Kuwait is one of the world’s smallest countries and yet it is the world’s 4th richest country per capita. It will come as no surprise that the reason for this is due largely to the huge oil reserves, despite many having been destroyed by Iraq when they invaded Kuwait in the early 90s. The typical Kuwaiti resilience has ensured that the underlying infrastructure is well on its way to returning to its former glory. 

Many people don’t see past the oil wealth of Kuwait but actually this is a country that is steeped in traditional culture and values and the basis of day to day life follows a pattern that has remained true for many decades, even centuries. Family values in particular are of great importance and in some ways these values can even be discriminatory towards single people, particularly men, who are restricted from entering some public places such as certain restaurants or shopping malls when unaccompanied by their family. Every reason to take your partner or family away on holiday with you! 

The country offers a fascinating mix of landscape and architecture, where glistening modern skyscrapers rub shoulders with ancient mosques, label rich malls exist alongside souks of old and vibrant city lights flow seamlessly into dusty villages edging desert plains. The glitzy facade gives way to the earthy interior. The contrast can be stark and yet seems effortless. There are often surprises just around the corner when you least expect! 

Essentially, the best way to approach travel in Kuwait is to remain completely open minded. It is easy to focus on the recent history portrayed by the media during the last 20 years, without really appreciating the depth of culture and custom that could make for a very insightful and unique trip. For this very reason, Kuwait hardly features on the tourist trail, which in itself is a prime reason to visit and experience a country that few others have. You will undoubtedly be treated to the Arabian hospitality by those who welcome the arrival of a new face to their village!! Seasoned travellers used to being the centre of attention by pushy taxi drivers and faux guides in tourist heavy countries will be pleasantly surprised by the relaxed and genuine reception from locals in Kuwait. 

What to do in Kuwait

Kuwait is city, beach, port, desert, designer shops, market stalls, streetside cafes and much much more! For a great introduction to the country, try some of the following:

Culture in the City

The capital, Kuwait City has a manicured feel to it, with wide boulevards and well kept parks and gardens flanked by opulent looking hotels and restaurants sitting pretty amongst plush high rise offices. Visit museums, mosques and palaces, as an introduction to this culturally rich country.

Failaka Island

Take a ferry from the port just south of the centre of Kuwait City and visit Failaka Island, known for its archaeological finds, dating back as far as the Bronze Age. The highlight of the island is the ancient Greek temple ruins. However, there are many other areas of interest, including a large number of old Dhow boats claiming residence in the harbour. Boat building is still carried out on the island. 

Once you’ve explored the history of the island, why not enjoy swimming, fishing and other water activities that the island offers. 

Shopping

For shopping divas Kuwait offers large modern air conditioned malls. These are great for escaping the sizzling summer temperatures! However, for those more intent on bagging a bargain or something unusual to take home from their travels, head to the souks and haggle for traditional wares. The spirit in which vendors negotiate is all part of the fun! The fish markets are also eye opening – just make sure you take a nose peg! 

There are also regular flea markets where you can buy just about anything you desire, from Middle Eastern clothes, to furniture and carpets. 

Water Towers

The water towers are to Kuwait what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris! An iconic sight of which any trip to Kuwait would be incomplete without visiting. The observation deck at the top of the towers actually rotates, rewarding visitors with a magnificent 360 degree view over the city and some fantastic photo opportunities.

Discover the Desert

For those wanting to escape the heat, the desert is off the menu as the temperatures can reach soaring heights. However, for the stalwart traveller the desert interior is well worth a visit, not only to get a true overview of Kuwait but also because the desert is home to a number of interesting wildlife, insect and snake species. You might be lucky enough to spot a desert fox or desert cat....or unlucky enough to encounter a desert scorpion or horned viper!! If you are in any way arachnophobic you will run a mile from the camel spider, which is far larger than your average house spider and has a nasty bite!! 

There is a local desert lizard called a Dhub or Spiny Tailed Lizard, which is also a local delicacy as their tails can be eaten. 

Between February and April the desert is covered in a lush green carpet, a true sight to behold.

The AWARE Centre

If you want to learn more about Arab culture and Middle East relations with the West, then pay a visit to the AWARE centre, which stands for Advocates of Western Arab Relations. Essentially AWARE acts as a drop in centre for anyone who wishes to learn more about Arabic traditions and culture, however it also arranges a variety of trips, from mosques to food fairs to camel races, as well as teaching the Arabic language, traditional cooking and writing Arabic script. You will leave feeling much more aware of the community and customs and more in tune with your host country.

Beaches

Unlike most coastal countries, you can stroll along deep sandy beaches without having to dodge the crowds, so why not make a day of it, kick back and enjoy the peacefulness – when was the last time you had the prospect of having the beach to yourself?!

Fast Facts

• Full name: The State of Kuwait
• Population: 2.9 million (UN, 2007)
• Capital: Kuwait
• Area: 17,818 sq km (6,880 sq miles)
• Major language: Arabic
• Major religion: Islam
• Monetary unit: 1 Dinar = 1000 fils
• Main exports: Oil
• Internet domain: .kw
• International dialling code: +965 

Getting there and around

A number of airlines fly into Kuwait International Airport, though it is not as popular a route as some of the other Middle Eastern countries. 

On arrival, it is easy to take a taxi or bus into the capital Kuwait City, though the latter is a much cheaper option. 

It is also possible to enter Kuwait overland from one of the borders and buses do trips to and from Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. 

Once in the country, your travel itinerary will undoubtedly influence your means of getting around. If you intend on travelling long distances then hiring a car is probably your best bet, although if you have time on your hands buses are a very cheap alternative and there is an extensive bus network. 

A word of caution – local taxis tend not to operate meters and it is therefore a very good idea to agree a price before you set off!!