Introduction
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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.