Overview

Kuwait is an Arab country in the Middle East bordering the Gulf of Persia, located between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The development of the nation dates back to the seventeenth century when the town of Kuwait was founded by the Arabs. To protect the region from the threat of the Wahhabis, it accepted protection from the British Empire. However, Kuwait was declared an independent Emirate in 1961.

Once famous for pearl diving and boat construction, Kuwait has gained prominence over the years due to its large oil reserves. In recent times, Kuwait has launched a number of ambitious plans with the intention of attracting a large number of tourists. In fact, the recent introduction of the Hala Shopping Festival in February has proved quite successful in attracting visitors from all over the world.

Activities & Attractions

The architecture in Kuwait, which is a blend of the modern and traditional Arabic style, is the country's most important attraction. Some of the other great attractions are the Kuwait National Museum, Liberation Tower, and Kuwait Towers. The Kuwait Scientific Center and Ras Al Ardh are some of the popular amusement venues located within Kuwait. Entertainment City in Kuwait is considered one of the best amusement parks in the world!

Other interesting sightseeing places are the Kuwait Zoological Park, Kuwait Musical Fountain, and the Grand Mosque. Archaeological sites like the Greek Temple at Failaka Island are also worth a visit.

Many of the sea clubs in Kuwait offer opportunities for activities such as swimming, tennis, bowling and Karate. Other activities include sailing, scuba diving, power boating, and horse riding.

Lodging

Kuwait offers many luxurious hotels and places to stay, especially in the coastal region. Travelers will find that prices are comparable to any of the modern cities, and in some instances may even be cheaper. Some of the well known hotels in the country are Hawali Continental, Ramada Hotel, and the Holiday Inn. To find more information on these hotels and other accommodation types, visit the Web sites found below in the resources section.

Transportation

Transportation in Kuwait is more than adequate. The bus services are quite comfortable, have air conditioning, widely available, and able to take you to most places in the country. You can also make use of the taxi and share-taxi services to travel to all the important tourist destinations. However, it is recommended that you book your taxi in advance through a reputed company in order to ensure your safety. More information about the various modes of public transportation can be found at the Kuwait Public Transport Companywebsite.