Here are some of the major festivities or holidays in Kuwait and a brief explanation of each:
1. Eid Al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr is one of the most important holidays in Kuwait. It marks the end of the month-long fasting period and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasting, gift-giving, and prayer.
2. National Day and Liberation Day: Celebrated on February 25th and 26th respectively, these two holidays commemorate Kuwait's independence from British rule in 1961 and its liberation from Iraqi occupation in 1991. The celebrations typically include parades, fireworks, and cultural events.
3. Eid Al-Adha: Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid Al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It commemorates the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail and is celebrated with prayer, feasting, and the distribution of meat to the poor.
4. Mawlid Al-Nabi: This holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is observed on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-Awwal. It is marked by special prayers, recitations of the Quran, and community meals.
5. Kuwait's Independence Day: Celebrated on June 19th, this holiday commemorates the country's independence from Britain in 1961. It is typically marked by parades, cultural events, and fireworks.
Kuwait's tourism industry is relatively small and most visitors come for business purposes. However, there are some tourist seasons worth noting:
1. Winter Season: December to February. The weather during this time is cooler, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as sightseeing and shopping. It is recommended that visitors bring warm clothing as the temperature can drop to 10°C.
2. Spring Season: March to May. The weather during this period is mild with occasional sandstorms. It is recommended that visitors carry a scarf or mask to protect from dust.
3. Summer Season: June to August. The weather is hot and humid during this season with temperatures reaching up to 50°C. It is not recommended to engage in outdoor activities during the day as heat exhaustion and dehydration are common.
4. Fall Season: September to November. The temperature cools down during this season, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Visitors are advised to bring light jackets as the temperature can range from 15-25°C.
It is important to note that Kuwait is a predominantly Muslim country, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions. Additionally, visitors should check for any travel restrictions or advisories before planning their trip.
Some special visa rules for visiting Kuwait depend on the nationality of the visitor. Here are a few examples:
1. Citizens of GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council) can enter Kuwait without a visa or with a valid Civil ID.
2. Citizens of 54 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most European countries, can obtain a visa on arrival in Kuwait for a fee of 3KD (about $10 USD) for a stay of up to 90 days.
3. Some nationalities, such as Syrian, Iraqi, and Yemeni citizens, require a pre-approved visa, which must be obtained before traveling to Kuwait. The cost of this visa varies depending on the embassy or consulate where it is obtained.
4. Business travelers and those with residency visas can apply for a multiple-entry visa, which allows them to enter and exit Kuwait multiple times. The cost of a multiple-entry visa varies depending on the duration and number of entries, but it typically ranges from 20 to 100 KD (about $65 to $330 USD).
Note that visa rules and costs can change over time, so it's always best to consult official government websites or travel agencies for the most up-to-date information.
Some popular souvenirs to buy from Kuwait are:
1. Traditional Arabic Coffee Pots (Dallah) - Average price: 5-20 KD. Best place to buy: Souq Al-Mubarakiya or local handicraft stores.
2. Perfumes and Oud - Average price: 10-50 KD. Best place to buy: The Perfume Souq in Salmiya.
3. Dates - Average price: 5-15 KD. Best place to buy: Dates markets in Salmiya or Jahra.
4. Traditional Kuwaiti Dresses (Thobes) - Average price: 30-100 KD. Best place to buy: Souq Al-Mubarakiya or local clothing stores.
5. Gold and Jewelry - Average price: varies greatly depending on the item. Best place to buy: Gold Souq in Kuwait City.
Prices are subject to change based on location, quality, and other factors. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
Fantastic! Kuwait is a beautiful country with so much to see and do. Here's a one-week itinerary for you:
Day 1: Start your trip by visiting the iconic Kuwait Towers. These towers are a symbol of Kuwait, and they offer an incredible view of the city from their top floors. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the revolving restaurant located in one of the towers.
Day 2: Head to the Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is an impressive example of Islamic architecture, and it is a must-visit for anyone who comes to Kuwait. You can attend a guided tour to learn more about the mosque's history and significance.
Day 3: Visit the Scientific Center of Kuwait, which is a popular tourist attraction for families. It has an aquarium, IMAX theater, planetarium, and interactive exhibits that teach visitors about science and technology.
Day 4: Take a day trip to Failaka Island, which is located off the coast of Kuwait. The island was once home to the ancient civilization of Dilmun, and it has many archaeological sites that you can explore. Plus, the island has beautiful beaches where you can relax.
Day 5: Spend the day at the Kuwait Zoo, which is home to over 1800 animals from around the world. You can see tigers, lions, giraffes, and many other animals up close. There are also several restaurants and cafes on-site.
Day 6: Go shopping at the Avenues Mall, which is one of the largest malls in the Middle East. It has over 800 stores, a cinema, an indoor theme park, and many restaurants. You could easily spend the whole day here.
Day 7: End your trip by visiting the Al Shaheed Park, which is a beautiful green space in the heart of Kuwait City. It has several walking paths, a lake, and many gardens. It's the perfect place to relax and reflect on your trip.
I hope you enjoy your one-week itinerary in Kuwait! These are some of the must-visit places that offer a great mix of cultural, historical, and recreational activities. Have fun exploring Kuwait!
Wonderful! You are located in Kuwait, a country that is rich in history and culture. In two weeks' time, you can explore some of the most remarkable sites in the region. Here are some suggestions for your itinerary:
Week 1:
Day 1 - Visit the Kuwait Towers
These iconic towers offer stunning views of the city and are a must-visit attraction. You can enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant or simply take in the panoramic view from the observation deck.
Day 2 - Check out the Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque is a beautiful architectural masterpiece and one of the largest mosques in the world. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers visitors an insight into Islamic culture.
Day 3 - Explore Al Shaheed Park
This beautiful park is an oasis in the heart of the city. It offers walking trails, picnic areas, and even a musical fountain. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Day 4 - Go on a desert safari
Experience the thrill of riding a 4x4 through the desert and enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality. This is an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss.
Day 5 - Visit the National Museum of Kuwait
Explore the rich history of Kuwait at this fascinating museum. You'll get to see artifacts from ancient civilizations as well as learn about the country's recent history.
Day 6 - Dive into the Persian Gulf
Kuwait has some of the best diving spots in the region. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of dive sites to explore.
Day 7 - Relax at the beach
Kuwait has miles of beautiful coastline with pristine beaches. Spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Persian Gulf.
Week 2:
Day 8 - Take a trip to Failaka Island
This island is steeped in history and is a popular day trip destination. You'll get to see ancient ruins, visit a traditional Kuwaiti village, and even see some wildlife.
Day 9 - Go shopping at The Avenues
This massive mall has everything you could possibly want. From designer boutiques to fast food restaurants, there's something for everyone here.
Day 10 - Visit the House of Mirrors
This unique attraction is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and design. It's a house that is covered from floor to ceiling with mirrors, creating a dazzling effect.
Day 11 - Check out the Science and Natural History Museum
This museum is a great place to take the kids. They'll love the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Day 12 - Explore the historic city of Mubarakiya
This traditional market is over 200 years old and is still a bustling hub of activity. You'll find everything from spices to textiles here.
Day 13 - Take a cooking class
Learn how to cook traditional Kuwaiti dishes and get an insight into local cuisine. This is a fun and interactive way to experience Kuwaiti culture.
Day 14 - Bid farewell to Kuwait
On your last day, take some time to reflect on your experiences in Kuwait. You've seen some amazing sights, met some wonderful people, and learned so much about this fascinating country.
Kuwaiti popular culture, in the form of theatre, radio, music, and television soap opera, flourishes and is even exported to neighboring states. Within the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, the culture of Kuwait is the closest to the culture of Bahrain; this is evident in the close association between the two states in theatrical productions and soap operas.
Kuwait has the oldest performing arts industry in the Arabian Peninsula. Kuwait's television drama industry is the largest and most active Gulf Arab drama industry and annually produces a minimum of fifteen serials. Kuwait is the main production centre of the Gulf television drama and comedy scene. Most Gulf television drama and comedy productions are filmed in Kuwait. Kuwaiti soap operas are the most-watched soap operas from the Gulf region. Soap operas are most popular during the time of Ramadan, when families gather to break their fast. Although usually performed in the Kuwaiti dialect, they have been shown with success as far away as Tunisia. Kuwait is frequently dubbed the "Hollywood of the Gulf" due to the popularity of its television soap operas and theatre.
Kuwait is the main centre of scenographic and performing arts education in the GCC region. Many famous Middle Eastern actors and singers attribute their success to training in Kuwait. The Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts (HIDA) provides higher education in theatrical arts. The institute has several divisions and attracts theatrical students from all over the GCC region. Many actors have graduated from the institute, such as Souad Abdullah, Mohammed Khalifa, Mansour Al-Mansour, along with a number of prominent critics such as Ismail Fahd Ismail.
Kuwait is known for its home-grown tradition of theatre. Kuwait is the only country in the Gulf Arab region with a theatrical tradition. The theatrical movement in Kuwait constitutes a major part of the country's cultural life. Theatrical activities in Kuwait date back to the 1920s when the first spoken dramas were released. Theatre activities are still popular today.
Theatre in Kuwait is subsidized by the government, previously by the Ministry of Social Affairs and now by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL). Every urban district has a public theatre. The public theatre in Salmiya is named after actor Abdulhussain Abdulredha. The annual Kuwait Theater Festival is the largest theatrical arts festival in Kuwait.
Kuwait is the birthplace of various popular musical genres, such as sawt and fijiri. Traditional Kuwaiti music is a reflection of the country's seafaring heritage, which was influenced by many diverse cultures. Kuwait is widely considered the centre of traditional music in the GCC region. Kuwaiti music has considerably influenced the music culture in other GCC countries. Kuwait pioneered contemporary Khaliji music. Kuwaitis were the first commercial recording artists in the Gulf region. The first known Kuwaiti recordings were made between 1912 and 1915. Saleh and Daoud Al-Kuwaity pioneered the Kuwaiti sawt music genre and wrote over 650 songs, many of which are considered traditional and still played daily on radio stations both in Kuwait and the rest of the Arab world.
Kuwait is home to various music festivals, including the International Music Festival hosted by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre contains the largest opera house in the Middle East. Kuwait has several academic institutions specializing in university-level music education. The Higher Institute of Musical Arts was established by the government to provide bachelor's degrees in music. In addition, the College of Basic Education offers bachelor's degrees in music education. The Institute of Musical Studies offers music education qualifications equivalent to secondary school.
Kuwait has a reputation for being the central music influence of the GCC countries. Over the last decade of satellite television stations, many Kuwaiti musicians have become household names in other Arab countries. For example, Bashar Al Shatty became famous due to Star Academy. Contemporary Kuwaiti music is popular throughout the Arab world. Nawal El Kuwaiti, Nabeel Shoail and Abdallah Al Rowaished are the most popular contemporary performers.
Kuwait has the oldest modern arts movement in the Arabian Peninsula. Beginning in 1936, Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab country to grant scholarships in the arts. The Kuwaiti artist Mojeb al-Dousari was the earliest recognized visual artist in the Gulf Arab region. He is regarded as the founder of portrait art in the region. The Sultan Gallery was the first professional Arab art gallery in the Gulf.
Kuwait is home to more than 30 art galleries. In recent years, Kuwait's contemporary art scene has boomed. Khalifa Al-Qattan was the first artist to hold a solo exhibition in Kuwait. He founded a new art theory in the early 1960s known as "circulism". Other notable Kuwaiti artists include Sami Mohammad, Thuraya Al-Baqsami and Suzan Bushnaq.
The government organizes various arts festivals, including the Al Qurain Cultural Festival and Formative Arts Festival. The Kuwait International Biennial was inaugurated in 1967, more than 20 Arab and foreign countries have participated in the biennial. Prominent participants include Layla Al-Attar. In 2004, the Al Kharafi Biennial for Contemporary Arab Art was inaugurated.
Kuwaiti cuisine is a fusion of Arabian, Iranian, and Mesopotamian cuisines. Kuwaiti cuisine is part of the Eastern Arabian cuisine. A prominent dish in Kuwaiti cuisine is machboos, a rice-based dish usually prepared with basmati rice seasoned with spices, and chicken or mutton.
Seafood is a significant part of the Kuwaiti diet, especially fish. Mutabbaq samak is a national dish in Kuwait. Other local favourites are hamour (grouper), which is typically served grilled, fried, or with biryani rice because of its texture and taste; safi (rabbitfish); maid (mulletfish); and sobaity (sea bream).
Kuwait's traditional flatbread is called Iranian khubz. It is a large flatbread baked in a special oven and it is often topped with sesame seeds. Numerous local bakeries dot the country; the bakers are mainly Iranians (hence the name of the bread, "Iranian khubuz"). Bread is often served with mahyawa fish sauce.
The new Kuwait National Cultural District (KNCD) consists of various cultural venues including Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Al Shaheed Park, and Al Salam Palace. With a capital cost of more than US$1 billion, it is one of the largest cultural districts in the world. The Abdullah Salem Cultural Centre is the largest museum complex in the Middle East. The Kuwait National Cultural District is a member of the Global Cultural Districts Network.
Sadu House is among Kuwait's most important cultural institutions. Bait Al-Othman is the largest museum specializing in Kuwait's history. The Scientific Center is one of the largest science museums in the Middle East. The Museum of Modern Art showcases the history of modern art in Kuwait and the region. The Kuwait Maritime Museum presents the country's maritime heritage in the pre-oil era. Several traditional Kuwaiti dhow ships are open to the public, such as Fateh Al-Khayr and Al-Hashemi-II which entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest wooden dhow ever built. The Historical, Vintage, and Classical Cars Museum displays vintage cars from Kuwait's motoring heritage. The National Museum, established in 1983, has been described as "underused and overlooked".
Several Kuwaiti museums are devoted to Islamic art, most notably the Tareq Rajab Museums and Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah cultural centres. The Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah cultural centres include education wings, conservation labs, and research libraries. There are several art libraries in Kuwait. Khalifa Al-Qattan's Mirror House is the most popular art museum in Kuwait. Many museums in Kuwait are private enterprises. In contrast to the top-down approach in other Gulf states, museum development in Kuwait reflects a greater sense of civic identity and demonstrates the strength of civil society in Kuwait, which has produced many independent cultural enterprises.
Kuwaiti society is markedly more open than other Gulf Arab societies. Kuwaiti citizens are ethnically diverse, consisting of both Arabs and Persians ('Ajam). Kuwait stands out in the region as the most liberal in empowering women in the public sphere. Kuwaiti women outnumber men in the workforce. Kuwaiti political scientist Ghanim Alnajjar sees these qualities as a manifestation of Kuwaiti society as a whole, whereby in the Gulf Arab region it is "the least strict about traditions".
Kuwait produces more newspapers and magazines per capita than its neighbors. The state-owned Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) is the largest media house in the country. The Ministry of Information regulates the media industry in Kuwait. Kuwait's media is annually classified as partly free in the Freedom of Press survey by Freedom House. Since 2005, Kuwait has frequently earned the highest ranking of all Arab countries in the annual Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. In 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014, Kuwait surpassed Israel as the country with the greatest press freedom in the Middle East. Kuwait is also frequently ranked as the Arab country with the greatest press freedom in Freedom House's annual Freedom of Press survey.
Kuwait has 15 satellite television channels, of which four are controlled by the Ministry of Information. State-owned Kuwait Television (KTV) offered first colored broadcast in 1974 and operates five television channels. Government-funded Radio Kuwait also offers daily informative programming in several languages including Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and English on the AM and SW.
Kuwait has in recent years produced several prominent contemporary writers such as Ismail Fahd Ismail, author of over twenty novels and numerous short story collections. There is also evidence that Kuwaiti literature has long been interactive with English and French literature.
Football is the most popular sport in Kuwait. The Kuwait Football Association (KFA) is the governing body of football in Kuwait. The KFA organises the men's, women's, and futsal national teams. The Kuwaiti Premier League is the top league of Kuwaiti football, featuring eighteen teams. The Kuwait national football team have been the champions of the 1980 AFC Asian Cup, runners-up of the 1976 AFC Asian Cup, and have taken third place of the 1984 AFC Asian Cup. Kuwait has also been to one FIFA World Cup, in 1982; they drew 1–1 with Czechoslovakia before losing to France and England, failing to advance from the first round. Kuwait is home to many football clubs including Al-Arabi, Al-Fahaheel, Al-Jahra, Al-Kuwait, Al-Naser, Al-Salmiya, Al-Shabab, Al Qadsia, Al-Yarmouk, Kazma, Khaitan, Sulaibikhat, Sahel, and Tadamon. The biggest football rivalry in Kuwait is between Al-Arabi and Al Qadsia.
Basketball is one of the country's most popular sports. The Kuwait national basketball team is governed by the Kuwait Basketball Association (KBA). Kuwait made its international debut in 1959. The national team has been to the FIBA Asian Championship in basketball eleven times. The Kuwaiti Division I Basketball League is the highest professional basketball league in Kuwait. Cricket in Kuwait is governed by the Kuwait Cricket Association. Other growing sports include rugby union. Handball is widely considered to be the national icon of Kuwait, although football is more popular among the overall population.
Ice hockey in Kuwait is governed by the Kuwait Ice Hockey Association. Kuwait first joined the International Ice Hockey Federation in 1985, but was expelled in 1992 due to a lack of ice hockey activity. Kuwait was re-admitted into the IIHF in May 2009. In 2015, Kuwait won the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia.
In February 2020, Kuwait held for the first time a leg of the UIM Aquabike World Championship in front of Marina Beach City.
In May 2022, Kuwait hosted the Third Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Games at the 360 Marina. The event featured 16 different sports, including volleyball, basketball, swimming, athletics, karate and judo and attracted over 1,700 male and female players.
Kuwait's official state religion is Maliki Sunni Islam. The Al Sabah ruling family including the Emir, adhere to the Maliki madhhab of Sunni Islam. Most Kuwaiti citizens are Muslim; there is no official national census but it is estimated that 60%–70% are Sunni and 30%–40% are Shia. The country includes a native Christian community, estimated to be composed of between 259 and 400 Christian Kuwaiti citizens. Kuwait is the only GCC country besides Bahrain to have a local Christian population who hold citizenship. There is also a small number of Kuwaiti citizens who follow the Baháʼí Faith. Kuwait also has a large community of expatriate Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs.
Kuwait's 2018 population was 4.6 million people, of which 1.8 million were Kuwaitis, 800,000 are other Arabs, 1.6 million Asian expatriates, and 47,227 Africans.
Expatriates in Kuwait account for around 60% of Kuwait's total population. At the end of December 2018, 57.65% of Kuwait's total population were Arabs (including Arab expats). Indians and Egyptians are the largest expat communities respectively.
Kuwait's official state religion is Maliki Sunni Islam. The Al Sabah ruling family including the Emir, adhere to the Maliki madhhab of Sunni Islam. Most Kuwaiti citizens are Muslim; there is no official national census but it is estimated that 60%–70% are Sunni and 30%–40% are Shia. The country includes a native Christian community, estimated to be composed of between 259 and 400 Christian Kuwaiti citizens. Kuwait is the only GCC country besides Bahrain to have a local Christian population who hold citizenship. There is also a small number of Kuwaiti citizens who follow the Baháʼí Faith. Kuwait also has a large community of expatriate Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs.
Kuwait's official language is Modern Standard Arabic, but its everyday usage is limited to journalism and education. Kuwaiti Arabic is the variant of Arabic used in everyday life. English is widely understood and often used as a business language. Besides English, French is taught as a third language for the students of the humanities at schools, but for two years only. Kuwaiti Arabic is a variant of Gulf Arabic, sharing similarities with the dialects of neighboring coastal areas in Eastern Arabia. Due to immigration during its pre-oil history as well as trade, Kuwaiti Arabic borrowed a lot of words from Persian, Indian languages, Balochi language, Turkish, English and Italian.
Due to historical immigration, Kuwaiti Persian is used among Ajam Kuwaitis. The Iranian sub-dialects of Larestani, Khonji, Bastaki and Gerashi also influenced the vocabulary of Kuwaiti Arabic. Most Shia Kuwaiti citizens are of Iranian ancestry.