Hawalli Travel Guide

Hawalli Travel Guide
Hawalli is an area about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south-east of Kuwait City. It is a mainly residential area between the 3rd Ring Road to the north and the 4th Ring Road to the south with Maidan Hawalli and Sha'ab to the east and Rawda to the west. It is really a suburb of Kuwait City but was one of the first established. There is a good deal of redevelopment going on at the moment (October 2004) and many of the older buildings are being cleared to make way for new apartment blocks and shopping complexes.
Althought mainly residential there are many shops along Tunis Street and Beirut Street including one or two modern shopping malls. There are also the usual fast food outlets (KFC, Burger King etc).

Salmiya Photo Gallery

Top 5 Must Do's in Salmiya

A famous city in the State of Kuwait, Salmiya is one of the largest areas in Kuwait, with some Salmiya must do's. A model district to the rest of Kuwait in terms of its modernization, Salimya has plenty to offer to its visitors. From shopping to sightseeing, you have it all at Salmiya. Given below are 5 things you must do while in Salmiya:

1. Salem Al-Mubarak Shopping District

Commonly known as Salmiya Center, the Salem Al-Mubarak shopping district runs through the outer blocks of Salmiya. Being one of the oldest and major shopping districts of Kuwait, it is what's left of Kuwait’s traditional souk bazaars. In the past, these bazaars were known for their gold, pearls and jewelry. Even though several of the old souk has been built over, the Salem Al-Mubarak shopping district still retains its past feel and glory. As you explore the area, you will find shops which are modernized and traditional Kuwaiti shops on some of the streets. The area still houses several gold and fabric stores from yesteryears is the Old Souk area.

2. Kuwait Scientific Center

Kuwait Scientific Center is a center for environmental education in the Gulf. This huge center spans over 80,000 square meters and was commenced by the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Scientific Center has three sections: IMAX Theater, the Discovery Place and the Aquarium. The aquarium in the center is one for the largest in Middle East, housing over 100 different species of animals. The Scientific Center has several coffee shops and food courts where you can relax after spending the day at the center. Watch out for the building enclosure. It has the history of Kuwait and designs of Arabic Calligraphy written on them.

3. Al-Shaab Gardens

Known as the Shaab Leisure Park, it is one of the most amazing amusements Parks in Salmiya, Kuwait. The Park is built on 14,000 square meters of land and offers entertainment to all in the family. There are several activities like skating, adventure sports, video games and parks, restaurants, beautifully landscaped pathways and gardens present in the Al-Shaab Gardens. You either choose to go for a joyride, or just stroll on the pathways and enjoy some quiet time.

4. Marina World

The second largest shopping and amusement complex, Marina World is situated on the beachfront in Salmiya. You can find several restaurants, shops, convention halls, five star hotel and walkway areas in Marina World. Marina World has three phases namely the Marina Mall built based on a beautiful Spanish and design houses with some of the worlds best brands. Marina Crescent houses some of the world famous restaurants and gift shops and the Waterfront and Marina Waves. The Marina World is definitely a must see on your visit to Salmiya.

5. Salmiya Beach

Situated on the shore of the Marina Bay, the Salmiya Beach is a modern beach with a gorgeous oasis and wharfs. There is a conventional Muslim arena with palm trees adjacent to it at this beach. With its lighting at night, the beach and the dome looks like a page out of a fairy tale book. You can spend your evening watching the gorgeous Salmiya sunset at the Salmiya beach. This is a perfect way to unwind and end the day.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Salmiya

Salmiya Nightlife

Salmiya is a very famous district in the Sate of Kuwait. Salmiya is just 12 kilometers away from Kuwait city making it the cultural and commercial hub of Kuwait. Salmiya is easily accessible from any place in the world and is well connected by all means of transport. Given its modernization and attractions it has places to entertain tourists by night and day. Here are some details on the Salmiya nightlife.

Hard Rock Café

Hard Rock Café is located in the main shopping district of Salmiya. Hard Rock Café is one of the popular nightspots in Salmiya and is part of the Marina Mall, which is the shopping Mecca of Salmiya. The Café is housed in a marvelous glass pyramid building, which is an architectural marvel in itself. This is the place where you can walk into after your shopping trip to just relax and unwind enjoying the great music and food and ever seat here has the view of the sea. The café is surrounded by music, rock memorabilia and videos, which make this place a temple for rock fans. The gift shop also sells authentic shirts, which is a must have. Hard Rock Café is open till midnight everyday of the week.

Sultan Center

If you love shopping and that is what you want to do, night and day, then visit Sultan Center. Sultan Center is open from 7.00am to 1.00pm. Some of the stores are even open for 24 hours. Everything that you want and need is available at the Sultan Center. Clothing for the entire family, home furnishing, retail stores, jewelers, stationery, toys, computers and hardware, restaurants, trading centers, electrical goods, telecom products and various other service providers are present in Sultan Center. You can find all these products at the best price at Sultan Center.

Cozmo Bowling

Cozmo Bowling is the ultimate tourist attraction and a perfect place to hang out and relax while bowling. The first thing that will amaze you about this place is the warmth and ambiance around here. It makes you feel just like being at home. Cozmo is equipped with high-tech bowling lanes, a huge video games arcade and games like billiards, darts and football. Cozmo Bowling is open from 11.00am to 1.00am and is definitely worth a visit.

Al-Shaab Gardens

The Al-Shaab Gardens, also known as Shaab Leisure Park, is a huge and famous amusement park in Salmiya with several rides sprawling over 14,000 square meters of land. This is a place with entertainment service for the whole family. You choose from the variety of options that they have, like some of the latest rides, ice skating, adventure sports, roller skating or you can shop at the various outlets n the park or savor some international restaurants serving great food. There is also a multi purpose theater where you can enjoy a movie or you can just relax under a tree and enjoy some quiet time with yourself. The leisure park is open till midnight.

Shopping in Salmiya

There are so many Salmiya shopping malls in this small district in Kuwait where tourists can buy local and international goods. Salmiya is located southeast of Kuwait City in a bustling commercial district. This is the reason why Salmiya is a great place for shopping. Here are some of the shopping malls where tourists can shop in Salmiya.

As-Souq al-Wataniya

One of the many shopping malls in Salmiya is this store. It is particularly famous for its cheap goods sold by a lot of Indian merchants. The commodities sold in these stores are not of high quality so tourists should inspect the goods meticulously before buying them. One of the best things to buy in this place is the textiles. Haggling in this store is a great way to get the goods at a bargain price.

Saahel al-Bahrain

This store is where you can find the best dishdasha, which is a traditional men’s robe, in Kuwait. Most of the staff is Indian and although very little English is spoken, the employees are quite friendly and warm. Other good buys in the store are the head bands, scarves and other traditional Kuwaiti clothing. Credit cards are not accepted at this store, so you are advised to bring cash to be able to purchase any items you might find interesting.

Marina Mall

This mall faces the Arab Gulf. It also offers international brands like Hugo Boss, Diesel and Gucci. The shopping mall is air-conditioned and has a large food court not only serving local cuisines but also international ones. The mall is a great place to relax since it is dotted with several French cafés where tourists can sit down and rest their tired legs. This shopping mall also accepts major credit cards from international and local travelers.

Souq Sharq

The store is located in the proximity of the Marina Mall and it gives tourists a great view of the Arabian Gulf. However, unlike Marina Mall, this shopping place has fewer designer stores thus fewer high-end items.

The Avenues

The largest shopping mall in Kuwait, The Avenues, is a high-end store which sells brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Cartier. The place has a big food court where tourists can unwind and eat local and international dishes. The best thing about this store is that it has everything a savvy shopper will need and want

Travel Guide in Salmiya

Using this Salmiya travel guide will allow you to see the best that the city has to offer, from the traditional Kuwait experiences that are found on the back streets of Salmiya to the largest westernized shopping mall in Kuwait. Even though Salmiya is only 12 blocks, it is still one of the largest areas in Kuwait. With its population of 150,000, over 90% of them are expatriates.

Accommodations

In Salmiya, when it comes to sleeping, the majority of your choices are going to be hotels. When it comes to hotels, you are going to want to stay away from the Corniche Hotel because it is not worth the money. Not only do you have to deal with a noisy hotel, but the service is horrible. The Ibis Hotel is a great place to stay and only costs around $100 a night. The service is great and the location cannot be beat.

Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do in Salmiya to keep you busy, but what is recommended is going to depend on what you enjoy and whom you are traveling with. If you enjoy science and nature, be sure to stop by the Scientific Center of Kuwaitis, which will provide you with a science museum, an aquarium and a movie theater all in one location. The cost is $20 per adult and $15 per kid for all three attractions. If you enjoy shopping, you will want to stop by the Villa Moda, which is the newest shopping mall around.

Restaurants

If you are afraid to try the local cuisine, you can always opt for going to McDonald’s because the food there tastes the same no matter where you eat it at. However, if you want to venture out and try other types of food, you need to check out the Chocolate Bar Restaurant, where the chocolate fondue for dessert is highly recommended. Some other great places to try are Fatatri Al Omda and Khasad Khair, which the fatayer comes highly recommended and only costs about $1 each.

Getting around Town

If you are going to be staying in the Salmiya area, you can pretty much walk to everything that you need. Salem Almubarak Street is the main shopping street, and the Ibis Hotel is located on it. If you plan to visit the aquarium or theater, you only have to walk about 20 to 25 minutes. Taxis are available for getting around town; you can even take a taxi to Kuwait City, which during the day is only about a 10-minute drive.

Nightlife and Entertainment

One thing that you will notice in the town of Salmiya is there isn’t that much of a nightlife. The biggest reason for that is that there are no clubs to hang out at, at least legal ones. If you want something to do in the evenings, you will need to check out one of the restaurants, which are not open at all hours of the night. One place to try is the 7 Bars Restaurant and Café. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while eating dessert or you can try sheesha.

Salmiya Travel Guide

Salmiya Travel Guide
Salmiya is the main shopping district and is located around 10km southeast of Kuwait City. It has several shopping malls, cinemas, boutiques, restaurants and supermarkets. It is a heavily populated residential area popular with Arab and Indian expatriates. This isn't the only place one can venture to in order to have a leisurable experience of the middle eastern culture

Kuwait Photo Gallery

Senior Travel in Kuwait

Senior Travel in Kuwait

Senior Travel to Kuwait City

Kuwait City has many attractions and tours perfect for a senior tourist group. From sight seeing to shopping this modern city is a mix of the new and the old. It is important to be respectful of the local culture (and Islam) while in Kuwait City. Though the safest and one of the most progressive countries in the region it is wise to do as the locals do. Wearing shorts or skirts in most of Kuwait City is fine but what is acceptable at the Mall or downtown will not be acceptable in or around a mosque.

Sight Seeing

Kuwait City has many beautiful examples of Islamic Architecture a senior visitor to Kuwait City wouldn't want to miss including the Grand Mosque, the Sadu House and the Seif Palace. Tours can be arranged through a travel agent or from local tour guides available on location. The Grand Mosque has beautiful gardens and during Ramadan is home to nearly two hundred thousand pilgrims. The Seif Palace, though not open to the public, is directly across from the Grand Mosque and because of its gardens and gold plated roof is worth seeing even from the outside. The Sadu House, constructed with coral and gypsum, is a museum dedicated to preserving traditional Bedouin (a nomadic Arab ethnic group) arts and crafts. Nearly three hundred Bedouin women work in the Sadu House and produce goods available for purchase.

Shopping

Shoppers would want to start their day in the Sharq Mall, home to nearly every chain store in Kuwait, and located directly on the Persian Gulf. Before you leave the Sharq Mall head to the artificial lake and rent a motorboat or a jet ski, which is a good way to unwind before you head to Kuwait City's Fish Market. The Fish Market is located directly west of the Sharq Mall and is extremely interesting to visit even for those not in the market for fresh crab or shrimp. A more traditional shopping experience will be found in central Kuwait City in the Souk District. The Souk District will take you back to the old world with its covered streets lined with stalls. In the Souk District you will be able to find anything from spices to hardware (don't forget to haggle to secure the best deals).

Night Life

There are many restaurants downtown that offer traditional Kuwaiti, Iranian, Lebanese, and Bedouin foods. A walk downtown after dinner will immerse you in Kuwaiti culture by both locals and expatriates from around the globe. For the more adventurous senior traveler visiting a traditional Kuwaiti Hookah Bar would be a relaxing way to end your day. Alcohol is illegal in Kuwait and violating the law carries strict penalties, though home brewing and private stocks are common amongst locals it is in your best interest to follow the letter of the law. It is also unwise for females to be out, unless escorted by a male, after 9 PM.



Contributors
January 31, 2010 new by benf

Family Travel Ideas in Kuwait

Family Travel in Kuwait City
A trip to Kuwait City with the whole family, or a large group, can be full of fun and information. It is important to remember to be respectful of the local culture and Islam. Though Kuwait is a more progressive Middle Eastern country and you will see people in shorts, remember to do as the locals do; what is acceptable at the mall will not be seen as acceptable at a mosque. Kuwait is the safest country in the Middle East because none of the turmoil in Iraq has crossed the border.

Day Trip

Plan a whole day of your trip at Kuwait City’s Entertainment City. Entertainment City is the largest amusement park in Kuwait and one of the top amusement park destinations in the world, and with a price of only 3.5 Kuwaiti Dinars (approximately $12.25 USD) it is surprisingly affordable. This amusement park is open 6 days a week year round (closed Saturday) but Monday is for women only. Entertainment City is a combination of 3 different amusement parks: The Arab World, The International World, and The Future World. Each theme is home to unique shows and rides that are sure to impress visitors of all ages. The children will love the City of Ali Baba and Sinbad and the adults will love the live shows unique to the region. Be sure to ride the roller coasters. Not only are they sure to thrill, the view from the rides will take your breath away.

Sight Seeing

Only a quarter mile from the Kuwaiti National Museum is the Grand Mosque which is a must see for any group interested in Islamic culture, and the gardens make an excellent picnic spot for the younger travelers. Locals are available as tour guides for visitors. If you are unable to spot a tour guide just ask one of the security guards and they will give you a time to return (prices vary). Proper dress is available to rent for females wishing to enter the Grand Mosque. Directly across the street from the Grand Mosque is the Seif Palace, a beautiful example of the region's architecture complete with a roof that is plated in pure gold. You will not be able to enter the palace due to the damage done during the Iraq war but it is still remarkable to behold.

The Kuwait Towers

A trip to Kuwait City would not be complete without visiting Kuwait's unofficial symbol and top tourist attraction, the Kuwait Towers. The 3 unique towers were built in 1979 and the first tower is complete with a viewing platform. Head to the first Kuwaiti Tower and have a lunch/dinner buffet (breakfast is ladies only). On your way in you will see a small display of the "barbaric" Iraqi invasion. Though probably not appropriate for children, the adults in your group will want to see what really happened in 1990. Upstairs is the rotating viewing lounge where you will see a 360- degree view of Kuwait City's skyline, from the skyscrapers of the business section to the classic Islamic architecture in the more traditional parts of the city. The second Kuwait Tower is the city’s water reservoir and is not open to the public. The third Kuwait Tower is used to light up the other 2 towers and is an extremely popular tourist attraction at sundown.

Contributors
January 31, 2010 change by benf

Shopping in Kuwait

Shopping in Kuwait
Kuwait is a modern country with everything from glitzy shopping malls to old "souks" and Friday markets where culture and tradition abound. Everything from the latest Fendi purse to spices and sheep can be purchased depending on the size of your wallet and interests. Many stores have negotiable prices or discounts and bargaining is the name of the game. Be polite at all times, starting at about half of what you want to pay.
Sharq Souk Mall located in downtown Kuwait City is one of the largest modern malls, similar to an American mall, but with styles of the Middle East. It also boasts a nice view of the gulf where you can enjoy a modest lunch. Shopping in Salmiya is another popular area where the streets are lined with malls, modern stores and an occasional old world shop, even a small gold souk can be found tucked away here and there. Exploring this area on foot is the best way to find what you're looking for, and rest assured the streets are relativley clean and very safe. For those of you with a burning desire to drop $3000 on the lastest leather briefcase, Salhiya Center, behind the Meridian Hotel offers a wealth of designer stores in Kuwait's most exclusive mall.

Best known for it's excellent prices in gold and persian or Afghanistan tribal rugs, a must see visit includes the old downtowon souks. Here you will find a maze of shops winding through Kuwait City to delight the senses and fulfill your search for that wonderful keepsake. This is Kuwait's largest gold souk where jewelrey is weighed and sold, while Hussain & Ali's carpet shop offers excellent deals on beautiful rugs.

The Avenues shopping mall in Kuwait opens in early 2007. A first phase has a total retail area of 1.4m sqft, will have an Ikea store, and include a Carrefour, 10 cinemas, 35 restaurants and cafes. The local Mabanee is the developer. Phase two incorporating a further 600,000 sqft of retail and leisure space is due to be completed in early 2008.

Fahaheel, off HWY 30 near the fish market also offers many stores with an excellent assortment of beautiful silk persian rugs and traditional nick knacks. If you want to start a camel or elephant collection, this is the place. My favorite are the delicate glass perfume bottles, very affordable!

Finally, no visit to Kuwait would be complete without a trip to Friday Market. As the name implies, it is held once a week starting early Friday morning. Here you can find the best prices on anything native to the Middle East, including the afore mentioned sheep. It is the Arab equivalent to the American Flea Market. Located just off the Fourth Ring Road in Jahra and in Fahaheel.

Happy Hunting!

Contributors
May 03, 2008 change by zd70 (1 point)

Health

Health
Before setting off, you might want to check the illnesses described below that occur here. The information is from the CDC and should be pretty accurate, but if you really think you have something, go see a doctor. If you're not sure where to find good medical attention, check with a the nearest international hotel, they are usually in the know (though the facilities they refer to might charge you a little bit more)

Rabies
A dangerous and possible deadly disease, can be contracted from a wild animal to a human w/ a single bite. Please when visiting do not touch animals that do not seem tamed.

Typhoid
A very stong course of anti-biotics will wipe it out. After getting typhoid I was very weak for at least 3 months after the anti-biotic course. There is a vaccine that is good for three years. If you consume a large dose of typhoid there is a good chance of getting it regardless of the vaccine

People in Kuwait

People in Kuwait

Population: 1 913 285 (July 1998 est.)

note: includes 1 168 185 non-nationals (July 1998 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32% (male 338 933; female 279 087)

15-64 years: 66% (male 811 713; female 444 679)

65 years and over: 2% (male 23 642; female 15 231) (July 1998 est.)

Population growth rate: 4.1% (1998 est.)

note: this rate reflects the continued post-Gulf crisis return of expatriates

Birth rate: 20.97 births/1 000 population (1998 est.)

Death rate: 2.29 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.)

Net migration rate: 22.31 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.21 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.82 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.55 male(s)/female (1998 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 10.74 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.78 years

male: 74.76 years

female: 78.91 years (1998 est.)

Total fertility rate: 3.44 children born/woman (1998 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Kuwaiti(s)

adjective: Kuwaiti

Ethnic groups: Kuwaiti 45% other Arab 35% South Asian 9% Iranian 4% other 7%

Religions: Muslim 85% (Sunni 45% Shi'a 40%) Christian Hindu Parsi and other 15%

Languages: Arabic (official) English widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 78.6%

male: 82.2%

female: 74.9% (1995 est.)

Economy in Kuwait

Economy in Kuwait

Economy—overview: Kuwait is a small and relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of about 94 billion barrels—10% of world reserves. Kuwait has rebuilt its war-ravaged petroleum sector; its crude oil production averaged 2 million barrels per day in 1996. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP 90% of export revenues and 75% of government income. Kuwait lacks water and has practically no arable land thus preventing development of agriculture. With the exception of fish it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported. Because of its high per capita income Kuwait provides its citizens with extensive health educational and retirement benefits. The bulk of the work force is non-Kuwaiti living at a considerably lower level. Per capita military expenditures are among the highest in the world. The economy improved moderately in 1994-97 with the growth in industry and finance. The World Bank has urged Kuwait to push ahead with privatization including in the oil industry but the government will move slowly on opening the petroleum sector.

GDP: purchasing power parity—$46.3 billion (1997 est.)

GDP—real growth rate: 1% (1997 est.)

GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$22 300 (1997 est.)

GDP—composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%

industry: 53%

services: 47% (1996)

Inflation rate—consumer price index: 3.2% (1996)

Labor force:

total: 1.1 million (1996 est.)

by occupation: government and social services 50% services 40% industry and agriculture 10% (1996 est.)

note: 68% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (July 1998 est.)

Unemployment rate: 1.8% (official 1996 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $10.3 billion

expenditures: $14.5 billion including capital expenditures of $NA (FY97/98 est.)

Industries: petroleum petrochemicals desalination food processing construction materials salt construction

Industrial production growth rate: 1% (1997 est.)

Electricity—capacity: 6.988 million kW (1995)

Electricity—production: 25 billion kWh (1995)

Electricity—consumption per capita: 13 756 kWh (1995)

Agriculture—products: practically no crops; extensive fishing in territorial waters

Exports:

total value: $14.7 billion (f.o.b. 1996)

commodities: oil and refined products fertilizers

partners: Japan 29% US 16% Netherlands 13% Singapore 12% (1996 est.)

Imports:

total value: $7.7 billion (f.o.b. 1996)

commodities : food construction materials vehicles and parts clothing

partners: US 31% UK 14% Japan 13% Germany 8% Italy 7% (1996 est.)

Debt—external: $8 billion (1995 est.)

Economic aid: $NA

Currency: 1 Kuwaiti dinar (KD) = 1 000 fils

Exchange rates: Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US$1—0.3055 (January 1998) 0.3033 (1997) 0.2994 (1996) 0.2984 (1995) 0.2976 (1994) 0.3017 (1993)

Practical Information in Kuwait

Practical Information in Kuwait
Money is the Kuwaiti "Dinar", KD, and it is equivalent to about $3US. Check the current conversion rate for an exact figure. Coins are "fils" where 1000 fils equals 1KD. Kuwait it a very wealthy society, clean and modern with a mix of cultures and people.
Kuwait is a Muslim country and follows Sharia Law, the basis of Islamic religion, as set forth in The Quran. People who's faith is Christianity are free to practice - in fact some Kuwaitis are Christian. Observance of the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadaan, must be followed, which means that eating, drinking, and smoking in public are strictly prohibited until after sunset. Failure to comply can result in fines and jail time. Pork, pornography, alcohol and drugs are also illegal and such rules are heavily enforced.

Many Kuwaiti women are "covered" (wearing an abia and hijab, a black "robe" from head to toe. Kuwaiti men wear white "robes") and therefore all women should dress conservatively avoiding short skirts, shorts or sleeveless clothes. Some western men do wear shorts when shopping, but it is not recommended such might notice they attract disapproving glances. Women should also avoid staring or smiling at Arab men, since this is a showing of interest and will be taken as such. On the upside, crime is low and women are safe to walk about without fear. Many travel books warn of "harrassment" towards women, but this is misleading. Arab men may show an interest in talking to or dating a western woman, especially blondes, but ignoring any such interest will quickly give them the message.

Take care when sitting to never let the sole of your shoe face directly at another person since this is a sign of insult and avoid taking photographs of Kuwaiti people without permission, especially women.

Kuwait has long, hot, dry summers and shorter, sometimes wet winters. Temperatures easily reach 140 F during summer and most shops close down year round at lunch-time (1pm-4:30pm). The weekend is Thursday and Friday. Friday being the holy day of Jumaah for community prayers at the mosques, followed by lunch and visiting friends (equivalent to the Christian Sunday) so stores are closed until 4.30pm. It is best to check hours of operation before venturing out. However, there are some 24 hour stores and super-markets, as well as all night internet cafes. Thursday in Kuwait is "couples night", when spouses treat wives to an evening out, as most people not working during such evenings and they take their children shopping, to parks, zoo, beach picnics, entertainment sites, restaurants etc.

Arabic is the official language although English is widely understood and most larger signs are posted in English and Arabic. Both the Kuwait Times and Arab Times publish daily newspapers in English and their "What's On" pages provide a good source for local events.

Currency
The local currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

History in Kuwait

History in Kuwait
THE FIVE COUNTRIES covered in this volume--Kuwait Bahrain Qatar the United Arab Emirates and Oman--are all Arab states on the Persian Gulf that share certain characteristics. But they are not the only countries that border the gulf. Iran Iraq and Saudi Arabia share the coastline as well and they too shared in the historical development of the area. Of the five states covered in this volume Oman has a particular culture and history that distinguish it from its neighbors. It also is the state with the shortest coastline along the Persian Gulf. Most of Oman lies along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (see fig. 1 ).

The main element that unites these countries is the nature of their involvement with people and nations beyond the region. The gulf has been an important waterway since ancient times bringing the people who live on its shores into early contact with other civilizations. In the ancient world the gulf peoples established trade connections with India; in the Middle Ages they went as far as China; and in the modern era they became involved with the European powers that sailed into the Indian Ocean and around Southeast Asia. In the twentieth century the discovery of massive oil deposits in the gulf made the area once again a crossroads for the modern world.

Other factors also bring these countries together. The people are mostly Arabs and with the exception of Oman and Bahrain are mostly Sunni (see Glossary) Muslims. Because they live in basically tribal societies family and clan connections underlie most political and economic activity. The discovery of oil and the increasing contact with the West has led to tremendous material and social changes.

Important distinctions exist however among the five countries. Bahrain is an island with historical connections to the Persian Empire. Kuwait is separated from the others by Saudi Arabia. In Oman high mountain ranges effectively cut off the country's hinterland from the rest of the region (see fig. 2 ). Moreover various tribal loyalties throughout the region are frequently divisive and are exacerbated by religious differences that involve the major sects of Islam-- Sunni and Shia (see Glossary)--and the smaller Kharijite sect as well as Muslim legal procedures.

Data as of January 1993

Source: Library of congress

Eating Out in Kuwait

Eating Out in Kuwait
Kuwait has few traditional menus inherit to the country alone, but brings tastes from all over the Middle East, India, Egypt, China, Thialand, and the Medditerranian. People joke there are two things to do in Kuwait, "Eat and Shop"! Let me say they do both well. Along with a variety of American fast food, for those of you craving a good ole' cheeseburger, there are literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from ranging from the very expensive to the dirt cheap. In addition to good food, restaurants like the Palm Palace offer outdoor tents, shisha smoking, bread making in an old stone oven, and, after your meal, a bit of Arabain coffee served on pillows while your server plays Middle Eastern music pounding the beat and grinding the coffee in a large wooden bowl. For just a moment you are transported to another place and time. This is an experience not to be missed!
I learned of many of the following restaurants from reading Aron Johnston's book Lost in Kuwait, A Travelers Guide to Good Eats & Cheap Thrills , and after a personal visit, I heartily recommend each. For those of you craving a little more than a cheeseburger Al Boom Grill, SAS Hotel, is an "unforgettable dining experince" with first class service, steaks, and seafood. Be prepared to spend some cash, though. Casar Sultan,Medan Hawalli, has wonderful decor and great schwarma, another must try for those wanting typical Arabian food. Also on the list is Five Star Thai,Kuwait City, offering beautifully prepared Thai food in an elegant setting. On a less expensive note try Fresh,Salmiya, called a "clean your plate kind of place". Fresh serves big portions and an impressive variety of Arabian bread. For the homemade taste of Iranian food go to Khan Salar, Salmiya. Wondering what Iranian food is? Think a variety of chicken, beef and lamb with yogurt sauces and aromatic rice dishes. Come hungry since portions are plentiful. Noodles, Salmiya, has great chinese food and a fun atmosphere. Sit back and enjoy after a hectic day of shopping. Sala Om-Habib, Kuwait City, offers an authenitic atmosphere where you will quickly feel the true culture of Kuwait. It prides itself in good Middle Eastern food which it easily accomplishes in a rich environment. My favorite, Indian food, can be found in the leisurely atmosphere at The Dar Bar, Benid Al Gar. You can also watch the cooks at work through a little window. For a sightseeing adventure as well as a meal, visit The Horizon Le Cafe, Kuwait Towers. Be sure to eat from the assorted buffet while watching the wonderful view 82 meters up. This restaurant is best described as an "upscale" coffee shop. Last on the list, try the Turkish Bakery, Old Ardiya, for a traditional cheese fatayer and assorted bakery goods. It's a little shop run by warm friendly people, and you will definetly walk away with a little culture from the experience.

Contributors
January 26, 2010 change by schitti

Kuwait Travel Guide

Kuwait Travel Guide
Arab in tradition and culture, Muslim in beliefs and religion, Kuwait offers something rarely seen by the average traveler.

Far from the poverty of the "third world", thanks to the discovery of oil, Kuwait is a modern bustling country mixed with old world traditions and desert bedouin tribes. From camel races and women dressed showing only their eyes to cell phones and the latest Gucci handbags, Kuwait offers an interesting taste of both old and new

Arabic phrasebook

Arabic phrasebook

English Arabic Pronounciation
hello as-salaam-alaikum ah sull aam ull ay coom
goodbye ma'assalama ehm ahss ahlama
thank you shokran shoh cran
please men fadlak (male), men fadlik (female) mein fadluk
yes/no na'am/la nah ahm/la
my name is ismi iz me
how much? bikam? bee come
where is? fein? feen
I don't understand ana la afham ana la ufhum
one, two, three, four, five wahid, ithinin, talatha, arba'a, khamisa wah-hid, eetineen, talata, arba, kaamissa

Kuwait Photos

Currency Exchange Rates

Money: Kuwait's currency is the Kuwait Dinar (KWD), which is divided into 1,000 fils. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques. Currency and travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars or British Pounds. There are banks with foreign exchange facilities in the large centres and ATMs are plentiful. Banks are open from 8am to 12pm from Sunday to Thursday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours.

Climate

Climate
Kuwait enjoys a variable continental climate. Summer months are between June and October and the rainy season (if you can call it that) runs from December to February, when humidity can also be high. In summer temperatures can get over 100°F (38°C), but they drop below 70°F (21°C) in winter.

Kuwait International Airport (KIA)

Kuwait International Airport (KIA)

Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) from Kuwait City.
Time: GMT +3.
Contacts: Tel: +965 161.
Getting to the city: Taxis and buses are available to take passengers to Kuwait City.
Car rental: A car rental desk is located in Arrivals and includes companies like Avis, Budget and Hertz.
Facilities: Two first-class lounges offer fax and Internet facilities. A Commercial Centre Complex is linked directly to the Arrival and Departure halls of the airport terminal and includes facilities such as duty-free shopping as well as numerous other shopping opportunities and a variety of food and beverage outlets. Other services offered are banks, a help desk and facilities for the disabled.
Parking: Short and long-term parking facilities are available.
Departure Tax: 2 dinars.

Health

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Kuwait, but inoculation against typhoid is advisable for travellers eating outside of major hotels and restaurants. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases, which are common in the country. Mains water is chlorinated and considered relatively safe, but most visitors stick to bottled water. Avian influenza outbreaks have been reported, but there have been no human infections; the risk of travellers contracting the disease is slight, but contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. Medical fees are high and medical insurance is recommended

The Basics

The Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +3.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Both the UK-style three-pin and European-style two-pin plugs are in use.


Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used and understood.

Travel Health: No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Kuwait, but inoculation against typhoid is advisable for travellers eating outside of major hotels and restaurants. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases, which are common in the country. Mains water is chlorinated and considered relatively safe, but most visitors stick to bottled water. Avian influenza outbreaks have been reported, but there have been no human infections; the risk of travellers contracting the disease is slight, but contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. Medical fees are high and medical insurance is recommended.

Tipping: A service charge of 15% is usually added to bills in restaurants and hotels; if not a tip of 10% is acceptable. Additional tipping is only expected in more expensive hotels. Taxi drivers appreciate a small tip for long journeys.

Safety Information: Authorities are of the opinion that there is a high general threat of terrorism against western targets in Kuwait and other countries in the region. Visitors should remain vigilant, especially in public places and where westerners gather. The country is regarded as trouble-free as far as crime is concerned, but there is political turmoil resulting from developments in Iraq and the Middle East peace process and visitors should avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. When travelling outside Kuwait City keep to tarmac roads and take care on beaches and picnic spots because landmines and other unexploded ordnance still litters the countryside. Driving in Kuwait is hazardous, local drivers being negligent and reckless, so constant vigilance is essential.

Local Customs: Being a strict Muslim society dress in public should be modest. Homosexuality is illegal, as is any public display of affection between men and women, and unmarried couples are not allowed to stay together. Alcohol is not permitted in Kuwait, and the use of this or the importation of obscene material can be punished with imprisonment. Photography near industrial, military or government buildings is illegal, including oil fields. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. It is important to carry identification at all times.

Business: Most aspects of the business culture are conservative. Dress should be formal and conservative (particularly for women) and greetings should be between same sexes only. There is often accompanying small talk when meeting someone for the first time. Be sure to adhere to local customs. Affection between opposite sexes is not shown in public and in general take the lead from a woman when greeting her. Most business is conducted in English, although using a few words of Arabic (particularly for titles) will be appreciated. It can be difficult to conduct business in Kuwait as the working week runs from Saturday to Wednesday, often with some non-government businesses working from Sunday to Thursday. Business hours vary, but are usually from 7am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm. Government offices and banks are usually open from 8am to 2pm.

Communications: Full international direct dialling is available in Kuwait. The country code is +965 and the outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. There are two national GSM mobile telephone networks, which have active roaming agreements with most international mobile phone operators. Internet cafes are available throughout the country.

Duty Free: Travellers to Kuwait do not have to pay duty on 500 cigarettes, or 1kg tobacco. It is prohibited to enter the country with alcohol or narcotics; milk products and unsealed salty fish; mineral water, unsealed olives and pickles; home-made foods; fresh vegetables; shellfish and by-products; and fresh figs.

Overview

Overview
Kuwait Towers © Touristic KuwaitThe Islamic Middle Eastern state of Kuwait, situated at the northwest extreme of the Persian Gulf, is somewhat overshadowed and overwhelmed by its neighbours Iran, Saudi Arabia, and especially war-torn Iraq. Nevertheless, the flat and featureless country is beginning to attract tourists and businessmen from the west, particularly Americans. Those visiting Kuwait today are imbued with a lust for adventure that has nothing to do with adrenalin-producing experiences, but rather a yen to explore a not too radical fundamentalist Muslim culture and witness a country undergoing post-war reconstruction.



Despite the turbulence of its recent history, Kuwait today is once again beginning to reflect its status as an oil-rich nation. In 1990 Iraq claimed Kuwait as its 19th province, but the Iraqis were expelled by a United States led alliance in a short war in 1991, and now the country is separated from its threatening neighbour by a wall along its border.



The ruined capital, Kuwait City, has risen from the ashes of war to become a buzzing metropolis with gleaming high rises, numerous luxury hotels and lush parks set along wide avenues. The city's major landmark is the Kuwait Towers, visible from the harbour where oil tankers come and go, docking alongside hundreds of cargo ships and pleasure craft. Kuwait is now regarded as a relatively safe destination with plenty to interest the traveller, not only in Kuwait City itself but throughout, from its arid desert plateau to the fertile coastal belt and the nine small offshore islands over which it has sovereignty.