At Kuwait Times, even the desks have stories

For most of us, the office is more than just a place of work – it’s a second home. It’s where deadlines loom, ideas spark and friendships quietly grow. Sometimes, it’s where we spend more hours than we do with our own families. And in a place so central to our lives, it’s no wonder many of us bring something deeply personal to our desks – a small treasure that reminds us of who we are, where we come from, or someone we love.

At Kuwait Times, I wandered through every office, peeking into the personal corners of our colleagues’ workspaces. What I found was both simple and profoundly touching. These small mementos aren’t just decorations – they are anchors, reminders of love, hope and joy in our daily grind. In a world that often measures productivity by numbers, these keepsakes quietly remind us of what truly matters.

So next time you walk past someone’s desk, take a closer look. Behind every cup, frame or trinket, there’s a story waiting to be told – and a heart that beats both for work and for life beyond these walls.

Jana Al-Naqeeb: A judge’s gavel

Because it’s the only way to manage the lively energy my Gen Z team brings to discussions.

Hawrah Al-Yakoob

Hawrah Al-Yakoob: A group photo

My office is full of trinkets and ornaments, but my favorite item is the group photo of our team. It reminds me daily to be grateful for the people who’ve carved a special place in my life at Kuwait Times. (It does need updating though – we’ve welcomed many amazing new colleagues since!)

Passant Hisham

Passant Hisham: A miniature typewriter sculpture

When I landed my first journalism job, my mom wanted to give me something meaningful. I chose this typewriter because it symbolizes a dream I once had and worked hard to fulfill – becoming a journalist.

Doha Al-Essa

Doha Al-Essa: My face

When Sahar asked if I had anything sentimental, I realized no object really mattered to me. So I jokingly chose my face. I don’t care much for things – I’m just happy to be here and proud of the value I bring, even if my most sentimental “item” is, well, me.

Hussain Sana

Hussain Sana: A photo of colleagues

They motivate me, inspire me, teach me and push me to do more and better.

Hassan Al-Kelani

Hassan Al-Kelani: A piece of paper with “SAMUSA” written on it

I love hearing this word from someone very special to me. Whenever I read it, I can hear their voice.

Zinab Dashti

Zainab Dashti: A Rubik’s Cube

I love solving these puzzles. They reset my mind and are therapeutic to do.

Abdellatif Sharaa

Abdellatif Sharaa: A picture of my father

My father was extraordinary – a parent, a friend, a mentor. He always gave me sound advice and guided me right, paving the way for what I’ve achieved. Thank you, Father. May Almighty Allah bless you.

Faten Omar

Faten Omar: A disco mushroom

It’s my favorite because it reminds me of the anime Pollyanna, where crystals created rainbows in sunlight. This mushroom casts colorful reflections in the room, and it’s the closest I’ve come to recreating that magic.

Sajeev K Peter

Sajeev K Peter: A Girgian box

A cherished gift from a colleague, it now sits on my desk as treasured memorabilia.

Rachelle De Leon

Rachelle De Leon: A ruler and a calculator

They’re my work buddies – always by my side.

Omar Al-Nakib

Omar Al-Nakib: A mockup on paper

My coworker Yousef drew this as a mockup for an archive Instagram post. It’s so childlike, it can only be considered great art.

Shakir Reshamwala

Shakir Reshamwala: My paintings and sculptures

Although I have many colorful objects in my office – vases, knick-knacks, souvenirs – the things most dear to me are my own artworks. As an artist, I feel privileged to display them prominently so everyone in the newsroom can enjoy them.

Islam Sharaa

Islam Sharaa: Mug and artwork

This mug was a birthday gift from my children. Its value grew even more with the innocent touch of my 7-year-old grandson, who drew this artwork for the same occasion. To me, it symbolizes love and treasured family memories.

Yousef Abu-Ghazaleh

Yousef Abu-Ghazaleh: A handmade photo from an intern

It means so much to me because my main goal with every internship is to help students realize their ideas are possible. One student told me that was the lesson she learned from me, and she took the time to make this gift. It reminds me of the power of supporting others’ dreams.

Chidi Emanuel

Chidi Emmanuel: My office computer

In today’s world, technology is at the center of everything. For me, the office computer is more than just a machine – it’s a dependable companion that enables productivity, connects colleagues and provides solutions. It’s the first point of contact each day.