l e, to no ea ea ng, onto that’s w ple ours d vers e it a r citi g this o e c n o r x e f a o e p O n m r se ak do any doi hat. s fo little , becau to m at ave ed on you ideo mp a ter w h s t v t o a e th ? r u s a g e u o j o m u h n f m d i i y c e a k o w v e f it a th us g Do ust fo er n and lan for ve m making ger-form j e ho re than , s writ o akin l u h s t t p m y a ll n . yo ce o d hat e u d gre I rea . We’r duce lo etimes suc did yo into go t u roun uch m ou nee y , a ea f a h s b r o h ? a e a e r t l r ts t yo av Ye wi tm ye ve ty pro it som nm go leve you o act e can e a though me et l effec ever I h it’s no ipmen thing o s are s r e ’ll neplies. s g e m i u h n t t d o e ld t y so t e bu visua ap hat goes, he equ every c idea from in that w I do m got ll by d to ld’v awe o of e t ew r fi it also so at a ity has u ha y I wou all this like a l and o ind ll thos just us e gea uy all ly. I ed speci orrow o by d d y k e e f a t I v s e ht r s i h l t i e b d b r ! t a t I d r a g o a a h i o o st lly! ar as nitially nt, re s for t I can hat I his is ide own r e ised living t it. Bef urp dia ac Wh ieving a v r s u p t e t f r i e u T w c a b a e o be thes y of e su heir ach uch, a as. As lars to nvestm or extr e or th to do arted. rtainly uTu re y ial m d mor I would n for an ing Yo lar in t aking m de d dol time i rops hous dge ou st st ce o do A ur soc e i t b ene u o k m o a t e l p N vide ma ty po yo ed at happ e of ldn’ d of lif idn’t p san a one ther p d the od bu get y ’ll almo rces t t s r u u a y a o o t t o roun lywo o m w th just h us Iw kin I s yd pre !Ic you esou rs t l the e nk t eca Yes as the onestl pening were when a fe that’s nd all have a a Ho d dolla rs ago, other r I thi able b ally lov h y w p d I e ff a d a n . s a n y d e e i h o d h a y r r t h n z , a t t an puter lread ’t nee ousa of ye y and e d a a d s h n o s y te cr ak ly jus a h ere ss star akers a d to t m vide t more and I very da m to be? of wild o com stuff I ou don few t couple mone t w c a e e g lo je m rt ee in gr gh ix se just end. Y : just a , just a t more pro nt to craz er film ally sta d Insta s are a d thou buddie eople s t m i r n o th eam perfec ts. I wa p a re y a fr stretch cause hole lo a r e o u t d d f m s i a e g e the ffec our r o t thing rter Vin ds of v me off rk with eas th any zing b ed a w ld y ’s got ecial e id you o o in t bu u k h t n w h o s e o t g p e I ama need o e w s t s h g au t! e hat orld muc use tho eally c se I get workin to m oub hav t I do. r en a he u d er, w ut a d f this w t t c e a I a n k e h c b d a . a b e e w m itho out o e an g of wb ’s it r siz lm to m thei I do no thinkin a fi Park, w s and rs! how y l d e d As y i t n al stor osau frien ere! it a wha d all da o. ssic tion n uwa Jura inative t for din to n so utiful h rna e K e e t g spe enjoy a b d in ima he hun as ally be ike y r l l h l e u a v u e o I’ n o e? re y re on t ey ely. It’s eryo with t lat k from hav an bas ! Ev some. t o l h a w c e c a f r e Ho aiti tou t ba that en g s aw in on just go Kuw ait’s be alway n s ? e u y I l e c e o d b ate Kuw fans ar to f r an ou ot l ying his yea e y ce a l r t v a H dien een a lot t eb au , I’v Europe h a Ye n in bee

.K ach @fi

ing

fin

tk lcu

ut alc

ing

kin

www.thecitym.com 35

36 www.thecitym.com

THE WANDERING TROUBADOUR The roads we take towards finding, knowing, and committing to our own ambitious paths can be long and winding. They can take us from insurmountable highs to inconceivable lows. They can make us doubt who we are, what we want, and where our futures lie. But however long it may take, in the end, we all find our way back to that familiar, nesting ground that lives within our hearts: that unknowable belief telling us that, despite all the trials and all the frustrations, our dreams are still worth fighting for. Amin Farid Abdal, or the more affectionately known ‘Mr. Fari,’ is a KuwaitiPuerto Rican musician who knows this trial of spirit all too well. His love of music is a love he had to fight for and own within himself and, in doing so, he has emerged an even stronger voice with an even more vivid musical persona that Kuwait has yet to see. His songs tell of tales of love lost and won; of a man who lets the world roll off his shoulders with ease and gratitude; of a troubadour who’s heart hangs on his sleeve and his soul swings in his swagger.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW?

www.thecitym.com 37 Photographer: Hussain Shamo

"Every time I look back, I share an eminent gratitude for this dark period in my life because now I finally know the true value of that trial and I realize what it wanted to show me." 38 www.thecitym.com

When or how did you know that this was your life’s calling?' I always get a funny feeling when people ask me this question. It is usually asked after a performance or after a good conversation about songs or art. The answer to this question wasn't as clear as most people expected it to be until 2 years ago. Before then it was simple. "I knew that music was my calling because it never felt like work.” That is what I used to feel. I used to say to myself, "it is easy to love it therefore it must be my calling." Over time I saw that it was also easy to be lazy, but then would laziness be my calling? I was wrong. Looking back I see how naive that perception was. I needed a better answer. As I grew into my work I realized this idea of ‘easiness' was not true at all. Developing and nurturing the things we love require work and commitment. We need a discipline of understanding and a push to move us forward: a toolkit of daily positive habits. Besides all that your health and stamina needed to be aligned as well. I realized it wasn't a calling; it was more of a lifestyle. 2 years ago, I wanted to quit all of it. The music and the ‘Mr.Fari'

persona were way too much for me to handle. I decided that I was done with it. "A cartoon in a cartoon graveyard," is what my favorite songwriter would say and I felt exactly that way. I was so serious that I was ready to sell and give away every instrument I had but a part of me didn't want to. Somewhere inside of me, even with all the anger of giving up, I still kept a lingering thread that told me: "relax, take a break, don't be so impulsive." So I did. I took a break from all the music and put it in the back if my mind. I focused on everything else that I thought could be my calling too. I started to feel something very different from my previous anger—and it was emptiness. It was one thing was to feel frustrated and another thing to feel completely empty. It was then that I realized something very important. I realized that, after all was done, music truly was my calling. I realized it was my calling because… well, I missed it. When I did not sing or work on music it gave me anxiety. It also hurt me not to practice. It hurt me not to enjoy singing. It was actually very easy for me to give up music, in a way, but it was much harder to deny it and let go of it completely. So that moment right there was the true sign—that was the moment I truly knew. It had become part of my blood. I realized within me that music was my calling because it hurt me too much to lose it. Every time I look back, I share an eminent gratitude for this dark period in my life because now I finally know the true value of that trial and I realize what it wanted to show me.

@xxmrfarixx

www.thecitym.com 39

modes of mastery

40 www.thecitym.com

Step into Zeri Crafts; home to gold-gilded delicacy, to far-flung folklore, and to the ar t of Khaleeji craftsmanship, through and through. Owner and cultured curator, Laila Al-Hammad, gives us the grand tour.

www.thecitym.com 41 Photographer: Abdulrahman Al-Yousef

So tell us about how Zeri Crafts first came together! Who was initially behind it and how did the idea come to you? The idea of Zeri Crafts germinated during my time working and living in East Asia — Cambodia, Lao and Thailand — between 2002 and 2006. I was drawn to East Asian crafts as a window into East Asian culture. Crafts arise out of a utilitarian need and are shaped by available natural resources and livelihoods; they tell you a great deal about the heritage of a country. I was also impressed by the changes East Asian crafts were undergoing — more modern, better quality yet simple and culturally rich at the same time. This led me to think about the role of crafts in Gulf culture and how marginal they had become in our day to day lives. This marginalisation impoverishes us culturally, disconnecting us from a rich pastoral and maritime past. With this backdrop in mind, I started refining the idea of a company that would modernise Gulf crafts, and draw inspiration from our rich crafts culture. How do elements like materials and textiles, design choices, and craftsmanship play into the creation of a Zeri Crafts piece or collection? Research is the first step for any piece. The sadu collection, for instance, benefitted from interviews, photographs, workshops, and lots of reading material. Once the research is completed, we move on to the design phase. Samples follow from there; different materials, colors, patterns, until we get closer to the piece we have in mind. We choose quality materials and work with artisans and companies that are outstanding in skill and craftsmanship.

How do you re-introduce and reinterpret such prominent icons of the Khaleeji home and lifestyle—like the mubkhaar and the Sadu weave—while still maintaing the essence of Khaleeji culture? Are there any aesthetic choices that you maintain or design philosophy that you adhere to? Our company philosophy rests on three pillars - exclusive design, fine materials and expert craftsmanship. These permeate each one of our pieces. Simplicity is part of our ethos, and we strongly believe that the simpler the design, the more one can appreciate an object, pattern, or material. With the mubkhar, for instance, we worked with renown designer Nedda El-Asmar, who is known for her simple yet elegant designs. In coming up with the design, she envisaged a mubkhar that conveyed familiarity, yet introduced an element of modernity. Tell us about the range of products and merchandise that is offered in Zeri Crafts and how each piece is unique in its own way. We have a small but growing collection of pieces; textiles, objects, paperware, and leatherware. Much thought has gone into each piece to make it unique. Our textiles, for instance, take between 1 to 2 weeks to weave because of the complex brocade. The whole process is highly intensive; from selecting the yarn, hand-dyeing it, preparing the loom, and eventually weaving. Our clients can select the colors and sizes, and hence each piece is customized to their space and taste. The camel leather journals rely on camel leather that is chromefree and a by-product of the meat-eating industry in the Gulf (ie. they are not farmed for the purpose of their leather). The quality of the leather we used in the journals is extremely high, and was a limited edition leather that is both very hardy and natural. Who does Zeri Crafts collaborate with in order to create such stunning, one-of-a-kind iconic Khaleeji merchandise and where do you outsource your materials from? We work with a group of designers, some specialising in objects, others textiles and paperware. Nedda El-Asmar, as mentioned earlier,

42 www.thecitym.com

"Simplicity is part of our ethos, and we strongly believe that the simpler the design, the more one can appreciate an object, pattern, or material." is the designer we collaborate with on our mubkhars. She marries her familiarity with Middle Eastern culture with the simple streamlined aesthetic of Northern Europe, and we are very happy with the result. For our camel leather products and mashrabiya notebooks, we collaborate with Rocio Martinavarro who has been instrumental in formulating the patterns inspired by sadu weaving. We recently entered into a collaboration with artisan/designer Sylvette Blaimont on a jewelry collection inspired by sadu motifs and other patterns. With regard to materials, it all depends on the product: camel leather in Abu Dhabi, raw silk from Lao, porcelain from Germany, to give you a few examples. How did you come to be featured in the Milano Triennale Design Week exhibition, and how does it feel to represent Kuwait and the Gulf in such a prestigious, globally renowned event?

We were very happy to represent Kuwait in Milan, alongside such companies as Ligne Roset and Eternum. We were approached by the design platform “Belgium Is Design” through Nedda El-Asmar. They were putting together a show during Milan Design Week that included design objects with reflective surfaces, and they requested that our mubkhar be part of it. What inspires the Zeri Crafts collection? Cities, history, nature, culture? We draw inspiration from so many sources, not only by the form of things, but also by their spirit. For instance, the desert culture teaches us certain values of utilitarianism, asceticism, and modularity, which have become intrinsic to our design philosophy. With regard to form, we are inspired by nature — the purist aesthetic of the desert; the simple lines of dunes, the delicate patterns of sand ripples, traditional architecture — building materials, geometric patterns and the play of light and shadows, traditional crafts- sadu weaving, fishing gear, wood-working, clay containers, and countless other source of tangible and intangible Gulf culture.

www.thecitym.com 43

How does our cultural history inform and contribute to the modern Gulf identity? There are elements of our cultural history that inform our identity; for instance some khaleeji music has evolved from the songs that seamen sang when they engaged in the months-long voyages to India and the East coast of Africa. The rituals of incense burning and dispersing rose water continue to be part of the rituals of hospitality, and men and women still don the traditional bishoot and thawbs. However, these expressions of culture remain marginal when you compare them to the inflow of cultural influences coming from the outside - some positive but others not - such as the culture of fast food, fast shopping, and generally fast consumption that has flooded the Gulf since the 1970’s. I strongly feel that greater attention needs to be given to re-valuing our cultural capital and transforming it into a source of pride, creativity, and sustainable development.

with massive windows that are neither culturally derived nor efficient in their use of energy. This is just one example of how our rich culture can contribute to a sustainable form of development drawing on our traditional knowledge and resources. Are there any new and exciting developments at Zeri Crafts that we can look forward to in the near future?

We are hoping to launch a few new products over the coming months including three new camel leather items. We are also working with Nedda El-Asmar on a new object, but we won’t disclose it until we have the final designs. And finally, we will be hosting photographer Huda AlAbdulmughni, whose recent photographs of group wedding in Taiz were featured in Brownbook magazine and who has been in several international photography exhibitions, at our next open house in December 2014. She will showcase 6 photos from Souq Mubarakiya.

"The rapid pace of modernization that overtook the Gulf over the past fifty years transformed a culture strongly shaped by desert and sea into highly urbanized citystates with few traces of the past."

Why is it important for us to reflect and sustain our unique Gulf culture? The rapid pace of modernization that overtook the Gulf over the past fifty years transformed a culture strongly shaped by desert and sea into highly urbanized city-states with few traces of the past. This disconnect impacts all aspects of our life. Take the built environment; had we given more thought to our traditional architecture — be it the tent - an incredibly light structure that is able to withstand extreme heat and wind, or mud houses which use natural materials and a system of wind towers to create a cooler environment, we could have avoided creating an urban landscape composed of concrete blocks

44 www.thecitym.com

Finally: do you have a cultural piece of your own that you truly treasure in your home or studio, and why?

I am very fond of a small water pitcher that was once my grandmother’s. It is a beautiful clay pitcher with a very delicate shape, an elegant spout, and a beautifully crocheted cover. I love everything about it; the material used, clay, kept the water cool, and the crochet cover - handcrocheted by my grandmother - was used to keep the bugs and dust out. I like that it combines so many elements - aesthetic, utilitarian and environmental, and that it has survived the test of time.

@zericrafts +965 99402406

www.thecitym.com 45

INSIDE KUWAIT'S CULTURAL MARKET HUB

A CONVERSATION WITH SHUWAIKH MARKET FOUNDER DUAIJ AL-DABBOUS.

46 www.thecitym.com

Photographer: Hussain Shamo

www.thecitym.com 47

When and how did the idea behind Shuwaikh Market first come to you? I've always been a lover of street markets and food markets and I found that this was a missing component in Kuwait's market culture. When I was in New York about 3 years ago, I visited Chelsea Market and I was very inspired by the flow and vibe of the people who visited it, the businesses and artisans who showcased their products, and the casual simplicity of the market environment there. So I thought: why can't we bring Kuwait's best, most entrepreneurial businesses, ranging in different concepts from food to fashion to interior decorations, together under one banner and have the Kuwaiti community enjoy them in a cool, culturally hip location? So, that's what we did with Shuwaikh Market.

can also take part in our various activity booths while they shop. After the family has had it's share of shopping and entertainment they can sit down for some dinner from a local concept or coffee at one of our cafes. Besides that we have an art gallery, cultural entertainment, and workshops from time to time, which contributes to our more contemporary, culturally relevant vibe. The atmosphere is entirely geared around making sure that anyone who enters Shuwaikh Market--be it adult or child; artist or businessman--feels represented and enjoys the market in their own way.

Tell us about the different range of businesses and shops that are showcasing in Shuwaikh Market, and what different Kuwaiti customers can expect to find there. We wanted to bring together many different cuisines and food concepts so we've got a range of different eating and food setups like November Bakery and Coconut Cafe among others, and we've got three more restaurants coming up as well. As far as retail concepts go, we've got a wide range there as well. We've got Brownluxe which is a female, luxury store. We've got R-Personal Shopper, which is a new idea in Kuwait that revolves around the personal shopping service. We've got The Denim Room, which is, as the name suggests, exclusively concerned with everything denim and jeans related. We've got The Gallery, which has brought together and showcased a total of 7 world renowned Kuwaiti artists to date. We've got The Store, which is styled in the vintage, folky vibes of a modern Friday market, where small, precious trinkets are similarly displayed. So, all in all, the range of variety market-goers can expect is huge.

As far as participating businesses we encourage local entrepreneurs of every kind to display their goods at Shuwaikh Market, as we enjoy quite a diverse number of market-goers. It could be unique home accessories, artisan chocolates/pastries, organic food, educational toys, trendy women's, men's, or kid's wear--no matter what you make or offer, you will find your customers at Shuwaikh Market and your customers will find you as well!

Besides the small businesses, what forms of entertainment and socialization can visitors enjoy at Shuwaikh Market? Shuwaikh Market holds cultural and artistic events and showcases on a regular basis, as well as providing a safe, fun space for children and families to enjoy themselves. We also host expos and workshops that are educational, charitable, and culturally relevant from time to time, so people can always expect a more immersive experience at Shuwaikh Market that goes beyond shopping. We've also organized many socially and culturally beneficial events under the Shuwaikh Market banner like our Summer Venue, The Recycled Art Expo, Ramadan Venue, Graish Market, Little Ones, and of course, Monday at the market. How can you describe the general ambiance and mood of a typical Monday at Shuwaikh Market? Shuwaikh Market is a kid-friendly market where parents can not only enjoy shopping at the stores or from local businesses every Monday, but their kids

48 www.thecitym.com

Who do you think Shuwaikh Market is especially suitable for, both in the case of participating businesses and visitors?

What distinguishes Shuwaikh Market from other expos in Kuwait?

Shuwaikh Market brings together art, culture, fashion, and food in a way that has never been done before in Kuwait and on a much larger scale than ever before. We act as a cultural and social hub for business-owners, community members, and unique individuals who want to share their talents and ides, get to know Kuwait, and find a place that is actually worth visiting with their families and friends every Monday. How have you found the reaction from the business owners and the market goers so far?

The reactions have been great from both sides! The entrepreneurs and small businesses have been especially excited and overwhelmed with the level of interaction and accessibility that Shuwaikh Market has given them with their customer base. The market goers are also very complimentary of our decor and the general atmosphere of Shuwaikh Market, which we've worked very hard to perfect and tailor to create a culturally authentic experience. Everyone seems to be enjoying their experience with us and we couldn't be happier! How do you plan on developing Shuwaikh Market and do you have any surprises we can look forward to?

We will be introducing three new restaurants to Shuwaikh Market which are specifically concerned with healthy food and organic food, among many other surprises I cant quite share yet. Be on the lookout for some great things ahead!

@shuwaikhmarket

"We act as a cultural and social hub for business-owners, community members, and unique individuals."

www.thecitym.com 49

ello Movember! November is the month where men grow out their moustaches to help spread and share awareness of testicular and prostate cancer and mens health in general. A lot of factors play a role in the onset of cancer, genetics is one but even more so is lifestyle. According to a report by the American Institute for Cancer Research it has been estimated that approximately 30-40% of cancers are attributed to diet. The healthier your diet and lifestyle, the less likely you will become a cancer victim. Taking into account you don’t have a gene polymorphism, but even then that can be subdued with food.

The question is can certain foods help prevent cancer? The answer is yes, evidence based medicine has shown that certain nutrient dense foods containing a colorful variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals do, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, help prevent cancer onset According to a report by the American Institute for Cancer Research it has been estimated that approximately 30-40% of cancers are attributed to diet. The healthier your diet and lifestyle, the less likely you will become a cancer victim. I have highlighted a few below, and these can easily be built-in your daily meals! Remember, it only takes small manageable changes every day to guide you towards long term health.

• Citrus fruits The secret: Limonene. This stimulates cancer-killing immune cells such as lymphocytes. Add it in your: Squeeze 1 lemon into your water or food every day. • Seaweed The secret: Chlorophylones. These are essential fatty acids that have been found to help in the prevention against cancer. Seaweed is also rich in betacarotene, protein, vitamin B12, and fiber. So eat up some sushi! Add it in your: Nori sheets as a snack, spirulina in smoothies. • Green Tea The Secret: Polyphenols. These are antioxidants that appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Studies have shown that dry green tea leaves which are about 40% polyphenols by weight, may reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas. Add it in your: Midday tea ritual. • Flaxseed The secret: Lignans. These are plant chemicals that may have an antioxidant effect. Flaxseed is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to protect against colon cancer and heart disease. Add it in your: Smoothies, salads, homemade nutty granola mixes.

Cancer Fighting Foods! • Tomatoes The secret: Lycopene. An antioxidant that attacks free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that if left unpaired will cause cell damage, and consequent cancer. Add it in your: Pasta sauce (cooked tomatoes contain a higher source of lycopene than raw).

The Secrets of Cancer Fighting Foods

• Purple berries The secret: Antioxidants. Dark blue-purple berries are one of the highest sources of powerful antioxidants as they contain anthocyanins, which is what gives the berries their rich vibrant pigment. They protect against cancer by stimulating our body to break down potential carcinogens, therefore preventing normal cells from becoming cancerous. Add it in your: Yogurt, smoothies, chia and flaxseed porridge pot.

• Broccoli, Cabbage, & Cauliflower The Secret: Phytochemicals. These can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. One of these phytochemicals is Sulforaphane; it is believed to induce the production of specific enzymes that can deactivate carcinogens. Add it in your: Omelettes, home made almond or brown flour thin crust pizza, vegetable stir fries with coconut oil. • Chili peppers & jalapenos The Secret: Capsaicin. This may neutralize certain carcinogens, thus helping in the prevention of cancers such as stomach and colon. Add it in your: Whole wheat or spinach tortilla fajitas, scrambled eggs, salsa with jalapenos-cilantro garlic-lime and olive oil. • Garlic The Secret: Phytochemicals. A vegetable from the allium family; garlic has been found to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and block carcinogens from entering healthy cells. Add it in your: Garlic, olive oil and chili marinated shrimp (crushed garlic helps release beneficial enzymes).

50 www.thecitym.com

Noora Al-Askar @NoorasNutriBox

As our resident, all-knowing nutrition specialist Noora Al-Askar is nothing if not the very picture of radiant, positive health. With a wealth of helpful knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of the human body, Noora is here to set our minds and bodies straight on what it takes to lead a truly healthy, nutritiously awesome lifestyle! Whether it’s learning to eat right in order to maintain a well-oiled metabolism, uncovering the many mysteries of the human body, or sharing the startling advancements of today’s most up to date medical innovations, you can bet that Noora has got you covered when it comes to any and all matters of your health and well-being.

www.thecitym.com 51

THE SMILE MAKERS Dr. Hamad Al-Fahad, DMD Good response for patients concerns, all I can say that this doctor knows what he is doing- Abdullah Faisal Tell us more about yourself and about your dental specialty.

I graduated from Dental School in 2003 where I received my Dental Degree from Boston University. After a couple of years, I decided to continue my education and specialize in Periodontology and Implantology at Tufts University. There I received my specialty training and my Masters Degree in Dental Sciences and completed my specialty board. Periodontology is the dental field that concentrates on the supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. it is the specialty that concentrates on trying to save teeth above all. Periodontal disease or Periodontitis affects the supporting structures surrounding the teeth. In the past, Periodontal treatment was the only alternative to Extraction, when possible. Today, with the advent of Dental Implants, patients, now more than ever, have more options to restore their dentition to a state of health, function and aesthetics. Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist?

Not really. I initially considered engineering due to my love of mathematics. However, i later decided that dentistry would be my career choice. Besides sufficient medical treatment, what values and lessons would you like your patients to take away from you after every appointment? if there is one thing that I always hope my patients take away after

their dental visits, it would be to always maintain your regular dental visits. It is much simpler, faster and cheaper to treat any disease if it is diagnosed early. The longer you wait between your visits or if you let pain be the only reason that brings you to the dentist, rest assured your treatment may not be as simple as just getting a filling. Tell us about your experience at Bayan Clinic. Why do you think it is a special place for both dentists and patients? I have had a great experience working at Bayan. The atmosphere is very laid back and professional. I work with colleagues who are the best in their respective specialty. I trust their decision making skills. Above all, I trust their ethics and honesty. What do you most enjoy about being a dentist?

I enjoy it when I manage to change a patients' perspective and feelings about their dental visits. I do believe that fear is the #1 reason for dental problems. People fear coming to the dentist so much that they wait until the pain becomes unbearable before they have to visit their dentist. It gives me the greatest pleasure when I see my patients' fears disappear and coming to the dentist becomes a simple, enjoyable experience with no fear. Are there any dental tips you would like to pass on to our readers?

Don't be afraid of the dentist. Treat everything early and you can avoid having any major dental problems. Brush twice a day. No more. Once in the morning and once before you go to sleep at night. Use a soft brush for at least 2 minutes. Oh yeah, and don't forget to floss once a day.

@bayandentalkw

52 www.thecitym.com

@bayandental

www.thecitym.com 53 Creative Director: Zainab Bahman Photographer : Hussain Shamo

ver been put in that scenario where your friend is excitedly telling you their story but you casually glance at your phone and notice all your social media notifications. Your fingers itch to grab your phone because that bright screen is too tempting to avoid. Your friend ends up noticing your lack of interest and you’re left with that guilty look on your face. Sound familiar? It’s because we live in a time where most of us are easily distracted by the simplest things.

But not only that, we’re also in a hurry (for no apparent reason, most of the time). We want our Internet connection to be ultra fast because the thought of a webpage taking more than 2 seconds to load is utterly horrifying. We want our meals to be prepared as soon as we order it. We don’t like standing in line because we’d like to move on to the next thing. So, you can imagine how that attitude could translate into the way you eat on a daily basis. In the past, mealtime was an opportunity to sit down with friends and family and discuss life, politics, and the neighbor’s fancy new swimming pool. It was a chance to really appreciate the meal and connect with those around you.

Other than that, just take a break and be alone with your food. Your social media presence will not be missed. And I’m sure that episode of The Walking Dead can wait. 3) Try something new. I don’t mean to insult your mom’s classic Machboos Laham dish, but do try and go outside your comfort zone and try a different cuisine. Korean? Japanese? Irish? Whatever floats your boat! We live in a country with a wide variety of cuisines available. So, go out and try it out the moment you get your paycheck. 4) Socialize. I know I mentioned no distractions, but having pleasant company will you make chat and eat slower. And therefore, taking your time with your meal. (Besides, hosting dinner parties are so much fun!) 5) Take a break. Just like an intermission during a play where they take a break between scenes. Do the same with your meals. Use this time to drink water and decide whether or not you’re full yet. (This may or may not help you with weight loss, just saying.)

Nowadays, we like to scroll through our twitter feed to see if our Twitter crush has tweeted something witty (which they probably stole from another account) while eating. Multitasking, in this case, makes you less aware and puts you in a zombielike state where your finger just seems to be scrolling and tapping away from one application to the next.

Mindful Eating

(Note: This author would like to point out that she’s guilty of all that is mentioned above.) So, here are my tips on how to eat mindfully! 1) Chew slowly. And not like you’re being chased down the street by a swarm of angry grandmothers who wish to feed you and fatten you up. Sit down, pick up the utensil (or use your hands), and savor the meal. Chew and be able to really taste the flavors of your dish. When you actually take the time to enjoy your meal, you’re more aware of whether or not you actually like what you’re eating. And you’ll be able to describe the flavors you’re experiencing. 2) Swear off technology. I know. How dare a 21st century chick even suggest such a disgusting thing? You don’t need to watch your favorite television series or check Whatsapp messages (Unless it was your mom whose messaging you then you need to answer that ASAP, like drop everything and just do it.).

54 www.thecitym.com

So, I hope these simple tips help you out in some way, shape, or form. It’s not easy to let go of old habits, but I promise you that once you do, you’ll feel so much better! Happy eating!

Jinan Mohammad @OptionalHuman OptionalHuman@gmail.com

In her half confident, half anxious tone, and amidst her own personal experience navigating a world in which everything only seems near-possible for the average twenty-something, Jinan Mohammed candidly, humorously, and plainly tells it like it is. In her articles she explores arenas of vast doubt for the average 21st century young adult, but with a voice as sarcastically quippy and amusingly intelligent as hers to keep you company along the way, we think you’ll make it through.

56 www.thecitym.com

CHEF'S CHOICE So, for our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Delicious' issue I had to try out a place that personified the

distinct Kuwaiti character of simplicity, authenticity, and camaraderie we commonly share among ourselves in Kuwaiti society. A place where we can easily and quickly stop by to take in a delicious bite with an old friend. A place that offers up nothing less and nothing more than local character and a downright tasty menu. A place a lot like Bu-Shanab.

@chef_ziad_alobaid

www.thecitym.com 57 Photographer: Hussain Shamo

To take in the full, casually authentic experience of Bu-Shanab, I stopped by there with an old friend of mine and ordered in from their small but fully-packed menu from the seat of his sweet, vintage lowrider. The outdoor setup and the exterior decor that Bu-Shanab had put together definitely added to this ambiance of classically Kuwaiti character and comical simplicity. This was the kind of place where I could kick-back, relax, and just enjoy the pleasure of good company and better food! Now, even though the menu was quite small I’ve got to say that it truly was very rich in the range of eating options. They’ve got a breakfast menu, a Bu-Shanab menu, and a good selection of sweets and drinks too. You don’t have to worry about limiting yourself to one kind of meal here that’s for sure. Also, their use of Kuwaiti local lingo on all their branding, their menu choices, and their food descriptions, added that much more authenticity to the ordering experience. It shows a level of thoughtfulness which I appreciated. Okay, so let’s get right down to the good stuff, shall we? The SHANABZ Beef Doner This dish comes wrapped in a red piece of bread which gave this traditional, otherwise ordinary dish a cool new twist that I had never seen before so I was intrigued by it from the minute I saw it. From afar you'll probably think that it’s going to be spicy but it’s actually not—and yes, for all those wondering, it comes with bacon too. Now, as far as the texture (so, not the taste) is concerned I have to unfortunately say that it came off as quite bland for me. The beef doner itself was actually quite salty. If you’re going to add bacon to a sandwich of any kind, you’ve gotta either

58 www.thecitym.com

add a sweet or sour texture to break the saltiness and this was lacking here. Besides that though it was good and fulfilling. If you’re a fan of salty foods this might hit the spot for you. Kabab Bushanab with Chapati This dish is exactly what it sounds like: Kabab wrapped with chapati. Not much else going on here. It comes with a sauce that I personally found to be a little overpowering of the rest of the ingredients and didn’t do much for the sandwich tastwise. Not high on the recommended list I’m afraid. Red Cinnamon Chapati Ah, the star of the feast! This one, in my opinion, was a completely unexpected knock out! I absolutely loved the idea behind this sandwich— especially the odd twist in choice of ingredients. I ordered it with cream and honey in order to keep it basic and real, but I do believe they have some other options too. As for drinks, I went with a nice, warm classic Karak and it definitely did not disappoint. I imagine it would taste even better on a cold winter morning or late winter night. A must-try for all of you Karak fiends this winter season! All in all, if you’re looking for a place that offers a quick, yummy bite with some cool, local flair, and some surprisingly creative eating ideas, I think Bu-Shanab definitely deserves the pit-stop. Preferably in an orange, vintage low-rider.

@bushanab_kw

"This was the kind of place where I could kick-back, relax, and just enjoy the pleasure of good company and better food!"

www.thecitym.com 59

60 www.thecitym.com

from

BOSNIA to KUWAIT We talk to Nasser Al-Hassawi about his delicious Bosnian project turned ambitious Kuwaiti dream: Mak Zara.

www.thecitym.com 61

Tell our readers a little more about Mak Zara Cafe: what it offers, where the idea behind it came from, and why it’s worth visiting. It offers a variety of appetizers, main dishes, desserts, and drinks. The Mak Zara brand offers Belgian chocolate that is manufactured in Bosnia. The original idea was to offer this chocolate in a coffee shop within a Bosnian ambience. Then we thought about expanding the menu with international food. We make sure to provide selected dishes with a high standard of quality. The space of our kitchen is limited so we cannot offer a large variety of food. Therefore, we have made a great effort to present our exclusive menu with perfection. What are the stand-out, must-try dishes on the Mak Zara menu? The Sweet Chili Shrimp, Bosnian Burek, Home-made Burgers, Parisian Steak, and Scottish Salmon. What is the general ambiance and atmosphere you want visitors to experience in Mak Zara? Mak Zara provides the original idea of a

62 www.thecitym.com

European cafe-restaurant in it’s cool, cultured atmosphere and sophisticated, worldly character. That is, you can enjoy both high quality Bosnian coffee and selected gourmet food in one place, all while enjoying an authentic European-inspired ambiance.

members of the Mak Zara family and will do their utmost to make sure that every plate that leaves the kitchen is handled with the care and professionalism that the customer deserves.

What makes Mak Zara stand out from the competition of other cafes?

Thankfully, most of our customers are happy with our food and our ambience. Some of them are even surprised the level of high quality cuisine that we offer in such a small café-restaurant location.

One of our most distinguished differences at Mak Zara is the Bosnain coffee selection we offer, which is a rarity in Kuwait and a delicacy around the world. We offer a carefully brewed handmade Bosnian coffee and present it in an original, culturally authentic way that few diners will ever forget. What distinguishes your Mak Zara chef and your kitchen staff?

Our chef is a very talented food artist who has a way of making each dish appear inspired and unique in it’s own elegant way. He has a longstanding history working as an experienced chef within several, well-known restaurants in the Middle East. Similarly, our kitchen staff are all very highly trained, top-of-the-line

How has the feedback from Mak Zara customers been so far?

What are 3-pieces of advice you would offer someone thinking of opening their own cafe and restaurant franchise in Kuwait?

1. First of all, you should think of an original and unique idea, and you should have faith in it. 2. You will most likely face a number of obstacles while starting your project. Be strong, positive, and don't give up. 3. You should aim and maintain a highly standard of food and service no matter what and at all times.

"The Bosnain coffee selection we offer is a rarity in Kuwait and a delicacy around the world." @makzara_cafe What have been the biggest challenges and rewards of owning and managing your own business so far? The biggest challenges are that you need to be responsible for running the business yourself, supervising the staff, and making sure everything is presented with the excellence to which you aspire. In addition to having to deal with the obstacle of obtaining the license and processing the legal paperwork. It is wonderful for you see your project growing and gaining the love of customers after such hard work and consistent effort. Having customers come back to our restaurant and give us positive feedback is honestly the biggest reward. How do you plan on expanding and developing Mak Zara in the future? Certainly, we are planning on expanding by opening a few other branches in the future. But we need to be careful in scouting for key areas within the country before we can take this step, but hopefully it is in the works inshallah.

www.thecitym.com 63

CONNOISSEURS WELCOME 64 www.thecitym.com

Coffee connoisseurs always have the best stories to tell. Their relationship with a single cup of coffee can, in many ways, be like a relationship between a master and a pupil. Challenging, intriguing, and always evolving. To be a coffee connoisseur is to be a lover of life, of adventure, and of course, of immaculate taste. Qahwajy roastery owner and thorough connoisseur Shafe'e Al-Awadhi tells us his story. Photographer: Hussain Shamo

www.thecitym.com 65

@Qahwajy

"We were always raised around the warmth and delight that good, wellmade coffee, like my father’s, can bring to people.”

How did your interest in coffee first start and what did you do in order to develop this interest? Anyone who lives in Kuwait (or anywhere in the world, for that matter!), and who sits at a desk every day, working for many hours, loves coffee. Before I ever had my first cup of coffee I loved the smell of the coffee. I once heard my father speaking in conversation and he said that coffee was the second most selling product in the world. After hearing this statement, my interest was immediately piqued and that was when my search into world of coffee began. I started reading about the origin of all the different coffee beans. Things like where they were planted, what the main types of coffee were, and methods of roasting and brewing. After about 7 months of very deep reading and research into the subject, I found myself in love with coffee, with a constant thirst to learn more about it, and with a willingness to try and make something of this newfound love I had for it.. Why did you decide to start a coffee roasting business and what was the inspiration behind it? Well, many, many years ago, my father used to make coffee at home for friends and family members in his own way, and he would only ever make Arabic coffee. Whenever they tried his coffee, all of our friends and family would rave about how good it was—so much so that they would even ask my father to brew some of his famous coffee for them during their special events or occasions! So, in

66 www.thecitym.com

that way, we were always raised around the warmth and delight that good, well-made coffee, like my father’s, can bring to people. When my brother and I started thinking about coming together to make a business, we started brainstorming ideas for what we wanted to present to the Kuwaiti market. We wanted a business that, much like my father’s Arabic coffee, gathered Kuwaitis together in happiness and hospitality. We spent several months thinking about it and, in the end, we decided to open a Kuwaiti roastery, with this idea in mind. Has opening and managing a roastery in Kuwait been difficult? What have you been most surprised by so far? I’m a very big believer in the statement, 'no pain, no gain.’ If you work hard, more often than not, you will almost certainly have a satisfying result. If you don’t put any work in you may only by chance achieve a good result every once in a while at most. It’s one of those rules that’s applicable to all businesses around the world: you have to work at the beginning, if you want to rest at the end.

We were faced with many surprises while planning and managing our roastery. One of the most surprising things we’ve faced were the fluctuating prices of the coffee. They can change from second to second! And so, in order to prepare myself for these fluctuations, I had to start reading and keeping track of the economical analysis of the world’s coffee market just so I can set a plan of production for the whole year! What kind of work goes into maintaining the quality of the coffee beans available at Qahwajy?

We choose our beans from one farm which produces one of the world's highest-quality coffee bean: Arabica. In order to insure the quality of the coffee beans, we have to continuously check the type of the coffee beans (whether Arabica or Robusta), the origin of the coffee beans to make sure they are authentic, and the workmanship that goes into the roasting process is the final item in our quality assurance checklist. Also, before we announce a new flavor or mix, we make sure our panel of well-seasoned coffee tasters approve it and that it meets their standards of excellence. How do you source your green coffee beans and where do the bulk of your beans usually come from? After personally visiting many farms in India and in Indonesia, only one farm ended up passing our quality assurance checklist which is a farm in India. After discovering this farm, we made a deal with the farm owner in order to source all of our Qahwajy products from his farm. What makes the coffee beans available at Qahwajy different than other roasteries in Kuwait?

Well, we produce coffee that is homemade, certifiably high in rare, quality value, and is roasted by an expert hand which boasts of well over 30 years in experience in the field. This is a commitment to quality and authenticity that few local roasters can make. Besides that, Qahwajy is a young, Kuwaiti small business, that is owned and managed by Kuwaitis. We’re eager to represent Kuwait in the best way and to prove ourselves just as worthy as many other larger, corporate roasters in Kuwait. Can you tell us a little more about your different roasting methods in Qahwajy? The method we most use in Qahwajy is through the use of a typical roasting machine. However, what’s different about us are the mixes we use in order to produce the different types of coffee. What's the level of roast we are using for each type? Well, let me tell you one secret in the coffee business: if you mix many levels of roasted coffee beans together, you will end up with a much better taste of coffee rather than if you had just remained on one roast level. What’s your favorite coffee roast right now?

Right now it's a mix between high roasted coffee and medium roasted. But the ratio between them however is a Qahwajy secret. What does a cup of coffee mean to you? It’s a simple word, really: happiness.

If you could tell the average coffee-drinker one thing, what would it be? If you are interested in coffee and want to become a coffeeholic, I recommend you start yourself off with our French coffee—typical or with our flavors. Before you know it you’ll find yourself addicted to coffee in every way!

www.thecitym.com 67

68 www.thecitym.com Photographer: Hussain Shamo

Please Pass THE MA’BOOJ. www.thecitym.com 69

Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;booj is more than just a condiment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that little extra dollop of love condensed and warmth shared across Kuwaiti dinner tables.

70 www.thecitym.com

What is a Kuwaiti feast without that homegrown, subtle addition of a spicy kick, a sour pinch, or even a rich mixture of the two? What is a Kuwaiti feast without the right, small plate of ma’booj on the side? To Noura Al-Attal—or the more affectionately known Mama Noura—ma’booj is more than just a condiment. It’s that little extra dollop of love condensed and warmth shared across Kuwaiti dinner tables. Its a talent she has for creating mixes and pastes of ma’booj that do more than add a zing of spice or a zest of sour—but represent the work, the life, and the love of a Kuwaiti home and a Kuwaiti heart. Mama Noura’s ma’booj is, in a word, memorable. More than memorable; it’s memory-laden. Born and raised in a Kuwaiti home in which no meal was ever complete without a good, strong ma’booj paste on the side, Mama Noura’s appreciation and love for this essentially Kuwaiti dining staple is a matter of personal pride and familiar history. It’s an inherited talent and admiration that was passed down to her from past generations, and to be passed ahead through her to future generations of Kuwaiti homes as well.

Mama Noura's red chilli ma’booj is a reiteration of everything that makes the ma’booj a Kuwaiti classic. It’s texture of fleshy tomatoes and sharptwinging peppers, made that much richer through just the right helpings of garlic, vinegar, salt, olive oil, and ginger, is nothing short of deliciously homey. It’s your grandmother’s secret recipe and your Friday gathering staple. It’s that extra kick of taste that makes your spoonful of Machboos feel like a delicacy of the distinctly Kuwaiti kind; prepare for a palate with a distinctly Kuwaiti soul. As a well-practiced, seasoned hand in the art of ma’booj making, Mama Noura knows how to make (and sometimes even invent) mixes and flavors of such a huge variety and taste sampling that even those of with an aversion to the spicy classics can enjoy. Her pumpkin ma’booj for instance carries an intriguing mix of sweet-andsour flavorings that make it so that every gulping mouthful of food taste like a surprising mix of Kuwaiti culture and international decadency.

That is the kind of talent, love, and intention to be found in every jar Mama Noura believes that the best ma’booj—and the real ma’booj—can of Mama Noura’s ma’booj. It preserves the heart of the Kuwaiti table, only ever be made in the heart of a Kuwaiti kitchen, through the care of celebrates the spice of the Kuwaiti soul, and expresses the flare of the Kuwaiti hands. Kuwaiti character.

In her selection of different mab’ooj pastes and mixes, this love and devotion to the Kuwaiti tradition shines through in every dainty jar.

@mama_noura_ma3booj www.thecitym.com 71

Wha Delig 72 www.thecitym.com

at Sweet ght!

Shaikha Al-Sanea is a mother, a sweet-lover, and a health enthusiast. Her passion for organic eating, paired with an infectiously sweet tooth is the reason behind her latest, most delicious project: Healthies! Prepare yourself for a helping of surprisingly sweet delight that you don't have to feel guilty about.

www.thecitym.com 73

@healthieskw

Photographer: Hussain Shamo

74 www.thecitym.com

"You don't have to deprive yourself from sweets! You just have to choose what you eat in a smart and wise way."

Tell us more about yourself, about Healthies, and about how the idea first came to you? My bachelor degree is actually in English Literature and I also hold an M.A. in Library and Information Sciences from Kuwait University, which is a far stretch from the organic food industry. The truth is however is that I've always had a passion for healthy food and that passion is the idea behind the concept of "Healthies." I've always cared about the quality and the healthiness of anything I eat or drink, while also caring about the taste and deliciousness, so I started a business that combined that care for health and tastiness in one! Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the range of desserts and smoothies that is available at Healthies and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most in-demand?

We offer 16 different kinds of healthy smoothies and each smoothie is made to meet everyone's nutritional needs and to help people maintain their weights at different levels. We've also got our lineup of Healthies reduced fat desserts: our healthy date balls; organic chocolate crispy treats; and Greek yogurt ice creams. Our best sellers are the Greek yogurt ice creams because there's so much variety and healthy sweetness in them! What made you want to start cooking healthy?

I was trying to lose weight after I gave birth to my baby girl. This was the initial concern that got me interested in looking up healthy food. I wanted to lose weight without sacrificing too much on my penchant for sweets and desserts, so I started making nutritious smoothies and low calorie sweets for myself and that's when the idea behind Healthies really started coming together for me as well. Do you have a key ingredient that you use in your Healthies creations and that helps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthiness? Well, not any specific ingredients but I am always extra careful and adamant about using only organic and low calorie foods in my creations, whether that's in our healthy smoothies or our reduced fat desserts.

Who does Healthies desserts and smoothies target? Anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle or maybe lose some weight without having to worry about giving up their addiction to sweets! What advice would you give people who have a sweet tooth, but want to stay healthy? I have sweet tooth too, and to be honest, I don't think I can let any day pass without eating sweets but I always make sure that my deserts are healthy and delicious. So my advice is: you don't have to deprive yourself from sweets! You just have to choose what you eat in a smart and wise way. As a mom, what kind of desserts or sweet foods do you think are healthy enough for children to enjoy? I always make sure to provide my daughter with healthy food. I actually created some special smoothies just for her that are made of nutritious ingredients. I really care about what she eats or drinks so I decided to include healthy smoothies in our Healthies menu that are made especially for children too! As for myself as a mother, I prefer to provide my baby with fruits and organic sweets whenever possible. All the desserts we offer in Healthies are suitable for kids. What have you found to be the most rewarding aspects of starting your own small business? Starting your own business will give you so much more self confidence and make you a lot happier, especially if you're doing what you really love and believe in. What about the most challenging? I can't say that I've found any difficult challenges so far! That's because when I decided to start my own business I headed to Mubader Services company and they helped me to organize my business from A to Z and make sure it started off on the right track. What comes next for Healthies? Do you have any special developments or surprises we can look forward to? Right now I'm planning on opening a shop that becomes the healthy destination for everyone and anyone who cares about his/her health, and who want to maintain their levels of good health forever.

www.thecitym.com 75

Let them eat cake

A PROFILE ON THREE OF KUWAIT'S MOST SINFULLY, SCRUMPTIOUSLY, AND SERIOUSLY DELICIOUS CAKE BUSINESSES: FAYANI CAKES, ONLY CAKE, AND ForMAGGIO CAKES! BE WARNED: THE FOLLOWING IMAGES MAY CAUSE DIET CHEATING AND WAISTLINE EXPANSION. 76 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 77 Photographers : Hussain Shamo

ESRAA AL-DAMKHI ForMAGGIO CAKE

What is the first dessert you remember creating?

The first dessert I ever made was Jell-O! It used to come in small packets and ready ingredients when I was little. I used to love watching my mom work in the kitchen and she used to get really mad at me whenever I would try to interfere while she was working, but whenever she would take a work break she used to sit with me and teach me what to do and teach me several tricks for preparing food in general. Afterwards my interest shifted to sweets. What is the best dessert you have ever eaten?

Something that the people don’t know about me is that I love to travel! have visited lots of countries and tried out every country’s special types of sweets and desserts, so when you say the 'best I have ever eaten’ I’d have to include all the kinds of sweets I’ve tried in all those different countries! Why did you decide to start your own dessert-making business?

The decision came after I found myself growing and developing in my sweets and pastry creations. It was no longer just a hobby of mine—it started to be my way of life! It’s always on my mind; I always follow new tastes and take in new information about pastry making; and whenever I would watch TV, my favorite channels would be the ones with lots of sweet-making programs! After noticing how committed I actually was to it, I decided to take this interest to the next level which was starting my own business. What has the experience of creating your own dessert business been like so far? Well, I would say my decision of going into this business was based on other factors as well. First I had to grow out of the family and friends circle and pass the test of the people who were outside this circle. So one day I decided to take part in an exhibition and that was my turning point as I was really interested in seeing what the end result would be as far as the response of the general public was concerned. Once that test was passed I made up my mind to actually go into this project fully and start my own business on a serious note. You can imagine how hard or easy it actually is to prepare for an exhibition, to wait for the response from the general public, try to look your best when you hear a bad review, or just maybe deciding on whether or not you should take that leap. What is your one secret ingredient that you like to use in most of your dessert creations?

Well, I don’t have any particular, material ingredient but my REAL secret ingredient is the investment I make in all of my taste experiences and the ambition I to be unique in every sweet that I make. I want my customers to not only taste it once but come back for it again and again and again, and each time more mesmerized than they were before.

@formaggio_cake

78 www.thecitym.com

FAYANI CAKES

Rana AL-Ali

What is the first dessert you remember creating?

My first serious attempt at dessert-making was with a saffron cheesecake that I made many years ago. That's when I truly discovered my passion for it! What is the best dessert you have ever eaten?

It was on a trip I took to Dubai once. They serve the most delicious Pain Perdu at La Petite Maison Restaurant and the minute I tasted it I was in love with it. Still haven't found a dessert that has the same effect on me just yet. Why did you decide to start your own dessert-making business?

Well, I've always loved making desserts for family gatherings and close friends and, whenever I would make one of my creations and serve them to people they would all really enjoy them. After so many rave, ecstatic reviews from my friends and family about the desserts I made, and after they all continued to encourage me to take that step and turn my passion into a business, I finally decided to do it and start a serious business out of it.

What is your one secret ingredient that you like to use in most of your dessert creations?

I guess that would have to be my fiber biscuits that I like to use in many of my desserts. They give the cake that extra delicious, delightfully surprisng crunch that a lot of people enjoy.

@fayani_cakes

What has the experience of creating your own dessert business been like so far?

As the old saying goes, every thousand mile journey starts with a step. It was truly very hard for me to gain the courage I needed in order to overcome the initial fear of putting my feet to the ground despite all the competition around me. So the beginning stages were a little harder than I expected but, with the support of my great family and friends, thankfully I've overcome that stage and it's all looking quite wonderful from here!

www.thecitym.com 79

ALYAZI AL-AWADH ONLY CAKE

What is the first dessert you remember creating? The first dessert I ever created for myself was Ghuraiba with pistachio—and it was quite delicious too, if I do say so myself! What is the best dessert you have ever eaten? The best dessert I’ve ever had and probably will ever have is, without a doubt, carrot cake. I am absolutely in love with any and all forms of carrot cake! Why did you decide to start your own dessert making business? I consider myself a creative person so I needed a place where I could fulfill my creative urges while doing something I love, so the idea of starting my own dessert business was a great mix of the two. Plus, I wanted to show my ability as a capable entrepreneur who can handle the business side of things and make a real, professional statement through her work. What has the experience of creating your own dessert business been like so far? It’s actually been quite lovely! Specifically with the expansion and development of social networks that have allowed me to get in touch with a much wider, more diverse audience and allowed me to meet so many great people. It’s also been really nice to observe the continuous development of my product and my concept over time. What is your one secret ingredient that you like to use in most of your dessert creations? I believe that there are countless secrets behind the recipe of any dessert, especially in the world of sweets and baking. But here’s my two cents on what I think are the essentially important ‘secrets’ to desert-making: don’t be careless about the quality or quantity of the flour and eggs you use in your dessert. A lot of people don’t think that part through very much or they think of it as a basic element and that’s it. However, it can really make the difference between a great dessert and a justokay dessert.

@onlycake

80 www.thecitym.com

Care to share a quick, favorite dessert recipe of yours with our readers?

AlYazi's Red Velvet Pancake recipe!

EssrAa's last minute chocolate treat Trick!

Ingredients: Two cups of flower. Three tablespoons of Cocoa Powder. Two teaspoons of baking powder. Half a teaspoon of baking soda. Half a teaspoon of salt. Two cups of milk. Two tablespoons of white vinegar. Half a cup of sugar. Two eggs. One and half tablespoons of red coloring. Two teaspoons of vanilla. Three-Quarter cup of melted butter. Recipe: Mix together all the dry ingredients. Mix the milk and the vinegar together and set them aside for two minutes. After two minutes add the sugar, the eggs, the red coloring, the melted butter, and the vanilla to the mix and stir very well. After mixing the liquid ingredients well, add the dry ingredients gradually. After the pancake mix is ready we use the special pancake maker. First, rub some butter on it then pour in the pancake mix as needed, and as soon as you see some bubbles rising to the top of the pancake you should flip it. And there you go! Red velvet pancakes!

Prepare some ready-made cupcakes which are to be emptied out from inside, fill them with any kind of chocolate or cream with milk, add some fruits if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like, and you have an easy, delicious sweet that you can whip up in a flash in case of short notice visitors!

www.thecitym.com 81

Shahnaz Hussain dreams on in colors of lavendar and chammomile. She breathes into the world scents of lemon zest and honeysuckle. With her world known line of organically (and delciously!) inspired skin care and beauty line, Shanaz Hussain's perfectly radiant, nourishing rose-colored dreams are bottled up for the world to share.

@shahnaz_herbals_kw

82 www.thecitym.com

shahnaz dreams on

HERE COMES THE SUN BIO-ORGANIC FACE OIL WITH HINTS OF LAVENDER, CHAMOMILE, ROSEMARY, AND CALENDULA FOR A GLOW SO RADIANT IT'LL MAKE THE SUN JEALOUS!

www.thecitym.com 83 Photographer: Hussain Shamo

UNDER FLOWERING TREES BREATHE NEW, FLOWERING LIFE INTO YOUR ROOTS AND LET YOUR HAIR ENRICH ITSELF WITH A BOTANICAL SHINE!

JOY OF THE COFFEE BEAN REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN WITH MORE LIFE, MORE LIGHT, AND MORE ENERGY THAN EVER BEFORE WITH A DOUBLE SHOT OF THIS COFFEE BEAN SCRUB!

BASK IN THE SHADE WITH JUST THE RIGHT BLEND OF TUMERIC AND LEMON EXTRACTS, SHADEW BODY CREAM IS JUST THE SURGE OF LIFE YOUR SKIN IS LOOKING FOR.

KAJAL-Y DIVINE THIS PURE ALMOND OIL EXTRACT AND PRECIOUS HERB EYE-DEFINER IS SO FLAWLESSLY NATURAL YET SO FLAWLESSLY DIVINE!

THE SWEETEST HONEY-BEE HONEY UP YOUR FACE WITH A MUD MASK SO SCRUMPTIOUSLY SWEET, IT'LL FILL YOUR CHEEKS WITH YOUTH AND YOUR HEART WITH JOY!

88 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 89

90 www.thecitym.com Photographer: Hussain Shamo

HANDMADE LUXURIES @calongeq8

Introducing the hand-braided luxuries of Calonge. A purse and footwear line that blends the art of the hand and the suppleness of the eye. The craft of the east and the class of the west. Calonge franchise owner Musaed Al-Ajeel tells us more.

www.thecitym.com 91

"Anyone who is looking for a durable and elegant bag that satisfies their needs will find their heart's desire at Calonge!"

When and how did you get interested in leather craftsmanship? We fell in love with the Calonge bags and were keen on knowing how they were made the minute we laid eyes on them. After getting the franchise rights to Kuwait we decided we had to learn more about our brand and about how its manufactured. So we went to visit the factory in India and met the designer of the bags as well as getting to know more about the soul of the barnd itself. How did Calonge first come to be as a business? It all started back in 2006, when my sister was looking for unique and elegant bags that were not in Kuwait. The bags she had bought from Calonge had vibrant colors, beautiful designs, and was very durable. When comparing what Calonge's quality with what was available in Kuwait we thought of how great it would be to introduce the brand to Kuwait. What was the first leather piece you made and the first you sold? It was a small cross leather bag with a removable strap that could be used as a clutch.

92 www.thecitym.com

Do you hand-braid all the pieces at Calonge yourself or do you outsource some of the merchandize?

All of our Calonge bags and footwear are hand-braided in India. Metal accessories are only outsourced. What has been your favorite Calonge product so far? A cross bag that could also be used as a wallet.

Also always keep in mind to always maintain a good level of customer service at all times. Where did you get the design inspiration for your hand-braided collection? Well, our inspiration is a mix of our customer feedback/requests and what’s trending now in the fashion world.

Tell us about the Calonge brand. What kind of lifestyle was the Calonge line-up mostly made for?

Where are your materials from and where are they manufactured?

Who is your typical customer?

If our reader could by one item from the Calonge collection, which would it be?

We at Calonge don’t target a single, specific lifestyle. Our bags are made to cater for all.

We don’t have a typical customer. Our customers are from all different ages for both gender, Anyone who is looking for a durable and elegant bag that satisfies their needs will find their heart's desire at Calonge! What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to make handcrafted, durable goods?

Before starting with any business, one must look and understand the market's needs. Is your product required, is it unique, and will it do well.

All of our material are handmade in India, except for some metal accessories and pieces used in manufacturing that are imported from Singapore or China

Our cross bag.

What does the next few years hold for the Calonge brand and customer?

We are looking into approaching corporate clients and producing items suitable as corporate gifts. As for our customers, we are looking into introducing new products that are suitable for all ages and genders.

www.thecitym.com 93

Photographer: Hussain Shamo

LA BEAUTĂ&#x2030; Au Naturel!

Show your nails some love this fall with a spa experience of a different kind; the kind that is luxurious while comfortable; clean while calming; natural while beautiful. Fay and Dalal wAl-Asousi tell us about why Casa Spa will leave you clean, fresh, happy, and more beautiful than ever before!

www.thecitym.com 95

Tell us more about yourselves and about Casa Spa! What inspired you to start the business, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the concept behind it, and what does it uniquely offer to the Kuwaiti clientele? We are Fay and Dalal Al-Asousi, two sisters who have always been obsessively in-love with the idea of nail bars and who enjoy the luxury that a professional, well-rounded nail bar offers. The idea behind Casa Spa first started when we were thinking of first creating a nail bar at-home service which women could pamper themselves with in the comfort of their own homes, and especially if they have hectic work schedules and can't make much time for themselves. We wanted to make sure that this service, unlike many others, provided all the amenities and high quality work that our clients can expect from the best, world-class nail bars, except with the added benefit of homey comfort. Over time, this idea evolved until we opened our own salon with the same concept in mind and called it Casa Spa. What are the range of different treatments available at Casa Spa, and what is your signature or specialty treatment? All of our treatments start off at a 12 KD price range both at-home and in the salon itself, and they range in all manner of relaxing, nail-oriented pampering. One of our exclusively special services as a nail bar is our hot shell manicures and pedicures as well as our hot oil massages that offer therapeutically relaxing benefits to our clients. How does Casa Spa differ from the competition thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out there? Our commitment to proper, high-levels of hygiene is unmatched in many nail bars around Kuwait. We medically sterilize all of our amenities and equipment to ensure that our clients receive the purest treatment possible and are not exposed to any kinds of bacteria whatsoever. Our prices are also competitively stable and we take extra special care to only hire certified, fully trained nail technicians and manicurists who have extensive experience in the pampering field.

96 www.thecitym.com

What is the mood and the atmosphere that you want your clients to feel upon entering Casa Spa? An atmosphere of tranquility and a mood of relaxation is what we always aim for in our spa experience. We don't have a television or loud music playing in the background. Our clients choose their range of treatments from an iPad screen in a cool, clean, and calm environment where they can simply unwind and let themselves feel pampered.

@casaspa

What do you think are the elements that make for a great spa experience? An experienced staff that understands and fully commits to giving the client the most relaxing, nourishing treatment possible. A range of products and services that cater to the different needs and desires of the clientele. Finally, cleanliness and hygiene is extremely important for ensuring and maintaining a great, healthy spa experience. What have you found to be the most enjoyable part of owning and running Casa Spa? Seeing people walk in through the doors of Casa Spa, relax in it's calming atmosphere, and leave with a happy smile is always a joy for us. We love it when people compliment Casa Spa or share their pleasant experience with us! That satisfaction that our customers feel is the true meaning of success in our minds. What is your main priority when it comes to managing and maintaing Casa Spa? Our main priority is always our client's experience. That's why we take special care in maintaining the highest standards of products and always make sure to offer the latest and greatest in organic, well-produced, exclusively luxurious products and services to our clients. We travel to many expos and locations outside of Kuwait just to make sure that we find just the right products and services that our Casa Spa clients will enjoy.

Seeing people walk in through the doors of Casa Spa, relax in it's calming atmosphere, and leave with a happy smile is always a joy for us.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favorite, most indulgent treatment that you recommend to THE CITY readers? As for myself, Fay, I really enjoy and recommend our collagen treatment just because it can give the hands and feet an exceptionally radiant glow and uses one of our top-line products. As for hair treatments, our Aveeda treatment is miracle worker for dry hair! Dalal on the other hand recommends our Almond Nails treatment because of luxe, organic quality and our Caviar treatment for those looking to pamper their hair!

www.thecitym.com 97

ocial networking is transforming many aspects of society and the labor force is no exception. Most people know about prospective or current employers checking their social feeds for “negative” behavior, but there is a more important impact of social networks occurring in the fastest growing segment of the labor force: the freelance economy. As businesses continue to look to freelancers to build an on-demand workforce, social networking will play an important role in three key ways– building incentive alignment for a more productive work arrangement, encouraging the increase in human capital for freelancers, and further driving the growth of the freelance economy. These trends will only gather speed over the coming years as freelancers continue to redefine how work gets done.

More Productive Work One of the many benefits of the social graph involves the inherent trust from having connections in common. When this trust is transported over to the labor market, it builds an incentive alignment that buyers and sellers of labor are mutually interested in reaching the best possible result–a job well done. In the freelance economy, where work can be short term and assignments given by anonymous online profiles, the added opportunity to build trust through mutual connections can be particularly important in making sure that a freelance assignment receives the same care and attention as more permanent opportunities.

behavior in a very powerful way, shaping the relationships between buyers and sellers of labor. Growth Of The Freelance Economy Working independently is a relatively new concept in our labor economy. As we can expect the independent workforce to multiply in years to come (projected to hit 70 million by 2020) I believe social media will in part be responsible for this growth. As people work independently and have positive experiences, they will share that news with others– many of whom will likely be encouraged to follow suit. They will also have a venue to share which companies offer the best assignments, and at what rates. This level of transparency and near perfect information will bring such a high level of efficiently to the freelance marketplace that even the most traditional of companies will have no choice but to embrace an on-demand workforce. Social media is but one of several technology trends that I believe will be responsible for shaping the freelance economy (mobile usage and data analytics are among the others). Nevertheless, the impact from social media on the freelance economy is clear–and something we should expect to continue.

The Freelance economy

Increase in Human Capital Because of the growth in online staffing, more and more freelancers are finding their work online. That means it’s particularly important for freelancers to invest in their human capital. In order to stand out from the competition, freelancers will be more incentivized to invest in their own professional development, whether that be in the form of ongoing education, licenses, or certifications. This is not unlike people who are searching for full time jobs and want to differentiate their skill sets. In the full time labor force that occurs every few years at most. However, in the freelance economy the maintenance of your human capital is an almost daily occurrence, including soliciting and receiving ratings and reviews for your work. This level of transparency is a cornerstone of the freelance economy and will drive

98 www.thecitym.com

Hind Al-Nahedh @Socialobby @Socialobby

Connecting dots and building networks, Hind Al-Nahedh is one of Kuwait's foremost forward-thinking social media experts and entrepreneurs. In every step she makes she's ahead of the game and ahead of the pack. She shares her well-trained insights and predictions on what she thinks are the most booming, promising changes and bubbles to come down the pipeline of the world that is social media!

the vibe

Boubyan Bank organized an event to celebrate the World Diabetes Day on November 14, under the patronage of the Minister of Health, Ali Al-Obaidi. The celebration included the launch of the first Kuwaiti Arabic-speaking cartoon about the causes of diabetes and means of prevention, said Director General of the bank's administrative affairs Waleed Al-Yagout. Al-Yagout noted the importance of organizing campaigns to bring awareness towards diabetes and its dangers on the society, especially with the increasing numbers of patients.

100 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 101

the vibe The ceremonial dinner for celebrated florist Judith Blacklock's flower arrangement workshop, hosted and organized by Lilly Fleur brought together Kuwait's most elegant and timeless figures. The workshop took place at Jumeirah Messilah Hotel from 2nd to 3rd of November. The ceremonial dinner brought together the workshop participants with a selected group of close friends and warm company, in which the floral centrepieces were arranged by the workshop participants themselves.

102 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 103

the vibe

Celebrate brought video effects wizard and overnight social media sensation Zach King right here to Kuwait for an extra special show and THE CITY was there to cover the big event.

104 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 105

the vibe

Atyab Al-Marshoud's luxuriously fine fragrances announced their latest and greatest addition to their esteemed lineup. The ever-decadent, mystically alluring creation of the young and vibrant Marshoud Waleed Al-Marshoud: Lissah Badri.

106 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 107

the vibe

Ooredoo holds special iPhone launch event Ooredoo Kuwait launched the long-anticipated iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus across the country in a special ceremony. The event took place in Ooredooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters in Kuwait City at 9 pm on Wednesday October the 29th, and carried on until the early hours of Thursday the 30th, the official launch date of the two new iPhone devices. It was attended by customers who pre-purchased or pre-booked their devices, as well as local media and social media influencers. The special celebration event included live entertainment and Ooredoo-branded gifts for all attendees. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are now available with Shamel plans starting at KD 30, using the most advanced network in Kuwait. Ooredoo is also the first telecom provider offering customers with two iPhones for a single plan with its Shamel 58 plan. Commenting on the launch, Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Thani, CEO and General Manager of Ooredoo Kuwait said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are excited to launch the new iPhone devices in the market. The Kuwaiti market is one of the fastest in the region, and the competition is high on providing innovative plans to complement these feature-packed devices. We are offering the devices with carefully-tailored plans to suit the various needs of our clients.â&#x20AC;?

108 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 109

the vibe

HH Prince Khalid bin Saud bin Khalid bin Turki Al Saud opens Foodex Saudi 2014 Second edition of largest Saudi F&B exhibition showcases global marketplace under one roof The second edition of Foodex Saudi was inaugurated yesterday by HH Prince Khalid bin Saud bin Khalid bin Turki Al Saud, Deputy Chairman of the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Technical Affairs. Organised by Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions and taking place at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events from 17th – 20th November 2014, the event has attracted more than 400 brands from over 30 countries and is projected to receive over 15,000 visitors and buyers from Saudi Arabia and the GCC. Under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture—represented by its Deputy Minister, Eng. Jaber Bin Mohammed Al-Shihri—and sponsored by Alpha Trading, Savola Foods Arabia and Fakeih Poultry, to name just a few, Foodex Saudi has set the benchmark for food and beverage exhibitions in the Kingdom. Some of the leading brands presented at the event include Fakieh Poultry, Al Tazaj, Afia Oil, Café Mauro, The Frozen Yogurt Factory, Evian, Valrhona, Choco Melt, Butler, Magic, Abu Bint and Tabasco. “We’d like to thank HH Prince Khalid bin Saud bin Khalid bin Turki Al Saud and the Ministry of Agriculture for their continued patronage and support of Foodex Saudi—we believe that there is no better time than now for these initiatives. The Saudi food sector is expected to grow by 55.3% over the next few years, reaching $70 billion per annum. Being the largest consumer in the Gulf, the Kingdom’s food and agricultural commodities account for 15%, or $17.5 billion, of its imports, with agricultural imports projected to grow by as much as 76% by 2016. The exhibition provides a platform for local and international businesses to come together and further develop Saudi Arabia’s F&B industry,” said Simon Blazeby, Head of Exhibitions at Reed Sunaidi. Commenting on his company’s decision to participate for the first time, in Foodex Saudi 2014, Gerardo Tapia, CEO of Cominova SA de CV (Mexico) and Cominova España, SL (Spain), said: “We believe that Foodex Saudi is a great opportunity to expand our market and unite Mexican and Saudi cultures. Cominova produces 120 different products and represents 30 different small to medium companies from Mexico. Our products are innovative, of high quality and aim to preserve Mexico’s inherited recipes.” The opening day also marked the kick-off of the three day Saudi Food Forum, with the keynote address being delivered by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, H.E. Eng. Jaber Mohamed Al Shehri. Focusing on the responsible development of the Kingdom’s $70 billion F&B industry, the topics to be covered during the three days in session include food security and safety, import and export, supply chain and logistics, Halal food standards, and food marketing. Foodex Saudi is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry. For more information, please visit www.foodexsaudi.com.

110 www.thecitym.com

Download

Your

Digital Version

Today www.thecitym.com

the vibe

Ooredoo celebrates World Cities Day at Yarmouk EcoFriendly Park today Ooredoo, jointly with the United Nations Human settlements Programme (UN Habitat) and the Governorate of Asimah celebrate the Yarmouk Eco-Friendly Park today. The celebration also marks the celebration of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme World Cities Day: Leading Urban Transformation. The celebration, which takes place today until 5 pm, includes live entertainment, food and boutique booths by local entrepreneurs. The celebration is open to the public and admission is free of charge. This comes as part of Ooredooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuous interest in spearheading initiatives that enhance the lives of people and communities.

112 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 113

the vibe

‫تنبيه إعالمي‬ ‫ ساعات رولكس وجاكوار الند روفر األمير هاري يشارك في الدورة الخامسة من كأس سينتيبيل للبولو في أبوظبي‬,‫برعاية االتحاد للطيران‬ ‫المتحدة‬ ‫الدولي في نادي غنتوت لسباق الخيل والبولو باإلمارات‬ ‫يقدمها رويال سالوت للبولو‬ ّ ‫العربية‬ ّ ‫من المقرر أن تُ قام فعالية كأس سينتيبيل للبولو التي‬ ّ ّ .‫ نوفمبر الجاري‬20 ‫في تاريخ‬ ‫التبرعات‬ ‫ّإن‬ ّ ‫فعالية كأس سينتيبيل للبولو التي‬ ّ ‫ إلى جمع‬،‫ وهي تهدف في دورتها الخامسة لهذا العام‬.‫ هي وليدة أفكار األمير هاري‬2010 ‫تأسست في العام‬ ّ ‫المشردين في ليسوتو في أفريقيا‬ ‫الصحّية والتعليم لألطفال‬ ّ ‫ ونشر الوعي حول عمل هذه األخيرة الذي يقتصر على توفير الرعاية‬،‫لجمعية سينتيبيل الخيرية‬ ّ ّ ّ .‫ اإليدز في ليسوتو‬/‫البشرية‬ ‫يشكل معظمهم ضحايا للفقر المدقع وفيروس نقص المناعة‬ ‫ إذ‬،‫الجنوبية‬ ّ ّ

Introducing the new No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED Serums, clinically proven to be even more effective at reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles After seven years of research, reformulation and further extensive scientific testing, Boots is launching the new No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED Serums. Remember the storm of interest in 2007 when Boots revealed that its original No7 Protect & Perfect Serum had anti-ageing effects equivalent to a gold-standard, prescription only treatment? Now, new and more powerful formulas, with even greater anti-wrinkle benefits, are about to hit the Boots store shelves to help women look and feel their best. No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED Serum, for improving the first signs of ageing that usually start to appear between ages 25 and 35. No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum, for improving the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles typically experienced by women aged 35+.

114 www.thecitym.com

www.thecitym.com 115

116 www.thecitym.com

WINTER 2014

lily.fashion

lily fashion www.thecitym.com 117

2014/171/ ‫ج‬-‫ت‬ Offer is valid from 1/7/2014 to 1/7/2015

Burgan Bank’s Youth Account now gives you the amazing opportunity to double your educational allowance every month and win additional KD 200. For every KD 20 in your Youth account you get an additional chance to be the winner.

With Youth Account you are the winner! follow us on:

Burgan Bank Official page

@burganbankgroup

For more information call 1804080, or visit www.burgan.com