Kuwait
Kuwait
Capital city description
Kuwait City is the capital and largest city of Kuwait. It has a population of 2.38 million in the metropolitan area and is one of the world's warmest cities, with temperatures as high as 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius). Located on the Persian Gulf and holding Kuwait's parliament (Majlis Al-Umma), most governmental offices, the headquarters of most Kuwaiti corporations and banks, it is the emirate's political, cultural, and economic hub.
The Liberation Tower located in Kuwait City stands 1,220.5 feet (372 meters), making it the fifth-highest telecommunications tower on Earth and over 10% taller than France's Eiffel Tower.
Climate
In Kuwait, there's a subtropical desert climate, with mild winters and scorching summers. The sun usually shines all year round.
Rainfall, slightly higher than 100 millimeters (4 inches) per year, happens mainly from November to April, in the form of drizzles, which can sometimes be so heavy and concentrated as to cause flooding.
Languages spoken
Modern Standard Arabic is the official language in Kuwait, but Kuwaiti Arabic is used in daily life. Over 22 million people speak Arabic in more than 22 countries.
Fun/Fascinating Facts
- Kuwait holds 8% of the world's oil reserves. It has the world's sixth-largest oil reserve and contains almost 104 billion barrels of oil situated in the Burgan field.
- The Kuwaiti Dinar, the official currency of Kuwait, is the highest-valued currency in the world. One Kuwaiti Dinar equals 1,000 fils.
- Kuwait's economy is primarily petroleum-based. Fertilizers and petroleum are their main export products.
- Kuwait has a large population of obese individuals, almost 42.8%. It is the most overweight country in the Middle East and one of the world's most obese ones.
- The name "Kuwait" is originated from the Arabic word "Kut," meaning "fort."
Unique Customs/Traditions
- Diwāniyyah is a common tradition in Kuwait where men gather men in a separate room, talking, playing games, and enjoying refreshments.
- Customarily, women do not have the right to vote though they outnumber men in the workforce in Kuwait.
- Kuwaiti are very hospitable as long as people respect the cultural norms in Kuwait; if visitors are unaware of certain Kuwaiti social customs and laws, undoubtedly easy to encounter problems.
- Kuwaiti men always dress up with a thobe (an ankle-length robe mostly made of cotton). A Bisht (outer cloak) can be worn during special occasions. On the other hand, Kuwaiti women are customarily seen wearing traditional costumes (black abayas) with their bodies covered from head to toe. Some Kuwaiti women prefer to cover their face and hands too. They usually hide their hair too.
Popular universities
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait University | Kuwait University was founded in 1966; it is its first public university for higher learning and research. It is also the only institute to enter the Times Higher Education’s prestigious World University. Kuwait University offers 76 undergraduate and 71 graduate programs through its 17 colleges. These are the Institutes of Allied Health, Arts, Architecture, Business, Dentistry, Computer Science, Education, Law, Engineering, Life Science, Pharmacy, Medicine, Science, Public Health, Social Science, and Graduate Studies. The university has a main campus in Kuwait City, with branches in Fintas, Khaldiya, Keifan, Adailiya, Shuwaikh, and Jabriya. | |
| Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) | The Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) was founded in 2002- a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Mishrefis. It was established to support Kuwait University, which was the only higher education institution during the time. Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) has two colleges, namely Arts & Science and Business Administration. The former oversees the studies of English, Computer Science, Humanities, Mathematics, and Mass Communication. Furthermore, the Business College offers undergraduate programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management & Organizational Behavior, Business Administration, and International Business. It offers an MBA degree as well. | |
| American University of the Middle East | The American University of the Middle East is a private educational institution established in 2008. The university is affiliated with Indiana’s Purdue University. The American University of the Middle East (AUM) has two academic departments: the College of Engineering & Technology and The College of Business Administration. The College of Engineering & Technology offers programs in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Architecture. Moreover, The College of Business Administration offers bachelor’s degrees in Finance, Accounting, Marketing, and Management of Information Systems. It has a graduate program in Business (MBA) as well. | |
| The Arab Open University | The Arab Open University (AOU) is a non-profit university founded in 2002. Its Kuwaiti campus is one of its first three branches, begun alongside the campuses in Lebanon and Jordan. Currently, AOU also operates in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, and Sudan. In partnership with UK’s Open University, AOU delivers various courses in the English Language. These include undergraduate honors programs in Business (Marketing, Management, Accounting, and Systems Practice), Information Technology, Graphic & Multimedia Design, English Language & Literature, Elementary Education, and Special Education. The Arab Open University also offers post-graduate degrees in Business (MBA), Computing, Information Security & Forensics, English Literature, Educational Technology, and Educational Leadership. | |
| American University of Kuwait | The American University of Kuwait is a private higher education institution located in Salmiya, Kuwait City. Founded in 2004, the sister school of Dartmouth College follows the American system of education. The American University of Kuwait is a non-smoking campus and one of the best universities in Kuwait for international students. Offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. The university has international professors from the US, UK, and Canada, among many other countries. | |
| Australian College of Kuwait | The Australian College of Kuwait (ACK), established in 2004, is the country’s first private technical institute. The college, which started as a maritime vocational college, is currently settled in Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber. Australian College of Kuwait academic departments include the School of Engineering, which offers diploma and bachelor’s programs in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Petroleum, and Electronics). The college also has an available diploma program in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. | |
| Maastricht School of Management (MSM) Kuwait | The Maastricht School of Management (MSM) Kuwait is a private business school founded in 2004 in Dasma. As the counterpart of the Dutch MSM, it offers the first private graduate-level MBA in the country, the only internationally-recognized MBA degree available in Kuwait. Maastricht School of Management Kuwait (MSM Kuwait) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as master's degrees in several areas of study. | |
Festivals & Events
Kuwait National Day
Date: 25th February
National Day, which is celebrated on the 25th of February is an exceptional holiday in Kuwait. It was timed when the state declared independence from British rule in 1961. It was the same day Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah was crowned. The people of Kuwait were proud of attaining their freedom, so celebrations began throughout the country.
One of the best things to do during the holiday in Kuwait is to attend Parades, public festivities, theatrical programs, exhibitions, fireworks, and national symbols. It is customary to wear national costumes and visit your loved ones at home after watching the parades.
Qadir- e- Khumm
Date: 28th July
Qadir- e- Khumm is another holiday celebrated widely in Kuwait. It is an important festival as people praise Imam Ali, who becomes the successor of the Prophet. The event of Ghadir Khumm took place when Muslims were returning from the farewell pilgrimage, in which Muhammad had informed Muslims about his impending death. Muslims were gathered on the return trip from the farewell pilgrimage, and Muhammad delivered a lengthy sermon.
Ramadan
Date: 9th Month of the lunar calendar
Ramadan is a significant Muslim festival that falls on the 9th month of the lunar calendar. This period requires strict fasting for an entire month, and most restaurants may not serve alcohol or even sell to foreigners. During the holy month of Ramadan, it is prohibited to drink alcohol in public places.
Islamic New Year
Date: 9th August – 10th August
Islamic New Year or Hijri New Year is the beginning of Muharram. Mosques have ceremonious divine services as the locals celebrate the first day with close people. People are restricted from fighting with anyone during the entire month of Muharram as people pray for happiness for all the good deeds they have done.
Gregorian New Year's Day
Date: 31st December
Kuwait celebrates the Gregorian New Year's Day. Tourists from all over the world come to Kuwait to attend the special events held at hotels, eat a delightful meal and explore all kinds of cultural displays of all kinds. With gatherings at midnight, fireworks, and feasting at home or in restaurants. Aside from attending the festivals, people can spend a day on the beaches in Kuwait and savor the view of the sea.
Hala Festival
Date: 25th February
Hala Festival is one joyful and colorful event in Kuwait. There are lots of fireworks shows that amaze thousands and thousands of audiences every year. Singers from all over the Arab world come to perform their top hits.
During the festival, there are tons of activities that you might enjoy: poetry recitals, folklore shows, contests, draws, marathons, cars exhibitions, and calligraphy exhibitions. Hala Festival is a satisfying experience for the entire family.
Attractions / Top Sights
Kubbar Island
When to visit: November to April
The well-known Kubbar Island, a relatively small Sandy Island, is one of the best beaches in the Persian Gulf located near Fahaleel. Kubbar is located approximately 29 kilometers off the coast of Failaka and 30 kilometers off the southern coast of Kuwait.
The Kubbar Island is a tranquil getaway that gives the nation of Kuwait its pride in scenic locations, with shimmering blue waters and grainy crystal sands making the beaches on the island so captivating for the tourists.
Kuwait Grand Mosque
When to visit: November to April
One of the top tourist attractions and biggest mosques located in the city's heart, the Grand Mosque, also called 'Al-Masjid Al-Kabir.' is Kuwait's most prominent and official Mosque. Official religious ceremonies are held in this Mosque only.
With total area of 46,000 square meters (490,000 sq ft), the building itself covers 20,000 square meters (220,000 sq ft). The Grand mosque is globally renowned for its Islamic architecture, and it has become one of Kuwait's most treasured landmarks.
Kuwait Towers
When to visit: November to March
When to visit: https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-projects/fhvf/kuwait_towers-project-pages.html
Kuwait Towers comprises three slender towers, referred to as Kuwait tower in the singular, signifying Kuwait’s economic revitalizes and World cultural and touristic landmark. Standing on a peninsula in Arabian Gulf, Kuwait towers were officially inaugurated in 1979 and are rated as a tourist attraction and iconic building of modern Kuwait.
Danish architect Malene Bjorn designed the Kuwait Towers, delightfully suggesting a combination of traditional Islamic design and modern architectural themes, with comparisons to blue-tiled mosques and slender minarets of Samarkand and Bukhara.
Kuwait Zoo
When to visit: November to April
The Kuwait Zoo is one of the famous attractions for both the locals and tourists. A zoo is an enjoyable place, perfect for a family trip. Located in Omariya, this sprawling animal kingdom covers an area of around 1 80,000 sq meters. In 1990, the premises of this park were extensively damaged, and animals were killed during the Iraqi invasion. After being repelled by the invaders, the zoo was rebuilt and opened in February 1993.
Al Shaheed Park
When to visit: November to March
Al Shaheed Park is a historical, environmental, and cultural platform with cutting-edge architecture and artwork, situated on the country's ancient and most historical ring road on the border of Kuwait City. The park's Amphitheater varies into different kinds of gardens (Oasis Garden, Museum Garden, Seasonal Garden, and others), walkways (Visitors and Pedestrian Passages), museums, exhibition areas, outdoor theatres, and performance centers for music concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and other varieties of cultural events.