Things to do in Kuwait

The tiny Arab nation of Kuwait, squeezed between Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north, is the wealthiest country in the Arab world and the eleventh richest country in the globe. While yet to take off as a tourist destination, the desert country nevertheless receives many visitors from the west, many of whom are drawn by its expansive oil industry while others are brought in a military capacity to the United States bases there. Visitors to Kuwait will find a booming economy that has rapidly expanded into the leisure market and now offers everything from shopping malls to high culture.



Like many other oil-rich nations in this part of the world, the last few decades have seen the face of Kuwait changed by a building boom which has seen opulent new skyscrapers and shopping malls spring out of the desert as if from nowhere. Shopping is a big draw in Kuwait and many Kuwaiti malls now make their Western counterparts seem almost primitive by comparison. These enormous complexes contain everything from hotels to cinemas and gourmet restaurants, not to mention a vast array of designer shops and top brands from around the world.

Much of Kuwait has been given over to oil extraction so Kuwait City itself is the hub for most activity in the country. The famous three-spired Kuwait Towers is the most prominent landmark in the city and should be a must-see for all visitors, offering spectacular views over the city and, indeed, much of the country. It also features a restaurant for those who like to dine in style.



Like the authorities in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the rulers of Kuwait have not been content to accept the hand dealt them by nature and have embarked a number of stand-out projects. Kuwait City is home to an enormous Aqua Park, as well as one of the leading aquariums in the world, which are all the more remarkable having being built in a country that is prominently desert.



Those looking to escape from the city for a little while have relatively few options but the island of Failaka in the Persian Gulf is well worth a visit. Only recently opened for development, the tiny island will soon become a vacation paradise for wealthy Kuwaitis. At the moment it is the perfect place to enjoy the quieter pace of island life and enjoy the cooler temperatures and greater abundance of flowering plants.



Heat in the area can be quite an issue, especially for westerners not yet adjusted to conditions in the Arabian Peninsula but thankfully your hotel in Kuwait will almost certainly feature an advanced air conditioning system to allow you to get on with enjoying everything this tiny country has to offer.



Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.