Kuwait City

Kuwait City is the capital of Kuwait.

1 Kuwait City Halal Explorer
- 1.1 Orientation
2 Travel to Kuwait City
- 2.1 Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kuwait City
- 2.2 By car
3 How to get around in Kuwait City
- 3.1 By taxis
- 3.2 Travel on a Bus in Kuwait City
4 What to see in Kuwait City
5 Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kuwait City
6 Study in Kuwait City
7 Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kuwait City
8 Halal Food & Restaurants
9 eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kuwait City
10 Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kuwait City
11 Muslim Friendly Hotels
12 Stay Safe
13 Cope with Kuwait City
14 News & References Kuwait City

Kuwait City Halal Explorer

Kuwait City is a bustling metropolis of high-rise office buildings, luxury hotels, wide boulevards and well-tended parks and gardens. Its seaport is used by oil tankers, cargo ships and many pleasure craft. Its most dominant monuments are the Kuwait Towers. Kuwait City is not, however, an attractive city to visit as much of the architecture and its general feel is one of sand-blown dustiness.

Orientation

The main residential and business areas are Salmiya and Hawalli. The main industrial area is Shuwaikh within the Al Asimah Governorate. The main palaces are As-Seef Palace in the old part of Kuwait City where the Emir runs the daily matters of the nation, and the government headquarters is in Bayan Palace, while the Emir stays in Dar Salwa.

Travel to Kuwait City

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kuwait City

Kuwait International Airport (IATA Flight Code: KWI) is 16 kilometers (10 mi) south of Kuwait City. See the main Kuwait Travel Guide for the full scoop.

Express bus X3 connects the airport with the downtown, and runs every hour including nights. Ticket can be purchased on-board, 1 KWD.

By car

How to get around in Kuwait City

By taxis

If you don't have your own wheels, taxis are the most practical form of transport. Meters are universally ignored (the official fares haven't changed in years), so agree on the price before you set off. There are three basic types:

Call taxis (aka hotel taxis) are all-white with company decals on the doors, and they can be found lurking around major hotels. Usually ordered by phone and these are usually fairly nice and will take you where you want to go with a minimum of fuss, but charge steeper prices: KD 3 is the standard fare for most trips around town, while going to/from the airport is KD 5. However, if you manage to catch one on the road (away from the watchful eye of the dispatcher) and they may cut you a discount. Kuds Taxi, tel. 241-3414, is one of the largest operators.

Airport taxis are larger American cars that have their own ramp at the airport. They have a printed fee on the inside of the taxi with the fares fixed. Many drivers will, however, try to demand higher rates.

Orange taxis, which are actually white-and-beige with yellow license plates and "TAXI" signs on the roof, prowl the streets of Kuwait looking for passengers. Fares are negotiable, with short hops from KD 1 and a longer trip across town around KD 2. Readily available, you are likely to be tooted by them as you try to cross the road. The divers will try to increase the cost of the journey and huff and puff if the traffic is bad, or if you weren't completely clear on where you were going. They will then demand more on arrival. It is easy to see when they are about to pull this trick as they will start to complain about your inaccuracy shortly before arrival. Some, but not all, orange taxis ply only along fixed routes, and you'll be expected to share the cab (and the fare) with other passengers if you board one of these.

Travel on a Bus in Kuwait City

The Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) and CityBus run buses in and around Kuwait City, with a flat 200 fils fare for trips in the city. The two run on the same routes, so KPTC bus 999 will get you to the same place and for the same price as CityBus 999. However, bus shelters are spartan, schedules erratic and information lacking, making this a poor second to taxis if you're in any sort of hurry and not desperately short on cash. For the adventurous, privately-owned CityBus maintains an up-to-date list of routes on their website , while KPTC's website is only in Arabic.

Useful bus routes are:

13: Goes from the Airport (KWI) to Mirquab (downtown), 1h
15, 16, 999: Go from Mirquab south all the way parallel to the coast. 999 and 16 goes as far as Fahaheel.

What to see in Kuwait City

Kuwait Towers - Kuwait's unofficial symbol, found on everything except the flag, are Kuwait's top attraction. Designed by Swedes, built by Yugoslavs, and opened in 1979 and they're actually rather interesting up close, as the spheres are covered with a funky polka-dot pattern made up from colored circular plates. The first, 178 m (583 ft) high, houses the Viewing Sphere (123 m 403 ft) complete with a rotating viewing platform; don't miss the photos of the damage done by the Iraqi invasion, at the foot of the staircase to the second level of the sphere. In the viewing sphere there is also a small bar that serves soft drinks and Snacks. You can enjoy your snack at a stand-up table on the rotating viewing platform. The lower sphere houses the Ofok restaurant (82 m 270 ft), serving breakfast (ladies only), lunch and dinner buffets daily. The second tower, 145.8 m (478 ft) high, is for water storage and is not accessible to the public, while the third, sphereless spike mostly serves to light up the other two at night. Best visited, but also the most crowded, at sunset.

Liberation Tower. One of the tallest telecommunications towers in the world. Tourists are no longer allowed to enter the tower; however, visitors seem to be allowed in on February 25th, National Day.

National Museum Stripped of many artifacts during the war – part of it has been renovated and is now open to the public for display. One exhibition shows ancient relics found on Failaka Island and the other resembles a carefully designed copy of an old Kuwaiti souq (market). An old Kuwaiti boum (dhow) is on display as well.

Sadu House. Right beside the National Museum. Made of coral and gypsum and is used as a cultural museum to protect the arts and crafts of Bedouin society. It is an ideal place to purchase Bedouin goods.
Bayt Al-Badr Right beside the National Museum. It is one of the very few houses left that were built in old Kuwaiti architecture. Seems to be closed at least temporarily as of early 2023 but it's worth passing by.

Seif Palace | Built in 1896 and the interior features original Islamic mosaic tile work, though these suffered badly during the Iraqi occupation. You will not be allowed to enter, however it is still interesting to walk by and see the vast gardens of the palace.

National Assembly | The National Assembly is the seat of the Kuwaiti parliament and is one of the few pieces of fine architecture in the nation.

Grand Mosque Across from the Seif Palace and about 400 east of the National Museum. Guided Tours in Kuwait City by ehalal.io (email for prices) by friendly Kuwaitis are available for tourists. Women can borrow a proper dress from the mosque in order to enter. You will likely be told a time to come back for a tour by the security guard when you visit the mosque. Come back at that time and there will hopefully be a couple of guides available.

War Museum | The war museum depicts the somewhat gory view of Kuwait on the Iraqi invasion.

Fish Market Maybe the most interesting thing to see in Kuwait. It's a giant, bustling building filled with rows of counters stocked high with fish. The interior is kept very clean with people hosing down the floor constantly.

Entertainment City | Amusement park for families.

Scientific Center - The Scientific Center is a family-oriented amusement facility features a 3D cinema with nature movies and an aquarium. Traditional boums (dhows) are on display outside.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kuwait City

There are quite a few things to do in Kuwait City. It is feasible to have lunch or dinner in the Kuwait Towers (the three towers by the sea with water storage). It is worthwhile to take a tour of the Grand Mosque in Kuwait, just kindly ask the security guard in front of the entrance to the mosque. Across the street from the Grand Mosque is the Kuwaiti Stock Exchange, which seems to be open to the public.

While in Kuwait it is also feasible to smoke Shisha (Hookah) at a cafe. There are also quite a few great restaurants with Iranian, Lebanese, and Bedouin foods.

To escape the intense heat, visit the Aqua Park near the Kuwait Towers. It's KD 3.50 to get in and offers a variety of modern rides and pools.

One can also walk along many of the sidewalks that line the coast of Kuwait. At dusk, it's ideal to sit on a bench across from the Souq Sharq and watch the sun set on the Arabian Sea. Buy yourself a sack of nuts or bagful of olives from the souq in the fish market and relax.

Fitness fanatics and the health conscious have several options to get engaged with exclusive fitness center in and around Kuwait City. Some of the best health clubs and gyms are attached to hotels like the Palms, SAS Radisson, Hilton etc. There are also stand alone spas and fitness centers. Elysium, Flex, Spa time and Ayurmana are a few of the highly top fitness centers in Kuwait. Ayurmana also has a highly rated Exclusive Yoga Studio for women and Ayurveda Center.

Study in Kuwait City

The American University of Kuwait is located in the Salmiya District and the Gulf University of Science and Technology is located in Mishref, Australian College of Kuwait is located in Mishref and the American University of the Middle East and the American College of the Middle East are located in Egaila, Kuwait University has a few campuses at different locations in the city, Box Hill College Kuwait is located in Abu Halifa.

Many British, American, French, Indian and (Pakistani) schools are located in different areas around Kuwait.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kuwait City

Several high-end malls in Kuwait City, with the Marina Mall being one of the largest. However, prices are quite expensive especially compared with other places in the region - most name brand products will cost 2-5 times what they would cost in the west.

Modern shopping centers: Souq Sharq (Kuwait City) and Marina Mall (Salmiya) are both on the coastal Gulf Road and offer excellent shopping. Another shopping centre is "Al-Kout" (Fahaheel) it has several beautiful coffee shops and many other outlets. "Araya Mall" (Sharq) and Al-Salhiya Mall (Sharq) offers high-price designer brands. The Avenues is a newer mall and is one of the largest in Kuwait.
Traditional markets: A famous destination is the Souk Al Mubarakiya in the heart of downtown. Middle Eastern and Oriental items abound as well as a Gold and jewellery market. Souk Al-Juma'a is a Friday market with very low-priced mass-produced goods and second-hand stuff. The Mahameed markets in Behbahani complex have similar selection and pricing as well.
A more Oriental atmosphere can be found on the other side of town also in a mall called Souk Al-Watiya or Al-Watiya Complex, located beside the Sheraton Hotel and 4 Point Sheraton. This place is also called the Adidas Building by local Filipinos. Situated close to churches the whole area can look like a mini India Town and Filipino Town during Friday and Sunday. Many restaurants also serving either fast food or oriental traditional foods. This is also a good place to buy any Gold or jewellery.

The Al-Fanar mall in Kuwait has restaurants, cafes and many shops like Ralph Lauren and Lacoste.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Lebanese: Villa Fayrouz (Sha'ab), Mejana (Al Kout Mall, Fahahel), Mais Al-Ghanim (Gulf Road), Tarboosh (Sheraton Hotel), Burj Al Hamam.

Persian: Shahrayar (Sheraton Hotel), Shabestan (Crowne Plaza Hotel), Baba Taher (Sharq)

Kuwaiti: AL-Marsa which is in the Ritz Hotel on the gulf road, highly recommended if you want to try local cuisine.

Burgers: Burgers Hub serves over 50 kinds of gourmet Burgers & appetizers the largest selection in the GCC & Monday E (Gulf Road in front ofAl Seif palace), Burgers gourmet (marina mall). Burgers Co. (Hawalli in front of Muhalab Mall)

The Fish Market | A great fish restaurant where fresh fish is on display and sold and cooked per your instructions. Of additional interest is that this great restaurant is next to TGI Friday's (Please do not support TGI Friday's as TGI Friday's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), which Kuwaitis treat as a high class restaurant and stand in long queues to eat Halal in.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kuwait City

Kuwait City - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kuwait City, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kuwait City. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kuwait City and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kuwait City. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kuwait City. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKuwait City: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kuwait City.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kuwait City: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kuwait City, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kuwait City.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kuwait City, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kuwait City, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kuwait City and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kuwait City, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kuwait City, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kuwait City without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kuwait City is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kuwait City.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kuwait City is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kuwait City, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kuwait City Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kuwait City

eHalal Group Kuwait City is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kuwait City. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kuwait City.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kuwait City ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kuwait City. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kuwait City, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kuwait City are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Stay Safe

Kuwait City is relatively safe.

Cope with Kuwait City

The summers (particularly July and August) are extremely hot, with temperatures during the day reaching over 50°C (122°F) for weeks on end. It is therefore important to drink plenty of water at these times to avoid dehydration and to keep out of the sun as far as feasible. December to February can, surprisingly, be really cold, with night time temperatures falling below 0°C (32°F). The spring time (March and most of April) is delightful in terms of weather. Thereafter and the weather heats up and it is often mid-October before the place starts to cool down.