Of all of the Gulf States, Kuwait is usually the last one people think
about visiting. Probably for good reason. A quick glance at the Wiki page for Kuwait City helps to illustrate the complete apathy for the country and city. On the bright side, the stifling 40C+ heat is a dry heat. At least that's what i had to keep telling myself every time i burnt myself getting into a car that had been subjected to the unrelentless Kuwaiti sun for more than 37 seconds. And there is an exceptionally high level of English among the moderately educated and above. But in terms of tourist attractions, the place is pretty thin on them. It's a struggle to fill a day, never mind a holiday.
Everyone i met during my stay assumed i was in Kuwait for business.
Whenever i would tell anyone i was there on vacation, it would elicit the same bewildered response, "You're in Kuwait... on holiday????" The closest thing the country has to a tourist attraction are the odd Kuwait Towers. Opened in 1979, and heavily damaged during the short lived Iraqi occupation, the towers have become the symbol of the city (perhaps due to any other options). Serving as an observation deck, restaurant and water tower, they are rather prettily lit up at night. Unfortunately the attached beach is not for swimming. As a matter of fact most of the beaches in Kuwait (especially near the city) are highly polluted and swimming is heavily discouraged. The Kuwait telecommunications tower (title photo) was renamed Liberation Tower after Iraqi troops were forced out of the country. And... well... those are the landmarks.
about visiting. Probably for good reason. A quick glance at the Wiki page for Kuwait City helps to illustrate the complete apathy for the country and city. On the bright side, the stifling 40C+ heat is a dry heat. At least that's what i had to keep telling myself every time i burnt myself getting into a car that had been subjected to the unrelentless Kuwaiti sun for more than 37 seconds. And there is an exceptionally high level of English among the moderately educated and above. But in terms of tourist attractions, the place is pretty thin on them. It's a struggle to fill a day, never mind a holiday.Everyone i met during my stay assumed i was in Kuwait for business. Whenever i would tell anyone i was there on vacation, it would elicit the same bewildered response, "You're in Kuwait... on holiday????" The closest thing the country has to a tourist attraction are the odd Kuwait Towers. Opened in 1979, and heavily damaged during the short lived Iraqi occupation, the towers have become the symbol of the city (perhaps due to any other options). Serving as an observation deck, restaurant and water tower, they are rather prettily lit up at night. Unfortunately the attached beach is not for swimming. As a matter of fact most of the beaches in Kuwait (especially near the city) are highly polluted and swimming is heavily discouraged. The Kuwait telecommunications tower (title photo) was renamed Liberation Tower after Iraqi troops were forced out of the country. And... well... those are the landmarks.Kuwaitis now prefer the comforts of air-conditioned super malls with
their brand names and sparkly flashing lights. But there are a couple of older markets to check out. None are the traditional market you might find in other Middle Eastern countries, but they might be enough to fill in all the extra time. Apparently the aquarium, and scientific centre as a whole, is worth checking out, but i didn't bother going. Outside the city there's desert, plenty of it. But it's not the Lawrence of Arabia sweeping sand dunes with caravans of camels. Instead it's a flat, featureless oil production zone. Although the oil facilities are cool (it's illegal to take pictures, please ignore the last pic in this post) to see at night as the ignite the dark desert sky.
their brand names and sparkly flashing lights. But there are a couple of older markets to check out. None are the traditional market you might find in other Middle Eastern countries, but they might be enough to fill in all the extra time. Apparently the aquarium, and scientific centre as a whole, is worth checking out, but i didn't bother going. Outside the city there's desert, plenty of it. But it's not the Lawrence of Arabia sweeping sand dunes with caravans of camels. Instead it's a flat, featureless oil production zone. Although the oil facilities are cool (it's illegal to take pictures, please ignore the last pic in this post) to see at night as the ignite the dark desert sky.Kuwait is safe. Kuwait is super expensive. Kuwait is... sadly... quite boring. While i have no reason to dissuade anyone from going, i most certainly would never recommend it. I, for one, won't be returning any time soon.
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