Search: “kuwait”

This is a pretty big moment for Kuwait’s music scene, and a huge moment for the band. LUMINA, the local alternative metal band, will be opening for the legendary Linkin Park this coming Sunday in Bahrain.

Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre, the Bahrain venue that recently hosted iconic bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses, has been actively pushing for local and regional acts to open major shows. LUMINA, being a female fronted band, felt like a natural fit for Linkin Park, who are now also female led.

I’m a bit jealous that they’re going to be backstage with Linkin Park so I can only imagine how surreal it must be for them to be opening up for them. The band members performing this Sunday are:

Latti – Lead vocalist, writer, and co-founder
Mando – Guitarist, composer, and co-founder
Aziz – Synthesist
Aziz Baqer – Drummer
Salem – Bassist and producer
Adel Qattan – Guitarist for the Bahrain show

Areej Saleh of artscene.me is their booking agent.

If you want to hear LUMINA’s music or find out more about the band, check out their Instagram @thebandlumina

Gardenia and Qout Market are back again this weekend. There’s also an art festival happening at the Mirror House, so if you haven’t been there before, this is a good opportunity. Check out all the events below.

Thursday, January 15
Gardenia Pop-up
Kidspo Village at Al-Assima Mall
Drifting Championship

Friday, January 16
Gardenia Pop-up
Salt Movies: Matilda
Roll Race Championship
Kidspo Village at Al-Assima Mall
Stargazing Trip
Burning Soles First Run

Saturday, January 17
Gardenia Pop-up
Qout Market
DAI Storytime at Amricani
Mirror House 13th Art Festival
Kidspo Village at Al-Assima Mall
Sama’a Community Wellness Day
Walk with the Barefoot Guy

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.

Last June, I posted that Alghanim Industries had launched the brand Sama X and had become the official distributors of Starlink’s satellite internet in Kuwait. The service was meant to launch last year, but when I reached out to them in September, they said licensing and regulatory approvals were taking longer than expected. They were hoping to finalize everything by the end of last year, but according to a contact of mine at CITRA, those issues still haven’t been fully resolved.

Starlink internet works through satellites, making it perfect for places where regular internet can be spotty or completely unavailable. I spent Christmas in Lebanon where the internet was incredibly slow and unreliable, and I told myself that next time I go back, I’d bring my own Starlink with me. Starlink has a small portable unit with roaming packages, which would be perfect for a trip like that. But since there’s still no confirmed timeline for when Starlink will go live in Kuwait, I’ll either have to wait a bit longer or buy an imported unit and pay a premium.

If you want to stay posted on the launch, their website is Sama X

There are some pretty cool events taking place this weekend. Gulfrun and Nawi are probably the biggest events but on Friday there is a pretty cool interactive cinema experience taking place in Al Hamra Mall and just across the street there is a skateboarding event taking place in Bait Sharq. Check out all the events taking place this weekend below:

Thursday, January 8
Nawi – The Wellness Summit
TK Market at Murouj
Book Talk – ANCESTRAL DAUGHTER
GulfRun GP 2026

Friday, January 9
Nawi – The Wellness Summit
TK Market at Murouj
JJK Photobooth Keychains Workshop
Shibuya Domain Interactive Cinema Experience
GulfRun GP 2026
The Culture Skateboarding Event
Cars & Coffee
EighteenTwelve x Better From Scratch

Saturday, January 10
Nawi – The Wellness Summit
TK Market at Murouj
DAI Storytime at Amricani
GulfRun GP 2026
The Enchanted Garden of Earthly Delights
Hattrick x Hooray

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.

According to the website aeroroutes.com, Kuwait Airways is planning to resume direct flights to Mykonos. According to the website Kuwait Airways used to fly to Mykonos until September 2023. I personally want Kuwait Airways to bring back their Athens route. I flew to Athens in 2023 and then 2024 via Kuwait Airways and was hoping to make it a yearly trip but then last year Kuwait Airways decided not to fly to Athens anymore.

I’ve never been to Mykonos but maybe I’ll do it this summer for a weekend although I keep hearing about how it’s super busy and not that great a place anymore. Kuwait Airways will be flying the route twice weekly starting from June 14 until September 13 using a a mix of the A320neo and A321neo. source

I haven’t been posting for a few days since I wanted to take a bit of time off to enjoy the holidays. But I’m back now because a lot of people have been asking if there will be fireworks tonight, and the answer is yes and no.

If you’re asking whether there will be a huge fireworks show like the ones previously held at Kuwait Towers or earlier this year at Al Shaheed Park, then the answer is no.

However, similar to last year, there will be several fireworks displays taking place around Kuwait.

The biggest one was expected to happen at KLAND, but they announced late last night that the fireworks show has been canceled.

That means the largest displays are now likely to be at Messilah Beach, Al Kout Mall, and Al Khiran Mall. If you don’t want to drive that far, or you’re looking for something near Kuwait Towers, JON will be holding a short fireworks show that will last a few minutes.

Wherever you end up watching the fireworks from, have a great night and happy new year.

Update: Messilah Beach just announced that their fireworks show is also canceled due to “directives of the relevant security authorities.” I wonder what’s going on🤔

Update2: JON also canceled their fireworks

Update3: Al Kout Mall and Al Khiran also announced the cancelations of their shows

There are quite a few activities lined up for the last weekend of the year, mostly outdoor markets but also a few indoor events.

Thursday, December 25
Winter Garden Market
Charcoal Grill Event
Murouj Market

Friday, December 26
Winter Garden Market
Charcoal Grill Event
Murouj Market
Slowing Down
Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Saturday, December 27
Winter Garden Market
Charcoal Grill Event
Murouj Market
Whimsical Winter Market
Cars & Coffee at the U.S. Embassy
Year-end Party at Madang
The New Year Women’s Circle
The Gathering! With Rasha & Mariam
Music Experience with Cacao
Wellness Experience at Bait Sharq

Every year I pick 6 New Year’s Eve dinners to highlight, but this year there are 7 since I added one extra option that doesn’t require a minimum spend or advance booking. I’ve mixed up the list with different styles and vibes, so check them out below.

The list is in alphabetical order and the prices listed are per person. If you have other recommendations just share them in the comments.

Odachi at SVN
Includes live music and fire show, set menu and welcome drink
KD 40

OffTheCoal
Includes live DJ and a set menu curated by Chef Sebastiano Campanelli
KD 35

Piatti
Includes live DJ, performance by Arabs Got talent finalist magician, Khalid Al-Muhareb and a set menu.
KD 65

Republique
Includes live entertainment with a curated set menu
Outdoors: KD 95
Indoors: KD 85

SALT at Blajaat
Includes photo booth, live DJ, sparklers and party blowers
No minimum spend or reservation required

Solange
Includes live performance, a set menu curated by Alan Yau and a welcome drink
Minimum Charge: KD 40

Table Otto
Includes live music performance, a set menu and a goodie bag
From: KD 55

Update: Table Otto just decided to cancel their NYE dinner so here’s an alternative, Matcho is hosting a rooftop NYE with a live DJ at The Hub. No booking required or minimum spend, they’ll be offering their usual menu.

I just found out from a Deliveroo press release that the delivery app Cari will be leaving the Kuwait market. According to a press release, Deliveroo have made a deal with Cari following Cari’s decision to leave Kuwait market. As part of the deal, Cari’s customers will be invited to join Deliveroo get free Deliveroo Plus Gold for 6 months and a KD10 voucher.

I thought I didn’t know anyone that still used Cari but yesterday I found out I had a friend who still did so I guess they had a following just not large enough to survive. After launching pretty strong back in 2022 they kinda fell of the radar for me. I was using them initially and liked their service but I eventually stopped using them although I don’t remember why anymore.

If you’re a Cari customer you have until January 11, 2026 to redeem this offer.

If you’re looking for a place to dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, here are some restaurants in Kuwait offering special Christmas menus.

All the options are hotels, except for Vigonovo. The cheapest option I found is the Grand Majestic Hotel at KD 7.5 per person for a buffet, while the most expensive is Riccardo at KD 40 per person for a set menu. Check out the list below:

Courtyard by Marriott
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 16.9 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 18.9 (Buffet)
@courtyardkuwait

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 17 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 18 (Buffet)
@crowneplazakuwaitatc

Grand Majestic Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 7.5 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Dinner: KD 7.5 (Buffet)
@grandmajestichotels

Holiday Inn Salmiya
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 13.900 (Buffet)
@holidayinnkw

Jumeirah Messilah Beach
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 25 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 25 (Buffet)
@jumeirahmessilahbeach

Marina Hotel
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 18 (Buffet)
@marinahotelkwt

Park Inn By Radisson
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 20 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 20 (Buffet)
@parkinnbyradissonkuwait

Radisson Blu Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 19.5 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 21 (Buffet)
@radissonblukuwait

Riccardo
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 40 (Set Menu)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 40 (Set Menu)

Symphony Style Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 18 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 20 (Buffet)
@symphonystylekuwait

The St. Regis
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 28 (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 28 (Buffet)
@stregiskuwait

Vigonovo
Christmas Eve Dinner: KD 15 (Set Menu)
Christmas Day Lunch: KD 15 (Set Menu)
@vigonovo_kw

Waldorf Astoria
Christmas Day Dinner: KD 26 (Set Menu)
@waldorfastoriakuwait

Main photo taken from Jumeirah Messilah Beach

Quite a few outdoor activities this weekend even though rain is expected. Like last week, I’ve mixed in a few indoor options too, just in case.

Thursday, December 18
Chinese Movie Night
The Green Expo

Friday, December 19
Open Air Pilates Pop-up
Al-Farsi Giant Kite Show
The Winter Market at Hessah Plaza
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
Cars & Coffee
For the Love of Dogs
The Green Expo
Short Movies Night at Salt

Saturday, December 20
Open Air Pilates Pop-up
Harry Potter Screening & Sketching
The Winter Market at Hessah Plaza
Home Alone in Concert
DAI StoryTime at Amricani
Soof Wool Mill Tour
New Year Vision Board
The Temptation Film Premiere
Anti-Boring Night Out
Cookie Exchange & Tea Gathering
The Green Expo
Mommy & Me: Dino Discovery
Yoga & Pilates in the Desert

The Deliveroo annual Restaurant Awards list is finally out, with winners voted for by people across Kuwait in 16 different categories. I just went through the list and nothing felt out of place, check out all the winners below:

Best Local Concept: Pick
Best Healthy: Ananas
Best Coffee: Caribou Coffee
Best Burger: Five Guys
Best Pizza: Pizza Hut
Best Dessert: Overjar
Best Breakfast: Lazy Cat
Best Chicken: Raising Cane’s
Best Lebanese: Mais Alghanim
Best Kuwaiti: Freej Swaileh
Best Shawarma: Shawarma Factory
Best Mexican: Chipotle
Best Italian: Melenzane
Best Indian: Asha’s
Best Asian: P.F. Chang’s
Best New to Roo: Mr. Baker