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Gravity coffee shop recently reopened its newly redesigned shop in Seaview Mall, Abu Hulaifah. The interior was designed by Studio Nama, the same studio behind the new Matchbox at JACC, which I also love and highlighted back in December.

The main design concept of Gravity aims to accommodate both individuals seeking quiet moments and larger groups looking for communal interactions.

What caught my attention was the contrast between the different materials, colors, and textures used to give this space its unique look. I also love how the space has so many layers and nooks—plus, I’m a sucker for chocolate brown velvet sofas. Studio Nama deliberately created a variety of seating options, from sofas to casual tables with chairs to platform cushions for a more informal feel. It’s because of these different arrangements, the space can accommodate both solitary visitors and larger groups.

If you want to see more photos of the space as well as other work by Studio Nama, click here.

Photos by @mashkanani

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

Just a quick update to my T4 post from a few days ago. As I mentioned, Pret A Manger already has their ‘coming soon’ hoarding up, but I also found out about a few other places opening. Here’s the list of what’s coming soon so far:

• Bartone (Airside)
• Caribou (Airside & Landside)
• Ole (Landside)
• Pick (Airside)
• Pret A Manger (Airside)

If you’re flying out during Eid and notice a bunch of places shut down, well, now you know why.

While going through Ghazi Sultan’s photography archive, I came across a photo of the Seif Palace clock tower under construction. I don’t recall ever seeing photos of Seif Palace being built, especially the clock tower. When I previously posted about the clock’s history, I searched but couldn’t find any images of it during construction, which is why I found this simple photo so interesting.

Seif Palace was originally built in 1904, but over the years it was renovated and expanded a number of times. In the 1960s, as part of the second expansion, a new building was constructed which was characterized by a high tower that ended in a gold-plated dome with a clock. Construction of the expansion was completed in 1964.

The Seif Palace clock which was engineered by the UK based clockmakers Smith of Derby, was installed in January 1962. This means this photo was most likely taken between 1962 and 1964.

With so many dessert options during Ramadan, standing out isn’t easy, but Torta Del Este found a cool way to do it. By blending Eastern flavors with innovative ideas, they’ve created a unique selection of tapa-sized cakes, packed into a practical six-piece box.

But Torta Del Este isn’t just about desserts, it’s about storytelling through sweets. Each treat has a story, a vibe, and a distinct flavor. Their “Basque of the East” is a saffron-infused San Sebastian cheesecake, while “The Saffron Whisper” is a delicately spiced saffron tres leches. Every box is a mix of flavors and experiences, and the best part is that you get to try a variety of cakes instead of just one.

If you’re into desserts that go beyond just tasting good and actually tell a story, Torta Del Este is worth checking out. @tortadeleste

The first weekend of Ramadan is usually quiet, but this year, surprisingly, there are a few things happening. Qout Market is back at JACC this weekend, thankfully. I really disliked Mishref Oasis, so I’m glad they moved. There is also Shakshooka this weekend. Here is the list:

Thursday March 6
Special IMAX Screening – Journey To Mecca
Pre-Iftar Paddle

Friday March 7
Special IMAX Screening – Journey To Mecca
Pre-Iftar Paddle
Qout Market at JACC

Saturday March 8
Special IMAX Screening – Journey To Mecca
Pre-Iftar Paddle
Madang Art Day – Mood Lamp
Qout Market at JACC
Shakshooka Market

A couple of days ago the Talabat service went down and rumors started circulating that they were hacked. Now Talabat have released a statement saying that wasn’t the case:

We assure our customers and partners that all data remains fully secure despite false social media rumors. A temporary technical issue was resolved quickly, and there was no compromise of payment or personal information.

Bader Al-Ghanim, VP & Managing Director – talabat Kuwait.
@Talabat

I don’t have any of my credit cards saved in the app since I use Apple Pay to pay, so I wasn’t concerned anyway.

As you’ve probably noticed, news outlets today are reporting that Kuwait Airways was ranked the 20th best airline in the world, but they all seem to have missed the bigger story. It ranked over 30 spots higher than both Emirates and Cathay Pacific, two of the most highly awarded airlines.

AirHelp, the organization specializing in air traveler rights, released its annual airline rankings, and Kuwait Airways came in 20th place. Interestingly, this is the same organization that ranked Kuwait Airways the 3rd worst airline in 2019 and Kuwait Airport the 2nd worst airport. After that ranking, Kuwait Airport mysteriously vanished from their list and hasn’t returned since.

AirHelp’s airline rankings are based on service quality, punctuality, and passenger treatment during disruptions. The top three airlines for 2024 are:

1 – Brussels Airlines
2 – Qatar Airways
3 – United Airlines

Here’s how Kuwait Airways compared to other well-known airlines:

20 – Kuwait Airways
24 – KLM
30 – Virgin Atlantic
31 – Lufthansa
33 – British Airways
53 – Wizz Air
55 – Emirates
56 – Turkish Airlines
63 – Cathay Pacific
81 – Gulf Air

Tunisair ranked last at 109th place.

I’m a huge fan of Kuwait Airways, as you probably know by now, but it’s hard to take this ranking seriously when both Emirates and Cathay Pacific rank lower than Wizz Air. For the full list, click here.

As I do every year, below is the list of Ramadan buffets, updated for 2025. It’s technically not only buffets since I also include set menu’s, but since I’ve been using the same post title for over a decade, I’m not about to change it now.

If there has been an increase or decrease in price compared to the previous year then I’ve also highlighted that.

Below is the full list divided into two parts, hotels and restaurants. If I missed a place let me know in the comments, especially really cheap/affordable buffets. Last year I had Big C on the list, they had the cheapest buffet at KD1.900 but looks like they closed down or something. IKEA increased their buffet price this year from 2.950 to 3.950 so really need some more affordable places to add. So if you know of a place where the buffet is less than KD5, let me know in the comments.

HOTELS

Al Jahra Copthorne Hotel & Resort – Taima’a Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD9.5 (+0.500)
Telephone: 24590000

Courtyard by Marriott – Atrium
Buffet Price: KD15 (-1.000)
Telephone: 22997000

Crowne Plaza – Al Ahmadi Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD17 (+1.000)
Telephone: 1848111

Crowne Plaza – Al Noukhaza Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD17
Telephone: 1848111

Crowne Plaza – Sakura Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD18.950 (+0.950) (Thursdays Only)
Telephone: 1848111

Four Seasons – Jawaher Tent
Buffet Price: KD27 (+1.000)
Telephone: 22006000

Four Seasons – Li Beirut
Set Menu: KD28
Telephone: 22006000

Grand Hyatt – Stambul
Buffet Price: KD20
Telephone: 22007698

Grand Majestic Hotel
Buffet Price: KD8
Telephone: 22254700

Hilton Garden Inn – The Avenues
Buffet Price: KD20
Telephone: 22262000

Holiday Inn – Ayam Zaman
Buffet Price: KD13.950 (-2.000)
Telephone: 1847777

Jumeirah Messilah Beach – Asateer Tent
Buffet Price: KD24 (+2.000)
Telephone: 22269600

Jumeirah Messilah Beach – Garden Cafe
Buffet Price: KD26 (+2.000)
Telephone: 22269600

Marina Hotel
Buffet Price: KD17 (+1.000)
Telephone: 22230030

Millennium Hotel – Lamar International Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD15
Telephone: 22050505

Movenpick – Free Zone – Bays Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD15 (+1.100)
Telephone: 22055700

Movenpick – Al Bida’a – Breeze Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD15
Telephone: 22253100

Park Inn by Radisson
Buffet Price: KD18
Telephone: 22068540

Radisson Blu – Al Bustan Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD18.5
Telephone: 25673000

Safir Hotel – Fintas
Buffet Price: KD11.9 (-2.000)
Telephone: 25455555

St Regis – Diamond Ballroom Tent
Buffet Price: KD30 (+2.000)
Telephone: 22422055

Symphony Style Hotel
Buffet Price: KD14 (+2.000)
Telephone: 25770000

SVN
Buffet Price: KD19
Telephone: 1876777

The Regency Kuwait – Silk Road Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD24
Telephone: 25766666

Waldorf Astoria – Oxio
Buffet Price: KD28 (+1.000)
Telephone: 24774414

RESTAURANTS

Almayass
Set Menu Price: KD11.5
Telephone: 25761001

Assaha Lebanese Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD12.750 (+0.250)
Telephone: 22533377

Babel
Set Menu Price: KD14.950
Telephone: 22081111

Dar Hamad
Buffet Price: KD16
Telephone: 22275555

Dean & Deluca
Set Menu Price: KD10.950 (+1.200)
Telephone: 22242224

Em Sherif
Set Menu Buffet Price: KD25
Telephone: 90977997

Gulf Royal Chinese
Buffet Price: KD8.5
Telephone: 22622770

IKEA
Buffet Price: KD3.95 (+1.000)
Telephone: 1840408

Jihan Khanah
Buffet Price: KD10
Telephone: 1819991

Kuwait Towers
Buffet Price: KD13 (-2.000)
Telephone: 24965500

Leila Min Lebnen
Set Menu Price: KD15
Telephone: 22996414

Mughal Mahal – Hawally
Buffet Price: KD7.45
Telephone: 22626782

Naranj
Buffet Price: KD12
Telephone: 22268666

Paul
Set Menu Price: KD12.5 (+2.000)
Telephone: 22208204

Vapiano
Set Menu Price: KD7.950
Telephone: 22597171

Villa Fayrouz
Buffet Price: KD12
Telephone: 22650052

Wok and Grill
Buffet Price: KD3 (+0.005)
Telephone: 64440089

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.

If you’re in Kuwait this weekend, here are some events you can check out:

Thursday, February 27
Kuwait National Day Market @muroujkw
AlFarsi Kite Desert Display @alfarsikite
Bugsha Market at Al Shaheed Park @streetfoodkuwait
Bugsha Pop-up at Kuwait Towers @streetfoodkuwait
Bugsha Pop-up in Bnaider @streetfoodkuwait
Noble Element Guided Exhibition Tour @sultangallery
National Day Activities at The Scientific Center @scicenterkw
National Day Sunset Paddle @kwtsailing
Madang Pop-up Market @madang.kw
Inspire Roller Race Championship @inspiresportq8

Friday, February 28
Kuwait National Day Market @muroujkw
Bugsha Market at Al Shaheed Park @streetfoodkuwait
Bugsha Pop-up at Kuwait Towers @streetfoodkuwait
Bugsha Pop-up in Bnaider @streetfoodkuwait
National Day Activities at The Scientific Center @scicenterkw
National Day Sunset Paddle @kwtsailing
Inspire Roller Race Championship @inspiresportq8

Saturday, March 1
National Day Activities at The Scientific Center @scicenterkw

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

I’ve been in Sri Lanka now for close to a week, and it’s pretty insane, and I don’t think in a good way.

I landed here on the 20th and checked into the Uga Riva Hotel in an area called Negombo that’s around 20mins from the airport. It’s kind of a getaway spot and the experience was pretty great although the amount of bugs was just pretty crazy.

I rented a car for my stay and the first two minutes of driving out of the rental lot were the most chaotic 2 minutes of my driving life. Firstly, other than the fact everything is the opposite here, steering on the right, the lanes are the opposite, the driving is pretty wild. Like I learned how to drive in Lebanon and find the experience driving there very relaxing even though most people find it chaotic. The driving in Sri Lanka on a scale of 1 to 10 is like a 7 or 8. Lebanon would be like a 6. People are completely carefree and everyone just relies on everyone else not crashing into them. It’s like organized chaos? The only people who seem to drive differently are bus drivers who drive with full confidence as if they’re the only people on the road and everyone else will get the fuck out of the way. We all really do get the fuck out of their way.

Anyway, first place I stayed in was great. Then I headed down south to an area called Ahangama. I was meant to stay at a place called Dreamsea for the first few days. The reviews online were really great, the place looked amazing in the photos, but once I checked in I was like wtf were all these reviews about? I mean just basics like the room door wouldn’t close, the bed had dried blood stains, room had bugs all over, bathroom looked very dirty. Basically it was horrible and I wouldn’t spend the night there. Thankfully I had booked another spot around a 15 minute drive from that resort for my last 4 nights called Trebartha East. It’s a small hotel located on a hill inside a cinnamon plantation. I whatsapped them asking if they had any rooms available right away and they had one, so ended up checking in a few days early and been staying there ever since.

The place is incredible, every morning I wake up and feel like I’m on a safari in the middle of the jungle. There is nothing around me except a jungle. I love it here, I’m actually sitting by the infinity pool writing this post out overlooking a valley where at any given moment there are a heard of water buffalos with white cranes grazing, or peacocks just casually strolling. It’s very surreal and beautiful. I wake up to the most beautiful views and the hotel has like 4 rooms so it feels very private and we are very secluded from the chaos thats just a 15min drive away.

But everything else here seems to be such a hit or miss. You can’t trust any reviews since most were left I assume by backpackers who have very low expectations or requirements? I’d head to a restaurant that has 4.6 rating on Google but walking by the kitchen I’m like no fucking way I’m eating here. Thankfully I’ve found a few spots that were surprisingly great.

I’ve also gotten the hang of driving here. You just need to be alert the whole time, at any moment you can hit a motorbike, Tuktuk, bus, tourist, grandma, dog, cat, cow, school kids, dog, cyclist, dog, or dog. No one ever gets out of the way, you’re always expected to maneuver around them, dogs included who just want to sleep on the side of the road. Their main road here is just two lanes, their inside roads are one lane, and I swear at one point google took me up a walking path cuz I could barely fit my tiny SUV on it and thankfully didn’t come across a Tuktuk coming the opposite way.

It’s been such a wild experience, totally love or hate moments with nothing in between. I can’t wait to get back to Kuwait.

Lots of people have been asking me if there will be fireworks this National and Liberation Day. The answer is yes.

There are currently three confirmed fireworks shows:

Al Shaheed Park
There will be two fireworks shows at Al Shaheed Park on February 25 and 26, followed by a drone show. The shows will start sometime between 8 PM and 9 PM on both days. The duration and exact start time will depend on the weather and wind speed. There will be music throughout the entire show.

Al Mikshat
Located on the northern island of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Bridge, they are hosting what they’re calling the largest fireworks show during the holidays. It will take place on February 25 and 26.

Al Khiran Mall
If you’re spending the holiday in the chalets area, Al Khiran Mall will host a fireworks show on February 26.

Al Kout Mall
Al Kout Mall will host a fireworks show on February 25 at 8PM.

If you know of any other places with fireworks, let me know in the comments.

Last week I took a tour of the new Asnan Tower that opened a few months ago, and I was completely blown away.

Asnan Tower was established in 2008 and has since grown to become not only the largest dental center in the Middle East but also the biggest in the world. Their newly opened center is state-of-the-art, filled with the latest dental technology they could acquire. I was given a tour of not only their customer facilities but also a behind-the-scenes look at their labs and sterilization department, and it was the behind-the-scenes tour that really blew me away.

To give you an idea of the scale, the center has over 100 dental chairs! It’s huge and also feels very luxurious. I was first given a tour of the main dental rooms including their VIP rooms which are mostly used by celebrities. I was then shown the kids clinic which has a completely different fun look with games and TVs in their waiting area and colorful and playful dental rooms. But, they do have one muted room reserved for autistic children as well.

Next, we toured the behind the scenes areas. The first was their massive laboratory packed with technicians and split into specialized areas, including one focused on 3D dental printing. The second stop, and the most impressive, was their sterilization department. This area houses the center’s most expensive equipment and is split into three sealed rooms: Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization. Instruments move one way through these rooms to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the highest level of infection control. It’s also all top of the line equipment.

That last line actually perfectly sums up the new Asnan Tower, it was built with the best of everything, and not just equipment. One of the things they pride themselves on is hiring American-trained dentists from top dental universities, and having at least one Ivy League alumni available in each specialty. They want customers to have a seven-star service and that’s why they need to have the best facilities and dentists.

If you want to find out more about Asnan Tower, head over to Asnan.com