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Not a lot happening this weekend, but I did manage to find some activities that look pretty fun.

Here are my favorite things happening this weekend. As always, double check the event details with the organizers.

Thursday, June 26
Chapter Three: Literary Open Mic

Friday, June 27
Early Birds Book Club Meeting

Saturday, June 28
Second Chance Thrift Sale
Treasure Hunt Challenge
Girls Only Open Board Gaming
Lego Printmaking Workshop

Human Rights Watch yesterday published an article accusing Kuwait of violating international human rights law with the new exit visa requirement. The article was written Michael Page, the deputy director at HRW in the Middle East and North Africa division.

This decision is an alarming step backward in Kuwait’s migrant worker governance. Instead of dismantling the kafala (visa sponsorship system) in its entirety, the Kuwaiti state is reinforcing it by putting migrant workers even further under the control of their employers and making them more vulnerable to exploitation.

There is no basis to Kuwaiti authorities’ claim that the exit permit will balance the interests of both employers and workers. Rather, the permit enables employers to trap workers in abusive situations and serves as a tool for retaliation.

The whole exit visa requirement decision is a really weird one which I don’t get. But then again, there are so many things that happen here I don’t get. Yesterday after posting the photos of Entertainment City under construction, I went through more of my old photos and still can’t understand how the whole place was demolished, trees and all, then just left as a barren desert with nothing in its place. There are so many things that happen here I don’t get, and this exit visa thing is just another one to add to the list and move on.

You can read the full Human Rights Watch article on their website.

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

One of the cool things about my partnership with Jahez is that I never know what they’re going to send me, so it’s always a surprise and a fun way to try something new. This weekend, they sent over desserts from OYO. I hadn’t tried OYO before, but they sent so many items I basically got to sample almost everything on the menu. Here’s what I got:

Crunch: Three layers of chocolate and crunch biscuits

Fluffy Box: Moist cake coated in layers of milk, white and crunch chocolate

OYO Crack: Milk chocolate with pecan salted caramel

Pist-OYO: Chocolate bites filled with crispy kunafa and pistachio spread with wafers

Very Berry: Fresh raspberry with milk chocolate and white chocolate

The brand clearly focuses on gatherings, offering lots of bite-sized options. Their bold yellow packaging also stands out, making their items pop next to other dessert brands at gatherings. I like taking bite-sized desserts to gatherings since it lets people try a bit of everything instead of committing to just one dessert.

From what they sent over, my favorite was the Crunch, even though it was the least visually exciting. My second favorite was the OYO Crack, while the best-looking item was definitely the perfectly shaped Pist-OYO (which was basically Dubai chocolate in a bite).

If you’re looking for new desserts for your next gathering, OYO is available on Jahez. If you’re a Jahez Prime member, you also get free delivery. Check them out @oyo_kw.

Recently, I decided I needed a better way to organize my CDs. I have around 300 packed away in boxes, making it virtually impossible to listen to them. While a lot of this music is available digitally, I still have a huge collection that isn’t available online. Initially, I started looking on eBay for CD cases, but then decided to look locally first. Since, the only music shop I know of that’s still open is ROMCO, I decided to head there.

I’ve posted about ROMCO before. They used to have a shop in Hawally, but it closed years ago, with all remaining cassettes and CDs moved to a small room within their offices, located in the same building but at the back. They carry a few English tapes, but most of their collection is Arabic. The last time I posted about them they used to sell the tapes for 1.5KD but now they sell for 2KD for some reason.

Up until a few years ago there were a couple of more cassette shops open in Kuwait but they also closed suddenly and I think this is the last one left standing. And if you’re curious, yes I managed to find a CD case for my CDs. They had two SKB CD-400 ATA Carrying Cases left which I guess DJ’s used to use since each can hold up to 120 CDs. They don’t have anymore of those cases left, but they do have some CD stands and wallets still available.

The employee there told me they’re open from 9AM to 4PM, so if you want to pass by and check out their tapes, they’re located across the street from Alandalus Complex in Hawally. You can also find them on Google Maps.

If you know of any other music shop still open, let me know.

A news article is making its way around the internet today about airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa no longer flying in and out of Kuwait. The article put the blame on a few things, including outdated terminals and substandard passenger services, two of the main reasons I try not to fly out of the old airport terminal.

But, what caught my attention is the article mentions that 14 airlines have now stopped flying to Kuwait without mentioning what those airlines are. What 14 airlines? The only ones I can think of are:

British Airways
Fly Arna
KLM
Lufthansa
United Airlines
Wizz Air

What are the others? Also, United for example stopped flying to Kuwait years ago, so I’m assuming they’re not even counting that.

A few days ago I got back from a 5-day trip to Milan. I was there for Kruder & Dorfmeister’s world tour, and Milan was one of the most convenient spots to watch them since Kuwait Airways flies direct. There was so much I wanted to do but five days just wasn’t enough. Still, here’s a list of lesser-known spots you can add to your Milan itinerary next time you’re there:

Eat
Breakfast was mostly at NOWHERE since they were a short walk from my hotel and had great coffee. For pizza head to Denis, get there early or book a table. I did seafood at Pescherie Riunite twice because it was no frills and so good. The Mogo Hi-Fi bar opened while I was there so I did their bento box lunch. The menu is by Michelin-star chef Yoji Tokuyoshi but it wasn’t expensive. Missed connection: June Collective, I ran out of time so didn’t pass by, but they’re still on my to do list.

Drink
My two favorite coffee spots were NOWHERE and Orsonero. Both served excellent coffee and delicious pastries, but Nowhere is larger, making it easier to find a table. I also made coffee stops at Il Cafetero and Cafezal, as they had convenient locations around the city.

See
Check out Time & Style for beautiful Japanese objects, and 10 Corso Como and End for fashion. If the weather’s nice, visit the Brera Botanical Garden and the Monumental Cemetery of Milan. Trust me on the cemetery, it was one of the most jaw dropping and beautiful experiences on the trip, plus Chinatown is just next door. For hand-painted ceramic plates, stop by Laboratorio Paravicini. Lastly, for art, head to Fondazione Prada, though exploring the different spaces on the property was actually more interesting than the art itself.

Sleep
I stayed at Case Brivio and loved it. Great, quiet location yet close to everything, and reasonably priced for the size of the room (Junior Suite). My plan B was Crossing Manzoni, but I chose Brivio mainly because of its location.

For my previous travel guides, click here.

The Expat City Ranking for 2024 by InterNations is out and Kuwait is back to being the least friendly for expats. According to InterNations, Kuwait has constantly placed in the bottom 10 since the list started all the way back in 2014:

As in 2023, Kuwait ranks last (53rd out of 53 countries) in the Ease of Settling In Index. In fact, it has consistently placed in the bottom 10 since the first year of the survey in 2014.

Only about a quarter of expats in Kuwait (26%) feel welcome there (vs. 63% globally). Rather, around half don’t feel at home in the country (49% vs. 23% globally) and say it’s difficult to get used to the local culture (47% vs. 21% globally). Expats rank Kuwait dead last when it comes to Local Friendliness (53rd), and less than a quarter (22%) are happy with their social life there (vs. 52% globally).

And although 57% of respondents in Kuwait say they’ve already been there for five years or more (vs. 48% globally), the majority (53%) is still only friends with fellow expats (vs. 37% globally). This is possibly because making local friends is difficult: over three in five expats (61%) agree, 20 percentage points more than the global average of 41%.

Costa Rica on the other hand was ranked the friendliest place for expats in 2024. For the full list and more details, click here.

I’m a huge fan of Anker products, which is how I first found out about Astore Kuwait. I was searching for a specific battery pack and looked up the local dealer, which led me to them. Their flagship store in Shuwaikh recently got a major facelift, and I passed by last week to check it out.

What many people might not know is that Astore started in 2009 by Abdullah Allafi as a small basement workshop on Bin Khaldoun Street called ‘Al-Molook.’ They originally specialized in iPhone and MacBook repairs, as well as screen protectors. As they grew, they rebranded to Astore Kuwait and now operate six stores across the GCC, including the Anker Innovation Stores in Kuwait, Qatar and Dubai.

Their flagship store is my go-to spot for Anker products because they have everything on display and usually in stock. But beyond Anker, they’re a full-fledged electronics store, carrying security cameras, dash cams, smart home devices, and even outdoor and travel gear. Every product they sell is carefully selected, making it more of a curated store rather than one that just stocks random brands and items. Also, something I didn’t realize until working on this post is that their flagship store is open 24/7.

Right now because of the Ya Hala Campaign, they’re running promotions on Anker and eufy security products, along with many other brands in-store. If you want to pass by and check the place out, the main store is in Shuwaikh, on the same street as VOL.1 and Five Guys. For more info, head over to @astore_kw or visit their online shop astorekw.com

CAF is always up to something cool, and this Ramadan, they’ve teamed up with Birkenstock for a one-of-a-kind rooftop experience at Assima Mall.

Every night from futoor till 3 AM, the space transforms with a special setup, a unique menu, and co-branded cups. There are also exciting activities to check out, plus Birkenstock will be dropping something special every night, making each visit different from the last.

If you’re looking for a spot to hang out this Ramadan, swipe left to check out photos of their cool setup or head over to the CAF account for more info @cafcafe

Although not confirmed yet, I have it on good authority that Dean & Deluca in The Avenues will be closing down, and Ulta Beauty will be opening in its spot.

The location is pretty huge, which is a good thing since Ulta Beauty needs the space to fit its wide range of luxury, drugstore, and indie brands. It also has in-store salons offering services like haircuts, styling, facials, and brow treatments. With so much to offer, they should have no trouble making full use of the space.

The first Ulta Beauty location is expected to open this year.

Debenhams also seems to be closing, and while I don’t have any information about that location, it wouldn’t be surprising if Alshaya’s other new brand, Primark, takes over the space.

Al Rai TV turned 20 last year, and with it comes a wave of nostalgia and an exciting new chapter. For many, Al Rai wasn’t just a TV channel it was a part of daily life. From the early 2000s, it brought us iconic shows and unforgettable moments, introducing personalities like Mohammed Al Sanousi, Dr. Ahmad Al Rubai, Bayoumi Fouad, and Nabil Shuail into our homes. Those programs weren’t just entertainment; they became shared memories that shaped conversations and culture across Kuwait and the Gulf.

Now, Al Rai is embracing its legacy while stepping into the future with Rai on Demand (ROD), a new video on demand platform that brings their entire archive of past productions and all future content into one place. Launching in Ramadan 2025, ROD will give audiences free access to classic shows that defined an era, alongside live streaming of Al Rai TV, their latest productions and original ROD productions. Whether it’s reliving a favorite talk show or rediscovering the programs that once brought families together, ROD is designed to bring those special memories back to life in a fresh and engaging way.

For those of us who grew up with Al Rai, this is more than just a platform, it’s a time machine. ROD will revive the magic of Al Rai’s golden years by making its classic programs easily accessible again, allowing viewers to reconnect with the shows they grew up watching. By blending nostalgia with innovation, they’re reminding us why Al Rai became such an important part of our lives in the first place.

To stay posted on the launch, follow them on @alraimediagroup

Nagwa was founded in 2004 and they’re one of my favorite spots when I want to pick up sweets to take with me to a lunch or dinner. They have 12 branches across Kuwait and over the past three years, they’ve expanded into Saudi Arabia, and this Ramadan, they’re opening a new branch in Bahrain. Their Ramadan campaign, “حكايتنا ننسجها,” draws inspiration from Middle Eastern embroidery, reflecting the craftsmanship and storytelling behind their designs.

This Ramadan, Nagwa is blending tradition with elegance, offering a variety of beautifully designed sweets and gifts:

VIP Trays – Luxurious packaging for premium gifting.
Hampers – Available in multiple colors, featuring tassels, badges, and removable pins for a personal touch.
Tahado w Tahabo – Now offered in a new size with customization options.
The Photo Frame Box – A unique way to personalize gifts by putting in your own photos in the frame.
Gergean – Include extra giveaways in your Camel or Trolley picks.
Wooden Boxes – Elegantly finished in shades of blue, green, and natural beige.

This year, Nagwa is introducing 35 new designs, including hampers, trays, wooden boxes, and Gergean, available in a variety of colors and sizes. Their signature embroidery-inspired designs extend to the finer details, from ribbons to greeting cards, adding an extra layer of elegance.

Their offerings cater to a range of tastes and budgets, making them perfect for both gifting and personal indulgence. Their thoughtful packaging and intricate designs is one of the main reasons I like gifting their stuff so much.

Nagwa’s Ramadan collection is available now in all their branches and website. For more info head over to @nagwakuwait, or if you’re in KSA and Bahrain @nagwaksa @nagwabahrain