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Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Baking Bread
How three self-taught bakers turned passion and persistence into purpose By Dena Al-Fadhli When Ahmed AlRefai sold his first cake — a babka, popular in Eastern Europe — to a stranger on Instagram, he had no idea it would propel him into a life devoted to baking. But something clicked that day in the kitchen. 'I felt something different. It was like everything around me became blocked,' he recalled. That first transaction — for KD 5 — became what he now calls his 'first investment'. Working from the small apartment kitchen he shared with a roommate, AlRefai began baking regularly through the night. His roommate wasn't always thrilled by the chaos that ensued well into the early hours, but AlRefai made peace offerings in the form of a scone or two. 'I didn't really know where I was going with it,' he admitted, 'but I knew it felt good.' As his passion deepened, so did his ambition. Determined to specialize, he set his sights on one of baking's most notoriously difficult challenges: the bagel. 'I chose bagels because they're one of the most difficult to master due to their low hydration,' he explained. What followed was a year and a half of self-guided trial and error — countless hours in the kitchen and endless experimentation with dough. Today, AlRefai runs his own bagel shop, welcoming customers from across Kuwait and beyond. Some come in for their very first bagel; others, for their seventieth. But for AlRefai, it's never just been about the bagel. 'It's about the interaction,' he said. 'What's your dream? Where do you work? What do you want to do — and how can I help you do it? You want to resign? Let's talk about how to make that happen.' For him, food is simply the medium through which a deeper human connection is made. That sentiment resonates with Aya Ghader, another self-taught baker in Kuwait whose perfect recipe isn't defined by the precise balance of ingredients but by her ability to connect with people. 'I always like to put myself in the customer's shoes,' she said. 'If they're celebrating their child's first birthday or marking a big milestone, I try to imagine I'm that person — the mom of the kid, the bride getting married. I try to feel the joy of the occasion to get the best result.' Like AlRefai, Ghader's journey also began with a single Instagram order. And like him, she chose a challenge right from the start: Macarons. Known for their delicate structure and unforgiving nature, macarons became her obsession. 'I'm competitive,' she told Kuwait Times. 'When something doesn't work, I just push myself harder until it does.' Ghader's customers are not the only connections she's formed through baking. As she spent countless nights in the kitchen well past midnight experimenting with flavors and textures, the kitchen became her refuge — a space of calm during stressful or anxious moments. Over time, she even developed personal relationships with her baking equipment. 'I name every piece,' she said. 'The biggest mixer is called Big Mama, the smaller one is Silvie, and my first coffee machine is called Marzo.' Twelve months and more than a hundred failed attempts later, she landed on the perfect macaron recipe — one that is now sold in her very own bakery. Running a business and baking full-time can be overwhelming, but what keeps Ghader going is the legacy she's building: 'I want my nieces, nephews, and the next generation to see that anything is possible — that you can leave behind more good than you came in with.' Lolwah, a Kuwaiti-Moroccan baker, has shown that same unyielding passion and perseverance since childhood. Her journey began in Salmiya at just five years old, standing on the sidewalk with a tray of homemade cupcakes. She recalls a vivid memory from that time — one sweltering afternoon with only one cupcake left to sell. She remembers catching sight of a man running past, clearly in a rush. 'He said he didn't have time to stop,' she recalled, 'but I yelled and yelled after him to buy it off of me — and eventually he agreed.' She returned home that day having sold out. That same spirit of determination continued to grow as she decided to take her baking to the next level. Years later, when a friend invited her to help at a fundraiser for Palestine, Lolwah committed to baking 150 cookies from scratch. She wasn't fully aware of how exhausting the process would be, but she followed through nonetheless. Baking isn't Lolwah's only strength; she also has a gift for persuasion and a deep commitment to her craft. With the launch of her Instagram-based cookie business, she constantly experiments with recipes and flavors, often coaxing her friends into taste-testing — even when they're overwhelmed by sugar. As a one-woman operation, she balances every aspect of the business: baking, delivery and marketing. 'The pressure is real,' she admitted. 'But knowing I can make someone's day makes it all worth it.' For these three bakers, the daily challenges of running a business don't discourage them. If anything, they fuel the drive to keep going — one baked good at a time.
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Diplomatic Institute equips envoys for modern challenges: AlSabeeh
Ambassador highlights institute's role in providing up-to-date training programs KUWAIT: Today's diplomat serves not only as the face of their country abroad but also as a cultural ambassador and a vital bridge-builder between societies and governments. This is where the role of diplomatic institutes becomes essential. Speaking to Kuwait Times, Ambassador Nasser Sabeeh AlSabeeh, Assistant Foreign Minister for Saud Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute, highlighted the Institute's role in providing up-to-date training programs to equip diplomats to handle issues with skill and efficiency. Kuwait Times: What role does the Saud Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute play in training and qualifying Kuwaiti diplomats? Ambassador AlSabeeh: As established by its founding decree, the Institute is responsible for enhancing the capacities and skills of diplomatic and administrative staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and personnel from other state institutions. We offer a wide range of training programs covering multiple professions, such as engineering, information technology, political science, protocol, economics, report writing, and community engagement. We coordinate overseas training sessions in Arab and European countries that offer rare expertise to sharpen our diplomats' skills. We send the selected diplomats abroad for these courses, which are fully sponsored by the Institute. Ambassador Nasser Sabeeh Al-Sabeeh, Assistant Foreign Minister for Saud Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute speaks to Kuwait Times. Photos by Yasser Al-zayyat Saud Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute Kuwait Times: How does the Institute balance the preservation of traditional diplomatic principles with keeping pace with the rapid global changes? AlSabeeh: We remain committed to the core principles of Kuwaiti foreign policy, which emphasize dialogue and positive neutrality. In light of the rapid global shifts, we employ modern training tools such as virtual meetings and offer online courses. We are also currently working on establishing a digital library that will archive training courses for future reference. Kuwait Times: What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in the Institute's programs? AlSabeeh: We are gradually integrating AI, beginning with awareness initiatives and then evaluating how trainees utilize it. Our aim isn't merely educational, where we assess whether the use of AI tools is superficial or if it's enhancing their understanding. AI is not a replacement for effort; it is a supportive tool for development. Kuwait Times: How do you see AI affecting the future of diplomatic work? AlSabeeh: AI will become an integral part of our training programs. We consider it a broad enabler for the future and ensure it's embedded in our programs, such as the 'Tomouh' (Ambition) program for new ministry recruits and the 'Reyada' (Leadership) program for promoted diplomats. Kuwait Times: How does the Institute assess the impact of its programs on the performance of diplomatic missions abroad? AlSabeeh: Our programs provide ministry personnel with knowledge and skills during their service in Kuwait. When transferred abroad, we offer them a tailored program called 'Tamkeen' (Empowerment), which covers protocol, duties, rights, and their roles in the host country. Kuwait Times: How important is language proficiency in preparing diplomats? AlSabeeh: English proficiency is a basic requirement for overseas assignments. The Ministry also provides foreign language training for diplomat and their spouse for one year in the host country to facilitate integration and effective communication. The government offers full support for learning key local languages such as French, Russian, or Chinese. Kuwait Times: You previously mentioned training programs in Kuwait for foreign diplomats. How important is integrating local cultural understanding in shaping a diplomat? AlSabeeh: We approach the diplomatic community in Kuwait with what we call a 'Kuwaiti flavor.' We don't necessarily immerse them deeply in cultural details, but we offer a light introduction that helps them understand the local society. Our aim is always to bridge gaps and foster intersections and mutual understanding between cultural heritages without clashes. We create genuine integration opportunities through Ramadan events, lectures, and joint activities that receive enthusiastic engagement from both Kuwaiti and foreign diplomats. We also offer them Arabic language courses. There is a great demand for it, we have also provided training courses on the Kuwaiti dialect to offer greater understanding of the local dialect for the ambassadors. Kuwait Times: How important is psychological well-being in diplomat training programs? AlSabeeh: Mental health is fundamental. The better a diplomat's psychological state, the more effective their performance. We don't neglect this aspect; rather, we work to support and strengthen it. A diplomat facing psychological challenges cannot effectively represent their country, so personal balance and self-care are essential parts of our training approach. Kuwait Times: Are there actual joint programs with international partners under the Institute's initiatives? AlSabeeh: Yes. We launched the 'Hosting' Program, which allows us to receive foreign delegations based on their specific training needs. Sometimes, the request comes from a foreign country; other times, we propose it. We then coordinate a balanced training program depending on their preferences and what we have to offer. This program is ongoing and expanding. Through it, we aim to build training partnerships based on mutual respect and understanding. For example, we hosted a diplomatic delegation from the Netherlands. They were surprised by our interest in renewable energy, as they didn't expect an oil-rich country like Kuwait to have such initiatives. We took them to the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and then to a desert site to observe a wind and solar energy project. This hands-on experience gave them a real view of Kuwait's efforts and made a strong impression, especially as it condensed complex information into a single day of practical exposure. Kuwait Times: What are the Institute's plans to expand its training and specialization programs? Is there a vision for the Institute to become a regional or international consultancy entity? AlSabeeh: Consultancy work cannot be one-sided—it requires interest and outreach from external parties. However, we are members of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT), which includes institutes from around the world. Through it, we participate in annual workshops and training sessions, exploring how to merge cultures, exchange experiences, and develop training tools aligned with international standards. At the Institute, there's always room for improvement and development. Success isn't tied to timing alone, but also to how well ideas align with the target audience and participant engagement. Sometimes we prefer smaller groups to ensure rich interaction and dialogue. We don't measure our success by the number of sessions held. Our goal isn't to say, 'We held 10 courses this year instead of 5 last year.' Our real ambition is to say that there has been a qualitative development in our outcomes. Therefore, we make sure to hold a public lecture or seminar at least once a month. Over time, we've elevated the level of our invitations, now hosting international figures such as the Secretary General of the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and some high-level officials from the United Nations. This attracts a high-caliber, specialized audience and adds real diplomatic and intellectual value to the Institute.
Kuwait Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait, India celebrate 250 years of friendship
KUWAIT: In an exhibition that bridges centuries of shared history, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait marked 250 years of India-Kuwait friendship, a relationship that began long before either nation took its modern form. Held at the National Library of Kuwait on Monday, the exhibition runs until Friday and features a rich collection of rare documents, trade records, and cultural artifacts. Together, they tell the story of how trade, travel, and mutual respect have long connected the peoples of India and Kuwait. Reviving what he described as the 'glorious past between the two countries,' the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika highlighted that this legacy brings with it a responsibility for building a prosperous future too. 'While the older generation remembers these ties, it is now the younger generation's turn to discover it. That's the key focus of the event,' he told Kuwait Times. He added that over the coming days, the embassy expects around 2,000 students to visit the exhibition — a modest yet meaningful effort to raise awareness about this rich history. In his remarks, he shared that the India-Kuwait connection traces back to the late 18th century, when Kuwaiti merchants sailed to Indian port cities with goods like dates, Arabian horses, and pearls. In return, they brought back rice, spices, timber, and textiles — not just for local use in Kuwait but also for trade across the wider Gulf region. The exhibition showcases an array of manuscripts and artifacts that document this exchange, including trade documents from Indian ports, Kuwaiti books on pearls printed in Arabic and Gujarati in Indian presses, and historic currency notes and stamps — many of which remained legal tender in Kuwait until 1961. Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljil Indian currency notes which remained legal tender in Kuwait for a long time. - Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Prices of products sold by Kuwaiti merchants in India. Rare letters exchanged by people from the two countries - reflecting the social ties. A section of the exhibition also honors the visits and relationships between leaders of both countries over the past seven decades. Notably, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, one of Kuwait's most revered leaders, spent extended periods in India. Ambassador Swaika also highlighted the significance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuwait in December, describing it as a 'pivotal moment that broke the diplomatic pause in high-level engagements.' He added, 'We now eagerly anticipate a reciprocal visit from Kuwaiti leadership to India — an opportunity to write the next chapter of this extraordinary journey together.' Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, spoke about the deep-rooted cultural relationship between India and Kuwait, emphasizing that it goes far beyond commerce. 'Our ties with India go beyond just trade, beyond just merchant families who presented today some of their stories,' he said. 'These types of relationships establish or create a soft cultural diplomacy between nations.' He described the exhibition as part of an ongoing cultural dialogue between the National Council and countries with which Kuwait shares strong and enduring ties. Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljil, President of the Kuwaiti Heritage Society, contributed personal documents to the exhibition, highlighting the longstanding economic ties between the two nations. Believing that documentation is the only means to preserve events and information, they issued this brochure to document this important exhibition, which sheds light on key aspects of this deep and historic relationship. Most of the documents showcased highlight the prices of Indian goods, the names of some Kuwaiti commercial offices at ports in the Indian subcontinent, as well as the significant trade exchange between Kuwait and India at the time. Al-Abduljil also remarked that India's cultural influence remains visible in Kuwait today — from elements in the local cuisine to words embedded in everyday language.
Kuwait Times
17-05-2025
- Kuwait Times
Maliya Fridays
From shared meals to street cricket, downtown Kuwait City becomes a vibrant weekend haven for South Asian expats Each Friday, the bustling area of 'Maliya' in downtown Kuwait City transforms into a vibrant tapestry of cultural connection, drawing hundreds of expatriates — primarily from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka — for a day of community, leisure and nostalgia. Located near the iconic Al Muthanna Complex and the central bus station, Maliya is easily accessible by public transport, making it a popular gathering spot. From early morning until sunset, the area pulses with activity as families and friends converge after Friday prayers to socialize, relax and reconnect with familiar traditions. Scenes of children playing cricket, elders chatting over cups of tea and coffee and vendors offering beloved South Asian street snacks like samosas, pakoras and chaat are common. 'We come here to relax on Fridays. We meet friends and enjoy a little taste of home. Hearing our native languages all around us — it feels like being back in India,' said Rai Kumar, an Indian expatriate. Similar in spirit to Salmiya's 'Little Manila', Maliya has become a cherished weekend destination for South Asian expatriates. The shared cultural background and synchronized weekend schedules foster a strong sense of belonging. Conversations in Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Telugu, Malayalam, Sinhalese and Tamil fill the air, while families often bring home-cooked meals to share, deepening the sense of community. 'There are many affordable South Asian eateries and convenience stores here, which see a significant rise in business on Fridays. Some even offer special weekend menus,' said Vishai, another Indian expat. At the center of the area's roundabout, informal groups gather to read, sing or play games — turning public spaces into zones of camaraderie and celebration. However, alongside this vibrant atmosphere, Maliya also sees a rise in unlawful activities. Behind shopping centers and in secluded alleys, some individuals exploit the large gatherings to engage in illegal gambling and other prohibited acts. Kuwait Times observed security personnel pursuing suspects in hidden corners of the area. 'Sometimes fights break out when people lose money. We've raised concerns, but there's little we can do. It's obvious something illegal is going on,' said a shopkeeper who requested anonymity. Gambling is strictly forbidden under Kuwaiti law, yet its persistence in areas like Maliya — where dense housing and narrow alleyways provide concealment — poses ongoing challenges for law enforcement. Police and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) teams routinely conduct raids, seizing gambling materials and cash. Some operations have also uncovered illegal alcohol sales and physical altercations tied to gambling disputes. 'While most people come here for genuine recreation, a small number misuse the opportunity for illegal activities, compromising public safety,' the shopkeeper added. As Maliya awakens each Friday, it becomes more than just a cultural hub — it becomes a space for emotional connection. For many South Asian expatriates, especially singles, the area has quietly evolved into a place to meet and interact. 'For some of us, Friday is not just a day of rest — it's a chance to connect,' said Arjun Bharat, a 28-year-old chef who has lived in Kuwait for four years. 'Back home, relationships are often arranged by families. Here, we're free to find someone who understands our struggles and dreams.' Dressed in their finest clothes, many arrive with hopes of meeting someone special. 'It's fun to be here on Fridays,' said Diya, a young woman working in retail. 'I'd love to find someone here. We understand each other better and are free from family pressures.' Young women often come accompanied by friends or older relatives, strolling through the area, sharing meals and chatting in their native languages. 'There are many stories of couples who met here and later married,' added Vaayan, Diya's friend.
Kuwait Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Desert twins conquer jungle trails
Kuwaiti brothers make history at mountain biking Asia Enduro Series, defying terrain and expectations In a remarkable achievement on the international stage, twin brothers Mohammad and Khaleel Husain secured 1st and 3rd place respectively in the under-18 category at the mountain biking Asia Enduro Series, held in Sri Lanka last week. For these 14-year-old athletes from the deserts of Kuwait, the victory was more than just a medal — it was a statement. 'I got third place in the Asia Enduro Series, and it was my first time riding in tropical mud,' Khaleel told Kuwait Times. Their biking journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown. With movement restricted, Khaleel started riding around his compound, building small jumps, and quickly fell in love with mountain biking. The brothers' passion grew from humble beginnings. Trapped indoors, they swapped screens for bikes. 'I started watching YouTube tutorials on how to jump and wheelie,' said Mohammad. 'Eventually, I joined a bike shop as a volunteer mechanic, and that's how I heard about races in Oman.' Khaleel Husain Mohammad Husain Twins Mohammad and Khaleel Husain took 1st and 3rd place at the Asia Enduro Series. Mohammad entered his first race in Oman — and won. That victory lit a competitive fire, and he soon joined Al-Waal MTB, a local team that became the brothers' training ground. 'We trained hard before Sri Lanka — three days a week in Oman's mountains, getting into race mindset and tackling real enduro terrain,' Mohammad said. Despite the stark contrast between Oman's dry, rocky trails and Sri Lanka's wet, muddy tracks, both brothers adapted quickly. For Mohammad, the most memorable moment came during Stage 2. 'It was fast and technical. My chain broke at the start, but I still pushed through and placed first in every stage. It was my first international race, and I was filled with joy and pride.' Khaleel agreed: 'Stage 2 stood out. The mix of slippery rock slabs and soft, loose dirt made it a monster of a stage. Every detail mattered.' Competing with each other drives them to improve. 'Competing with my brother is both helpful and annoying,' Khaleel said. 'We push each other constantly. We debate lines, compare GoPro videos, and on race day, we're each other's biggest rivals.' Mohammad chimed in: 'We're like mirrors — same style, same mindset. It's the reason we're improving so quickly.' Representing Kuwait on the international stage meant everything to them. 'It felt amazing to represent Kuwait in a sport I love. Even without mountains, we proved that athletes from our country can perform anywhere,' Khaleel said. Mohammad added: 'The vibe in Sri Lanka was incredible. The trails were completely different from the ones in Oman — very wet, slippery, and muddy. I had to adapt quickly, coming from Oman's rocky, dry, and harsh environment. This was the first time I had ever ridden in dirt and mud, and I adapted very well.' Looking ahead, the brothers are already preparing for future races. They dream of creating a national Kuwaiti mountain biking team. 'I hope we inspire other Kuwaitis to pick up a bike,' Mohammad said, advising young riders to be patient. 'Failing is part of the game — learn, keep going, and the results will come.'
