2:48AM - Entertaining Kuwait since 2003

I don’t know how I only recently realized this but turns out there is a pretty big difference between the first gen Apple TV 4K and the 3rd generation one, even though they look pretty much the same.

I only found out after I installed tvOS 26 developer beta on my AppleTV. I didn’t notice any visual differences and then a few days later I read an article about how some of the new visual changes would only show on the gen 3 AppleTV. So I checked my model and realized it was the first generation from 2017. I didn’t really realize because at one point in time I upgraded my remote to the new one and so my AppleTV in my hands resembled the latest gen.

What I also didn’t realize was that there was a considerable upgrade to the Apple TV CPU from the 1st gen to the 3rd. So I went out and bought the latest AppleTV which is over 2 years old now and damn, the difference in experience is pretty big.

All the streaming apps start and run faster now, and even the streams start quicker. Not only that but Peacock for example seems to be streaming in 4K now when it previously wasn’t. Or maybe it was but the app processes the stream better now resulting in sharper footage? No idea but the whole AppleTV experience had just been a huge upgrade for me.

Usually I’m on top of everything Apple so quite surprised at how I was so unaware of this. I actually shouldn’t have bought the AppleTV now since it’s due for an upgrade soon, but figured I’d just sell it again once the new one comes out.

Provin is a local brand that sells high-quality supplements and herbal remedies. They carry around 100 brands, including some really popular ones like NOW, Goli, Thorne, Health Nag, Optimum Nutrition, Sundown, and many more.

A lot of people don’t realize that our extreme heat can actually degrade or spoil supplements if they’re exposed to high temperatures for too long. That’s why Provin is running a “cool” campaign right now.

Every order from Provin comes with a small ice pack in the box. If the ice pack is melted by the time it arrives, just take a photo and send it to Provin, they’ll sort it out for you.

It’s a simple but important initiative, especially in this heat. Getting your supplements delivered cooled means you don’t have to worry about them losing potency or going bad before they even reach you. Provin’s extra step gives you peace of mind that what you’re taking is as fresh and effective as it should be.

If you’ve never ordered from Provin or want to find out more, check them out at provin.me

Not a lot happening this weekend, but I did manage to find some activities that look pretty fun.

Here are my favorite things happening this weekend. As always, double check the event details with the organizers.

Thursday, June 26
Chapter Three: Literary Open Mic

Friday, June 27
Early Birds Book Club Meeting

Saturday, June 28
Second Chance Thrift Sale
Treasure Hunt Challenge
Girls Only Open Board Gaming
Lego Printmaking Workshop

Keeta, the giant Chinese food delivery service, is coming to Kuwait to compete with the likes of Talabat, Deliveroo, Jahez, and Cari. I hadn’t heard of Keeta until recently, but they’re the world’s largest food delivery platform, with over 770 million users, 98 million daily orders, and more than 7 million drivers.

I don’t think there is room for another delivery service in Kuwait, but they were able to do really well in Saudi, and quickly. It took them just four months after launching to become the third-largest food delivery platform there. So they might do the same here and push someone else out of the top three.

To capture such a large chunk of the Saudi market so quickly, Keeta replicated the strategy they used in China: ultra-low prices and no delivery fees. From what I’ve been told, they’ll be waiving delivery fees in Kuwait as well, at least for the first 12 months.

Their delivery speed roadmap for Kuwait is also ambitious. The initial plan is a consistent 25–30 minute delivery time across Kuwait, with phase two targeting under 20 minutes in dense areas. The long-term goal is a 15-minute “hyper-local” service.

Another cool feature they’ll have is Keeta points which you earn with every order. You’ll be able to convert those points into airline miles, hotel loyalty programs, or lifestyle memberships.

Being a Chinese company, they’re obviously very tech-focused. This past December, they launched a small-scale drone delivery service in Dubai, using drones to deliver food and medical supplies to Keeta delivery stations around the city. In China they’ve also been experimenting with autonomous vehicles and delivery robots. Not sure if we’ll ever get any of these here, but even if we don’t, their app and restaurant software system is supposedly one of the best.

They’re planning to officially launch in Kuwait this coming September, with a soft launch before with select restaurants.

If you’ve passed by Harvey Nichols recently, you probably noticed part of the ground floor was closed off. That’s because the store is getting a facelift. A couple of days ago, they opened up the renovated section and closed off a new area to continue the revamp.

Although the revamped area is pretty small, it’s enough to give you an idea of the direction they’re heading in (some elements have a bit of a 60s vibe). I like the new look but don’t judge it based on my photos alone. My colors are a bit off and the place was busy, so I had limited angles to shoot from without people in the frame.

Harvey has been open since November, 2012.

I had a really hard time finding a Pro Controller 2 for my Switch 2 since they were sold out everywhere. But this morning I picked one up from Game Store. I saw on their instagram story they had a few in store but were not available online. So I got in touch with them by WhatsApp and they told me it was only available at Game Store Avenues and Kout Mall.

Thankfully I was able to purchase it and pay for it through WhatsApp yesterday, and just headed there this morning to pick it up.

As of this post they still have a few in stock and they’re selling them for KD32.9

I actually have the original Pro Controller 1 but Nintendo being Nintendo are only allowing the new Pro Controller 2 to wake up the Switch 2 from sleep mode. That means every time I want to play I need to reach behind my TV where I have my Switch 2 dock and turn it on before turning my controller on. Super annoying. With the new controller I’ll be able to turn it on from the controller itself like a normal gaming system.

Russell Peters, the popular stand-up comedian, is coming back to Kuwait as part of his Relax World Tour. This isn’t his first time performing in Kuwait, but the last time he was scheduled to come was in October 2023 and that show was canceled.

Fame Entertainment (@fame.entmt), the same company that recently brought Fluffy, Craig David and Blue to Kuwait are the ones who are bringing Russell Peters back. There will take place on October 20th so I expect tickets to go on sale at the end of summer. Link

Aseer Time, the largest juice shop franchise in Kuwait, just opened in China – yes, China. The new branch in the city of Quanzhou marks their 501st branch overall. Aseer Time now operates over 500 branches across 23 countries, with more locations launching soon in Australia, the Netherlands, and a 14th U.S. branch in Los Angeles.

Aseer Time opening in China was definitely not on my 2025 bingo card.

If you’re interested in owning a Aseer Time franchise, you can contact them by WhatsApp on +965 6709 0966

@39ertime

Just over 15 years ago, I posted a review of a then-newly opened restaurant in the city called Little Ruby’s. The place had a very cozy interior, and I loved the food as well as the atmosphere. But Little Ruby’s has grown up, which is why they decided it was time to drop the “Little” from the name and refresh the menu. Little Ruby’s is now just Ruby’s.

The two things I always loved most at Ruby’s were their salads and sandwiches. Thankfully, my favorites are still on the menu, including the Bronte Burger, which now has a new name. Their Mango Chicken Salad and one of the best Philly Cheesesteaks in Kuwait are also still available. But the majority of the menu has been updated to fit the new, more mature Ruby’s.

Kuwaiti chef Khaled AlBaker (@chefkb) really elevated the menu, starting with the pastas, which are now all freshly made in house. He also introduced new appetizers like Cacio Pepe Fries, Steak Skewers, and Chimi Arrayes. The biggest changes are in the mains, with new items like the Soho Cut made with sliced tenderloin in porcini mushroom sauce, the Club Sandwich which I need to try, and a Parma Chicken I’m saving for a cheat day.

Even the kids now have their own dedicated menu, with options like Little Tenders and Sliders.

The new branding and menu have only been rolled out at their flagship location in Assima Mall. The remaining five locations will be revamped throughout the year. So if you want to try the new menu, the Assima location is open daily from 12PM to 11PM. @littlerubys

Turns out Pret A Manger also opened in Terminal 4 of Kuwait Airport. They opened two weeks ago and took over the previous seating area for Shake Shack, on the ground floor of the departure area.

Thanks Yousef

Another surprisingly busy weekend, here are my favorite things happening. As always, double check the event details with the organizers.

Thursday, June 19
Yellow Balloon Festival
Entertainment Village

Friday, June 20
Entertainment Village
Introduction to Analog Photography
Songwriting 101: Ego Detox
Oil Pastels & Coffee

Saturday, June 21
Entertainment Village
Jam Session
Green Coffee
Eco Talks
DAI Story Time
CHESS SATURDAYS AT AMRICANI
Summer Solstice Women’s Circle
Brew & Bites Brunch

Kuwait Flour Mills & Bakeries opened their Kuwait Airport branch in Terminal 4 this morning. I had a friend flying out and managed to take some photos which he shared with me. It’s pretty smart that they’re selling their coffee and baked goods there, but also a bit odd that they’re selling dry pasta and flour?

Anyway, Kuwait Flour Mills ran into a bit of controversy with their affordable 750fils latte and 500fils Americanos and Espressos back in April. I’m pretty sure the coffee shops at T4 aren’t going to be too excited about them opening up next to them. @kfmkuwait

Thanks Zaydoun!

A couple of days ago, Wingstop started delivery in Kuwait through Talabat. They currently have just two locations open, so the delivery coverage is still limited. For now, they deliver to the following areas:

Bayan
Daiya
Dasma
Hawally
Jabriya
Mansouriya
Messila
Mishref
Mubarak Al-Abdullah
Qadsiya
Rumaithiya
Sabah Al Salem
Salmiya
Salwa
Shaab

They’re planning to open four more locations around Kuwait, with the next one expected to launch next month at Assima Mall. As more locations open, the delivery zones will expand. @wingstopkuwait

Yes, this is related to my previous post, I’ve put up my home gym for sale in the classifieds section. If you’re looking for a really good quality gym at a very reduced price reach out to me. Open to offers as well! Link

If you want my Water Rower as well I can give you a great price bundle.

ERA is a new fitness and wellness club that opened a few months ago. I first found out about it because my wife was looking to join a gym and ended up signing up as a founding member. So when they approached me for this post, I already knew who they were.

ERA isn’t your typical large and busy gym. They describe themselves as a premium fitness and wellness hub. It’s an exclusive club designed for a limited number of members, offering personal training, a variety of classes, Pilates, private studios, consultations, workshops, retail space, and a smoothie bar.

I hadn’t seen the space until they shared photos with me, and after going through them, I decided to check it out in person. For the past couple of months, I’ve been thinking about joining a gym again since my old one shut down. I don’t like large gyms, I don’t like mixed gyms, and most importantly, I needed a place with personal training (the only way I’m going to work out is if someone forces me to). ERA ticked all the boxes, so I ended up joining too.

The team and trainers behind ERA are fairly well known, many of them having come from the now-closed Corniche Club. They’ve been working in Kuwait for years and genuinely love it here, which is reassuring because it means my PT or the quality of service isn’t suddenly going to change in a few months.

ERA is spread over three floors: a women’s floor, a men’s floor, and a floor for classes. The space has large windows that stretch from one end to the other and overlook the sea, so there’s plenty of daylight, which is something I really care about. I also liked the design, not just because it wasn’t dark and moody, but because it had a really calm and welcoming feel. That was another reason I ended up signing up.

I half-heartedly don’t want to promote the gym now that I’ve joined, since I don’t want it getting too popular. But they’ve capped the number of members, so I know it’ll never get too busy. If you’re looking for a new gym, you can check them out @eramembers.club

Design by @saccaldesignhouse, Photos by @mashkanani