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Breaking the mold
Breaking the mold As a young girl, Kuwaiti artist Jenayen often felt like she didn’t belong - singled out, misunderstood, and shaped by the sting of bullying that chipped away at her self-worth. She spent years trying to change who she was just to be accepted, hiding her insecurities behind what felt “socially acceptable”. But deep inside, a performer was waiting to break free. Everything began to shift in 2020. Realizing she had become her...
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Memory, belonging and the power of storytelling
In a literary landscape often dominated by narratives from elsewhere, Mai Al-Nakib has emerged as a distinctly original and resonant voice from the Gulf. A Kuwaiti writer and academic, Al-Nakib bridges the personal and the political, the local and the global, with rare finesse. With a PhD in postcolonial studies from Brown University and two decades of teaching English and comparative literature at Kuwait University, her scholarly foundation is...
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From pen to projection
From sketching on A4 paper to lighting up theater screens, Hasan Al-Musawi’s artistic journey is a blend of raw talent, relentless passion and cultural curiosity. A self-taught digital artist from Kuwait, Al-Musawi discovered his love for drawing at the age of 10, inspired by the animated worlds of Disney and Pixar. His creative path was shaped by classical art, international travel and deep exposure to different cultures. Today, he brings...
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Why women’s stories matter
Hawraa Khalfan, 34, is a writer, mother and partner at ARTSCENE KW, with a lifelong passion for language and storytelling. Her work centers on women’s experiences, driven by the belief that if women are not safe to create, humanity itself suffers. Through her writing, Khalfan gives voice to the silent battles and hidden strengths of women, weaving stories that challenge expectations and inspire change. Her upcoming novel, “Still Born a...
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Carving her own path
In a world where career paths are often neatly defined, Fai Al-Omran has carved her own — quite literally. A woodworker, artist, producer and content creator based in Kuwait, Al-Omran blends creative vision with craftsmanship, transforming raw natural wood into functional works of art. After earning a degree in Media Arts from Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, with a focus on stop-motion animation, she ventured into creative...
Haya Alghanim leading the crew during filming.
Reframing Kuwaiti narratives through film
Haya Alghanim is a Kuwaiti filmmaker and artist whose passion for cinema was sparked early by watching independent films with her cinephile father. Her path into filmmaking took a definitive turn in New York, where exposure to diverse creative opportunities inspired her to pursue it professionally. Alghanim’s work is deeply rooted in themes of representation and storytelling, focusing on underrepresented voices — particularly those of Kuwaiti...
Machboos diyay
Taste of Kuwait in Ramadan
Ramadan in Kuwait is a time of spiritual reflection, family gatherings and cherished traditions, with food playing a vital role in uniting families and communities. Each dish carries a story of heritage and cultural significance, from the fragrant rice of machboos to the comforting sweetness of luqaimat, reflecting the warmth and hospitality of this sacred month. As the sun sets and the call to prayer echoes through the streets, Kuwaiti...
Sayood is showing one of his sketches at his office.
Sayood: The Kuwaiti producer turning sarcasm into art with ‘Al Maht’
In this candid interview, Ahmad, better known as Sayood, opens up about his unconventional journey from a strict family upbringing to becoming a pioneering Kuwaiti producer, comedian, and the creator of ‘Al Maht’. From his rebellious teenage years to creating the first full-length Kuwaiti animated film, Sayood shares the challenges, inspirations, and personal insights that have shaped his unique voice in the industry. With a background in...
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The art of silent storytelling
Ali Alamdar never studied fine arts — he studied marketing. But art found him anyway. What began as a childhood obsession with drawing planes evolved into a powerful form of storytelling, sparked by a chance purchase of an art kit in Houston. Known for his haunting portraits without mouths, Alamdar’s work reflects his struggle with verbal expression. Instead, his art speaks through piercing eyes that capture raw emotion. Influenced by...
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Kuwaiti singer-songwriter Tamara Qaddoumi: Exploring identity through sound
In a world where musical identity often intertwines with cultural roots, Tamara Qaddoumi stands out as a unique voice navigating the complexities of her Kuwaiti, Palestinian, Lebanese, and Scottish heritage. Known for her ethereal blend of trip-hop and electronic sounds, Tamara’s music is a journey through personal discovery and emotional exploration. In an interview with Kuwait Times, she opens up about the influence of her multicultural...
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Blending whimsy and heritage
At 37, Mohammed Al-Mohanna embodies a unique blend of artistic passion and professional expertise, bridging tradition and modernity. His creative journey began with a focus on set design at the Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts. Although theater didn’t become his primary pursuit, it laid a strong foundation for his artistic expression. Instead, Mohammed thrived in marketing communication, transitioning from the private sector to government...
Daffy poses with Miami band.
From ‘Sarat’ to stardom, Daffy shakes up Kuwaiti hip hop scene
A humble Kuwaiti kid with a deep love for music, Daffy — known by many names such as Daff, King Daff, Dee, Dafyan, Bo ElDafya, King, Mr11 and Bo Khaloda — has become a pioneering figure in Arabic rap and hip hop. His journey from a passionate music lover to a leading force in the industry is truly inspiring. In an interview with Kuwait Times, Daffy shares insights into his unique style, the meaning behind his iconic phrase “Sarat” and his...