Urban Areas

Kuwait City population 191,000 (1991), is the capital of the emirate of Kuwait. Locally informally known as "The City", it contains the Majlis Al-Umma (Kuwait's parliament), most Governmental offices, the headquarters of most Kuwaiti corporations and banks, some foreign embassies, and the Kuwait Towers.

Kuwait City's trade and transportation needs are served by Kuwait International Airport, and 50 kilometers to the south by the port of Mina al-Ahmadi on the Persian Gulf coast.

The city was invaded and seized by Iraqi forces in the 1991 Gulf War. Under Iraqi occupation it was renamed Saddam City in honor of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. It returned to its original name once Iraqi troops were expelled.

Kuwait’s climate has been steadily heating up. In the summer months, the Gulf state now frequently touches 50C, and was in 2016 awarded the grim prize of being the hottest place on earth, when temperatures reached a staggering high of 54C. Though labor laws now ban work outdoors between 12pm and 4pm, many are seen toiling through the hottest hours of the day regardless. Some city residents avoid the outdoors altogether, escaping the inferno by sheltering in malls, cars and office buildings, where temperatures are kept polar-cold.

Kuwait, the prototypical oil-rich state, has more than ten percent of the world's estimated oil reserves, and is a leading exporter of petroleum. Tourists, who look forward to a relaxed entry into the Muslim world, can enter Kuwait, and wander around souks, mosques and other sandy traces of ancient Bedouin days.

Kuwait City has numerous attractions which include excellent museums, a corniche ornamented with combed beaches and extravagant restaurants, modern shopping complexes and marinas, long and lazy retreats, and new beach resorts.

Outside Kuwait City, however, there are only few attractions, except at resorts along the coast. Tourist development of the historical Failaka Island is still in developmental stage. There are flat desert plains that are given over for oil excavation, and there are few distinctive features.

West of Kuwait City is the Al-Jahra area, the place that unfortunately famed for the violence that took place there as Iraqi troops retreated during the Gulf War. Considering the numerous building projects there, it is possible to almost overlook the Iraqi invasions, and a decade has passed since the invasion. But, Kuwaitis are still coming out of their devastating experience, as there visible reminders of the war.

As for travellers, while in Kuwait, there are some definite rules that need to be followed to avoid any faux-pas, so that local populace is not offended.

Taking pictures of government and public buildings, economic infrastructure and military installations, particularly those related to oil industry, is against law and can lead to arrest, investigation and prosecution.

The Green Island is located along the coastline, extending from Al-Shiwaikh to Ras Alard, spanning an area of 785,000 square meters. It is surrounded by natural rocks brought from Al-Fujairah Emirates. In fact, even the sands at the beaches of the Green Island is said to have been imported from other countries. Established on 22nd February 1988, and owned by T.E.C, the island includes about 50,000 coloured shrubs and seedlings planted here, and with all the colours and greeneries, it doesn’t render the feel of being in a desert country.

The Seif Palace is popular among local and overseas visitors as the home of the royal family. Nevertheless, they might be surprised to find out that this palace does not get much used by the Monarch and the government. While it is true that this palace is designated to the Emir dynasty, the household personally chose to stay in Bayan Palace which is known as the official house of the Emir and this is also the place where the monarch would entertain his dignitaries. Therefore, the Seif palace only serves as the court if there are special celebrations and events, or if the Bayan Palace is not available.