Since the Iraqi invasion in 1991 the rebuilding of Kuwait has taken place at great speed. In a mere three years the country appeared pretty much as before from a foreign perspective. But to the population and the political establishment the invasion, and perhaps western aid even more, have meant a much stronger link with the Western nations and their cultures. Examples of pure Kuwaiti culture are found in tourist attractions such as the National Museum, Failaka Island and in the Parliament.
Find your travel arrangement to Kuwait here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Dowlat al-Kuwait
Capital
Al Kuwayt, former Qurein (Kuwait City)
Size
17.818 km2
Principal Languages
Arabic
Principal Religion
Islam
Inhabitants
2.200.000
Government
Emirate
Geography
"Flat and dry desert" is a terse description of Kuwaiti geography. This gives ample opportunity for the dust-storms which Kuwait is sometimes troubled with to billow up.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The winter months or autumn is by far the best time to visit Kuwait. The summers are often hot and dry and at times plagued by sand-storms. In principle these storms can occur all year around, but during winter the temperature drops to around 20 degrees centigrade - a much more pleasant temperature.
Literature
Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait & Qatar
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Kuwait the metric system is used.
Photography
In principle, you should ask for permission just to take your camera out of your bag, but reality is somewhat different and you should be able to photograph without permission and still survive. Photographing rarely causes trouble unless it is clearly indicated. However, you should keep from photographing militarily sensitive areas and areas near the northern Iraqi border.
Drinking water
All water for drinking; brushing your teeth or ice cubes should be boiled.
Electricity
In Kuwait the following power source is used:
220 volts AC, 50 Hz
220 volts AC, 50 Hz
Behaviour
In general Kuwaitis are quite unpretentious about their religion in contrast to many of their more 'fundamentalist' neighbours. Therefore you can actually dress as you please, as long as women's skirts do not show their knees! You can even enter mosques during prayer, which would normally not be allowed in Muslim countries.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 8 am to 12 (Saturday-Thursday)
Shops are open from 8 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm (Saturday-Thursday). However, many shops close at lunch Thursday.
Offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm (Saturday-Thursday).
Shops are open from 8 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm (Saturday-Thursday). However, many shops close at lunch Thursday.
Offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm (Saturday-Thursday).
Food and drink
Kuwaiti culinary artistry is greatly influenced by the many foreigners living in the countryb - especially the Indian immigrants. But restaurants inspired by the Western world are also becoming quite common. However traditional Middle Eastern cuisine has not entirely disappeared, and can be found readily.
Holidays
New Year's Day, January 1st.
National day, February 25th.
Liberation day, February 26th.
National day, February 25th.
Liberation day, February 26th.
Accommodation / Hotel
Kuwait is an expensive country to visit. You will find many hotels, and most of them are rather expensive but at the same time they attain a high standard. Youth hostels and other overnight accommodations of this category are not available. Furthermore, you should be aware that many hotels collect an amount in addition to the price for a room for the somewhat ambiguous concept 'service'.
Book your Hotel in Kuwait here
Book your Hotel in Kuwait here
There are many hotels in Kuwait in a wide range of deluxe, 1st and 2nd class. Many hotels have attached sports facilities and are often located near big shopping malls. Most hotels are very comfortable and in a good condition.
Other Accommodation
In the bigger towns it is possible to rent a flat in a block run almost like a Hotel - with room-service amongst other options.
Local transport
Kuwait has a well-developed and effective bus network with both local and national destinations. Alternatives to this are either an expensive rented car or a cab.
Bus
Kuwaiti buses are cheap, fast and run at regular intervals. Therefore they are the best means of transport if you wish to travel around the country. The buses begin very early in the morning, and usually finish as early as 10 pm.
Taxi
Taking a taxi in Kuwait could end up a pretty expensive experience as they drive without a taxi-meter. You should therefore settle on a price before the trip begins.
car rental
Despite the notorious interest the oil state has in people driving cars, Kuwait has some of the highest prices for renting them. For most tourists it will be a waste of time even looking at the international companies - the local companies are usually much cheaper.
Special conditions
Spontaneous trips to Kuwait are out of the question solely because of the bureaucracy concerning visas. To enter the country you must have a sponsor. This could very well be your Hotel - they will gladly handle all the formalities for a great deal of money, at least as soon as you have stated the required amount of information (including the reason) for your trip. This process could take some time, and should therefore be dealt with well in advance. Your chosen Hotel will very likely be able to answer all of your relevant questions concerning the application for a visa.
