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Yesterday, I came across a tweet by Sharifa Alshalfan, a member of the Kuwait Municipal Council, sharing a proposal that I think is a great idea for solving the current congestion in suburban areas. Sharifa tweeted that she had submitted an amendment to the residential building regulations, aimed at addressing the increasing number of cars in residential neighborhoods and their negative impact on the quality of life.

Currently, the regulations only allow the ground floor of a residential building to extend to the property line, while upper floors must be set back. Sharifa’s proposal seeks to modify the regulations to change this rule. The amendment would allow parking spaces to be added on the ground floor and make up for the lost space by letting the first and second floors extend out to the property line.

Key features of the proposal include:

Optional parking spaces within the plot: Giving property owners the choice to add parking without compromising living space above.

Automatic shading: The new design would provide shading for parking spaces through the upper floors’ extension, eliminating the need for separate canopies.

Improved pedestrian safety and greenery: The changes aim to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and enhance the greenery in residential areas.

I had an architect help me create the image above to help visualize how this proposal would work. I’m actually surprised this wasn’t suggested before since it makes so much sense. According to Sharifa, the average 400m plot house can easily fit 6 cars.

Sharifa’s proposal is part of a bigger effort to update building rules to better fit our changing cities and make life better for people living there. According to her, it could take 2 months or longer to find out if this proposal is approved or rejected.

Sharifa is the co-author of “THE MULTIPLEX TYPOLOGY: Living in Kuwait’s hybrid homes”, a book on housing in Kuwait co-authored with Joaquín Pérez-Goicoechea and Sarah AlFraih. If you’re interested, the book is available to purchase at That Al Salasil in The Avenues.

Thanks Zaydoun!

This came as a bit of a surprise, The Marafie Group of Companies announced that the B&O agency has been transferred to Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi Group (BNK Holding). I couldn’t find any details online on how long Marafie had the B&O brand in Kuwait, but it must be at least from the 80s since I remember going to their basement store in Zahra Complex as a kid. Link

I’m a pretty huge fan of the Bang & Olufsen brand, as long as it’s not battery operated that is. All my portable B&O units (BeoLit 12, BeoLit 15 and BeoPlay A2) stopped holding a charge a couple of years after buying them. My A9 on the other hand pictured above which I got back I 2013, still works perfectly. For all my B&O related posts, click here.

Yesterday’s post inspired me to put together this list of local lifestyle brands I love. Some of these are brands I have a personal connection with, while others I just appreciate for their story or aesthetic. I’m hoping you might not have heard of some of them yet, but that you’ll end up loving them when you do.

Ecru
Limited collections of objects, furniture, and clothing inspired by the ethos and culture of Arab hospitality.

ET Cetra
Contemporary lifestyle supplier store where everyday objects are celebrated for their function, simplicity, and design.

From Mud
Ceramics studio specializing in designing and creating handmade tableware and objects.

Happy Herbalist
A 100% natural, cruelty-free organic skincare brand that uses clean ingredients sourced from around the world.

Hind
Curated handmade clothing and accessories from around the world, crafted by artisans to support families, education, and a sustainable future.

Hot Mess
Sleepwear and loungewear designed not to be perfect, but to feel good, look cute, and live real.

Khaneh
Curated selection of authentic and handmade pieces that add warmth, depth, and character to your home.

Pantera Furtiva
Blends minimalism with an appreciation for quality craftsmanship in handcrafted footwear.

Ra
A MENA-inspired, ungendered, and seasonless brand, all handmade by local craftspeople and made to order in their Kuwait City studio.

SOM Active
State of Mind Active is a fashion-focused recreational apparel brand with a wellness-driven mindset.

Sonder Goods
Unique, high-quality stationery and design-focused products, with collaborations from local, regional, and international creatives.

The Soap Box
Natural luxury soap and skincare using lavender they grow in Ireland.

Zeri Craft
Blends Khaleeji cultural inspiration with contemporary design, creating simple, functional objects that honor tradition and sustainability, all handcrafted by skilled artisans.

According to a thread on twitter by an exhibitor at the recently held Gold & Jewlery Exhibition, they had a diamond bracelet stolen from their booth.

Investigations by the Ministry of Interior revealed that two women were involved in the theft, stealing dozens of jewelry pieces worth hundreds of thousands of dinars from several stores at the exhibition. The stolen items included a diamond ring valued at over 30,000 Kuwaiti dinars from a well-known Kuwaiti store.

The MOI were able to identify the suspects and arrest them in less than 24 hours with all the stolen jewelry in their possession.

I hadn’t read about this heist anywhere else so thought it was interesting, and after googling found an Arab Times article with more information which you can check out here.

This morning I read that the actor Jonathan Joss who played Chief Ken Hotate on the show Parks and Recreation was shot and killed by his neighbor.

I hadn’t watched Parks and Rec since the show ended 10 years ago so I decided to look for a video of the Jonathan on the show as a reminder, and oh my god, I totally forgot how hilarious Parks and Rec was. RIP Chief. YouTube

Hamleys, the world’s oldest toy store, just opened a new location at The Avenues. When Hamleys first opened in Kuwait back in 2020, I was a bit surprised they chose to open at The Gate Mall instead of The Avenues. I found that store small and too far out of my way to ever want to visit. But a few days ago, they opened their new location in Phase 1 of The Avenues, and I feel this is the one they should have opened back then.

The new Hamleys is bigger and more inviting although still tiny compared to the Hamleys flagship store in London. I think it’s also slightly smaller than the Fantasy Land store in The Avenues, but it’s filled with lots of toys including dedicated Hot Wheels, LEGO, Barbie and Play-Doh areas. There is also a Build-A-Bear Workshop inside the store.

The opening of this new store feels like a relaunch of the brand in Kuwait, since their Instagram account has deleted all traces of the previous store and positioned themselves as if they’re just opening in Kuwait for the first time.

If you want to check out the new store, it’s located on the ground floor of Phase 1 next to Foot Locker (not to be confused with the Foot Locker in Phase 3 or the one at The Forum). To make things slightly more confusing, Hamleys’ profile says they’re open in Avenues Phase 2, but the map on The Avenues website says Phase 1 🤷🏼‍♂️. Here’s their Instagram @hamleyskuwait

Here’s my 2025 list of pools in Kuwait that offer day passes. This list is strictly “singles friendly,” except for two pools that have ladies-only days or families-only access on weekends.

Arabella Beach Hotel
Telephone: 22277744
Timings: 10am to 7pm
Weekdays 25KD
Weekends Not Available

Argan Al Bida’a Club
Telephone: 22263115
Timings: 8am to 8pm
Weekdays 30KD
Weekends 35KD (Families Only)

Copthorne Al Jahra Hotel & Resort
Telephone: 24590000
Timings: 9am to 7pm
Weekdays/Weekends 10KD

Crowne Plaza
Telephone: 1848111
Timings: 6am to 10pm
Weekdays/Weekends 20KD

Four Seasons Hotel
Telephone: 22006000
Timings: 8am to 6pm
Weekdays/Weekends 40KD (70KD Couple)

Holiday Inn & Suites
Telephone: 25760000
Timings: 6:30am to Midnight
Weekdays 20KD
Weekend 29KD

Hyatt Regency Al Kout Mall
Telephone: 23931234
Timings: 8am to 8pm
Weekdays/Weekends 25KD
(Ladies only days on Mondays and Wednesdays)

Marina Hotel
Telephone: 22230030
Timings: 9am to 6pm
Weekdays 35KD
Weekends 40KD

Millennium Hotel
Telephone: 22050505
Timings: 9am to 6pm
Weekdays/Weekends 25KD

Mövenpick Hotel Resort AlBidaa
Telephone: 22253100
Timings: 8am to 8pm
Weekdays 25KD
Weekends 30KD

Park Inn by Radisson
Telephone: 22068500
Timings: 8am to 8pm
Weekdays/Weekends 15KD

Radisson Blu (member invite required)
Telephone: 25673000
Timings: 6am to 11pm
Weekdays 20KD
Weekends 30KD

SVN Club (member invite required)
Telephone: 1876777
Timings: 6am to Midnight
Weekdays 30KD
Weekends 40KD

Symphony Style Hotel
Telephone: 25770000
Timings: 9am to 5pm
Weekdays 20KD
Weekends 25KD

Waldorf Astoria
Telephone: 24774444
Timings: 10am to 6pm
Weekdays/Weekends 45KD (includes 15KD food voucher)

OLE Coffee, the local independent coffee roasters, just opened their 45th branch at Kuwait Airport’s Terminal 4.

The terminal was long overdue for a specialty coffee spot, so I’m glad that OLE Coffee stepped in. They’re known for using high-grade beans that are freshly roasted in Kuwait and ethically sourced directly from farmers. They’re also committed to sustainability. On top of that, they also serve exceptional ceremonial-grade matcha imported from Japan.

The new OLE Coffee branch is located near the arrivals area at T4, so you can grab a coffee before checking in or while waiting for someone to land. Find out more over at @theolecoffee.

I didn’t think much would be happening this weekend, but turns out there’s quite a bit going on. As always, double-check the details with the event organizers.

Thursday, May 29
Matilda the Musical
Kuwait Int Outdoor Expo
The Avenues Summer Edition
Movie Night at Barba
965 Outlet Expo
Literary Open Mic

Friday, May 30
Matilda the Musical
Kuwait Int Outdoor Expo
The Avenues Summer Edition
965 Outlet Expo
Bawa Incubator: Altersal
Gulf Universities Championship

Saturday, May 31
Matilda the Musical
Kuwait Int Outdoor Expo
The Avenues Summer Edition
A Women’s Circle
965 Outlet Expo
Gulf Universities Championship

I came across these images of the Kuwait National Assembly by accident. I had recommended a friend buy a book called “Jørn Utzon Logbook Vol. IV: Kuwait National Assembly“, which covers its construction but she told me it was sold out. I started searching for a copy for her online when I stumbled across images of the National Assembly I hadn’t seen before, not even in his book on the project.

If you aren’t familiar, the Kuwait National Assembly was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the same architect behind the iconic Sydney Opera House. His design was well thought out. He organized the main building complex in a way inspired by traditional Arabian bazaars. All the departments (offices, meeting rooms, reception areas, the library, Assembly Hall, and more) are arranged along a central street, similar to the layout of a bazaar. Each department is made up of modules of varying sizes built around small patios or courtyards, all connected to the central street by side alleys. The complex was designed to be expandable at any time by adding new modules, allowing it to grow outward continuously similar to bazaars.

The canopy, or tent-like shade at the entrance that gives the building its distinctive look, came to him after seeing a photo of two Arabs fishing on the shore under a small sail from their boat. The sail was stretched between two poles with a beam across the top, creating a simple shaded area. He loved the way the shadow looked and thought it would be a beautiful idea to use in the building.

Jørn’s Logbook Vol. IV focuses on the Kuwait National Assembly project and includes behind-the-scenes documents, original drawings, stories, and photos of the construction. It was published in 2008, and copies were still available as recently as 2019, but they seem to have sold out since then.

Majority of the photos I’ve shared in this post were taken from the Utzon Archive, the rest are from my copy of the book. If you want to check them all out and get access to the hi-res images, click here.

The photo above is the one I think inspired him since it was included inside his book.

The video above is also from their archive, I like it because if you forward around 2 minutes in you get to see a full 360 of the city from above. I think the video was shot from the old Kuwait Airways building.

© Utzon Archives / Aalborg University & Utzon Center.

Spa Time and Men Time were the first specialized luxury spas to open in Kuwait. Known for focusing on traditional healing techniques and body care, they’ve recently introduced two new treatments: a healing massage designed for Office Syndrome and another for tension in the lower legs and feet.

Office Syndrome is a growing health issue caused by poor posture, repetitive movements, and extended periods of inactivity, usually from long hours spent working at a desk or in front of a computer.

Some common symptoms of Office Syndrome include:

• Muscle stiffness and body pain
• Headaches or migraines
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the limbs
• Eye strain
• Poor circulation and fatigue

I relate to all of the above since I spend so much time sitting in front of a computer. This specialized treatment is actually recommended for people like me, as well as office workers, students, and even gamers.

The second treatment they’ve introduced, which you might also find interesting, is called Tired Leg & Foot Massage. This targeted therapy is designed to relieve fatigue, heaviness, and tension in the lower legs and feet. It’s ideal for people who stand or walk for long periods, travel frequently, or experience poor circulation and swelling in their legs. Sounds like the perfect treatment after a trip that involved a lot of walking.

I’m actually considering trying the Office Syndrome treatment myself, so if any of them also sound like something you’d be into, check them out. They have 7 branches around Kuwait, including in Al Muhallab, Avenues, Al Kout Mall, and Kipco Tower, so chances are there’s one near you. You can find out more on their website here.

The Scientific Center is opening its new expansion today, but I managed to get an early tour yesterday afternoon. First impression, wow, the view is incredible. I was there around 4PM, and the light was coming through the large glass wall surrounding the new area was casting beautiful shadows all over the interior. I wouldn’t be surprised if people went there just for the view.

The new expansion is massive, and I was given a tour of all the areas that are currently open. Some sections are still closed, with openings being staggered over the next year. The first area to launch is the World of Science, which spans three floors and features the following exhibits:

• Kuwait, Earth & Universe Exhibit
• Engineering Our World
• Robosapiens Exhibit

There are plenty of interactive displays for both kids and adults that are fun and educational. The most fun for me was probably the paper plane building area, where you make a plane, load it into a machine, and launch it. My favorite section overall though was the Robosapiens Exhibit, which explores how humans and technology have evolved together. It had several displays that demonstrated the interface between technology and the human body, which I’ve personally always been fascinated by since I was a kid (I used to love the 80s cartoon Bionic Six).

I’d estimate the new expansion would take around two hours to fully explore with your kids, especially if they play and interact with all the different exhibits.

If you want to visit the Scientific Center, they’re initially limiting the number of visitors per day so it doesn’t get overcrowded. There are two ticket options, KD 5 and KD 6. Both give you access to everything, including the original Scientific Center and the new expansion. The KD 6 ticket also includes entry to the IMAX theater. Children under 2 enter for free. For more info, you can head over to their website tsck.org.kw

To check out more photos and videos, head over to my instagram @248am

If you’ve been craving something sweet, December Bakery has a deal that makes it even harder to resist. For a limited time, and exclusively on Jahez, when you order their Molten, Vanilla Cake, or 2 Cup Cakes, you’ll get a free coffee with it.

Perfect pairing? Absolutely. Just open the Jahez app, search for December Bakery, and make your pick. @decemberbakery_kw

This coming Tuesday, the Scientific Center will finally open its doors to its new expansion, “World of Science.” The opening also marks the center’s 25-year anniversary since first launching in 2000 as the region’s first scientific center.

The new area includes the following exhibits:

Kuwait, Earth & Universe Exhibit
Showcases the history of Kuwait and its current development, as well as a section showcasing Earth, the other planets, and natural forces.

Robosapiens Exhibit
This exhibit explores how humans and technology have developed throughout the years, from robotics to bioengineering.

Engineering Our World
This section makes physics and engineering interactive and fun, which is great for curious minds of all ages.

There are a few more exhibits that haven’t opened yet but will be launching soon. The “Power of Play” exhibit is coming next month, while the “Children’s Museum” is set to open in 2026. The Children’s Museum will be a fun, hands-on space where kids can explore planets, animals, water, energy, and more. Another upcoming exhibit, “Ecosystem,” will showcase different environments from around the world.

As a longtime fan of the Scientific Center, I’ve been looking forward to this new expansion ever since it was first announced 10 years ago. The new area will officially open to the public this coming Tuesday, May 27, and tickets are already available on their website.

There will be a limited number of daily tickets available at first, so if you want to be among the first to explore the new space, head to tsck.org.kw and grab your tickets ASAP.

Deboned is my go-to spot when I want to eat clean or healthy. Their grilled chicken is packed with flavor, and since they have branches near my home and office, delivery is always quick.

One of the reasons I like their chicken so much is the special marination they use, and now they’ve introduced a new flavor for a limited time, Loumi. The flavor is inspired by the tangy depth of black lime, and it’s perfect for summer when you’re craving something light but tasty.

The new Loumi flavor is available across all their chicken dishes, including Shawarma, Chicken Wings, and of course, the Half Chicken and Whole Chicken options (with or without rice).

I didn’t realize this until I got their press release, but Deboned isn’t just in Kuwait anymore. They’ve also expanded to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which explains why I’ve been seeing them pop up more online.

If you’ve never tried Deboned before, or if you want to check out the new flavor, head over to their Instagram page for more info @deboned.kw