Kuwait has a very rich cultural tradition and heritage. The shopping experience in Kuwait, too, is very rewarding. From ancient souks to sprawling malls selling the latest consumer goods, the range and variety is huge. Kuwaitis are warm, hospitable, friendly and helpful, which makes a visit to the country a very enriching and memorable experience.
Tourist Attraction
Aqua Park is the first & biggest water park in the Arab Gulf region. It covers an area of 60,000 square meters and situated on the Arab Gulf Street adjacent to the Kuwait towers. Enjoy endless water and fun games with big swimming pools, sleepy river, huge water slides, kamikazes pools and sandy beaches a total entertainment for the whole family. Tel: 2431960/1/3. Website:
www.aquaparkkuwait.com
Dhow Harbour visitors can view the old dhows that were previously used for coastal trading, fishing and pearl diving. They can come on-board the 'Fateh el Kheir'. The Fateh el Kheir, which means Bringer of Good Fortune, is the last surviving wooden dhow from the pre-oil days. The Dhow Harbour is situated in the Al-Ardh area right behind the Scientific Complex. Tel: 848888.
Dickson House originally owned by a Kuwaiti merchant and dating back to the nineteenth century, this house becomes the home of colonel Dickson and his family. Now ‘The National Council For Arts & Letters' maintains it. It is located across from the dhow harbour east of Sief Palace.
Doha Village is the site of one of Kuwait's major construction areas for dhows & booms. Some boats, including miniatures, are still there, but few are built today. These miniatures dhows and traditional drills are sold to tourists and collectors.
Entertainment City is located in Al-Doha, 20 km from Kuwait city; it is built for family fun, where kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy a nice day out while experiencing three different theme parks in Arab World, International World and Future World, all standing in beautiful green scenery. It is open every day except Saturday and Monday is dedicated for women. Entrance ticket is 3.500 K.D for each person. Opening Hours: Summer - 5 pm to 1 am ; Winter - 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Sun. to Wed.) & 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Thu. & Fri.) Tel: 4879455.
Failaka Island is considered to be the most important historical place in Kuwait and is full of landmarks representing different culture and historical eras, from the end of the 3rd millennium B.C until modern times. KPTC (Tel: 5742664) runs ferry trips from Ras Salmiya to Failaka Island every day. There are more islands on the coast of Kuwait like Bubiyan, Miskan, Warba, Auhha, Umm Al-Maradim, Umm Al-Naml, Kubbar and Qaruh. Taking a boat trip to one of these islands, can be a remarkable experience.
Green Island offers its visitors the latest in entertainment facilities: a 700-seat amphitheatre, an exotic restaurant, and an impressive swimming pool. Imported natural rocks surround this artificial island. The kids will especially enjoy the visit as they roam the kid's castle with its endless corridors, channels rooms and numerous small waterfalls built in for the delight of children. The Green Island is located off the waterfront, which spans 21 kilometers of coastline from Al-Shuwaikh area to Ras Alard. Tel: 2526153.
Kuwait Towers offer a panoramic view of the magnificent city. The beautiful towers have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980. In addition to its beautiful design, the Kuwait Towers have a revolving viewing level and store millions of gallons of water. It is located at the Arabian Gulf avenue, in the Sharq district. Tel : 2444021 - 2444038. Website: www.kuwaittowers.com
Kuwait Zoo which was established 10 years ago, is an important national and cultural land mark. You can enjoy watching animals from all over the world here. It is worth a visit during your stay in Kuwait. Kuwait Zoo is located in Omariya on the Airport Road and is open every day except Saturdays from 8am to 8pm in winter, and from 8am to 12 noon and 4pm to 8pm during summer. Tel : 4733389.
Musical Fountain is considered to be the fourth largest fountains in the world. What distinguishes this garden is that it contains 220 fountains, distributed among three leveled pools. Enjoy unique and delightful sight and sound show of musical fountains every night, especially during summer. The Musical fountain is located at Al Murqab, Kuwait City and is open everyday except Saturday from 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. (midnight) in summer and 3 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. in winter. Tel: 2428394.
National Museum is located in Kuwait City on the Arabian Gulf Street between the Seif Palace and the National Assembly (Parliament) and displays thousands of items including Islamic artifacts, ancient fossils, bones, flint tools, potteries and more. The National Museum provides a glimpse into the culture, history and heritage of the Kuwaiti society and Islamic world. Tel: 2451195 / 2456534.
Sadu House is the center of Bedouin art where visitors have the opportunity to view Bedouin women hand weaving carpets, rugs, camel bags and tent screens. This 'House of Weaving', located near the National Museum, is a fine example of a pre-oil era house. The Sadu House is open in the mornings and from 5 to 7 pm, Saturdays to Thursdays. Tel: 2432395. Website:
www.sadu-house.com
Scientific Centre is the largest aquarium in the Middle East. Experience the first ever seawater aquarium in the Middle East offering an exciting display of marine creatures and fish. Its unique architecture, with big sails serving as a roof, reminds us of Kuwait's sea heritage. Two 70-meter long fishing piers, complete with seating, shade and beacons, allow direct access to the sea. The center has also imported 650 palm trees, and 400 other plant species to provide extra shade along the pier. The Scientific center is located on the water-front in the Ras Al-Ardh area, in Salmiya. Tel: 848888. Website:
www.tsck.org.kw
Sha'ab Leisure Park is one place with numerous games and rides to please the whole family. It has a special corner for bungee jumping, pony rides, ice skating rink, movie theatre, fast food restaurants and leisure education for children. The parkmaintains all its facilities as per the international standards.
Tel: 5613777 / 885000. Website:
www.shaabpark.com
Tareq Rajab Museum displayed items are the personal belongings of Tareq Rajab who decided in 1980 to display his Islamic art treasures of ceramics, gold, silver and musical instruments to the public. It also contains a very large collection of ancient Islamic manuscripts. The Museum is open to the public from :9 - 12 noon & 4 – 7. On Fridays open only in the morning from : 9 - 12 noon.
Tel: 5317358. Website:
www.trmkt.com
Touristic Garden located in Jaleeb Al Shyoukh is rich in its colorful flowers and beautiful palm trees, in addition to a Roman-style theatre that can host up to 2000 viewers. Never the less, weekly parties are held, and there is a cafeteria serving delicious meals, and an open space filled with entertaining games for children. Entry is free all week except for official holidays, celebration days and days where parties are held. Touristic Garden is open everyday from 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. in summer and 3 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. in winter. Tel: 2428394.
The Messila Beach is located at the Messila coast just off the Fahaheel Expressway. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful and biggest beaches in Kuwait. It extends to 350 meters in length and is characterized by its white colored sand and its clear blue sea which grants enjoyment and comfort to the soul. The beach also contains three large swimming pools, multi-leveled so that it could suit elders and youngsters. Tel: 5650642.
Al-Oqeila Beach is the perfect place for the entire family to meet. Located near Fintas, it is the beach that is characterized by its calm atmosphere that grants moments of fun and joy while barbequing or having nice, long walks, or while having fun with your children playing the games available at the beach which are suitable for everybody. Tel: 3900583.
