APPS

TONS 

We’re all for convenience here at bazaar. And grocery shopping is one of those uninteresting tasks that needs to be taken care of but doesn’t spark joy for most of us. Available for iPhone and Android, the app allows you to choose the products you need and the store. Schedule delivery, click and pay and you are done! The app is intuitive and easy to use and you can also save your regular items for easier and faster checkouts next time.

JustClean 

Now that the shopping is taken care of, delegate your laundry to someone else too. Choose your preferred laundry (check out the ratings and reviews if you need suggestions), add the items and select from just ironing or full on washing. Schedule a pick up and drop off time and you are done. This time saving app is also cash saving because of their regular offers and promotions. And with all the reclaimed money and time you can enjoy more of Kuwait.

HotLife

Going to the gym is so last decade. This decade, the gym comes to you. Enjoy a plethora of workouts from different masters who specialize in different areas of exercise. From strength to endurance, mobility to strength, this subscription based app puts exceptional workouts in your very own hands. Their motto is “ Everything you need to shape your own story is already inside you” because HOT empowers you to discover the fire within you, by making fitness accessible and rewarding for everybody.

BOOKS

Letter Home – Karen Alanizi 

This book tells the compelling true story of Karen Alanizi, and her Kuwaiti husband Salem during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.  Based on a letter written to her family in England her story reveals the heart-wrenching emotions, fears and the often amusing and sometimes bizarre side of life during the Iraqi occupation. She describes the desperation of their separation, and the journeys that eventually reunited them in England. As the Gulf War unfolds they fear for their family and friends left behind in Kuwait and wait impatiently for the Liberation of the country that they love so much. 

When The Haboob Sings by Nejoud Al-Yagout 

This is local author Nejoud Al-Yagout’s second novel after her debut Motorbikes and Camels. The book has already won the awards and revolves around Dunya Khair, a journalist who authors a controversial article in the newspaper that challenges the status quo. The divisive reaction of her readers causes her life to fall into disarray and pushes her to a near nervous breakdown. Dunya knows she has to act and she does, but has she done the right thing?

Kuwait Transformed: A History of Oil and Urban Life by Farah Al-Nakeeb 

We are transformed and transform the spaces we live in. Kuwait City was perhaps the first Gulf city to experience oil urbanization. The story of change that started in the mid-twentieth century has now become a familiar narrative. In Kuwait Transformed, Farah Al-Nakib is the narrator and connects the city’s past and present. The changes were not only architectural or structural but have also gone deep into culture and society. The book is not merely nostalgia for the past but a call to arms for the future.

FILMS, MUSIC AND PLAYS

The Assassination of the Journalist Mishal by Dawood Al-Shuail-  Short Film (2017)

This story takes place in the 80’s about a Journalist called Mishal Musaed who bravely practices his profession with no filter by writing in a well-known publication in Kuwait. Along the years, he has made some enemies, upon those is Abu Essa, a well-known merchant. This merchant fell to be the topic of criticism in the works of Mishal. Khaled, Abu Essa’s colleague pays Mishal a visit in his office where a bribery is attempted to shut him up. However, the honorable journalist shuts it down immediately.  Instead Mishal’s words to the messenger were “tell your boss to read my next article.” Next, an attempt to bring the writer down once and for all is pursued.

The Grass is Always Greener When it isn’t Covered in Chocolate – Short Animated Film (2019)

Hala Alhomoud, a visual storyteller who uses her many talents through animation to tell a story about a sheep (Woolly) who makes a stand to change his life. The short film takes us through a turning point in Woolly’s life. Living a life where the owner of the sheep exchanges their wool by providing them with chocolate covered grass is frustrating in itself. Aggravated with his owner’s selfish ways, Woolly decides to take off and say goodbye to the traditional life of comfort for a sheep. Instead of being a follower, he leads his own path to discovery and the story takes us on his breakthrough expedition.

“Different” by Sons of Yusuf – Music

The local duo are dropping singles one after the other for their upcoming album Shaykh The World. “Different” is a track that first starts with a catchy beat, and goes on preaching how different our world, society, and community are within the new decade. Tapping into the culture of social media, new technology, as well as humanity both generally and individually. A single worth giving a listen to, because like the duo said “Everything is different”. 

Fursan Al-Manakh – Kuwaiti play

The classical and comedic play originally aired back in 1983, and its story revolves around the crisis of Souk Al-Manakh which struck Kuwait during the late 70s and early 80s. Fursan Al-Manakh was created by the legendary and late actor Abdulhussain Abdulredha, who in fact was affected by the crisis himself like so many others within the community. Documenting history throughout the years, the crisis and stories of Souk Al-Manakh is well observed within the play, which you will surely catch on TV as KTV always reruns it on their channels! 

These are all but a small selection of incredible content coming out of Kuwait! Tell us your favorites by shooting us a DM over on our Instagram account @bazaargram.