For some, it was love at first box jump. For others, it took a few more burpees and thrusters to get over the fear factor of this intense sport. But, somehow, WOD (workout of the day) after sweat-drenching WOD, thousands around the region are forcing themselves out of bed or office chair and to the gym for this hardcore, elite form of fitness. And you know what? They’re healthier, happier, and have a stronger sense of community because of it. CrossFit has long been an addiction in the West, but ...

With 2014 winding down, it’s time to look back (if you dare) at AlBawaba’s 14 wackiest stories of the year. We have militant wannabes too fat for ISIL, drunk Saudi tourists, halal hookers and Israeli spies in the bathroom. Throw in an unhealthy dose of bestiality, and it’s been a year to forget as quickly as we possibly can. 1. Just what Bin Laden always wanted for Christmas: "Gingerbottabad" exact replica of Osama's compound 2. Lardass ISIL? Australian brothers too fat to join militant group, family says 3. Islamic State ...

Quite frankly, and not so suprisingly, much of the news from the Middle East - never the quiet corner of the globe - this year has been pretty awful. The headlines have been largely dominated by terrible and intense conflicts: The rise of Daesh (still ISIS/L to some, the Islamic State to others) and its brutal, repressive tactics ; the sieges of Mount Sinjar and Kobani ; Israel’s war in Gaza and tensions in Jerusalem ; and ongoing state repression in Egypt. With the exception of a few bright spots ...

*SPOILER ALERT* Do you guys remember when you first figured out Santa wasn't real? Did it happen at a Christmas party when a man dressed as Santa Claus pulled off his faux-beard (to unveil a more grizzly and real version!) and you realized it was Mustafa from next door? We can relate. This year for Chrismas, Al Bawaba compiled the best Arab Santas we could find on the Internet for you. You're welcome. And it's just as well we did, before our good Santas of the Holy Lands got stopped ...

Still doing your holiday shopping? Or maybe looking to ring out the old year with some new bling? Sometimes even billionaires need help finding pricey, novelty toys . When a Saudi prince needs a Hermès helicopter or some bespoke luggage made from spaceship materials, he calls Benedict Wormald, concierge to the uber-rich. Wormald is a “procurement specialist” for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) - the top 1% of the world’s richest 1%! Part broker, part designer, part concierge, the principal of London-based Benedict and Company can procure anything for anyone, anytime, anywhere ...

The Gulf is known for being over the top, so it should come as no surprise that many Gulf countries compete with one another for random and quirky world records. From the tallest chocolate structure to the biggest car parade and longest gold chain , here are some of the funniest Gulf World Records. Guess that’s what you do when you have tons of money lying around. And remember, Guiness is good for you!

Scandal (or fadee ʿ ha in Arabic) in the Middle Eastern city has been this year’s hot topic, and as Christmas fast approaches, Santa has added many new entries to his “Naughty List.” Because they have it all, we (not so) secretly love to see celebrities go wild and get into trouble. Whether it’s Kim Kardashian “breaking the Internet” with her naked bum or Myriam Klink posing in the nude behind Iran’s flag, those scandalous moments will live in our minds and bookmarked pages forever. Yes, there’s no escaping the ...