Latest news with #KuwaitTimes
Kuwait Times
4 days ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Stitching solidarity
Women across Kuwait have embraced tatreez — a centuries-old nPalestinian craft — as an act of remembrance, resistance and connection By Leena Alsuwaidan uring the pandemic lockdowns, as routines dissolved and isolation set in, a quiet cultural revival began in living rooms across Kuwait. Among those drawn to it were my mother, Mariam Baghdady, and her close friend, who found not just a hobby but a purpose in a centuries-old Palestinian tradition: Tatreez, the art of embroidery. They joined an online class hosted by Wafa Ghnaim called Tatreez and Tea, dedicated to teaching traditional Palestinian embroidery and the history embedded within it. What began as a weekly stitching session quickly evolved into something deeper. Participants weren't simply copying patterns — they were also learning their meanings, origins and the symbolism behind each motif. Certain shapes represented villages, colors reflected regional identities and lines carried legacies. Each stitch was part of a larger story passed down through generations. In a time when Palestinian identity is often politicized or erased, embroidery has emerged as a powerful act of cultural resistance and remembrance — especially for women in the diaspora. Tatreez is more than a craft; it's a living archive, a way of remembering, honoring and holding onto a homeland that exists more in memory than on any map. Palestine Map made with Tatreez Cross Stitch Embroidery Vector Art isolated on white Tatreez, decorative Palestinian embroidery symbol Kuwait Times asked Baghdady why practicing tatreez is important to her. 'Even though I am not Palestinian, I feel connected to these women and hope that I can contribute to the preservation of this art and pass it on to the next generation,' she said. Kuwait Times also spoke with Montaha Alsuwaidan, another participant in the sessions. When asked about a moment that stayed with her, she shared: 'The moment that stayed with me was when she explained the Biyut pattern. I never knew it actually represented something real, like an aerial view of the neighborhood. It made me realize that whether you look at tatreez from close or far, it's one big, beautiful story.' Here in Kuwait, the tradition has taken root in new and unexpected ways. Small groups of women — Palestinian, Arab or simply connected to the cause — are gathering to learn the stitches and the stories behind them. For my mother, joining the class was an act of cultural solidarity and learning. With each needle pulled through cloth, she wasn't just practicing a new skill — she was engaging in an act of remembrance, care and respect. The revival of Palestinian embroidery here reflects more than artistic interest. This movement is not confined to a single class or space. Organizations like the Women's Cultural and Social Society (WCSS) have hosted tatreez workshops in collaboration with local Palestinian activists. Cultural hubs like Bayt Lothan have included embroidery exhibitions and storytelling sessions to deepen public understanding. Even informal stitching circles have sprung up in homes, cafés and cultural centers — offering women a way to gather, share and resist quietly and consistently. These embroidery circles are forming quiet but meaningful communities. They connect women across generations and backgrounds through shared stories and steady hands. While the world rushes forward, tatreez asks its practitioners to slow down, to sit, to stitch, to remember. When asked why embroidery became so meaningful to women in Kuwait during that time, Alsuwaidan reflected: 'Because handcrafts were always how women expressed themselves when they didn't have a voice. And now maybe it's fading because women are finally being heard more.' In Kuwait, the revival of Palestinian embroidery is more than a cultural trend — it's a testament to survival. One stitch at a time, women are keeping Palestine alive — not only on fabric, but in memory and spirit.
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Times, Kuwait News welcome KFH's trainees
KUWAIT: Kuwait Times and Kuwait News welcomed trainees from the Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Academy program for a behind-the-scenes tour and an introduction to the dynamic world of journalism. During the visit, the trainees explored several key departments, including the editorial section, social media unit, studio, printing press, and archives. In the editorial room, they engaged in insightful discussions on media ethics, the process of information gathering, the importance of fact-checking, and the evolving nature of journalism in the digital age. At the archives, the trainees had the opportunity to browse through historical editions spanning the newspaper's 63-year history. They explored how the publication has developed over the decades and viewed past language supplements, gaining a deeper appreciation for the paper's legacy. The group then proceeded to the printing press, where they witnessed the newspaper production process firsthand and posed for a commemorative photo with the Kuwait Times team. To wrap up the visit, the trainees participated in a fun video shoot at the studio, enjoying a lighthearted and engaging end to their tour. The KFH Academy program is designed for university students and recent graduates as part of KFH's commitment to social responsibility, training excellence, youth development, and the empowerment of national talent. A total of 20 trainees were selected to join the academy after successfully completing a rigorous assessment and evaluation process. The program offers a diverse range of learning areas, including public relations (PR) and media, general services, digital transformation, and innovation. It aims to provide participants with a solid foundation in these fields through high-quality, up-to-date training methods, helping them make the most of their summer break.
Kuwait Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Zain Summer Program's sixth cohort embarks on immersive training in real-world work environments
Zain Summer Program's sixth cohort embarks on immersive training in real-world work environments Participants begin training journey in Zain branches, Kuwait News, Kuwait Times, V-Thru KUWAIT: Participants in the sixth edition of the Zain Summer Program have officially begun their training journey for this year across several of Zain's main branches, as well as the premises of the program's partners, including Kuwait News, Kuwait Times, and V-Thru, Kuwait's leading virtual drive-thru platform. This initiative reflects Zain's continued commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth and equipping them with practical skills that prepare them for the job market. The training phase kicked off following a series of orientation activities, including an introductory session held at Zain's headquarters in Shuwaikh. The session introduced the different training tracks, outlined roles and placement locations, and presented the overall objectives and timeline of the five-week program. Additionally, participants attended the two-day My Career Path workshop presented by program partner INJAZ Kuwait. The sessions focused on developing leadership skills, innovative problem-solving, verbal and written communication, and other essential professional competencies. The students are undergoing hands-on training experiences across different environments: fieldwork in Zain's branches, media training at Kuwait News and Kuwait Times, and a new technical and operational track offered this season by the program's newest partner, V-Thru. The comprehensive training covers a wide range of disciplines including customer service, sales, digital marketing, content creation, operations management, journalism, and logistics. A total of 35 university students from various academic backgrounds are participating in the program, working part-time at their assigned placements through an intensive track designed to hone their personal and professional skills, develop their leadership capabilities, and offer them real-world experiences aligned with the fast-evolving digital job market. The Zain Summer Program is one of the company's leading sustainable community initiatives, launched under the 'Future University Network – FUN' platform. Year after year, it continues to provide real and inspiring opportunities to help shape a conscious and qualified generation of young national talent. Over the course of six successful seasons, the program has trained more than 220 students, contributing to the preparation of a creative and work-ready generation for the labor market.
Kuwait Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Times Summer Internship program
Kuwait Times Summer Internship program Applications are now open for the Kuwait Times Summer Program. Are you ready to learn, create, and grow with us? Applications are open on July 21. The program begins on August spots are available, so apply now and don't miss out. Apply through the link
Kuwait Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Making waves with deep determination
Kuwaiti swimmer Shaikha Boureki dives into greatness — breaking barriers, boundaries and breath-holding limits Shaikha Boureki is no stranger to pushing limits. A lifelong athlete, she rediscovered her connection to the water after returning to Kuwait from the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a casual return to swimming soon evolved into a deeper, more demanding pursuit: Finswimming — a high-speed sport using monofins that mimic the fluid motion of marine life. Since 2021, Boureki has represented Kuwait in international finswimming competitions, setting multiple national records along the way. Competing in both horizontal (pool) and vertical (depth) disciplines, she has also represented Kuwait in two Freediving World Championships. Most recently, at the 2025 Freediving Indoor World Championship in Athens, she shattered not only personal barriers but national and regional ones, earning three national records in distinct disciplines for Kuwait. Kuwait Times: When did your journey in aquatic sports begin? Shaikha Boureki: I've always been athletic. My journey into aquatic sports started in 2021 when the Olympic Committee posted about a one-month women's swimming camp in collaboration with Faye Sultan. I'd always wanted to improve my swimming, so I signed up. After the camp, a fellow swimmer mentioned that a club was scouting for Kuwait's finswimming team and recommended me. She passed my contact info to the team manager, Hanady Al-Zaabi, who invited me to try out — and I made it! It all happened so suddenly. In 2023, Kuwait hosted the Indoor Freediving World Championship. I was curious and started training, but the transition from finswimming — where speed and breathing are key — to freediving, which demands calmness and breath-holding, was tough. I struggled and was scared. Freediving is extreme—you're essentially suffocating on purpose. But I found my calling. Overcoming fear and building mental strength became my mission. KT: You broke three national records in three disciplines. Tell us more. Boureki: • DYN (Dynamic Apnea with Monofin) is about distance. I wear a monofin and try to conserve oxygen while swimming as far as I can on one breath. A clean exit — surfacing with the OK sign and without blacking out — is key. • DYN-BF (Dynamic Apnea with Bifins) is similar, but I use two long fins. •2x50 is a speed event: two 50-meter dives. In training, I did both on a single breath in 53 seconds. In competition, I took a breath between them to be safe — competition pressure is different. The toughest was the 150m monofin dive. It was the last day, morale was low, and pressure was high. At 75m, I wanted to quit. I told myself, 'You've already broken the bifin record, that's enough.' But then another voice said, 'You're okay. You can go further.' I even convinced myself I was a fish! That inner talk got me through. Freediving is truly a mental sport. KT: How did it feel to hit the 150m mark, especially breaking Kuwaiti and GCC records? Boureki: I was thrilled and proud. I worked incredibly hard. You can see it in the video — I was smiling while giving the OK sign to the judges. It felt amazing to break a record on the world stage, not just locally. The pressure was worth it. KT: What does a typical training week look like? Boureki: I train 5-6 times a week. That includes swimming, diving, and 1-2 gym sessions for strength. I also do breathing exercises at home. My routine includes conditioning in the pool, targeted diving sessions, and strength training. KT: What's the biggest lesson freediving has taught you? Boureki: Mental strength is everything. A champion mindset builds a champion. Positive self-talk improves performance. Shifting from 'I can't' to 'I can' changed my life. That mindset helped me achieve things I never imagined. KT: What was the most unforgettable moment from the Athens championship? Boureki: Seeing my coach after I surfaced and got the white card. I thought, 'We did it'. For the first time, I saw that proud 'good job' look on his face from across the pool. KT: What advice would you give to young athletes, especially Kuwaiti women? Boureki: Kuwaiti women are powerful. We have the will and persistence to succeed — even in male-dominated fields. Just look at how Kuwaiti women are excelling in swimming, shooting, sailing, triathlon — we even have IronWOMEN in Kuwait! With time and effort, we can reach any goal. I'll keep diving to prove that we can do this and break more records. KT: Do you see yourself mentoring future freedivers? Boureki: I love this sport so much. I'll always advocate for it and try to get more people to try it. While I'll always be a student, I'd love to mentor or coach in the future. KT: What's next for you? Boureki: 200 meters! That's my next big goal, and it would place me among the world's top 15. I also have a speed competition coming up in Abu Dhabi in November 2025. And hopefully, by the end of the year, we'll host a freediving competition in Kuwait.
