ShareKUWAIT: Gardenia popup kicked off on Monday for its third edition, in collaboration with the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) with Kuwait Times and Kuwait News as media partners. Architect Bashar Al-Salem, Founder and CEO of Kayan, a leading architectural firm in Kuwait, told Kuwait Times that what sets the third edition of the expo apart is its location in a historic cultural landmark, the Kuwait National Museum, adding that: “This venue holds great significance as it represents Kuwait’s rich history and cultural heritage. Hosting an event of this scale in the heart of Kuwait is a milestone.”
He revealed that Gardenia popup features around 70 participants this year, ranging from restaurants and furniture companies to construction firms and plant specialists. “Our primary goal is to promote knowledge, culture, and overall environmental improvement. Visitors can enjoy exclusive discounts from participating companies, along with scheduled activities throughout the exhibition. The event will also feature traditional Kuwaiti folk bands, Lebanese choral groups, and cultural and musical performances from various embassies,” he continued.
For her part, participant Aisha Al-Yaseen, owner of Looms, takes pride in curating and designing unique rugs that reflect traditional craftsmanship and artistic expression. Her rugs come from Morocco. She ensures that each piece carries the authenticity of handmade weaving and natural dyeing techniques. Some of her creations are personally designed, blending contemporary aesthetics with time-honored methods. Her commitment to quality and artistry is evident in every rug, making each one a statement of culture and craftsmanship.
Nasser Bawatneh, Brand Events Specialist at IKEA, shared “IKEA is showcasing outdoor solutions and dining tables, along with offering design services for outdoor seating arrangements. We are offering a 20 percent discount for exhibition attendees. Additionally, we have special outdoor kitchens on display, perfect for the upcoming Ramadan and the beautiful weather that complements the Kuwaiti home.”
In his turn, Firas Al-Ghanem, General Manager of Home and Garden, stated: “This year marks our third consecutive participation in the Gardenia exhibition, where we proudly continue as a platinum sponsor, always striving to showcase the best of what we have to offer. For this edition, we have focused on creating a diverse indoor greenhouse, rich with rare indoor plants and signature trees. One of our highlights is a natural-root olive tree with artificial leaves, designed specifically to adapt to Kuwait’s climate. We are providing an additional 10 percent discount for customers visiting our booth at the exhibition today.”
Mohammed Dashti from San Marco and ExterPark, a silver partner in the exhibition, said “We are showcasing our products, which include Spanish wood and San Marki, specialized in outdoor designs and Italian paints. Our offerings feature types of wood with patented designs, including both treated and natural options. We provide over nine installation and application designs, along with an endless range of paint colors that cater to all segments of society.”
Yousef Al-Hajiri, Founder of Desert Pots, pointed out that his company manufactures fabric plant pots, which are a healthier and more suitable option for plants, especially the roots, adding “Our goal was to design a product that adapts to Kuwait’s desert climate while ensuring optimal plant growth. As the first brand in Kuwait to produce fabric pots, we wanted to offer an alternative to traditional plastic pots, which act like an oven in the summer, overheating the roots and making it difficult for plants to survive. Our fabric pots promote better root health and proper drainage, making it easier for everyone to grow plants without common issues like water retention and overheating.”
“Our company is a construction firm with over 18 years of experience, specializing in providing comprehensive services tailored to our clients’ needs. We oversee every stage of the finishing process, ensuring high-quality results from start to completion. With a dedicated management team and a full range of services, we streamline the construction journey for our customers, making the process seamless and efficient. We are offering exclusive packages designed specifically for attendees,” Architect Noorhan Osama from Mag Construction stated.
Gardenia popup will take place at the Kuwait National Museum from February 10 to 25 (from 10 am to 10 pm). The event coincides with the 64th National Day and the 34th Liberation Day celebrations, as well as Kuwait’s designation as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025.
