Categories
Cars & Bikes News

Driving License Now Valid for 5 Years

The Ministry of Interior has set a new validity period for driving licenses. If you’re Kuwaiti the driving license is valid for 15 years while if you’re an expat it’s valid for 5 years. Used to be 10 years before for expats then they decided to make it 1 year for some reason which overwhelmed the traffic departments, 5 years now doesn’t seem to bad and at least we can now get the physical copies again. Link




Categories
Geek Reviews Technology

Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer First Impression

The last time I used a 3D printer was back in 2016 when I reviewed the Micro 3D Printer. Things have come a longggg way since then.

I was eyeing the A1 Mini for a few weeks, just out of curiosity since I had watched a YouTube video that had it and thought it was pretty cool for a 100KD printer. Then during Amazon Prime it went on sale for $250 and I actually bought it but then canceled the order before it shipped. Then randomly one night I was on the UK Bambu Lab website and saw it was on sale for £149, so 60KD~ or $200, I bought it right away. Shipping and customs was another 30KD but that was still cheaper than the 140KD price it was selling in Kuwait for.

Total was like 90KDish and I bought the Bambu Lab PLA Basic filament from the local dealer for KD8.750 so to get it up and running it was just under 100KD.

I’ve only had the A1 mini for around a week now, it’s plugged in and always on. There is a really great app for the phone and anytime I find something I want to print I just send to print from my phone. It even has a built in camera so I can watch the printing happening or shoot a time-lapse. The quality of the print outs is amazing, you can barely see any layering and things look like they’re store bought.

I also found it super easy to create something in Adobe Illustrator, import it into the Bambu app and then turn it into 3D. So for basic stuff you don’t even need to 3D model.

I’ll eventually do a proper review of the printer but just wanted to post about it now quickly since I noticed it’s back on sale but at £169 if anyone wants one. Link




Categories
Healthier Lifestyle Promoted

Not Your Average Mattress Shop

Orion Strom, one of Europe’s fastest-growing mattress brands, has officially opened its first standalone showroom in Kuwait.

The journey that brought the Greek brand here wasn’t led by a marketing push or franchise expansion, but by a personal connection and a shared belief in doing things right. The local owner, a longtime friend of the family behind Orion Strom, had long admired their commitment to craft. When his friend visited Kuwait and toured local mattress stores, they were both struck by the same thing: high prices, low standards, and a market flooded with outdated or gimmicky mattresses that fell short compared to the offerings in the European market.

That moment was the spark. They launched with just one model in Kuwait, selling it without a showroom or proper display. It quickly sold out, reaffirming their belief in the product. That early success led to a carefully developed range of ten models, each tailored to different sleep preferences. Now, with the showroom open, customers can finally see, feel, and experience the difference firsthand.

Founded in 1998, Orion Strom isn’t just another mattress brand, it’s a company built on substance and experience. Their mattresses are made in Greece using certified European components like springs from Portugal, foam from Italy, latex from Belgium, and Kevlar from Bulgaria. If you’re someone who cares about certifications, the factory is TÜV Nord certified and holds four ISO standards. All the materials used in the mattresses are also certified with CertiPUR, OEKO-TEX, and SGS.

Orion Strom focuses on real materials and proper craftsmanship. The mattresses are dense, built to last, and nearly twice the weight of most mattresses in their price range.

This isn’t a mass-market chain, it’s a product-first company, driven by people who believe sleep is serious. If you’re looking for a proper mattress that is designed to give you better sleep and built to last, check them out orion-kw.com or visit them at Waves Mall (Google Maps).




Categories
50s to 90s Photography

Ahmadi and Fahaheel Back in the 60s

This batch of photos was taken by the parents of John Fidler, who used to live in Kuwait back in the 50s and 60s. There aren’t a lot of photos, but a few really stood out to me, which is why I wanted to share them. The main photo, for example, shows the Ahmadi post office which I thought was a great shot with the empty street, the bicycle, and the retro bunting (flags). It has a small-town America feel to it.

The other photos I really liked are of the Fahaheel high street. It wasn’t paved back then, and there’s a cow in the middle of the street eating trash. This is the second photo I’ve seen of that street with what I’m guessing is the same cow, so it must have lived there.

The rest of the photos are just random bits and pieces. The outdoor cinema above was taken at the Hubara Club in Ahmadi. To check the rest of the photos out, click here.




Categories
Electronics Shopping

The Best Electric Air Duster

Back in February I bought the Wolfbox electric air duster from Amazon. It had excellent reviews and in every comparison test it usually beat out the competition. I had it on my wish list for awhile and then when it dropped down to $62 I ordered one. That was before Amazon shipped free to Kuwait so I ended up paying $83 with shipping to Kuwait so say KD26.5 with my banks conversion rate.

I just found out that it’s now available locally for KD25, basically the same price I paid for it. The price of the blower is now $90 on Amazon and even through it’s free shipping to Kuwait there is an $11 import charge so the price locally is actually cheaper than Amazon. If you want one, it’s available here.




Categories
Information Promoted

When a Design Studio Opens a Salon

With so much competition in Kuwait’s beauty salon scene, any new spot really needs to stand out. That’s exactly what the new Laha Lounge has done.

Laha, which means “for her” in Arabic, was designed with one goal in mind: to make you feel like the center of attention. Every detail, every service, and every moment is carefully curated to make you feel special.

Located in Sabah Al Salem (Google Maps), Laha Lounge specializes in hair color, styling, nail care, along with their signature baths and natural masks. According to regulars, the interior design makes it feel like an escape from the everyday rush, the kind of place where time feels like it just pauses the moment you walk in. That level of design makes sense considering Laha Lounge is owned by Amina Al Failakawi, the founder of the popular design studio @past.modern.

If you’re looking for a new salon to try, Laha Lounge is open daily from 11AM to 8PM. You can book through WhatsApp at 63330832 or send them a DM on Instagram @laha_lounge.




Categories
Cars & Bikes News

New Police Cars Join the Fleet

The Traffic Department just selected the Genesis G90 as the official vehicle for ceremonies and protocol duties (source). These won’t replace the current police cars, they’ll only be used for specific situations like transporting high-ranking officials, being part of motorcades or convoys, etc.

In 2021, the G90 was also selected by the National Assembly as the official transportation car for its members.

I’ve seen a couple of the G90 police cars on the roads when they were testing, and although they look nice, I still wish they would have gone with the Volvos they were testing back in 2020. Those looked way hotter.




Categories
Eat Drink See Sleep Travel

Berlin Guide: Eat, Drink, See and Sleep

A couple of weeks ago I went to Berlin for the very first time and I ended up loving the city. There were no direct flights from Kuwait, so I flew Kuwait Airways to Munich, spent the night, and then drove to Berlin the next day. I could’ve taken the train or flown via Qatar Airways or Emirates, but the timings didn’t work for me. The city is huge but here’s my list of spots to add to your Berlin itinerary if you ever decide to head there:

Eat
Remi is a stylish spot. I didn’t have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate me, and the place had a relaxed vibe. Ripieno is an Italian spot I ended up at by mistake on my way to another restaurant. The atmosphere was great and they had delicious fresh pasta. While in Berlin, I had Vietnamese food three times, probably to balance out all the schnitzel I was having. The best beef pho I had was at Madame NGO. I also had delicious seafood and a great experience at FunkyFisch.

Drink
My go-to spot every morning was Acid. They had great coffee, a good cheese and butter sandwich, and delicious pastries. SOFI also had good coffee, but also the best lemon poppy seed cake I’ve ever had. Aera was another good spot with a nice courtyard to chill in.

See
If you like beautiful objects visit Kunstgewerbemuseum and Bauhaus Dessau. HAY has a store in Berlin which was great since I need to get one of their dog beds. Dregeno for wooden crafts, Fotoimpex for analog photography and Breathe if you’re into independent perfumers. Luiban and R.S.V.P. for unique stationery, and YUN for cool Korean eyewear. If you’re there on a Sunday visit Mauerpark for the flea market and to chill in the park.

Sleep
I stayed at Locke East Side Gallery, which turned out to be a great choice. The room was spacious and had a beautiful view of the river. It was also conveniently located at the Berlin Wall and near both overground and underground stations. Plan B was Chateau Royal.

For my previous travel guides, click here.




Categories
Food & Drinks Promoted

3 Perfect Drinks for This Heat

It’s ridiculously hot in Kuwait right now, so the timing couldn’t be better for Ciervo’s new Summer Iced Tea lineup.

They’ve introduced three refreshing flavors, all made using premium teas from their sister brand Genuine Tea (@genuineteame). They’re crafted with natural ingredients and have zero added sugar, which makes them perfect for a guilt-free summer cool down.

Here are the flavors:

Cranberry Iced Tea
A herbal blend of hibiscus, cranberry, and apple, infused with natural passion fruit juice. Fruity, tart, and super refreshing.

Mango Pineapple
Organic sencha green tea mixed with natural mango and pineapple juice. Light, tropical, and easy to sip on a hot day.

Dragon Peach
Organic Ceylon peach and apricot tea, finished with natural dragon fruit juice. A juicy, mellow blend that’s surprisingly addictive.

They’re also still serving their popular açaí bowls, made with açaí sourced directly from their partner farms in Brazil. Another great option to cool off with.

Ciervo is a local café that’s been serving nutritious, fast-lifestyle-friendly options since 2018, with seven locations across Kuwait. If you’re looking to hydrate in this heat, check them out @ciervocafe




Categories
Shopping Video Games

Are you still looking for a Switch 2?

Looks like there are more Switch 2’s in Kuwait than people actually want them. I was at Xcite Avenues yesterday and noticed they’re now selling the Switch 2 with Mario Kart World bundle for KD175, and the console only version for KD150.

Blink are selling the combo for slightly cheaper at KD173 as well and I’m sure there are probably even cheaper prices elsewhere. So if you wanted to wait till prices dropped to something reasonable, you’re in luck.

Update: Game Store selling the combo for KD170




Categories
Food & Drinks Promoted

Would You Try a Katsu Sando Burger?

We don’t have a shortage of burger spots in Kuwait, but a new spot just launched that’s doing things a bit differently. GYU is a Japanese-inspired burger concept that just opened for delivery, and it looks pretty interesting.

The name GYU is the Japanese word for “cow” or “cattle,” and is pronounced like “gyoo”. The team behind GYU are clearly fans of Japanese culture. Their idea was to blend Japanese flavors with classic American burgers and sandwiches, and the result is a menu full of interesting twists like Katsu Sando burgers and sandwiches with umami-packed sauces and ingredients.

They also have a bunch of unique items planned for future phases, including some premium secret menu items that will only be available through their website, GYUKW.com.

For now, GYU are operating as delivery only, but I’m looking forward to trying them out. You can check them out on Instagram at @eatatgyu




Categories
Reviews Sneakers

Review: My New Favorite Travel Sneakers – Hoka Clifton 10

Since 2015 I’ve mostly been wearing Adidas Ultraboosts as my daily sneakers. Since 2018 I’ve actually been wearing one specific model/color of the Ultraboosts which is the Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Limited Cream Chalk. The original 1.0 version of the Ultraboost has always been my favorite the I found the cream color works with everything I have. But since they were only released for a limited time period and they weren’t that special of a pair for collectors, finding a new pair kept getting harder and harder every year. Eventually Adidas reissued them and they became easier to find again for a while before they started becoming rare again (and with that more expensive).

The Ultraboosts were also my travel shoes since they were comfortable and light, and I even got hitop Goretex versions for when I’m expecting there to be rain. But, no matter how comfortable the Ultraboosts were, after 20,000-30,000 steps my feet and lower back tended to hurt at the end of the day.

So I decided to look for a new pair of travel sneakers and eventually ended up with a pair of Hoka Clifton 10’s. I just got back from my first trip with them and I’m really impressed. The first time I put the Hoka’s on in the store I was so surprised at how soft and cushiony they were to my Ultraboosts. It was weird cuz every step I took felt bouncy. I wore it in Kuwait for like a month so I could get used to it when I traveled and now that I’m back I’m completely sold on them.

Looking back at my data now I didn’t hit 30,000 steps on any day this trip, but I had three days in a row where I was hitting between 21,000 and 24,000 steps a day. The whole trip I didn’t have any pain in my feet after a long day of walking, nor did I have any back issues. Usually the back issues pop up when I’m standing too long and my feet start to hurt, so I start shifting weight from one leg to another. I didn’t have that problem with the Hoka’s. They’re so soft and cushiony they make me wonder how I thought my super comfy Ultraboosts were actually comfortable.

The Hoka’s also cost less than a new pair of Ultraboosts at KD57. The cheapest pair of new Cream Chalk Ultraboosts in my size on StockX is currently KD122, but even when they were readily available at Adidas they were like KD69 or something.

I really like the Hoka’s and they aren’t that bad looking either.




Categories
Fun Promoted

SuperPark Arena is Now Open at The Avenues

SuperPark Arena, the newest and 5th SuperPark in Kuwait, just opened and it’s the 3rd branch of SuperPark inside The Avenues Mall. It’s located right next to KidZania and above the Souk entrance. SuperPark is a Finnish brand having branches in 12 countries.

This new branch has a bunch of new attractions including:

  • Pedal Car Track: Drive a car with pedals like bicycles
  • Flying Fox / Zipline: Fly through the air indoors!
  • Skate & Scoot: The only indoor skatepark in Kuwait for Skateboards and Scooters.
  • Soccer Court: A big indoor football playground.
  • Super Arena: An interactive video-game room with motion-based multiplayer games.

In addition to the above there is also a separate toddlers area for safety, and a dedicated premium birthday room for celebrations.

You can either get a 1-hour or 2-hour pass, and that gives you access to all the activities and games inside. It’s fun for all ages, including kids, teens, adults and parents.

Location: Avenues Mall, Phase 3, Level 1 (next to KidZania)
Opening Hours: 10AM to 10PM on weekdays, 10AM to 11PM on weekends

SuperPark now has five locations in Kuwait:
– SuperPark Arena (Avenues, above Souk) (recently open)
– SuperPark Kuwait (Avenues, Gate 16)
– SuperPark KidsZone (Avenues Forum Basement, Gate 27)
– SuperPark Jahra (Al Mekhiyal Complex)
– SuperPark Siddeeq (Siddeeq Co-op)

For more info head to @superparkkw




Categories
Food & Drinks Information

LPM, 3 Fils & New Matbakhi Locations Revealed

Between Kuwait Towers and JŌN on the Gulf Road are three abandoned restaurants that have been sitting empty for years (Google Maps). They’re clustered together in an area that was called “Dhiafa Village.” Back in 2008, three restaurants opened there: Trader Vic’s, Letter D’amour, and Don Mario’s. I always thought the area had a lot of potential, and it looks like it’s finally going to be put to good use.

Dhow Hospitality won the bid for the location and will be opening three major concepts there:

La Petite Maison
3Fils
Matbakhi by Sawsan

LPM is a high-end French Mediterranean restaurant that most people are already familiar with. 3Fils is a Japanese concept that started in the UAE and was recently voted the No. 1 restaurant in the MENA region. Finally, Matbakhi is a local concept by chef @sawsansmatbakhi and is my favorite (and a favorite for many others) when it comes to authentic Palestinian food.

The new name for the village will be “Peninsula,” which makes sense since the property stretches into the sea and is surrounded by water on three sides. I saw renderings of the area and can confidently say there’s nothing else like it in Kuwait right now. The three concepts will have both indoor and outdoor seating, and together should create a very cool vibe.

LPM will take over the first building on the left, Matbakhi the second one on the right, and 3Fils will occupy the third building, which is the closest to the sea.

Construction on the project will start this summer, with openings expected by the end of the year.




Categories
Food & Drinks Promoted

Aseer Time Just Opened in China!

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