Kuwait, situated on the northwestern coast of the Persian Gulf, blends rich traditions with modern sophistication. Known for its towering skyscrapers, ancient mosques, and bustling souks like Souk Al-Mubarakiya, it offers a fascinating mix of old-world charm and contemporary allure.
Discover cultural treasures at the Kuwait House of National Works Museum and marvel at the iconic Kuwait Towers with their rotating observatory and vibrant architectural design. Visit the House of Mirrors, adorned entirely with mirrors, and explore maritime history at the Al-Hashemi Marine Museum.
Don’t miss tasting local delicacies such as Mutabbaq Samak and Quozi. Easily accessible via Kuwait International Airport and connected by road and sea, Kuwait invites you to explore its history, cuisine, and architectural wonders.
Explore the Vibrant Culture and Modern Marvels of Kuwait
Kuwait is located in the northwestern corner of the Persian Gulf. It is modern-day well-known for being rich in oil. It is very famous for its modern architecture such as modern-day skyscrapers, and ancient beautiful mosques, so it is truly a mix of modernity and ancient times.
Things to do in Kuwait:
1. Souk Al-Mubarakiya:
It is one of the oldest souks in Kuwait. This souk is located between Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Abdullah Al-Salem, and Palestine Streets. This souk reflects the country’s rich heritage and culture.
You will find a few stalls offering herbs, species, and apothecary goods to clothes and accessories. In the middle of it all, you will find a small garden pavilion.
People can meet their leader directly to discuss their wishes and concerns. There is also a diwaniya where the country’s elders meet and discuss everything such as social issues.
Here you can also explore stalls selling Arabic antiques, traditional dresses, perfumes, handmade local crafts, scarves, dresses, jewelry, and Persian carpets.
2. Kuwait House of National Works Museum:
This museum is located in Shuwaikh. In this museum you can explore the morbid period of the first Gulf War in 1990-91 In the museum you will find a Hall of Martyrs that is a tribute to all the valiant soldiers of the war.
The Allied and NATO forces has a special dedicated section. This museum also showcases several many artifacts which are remnants of the war. It opens from Thursday to Saturday. It opens from 9 am to 1 pm and then from 5 pm to 9 pm. There is no admission fee.
3. Kuwait Towers:
It is one of the most important landmarks in Kuwait. Kuwait towers are located at the tip of the Ras Ajouza peninsula. You will find 3 standing towers, with two of them used as water containers and the third serving as a lightning pole.
The tallest tower is 180 meters in height and can store 4,500 m3 of water. The highest tower also has a 90-guest restaurant and a rotating observatory. The second-highest tower stands at 140 meters high and serves solely as a water reservoir.
They cover the spheres on the towers with enamelled plates of steel painted in blue, green, and grey, harmonizing with the traditional ornamental forms of Gulf architecture from the past.
4. House of Mirrors:
This house of mirrors belongs to Lidia al-Qattan, born in Italy. She is a sculptor, painter, and jeweller. According to the rumors her daughter Jalila had once broken a mirror and oblivious to the superstition about broken mirrors, Lidia wanted to do something artistic with the glass pieces.
You have to make prior appointments to visit this place. You will enjoy the array of mirrors and the sheer beauty of the artwork splendid on the exterior walls.
Inside the house of mirrors, they decorate everything — walls, floor, and furniture — with pieces of mirrors.
The hosts are very friendly and will offer you some tea and homemade apple cake while Lidia tells you how she used a filer, a tablespoon, and two types of knives to create this house of mirrors.
It opens only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 11 am and then 3 pm to 5 pm.
5. Al-Hashemi Marine Museum:
At Al-Hashemi Marine Museu, you can explore an impressive collection of large, scale-model dhows or traditional cargo boats, sailing equipment, and boards detailing the history of seafaring in the area.
In this museum, you will see the largest handmade wooden boat on the earth, Al Hashemi II. This boat has a world record by its name and the 2002 Guinness Book of World Records proves it.
Al Hashemi II is 80.4 m long and 18.7 m wide. It weighs about 2500 tonnes. Inside the museum, you will also find Al Bloom, a smaller show which serves as a restaurant.
Food to try in Kuwait:
1. Mutabbaq Samak:
Many of the traditional food of Kuwait are seafood or fish-based dishes served with spices and rice. One of the most famous fish-rice combinations is mutabbaq Samak.
This dish is prepared with the national fish of Kuwait, Zubaidi which means butter. The buttery textured Zubaida is coated in seasonings and flours and then fried till golden brown.
The rice is boiled in fish stock and then garnished with turmeric, onions, garlic, sumac, and parsley. Before serving the dish is topped with herbs, nuts, and raisins.
2. Quozi:
This dish is commonly cooked on occasions and ceremonies. This dish is prepared with a whole lamb stuffed with vegetables and nuts. The dish is then dressed with a variety of fresh herbs and aromatic spices.
Once prepared the dish is served on a bed of rice packed with spices.
How to reach Kuwait:
1. By flight:
Kuwait has its own international airport by name Kuwait International Airport. You can take a flight to Kuwait from London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, Rome, Kuala Lumpur, and other destinations.
The major airlines serving Kuwait are British Airways, Lufthansa, United Airlines, Thai Air, KLM, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.
2. By boat:
Kuwait is connected to Iran by waterways. Kuwait-Iran Shipping Company operates ferries to and from Iran. You will get these ferries thrice a week between Ash Shuwayk and Bushehr.
3. By road:
The popular bus service providers are KPTC, City Bus and KGL. Kuwait shares its borders with Saudi Arabia and Iran. The best way to get to Kuwait from Saudi Arabia by road is from King Fahad Bin Abdul Road.
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