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Squatwolf expands in Saudi Arabia with new warehouse, fitness events

Squatwolf expands in Saudi Arabia with new warehouse, fitness events
Squatwolf, the gym-wear brand co-founded by Anam Khalid and Wajdan Gul, is expanding in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 July 2024
Hams Saleh
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Squatwolf expands in Saudi Arabia with new warehouse, fitness events

Squatwolf expands in Saudi Arabia with new warehouse, fitness events
  • UAE brand opens warehouse able to handle 30,000 orders a day
  • Company was founded in 2016 by Anam Khalid and Wajdan Gul
Updated 21 July 2024
Hams Saleh
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DUBAI: From starting as a passion project to now serving athletes in over 200 countries, Squatwolf, the gym-wear brand co-founded by Anam Khalid and Wajdan Gul, is expanding in Saudi Arabia.

The founders have opened a  warehouse in the Kingdom.




The Saudi Arabia warehouse can process up to 30,000 orders a day and ensures same-day delivery in Riyadh and next-day delivery to major cities, including Jeddah, Dammam, Alkhobar and Makkah. (Supplied)

“We take pride in being the first gym-wear brand in the Kingdom that is supporting Vision 2030, fueling the power of the gym as a playground of self-improvement to all,” Khalid told Arab News recently.

“Our Saudi warehouse is a demonstration to our commitment as a UAE brand to support the region and go all in.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SQUATWOLF (@squatwolf)

The Saudi Arabia warehouse can process up to 30,000 orders a day and ensures same-day delivery in Riyadh and next-day delivery to major cities, including Jeddah, Dammam, Alkhobar and Makkah, Gul said.

The brand plans to collaborate with retail and gym partners, local ambassadors and organize community events to support their expansion goals.

“We’re here to recognize every gym-goer, regardless of their fitness level,” Khalid said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SQUATWOLF (@squatwolf)

Gul confirmed that The Squatwolf Games, a prominent fitness event in Dubai, is set to make its debut in Saudi Arabia.

“Yes, Squatwolf Games is coming to Saudi and coming in big. We’re constantly evolving the games to something bigger and better.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SQUATWOLF (@squatwolf)

The brand will also participate in the KSA Muscle Show, further engaging with the local fitness community.

The company was founded in 2016 by Khalid and Gul. “It all started when Gul and I realized there wasn’t a gym-wear brand in the region that matched our love for the gym, its community, and the impact it has on all aspects of our life,” Khalid said.

Gul believes the fitness and activewear market in the Kingdom is booming. “With the Saudi 2030 Vision in place, more gyms are opening up every day, fitness is becoming a way of life and staying healthy is on everyone’s radar,” he explained.

“Being the first gym-wear brand in the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia, gives us a competitive advantage to stay one step ahead across insight-driven product performance, local communities and gym-goer demands,” Khalid added.

Topics: Squatwolf Saudi Arabia

Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’
Updated 17 April 2025
Matt Ross
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Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’
Updated 17 April 2025
Matt Ross

LONDON: Another month, another stellar new original series from Apple TV+, now pumping out hits with noteworthy regularity and deservedly seeing its viewer numbers steadily creeping in the right direction.

In his first TV leading role since his career-defining work in “Mad Men,” Jon Hamm plays Andrew Cooper, a recently divorced New York hedge fund manager whose life spins out of control when he loses his big-money job. Unable to admit to his family and friends that he’s now unemployed, ‘Coop’ suddenly finds himself in need of cash to maintain the flashy standard of living to which he and his dependents have become accustomed. After a number of epiphanies regarding the fickle nature of most of his so-called friends and colleagues, Coop begins stealing from his wealthy neighbors to fund that lifestyle.

But this wealthy, suburban spin on “Breaking Bad” comes with its own set of unique risks. The first of nine episodes (two are available at launch, with weekly installments to follow) shows us a glimpse into Coop’s future as he wakes up in a pool of blood next to a dead body. From there, we flash back four months to see how Coop winds up in this mess. It’s a real “I bet you’re wondering how I ended up here" moment — a cheap and somewhat overused trope, truth be told, but “Your Friends and Neighbors” quickly rewards us for being willing to overlook such a hackneyed plot mechanic.

As you’d expect, Hamm is the show’s MVP. He paints Coop as a complex and flawed individual. A bit of a jerk, sure, but far from the worst guy in the world when you compare him with an ensemble of truly obnoxious characters (played with verve and humor by a great cast which includes Amanda Peet as Coop’s ex-wife, Olivia Munn as a fellow rich divorcee and Hoon Lee as his brutally honest business manager). Indeed, with each crime, Coop’s point of view actually starts to make an alarming amount of sense.

Making audiences root for a kind-of-obnoxious money-grabbing robber is no small task, but Hamm is more than up to the job.

Jacquemus unveils new campaign shot in Egypt

Jacquemus unveils new campaign shot in Egypt
Updated 17 April 2025
Arab News
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Jacquemus unveils new campaign shot in Egypt

Jacquemus unveils new campaign shot in Egypt
Updated 17 April 2025
Arab News

DUBAI: French fashion house Jacquemus on Wednesday unveiled its latest campaign, “La croisière,” set entirely in Egypt and captured over a 24-hour journey from Cairo to Aswan.

The campaign, shot by Egyptian photographer and director Mohamed Sherif, starred Brazilian-New Zealand model Angelina Kendall and Egyptian model Mohamed Hassan, and merged high fashion with Egypt’s historic and natural landscapes. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by JACQUEMUS (@jacquemus)

It features striking visuals in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza, along the Nile River, on a wooden riverside deck, and in lush farmlands surrounded by palm trees.

In the pictures and videos, Kendall was seen wearing pieces from Jacquemus’ collection, including a voluminous polka-dotted coat with exaggerated sleeves and a long train, a bold red dress, and a sculptural banana-printed two-piece ensemble, among other looks. 

Meanwhile, Hassan wore an off-white suit with a relaxed fit, a yellow-and-white striped shirt tucked into wide-leg black trousers, and an all-black ensemble featuring an open-collar shirt and high-waisted trousers.

Accompanying the still images, a series of short videos that captured the journey, showcasing the scenery from Cairo to Aswan, were released on social media.

Topics: Jacquemus Egypt

What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival

What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival
Updated 17 April 2025
Arab News
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What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival

What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival
Updated 17 April 2025
Arab News

DUBAI: A rundown of the Feature Narrative Film contenders at this year’s Saudi Film Festival, which runs from April 17-23. 

‘Hobal’ 

Director: Abdulaziz Alshlahei 

Starring: Mila Al-Zahrani, Amal Samie, Ibrahim Al-Hasawi 

The Saudi filmmaker — whose movie “The Tambour of Retribution” was selected as the Kingdom’s entry into the 2022 Oscars and won the Special Jury Prize at the Cairo Film Festival in 2020 — has already grabbed headlines with his latest project, which is the first feature film to be shot in the Saudi megaproject NEOM. It’s set shortly before the outbreak of the Gulf War in 1990, and follows a Bedouin family living a nomadic existence in the desert. The patriarch has forbidden his family from heading into modernized cities — believing them to be dens of sin — but when his granddaughter Rifa contracts measles, her mother defies his rules to try and save her life. The film has already been a hit in Saudi Arabia: according to the Saudi Film Commission it had more than half a million cinema admissions in a little over a month following its release in January. 

‘My Driver and I’ 

Director: Ahd Kamel 

Starring: Roula Dakheelallah, Mishaal Tamer, Mustafa Shehata 

Saudi actress, writer, director and producer Kamel’s entry is a coming-of-age story set in her hometown of Jeddah in the Eighties and Nineties. It centers on the relationship between a free-spirited girl, Salma, and her family’s chauffeur, a Sudanese man named Gamar, who quickly becomes her confidant and something of a father figure to Salma, whose real dad is a businessman who shows more interest in his work than he does in his daughter. But as Salma grows up, their relationship becomes strained, as Salma feels that Gamar has overstepped his boundaries in his attempts to alter her behavior and protect her reputation.  

Saudi actress, writer, director and producer Ahd Kamel’s entry is a coming-of-age story set in her hometown of Jeddah. (Supplied)

‘Songs of Adam’ 

Director: Oday Rasheed 

Starring: Azzam Ahmed Ali, Abdul Jabber Hassan, Alaa Najm  

The Baghdad-born Arab American director blends drama and magical realism in this tale of two brothers — Adam and Ali — that begins in the 1940s. Having been told by their father to witness their grandfather’s corpse being washed before burial, Adam, then aged 12, announces that he has decided not to grow up. And as the years pass, he doesn’t. The villagers, including Ali, believe he has been cursed. Only Adam’s best friend Anki and his cousin Iman — who wasn’t allowed to witness the ritual as a child because she is a girl — see Adam’s condition as an innocence-preserving gift.  

The Baghdad-born Arab American director blends drama and magical realism in this tale of two brothers — Adam and Ali — that begins in the 1940s. (Supplied)

‘Holes’ 

Director: Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan 

Starring: Mariam Abdulrahman, Meshal Almutairi 

Saudi writer-director Aldhabaan’s latest feature is a psychological thriller that centers on Rakan and his wife Rim, who are desperate to find their own place so that they no longer have to live with Rakan’s mother. The only issue with their supposed new home is that someone has hammered a hole into one of its walls. After the married couple have moved in, Rakan becomes increasingly distant from Rim. Through flashbacks, we begin to learn why his mood has changed, and when his mother is attacked by burglars in her house, Rakan is confronted by an unwelcome reminder of his past.  

‘Fakhr Al-Suwaidi’ 

Directors: Hisham Fathyn, Abdullah Bamajboor, Osama Salih 

Starring: Fahad Al-Mutairi, Faisal Al-Ahmari, Saeed Al-Qahtani 

Shaheen is the idealistic principal of Al-Suwaidi High School, who is searching for a way to connect with some of his students whom he believes are in danger of going astray; three students in particular: Ziyad, whose family have recently returned from America and who is feeling stifled by their expectations of him; Mazen, a restless boy prone to violent outbursts; and Saeed, who is struggling to stay on the straight and narrow and redeem his reputation as a troublemaker. Shaheen starts a sharia class, and finds himself bonding with the students, but his younger brother Moeen is unhappy about the project, which he views as a waste of the school’s overstretched budget. 

‘Session Adjourned’ 

Director: Mohammad S. S. Almujaibel 

Starring: Hind Al-Balushi, Abdullah Al-Jiran, Abdullah Al-Turkmani 

This thriller marks the return of Kuwaiti star Al-Balushi to the silver screen after nearly seven years of not starring in movies. According to a synopsis on the Ithra website, it centers around a series of crimes apparently carried out in revenge for the murder of a young boy called Fahd. At each crime scene, the only clue found is a necklace in the shape of a scorpion. The most obvious suspect would be Fahd’s father — Younis Abdul Rahman. But he committed suicide over a year before the crimes began.

Recipes for success: Chef Ilias Doulamis offers advice and a tasty seafood recipe

Recipes for success: Chef Ilias Doulamis offers advice and a tasty seafood recipe
Updated 17 April 2025
Arab News
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Recipes for success: Chef Ilias Doulamis offers advice and a tasty seafood recipe

Recipes for success: Chef Ilias Doulamis offers advice and a tasty seafood recipe
Updated 17 April 2025
Arab News

DUBAI: Greek chef Ilias Doulamis is well-travelled and no stranger to the Gulf. Before taking on his current role, he worked at the Rosewood Al-Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh, the Grand Hyatt Muscat, and the Grand Hyatt Doha, among others — as well as restaurants in Paris and London. Now, he is the culinary director of the Conrad Abu Dhabi, and Hilton’s regional chef for the Arabian Peninsula.  

Here, Doulamis discusses the charms of citrus fruits, the importance of collaboration, and attention to detail. 

When you started out what was the most common mistake you made?  

Trying to do too much on my own. Early on, I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness. But since then I’ve learned that great kitchens run on collaboration and trust. 

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs? 

Focus on mastering the basics skills. They are the foundation of everything in the kitchen. 

What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?  

Citrus! It instantly elevates a dish by adding brightness, balance, and depth. From orange, mandarin, lemon and lime right through to the most exotic sudashi, yuzu and pomelo, citrus is a magic ingredient. 

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food? 

I do, but I do it out of curiosity and passion — not judgment. And it’s not just the food. I notice everything: flavors, technique, the service, the ambiance, even the body language of the staff. All of these things are part of the experience of dining out. 

What’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants? 

I’d say it’s lack of attention to detail — whether that’s the seasoning, the temperature, or the plating. Consistency is key to delivering a good experience, and it’s often the first thing to slip under pressure. 

What’s your favorite cuisine?  

I am from Kalamata and my favorite cuisine is Greek — hands down. It’s simple, honest food with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a deep connection to tradition. It’s really hard not to love! 

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?  

A frittata. It’s quick, versatile, and always satisfying. You can toss in whatever’s in your fridge, and it’s still going to feel like a proper meal. 

A frittata, chef Doulamis' go-to dish when time is short. (Getty Images)

What customer request or behavior most annoys you?  

Honestly, no request really annoys me. Guests have different tastes and needs, and part of our job is to make them feel welcome. It’s all part of the experience. 

What’s your favorite dish to cook and why?    

It’s tough to pick a favorite. I just really love cooking anything that lets me be creative and connect with people through food. That being said, I’m very lucky because my wife is an excellent cook too, so our kitchen is always full of inspiration and great meals. 

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?  

Some dishes are deceptively simple and incredibly hard to perfect. I’m thinking of things like a classic omelet, a risotto, or even fresh pasta. Simplicity really tests your skill. When there’s nowhere to hide, that’s when cooking can be at its most challenging. Your precision, timing, and technique have to be spot-on, and even the smallest misstep can throw everything off.  

As a team leader, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laid back?  

I’d say I’m firm but fair. Obviously, I believe in discipline and high standards, but I also believe in empowerment, mentorship, and leading by example. The best results always come from motivated team members who feel that they are respected and valued. 

Chef Ilias’ Greek-style citrus and olive oil marinated sea bass with fresh sea urchin 

Ingredients: 

Fresh amberjack  fillet, thinly sliced (sashimi-style) 

Fresh sea urchin (uni) 

Kalamata Extra virgin olive oil (high quality, fruity) 

Lemon and orange juice (freshly squeezed) 

Lemon zest 

Sea salt (preferably flaky) 

Fresh dill and chives (finely chopped) 

Cracked black pepper 

Instructions: 

Marinate the Fish: 
Arrange the sliced amberjack  on a chilled plate. Drizzle with a blend of lemon and orange juice, just enough to coat. Add a few drops of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a sprinkle of herbs. Let it marinate for 5–7 minutes. 

Top with Uni: 
Gently place fresh sea urchin lobes on top of the marinated fish. 

Finish & Serve: 
Grate a bit of lemon zest over the top, add a touch more olive oil, and finish with cracked pepper and a few micro herbs 

 

REVIEW: ‘Atomfall’ is a quirky apocalypse featuring retro paranoia and tea-fueled resilience

REVIEW: ‘Atomfall’ is a quirky apocalypse featuring retro paranoia and tea-fueled resilience
Updated 16 April 2025
James Denselow
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REVIEW: ‘Atomfall’ is a quirky apocalypse featuring retro paranoia and tea-fueled resilience

REVIEW: ‘Atomfall’ is a quirky apocalypse featuring retro paranoia and tea-fueled resilience
Updated 16 April 2025
James Denselow

LONDON: “Atomfall” is a game that defies easy categorization. Set in a post-apocalyptic version of the English Lake District, this curious hybrid feels like “Fallout” wandered into a “Stalker” fever dream while binge-watching “The Wicker Man,” with just a touch of Austin Powers’ absurdity thrown in for good measure.

It’s a love letter to Britain’s eerie countryside, retro paranoia and weird tea-fueled resilience — and somehow, it works.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Atomfall (@atomfallgame)

You start as a nameless survivor with no real background, no memory, and no clear purpose beyond “get out.” A short newsreel hints at some nuclear disaster, but from there, it’s up to you to piece things together through exploration and investigation. There’s no hand-holding here, but there are helpful instructions to get you going. The narrative is loose, but intriguingly so — it’s more about what you discover than what you’re told.

The open world is split into main landscape regions, each with its own aesthetic and mood. The Lake District setting is surprisingly atmospheric, with moody hills, foggy forests, and crumbling 1950s architecture.

Despite its muted palette, Atomfall encourages players to explore every inch — scavenging for materials, unlocking secrets, and finding absurd British cultural relics. Limited ammo and classic crafting mechanics add a layer of survival challenge, making every encounter feel like it matters.

Gameplay offers distinct playstyles — combat, survival, and exploration.

You can go in guns blazing, sneak around enemies, or scrounge for supplies and tea (yes, tea restores health). Combat is functional, though not always tight. Shooting and melee work well enough, but enemy AI is hit-or-miss. Sometimes they’ll charge you recklessly; other times they just stand there wondering what planet they’re on. Melee is especially satisfying, though clunky in tight spaces. Likewise, while outlaws, druids, mutants and soldiers are all nominally different challenges they are much of a muchness in terms of dealing with them.

“Atomfall” doesn’t shy away from the odd. Its dark humor and sheer Britishness give it a special charm, but the heavy use of local slang and regional accents may confuse non-UK players. Picture “Clockwork Orange” meets “Hot Fuzz” and you’re halfway there. Still, it’s part of the game’s identity — this is a very specific apocalypse, where people ask you to fetch delivery parcels and fix a fence while the world burns around them.

There is a basic but useful skill tree that lets you tailor your approach, from combat proficiency to crafting perks. Quests are often simple (“bring X to Y”), but branching conversations and trackable leads give them some depth. Your choices in dialogue can impact outcomes — sometimes subtly, sometimes with unexpected consequences.

Enemy respawns after death are a mixed blessing. On one hand, it keeps the world dangerous. On the other, it can feel like busywork when you’re simply trying to pass through.

“Atomfall” is weird, scrappy, and full of character. It doesn’t have the polish of a AAA giant, but it doesn’t try to. Instead, it offers a delightfully odd, open-ended experience that rewards curiosity and embraces chaos. For those willing to roll with its eccentricities, “Atomfall” is a radioactive romp worth taking.
 

Topics: Atomfall PS5

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