Kuwait Rediscovered: What to Do & Where to Stay

From futuristic skyscrapers and massive mega-malls to traditional ancient souks and remote islands brimming with archeological marvels, this tiny yet mighty country has far more to offer than you might think…

THE MIRROR HOUSE

This is the only house in the world covered completely with mirror mosaics. In 1966, Italian artist Lidia Qattan began transforming her house into a unique, glass-covered work of reflective art with each room boasting a different theme from Sea World to Zodiac to the Corridor of Nations. The first floor is home to her late husband’s art galleries while the rest of the house features Linda’s works based on art therapy and recycling. Linda personally conducts every tour and treats visitors to true Kuwaiti hospitality with tea and cookies.

SADU HOUSE

Right next to the National Museum of Kuwait sits Bait Al Sadu (Sadu House). This museum - designed to look like a traditional Kuwaiti-styled house - showcases Kuwait’s modern and ancient history through a repertoire of art, artefacts and archaeological findings. Unravel the history of Bedouin Sadu weaving and see the looms, intricate metalwork and embroidery that are traditionally used to adorn outfits.

KUWAIT TOWERS

Standing on a promontory into the Persian Gulf, the Kuwait Towers loom over the water with their slender pointed structures, which feature a water storage facility, café, restaurant and a spherical rotating view deck allowing you to take in the atmospheric surroundings of the Kuwait City skyline.

THE GRAND MOSQUE

Celebrated for its intricately designed Islamic architecture, Kuwait’s Grand Mosque is the largest in the country. Drawing inspiration from Persian designs, the mosque features a massive central dome, pillar arcades and pointed arches. At a whopping 220,000 square feet, this mosque is a winding maze of striking blues, ornamental calligraphy, dazzling gold leaf motifs and sacred geometric Andalusian tiled walls.

SOUQ AL-MUBARAKIYA

Upon entering the traditional souk, a market steadfastly rooted in the past, you’ll be engulfed by an aroma of fresh spices and unmistakable charm that transports you centuries back to ancient Kuwait. Located between Abullah Al-Mubarak and Palestine Street, the souk is one of the oldest markets in Kuwait - once the bustling centre of trade before the discovery of oil. Selling everything from herbs, spices, apothecary goods and clothes, it remains a popular shopping centre for locals and tourists alike.

FAILAKA ISLAND

Take a break from the confines of Kuwait’s urban jungle and venture about 16 kilometres offshore to explore Failaka Island’s jagged landscape and awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Settled around 2000 B.C by the Mesopotamians, the island is Kuwait’s longest continuously inhabited location. Wander through the picturesque streets redolent of Greece’s Mykonos with its gleaming white houses, quaint courtyards and vibrant green doors and windows.

TAREQ RAJAB MUSEUM

Marvel at some rare historic artefacts in the Tareq Rajab Museum’s extensive collection of everything from jewellery, calligraphy, ceramics, costumes and musical instruments telling the story of Islamic civilization from its earliest period to modernity. The museum houses 12,000 pieces of Silver Folk jewellery and 30,000 items from calligraphy and ceramics. One of the most fascinating exhibits is the rare collection of gold jewellery featuring pieces dating back to the pre-Islamic era.

THE AVENUES MALL

This massive mall is the largest shopping centre in Kuwait with over 800 stores spread over 425,000 square metres. Among the largest malls in the world, Avenues Mall is tastefully designed with high ceilings, endless hallways and lots of glitz and glam around every corner. Boasting a highly diverse selection of restaurants and cafes, there’s a world of cuisines and experiences to discover.

AL SHAHEED PARK

Located on the outskirts of Kuwait City, Al Shaheed Park beautifully tells the story of Kuwait’s history and culture through manicured greenery, botanical gardens, two museums, a lake and lots of walkways. This whirlwind of experiences is all contained within 200,000 square metres, making it Kuwait’s largest urban park.

WHERE TO STAY

Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya

The Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait is housed in the Burj Alshaya complex, interweaving modern architecture and avant-garde luxury. The 284-room hotel soars for 22 metres over Downtown Kuwait City featuring a two-level spa, striking designs and a fine state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait

Nestled in the heart of Avenues Mall, 10 minutes from the airport, you’ll have seamless access to over 1000 luxury shops, restaurants and even an amusement park

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa

Cradled on a pristine private beach on the southern coast, the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa makes for the ideal pampering-weekend getaway.

FLIGHTS, PCR & TRAVEL VACCINES

Two hour 30 minute flight time from Cairo Airport to Kuwait International Airport.

For entry in Kuwait, travellers must present a negative PCR test conducted 72 hours before arrival.

Kuwait will allow only the entry of those who have received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of Moderna, Pfizer or Astrazeneca.

Those who received the Russian Sputnik vaccine or the Chinese Sinopharm and Sinovac will be required to receive a third dose of one of the above-approved vaccines before entering the country.