Travel Destination: Kuwait
About Kuwait
Kuwait is a small, oil-rich country bordered by Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Despite the size, it is the third richest country per capita whose name means “fortress by the sea” in Arabic. It is a cosmopolitan society with a culture identified as generous and hospitable. Visiting the sights and enjoying this emirate is a journey of sweet discoveries.
Kuwait’s culture is a mix of Arab and Islamic influences. Diwaniyas are distinct cultural tradition of Kuwaitis. It is a place where people converge to meet, interact, socialize or just discuss various matters. It is a relaxing environment usually located adjacent to the owner’s house or a standalone structure built by prominent families.
When it comes to dress code, western fashion is favoured by the younger generation while the older generation prefers wearing thwab (ankle length wool or cotton woven shirt) for men and abaya (black over-garment that covers most parts of the body) for women.
Traditional Kuwaiti diet is mainly seafood and spices are important part of their cuisine. Popular dishes are Kabsa and Majboos, which are types of rice (usually basmati) dishes mixed with vegetables, meat and spices. Meat can be lamb, goat, chicken, camel, fish, shrimp or beef.
Kuwait City and Jahrah are the major cities in the country. Kuwait City is the capital and the larger city of the two. It’s the emirate’s political, cultural, economic and business centre. The city is served by the Kuwait International Airport and the ports of Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Al-Shuwaik.
The Kuwait Towers built in 1979 are the most famous landmarks in the city. The main tower has a restaurant, coffee shop and is the favourite hub of prominent people mainly for special functions such as weddings and meetings. The viewing sphere is in the main tower located at 123 metres above sea level and rotates every 30 minutes to give the spectators a view of the whole of Kuwait. The other minor towers serve as water reservoir and house the electricity facilities. There is currently a construction boom in the city with 25 new hotels in the works projecting to finish 3,000 rooms by the year 2010 to accommodate more visitors.
The city of Jahrah is located just 30 minutes northwest of Kuwait City. Its most significant landmark is The Red Palace or Al Qasr Al Ahmar, an old mud fortress which was the site of the battle for Jahrah.
There are world-class parks in Kuwait that are becoming favourite spots for tourists from neighbouring countries and other international visitors. The Entertainment City, one of the largest theme parks in Kuwait located in the district of Doha stands on a one million square-metre area. There are exciting games and sight seeing opportunities inside the park perfect for family visitors. Other points of interest are the Green Island, an artificial island teeming with activities complete with Roman theatres, restaurants, cafés, an artificial lake, a tower and entertainment facilities; Musical Fountain and Touristic Garden are the two other theme parks that offer various fun activities, dining and entertainment facilities.
Messila Beach, Oqialah Beach, the Sea Front and Khiran Resort have swimming, sailing and other water sports facilities. If you feel like playing hockey or want to skate, there is an Olympic-size rink and a smaller one in the Ice Skating Rink located at the Green Fence area in Kuwait City. Incidentally, Kuwait Falcons, the national ice hockey team established in 1981, play and compete here.
Kuwait is a small country with a big spirit. The vibrant city life looks fun to sample but their generosity and warm hospitality are really the qualities that make this destination a real desert gem.