Sahel in English just launched an hour ago. To activate the English language you need to first update the software to the latest version. Then once you are in the app click on the menu icon in the top corner, and then the 3rd menu option with the circular icon and select English.
First impression, it seems buggy? For example, I went to the “Vehicle registration renewal” section under services, and when I click the list to see my cars, I can’t see any of them, I just get a blank white page.
On the main profile page, if I click on Ministry of Interior and then on Driving License, the “kind” of license is listed in Arabic and when I click on it, I don’t see the expiry date but it shows in the Arabic version.
Qudra is a Kuwait-based freelance marketplace that links freelancers with clients. Their platform is designed to easily connect talent in Kuwait and the MENA region with clients in need of various services, such as graphic design, digital marketing, interior design and more. The app offers tools like secure payments, direct communication, and comprehensive freelancer profiles, making it easier for clients to find the right match for their projects.
For freelancers, Qudra offers you a space to showcase your skills to a relevant audience. I’ve also heard too many stories of freelancers completing work only to have clients take it without paying. With Qudra, your payment is secured before you start, and once the project is completed, the funds get released to you.
Qudra offers numerous benefits to clients seeking freelance services. It simplifies the hiring process by providing you access to a diverse pool of local talent with a wide range of skills. Alternatively, you can post a job listing with a specific budget and have freelancers reach out to you.
Whether you’re looking to hire or showcase your skills, Qudra makes the process seamless and efficient, revolutionizing the growth of Kuwait’s freelance economy.
To find out more or to download the app, head over to Qudra.app
The first episode of The Penguin is out and it’s great, I’m hooked. Also the latest episode of Industry was amazing, the season just keeps on getting better and I don’t want it to end. I also realized I stopped season 2 of Lord of the Rings mid way through episode 2 and haven’t gone back to it yet. It was such a slow episode along with a slow episode 1 that I don’t think I have the patience for it.
Last night I started watching the second season of Monsters on Netflix, The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Only watched the first episode but I really like it. I remember the story when it was happening in real life back in the early 90s since I was in Canada and it was on the news and papers often back then. The first episode had a Milli Vanilli soundtrack which I loved since I was a huge fan back in the 90s.
Let me know in the comments what you recently watched or planning to watch.
Movies at the Cinemas
The movies below are now showing at the local cinemas:
The official Sahel account just announced that the English version of the app is launching soon. They didn’t share a date, just that it’s coming soon.
According to a source involved in the project, the app had English built into the software a couple of years ago, but the launch was delayed because several entities within Sahel had not finished adapting to English and the related data. This caused the rollout of the English version to take longer than expected.
Pinkfong and Baby Shark are coming to Kuwait for a one of a kind concert experience.
The Baby Shark live shows offer a unique musical experience and are ideal for fans of all ages. Pinkfong have performed in over 200 countries and engaged over 1.5 millions around the world. Children can sing along to the songs and meet the characters.
The show, organized by Blue Panda Production, will take place from October 3 to 5 at the Gulf Cooperation Council Joint Program Production Institution Theater in Salmiya (Google Maps).
Here’s some exclusive information: you can book a meet-and-greet with the band after every show, directly at the venue.
So join Pinkfong and Baby Shark as they take you on a musical adventure. Tickets start at 10KD and are available on Eventat. For more information, check @bluepandaproduction
I recently found out the price of Ozempic in the US and it’s over 8x more expensive than Kuwait which is crazy. So I decided to check the prices around the world and Kuwait seems to be pretty good when compared to places like the US or the UAE. Oddly, I think Kuwait is the only country where you don’t need a prescription for it.
Here is a list comparing the price of Ozempic in Kuwait vs other countries:
Auto World Show is a car show that’s more than just a car show. Last year was their first year and they had a bunch of different things happening during the week including talks, sim and RC racing, stunt shows, a 4×4 proving ground and more. This year they’re back again for the second year running and the show starts from today and will last till September 28th.
All the major car brands will be there including the major European ones as well as most of the Chinese brands. I went to it last year and I didn’t find it interesting at all since there wasn’t any car I hadn’t seen before, but I’ll be going to it again this year just for fun.
Beak is a local fried chicken concept that launched in 2017, and one of the things they pride themselves with is the fact that their chicken is locally sourced, organically fed and never frozen.
Before opening, the partners made a decision to prioritize quality which is why they chose to source fresh chicken rather than using frozen ones. Essentially, as a customer, you’re getting chicken straight from the farm directly to your table, always fresh and never frozen.
Another thing that makes Beak special is their love for limited-time-only items. They’re constantly innovating and releasing new items, with the Mini Fillet being their current LTO sandwich.
Beak currently have two locations, a dine-in location in Al-Masayel, as well as a pick-up location in Hawally. They’re also available on all the popular delivery platforms including Talabat, Deliveroo, Cari and Jahez. So if you’re craving some fried chicken, check them out @beak.kw
Yesterday the Ministry of Interior announced they’ll be installing new intelligent AI-powered traffic cameras. The new cameras are meant to automatically detect seat belt violations, and drivers using their phones while driving. This isn’t the first time the MOI announced automated monitoring. Back in January 2023, the MOI announced they were installing new smart cameras that could detect both those violations, but that never materialized for some reason.
Although not much information was shared yesterday regarding the new cameras, based on some research I did there are a couple of companies that provide these traffic cameras, including Acusensus and VITRONIC. VITRONIC recently installed AI cameras in the UAE and have a Middle East office so it’s very probable those are the ones we are getting.
No matter which brand we are getting, they all work similarly:
The traffic cameras capture high-resolution images of approaching vehicles.
Artificial intelligence (AI) software filters the images to detect possible mobile phone use, or failure to wear a seatbelt by the driver and front seat passenger.
If AI does not see a potential violation, it will reject the image.
If AI detects a driver who may be using a phone or not wearing their seatbelt, it flags the image for further review.
Images which are flagged for potential violations are then checked and verified by an officer.
So AI won’t be issuing tickets automatically, violations will still be double checked by a real person which is good news. These new AI cameras are also really effective. In Australia they trialed a similar AI traffic camera and in the first month alone, 1,500 drivers and 225 passengers were caught not wearing seatbelts, and almost 1,200 drivers were caught using their mobile phones.
Not sure how bad seatbelt violations are, but I’m really hoping this will stop people using their phones while driving since they’re the most annoying drivers.
I’m a huge fan of the way the Cybertruck looks. There is at least one in Kuwait since I’ve seen it park next to my office but there’s now another one and it’s for sale.
The local car dealer AlSarraf Motors has a Cybertruck in stock with 0 mileage available and it’s priced at KD62,000. In comparison, back in July a Cybertruck with just 500miles sold for around KD36,600 on bringatrailer.com. Add around 600KD for shipping plus 5% for customs and it would obviously be cheaper to get one directly from the states. But, if money is no object and you want a Cybertruck right now, this is your only option.
I spent most of this week rewatching old Denzel Washington films. I don’t think I have a #1 favorite actor, but if I did he’d most likely be in one of the top 3 spots. I managed to watch, Man on Fire, American Gangster, Flight, and both The Equalizer 2 and 3. All really great films.
The new series The Penguin comes out tomorrow on MAX and I’m REALLY looking forward to it.
Let me know in the comments what you recently watched or planning to watch.
Movies at the Cinemas
The movies below are now showing at the local cinemas:
This powerful exhibition and one of the largest in the region, will feature the artworks of more than 100 global artists who have generously donated their art to support the Intisar Foundation mental health drama therapy programs in Palestine and to stand as a unified call for Peace in the Arab world.
The Arts & Crafts shop that used to be located off Canada Dry street have moved to a new location. Their new shop is located in the Design District in Shuwaikh, the same complex that has the restaurants Cure and Ovo (Google Maps).
The store is much smaller than their previous location but they’re still a good place to visit if you’re looking for specific art supplies from any of the following brands:
They used to have an online store but seems to be down. Also not sure what their relationship with Mogahwi is since they have a joint store in Shuwaikh as well (Google Maps).
Their Instagram isn’t updated frequently but if you want to check it out it’s @artsandcrafts_kw
Marks & Spencer recently opened their new location in The Avenues. It’s located in Phase II in place of where Baroue used to be located. The new store also has their food range and an M&S Cafe.
I just found Nando’s on Talabat. Not sure when they started since they don’t seem to have mentioned it on their instagram account but that’s pretty cool.
I have a Nando’s near me in Salmiya so I usually just pop over, but now I can just order to my place when I’m feeling lazy.
