Category: Promoted

Yesterday I passed by the new Banta location in Dajeej, and I was pretty impressed with the space. The new location opened up late last year, and one thing I really liked was the amount of natural daylight coming in through the mostly glass roof. It was really bright and inviting but I guess the main advantage is that it makes it easier to properly see the fabrics and colors.

The showroom is spacious and laid out in a way that lets you comfortably walk through different setups without feeling overwhelmed. It feels more like you’re walking through actual living spaces, and the natural light helps give the space a calm feel.

Banta are currently offering a 20% discount for those on the frontlines as a small gesture of appreciation. On top of that, they now have a home service where their team can come to you and design your space based on your needs, whether it’s a living room, walk-in closet, kitchen, or even a full diwaniya setup.

If you want to check them out, their new location is in Dajeej facing the 6th Ring Road (Google Maps), and you can find them on Instagram @banta_kw

Warah is a Kuwait-based HR platform designed for small and medium sized businesses. There are still a surprisingly large number of companies here that rely on spreadsheets or WhatsApp messages to track employee attendance and manage HR tasks. A lot of that comes down to not wanting to deal with hardware, maintenance, or complicated setups, which is exactly why Warah was created.

The Warah platform handles all the usual HR functions like employee records, attendance, leave requests, overtime tracking, and payroll. Managers can access attendance reports, employee hierarchies, and analytics all from a single dashboard. And since Warah was built locally, it also takes Kuwait’s labor laws into account, from public holidays and vacation days to an accurate indemnity calculator.

The feature that stood out to me the most was the attendance tracking. Instead of installing fingerprint or facial recognition machines, employees can check in and out directly through the system using geolocation, either through the web or mobile app. This removes the need for additional hardware, which helps reduce costs and is a big plus, especially for smaller businesses.

With the current economic situation, more and more businesses are trying to reduce their overheads. Warah was built with that in mind, offering different packages depending on the number of employees, with pricing starting from KD 25 a month.

I got access to a demo account to try it out, and I liked how visually clean and straightforward the experience was. Even though I know very little about HR, I was still able to navigate the app and understand everything because of the simple language they use. That’s intentional since they wanted to make the platform easy to use for anyone.

Demos and free trials are available, so if you want to check it out, head to warah.com

Joe & The Juice is opening their new Hessah District location today. The branch is in the Hessah Hub area and features a large dine in space along with a drive thru. (Google Maps)

Hessah District is one of the hottest spots in Kuwait right now, and their location is right at the start of the district, making it easy to get to. I also like that this branch has a drive thru since I pass by the area after the gym, so I’ll definitely be using it to grab lunch on my way home.

This new location will also help speed up delivery to nearby neighborhoods. And if you want to pick up breakfast on your way to work, they open early at 6AM and close late at midnight.

To stay up to date on any new menu items or locations, head over to @joeandthejuicekuwait

Over Eid a very cool looking coffee shop opened up in Shaab called Studio Roast. It’s Kuwait’s first air roastery and blends coffee with a full sound experience powered by Bang & Olufsen. It’s a new project by BNK and led by two time barista champion Hamad AlMajed.

Unlike regular roasting, air roasting uses hot air to keep the beans moving while they roast, which helps bring out their natural flavors. They also use an AI system that spots and removes defects during the process, so every batch is consistent.

My favorite part though is the interior, for a number of reasons. The space has a warm vintage feel with lots of wood and period correct fabrics, and the hand drawn ceiling gives the place a really unique look. Some of the walls and surfaces are even crafted from coffee waste. It’s one of the best looking coffee shops in Kuwait if not the best.

But what really caught my attention was the sound experience by Bang & Olufsen. They have some of their most beautiful speakers scattered around, but my favorite piece was the BeoSound 9000 displayed in the back corner. It was my dream CD player growing up, and just a couple of months ago I was on eBay looking for one before convincing myself I didn’t really need it. After seeing it again in person, I need it.

Studio Roast is located in the brand new Eleven Residence apartment complex in Shaab Al Bahri (Google Maps). They’re open daily from 7AM to 11PM, and you can follow them on Instagram @studioroast.kw

Lorry Now is a new Kuwait based on demand lorry and moving app built for anyone who needs to move furniture, large items, or move from one home or office to another. Think of it as the Uber for trucks, or a local version of U-Haul but without having to drive the truck yourself.

Need to move furniture? Did you go shopping and end up with items that don’t fit in your car? Or maybe the store gave you a delivery date that’s too far out? Just open the app, book a truck, and a driver shows up and takes care of it.

It’s a simple concept, but a very convenient one, with pricing calculated in the app based on the distance. If you’re moving furniture, you even have the option to specify whether you need assembly on delivery or both disassembly and reassembly.

The app also lets you track the truck in real time so you can monitor the driver’s route and progress. The service is available across Kuwait, so even if you need to move things to your chalet in Khiran, you can.

Lorry Now is available on both iOS and Android. The iOS version just got a major update a few days ago, and the Android version should be getting a similar update this coming week. If you want the download links or to find out more, head to their instagram account @LorryNow or their website LorryNow.co

There has been a lot of news lately about countries banning social media access for children, mainly because of concerns around mental health, harmful content, cyberbullying, and how hard it has become for parents to manage online safety on their own. Although Kuwait hasn’t implemented a ban on social media access for children yet, Virgin Mobile Kuwait is one step ahead.

Virgin Mobile just launched a new mobile plan designed to offer a safer online experience for children called Aman (meaning safe in Arabic). Aman works at the network level, so it’s not an app or software you install, and there are no complicated device settings you need to deal with. Everything is handled automatically through the network, which makes online safety a lot easier for parents.

Once the Aman plan is active, popular social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and X are automatically restricted. You don’t have to do anything else from your end.

Another cool thing about the Aman plan is that it’s designed to improve over time with feedback from parents. That means parents can influence future updates, including which platforms or apps should be blocked next. It makes Aman feel less like a fixed product and more like something that grows and improves as families use it.

Also, just to be clear, this works on phones and home routers as well.

If you want to find out more about Virgin Mobile’s Aman plans, head over to @virginmobilekw

As a pet owner myself, I think this is a pretty cool idea.

Bubbles & Paws is a local pet furniture concept started by three pet lovers who ran into the same issue a lot of pet owners have faced before, they couldn’t find pet furniture that worked with their living spaces. Most of what was available was either too plain, too bulky, or looked like it belonged in a storage room. On top of that, a lot of the options they came across weren’t very comfortable or didn’t feel safe enough for their pets.

So instead of settling, they decided to create what they couldn’t find.

The goal wasn’t to make flashy designer pieces, instead, it was to design furniture pets would actually enjoy using, while still fitting naturally into a home. Furniture that felt cozy and looked good, not something you felt like hiding when people came over.

What started as a personal frustration quickly turned into a business idea. One built around the idea that pet furniture shouldn’t feel like a compromise, either for your pet or your living space. They currently have around a dozen different designs, each in its own color, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something that fits your space. Their Minty Heaven bed for example might work for my dog, while the Frosty Ears bed could be a better fit for your cat.

They have options that work for most living spaces, so if you want to see the full collection, head over to their website bubblesandpawscompany.com

City Hypermarket, Kuwait’s fastest-growing locally owned supermarket chain, officially opened its newest location in Aswaq Al Qurain on February 4th. The new store was launched by the Founder Mr. Adel Alghanim, Deputy CEO Mr. Nasser Alghanim and Mr. Marzouq Alghanim, delivering on the brand promise of “Value, all the time” with a spacious, redesigned store and competitive Ramadan promotions for families across Kuwait. The opening was also attended by members of the press, the mall owners and landlord, amidst a festive celebration with the general public.

The new Qurain store features refreshed and redesigned layouts that deliver a more elevated and spacious shopping environment for customers. To celebrate the opening, City Hypermarket launched competitive deals across fresh produce, supermarket food items, and household essentials — all designed to make Ramadan shopping more cost-effective and convenient for families across Kuwait. The opening celebrations also featured a cultural Kuwaiti performance, family activities, and free giveaways for all to enjoy.

Deputy CEO Mr. Nasser Adel Alghanim expressed pride in the opening, stating:

“We are proud to open our first store in Mubarak Al Kabeer Governorate to serve the Al Qurain community at such an important shopping period. As a Kuwaiti company, this opening reflects our commitment to bringing our ‘Value, all the time’ promise closer to more families across Kuwait, helping them prepare for Ramadan with stronger value and greater convenience.”

In addition, City Hypermarket highlighted its specially curated household range for the season, developed with locally inspired designs that reflect Kuwaiti and Arabic culture and heritage. The range features three dedicated collections: Alanoud, Andalous, and Fajer from its exclusive Into Home Arabesque brand, as well as the beautifully designed WABA range. It also provides everything needed to prepare for the season, including kitchen essentials, serving and dining sets, glassware, cookware, and more.

Renowned for its large-format stores and one-stop-shop convenience, City Hypermarket has built its reputation as one of the best locally owned hypermarkets in Kuwait. The brand’s commitment to value-driven pricing and customer-centric service has driven consistent growth and increasing market share across the country in recent years.

The Qurain opening marked another milestone in the company’s growth trajectory, with another store planned to open in 2026 in Eqaila as the brand continues to expand its footprint across Kuwait.

The Qurain location welcomed its first customers on February 4th and is now serving the community 24 hours a day with the same commitment to value and service that has made City Hypermarket a trusted name across the country.

About City Hypermarket

Founded in 1999 by Mr. Adel Alghanim, City Hypermarket is Kuwait’s fastest-growing locally owned supermarket chain, committed to delivering exceptional value to Kuwaiti families and the wider community through competitive pricing and continuous promotions, including its signature 900 fils offers and ½-1-2-3 KD deals. Guided by its brand promise of “Value, all the time,” City Hypermarket has proudly served Kuwait for 26 years, with ambitious plans for continued expansion.

In a landmark partnership that brings together global sport, cultural identity, and luxury craftsmanship, Gissah, the distinguished Arabian fragrance brand, proudly announces its official partnership with AS Roma, creating the “Essence of Roma”.

Rome is recognized as one of the world’s leading capitals of fashion and culture, where a unique convergence of rich history, art, fashion, and contemporary influence takes place. In a strategic and highly significant move, Gissah was chosen from among a select group of global fragrance brands to serve as the club’s exclusive fragrance partner, underscoring its growing prominence and the trust placed in it by international institutions. This selection marks a pivotal milestone in Gissah’s journey, representing a distinctive achievement that highlights its ability to showcase Arab craftsmanship on the global stage and strengthen its presence in major centers of influence, through partnerships that reflect the meeting of cultures and the integration of markets.

The partnership is launched under the slogan “Wolves Know Wolves,” symbolizing mutual recognition between two brands with clear identity and established standing, prior to any direct promotion or advertising. Rome is more than a football city; it’s the home of the city’s legendary founders and embodies core Roman values such as strength, loyalty, and maternal care.

Where Arabian perfumery craftsmanship meets the timeless spirit of one of Europe’s most iconic football clubs, the partnership transcends borders, blending culture, passion, and emotion into a unified global narrative.

Through this collaboration, Gissah becomes the official fragrance partner of AS Roma, strengthening its presence on a global stage where sport serves as a powerful platform for visibility, storytelling, and brand recognition.

“This partnership with AS Roma represents a strategic step in Gissah’s global growth journey,” said Bashar AlAmir the CEO of Gissah.
“We are honoured to become an official partner of AS Roma, a club with a rich heritage and a passionate global fanbase. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring together the essence of Italian football legacy and middle eastern craftsmanship, creating a cultural dialogue that elevates both brands to the next level.”

“We’re proud to welcome Gissah as a new partner of the club,” declared Michael Gandler, AS Roma Chief Business Officer. “This collaboration is a meeting of cultures and values, in which football, luxury and lifestyle come to the forefront. The creation of a co-branded fragrance is a unique expression of our identity, and it can create an emotional and sensorial bond with our fans around the world.

AS Roma provides Gissah with access to a deeply engaged global audience, with an estimated 80–90 million fans worldwide, over 46.6 million followers across social media platforms, and nearly 129 million television viewers per season. This reaches the partnership as a key driver in expanding Gissah’s international visibility and strengthening its global brand footprint.

Gissah does not seek to redefine Rome’s identity, but to become part of it, L’ESSENCE OF ROMA represents this connection, an acknowledgment of the city’s enduring character and cultural presence.

Gissah × AS Roma is more than an official partnership. It is a strategic evolution. By uniting sport, luxury, and cultural identity, Gissah continues its journey from a regional success story to a globally recognized brand with international relevance and long-term ambition.
Built on recognition, alignment, and shared values, this partnership reinforces Gissah’s commitment to expanding its global presence while remaining rooted in heritage and authenticity.

Wolves Know Wolves.

This past weekend, the second round of the GR Yaris Cup took place at Kuwait Motor Town. The GR Yaris Cup is a racing series by Toyota AlSayer, where 12 drivers compete against each other across multiple races. I previously posted about the first round, and with this weekend’s race done, there are now three more rounds to go.

I personally knew 3 of the 12 drivers competing, but even if you don’t know any of them, it’s still easy to pick a favorite team. Each car is sponsored by a brand, so if you’re a Gulf Bank customer or a Caribou Coffee fan, you can follow their driver. Or you can just watch and cheer for everyone, there are no rules.

All the races are free to watch at the track, and there are usually other activities taking place as well, like food trucks, simulators, and passenger rides around the circuit. The next round is in February, so if you want to stay updated on upcoming races, head over to @toyotakw or @gazooracingkw or their website.

The Neighbourhood is a nostalgic space built around good coffee and food. Their first location in Kuwait opened last year in Qortuba, and a few weeks ago they opened their second location, this time in the brand new Hessah District.

The new location is bigger than the first, with plenty of outdoor seating along with some indoor seating. It’s located right at the start of Hessah District, and the outdoor area overlooks the main road. Inside, the space follows the same nostalgic look that made the original location popular, with dark brown wood, beautiful tiles, and the striped umbrellas that have become synonymous with the brand.

The fresh-baked goods section and the new protein boost menu have become the main reasons people keep coming back. The award-winning matcha is another big draw, alongside the newly introduced hojicha and specialty coffee, which pair perfectly with the menu.

If you’re looking for a new, cool outdoor spot for coffee, good bites and vibes, the weather is perfect to try out the new location (Google Maps). There’s plenty of parking, and it also gives you a reason to pass by and check out Hessah District if you haven’t already. Check them out @nbrhood.me

Studio Marmi is a newly opened natural stone gallery in Shuwaikh. It’s the largest of its kind, and I found the concept really interesting when they explained it to me. Unlike most natural stone showrooms, Studio Marmi doesn’t display small samples of each stone. Instead, they showcase full uncut slabs, meaning the stone you choose is the exact stone you get.

Most of the time when you’re shopping for natural stone for your home or a commercial space, you pick a stone based on a showroom sample, and since that sample is usually just a display piece, you often end up getting something similar instead. Because Studio Marmi displays the actual slabs, the stone you pick with all its unique characteristics is the one you actually get. Browsing the slabs is a unique experience as well, since they use a crane mechanism to move them around for viewing and selection.

This is also why their space is so large and feels more like a warehouse than a traditional showroom. As you walk around, you’ll see each stone clearly labeled with information on its strength, best uses, and pricing. They carry stones of varying strengths, from softer options like limestone and marble to harder ones like quartzite and crystal, all curated by them and imported from Brazil.

In addition to their impressive space, all their inventory is also available on their website. Once a new slab arrives, it’s photographed and added to their live online inventory along with all the relevant details. They also have a 3D visualizer that helps you see how a specific natural stone might look in a kitchen or home environment.

If you want to pass by their showroom, here is their location on Google Maps. You can also check out their website studiomarmi.com.kw or check out their instagram account @studiomarmikw

Open Space is an all women fitness studio in Kuwait that offers Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, and Barre. They opened a couple of years ago and focus on creating a comfortable and supportive space where women can move, train, and feel confident no matter their fitness level.

This month they’ve invited one of Australia’s most loved Pilates trainers, Victoria (also known as @vicalates). She is the founder of the Vicalates Pilates studio in Australia and is known for her clear cueing and flowing class style. She is internationally qualified and has trained under some of the world’s top Pilates instructors.

Victoria will be teaching exclusively at Open Space from January 10 to 15. Alongside her regular one hour classes, which cost KD 18, Victoria will also be running two four hour workshops during her visit. These workshops are designed for Pilates trainers who want to improve their skills and teaching. Each workshop costs KD 80.

Spaces are limited, so for the full schedule, more details, or to book a class, you can visit Open Space on Instagram @open________space or book directly through their app.

Update: One of the workshops is now fully booked.

Ever since Nando’s reopened in Kuwait, I’ve been a regular, usually ordering my go-to dish, the Espetada with the hot peri-peri sauce. If you’ve never been to Nando’s, the best way to describe the Espetada is that it’s their version of taouk. It’s flame-grilled boneless PERi-PERi chicken thighs served to your table on a skewer hanging from a stand. It’s pretty eye-catching, and you’ll usually notice people glancing your way when it arrives.

Recently, Nando’s launched their most epic Espetada to date, the Espetada A Torre Dukkah Lima, which was created to feel a bit more special than the usual lineup. The dish still features flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken thighs, but this time they’re stuffed with a spiced PERi-dukkah and cream cheese filling, layered with yellow pepper, red onion, and lime, then finished with a PERi and herb tahini pour-over sauce. You also get to choose your sides, and my favorites are the corn on the cob and coleslaw.

It’s a good excuse to try the Espetada if you’ve never had it before. It’s available for dine-in at The Marina Crescent, Assima Mall, The Warehouse Mall, and Al Kout Mall. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, their menu is also available on Talabat. If you want to check out the full menu and prices, they have it linked in their profile @nandos.kw

If you still haven’t booked your New Year’s Eve dinner, here are three options worth checking out.

Solange
Solange, one of my favorite restaurants, is hosting a New Year’s Eve evening with a live performance, a curated menu by the visionary Alan Yau, and a countdown to the new year.
Minimum charge is KD 40 per person.
Book Here

Paparazzi
Paparazzi is going with a festive Italian vibe, featuring a live Italian swing band, a welcome drink, a special dessert, and a countdown to the new year.
Minimum charge is KD 35 per person.
Book Here

Giulia
Giulia’s New Year’s Eve includes a live performance, special decorations, a welcome drink, and a countdown to welcome the new year.
Minimum charge is KD 32.5 per person.
Book Here