This oil-rich little emirate (pop. just under nine million) on the Persian Gulf was last big in the news as the object of invasion by Sadam Hussein´s Iraq just next door. And though its far less touristed than most of its Gulf neighbors, Kuwait does offer a nice selection of travel experiences both traditional and modern, as well as cultural and outdoorsy; many – but far from all – are to be found in the capital, Kuwait City (pop. 3.4 million). Here are its top eight musts:
Inaugurated in 1979 and designed by a (female) Danish-Swedish architect as part of a water distribution system, this trio of towers sits on a promontory jutting into the gulf just east of the city proper and has come to be a national icon, with their distinctive architecture featuring blue/green-tiled spheres. Besides a water tank, the main one, rising 614 feet, also houses a lounge, a revolving observation deck, and a pair of restaurants, one of them revolving. It´s even been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The Grand Mosque
Inaugurated in 1998, the emirate´s largest mosque – 220,000 square feet and accommodating 10,000 worshippers – is known for its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere. Guided tours are available for a deeper understanding of Islamic religion and culture.
Get a good sense of Kuwait’s history, heritage, culture, and archaeology through five buildings´ worth of fascinating exhibitions, artifacts, and art, with a highlight being the Boom Al-Muhallab (above), an early-20th-century dhow (sailing ship).
Liberation Tower
Kuwait City´s other notable tower – both for communications and open to visitors, 1,220 ft. tall – was named to commemorate the country´s liberation from Iraqi occupation in 1992. It features observation decks with panoramic views of the city.
Shopping Old and New
At Kuwait City´s bustling Souq Al-Mubarakiya – the city´s oldest traditional market (above) – browse stalls selling local goods (including spices, textiles, tasty street food, and handicraft such as silk carpets, antiques, perfumes like musk and oud (aka agarwood), gold and silver jewelry, and traditional costumes.
On the modern side, The Avenues is Kuwait largest mall (as well as the Persian Gulf region´s second largest), with more than 1,400 establishments spread out over a whopping 296 acres. Shops include many upscale and international brands but also local boutiques and traditional wares. Eateries run the gamut from international chains to fine dining, with American, Arabic, Dutch, French, Indian, Italian, Swiss, and Turkish cuisines represented. And the many entertainment options include not one but two movie multiplexes, a “Fun Zone” park, kid-oriented play spaces like Kidzania, an ice skating rink, and virtual-reality rides. And to top it all off, there´s even a pair of hotels, the midrange Hilton Garden and the luxury Waldorf Astoria.
And down in Fahaheel, on the south coast just a half hour´s drive from Kuwait City, waterfront Al Kout Mall (with beautiful views of the marina) is another big retail therapy destination, with 360 stores, dining, and plenty of entertainment, including a go-kart track and a 12-screen multiplex, one of which is IMAX. And that´s not all – connected to the mall by footbridge, the Souq Al Kout is a recreated traditional market with its own set of 100 retail and dining options.
Failaka Island
Nine miles long and four miles wide, this this island a ferry ride of just over a half hour from Kuwait City is these days largely depopulated but of interest to visitors for remnant of a history stretching back more than 4,000 years. Highlights include fascinating archaeological sites, ancient houses and other structures, a small museum, a "heritage village," a camel farm, and the tragic reminders of the Iraqi invasion, including a tank graveyard and the bombed out/shot up buildings such as the local Bank of Kuwait branch. The easiest way to visit is through an organized tour.
A Good Range of Beaches
Swimmable strands are perhaps not the Kuwait´s strongest suit, but there are still a number of good choices for sun and fun, starting with Kuwait City options like Al Shaheed, the Gulf Road promenade. Mangat, and Marina (above). Near KC, check out Messilah (the emirate´s longest strand), just 20 minutes south, and Fintas, a half hour away, and a 40-minute boat ride offshore, 27-acre Kubbar Island with its crystalline waters and bone-white beaches is fabulous for water sports, and diving/snorkeling, with marine-life-packed corals (no amenities, though).In the south, Al Kiran is considered one of Kuwait´s best, and Failaka island (see entry above) also has good beaches if you have time for a dip while here.
Desert Adventures
Kuwait’s desert offers a unique adventure experience, blending natural beauty with adventure and traditional culture, and numerous tour operators offer excursions daily. On the adventure side, there´s sandboarding and offroading, including “dune bashing,” in which you slam through and over the dunes in a 4x4. Traditional/cultural activities include camel tours, visiting with falconers and other Bedouins, including traditional meals and folklore storytelling. You can also take an overnight camping tour and take advantage of the opportunity to experience some fantastic stargazing away from city lights. And birders will enjoy spotting numerous species, especially during migration season.
For more info, check out Kuwait´s tourism website.
Comments