Kuwait

Travel Brochure

Brief highlight of the setting:

• Kuwait is a country in the Middle East. It is located at the head of the Arabian Gulf, with Iraq to the north and west, and Saudi Arabia to the southwest.

Geography (Terrain)

• Flat to slightly undulating desert plain. Highest point: 306 meters high.

Major cities, Well-known places

• Kuwait City - the capital • Jahrah - 30 minutes northwest of Kuwait City

by car • Ahmadi- 30 minutes • Hawalli - 20 minutes • Farwaniyah - 20 minutes • Mubarak Al Kaber - 25 min.

Climate and overall weather conditions

• Dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters. Natural hazards : sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April.

• Languages and Currency(talk, buy)

• Kuwait’s official language is modern standard Arabic.

• The national currency is the Kuwaiti dinar (KD, KWD).

Historic Sites and Landmarks (see)There are some sites worth seeing:

• Failaka Island: A port with many old dhows, Failaka Island can be reached by regular ferry services. There are also some Bronze Age and Greek archaeological sites well worth viewing, including the island's Greek temple.

• Kazmah desert cliffs: These cliffs allow a good view on the bay if the visibility is good.

• Desert: Although the city keeps growing Kuwait is still largely a desert. Going away from the city many roads will take you to places where there is nothing but sand and sand.

Recreation and Outdoor Activities—parks, sports, water (Do)

• Sea Clubs & spas. Many of Kuwait's sea clubs offer activities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beaches, and tennis courts.

• Riding. Horse riding clubs flourish in the winter.• Boating. Sailing and scuba diving are available.

Contact any of the hotels located on the beach and they can arrange a trip for you.

• Shopping in Malls. The largest mall in Kuwait is “The Avenues” on 5th ring road behind road 60. It is one of the largest malls in whole middle-east.

Food that the area is known for

• There is a huge array of restaurants in Kuwait.• Almost every cuisine is available in shopping

malls and hotels.• There are few restaurants that serve

traditional Kuwaiti food. Al-Marsa restaurant in Le Meridien Hotel has some traditional Kuwaiti seafood but with a relatively high price tag.

Transportation• Kuwait has a good road system. All signs are in

English and Arabic.• Kuwait's public transport is adequate with three

Waiting times for buses. range from one minute for most frequent routes to fifteen minutes for less used routes. All buses are equipped with air-conditioners and usually one can find a seat without much trouble.

• Taxi: These are recognisable by orange licence plates and may be hired by the day.

Respect• Do not eat in public during the holy month of Ramadan

or you may be fined or even go to jail. The fine is 100 KD or about US$350.

• Ramadan dates • 2012 (1433): Jul 20 - Aug 18 • 2013 (1434): Jul 9 - Aug 7 • 2014 (1435): Jun 28 - Jul 27

• The festival of Eid ul-Fitr is held after the end of Ramadan and may last several days. Exact dates depend on astronomical observations and may vary from country to country.