Things To Do
in Kuwait
Kuwait is a small, wealthy country located at the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf, sharing borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It boasts a high-income economy backed by the world's sixth-largest known oil reserves, which significantly influences its prosperity.
Despite its desert landscape, Kuwait City, the capital, is known for its modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and substantial expatriate community, making it a unique blend of traditional Islamic culture and contemporary living.
- "Marhaban" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Afwan" - You're welcome
- "Inshallah" - God willing
- "Ahlan wa sahlan" - Welcome
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $8
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Kuwait National Museum to learn about the country's history and culture. Enjoy the well-curated exhibits showcasing ancient artifacts and local traditions.
Head to the Sadu House to see the unique Bedouin weaving art. Engage in a hands-on weaving workshop to better understand this traditional craft.
Stroll through the vibrant Souk Al-Mubarakiya. Experience local cuisine at one of the many stalls and shops while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Start with the stunning Kuwait Towers, which offer panoramic views of the city. Make sure to capture the perfect photos from the observation deck.
Visit the Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Kuwait. Take a guided tour to appreciate its impressive architecture and intricate designs.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a nearby restaurant overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Savor a mix of traditional and modern Kuwaiti dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong economy driven by oil exports.
- High standard of living with good healthcare and education.
- Tax-free income for residents.
- Strategic geographic location in the Middle East.
- Modern infrastructure and facilities.
- Extreme climate with very hot summers.
- Limited diversity in the economy beyond oil.
- Dependence on expatriate labor, which can lead to social issues.
- Restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly.
- Cultural conservatism can affect lifestyle choices.
Best Activities in Kuwait
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy diving and exploring the coral reefs and marine life in the waters off the coast of Kuwait.
Experience the thrill of kite surfing in the windswept beaches of Kuwait, such as in Al Bida'a and Al Khiran.
Embark on a desert safari adventure to explore the vast and beautiful deserts of Kuwait, such as the Southern Desert and Jahra.
Try your hand at fishing in Kuwait's coastal areas or at designated fishing spots, such as Al-Salmi and Al-Abdali.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kuwait with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kuwait
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic towers offering panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Gulf
Beautiful park with various viewpoints offering stunning cityscapes and greenery
Skybridge connecting two sections of the mall, providing a great vantage point for city views
Museum with a rooftop garden providing expansive views of the city
Food in Kuwait
Kuwait Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish mixed with aromatic spices and your choice of meat, such as chicken, lamb, or fish. Best enjoyed at local restaurants and home-style eateries.
Must-Try!
Similar to Machboos, but specifically prepared with tender, spiced lamb. Widely available at local eateries and traditional Kuwaiti restaurants.
A flavorful seafood dish made with fish, shrimp, or other seafood, cooked with rice and a blend of spices. Frequently found in coastal areas and seafood restaurants.
A delectable fish-stuffed pastry, seasoned with local spices and served in many coastal eateries and traditional Kuwaiti restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kuwait better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a wide array of street food like kebabs, falafel, shawarma, and various sweet treats. It's a great place to explore authentic Kuwaiti street food.
A vibrant market where you can relish a variety of freshly caught fish and seafood prepared in traditional Kuwaiti styles, providing an authentic taste of local coastal cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kuwait, it is important to greet people with a handshake and a slight nod of the head, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Men should wait for a Kuwaiti woman to extend her hand for a handshake, as some may prefer not to have physical contact with men outside their family.
Modesty in dress is highly valued in Kuwait. Both men and women should dress conservatively, with women ensuring that their shoulders and knees are covered. It's also important to remove your shoes when entering someone's home.
In Kuwaiti culture, respect for elders is crucial. When in the presence of an older person, it is important to show deference and avoid contradicting or arguing with them. It is also customary to stand when an older person enters the room.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kuwait with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kuwait
Ensure a smooth experience
In Kuwait, tipping is generally not expected or required, as a service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. However, it is appreciated to leave a small tip for exceptional service.
Cash is widely used for making payments in Kuwait, but credit and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments. It's common to pay for larger purchases and bills in cash, while card payments are more convenient for smaller transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kuwait.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Kuwait, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Expect cool evenings and occasional rainfall.
Another good time to visit, with moderate temperatures and blooming desert landscapes. Expect occasional dust storms.
Hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Expect very high temperatures and occasional dust storms.
Can still be hot, but temperatures start to cool down. Expect pleasant evenings and occasional rainfall.
Kuwait at Night
Hiking in Kuwait
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail located near the desert, ideal for hiking and experiencing traditional Bedouin culture.
Offers waterfront trails suitable for hiking with stunning views of the sea and urban skyline.
A coastal area where visitors can hike along the beach, enjoying the warmth of the sun and views of the Arabian Gulf.
Accessible by ferry, this island has hiking paths that explore its archaeological sites and natural beauty.
A natural reserve that offers paths for hiking and a chance to see local wildlife in a serene environment.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kuwait through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Kuwait by plane.
Main international airport serving Kuwait, located in Farwaniyah Governorate.
International airport serving Dammam, Saudi Arabia; one of the largest airports in the world.
Major international airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, hub for Etihad Airways.
One of the busiest international airports in the world, serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
International airport serving Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca.
Main international airport serving Muscat, Oman, and an important hub for Oman Air.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The native population of Kuwait, comprising approximately 30% of the total population.
A significant demographic group, including individuals from other Arab countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.
Includes a large number of workers from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
This group consists of individuals from Western countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia, often working in professional roles.
A smaller demographic group including expatriates from various other countries around the world.
The Soul of Kuwait
Discover the essence of Kuwait through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Kuwait, with a passionate following and numerous local clubs and leagues.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Kuwait, especially among the youth, with many clubs and competitions.
Handball is widely played and followed in Kuwait, with the national team participating in international competitions.
Volleyball is a popular recreational sport in Kuwait, with both indoor and beach volleyball being played.
Athletics has a growing presence in Kuwait, with events organized at schools and community levels.
Motorsports have gained traction in Kuwait, with events such as car racing and motorcycle competitions attracting fans.
Camel racing is a traditional sport in Kuwait, featuring competitions that draw large audiences and significant cultural importance.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Kuwaiti cuisine predominantly features meat and seafood, many restaurants and cafes in urban areas offer vegetarian and vegan dishes like falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, and fresh vegetable salads.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can opt for naturally gluten-free dishes such as grilled meats, rice-based dishes like Machboos, and select seafood preparations. Additionally, some eateries offer gluten-free bread and desserts upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kuwait with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kuwait.