Categories
Events Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Here are this weekends events, let me know if I missed anything:

Thursday, Feb 15
Military Band Show at The Avenues
Auto Land Car Show
SADI 2024: Materiality of the Desert
Al Khiran Marina Market
Ramadan Market at The Food Hall
Film Night: The Merchant of Venice

Friday, Feb 16
Auto Land Car Show
SADI 2024: Materiality of the Desert
Robotics Open Activity at ASCC
Al Khiran Marina Market
Clean Up & Kashta!
Ramadan Market at The Food Hall
Audition: Little Shop of Horrors
Porsche Club Kuwait Festival
Is this thing on? Open Mic

Saturday, Feb 17
Auto Land Car Show
Ford Desert Challenge 2024
SADI 2024: Materiality of the Desert
Beach Clean Up
Al Khiran Marina Market
Army Marching Band at 360 Mall
Science in the Garden
Ramadan Market at The Food Hall
Porsche Club Kuwait Festival
Bloom Sustainability Market
Escalate Conference
Qout Market




Categories
Complaints

Dear Kababji, Stop Spamming Me

I’m having a horrible experience dealing with all the SMS ads Kababji keep sending me. I used to order from them a few times a week and for yeearrssss, but since I’ve started having issues with their ads and their social media teams complete lack of communication, I’ve stopped ordering from them.

I was a huge fan of the brand but now they really piss me off and all because they refuse to stop sending me ads. To make matters worse, they’ve started sending me Subway ads (they’re owned by the same company which is Kout Food Group), so I’ve also now decided to stop having Subway which I was having around once or twice a week before they started spamming me.

I don’t understand the thinking process sometimes. Like fine, you’re sending ads out to your customers without their permission, sure, whatever, but at least when the customer gets in touch with you and asks you to stop sending them ads, you stop.

Since I’m venting, Dear ZUE, I don’t need to give you my phone number when buying poop bags. Every time I tell the cashier I don’t want to give them my number, they get so confused and don’t know what to do. They insist on a number for me to pay, and when I give them a fake number they refuse to use it. So I keep telling them to put their own numbers and then after they argue amongst each other, the staff end up using their own numbers for the order. Like why all the drama? Why do you need a my real phone number just so I can pay for a poop bag? Like, I’m a fan of the place, products and services, but you have to change this annoying policy.

Rant Over.




Categories
Shopping

Ordering from TEMU

I recently placed my first order from TEMU, the online Chinese marketplace which you probably heard about through your Tiktok feed. Surprisingly, my experience was great.

I was looking for a cover for my bicycle since I have my bike wall mounted and I recently repainted and didn’t want to get the wall dirty again. I ended up finding it for really cheap on TEMU and decided to order it. Here’s everything you need to know about ordering from TEMU:

  • The bicycle cover cost 2.970KD but when I tried to check out it wouldn’t let me. TEMU offers free shipping to Kuwait, but you need to have an order of at least 13KD to qualify

  • If you have an order less than 14KD, you can’t place an order, even if you want to pay for shipping, it’s not an option

  • If the item you’re ordering is discounted and the new price is under 14KD, if the original price is over 14KD you get free shipping

  • Finding at least 14KD worth of items you didn’t know you wanted is easy on TEMU

  • I placed the order on January 25th and was given a delivery date between January 31st and February 8th

  • On February 8th, I got a WhatsApp from a delivery company in Kuwait asking for my Google Maps location, the next day my package was delivered to my doorstep

  • I ordered 15 items from different vendors, TEMU packaged them together and sent them to me in one bag

  • I didn’t pay any customs fee, all taxes are included in the items prices

  • Because the items were delivered one day later than promised, I got a credit of 1.250KD

So that’s basically it. The biggest surprise was the home delivery since I wasn’t expecting that, I thought I’d have to pick it up from the post office which I’m never looking forward to doing.

My order arrived with none of the items missing, and no disappointments. My bicycle cover was perfect, but so were all the other random things I ordered. I’m overall very impressed and would definitely recommend ordering from them.

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments.




Categories
Art People

Kuwaiti Artists Shine at Desert x Alula

Two Kuwaiti female artists, Aseel AlYaqoub and Monira Al Qadiri are taking part in this year’s Desert X AlUla 2024 open-air art exhibition.

15 artists from around the world were invited to take part in the exhibition under the theme of “In the Presence Of Absence”. The exhibition is taking place in AlUla area in Saudi Arabia and is open to all to visit.

Aseel’s work is the one on top, while Monira’s are the black enlarged meteorites above. For more information and photos of their installations, head over to their instagram account @aseelalyaqoub and @moniraism.

Desert X AlUla 2024 runs from 9 February to 23 March. For more information on the exhibition, visit @artsalula

Photos: Courtesy of The Royal Commission for AlUla




Categories
Events Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Here are some events taking place this weekend, if I missed anything let me know in the comments.

Thursday, Feb 8
Autoland
Al Khiran Marina Market

Friday, Feb 9
Wellness Market
Autoland
Ramadan Market
Al Khiran Marina Market
Let’s Go Hiking
KMT Race Weekend – Round 2

Saturday, Feb 10
Wellness Market
Autoland
Ramadan Market
DAI Storytime
Mirror House Art Festival
The Folio Club: Richard III
Shakshooka Market
KMT Race Weekend – Round 2
Al Khiran Marina Market




Categories
Events Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Here are the events taking place this weekend, let me know if I missed anything:

Thursday, February 1
Charcoal Live Cooking Experience
HENRY V
Murouj Market
Astronomers Diwaniya
Celebrating Contemporary Textile Artistry
The City Vibes Market
MEGA 3 Expo

Friday, February 2
Charcoal Live Cooking Experience
Murouj Market
Al-Farsi Kite Team
The City Vibes Market
MEGA 3 Expo
KMT Race Weekend
Red Bull Car Park Drift

Saturday, February 3
Charcoal Live Cooking Experience
Murouj Market
Qout Market
The City Vibes Market
MEGA 3 Expo
Women’s Wellness Event
KMT Race Weekend
Korean Game Day & Picnic




Categories
Events Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

So many things happening this weekend, check out the full list below but if I missed anything, let me know.

Thursday, January 25
Improv Everywhere: Ha Ha Happy New Year
Muruoj Sport Event
Light Expo
Quantum Con
Sports Square – Sulaibikhat
Creative Printing Art Exhibition
Bugsha Market
Season Expo
Shop Local Food Hall
Circle Talk: Starting a Conscious Business
Kashta with Madang
Macbeth Film Night
Future Kid Grand Opening – Mubarakiya

Friday, January 26
Muruoj Sport Event
Light Expo
Quantum Con
Sports Square – Sulaibikhat
Show Jumping Event
Live Show: The Space Race
THRF Marketplace
Bugsha Market
Season Expo
Shop Local Food Hall
Lets Go Hiking
Art with Dried Flowers
IKEA Carnival
Cars & Coffee

Saturday, January 27
Muruoj Sport Event
Light Expo
Quantum Con
Sports Square – Sulaibikhat
THRF Marketplace
Show Jumping Event
Hanji & Hansik
Wejha Bazaar
Bugsha Market
Season Expo
IKEA Carnival
Workshop: Digital Art for Fabric Printing
Shop Local Food Hall




Categories
Things to do

Heritage Village Opens Next Weekend

Back in November I posted about Khalifouh Village which is owned by the popular Kuwaiti actor, Khalifa Khalifouh. Khalifa, who worked on various TV shows involving old Kuwaiti villages, built an old village himself because he wasn’t very happy with the quality of workmanship in the show-built villages they would film in.

Khalifouh village is filled with many buildings that a real village would have like a mosque, a bakery, a tea shop, a theater and a main square.

The village is now going to open to the public starting next weekend. From February 1st, the village will be open on weekends from 10AM to 8PM and entry will be free.

If you’re looking for something fun to do you could turn the visit into a Wafra road trip since there are a bunch of things to do and see there other than the heritage village. Personally, I’d recommend heading to Wafretto for coffee (pictured above) before visiting the village and maybe pass by Mala Garden for pizza on the way back. You’ll also find loads of farms on the way to visit and buy vegetables and fruits from.

For more photos of the village and to stay posted on any updates, follow @khalifouhvillage

IMPORTANT UPDATE
I originally posted that the village was only gonna be open for one day but the English poster turned out to be missing key details compared to the Arabic poster. The village will actually be open every weekend starting February 1st. So NOT for just one day.




Categories
Information Shopping Sports

Camping & Outdoor Gear Shops in Kuwait

I wanted to put a list together of local online shops that sell camping or outdoor gear. We actually have some pretty good brands available locally, if you know where to look. I’ve listed the stores I’m aware of below along with some of the brands they have in case anyone is ever googling. If I missed a place, let me know in the comments.

AAW – Coleman, Magma, Snow Peak
Ace Hardware – Blackstone, Coghlan’s, Coleman, Mr Heater, Wenzel
Al Azame – Atwood, Leatherman, Nitecore, Thaw, Victorinox
All Degrees – Biotite, Black Diamond, Osprey, UCO
Camouflage – Buck, Ganzo, KadiOutdoor, Leatherman
Alyash – Mostly in house brands
Camp N Sea – Coleman, Dometic, KingCamp, Naturehike
Decathlon – Quechua
DreamTeam – Gerber, Leatherman, Nitecore, Olight, Pelican
Extreme Outdoors – Danchel, Gstove, Goutdoor
Naturehike – Blackdog, Blackdeer, Bluetti, Firemaple, Naturehike, Roxon
Nomadic – 4monster, KingCamp
Off Grid – BioLite, GSI Outdoors
ORP – ARB, NEMO Equipment
Outdoor Kuwait – Blogdog, Black Stone, Camelback, Campingmoon, Claymore, GCI, Unity




Categories
Promoted

Smoke & Soda – Curated Fashion & Lifestyle

SMOKE AND SODA is a new Kuwait based online store that recently launched and is promising to bring something new to the regional fashion scene.

It’s a one-stop-shop with items ranging from electronics and self-care essentials, to clothes and home decor. Everything is curated so you’re only going to find the coolest and most interesting items for sale.

All their pieces are hand picked from places like New York, LA, London, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo, but they also have offerings from within our region. Some of the brands they carry include:

  • Billionaire Boys Club
  • Converse
  • Grown Alchemist
  • House of Sunny
  • Lottie London
  • Modern Home
  • Nikben
  • Pabe Pabe
  • Soxy
  • Stojo
  • This Works

With all the big franchises selling pretty much the same looking things, SMOKE AND SODA are trying to help you celebrate your individuality with more unique pieces. They’re champions of self-expression and want you to embrace your true self, free from judgment.

SMOKE AND SODA have both an online website and iOS and Android Apps. Check them out by visiting smokeandsoda.com or clicking on the download link in their bio @smokeandsodame




Categories
Promoted

Promoted: Win A Red Bull Racing Factory Experience

I’m a huge Formula 1 racing fan, so one of the benefits of having a Red Bull MOBILE by Zain phone number is I get to participate in their Weekly Rewards and win F1 gear and experiences. It usually only requires answering a couple of multiple choice questions, and the person answering all correctly and quickly wins the prize. I won once so far, but missed out on a trip for 2 to watch the F1 race in Qatar including a unique Red Bull Racing garage tour experience back in October.

Now, Red Bull launched their biggest Reward yet, an all-inclusive trip for two to visit the Red Bull Racing Factory in the UK. If you’re an F1 fan (or just want a free trip to the UK) this is for you.

There will be two winners for this reward and each winner will be able to bring one companion with them on the trip.

The package includes:
– Two tickets to the UK from Kuwait
– 2-night stay in a hotel (double room incl. breakfast)
– Red Bull Racing Factory Tour
– Transportation

This promotion is exclusive to Red Bull MOBILE by Zain subscribers. If you’re already a Red Bull MOBILE by Zain member, then head over to the Rewards section in the RBM by Zain app and enter the competition. If you don’t have a Red Bull MOBILE by Zain number, you should really consider getting one. I pay only 12.5KD a month for unlimited calls and 5G internet, plus the ability to take part in their Weekly Rewards program.

Download the app and play to win now!
For more information, follow @redbullmobilekw or visit redbullmobile.com.kw




Categories
Events Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Events are starting to pick up again but still not a lot happening, let me know if I missed anything:

Thursday, January 18
Sports Square 2023-2024
Kashmir Textiles Exhibition
Shop Local Market
TK Market
Atyab Almarshoud’s Show Jumping Competition

Friday, January 19
Sports Square 2023-2024
Shop Local Market
Experimental Printmaking Workshop
Cars & Coffee
TK Market
Atyab Almarshoud’s Show Jumping Competition
Stargazing in Al Salmi

Saturday, January 20
Sports Square 2023-2024
Shop Local Market
DAI Storytime
TK Market
Tareq Rajab Museum Tour
Atyab Almarshoud’s Show Jumping Competition




Categories
Information Interesting Kuwait

Visiting the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park

The Shagaya Renewable Energy Park is located around an hour and a half drive from the city and it’s HUGE. To give you some perspective, if you drove at 100KM/h, it would take you around 5 minutes to get from one end to the other. Last week I was lucky enough to get permission from KISR to visit the project and get a tour of the different renewable energy resources Kuwait is currently experimenting with.

The Shagaya Park is part of Kuwait’s vision for producing up to 15% of the energy from renewable energy sources by the year 2030. The energy park is a small-scale pilot project where three different renewable energy sources were installed with the objective so to be able to asses medium term costs and performances, and be able to make decisions on which technology to be employed in future plants. The 3 renewable energy sources installed are:

10 MW Wind Farm
10 MW Photovoltaic Plant
50 MW Concentrated Solar Power Plant

The wind farm uses wind to turn turbines to produce the energy. The photovoltaic plant uses solar panels to convert sun light into electricity. Finally, the CSP plant uses mirrors to direct sunlight onto a central tube filled with oil which then heats up water which drives a steam turbine to produce electricity. The advantage of the CSP plant which I discovered on this tour is that it can continue to produce electricity even during the night. That’s because there are two large tanks filled with 33,000 tons of molten salt that store heat during the day, and then continue to produce energy at night.

All the power generated from the park is fed back into Kuwait’s power grid. Since the park has been operational for a few years, they’ve collected enough data to decide on moving forward by expanding the Photovoltaic Plant. Kuwait uses the most amount of energy from 12PM to 4PM in the summer which is also when the Photovoltaic Plant’s generate the most electricity. This is why the government recently launched a tender to build a 1.1GW photovoltaic plant which will be installed at the park.

You can’t access the park without permission from KISR, but if you want to drive to it and check out the wind farm from outside the park, here is the location on Google Maps.




Categories
Movies Now Showing Television

Movies & TV Shows to Watch this Weekend

The new season of True Detective comes out on Monday starring Jodie Foster. I’m looking forward to it because haven’t really been watching much lately.

I’ve started The Expanse all over again, I think the first time I watched it I stopped at season 3, and then completely forgot the storyline and characters so now restarting and going to watch it all the way through.

What have you been watching?

Movies at the Cinemas
The movies below are now showing at the local cinemas:

New This Weekend:
Lord of Misrule (5.3)
The Beekeeper (6.8)

Other Movies Showing:
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (6.0)
Ferrari (6.8)
Migration (7.5)
Night Swim (N/A)
The Iron Claw (8.1)
Wish (6.0)
Wonka (7.4)

The classic films below are currently showing at the 1954 Film House:
Rush Hour 2 (6.7)

The numbers in brackets refer to the IMDB rating at the time of publishing.




Categories
Design Food & Drinks

Design Highlight: DOH!’s Floatie Stall

This is a simple, but fun and very cute idea. Local design studio Mud Architects were commissioned to design a stall for Doh! at the new food hall in Khiran Mall.

Taking inspiration from the location of the food hall being in a beach town, Mud decided to create a large donut floatie. The design choice was a nod to both the brand’s fun identity, and the coastal vibe of Khiran, creating an eye-catching and engaging presence inside the food hall.

Photos by @mashkanani