Millennial Gulf

AGSIW spoke with the team behind Sheno Ya3ni, or so what? – a YouTube channel run by a group of Kuwaiti comedians – to learn how they have benefitted from using an online platform and how YouTube and social media affect cultural criticism in the region.

AGSIW spoke with Ali al-Awadhi, executive manager of Nabta, to learn about the Blue Lake Farm and agritourism in Kuwait.

Today Saudi Arabia is becoming a new art destination in the Gulf, but Muhannad Shono began his career when the creative economy was not a domain to be celebrated in the kingdom. Muhannad has converted his personal struggles as a naturalized citizen and an outsider into distinctive artwork. Growing up in Saudi Arabia facing identity issues and harboring a love of storytelling, Muhannad has reimagined the social narratives that he grew up...

Al-Medina al-Munawara is known primarily for the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque and his tomb inside it. Visitors to the city can find only a few scattered and poorly maintained monuments. Yet this city in the Hijaz region of western Saudi Arabia has a great ancient history. This negligence in preserving Medina’s heritage, particularly in the face...

Kuwait has had local traditional coffee shops, or maqhas, since its early years, starting with those in its local market, or souq. However, similar to Kuwait’s famous gathering halls, or diwaniyahs, these places were usually restricted to men. Over the last two years, Kuwait has experienced a boom in local coffeeshops, which are breaking barriers...

When it comes to workspace trends, coworking has quickly risen to the top over the last two years. In 2017, 1.1 million people set up shop at a coworking space worldwide, and the Gulf Arab states are no exception. Coworking spaces have grown quickly in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and other major urban hubs, and while...

On his first visit to the United States since becoming crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to travel to Silicon Valley. The crown prince has shown an admiration for the entrepreneurship and innovative spirit in Silicon Valley, and visited the area in 2016, meeting with Saudi professionals. There are currently 125,000 Saudis, men and...

Run by a young, second-generation farmer, Kenaneya Farm is located in Abdali, in northern Kuwait. Ali BouKhamseen’s passion for international cuisine and fine local ingredients led him to start farming, on top of maintaining a job in the energy sector. He recalls his early introduction to international flavors and specialty crops as he accompanied his...