‘International Tasting Bazaar’ at Boulevard
International Tasting Bazaar event was launched in collaboration with the United Nations in 15-16th of March, 2018 under the patronage of HE Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah -Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mohamad Hazzam Al Athaina, Mayour of Salmiya Area. The event title was “Public Space for Peace” and aimed to focus on the importance of having an open public space around Kuwait districts that is socially engaging and impactful.
The festival highlighted unique cultures and food specialties by the participation of embassies in Kuwait and small and medium. The festival was concluded with the diamond sponsorship of More Cafe, Glow and Pause. A gold sponsorship from: Arzan Financial Group, and a unique media sponsorship from: Kuwait Times, Al Anbaa and Al Rai Newspapers. Nevertheless, it was generously sponsored by Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait and MISAKI Flowers.
Adwan Al Adwani, Chairman of Al Salmiya Group for Enterprise Development Company, during his speech in the festival stated that organizing this initiative in Boulevard came as a result of its strategic location as public space at the heart of Salmiya, Kuwait’s most vibrant district. Boulevard stands as an urban hub for recreational, social, commercial, natural, and touristic attractions in which visitors can enjoy an array of activities.
Al Adwani added that Boulevard Park was designed in a way to promote a unique offering of a mix of indoor and out-door services, activities, and facilities to empower families by contributing to the local community and making it accessibly convenient for both families and kids. It is considered Sustainable due to its multipurpose setting for park goers having a library, shopping, and restaurants with beautiful open out-door space creates a sense of holistic well-being for guests.
Dr Ameera Al Hassan Deputy of Zena Ali Ahmad, Director of UN-Habitat Regional Office has stated that this collaboration between the UN-Habitat and Boulevard aims to bring together people. It represents the culmination of the cooperation between private sector and UN organizations along with participation of all sectors of the society. Bringing in cultural diversity by enriching residents experience in a variety of international food dishes, representing different regions of the world, creating cross-cultural friendships. Dr Ameera further added, this is part of our mandate to update and inform all residents of Kuwait on the international pillars of what makes a community sustainable by promoting both the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Many schools participated in a competition to raise awareness of what is ‘open public space’. Showcasing their creative talents in drawing a model of what they need and want in the sustainable “My Future City Model”. James - CEO of More Cafe, (Diamond Sponsor for this festival) stated: “At MoRE we believe in communities, empowerment and creating the space for the public where people can gather and share quality time”. He also announced soon opening More Cafe in Kuwait. With a breath taking and pleasant atmosphere with special services and an area that supports creativity, education and sharing.
Fawaz Al Munaya - Arzan Financial Group representative (Golden Sponsor for this Festival) has stated that “Arzan is always supporting events that serves and develops the urban community. And our participation in this event was driven by our faith in such initiatives that push the society. It is worth mentioning that Arzan Financial Group offers its customers financial and consultancy services in addition to investment tools that help them meet global market requirements. Arzan Group offers a wide variety of business lines such as financing and investment to satisfy the needs of organizations, small and medium companies and other valuable clients and investors”. Al Munaya finally thanked Al Salmiya Group for Enterprise Development and UN- Habitat for their great efforts in organizing this initiative.