A brief guide for first-time visitors to Kuwait    

Are you intrigued by the idea of exploring a unique Middle Eastern destination that is slightly off the beaten path? Then Kuwait is the perfect place for your next adventure. This small, oil-rich nation bordered by Iraq and Saudi Arabia and easily reachable by Jazeera Airways is gaining traction as an appealing travel spot, especially for those looking to experience something different from the typical tourist trail.

While Kuwait may conjure up images of the Gulf War back in the 1990s when Iraqi forces invaded in an attempt to seize control of the country’s vast oil reserves, that dark chapter is well in the past. Today, Kuwait is a stable and rapidly modernising nation with a fascinating culture, incredible architecture, gorgeous beaches, and so much more to offer open-minded visitors.

If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about venturing into this part of the world, that’s totally understandable. But Kuwait is actually very safe these days and quite accustomed to receiving foreign guests, including a sizable community of Western expats. Just use some common sense, and remain respectful of local customs, and you’re practically guaranteed an enriching and memorable experience.

To help ensure your first trip to Kuwait goes smoothly, here’s a quick guide covering some essential things to know before you go:

Entry requirements

Like most international destinations, you’ll need a valid passport to enter Kuwait. It should have at least 6 months remaining before expiration upon your arrival. You’ll also need to obtain a Kuwait visa, which you can quickly and easily apply for online ahead of time instead of waiting until you arrive. The process just involves filling out a simple application form and the visa fee is quite affordable for most nationalities.

When to visit?

Thanks to Kuwait’s desert climate, the weather is extremely hot and humid for a large portion of the year. Unless you’re specifically looking to experience intense Middle Eastern heat, your best bet is to plan your trip during the country’s fall or winter months between October and April when temperatures are generally mild and pleasant. This is also considered peak tourist season, so book hotels and flights early.

Getting around

While you have the option to rent a car, driving yourself around Kuwait City is not advisable unless you have experience navigating heavy traffic and erratic driving conditions. Taxis are extremely affordable and drivers know how to get around efficiently, so your best bet is to rely on cabs or other hired transportation. Just negotiate rates upfront.

What to wear?

As a Muslim nation, Kuwait has fairly modest standards of dress and appearance that visitors should aim to respect. Men should avoid going shirtless or wearing shorts above the knee. Women should steer clear of revealing low-cut tops, and short skirts/shorts, and opt for looser clothing that doesn’t cling too tightly to the body. When visiting religious sites like mosques, both men and women will want to cover up even more by wearing long pants/dresses.

Cultural considerations

Several behaviours that are accepted and commonplace in the West are strictly forbidden in Kuwait due to Islamic traditions and laws. A few key things to avoid are:

• Public displays of affection
• Discussing or outwardly expressing an LGBTQ orientation
• Drinking alcohol or carrying any alcohol into the country
• Bringing pork products, pornography, or any kind of drugs/illegal substances

Failure to adhere to these rules can potentially lead to fines or even arrest. As long as you use good judgement and restraint, you’ll be just fine.

Top attractions and activities

Now for the fun part – what you’ll actually want to see and do once you arrive! Kuwait may be compact in size, but it delivers quite an impressive array of top-notch attractions and experiences for visitors.

Kuwait City

The capital is the vibrant heart of the country and home to incredible modern architecture as well as a wealth of cultural attractions like museums, mosques, and traditional souks (markets). A few top highlights include:

• Al Hamra Tower – One of the tallest skyscrapers for incredible city views
• Kuwait Towers – An iconic symbol with a revolving restaurant and observation decks
• The Grand Mosque – The biggest and most ornate mosque, open to respectful visitors
• Souq Al Mubarakiya – A bustling traditional marketplace to shop, dine, and soak up the atmosphere

Beaches

Despite its arid climate, Kuwait has numerous beautiful beaches and resort areas hugging the Persian Gulf shoreline. Some of the best spots to beat the heat include:

• Al Corniche Club
• Hilton Kuwait Resort
• Aqua Park
• Messilah Beach
• Regency Hotel (female-only beach)

Just be aware that public beaches tend to be less well-maintained, so it’s ideal to stick to the private beaches and pools at resorts and clubs if possible.

Desert adventures

No trip to Kuwait is complete without venturing out into the vast, otherworldly desert landscapes nearby. Popular activities include:

• Dune bashing (4×4 off-road driving) and sandboarding
• Sunset camel trekking
• Stargazing at Bedouin-style desert camps

Failaka Island

Slightly eerie yet endlessly fascinating, the former bustling island of Failaka just off the coast was ravaged during the Gulf War. Today it sits abandoned as a haunting time capsule, its empty buildings frozen in time with pockmarked bullet holes. Sign up for a tour to learn more about the island’s storied past.

Camel races

Talk about a quirky and uniquely Kuwaiti experience – attending the high-adrenaline camel races at the Kuwait Camel Race Club is an absolute must! These specialised racing camels are guided by robotic jockeys and can reach blistering speeds upwards of 35-40 mph. It’s every bit as thrilling and entertaining as it sounds.

Shopping

Retail therapy in Kuwait is also a major attraction, with countless lavish malls offering brand-name goods and plenty of bargains to be found at the traditional souks and markets. The Avenues Mall is the largest shopping complex and is considered one of the best malls in the entire Middle East.

Beyond the incredible historic sites, vibrant culture, and glitzy modern attractions, one of Kuwait’s biggest assets is its renowned hospitality. So while it’s wise to come prepared and do your research on local customs, you’ll likely find the people to be incredibly warm and welcoming hosts to their unique corner of the world.

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