Introduction
From a nation of pearl divers and spice merchants to one of the world’s largest oil exporters, Kuwait has undergone many exciting transformations. A cosmopolitan and modern society that still pays perfect to its heritage and traditions, it is a country of exciting enigmas and colorful contradictions. From the warm waters of the Gulf to the mysteries of the desert, and from Kuwait can boast superior infrastructure, traditional Arabian markets to opulent shopping healthcare and technological facilities malls, Kuwait is a dynamic and diverse country. as well as a vibrant and rich culture With so much to offer and more left to discover, Kuwait is a destination that is worth visiting.
“it is a country of exciting enigmas and colorful contradictions”
Introduction 1 Kout... as in the beginning
Kuwait... the name as well as the country it refers to, go back With the birth only to the end of the 17th century when it was often associated of the Arab to the name “Qurain” or “Al Grane”. In Arabic Qurain is a hill and civilization, Kuwait is the diminutive of Kout which means Fortress. Kuwait City began to Archeological evidence indicates 10,000 years ago, Stone play a key role in the trade of frankincense, Age people inhabited the area and that around 4500 BC a dates, pearls, gems, spices, and fabrics. As the settlement was built on the northern shore of Kuwait Bay. centuries passed by, goods from as far as India, Between 2300 and 1100 BC a settlement was built on the China, and Africa were shipped via this port. northern shore of Kuwait Bay. Between 2300 and 1100 BC, In the first half of the eighteenth century, a tribe a maritime trading civilization called Utub migrated from Saudi Arabia and called the Dilmun dominated eventually settled down in Qurain. In 1756 they the Gulf and had a settlement chose the Sabah Family to rule, and modern on Failaka Island, fragments of Kuwait was born. The first Amir was Sabah Ibn which can still be seen today. Jaber.
On his way to India, Greek Under the benevolent rule of the Sabah’s, the conqueror Alexander the Great town of Qurain enjoyed relative security and landed on Failaka and called it thrived. New trades developed to serve travelers, “Ikaros” after a Greek island. The island still harbours the ruins merchants, Bedouins, and the community itself. of dwellings, pavement, fortifications and temples dedicated to Greek deities from this period.
2 Kout... Kout... 3 as in the beginning as in the beginning Information about Kuwait
In 1814, the reign of Amir Mubarak Al Sabah, How to get here National flag carrier known as Mubarak the Great heralded the Kuwait Airways conveniently links Kuwait to beginning of government programs to support the rest of the world through a network that the welfare of the people. The first public school spans the globe. Kuwait Airways flies over 40 and first medical services appeared in 1911. The destinations in the Middle East, Europe, South following year, postal and telegraph services Asia and United States. Many of the major began, during the same period, water purification international airlines fly also directly. equipment was imported. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION The 1920s and 1930s brought some economic The state of Kuwait is a pearl of a place lying hardships, when outside hostilities curbed trade at the north west corner of the Arabian Gulf. and cheap cultured pearls undermined Kuwait’s It is bounded to the north and northwest by Iraq and to south and pearl fishing trade. Oil was discovered in 1930s south-west by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Arabian Gulf is and in 1961 Kuwait became the First Arabian Kuwait’s eastern border and across the Arabian Gulf is Iran. Kuwait Gulf State to gain independence. is situated on 17,818 sq km. strip of sandy plains and is located at 30.27 degrees latitude north of the Equator and 48.46 degrees longitude east of Greenwich. There are nine islands off the coast of Kuwait. Failaka, the most famous of all the islands which hosts “Kuwait became the First Arabian well preserved ruins from Greek settlements and Bubiyan which is Gulf State to gain independence” the largest island of Kuwait. The others are Miskan, Auhha, Umm Al Maradim, Umm Al Naml. Kubbar, Qaruh and Warba.
4 Kout... Information 5 as in the beginning about Kuwait VISA Information about Kuwait
CLIMATE VISA Kuwait is blessed with sunshine and warm weather throughout the Citizens of “Gulf Cooperation Council” do not entire year. A short but enjoyable spring from February to May brings require an entry visa. A number of countries cool and warm weather that sets public parks in bloom. During the (mostly Western) can obtain a 3 months visit summer months of May to September the weather is hot and dry, visa directly on arrival. (For all other nationalities, but the sea is warm and fabulous for water sports and scuba diving. the visa must be sponsored by an individual, a Autumn, from September until Mid-November, is characterized by company, or a hotel in Kuwait). You can contact moderate weather that is not unlike spring. Winter, from December KTSC directly for the arrangement of your visa. to February, sees perfectly warm days but chilly evenings with occasional mild rain showers.
6 Information Information 7 about Kuwait about Kuwait Information about Kuwait
CULTURE and TRADITION LANGUAGE Kuwait is truly a cosmopolitan society where The official language is Arabic, although English different cultures have fused into a fascinating is also widely spoken especially in business, mix. The past and the future exist perfectly side banking and big shopping centers. by side. As the official religion in Kuwait, Islam defines many aspects of local culture. Kuwaiti CLOTHES society requires modest dress for men and The national traditional dress that Kuwaiti men women, and the import and use of alcohol and wear is the Dishdasha (a long one-piece robe drugs is prohibited. People refrain from eating, usually white), Ghutra (head drinking and smoking in the presence of Muslims covering), egal (a black coiled or in public places during the Holy Month of rope to keep the Ghutra in Ramadan. There are hundreds of small and place), a Bisht) a cloak, usually large mosques, some of which are architectural worn in ceremonies), and marvels. Gahfiya (a close fitting skull-cap, usually worn under Ghutra). The The rich and unique culture of the Bedouins has women wear Darra’a (a long enriched that of Kuwait since its dawn. Many fine sleeve dress, Al Mafa’a (a black examples of Bedouin culture, such as traditional head covering), and Abaya Sadu weaving and intricate jewelry, can be (a long black outer garment). found in Kuwait’s museums and cultural centers. However today, most of the Kuwaiti men and The larger part of the population is made up women dress in European suits and always keep of foreign workers from the four corners of the up their modesty. world.
8 Information Information 9 about Kuwait about Kuwait Information about Kuwait
CURRENCY STORE HOURS The Kuwaiti Dinar is the official currency and is Shops open from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 4 PM divided into coins of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Fils though some work straight through the day. and bills of 0.250, 0.500,1, 5, 10, and 20 Dinars. Some of co-ops (markets) stay open 24 hours Credit cards are accepted in hotels, shopping while others close late in the evening. malls, and up-market restaurants. Traveler cheques and foreign currencies SHOPPING can be easily exchanged at local banks. Kuwait features a superior range of luxury There are plenty of cash-points where shopping malls and outdoor markets that cater regional and international cards can be to everybody’s taste and needs. Shopping used to withdraw money. malls offer the latest fashion brands along with state-of-the-art electronics WORKING HOURS and household products. In Kuwait the working week starts on Traditional souqs, or Arabian Sunday and ends on Thursday. Public markets, are found in the services and schools are closed on center of town and offer Fridays and Saturdays. The workday starts at 8 numerous traditional art. AM and ends at 1 PM and starts at 2 PM and ends at 5 PM although these hours vary in the private sectors and from company to company. Some may open from 8 AM to 5 PM. These hours change during Ramadan, official holidays and celebrations.
10 Information Information 11 about Kuwait about Kuwait Waterfront, Souq Sharq Information about Kuwait
LEISURE ACTIVITIES and SPORTS ELECTRICITY Kuwait has plenty of parks and public gardens to explore. In 220 - 240 Volt, AC, 50 Cycles, Single Phase addition, the Touristic Enterprises Company runs leisure centers such as Water Parks, Entertainment City (the largest amusement ACCOMODATION park in the Middle East), and the Kuwait has a wide range of luxurious hotels that Kuwait Towers. Swimming, sailing cater to any level of comfort and budget. But and scuba diving are available. Power whether it is a 5-star opulence or more modest boating and jet skiing are Kuwaiti accommodation, visitors will always be treated passions. Horse riding clubs flourish with a warm Kuwaiti hospitality. For further in the winter. There are numerous information on booking procedures for your tennis courts in the capital, most of future plan of a holiday in Kuwait, you may them are located at the larger hotels. contact KTSC directly or approach any of the Football is popular. Other sports like Kuwait Airways offices located worldwide. Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, Bowling, Camel Racing, Motor Sports, Martial Arts and even Ice Skating is widely popular too.
DRIVING Kuwait roads are of good quality and have traffic signs in both Arabic and English. Cars are driven on the right side of the road. Citizens with a GCC driver’s license or travelers using an international driving license can drive and rent cars. Car rental is relatively inexpensive and taxis are readily available.
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DINING DAILY NEWSPAPERS Kuwait is a food lover’s paradise. Local and international newspapers and Native cooking reflects Kuwaiti magazines are available in Kuwait at hotels, history, its tribes and immigrants supermarkets and the countless small and its international traditions. It neighborhood shops called “Bakala”. Local is unique mélange of Bedouin, Arabic dailies are Al- Qabas, Al-Watan, Al- Persian, Indian and eastern Anbaa, Al-Seyassah, and Al-Rai, Al-Nahar, Mediterranean influences. A formal Kuwaiti meal is designed Al Jarida and there are also three English to impress the oft-sated which includes the dishes like mezza newspapers, the Arab Times, Al Watan Daily consisting of hummos (chick pea). mutabbal (aubergine), full (beans), News and Kuwait Times. tabooleh (salad), khubus (unleavened bread) along with stuffed pastries. The sahurba soups, mahashee which is stuffed vegetables, aish (rice) which is garnished with almonds, raisin, and saffron, kharoof (grilled lamb) or samak (grilled or stewed fish) is also a part of the Kuwaiti meal. Kuwait is rumored to have more restaurants per resident than any other country in the world. Without a doubt there is choice enough to suit every taste and pocket.
16 Information Information 17 about Kuwait about Kuwait Company Profile
KTS, the Kuwait Tourism Services is the country first inbound tour KTSC will continue organizing Hala February for the years to come operator totally dedicated to promote the tourism in to Kuwait, and and at the same time will promote Kuwait in every potential market operate in association with Ministry of Commerce Tourism Section, around the world. KTSC’s management and staff has thus a major Kuwait Airways, KHOA the Hotel Owner Association and the luxury goal, which is to provide quality services and to ensure customer five / four star hotels in Kuwait. satisfaction.
KTSC aims to provide exclusive tours, tour package and other Our company offers you a comprehensive range of land ground services with experienced and professional team assisted arrangements that comprises of: by dedicated multilingual tour guides, field representatives, supportive staff and marketing staff. • Welcome Link (meet and assistance at the airport) • Visa Assistance KTSC is linked with an easy and speedy communication network • Transfers 2-Way (APT-HT-APT) that includes Kuwait Airways Offices located worldwide and through • Hotel Reservations in Kuwait SITA, Email, Fax or Telephone. • Car Hire (self or chauffeur driven) • Daily Excursion Tours It was KTSC’s planning and organization that made The First • Stopover Packages Touristic Festival Hala February 1999 an absolute success. That • Sea Excursions memorable event featured shopping discounts, fun, sports • Incentive Packages tournaments, star-studded cultural events and family entertainments, • Cruise Handling in addition to special airfare and hotel accommodation packages. • Tailor Made Holiday Packages The vast number of travelers that Kuwait received from the Gulf, European, North American and Far Eastern countries proved that +965 22451734 / 36 / 22436124 / 74 +965 22451731 Kuwait has a great potential for leisure tourism. [email protected] www.kts-kuwait-tourism.com
18 Company Company 19 Profile Profile Hotels
Crowne Plaza Kuwait Al Thuraya City Moevenpick HOTEL Shuwaikh Only 5 minutes from Kuwait International Airport and 15 minutes Located 15 minutes from Kuwait International Airport and 15 to the city center. It has 211 air-conditioned rooms and suites minutes to the city center next to the Shuwaikh port. It has 100 with all the modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 8 air-conditioned rooms and 5 suites with all the modern restaurants. amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 2 restaurants.
Hilton Resort Radisson Blu The resort is 30 minutes from Kuwait International Airport and 30 On the beach front in Salmiya shopping area, the hotel is 15 minutes to the city center on the sun kissed beach front of the minutes from Kuwait International Airport and 20 minutes to the Arabian Gulf. It has 142 air-conditioned rooms and 5 suites city center It has 200 air-conditioned rooms and suites with all with all the modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 2 the modern amenities. It offers 1 coffee shops and 4 restaurants. restaurants.
JW Marriott Sheraton KUWAIT In the heart of the city center and 15 minutes from Kuwait In the heart of the city center the hotel is 20 minutes from Kuwait International Airport. It has 239 air-conditioned rooms and 74 International Airport. It has 300 air-conditioned rooms and suites suites with all the modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and with all the modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 7 4 restaurants. restaurants.
Moevenpick Al-Bida’a Resort Courtyard by Marriott On the beach front and Salmiya shopping area, the hotel is 18 20 minutes drive from Kuwait International Airport and 5 minutes minutes from Kuwait International Airport and 20 minutes to the to the city center. It has 260 air-conditioned rooms and 24 suites city center. It has 306 air-conditioned rooms and suites with all with all the modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 2 the modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 2 restaurants. restaurants.
20 Hotels Hotels 21 Sightseeing
The Kuwait Tourism Services is pleased to organize for you tailor made sightseeing tours that can suit your needs and schedule. Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait In the city center and 20 minutes from Kuwait International Coastline Classic Daily Airport. It has 406 air-conditioned rooms and suites with all the On this tour you will visit the dhow harbor, the fish market, the Sharq modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 2 restaurants. Shopping Mall (waterfront project) - the tour will continue to the Kuwait Towers (famous landmark in Kuwait) where you can ascend to 120 meters to observe the superb view of Kuwait City and the Arabian Gulf. On the way back will take you along the Arabian Gulf Street. Holiday Inn Downtown
Located 5 minutes to the city center and 25 minutes from Kuwait Savour of Culture International Airport. It has 169 air-conditioned rooms and suites Daily - Closed Fridays and Saturdays with all the modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 3 The tour start by visiting the Tareq Rajab Museum (entrance fee KD2) which is one of the best museums in Kuwait known for Islamic artifacts and other private collections. The tour will continue to restaurants. the Sadu House and followed by the Maritime Museum and Museum of Modern Art.
Mystic Highlights Holiday Inn Salmiya Daily - Closed Fridays and Saturdays Close to the Salmiya shopping area, the hotel is 20 minutes from At the start of the tour you will visit the Grand Mosque, and then the National Museum (closed on Kuwait International Airport and 20 minutes to the city center. It Sunday) by passing by the Jahra Gate and the National Assembly, will continue to the Kuwait Towers, the fish market, and the dhow harbor. has 189 air-conditioned rooms and suites with all the modern amenities. It offers a coffee shop and 6 restaurants. Mubarakiya Traditional Souq Daily This tour will give you a large view of the traditional shopping in the women souq, the gold souq and the old souq. In these souq’s you can experience and find many antiques, at middle-class prices and you can practice some bargaining while shopping.
Shopping Experience Daily This tour will take you to the shopping street of Salmiya where you will have plenty of time to explore the best and the latest in fashion at one of the Kuwait’s biggest shopping malls. Some of the most famous are: the Souq Sharq, the Marina Mall, The Avenues, the 360 Mall, the Al-Fanar Shopping Complex, the Laila Gallery and others. 22 Hotels Sightseeing 23 Sightseeing
Graceful Traditions Daily - Closed Fridays We start the tour by visiting the Memorial Museum (Bait Al Watani) the Dickson House, the American Cultural Center and then pass by the National Assembly. We continue our tour with a visit to the Kuwait Towers and then we visit the Historical Car & Vintage Classic Museum and the Bayt Al-Lothan (handmade crafts center).
Black Gold Adventure Daily - Closed Fridays and Saturdays During this tour you will learn some of the history of the oil era in Kuwait by visiting the Kuwait Oil Display Center which is located 40kms from the city. Later we pass by the oil tank farms of South Ahmadi, the third largest refineries complex in the world - Mina Al-Abdallah, Mina Al-Ahmadi, Mina Al- Shuaiba and the Equate 1 and 2 petrochemical complex. On the way back to the hotel we visit the 19th century Bedouin town of Fahaheel and its old souq. (the tour is restricted to the main road due to security measure / petrochemical complex cannot be entered).
Kuwait Past And Present Daily The tour will take you along the modern and fashionable Kuwait cornice starting from the Souq Sharq to the Kuwait Towers up to the Scientific Center where you can visit the Aquarium (entrance fee) the Discovery Place (entrance fee) the IMAX including the Fire of Kuwait (entrance fee) after that we will continue and reach the Al Hashemi II and the annex Marine Museum until the end of the cornice.
Island Cruising Daily - subject to the high tides and weather conditions Organized by the Failaka Island The tour include a lunch on the island and you will sail the clean dark blue waters of the Arabian Gulf on a Catamaran to reach your destination on Failaka Island where you could either dive, relax, snorkel or swim. Tour start at around 10:00 AM / back at 4:00 PM.
24 Sightseeing For reservations, please contact Kuwait Tourism Services: Office open Saturday - Thursday from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
+965 22451734 / 36 / 22436124 / 74
+965 22451731
www.kts-kuwait-tourism.com