Kuwait
Kuwait, although small (its land mass totals only 17,820 sq km), is rich in petroleum and natural gas – its crude oil reserves account for about 10% of world reserves. And while the 1990/1991 Iraqi invasion and occupation, and the Gulf War, took place less than two decades ago, there is little sign of its destruction and devastation.
The country has a population of approximately 2.6 million, of which about half are Kuwaitis and half are expatriates.
One of Kuwait’s most famous landmarks – the Kuwait Towers – has been completely restored. You can travel by high-speed lift to the sphere on the tallest of the three towers (it’s 187 metres high) and take in the city from its revolving observation area and restaurant. One new addition to the landscape is the 372-metre tall Liberation Tower, which symbolizes – you guessed it – Kuwait’s liberation from Iraq.
To get a closer look at Kuwait’s culture and history, head to Kuwait’s many museums and historical sites. Learn about traditional Bedouin weaving at the Sadu House, see rare and precious Islamic antiques at the aptly named Museum of Islamic Antique, or experience traditional pearl diving at the annual pearl diving festival. There is also the Tareq Rajab Museum, the Science and Natural History Museum, the National Museum, and the Saif Al-Shamlan Museum. Visit the Old City Wall Gates, which were originally built in 1922 to keep out wandering desert tribes. The Folklore Centre, which is actively preserving and teaching Kuwaiti folklore. And Doha Village is Kuwait’s traditional dhow (a type of boat) building area.
For less cerebral fun, Kuwait offers a variety of amusement parks and entertainment venues. Considered one of the best amusement parks in the world, Entertainment City is located only 20km from Kuwait City. It has different themed sections such as Arab World, The World of Wonders and Surprises, and Future World. Musical Fountain offers a water show set to music and coloured lights. And for those hot summer days, there is the wet and wild Aqua water park.
Physical pursuits range from swimming (in one of the city’s many pools or in the Arabian Gulf) to horseback riding to golfing. You can even strap on your ice skates and go for a twirl at the Skating Hall. If you’re into serious lifting – of shopping bags, that is – your shopping experience in Kuwait can range from the air-conditioned comfort of a modern mall to the frenetic bargaining in a traditional souk. Finally, there are large cooperative supermarkets, gold souks, fresh food markets, and several modern shopping complexes.
Sites of Interest
- Official website of the State of Kuwait
- CIA World Factbook (Kuwait)
- ArabNet (Kuwait)
