Categories
Information

When Andy Warhol Came to Kuwait – 1977

Back in 1977, Andy Warhol came to Kuwait under the invitation of the National Council of Arts, Culture, and Letters, and his work was exhibited at the Dhaiat Abdullah Al Salem Gallery. Fred Hughes, his manager, accompanied him from the States, along with James Mayor of the Mayor Gallery in London.

Andy always carried his camera everywhere he went and while he was in Kuwait he took a lot of photos. Thanks to @5892484, I was recently made aware that all the photos he took on his trip are available online at the Standford Libraries Andy Warhol Photography Archive.

While researching for this post I also found this interesting tidbit from James Mayor about their trip to Kuwait:

I had a girlfriend who was on the board of the Arts Council of Kuwait who had offered to hold an exhibition of any artist of my choice. I suggested maybe Andy Warhol and she jumped at the chance, as did Andy who gave up his invitation to President Carter’s inauguration at the White House to do it. I remember during the lay-over at Frankfurt airport on our way to Kuwait having what I thought would be my last drink for a week or so (boy, how wrong I was!); we were met off the plane by a tomato soup coloured Rolls and ushered away to non-stop parties. At the first dinner we were welcomed by the largest drinks trolley I have ever seen and after dinner the white-gloved English butler offered us all ready-rolled joints on a silver salver. At another lunch a sheik came up to me and said ‘You have brought me Andy, now bring me Salvador!’ Sadly no commissions materialised but I did manage to sell one Marilyn portfolio and a couple of sets of Soup Cans. source

Click here to see all the photos from that trip.




Categories
Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Long Weekend

Below are all the events I found taking place this weekend. If I missed anything, let me know in the comments:

Thursday, Feb 16
Hala Kuwait
The Urban Market
Bugsha Market
The Promenade Family Fun
Scientific Center Weekend Activities
Palestinian Heritage Exhibition
Quantum Con
Atyab Almarshoud’s Show Jumping Competition
Kuwait Riders Bike Show

Friday, Feb 17
Kites Watching in Bnaider
Community Run at Shaheed Park
Hala Kuwait
Spiritual Healing Kashta
Inspire Car Show
The Urban Market
Bugsha Market
Trashtag Beach Cleanup
Scientific Center Weekend Activities
Yard & Toyota at KMT
Quantum Con
Sanad Market
Atyab Almarshoud’s Show Jumping Competition
965 MX Junior Championship
Kuwait Riders Bike Show

Saturday, Feb 18
Hala Kuwait
Ford Desert Challenge 2023
Treasure Hunt at Shaheed Park
Inspire Car Show
The Urban Market
Bugsha Market
Celebrate Kuwait Painting Event
Painting & Coffee
Scientific Center Weekend Activities
Yard & Toyota at KMT
Quantum Con
Sanad Market
SpeakUp Kuwait
Atyab Almarshoud’s Show Jumping Competition
Art Scene V: Freedom in Freestyle
Qout Market at JACC

Sunday, Feb 19
Hala Kuwait
Kayaking for Ladies
Gardening Workshop
Mommy, Me and a Pony Day!
Scientific Center Weekend Activities

Exhibitions
Ala Taraf Lisan Al Ard
Life Forms & Indigo Expressions
Speculative Horizons

Activities
Albohayra Farm
Ascend Rock Climbing
Indoor Karting
Little Jungle
Murouj Farm
Movement Classes at Omni Studio
Roller Blade at Roller Hub
Yoga at Darātma

Museums to Visit
Abdullah Salem Cultural Center (ASCC)
Amricani Cultural Center Museum
Bait Al Othman Museum




Categories
Sneak Peek

Inside the New Kuwait T2 Airport Terminal

Yesterday I was given a tour of the new Kuwait T2 airport terminal, which is a candidate to get a LEED green building certificate. LEED is a certificate that is awarded to buildings whose construction and design incorporate sustainability methods.

I was first given a tour of the outside of the terminal before making our way inside. Usually, the renderings look better than the final result but I think in this case, it’s the other way around. I don’t think the renderings do the building material and color justice, it’s much more impressive in person. Also, seeing the multiple arches from various angles and noticing how they layer in some areas creates a visually stunning experience that you need to see in person to appreciate.

The airport is huge and not just when compared to our existing airports, it’s proper international standard airport huge. From what I could tell the airport structure had been completed and the majority of the work I saw taking place was at the aircraft gates, the parking lot area, and the large bridge that will take the cars up to the arrival area. I wasn’t given a completion date but according to previous articles published, the deadline for completion is later this year.

One thing that caught my attention while walking around the construction site was how clean it was. That’s part of the requirements in the construction phase when you’re aiming for a LEED certificate, they have a dedicated crew whose job is to go around the site cleaning it up and recycling as much of the waste possible. Right now 86% of the collected waste is recycled which is extremely impressive. Obtaining a LEED certificate involves more than just recycling waste. For example, they sealed off AC ducts during construction to prevent dust from entering and compromising air quality once the airport is operational. We won’t even get a “new paint smell” when the airport opens because they’re controlling the kind of chemicals used inside the paint. It’s a legit operation.

After walking around the airport yesterday and imagining how it’s going to look once it’s completed, I can’t wait for it to open up. It’s the airport we’ve always wanted, I just hope by then we get Smart Gates for passport control.




Categories
Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Below are all the events I found taking place this weekend. If I missed anything, let me know in the comments:

Thursday, Feb 9
Shrek The Musical
The Promenade Family Fun
DAI Musical Evening: Evgeny Khmara
Kuwait TECH Expo
Hangouts at LAPA
Art & Pizza Bash

Friday, Feb 10
Shrek The Musical
RED Expo
Kites Watching in Bnaider
Kuwait TECH Expo
Touch of Hope
Discover Pre-Oil Kuwait Walk
Kuwait Sieger Show
Yoga & Horses
Qesati x Art Scene
Porsche Club Festival

Saturday, Feb 11
Shrek The Musical
RED Expo
Kuwait TECH Expo
Mega Study Abroad Expo
Treasure Hunt At Alshaheed Park
Workshop: Embroidery & Sewing
Trash Tag Beach Cleanup
Kuwait Stadion
Kuwait Sieger Show
Master the Oats
Love & Art Workshop
Cinema Night at Al Andalus
Movie Night Sea Cruise
Clothing Swap & Shop

Exhibitions
Ala Taraf Lisan Al Ard
Life Forms & Indigo Expressions
Speculative Horizons

Activities
Albohayra Farm
Ascend Rock Climbing
Indoor Karting
Little Jungle
Murouj Farm
Movement Classes at Omni Studio
Roller Blade at Roller Hub
Yoga at Darātma

Museums to Visit
Abdullah Salem Cultural Center (ASCC)
Amricani Cultural Center Museum
Bait Al Othman Museum




Categories
Food & Drinks

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Now Kuwaiti Owned

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, the San Francisco bakery that went viral in 2017 with the invention of the cruffin, is now a Kuwaiti-owned concept. Mr. Holmes is now owned by Nejoud, the same company that owns the brands % Arabica, Eighty Six, Le Relais de l’Entrecote and Marble Slab in Kuwait.

Nejoud and Mr.Holmes Bakehouse have been in franchise talks since 2018, but Mr.Holmes got hit badly during the pandemic and ended up filing for bankruptcy, which is how Nejoud ended up buying them out.

This past weekend Mr. Holmes popped up at Qout Market, and in case you missed them, they’ll be back at the next Qout Market on February 18th. Their first branch will be located in Kuwait City, right next to Eighty Six, and soft open right after the next Qout Market.




Categories
Sports

Learn the Sport of Fencing

If you’re bored of padel and are looking for a new sport, fencing might be an interesting and unique one to try out. Kuwaiti gold medalist Reem Alshatti coaches under the academy Haus of Fencing three times a week and at a relatively reasonable price of 15KD for a class or 100KD for 12 classes.

All the equipment and uniforms are provided.

If this sounds like something you want to do, then you need to sign up for their two-day beginner’s workshop. The workshops happen a couple of times every month and cost 30KD. They’re fully booked for February, but their waiting list for next month is now open.

Sign up on their website, hausoffencing.com or visit them on Instagram @hausoffencing




Categories
Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Below are all the events I found taking place this weekend, if I missed anything let me know in the comments:

Thursday, Feb 2
The Promenade Family Fun
Meet Me At The Terrace
Arabian Products Expo
965 Outlet
Trend Exop
Feria De Kuwait
Burger Show 2023
Shrek The Musical
Gala Performance: Twelfth Night
Trivia Night at Al Andalus

Friday, Feb 3
Kites Watching in Bnaider
Meet Me At The Terrace
Arabian Products Expo
965 Outlet
Trend Exop
Feria De Kuwait
Burger Show 2023
Shrek The Musical
The Stadium – Fitness Challenge
Samra Night at Palama
Trip: Into The Stars

Saturday, Feb 4
Meet Me At The Terrace
Treasure Hunt At Alshaheed Park
Arabian Products Expo
965 Outlet
Trend Exop
Feria De Kuwait
Burger Show 2023
Kashta Show
Shrek The Musical
Rewire Your Brain & Heart
Workshop: Embroidery & Sewing
Art N Dine: Dreamy Garden
Live Drawing Session
Riso Workshop
German Classic Cars Meetup
Qout Market

Exhibitions
Ala Taraf Lisan Al Ard
Bridging East and West
Surrender

Activities
Albohayra Farm
Ascend Rock Climbing
Indoor Karting
Little Jungle
Murouj Farm
Movement Classes at Omni Studio
Roller Blade at Roller Hub
Yoga at Darātma

Museums to Visit
Abdullah Salem Cultural Center (ASCC)
Amricani Cultural Center Museum
Bait Al Othman Museum




Categories
Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Below are all the events I found taking place this weekend, if I missed anything let me know in the comments:

Thursday, Jan 26
The Promenade Family Fun
Meet Me At The Terrace
The Kuwait Motor Show
1st International Shopping Expo
Artists Hangout
Bugsha Market
FoodBuzz
Kuwait Show Jumping Festival
Men’s International 25K Tournament
The Stadium – GCC Masters
The Assima Beats
The Open Season Pop Up
The Improvengers Comedy Night

Friday, Jan 27
Kites Watching in Bnaider
Meet Me At The Terrace
The Kuwait Motor Show
1st International Shopping Expo
Murouj Market
Bugsha Market
FoodBuzz
Kuwait Show Jumping Festival
Men’s International 25K Tournament
The Stadium – GCC Masters
The Assima Beats
Kashta Expo
Trash Tag Beach Cleanup
Trip: Into the Stars
KMT Formula Series
Winter Festival

Saturday, Jan 28
Meet Me At The Terrace
Treasure Hunt At Alshaheed Park
The Kuwait Motor Show
Arabian Products Expo
Kuwait Marathon
Bugsha Market
FoodBuzz
Dubaiyah Desert Cleanup
Sunset & Coffee Cruise
Men’s International 25K Tournament
The Stadium – GCC Masters
Kashta Expo
Kuwait Show Jumping Festival
Murouj Market
KMT Formula Series
An Insight into Kuwaiti Films

Exhibitions
Bridging East and West
Surrender by Bader Qabazard

Activities
Albohayra Farm
Ascend Rock Climbing
Indoor Karting
Little Jungle
Murouj Farm
Movement Classes at Omni Studio
Roller Blade at Roller Hub
Yoga at Darātma

Museums to Visit
Abdullah Salem Cultural Center (ASCC)
Amricani Cultural Center Museum
Bait Al Othman Museum




Categories
Design

6 Beautifully Designed Coffee Shops in Kuwait

It wasn’t easy putting this list together with so many great-looking coffee shops in Kuwait, here click on more below to see the 6 most beautifully designed ones. If I missed a place, let me know in the comments.




Categories
Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Below are all the events I found taking place this weekend, if I missed anything let me know in the comments:

Thursday, Jan 19
Meet Me At The Terrace
Light Expo
The Promenade Family Fun
The Kuwait Motor Show
The Valley Market

Friday, Jan 20
Kites Watching in Bnaider
Meet Me At The Terrace
Light Expo
Kuwait Duathlon 2023
A Weekend Downtown
BNK Padel Open Finals
Drag Race Round 2
The Kuwait Motor Show
965 MX Junior Championship
Workshop: Embroidery Basics
Music Night at Palama
The Valley Market
Trip to Jahra Reserve

Saturday, Jan 21
Meet Me At The Terrace
Treasure Hunt At Alshaheed Park
Light Expo
EO at Cinema Hall
BNK Padel Open Finals
Drag Race Round 2
KMT Open-Cockpit Car Track Day
The Kuwait Motor Show
Art N Dine: Take me to Saturn
Asherij Beach Cleanup
The Valley Market
A Weekend Downtown

Exhibitions
Bridging East and West
Building Prints
Mona Al-Qanai Letting Go
Surrender by Bader Qabazard

Activities
Albohayra Farm
Ascend Rock Climbing
Indoor Karting
Little Jungle
Murouj Farm
Movement Classes at Omni Studio
Roller Blade at Roller Hub
Yoga at Darātma

Museums to Visit
Abdullah Salem Cultural Center (ASCC)
Amricani Cultural Center Museum
Bait Al Othman Museum




Categories
Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Below are all the events I found taking place this weekend, if I missed anything let me know in the comments:

Thursday, Jan 12
Meet Me At The Terrace
Yard at The Assima Mall
The Promenade Family Fun

Friday, Jan 13
Kites Watching in Bnaider
Meet Me At The Terrace
Yard at The Assima Mall
Hannibal Race 2023
Trip: Into The Stars
965 Superbike Championship

Saturday, Jan 14
Meet Me At The Terrace
Treasure Hunt At Alshaheed Park
Al Kout Run
Art N Dine – Take me to Saturn
Assima Mall Reading Book
DAI Storytime
Cooking Class: Italian Tagliatelle
Know Your Mughals

Exhibitions
Surrender by Bader Qabazard

Activities
Albohayra Farm
Ascend Rock Climbing
Indoor Karting
Little Jungle
Murouj Farm
Movement Classes at Omni Studio
Roller Blade at Roller Hub
Yoga at Darātma

Museums to Visit
Abdullah Salem Cultural Center (ASCC)
Amricani Cultural Center Museum
Bait Al Othman Museum




Categories
Things to do

Grand Mosque Tour this Saturday

The Grand Mosque is holding a tour in English this coming Saturday, January 14th. The tour will take place at 10:00 AM and last up to an hour.

The tour will take you through the Arabic calligraphy exhibition, the main prayer hall, and the Emir’s hall.

Dress Code: No sleeveless shirts nor shorts for men, and full-length cloaks and headscarves for women

Parking: Available at gate 5

Meeting Point: The visitor’s diwaniya

These tours aren’t held every weekend and aren’t always in English so don’t miss it if you’ve been meaning to go. No pre-booking is needed and no tickets either. This is a free tour.




Categories
Food & Drinks

Fish and Chips in the City

There’s a new fish and chips spot that just opened up in the city called The Fishery. They opened next to where Lunch Room used to be in T21 Tower, right across from Behbehani Complex. Their main menu consists of three items:

Fish Fillet Burger KD3.950
Fish and Chips (dory or cod fish) KD5.950
Shrimp Roll KD4.500

I haven’t passed by yet since my cheat day is on Friday (new year new me!) but it looks promising from the photos. They’re currently in their soft-opening phase but operate a full day from 2PM to 11PM. If you’re interested, they’re on Instagram @thefisherykuwait




Categories
Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this Weekend

Below are all the events I found taking place this weekend, if I missed anything let me know in the comments:

Thursday, Jan 5
Meet Me At The Terrace
Bazzar Expo
KMT: Car Open Track Day

Friday, Jan 6
Kites Watching in Bnaider
Meet Me At The Terrace
Bazzar Expo
Roll Race Event
Super Run Event

Saturday, Jan 7
Meet Me At The Terrace
Treasure Hunt At Alshaheed Park
Bazzar Expo
AlSadu Workshop: Fun with Textiles
Basta: Fermentation Workshop
Storytelling with Ahmed Almonsouri
Artists Hangout
TrashHero Beach Cleanup
Speedcubing Workshop
Watch Camel Races

Exhibitions
25 O’Clock by Walid Taher
A Retrospective by Abdulwahab Al Awadhi
Visitor of Freedom by Thuraya Al Baqsami

Activities
Albohayra Farm
Ascend Rock Climbing
Indoor Karting
Little Jungle
Murouj Farm
Movement Classes at Omni Studio
Roller Blade at Roller Hub
Yoga at Darātma

Museums to Visit
Abdullah Salem Cultural Center (ASCC)
Amricani Cultural Center Museum
Bait Al Othman Museum
Tareq Rajab Museum




Categories
Things to do

Things to do in Kuwait this NYE Weekend

Below are all the events I found taking place this weekend, if I missed anything let me know in the comments:

Thursday, Dec 29
Meet Me At The Terrace
Rooftop Movie: Home Alone 2
Murouj Market
Bazzar Expo
The Walk: Kuwait Before Oil
Bugsha Street Food Market
Albohayra Farm
Latifa Neo Expressionism
The Promenade Family Fun

Friday, Dec 30
Kites Watching in Bnaider
Meet Me At The Terrace – Oud Nights
Murouj Market
Bazzar Expo
Albohayra Farm
Latifa Neo Expressionism
KMT: Open Track Day
965 Motor Club Superbike Championship
Bugsha Street Food Market
New Year’s Market

Saturday, Dec 31
Meet Me At The Terrace
Treasure Hunt At Alshaheed Park
Murouj Market
Bazzar Expo
KMT: Drag Roll Race
New Year Run 2023
Albohayra Farm
Latifa Neo Expressionism
Beekeeper’s Life Experience
New Year’s Market
Bugsha Street Food Market

Exhibitions
25 O’Clock by Walid Taher
A Retrospective by Abdulwahab Al Awadhi
Visitor of Freedom by Thuraya Al Baqsami

Activities
Albohayra Farm
Ascend Rock Climbing
Indoor Karting
Little Jungle
Murouj Farm
Movement Classes at Omni Studio
Roller Blade at Roller Hub
Yoga at Darātma

Museums to Visit
Abdullah Salem Cultural Center (ASCC)
Amricani Cultural Center Museum
Bait Al Othman Museum
Tareq Rajab Museum