Author: Mark

A few hours ago the Public Authority Of Manpower announced that starting July, expats need an exit permit to leave Kuwait. The permits can’t be applied for through the Sahel App.

Although it’s all over the news this can’t be true. Somewhere along the lines something must have been lost in translation because requiring all expats get a permit just to travel can’t be realistic.

Here is the Public Authority’s statement translated to English:

In an organizational move aimed at strengthening control over the movement of expatriate workers and ensuring a balance between workers’ and employers’ rights, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah issued a ministerial circular obliging expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain a “departure permit” from registered employers before leaving the country.

The General Authority for Manpower announced in implementation of the ministerial circular issued by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the expatriate worker must submit a request for a departure permit to the employer, including his personal data and the specific travel date, using the official form approved by the Authority. These applications will be submitted electronically through the dedicated platform to ensure speed and accuracy in processing.

The Authority stressed that this measure aims to regulate the departure of expatriate workers, ensure their compliance with legal regulations, protect the rights of workers and employers, and reduce violations associated with leaving the country without prior notice. The Commission also called on employers and expatriate workers to fully comply with this procedure, and this circular comes as part of the government’s efforts to develop the work environment. This circular will begin on July 1, 2025. Source

Stores and gamers started getting their Switch 2 shipments yesterday since Kuwait customs reopened. I got mine yesterday morning and I know from a friend they’ve started popping up in Rehab as well although for 210KD. Geekay also had a few for sale for 235KD and they’re now available to preorder on their website for 205. Also, those who preordered from Alfuhod started getting their shipments yesterday as well.

My Mario Kart World cartridge is still on the way, for some reason Amazon shipped them both separately and I should be getting it tomorrow. But I managed to transfer everything from my Switch 1 to my Switch 2 yesterday and now have my original Switch up for sale.

Since I used my Switch 1 in dock mode 90% of the time, so far the Switch 2 feels very similar since I’m using my Switch 1 pro-controller. The biggest difference has to be the speed of the Nintendo store, everything loads A LOT faster, like sooo much faster, I can’t believe how slow the store used to be on the Switch 1 now that I look back at it. I downloaded the graphics upgrade for Zelda TOK but haven’t gotten around to playing it. I haven’t played Zelda in a few months so completely forgot all the controls and areas, need to figure it all out again.

If you got your Switch 2 already, let me know in the comments where you had ordered it from.

A few months ago, I posted about a guy named Abdullah AlJarallah. During the day, he managed investment deals, but at night, he was in the kitchen perfecting his pizza-making skills. He operated out of a small commercial kitchen with no set menu, timings, or delivery. Whenever he planned to make pizza, he’d let his followers know what was on offer and when, and they’d place their orders and pick them up.

A lot has changed since then, and Abdullah just opened his first restaurant called Jars (@atjars).

Jars is a small, cozy pizza spot located in Hawalli. It’s right off the main highway, so you don’t have to deal with the usual Hawalli traffic. The interior has a basic, slightly industrial look because he had to work with a limited budget, but it works well for the concept. Abdullah also keeps things simple with a set menu. It starts with a welcome bite of focaccia and butter, followed by two seasonal starters. The mains include four pizzas: Margherita, mushroom, pepperoni, and a fourth one that changes often. For dessert, there are two choices.

Yesterday the starters were Bresaola and a watermelon feta cheese salad. For the pizzas we were two so we ordered the pepperoni (Pep Talk) and the mushroom (Funghi Bianco). We also ordered a gelato and strawberries with mascarpone for dessert.

The starters were good. The bresaola was great, though the portion was small. You can’t go wrong with a watermelon and feta cheese salad in summer. Between the two pizzas, I liked the pepperoni more and would order it again next time, or maybe try the Margherita or whatever special pizza Abdullah’s cooking that day. His crust is very crispy with little to no flop, so if you’re not into soft floppy pizzas, you’re gonna like this. I also preferred the gelato over the strawberries with mascarpone for dessert.

Jars opened about a week ago, and even though it wasn’t a full house when I visited, the service was good and friendly. The set menu costs KD 8.750 per person (doesn’t include drinks and dessert), and you need to reserve ahead since they don’t accept walk-ins. They’re currently open from 7PM to 11PM, and you can find them on Google Maps by searching for Jars. To reserve, click here.

Something really weird happened to me yesterday. I was ordering the new AirFly Pro 2 (it’s a device that allows me to connect two bluetooth headphones to my iPad) and as I was checking out I noticed that Amazon weren’t charging me for shipping to Kuwait. It was making me pay the import charges, but shipping was free.

I placed the order and just a few moments ago it shipped to Kuwait using Aramex. So I just went through my wishlist to see if this was just a one time thing, or specific product offer, and nope, turns out a lot of the items on my wishlist can now be shipped to Kuwait for free which is crazy.

Turns out Amazon.com (US) has now introduced free delivery to Kuwait when you purchase one or more eligible items with an order value of USD 59 or more.

This is a game changer!

Alghanim Industries has announced that they’re now the official distributor of Starlink’s satellite internet in Kuwait and across the Middle East, North Africa, India, Turkey, Pakistan, and more. For those not in the loop, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet that works through satellites, making it perfect for places where regular internet can be spotty or completely unavailable.

This is pretty big news. Although our internet is pretty fast here, our latency is terrible. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. Basically, it’s the delay you feel when you’re trying to load a webpage, play a game online, or join a video call. Lower latency means less delay and faster responses.

According to the Sama X website, there will be four packages to choose from:

Sama X Personal 500GB
Sama X Personal 1TB
Sama X Personal 2TB
Sama X Personal 5TB

All four packages promise speeds up to 350/40 Mbps (download/upload), and 20-40ms latency. The difference between the four packages will be the bandwidth.

The rollout has already started across the region. According to the Starlink website, the service is currently available in Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pending regulatory approval, while Kuwait will be available this year. Exciting!

Sama X don’t seem to have an Instagram account, but their website is samax.com

Back in the day when a new console came out, or a new game, you’d find it at Rihab Complex for sale a couple of days before the launch. These days are long gone now. I was there a few days ago asking stores about the Switch 2 and nobody had any idea when they were getting it.

In 2008, of the most eagerly anticipated PlayStation 3 games ever, Metal Gear Solid 4 was released in Kuwait ahead of the official release date in the US by a full 3 days. It was such a big deal that even Kotaku posted about it. In 2017 when the original Switch was launched, it was available for sale at Rehab before the official launch date. Photo below was part of the Kotaku article.

I was talking to the owner of Kuwait Center, one of the OGs in the business. He actually used to be the go-to Nintendo store back in the day and still has a ton of new old stock Nintendo stuff. He had no idea when he was getting the Switch 2. But he also told me that after COVID, with the new electronic systems they implemented for processes, it’s nearly impossible to clear items from customs on the same day which is why we no longer see as many games and consoles for sale before launch. Previously he’d run around getting all the paperwork he needed signed to clear the shipment quickly. Nowadays everything has to be submitted online and requests and approvals take longer.

So far it looks like the only place that was able to get an early shipment of Nintendo Switch 2’s in Kuwait was Game Store. Their shipment arrived on June 3rd and they delivered them already to their customers. A reader told me they sold for KD 240 each which is obviously a lot higher than the market price but not too bad if you just wanted to get the console before the official world launch.

Personally, I ordered my Switch 2 from Amazon.es. According to a recommendation from a reader I originally placed the order for one from Amazon.fr. But I then noticed that if I ordered from the Spain website shipping would be cheaper. I ordered the Switch 2 Console (not the Mario Kart bundle), and a physical copy of Mario Kart World. Both items were shipped to Kuwait with customs and everything came out to 516 euros, or KD 180. Might be a bit less since Amazon tends to refund me a bit back from the import deposit. That’s basically the same as the Nintendo official price for the console bundle in Saudi which is great.

The reason I didn’t order the bundle from Amazon.es is because I found out the European models get a download code for Mario Kart unlike in Saudi for example where you get an actual cartridge. I read the code would only be redeemable in the Nintendo stores of the country of purchase and if that’s true it would mean I would need to create a new Nintendo Spain account which I didn’t want to do. Plus I prefer a physical copy of the game anyway.

The Switch 2 was out of stock on Amazon.es for a few days but this morning they were back in stock. So if you want one just order one from there. If you order today they estimate it will arrive after Eid on June 15. Here is the link.

Yesterday, I came across a tweet by Sharifa Alshalfan, a member of the Kuwait Municipal Council, sharing a proposal that I think is a great idea for solving the current congestion in suburban areas. Sharifa tweeted that she had submitted an amendment to the residential building regulations, aimed at addressing the increasing number of cars in residential neighborhoods and their negative impact on the quality of life.

Currently, the regulations only allow the ground floor of a residential building to extend to the property line, while upper floors must be set back. Sharifa’s proposal seeks to modify the regulations to change this rule. The amendment would allow parking spaces to be added on the ground floor and make up for the lost space by letting the first and second floors extend out to the property line.

Key features of the proposal include:

Optional parking spaces within the plot: Giving property owners the choice to add parking without compromising living space above.

Automatic shading: The new design would provide shading for parking spaces through the upper floors’ extension, eliminating the need for separate canopies.

Improved pedestrian safety and greenery: The changes aim to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and enhance the greenery in residential areas.

I had an architect help me create the image above to help visualize how this proposal would work. I’m actually surprised this wasn’t suggested before since it makes so much sense. According to Sharifa, the average 400m plot house can easily fit 6 cars.

Sharifa’s proposal is part of a bigger effort to update building rules to better fit our changing cities and make life better for people living there. According to her, it could take 2 months or longer to find out if this proposal is approved or rejected.

Sharifa is the co-author of “THE MULTIPLEX TYPOLOGY: Living in Kuwait’s hybrid homes”, a book on housing in Kuwait co-authored with Joaquín Pérez-Goicoechea and Sarah AlFraih. If you’re interested, the book is available to purchase at That Al Salasil in The Avenues.

Thanks Zaydoun!

This came as a bit of a surprise, The Marafie Group of Companies announced that the B&O agency has been transferred to Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi Group (BNK Holding). I couldn’t find any details online on how long Marafie had the B&O brand in Kuwait, but it must be at least from the 80s since I remember going to their basement store in Zahra Complex as a kid. Link

I’m a pretty huge fan of the Bang & Olufsen brand, as long as it’s not battery operated that is. All my portable B&O units (BeoLit 12, BeoLit 15 and BeoPlay A2) stopped holding a charge a couple of years after buying them. My A9 on the other hand pictured above which I got back I 2013, still works perfectly. For all my B&O related posts, click here.

Yesterday’s post inspired me to put together this list of local lifestyle brands I love. Some of these are brands I have a personal connection with, while others I just appreciate for their story or aesthetic. I’m hoping you might not have heard of some of them yet, but that you’ll end up loving them when you do.

Ecru
Limited collections of objects, furniture, and clothing inspired by the ethos and culture of Arab hospitality.

ET Cetra
Contemporary lifestyle supplier store where everyday objects are celebrated for their function, simplicity, and design.

From Mud
Ceramics studio specializing in designing and creating handmade tableware and objects.

Happy Herbalist
A 100% natural, cruelty-free organic skincare brand that uses clean ingredients sourced from around the world.

Hind
Curated handmade clothing and accessories from around the world, crafted by artisans to support families, education, and a sustainable future.

Hot Mess
Sleepwear and loungewear designed not to be perfect, but to feel good, look cute, and live real.

Khaneh
Curated selection of authentic and handmade pieces that add warmth, depth, and character to your home.

Pantera Furtiva
Blends minimalism with an appreciation for quality craftsmanship in handcrafted footwear.

Ra
A MENA-inspired, ungendered, and seasonless brand, all handmade by local craftspeople and made to order in their Kuwait City studio.

SOM Active
State of Mind Active is a fashion-focused recreational apparel brand with a wellness-driven mindset.

Sonder Goods
Unique, high-quality stationery and design-focused products, with collaborations from local, regional, and international creatives.

The Soap Box
Natural luxury soap and skincare using lavender they grow in Ireland.

Zeri Craft
Blends Khaleeji cultural inspiration with contemporary design, creating simple, functional objects that honor tradition and sustainability, all handcrafted by skilled artisans.

According to a thread on twitter by an exhibitor at the recently held Gold & Jewlery Exhibition, they had a diamond bracelet stolen from their booth.

Investigations by the Ministry of Interior revealed that two women were involved in the theft, stealing dozens of jewelry pieces worth hundreds of thousands of dinars from several stores at the exhibition. The stolen items included a diamond ring valued at over 30,000 Kuwaiti dinars from a well-known Kuwaiti store.

The MOI were able to identify the suspects and arrest them in less than 24 hours with all the stolen jewelry in their possession.

I hadn’t read about this heist anywhere else so thought it was interesting, and after googling found an Arab Times article with more information which you can check out here.

This morning I read that the actor Jonathan Joss who played Chief Ken Hotate on the show Parks and Recreation was shot and killed by his neighbor.

I hadn’t watched Parks and Rec since the show ended 10 years ago so I decided to look for a video of the Jonathan on the show as a reminder, and oh my god, I totally forgot how hilarious Parks and Rec was. RIP Chief. YouTube

Hamleys, the world’s oldest toy store, just opened a new location at The Avenues. When Hamleys first opened in Kuwait back in 2020, I was a bit surprised they chose to open at The Gate Mall instead of The Avenues. I found that store small and too far out of my way to ever want to visit. But a few days ago, they opened their new location in Phase 1 of The Avenues, and I feel this is the one they should have opened back then.

The new Hamleys is bigger and more inviting although still tiny compared to the Hamleys flagship store in London. I think it’s also slightly smaller than the Fantasy Land store in The Avenues, but it’s filled with lots of toys including dedicated Hot Wheels, LEGO, Barbie and Play-Doh areas. There is also a Build-A-Bear Workshop inside the store.

The opening of this new store feels like a relaunch of the brand in Kuwait, since their Instagram account has deleted all traces of the previous store and positioned themselves as if they’re just opening in Kuwait for the first time.

If you want to check out the new store, it’s located on the ground floor of Phase 1 next to Foot Locker (not to be confused with the Foot Locker in Phase 3 or the one at The Forum). To make things slightly more confusing, Hamleys’ profile says they’re open in Avenues Phase 2, but the map on The Avenues website says Phase 1 🤷🏼‍♂️. Here’s their Instagram @hamleyskuwait

Here’s my 2025 list of pools in Kuwait that offer day passes. This list is strictly “singles friendly,” except for two pools that have ladies-only days or families-only access on weekends.

Arabella Beach Hotel
Telephone: 22277744
Timings: 10am to 7pm
Weekdays 25KD
Weekends Not Available

Argan Al Bida’a Club
Telephone: 22263115
Timings: 8am to 8pm
Weekdays 30KD
Weekends 35KD (Families Only)

Copthorne Al Jahra Hotel & Resort
Telephone: 24590000
Timings: 9am to 7pm
Weekdays/Weekends 10KD

Crowne Plaza
Telephone: 1848111
Timings: 6am to 10pm
Weekdays/Weekends 20KD

Four Seasons Hotel
Telephone: 22006000
Timings: 8am to 6pm
Weekdays/Weekends 40KD (70KD Couple)

Holiday Inn & Suites
Telephone: 25760000
Timings: 6:30am to Midnight
Weekdays 20KD
Weekend 29KD

Hyatt Regency Al Kout Mall
Telephone: 23931234
Timings: 8am to 8pm
Weekdays/Weekends 25KD
(Ladies only days on Mondays and Wednesdays)

Marina Hotel
Telephone: 22230030
Timings: 9am to 6pm
Weekdays 35KD
Weekends 40KD

Millennium Hotel
Telephone: 22050505
Timings: 9am to 6pm
Weekdays/Weekends 25KD

Mövenpick Hotel Resort AlBidaa
Telephone: 22253100
Timings: 8am to 8pm
Weekdays 25KD
Weekends 30KD

Park Inn by Radisson
Telephone: 22068500
Timings: 8am to 8pm
Weekdays/Weekends 15KD

Radisson Blu (member invite required)
Telephone: 25673000
Timings: 6am to 11pm
Weekdays 20KD
Weekends 30KD

SVN Club (member invite required)
Telephone: 1876777
Timings: 6am to Midnight
Weekdays 30KD
Weekends 40KD

Symphony Style Hotel
Telephone: 25770000
Timings: 9am to 5pm
Weekdays 20KD
Weekends 25KD

Waldorf Astoria
Telephone: 24774444
Timings: 10am to 6pm
Weekdays/Weekends 45KD (includes 15KD food voucher)

I didn’t think much would be happening this weekend, but turns out there’s quite a bit going on. As always, double-check the details with the event organizers.

Thursday, May 29
Matilda the Musical
Kuwait Int Outdoor Expo
The Avenues Summer Edition
Movie Night at Barba
965 Outlet Expo
Literary Open Mic

Friday, May 30
Matilda the Musical
Kuwait Int Outdoor Expo
The Avenues Summer Edition
965 Outlet Expo
Bawa Incubator: Altersal
Gulf Universities Championship

Saturday, May 31
Matilda the Musical
Kuwait Int Outdoor Expo
The Avenues Summer Edition
A Women’s Circle
965 Outlet Expo
Gulf Universities Championship

I came across these images of the Kuwait National Assembly by accident. I had recommended a friend buy a book called “Jørn Utzon Logbook Vol. IV: Kuwait National Assembly“, which covers its construction but she told me it was sold out. I started searching for a copy for her online when I stumbled across images of the National Assembly I hadn’t seen before, not even in his book on the project.

If you aren’t familiar, the Kuwait National Assembly was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the same architect behind the iconic Sydney Opera House. His design was well thought out. He organized the main building complex in a way inspired by traditional Arabian bazaars. All the departments (offices, meeting rooms, reception areas, the library, Assembly Hall, and more) are arranged along a central street, similar to the layout of a bazaar. Each department is made up of modules of varying sizes built around small patios or courtyards, all connected to the central street by side alleys. The complex was designed to be expandable at any time by adding new modules, allowing it to grow outward continuously similar to bazaars.

The canopy, or tent-like shade at the entrance that gives the building its distinctive look, came to him after seeing a photo of two Arabs fishing on the shore under a small sail from their boat. The sail was stretched between two poles with a beam across the top, creating a simple shaded area. He loved the way the shadow looked and thought it would be a beautiful idea to use in the building.

Jørn’s Logbook Vol. IV focuses on the Kuwait National Assembly project and includes behind-the-scenes documents, original drawings, stories, and photos of the construction. It was published in 2008, and copies were still available as recently as 2019, but they seem to have sold out since then.

Majority of the photos I’ve shared in this post were taken from the Utzon Archive, the rest are from my copy of the book. If you want to check them all out and get access to the hi-res images, click here.

The photo above is the one I think inspired him since it was included inside his book.

The video above is also from their archive, I like it because if you forward around 2 minutes in you get to see a full 360 of the city from above. I think the video was shot from the old Kuwait Airways building.

© Utzon Archives / Aalborg University & Utzon Center.