Wednesday 25th February, 2009 11

Liberation Tower Beit Al Sadu This is considered the fifth tallest communication tower in the world, (The ) with a height of 372 meters. Officially, opened in 1996 in the center of City, it includes a hall The word “Al Sadu” refers to the Sadu weaving that Bedouins in that serves the public 24 hours a day. Kuwait and the Arabian Peninsula used to make. The tower includes technical offices for all communication services Beit Al Sadu was established in 1979. It is located at the Arabian Gulf and a building for public meetings and new services, in addition to a spe- Street. cial hall for VIPs. This house aims at preserving and protecting the Bedouin heritage It consists of two buildings. The lower one is 150 meters height, & has from extinction due to the rapid changes that affected Kuwaiti handi- a revolving restaurant and a viewing balcony. crafts, such as wool knitting and tent making. The second one, with a height of 170 meters, consists of six floors. It Now, Beit Al Sadu is affiliated with the Ministry of Information. also includes a parking lot with a capacity of 230 cars. It organizes different training courses for the public.

Kuwait Towers Beit Al Bader Three of the main monuments of Kuwait, they are located at the Arabian Gulf Street. (Al Bader House) The main tower reaches, to 187 meters in height and has two spheres. In 1968, this house was joined to the Museum of Antiquities, as a dis- The upper one includes the Horizon restaurant, a coffee shop and the play of the old Kuwaiti architecture. Dasman Hall for special occasions. In 1976, it became a temporary abode for the Kuwait National The lower sphere rotates every half hour, providing the visitor with a Museum. It is located in Al Qiblah district with a total area of 3,020 fantastic view of Kuwait. square meters. The middle tower is a water reservoir with a height of 147 meters, while Al Bader house is considered a model of old Kuwaiti traditions, the last tower controls electricity in with a height of 113 embodying the economical and social condition of Kuwait’s society in the meters. past. It is also characterized by the architectural plan and local construction materials that have kept it in good condition throughout the years. It is opened to the public. Sabah AI Ahmad Natural Reserve HIS EXCELLENCY MR. FAHAD H.SH. ALMETAIRI This reserve lies at the northeast of Kuwait, along Al Subbiyah Road with AMBASSADOR OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT TO THE DEMOCRATIC an area of 320 square kilometers, enclosed with a fence that is 110 kilo- SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA & Kuwait Entertainment City meters in length. This reserve is characterized by its various undulations of THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES. hills levels and depressions, as well as 16 kilometers of beaches. It aims at The first and largest amusement park established in Kuwait, it is situ- keeping plants and animals safe from extinction, and preserving the natural ated in Al Doha area in northern Kuwait and is divided into three main features of Kuwait’s environment, and encourages youths to volunteer. sections: In the reserve, there is a very old tree of about 70 years called Al Talha 1 - Arab World: Includes Gulf fishing boats, Sindibad the sailor, etc. tree. Several bird species, especially in spring and autumn, take refuge in 2 - International World: Includes African boats, the Australian the reserve, such as Al Ashwal, Al Quphsy, Al Rummany and the rock Al Shaab Leisure Park Gondola, European cars, the Cowboy’s Arena, etc. pigeon. Al Shaab Park overlooks the Arabian Gulf Street. 3- Future World: Includes the Space Dome, the Arcade Gym Games, Also, there are many rare shrubs, perennial trees and plants as well as It has numerous games and rides that please the whole family. Desert Storm, etc. There are also various fast food restaurants and cafes small animals and rodents. It also includes ice-skating and roller-skating rinks as well as a cine- that cater to everybody’s tastes. ma and a theatre, in addition to many fast food restaurants. It is considered one of the best amusement parks in the Middle East. Jaber Al Kuwait Reefs This is a marine resort under water and is considered the largest vol- The Scientific Center untary national project to rehabilitate the location of coral reefs and This Center is located at the marine animals in Kuwait’s sea. Arabian Gulf Street in . The visitor can enjoy diving and watching sea creatures; however, It was established in 2000 by fishing is not allowed. the Kuwait Foundation for the It is located near Bneider and Julaia’a. Advancement of Science. The total area is 2,400 square meters. It has three main sections: An The length of the reef is approximately 300 meters. Aquarium where visitors can see This project was inaugurated on October 2nd, 2003. a wide range of fauna and marine life in Kuwait, the Discovery Corner that allows children to burn off excess ener- gy and conduct simple scientific Tariq Rajab Museum experiments, and the IMAX This museum is distinguished by displaying a unique collection that Theatre, which offers a variety of dates back to the beginning of the Islamic era. scienceoriented 2D and 3D Among its displays are antique Arabic gold and silver jewellery, man- movies. There is also a restau- uscripts, metal works, embroidery, costumes, ceramics and musical rant and a gift shop. instruments, in addition to a unique copy of the Holy Quran written in Kufi calligraphy that dates back to the 4th/11th AD centuries. The museum is located in Al area. The Musical Fountain

Kuwait National Museum It is the fourth of its kind in the world, located next to the ice- This museum reflects the national identity, featuring the social, eco- skating rink on the First Ring nomic, political and religious life of the Kuwaiti people. Road. There, the visitor can catch a glimpse of the customs, traditions and It is a wonderful sight of musi- heritage of the people. It is designed as a traditional mud house, dis- cal and colourful dancing water. playing the old life in Kuwait with all its aspects, including different sec- Parties are organized there tions like the old souk, the Kuwaiti house, pearl diving and ship building. and children entertainment is There is also a hall of popular possessions, handicrafts and a cafe. provided.

Messilah Water Village It is consid- ered one of the most significant touristic amuse- ment centers with its buildings covered with bamboo and fire- proof teakwood. It is situated at the Arabian Gulf Street, in Messilah area. There, you can enjoy your- self waterslides, Ehmedo Volcano and water the- atres which is considered the first of its Kind in Kuwait for cele- brations.

Supplement co-ordinated by R. J. Jansz This supplement is on our website www.island.lk