Discover Kuwait

From a nation of pearl divers and spice merchants to one of the world’s largest oil exporters, Kuwait has undergone many exciting transformations. A cosmopolitan and modern society that still pays perfect to its heritage and traditions. It is a country of exciting enigmas and colourful contradictions. From the warm water of the gulf to the mysteries of the desert, and from traditional Arabian markets to opulent shopping malls, Kuwait is a dynamic and diverse country. With so much to offer and more left to discover, Kuwait is a destination that is worth visiting.

Kuwait… the name as well as the country it refers to, go back only to the end of the 17^th century when it was often associated to the name “Qurain” or “Al Grane”. In Arabic Qurain is a hill and Kuwait is  the diminutive of Kout which means Fortress.

Archaeological evidence indicates 10,000 years ago, Stone Age people inhabited the area and that around 4,500 BC a settlement was built on the northern shore of Kuwait Bay. Between 2300 and 1100 BC a settlement on the northern shore of Kuwait Bay. Between 2300 and 1100 Bc, a maritime trading civilization called the Dilmun dominated the Gulf and had a settlement on Failaka island, fragments of which can still be seen  today.

How to get here:

National flag carrier Kuwait Airways conveniently links Kuwait to the rest of the world through a network that spans the globe. Kuwait airways files over 40 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, South Asia and United States. Many of the major international airlines also directly.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION of KUWAIT:

The state of Kuwait is a pearl of a place lying at the North West corner of the Arabian Gulf. It is bounded to the north and north west by Iraq and to south and south-west by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Arabian Gulf is Kuwait’s eastern border and across the Arabian Gulf is Iran. Kuwait is situated on 17,818 square kilometre strip of sandy plains and is located at 30.27 degrees latitude north of the Equator and 48.46 degrees longitude east of Greenwich. There are nine island off the coast of Kuwait. Failaka, the most famous of all the islands which hosts well preserved ruins from Greek settlements and Bubiyan which is the largest island of Kuwait. The others are Miskan, Auhaa, Umm Al Maradim, Umm Al Nami, Kubbar, Qaruh and Warba.

CLIMATE OF KUWAIT

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Kuwait is blessed with sunshine and warm weather throughout the entire year. A short but enjoyable spring from February to May brings cool and warm weather that sets public parks in bloom. During the summer months of May to September the weather is hot and dry, buth the se is warm and fabulous for water and sports and scuba diving. Autumn, from September until Mid-November, is characterized by moderate weather that is not unlike spring. Winter, from December to February, sees perfectly warm days but chilly evenings with occasional mild rain showers.

VISA FOR KUWAIT

Citizens of “Gulf Cooperation Council” do not require an entry visa. A number of countries (mostly Western) can obtain a 3 months visit visa directly on arrival. (For all other nationalities, the visa must be sponsored by an individual, a company, or a hotel in Kuwait). 
Kuwait Visa - for more information about visa  CLICK HERE

CULTURE & TRADITION OF KUWAIT

Kuwait is truly a cosmopolitan society where different cultures have fused into a fascinating mix. The past and the future exist perfectly side by side. As the official religion in Kuwait, Islam defines many aspects of local culture. Kuwait society requires modest dress for men and women, and the import and use of alcohol and drug is prohibited. People refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in the presence of Muslims or in public places during the Holy Month of Ramadan, There are hundreds of small and large mosques, some of which are architectural marvels.

The rich and unique cultre of the Bedouins has enriched that of Kuwait since its dawn. Many fine examples of Bedouin culture, such as traditional Sadu weaving and intricate jewellery, can be found in Kuwait’s museums and cultural centres. The larger part of the population is made up of foreign workers from the 4 corners of the World. 

LANGUAGE OF KUWAIT

The official language is Arabic, although English is also widely spoken especially in business, banking and big shopping centres.

CLOTHES OF KUWAIT

The national traditional dress that Kuwaiti men wear is the Dishdasha (a long one-piece robe-usually white), Ghutra (head covering), egal(a black coiled rope to keep the Ghutra in place),a Bisht (a cloak, usually worn in ceremonies), and Gahfiya (a close fitting skull-cap, usually worn under Ghurta).

The women wear Darra’a (a long sleeve dress), Al Mafa’a (a black head covering), and Abaya (a long black outer garment). However today, most of the Kuwaiti men & women dress in European suits & dress and always keep up their modestyl

CURRENCY OF KUWAIT

 The Kuwaiti Dinar is the official currency and is divided into coins of 100, 50, 20,10 and 5 Fils and bills of 0.250, 0.500, 1, 5, 10, and 20 Dinars. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, shopping malls, and up-market restaurants. Traveller cheques and foreign currencies can be easily exchanged at local banks. There are plenty of cash-points where regional and international cards can be used to withdraw mony.

WORKING HOURS

In Kuwait the working week starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. Public services and schools are closed on Friday and Saturdays. The work day starts at 8 AM and ends at 1 PM and starts at 2 PM and ends at 5 PM although these hours vary in the private sectors and from company to company. Some may open from 8 AM to 5 PM. These hours change during Ramadan, official holiday and celebrations.

STORE HOURS

Shops open from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 4 PM until late evening though some work straight through the day. Some of co-ops (markets) stay open 24 hours while others close late in the evening.

DRIVING

Kuwait roads are of good quality and have traffic signs in both Arabic and English. Cars are driven on the right side of the road. Citizens with a GCC driver’s license or travellers using an international driving license can drive and rent cars. Car rental is relatively inexpensive and taxis are readily available.

ELECTRICITY

220 – 240 Volt, AC, 50 Cycles, Single Phase