One thing that says it all about Kuwait is that you will find its people warm, hospitable, friendly and helpful, making your visit to the country a very enriching and memorable experience.
Kuwait was once a nation of pearl divers and spice merchants and has become one of the worlds' largest oil producers and exporters. The shift in its economy led to a transformation in every sense. The local society with its population of 4 million is today cosmopolitan and modern and yet it remains true to its heritage and traditions.
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Kuwait stretches over 17,818 square kilometers along of the Arabian Gulf. The country is mainly covered with desert, with the exception of two large oases in the north and south. Kuwait is neighbored to the west and south by Saudi Arabia, to the north by Iraq and separated from the Asian continent on the east by the Gulf sea. The country has nine islands.
Read MoreKuwait has a typical desert climate with hot summers and moderate to cold weather with rain between December and March. In the months between June and September the temperatures climb up to 50° C and could be high in humidity, sometimes reaching up to 90%.
Read MoreArabic is the official language. Kuwaiti is a dialect of the Arabic language. English is used for business in the private sector. When walking on the streets, don’t be surprised to hear a mixture of many languages in addition to Arabic and English as Kuwait is cosmopolitan country in which many nationalities reside in Kuwait as well, and somehow, everyone communicated harmoniously.
Read MoreKuwait is a Muslim country and respectful of other religions. Churches are spread across the country to serve the Christian community. Muslim holidays are official public holidays, while Christian holidays such as Christmas and New year are also marked, with retailers decorating for the occasions and hotels and restaurants offering special evenings.
Read MoreKuwait gained complete independence from the UK in 1961. Its Constitution was drafted by an elected 20-member Constituent Assembly and 11 ministers - who joined the Assembly later. On November 1, 1962, the draft constitution was approved by the then Amir, late Sheikh Abdallah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.
Read MoreKuwait time is three hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3). It is eight hours ahead of the Eastern Standard Time (EST +8), and nine hours ahead of Central Standard Time (CST +9).
Read MoreKuwait is a constitutional emirate with a semi-democratic political system. The parliament (National Assembly) is elected and the government is appointed. Kuwait has the oldest directly elected parliament among other Gulf countries.
Read MoreA tourist visa is required to enter Kuwait, which can be obtained from the hotels in Kuwait. The visitor’s passport must be valid at least another six months before its expiration date. For more information, please visit the website of the Ministry of Interior.
Read MoreKuwait is one of the worlds' largest oil producers and exporters. The Kuwaiti dinar is the highest-valued unit of currency in the world. According to the World Bank, Kuwait's economy it's the twenty seventh-largest by GDP per capita.
Read MoreThe Kuwait Dinar, also know as KD or KWD, is the strongest currency in the word. It is stable, and 1 KD worth about $3.30 and Euro 2.73.
Read MoreAll types of credit and debit cards, including American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa. The import and export of local and foreign currency is allowed.
Read MoreKuwaiti customs authorities enforce strict regulations for temporary importation into or export from Kuwait on items such as religious materials, narcotics, firearms, pornography and alcohol. Alcohol, pork products and pornography are considered illegal in Kuwait. Possession and abuse of drugs can lead to imprisonment and bail is usually not granted for drug offences and penalty for drug trafficking can also attract death sentence.
Read MoreTipping is not mandatory in Kuwait. Should you have enjoyed the service, you may tip at your own discretion.
Read MoreBeing a Muslim country ,general modesty of behavior and dressing is expected in public. When visiting public institutions or religious buildings, visitors are expected to be dressed conservatively. In mosques, men should wear long pants or a dishdasha, while women are required to wear a headscarf.
Read MoreThe standard voltage is 240 volts AC and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Electricity sockets use Type G (UK-type flat three-pin plugs). In Kuwait, electricity tariffs are extremely competitive and sometimes included in rent as it is covered by landlords
Read MoreFailaka Island was known a long time ago by its Hellenistic name, Ikaros. History has it that Alexander the Great ordered the island to be called Icarus, after the Icarus island in the Aegean Sea. The Island has remains of a Hellenistic fort and Greek temples.
Read MoreKuwait has nine islands. Failaka is an archaeological site that is the only inhabited island. Bubiyan is the largest island, while the seven others - Miskan, Auhha, Warba, Umm Al-Maradim, Umm Al-Naml, Kubbar and Qaruth – are small in size.
Read MoreThe Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway is a mega bridge project with an estimated construction value of approximately US$3 billion that spans the Bay of Kuwait in two directions and comprises two projects: Main Link, which connects Kuwait City with the future Silk City; and Doha Link, which connects Kuwait City with Doha and the Kuwait Entertainment City.
Read MoreKuwait's 2035 vision aims on transforming Kuwait into a financial and trade hub regionally and internationally, and becoming more attractive to investors, in which the private sector leads the economy, creating competition and promoting production efficiency. The vision aims to preserve the national values and social while maintaining social welfare and building a strong foundation for a friendly business environment that is sustainable.
Read MoreKuwait's summers are largely from April to October with a hot and humid weather. Winters are from November to March are cool with limited rain, while Spring is considered from February to April with a cool and pleasant weather. Each season offers a unique experience with activities and outings.
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