The mention of a visit to Kuwait while on a recent around the world adventure raised eyebrows among friends. “Why?” and “What’s there to see?” prompted me to question my motivation for visiting the Gulf Nation, once at the centre of a war over weapons of mass destruction, aka ‘oil’. Each time I mentioned Kuwait, the riposte was the same: “I wouldn’t waste my time.” Compelled to uncover the truth, I continued with initial plans, flew from Mumbai in the wee hours one night and spent the following three days exploring the pint-sized nation. Here are the notable features and reasons to visit Kuwait.
A Melting Pot of Culture
Difficult to conceive, particularly given the region’s tumultuous history, is Kuwait as a pluralistic society. Yet it is. Segregation and marginalisation a common complaint among minority groups, the fact remains: two thirds of the country’s four million are expatriates. I thought it déjà vu as I spoke to men in shops, facial features reminiscent of Egyptian friends in Cairo. Be it Egyptian, Indian, Filipino, Bangladeshi, Syrian, Pakistani or Jordanian Palestinian, an encounter with an expatriate is likelier than engagement with a Kuwaiti national. Visiting Kuwait was thus an opportunity for me to travel back to some of my favourite countries, and be enticed by new horizons, simply by talking to the faces of modern Kuwait.
Delectable Dining Options
I’m partial to food, particularly when it’s spiced with cumin, flavoured by coriander, aromatic of cinnamon and comes with a dipping sauce derived from chick peas. The Middle East is host to a distinctive set of flavours, each evocative of a diverse exotic notion and food sensation. Fortunately for me, food is integral to Arab life. Whether I was wandering by the stalls of Souq Al-Mubarakiya, lazing by the Marina or walking through the CBD, there were innumerable means of pabulum with which to satiate my growing Middle Eastern appetite.
Rarely was there a table empty, a seat free or a face void of a hearty food-satisfied smile. Jordanian Palestinians offered me a sample of their meals as I walked by, and Egyptians handed me plates of food that had lovingly been prepared at home. I bought the most delicious slice of cake I’ve ever eaten, made of pumpkin by a Kuwaiti, and had my tastebuds titillated by the succulent juices of lamb in Salmiya. Dining experiences were ergo the highlight of my visit.
Where should you eat?
My favourite food experience was had at Beit Ahmed inside the Souq, despite the robust price. Surrounded by trinkets from around the globe, the atmosphere brimming with mysticism and intrigue, my tastebuds lingered over the flavours of fresh falafel, hummus, date cake and mint-infused black tea.
The (few) Sights to See
Perhaps not the most culturally enticing hotspot of the region, the absence of travellers testament to its lack of appeal, there are a handful of sights to enthuse those who do decide to visit. They will occupy one to two days of your time.
The Grand Mosque
Inherent to every Arab nation is a large mosque, constructed centrally, featured prominently, and distinctive in design. Kuwait is no exception. Constructed in 1986, the Grand Mosque covers a large section of city close to Souq Al-Mubarakiya and is capable of hosting 10,000 men at once in the prayer hall.
A symbol of the predominant national ecclesiastical inclination, it draws people from far and wide, every day of the year. I was fortunate to acquaint Aladdin, an Egyptian journalist who works for the mosque. He used his free time to guide me and included snippets of local information during the course of conversation.
Marina World
Set along the coastline, Marina World is a landmark, and a key shopping district. Comprised of The Mall and Marina Crescent, both connected by a glass-enclosed footbridge, combining a shopping and dining experience is seamless. Shops are plentiful, as are restaurants and cafes lining the waterfront. I was on a backpacker budget, so shopping was out of the question. However, following a snack devoured by the water’s edge, I strolled through the park to the beach. The weather a little inclement, there was no activity in the water. On a hot day, however, I could imagine the small stretch of white covered in shirtless men and fully clothed women. Such is life in the Arab world.
Kuwait Towers
A symbol of modern Kuwait, the three towers that rest on the shores of the Persian Gulf are eye catching. Stylistically diverse from their modern and ancient counterparts, they evoke a sense of futurism, opulence and prosperity, perhaps symbolic of the nation’s unabating ambition to grow and succeed. As the 10th richest country in the world, said assumption is not unrealistic. Void of neighbours, capturing an iconic shot is simple. Although inclement weather enveloped the blue sky on the day I visited, the visit to Al Waha at 79 metres above sea level was still worthwhile. It provided a unique perspective in terms of the city’s geography.
Souq Al-Mubarakiya
Fortunate to be visiting during the period surrounding the much-anticipated Kuwait National Day, the ‘old souq’ – which has been significantly renovated – was ablaze with lights, celebratory paraphernalia and festive spirit. Given it’s at the core of Kuwait, I daresay it’s the mainstay, a place of congregation, socialisation and celebration, day in day out. I spent hours wandering over the brick pathways, from silk carpets and Arabian trinkets to the odour of musk and lime. My tastebuds were enticed by fresh dates and honey, my nostrils by the aroma of variegated spices. I passed stalls overflowing with fruit and vegetables and walked through a room teeming with fish fresh from Gulf waters. Eventually, I found a courtyard, packed to the seams with people, eating the authentic Arabic, Indian and Persian food being delivered from the restaurants lining the periphery. It was a gastronomic, multi-sensorial and enlightening experience.
The Central Fish Market
For an experience like no other, visit the Central Fish Market near Souq Sharq between two and four pm. Hundreds of bodies congregated in the centre of the pavilion as Arabic shrills erupted into the air, fish bodies dropped to the floor and hands waved furiously overhead. It was auction time, and nobody was going home empty handed. The vibe was electric, stronger than the pungent odour of marine life covering a swathe of bench throughout the building. For a more peaceful meander, with time to stop and smell the fish, visit early in the morning or any time up until the early afternoon hours.
Convincing Reasons to Visit Kuwait?
In the end, although I didn’t fall head over heels for the rapidly developing Gulf nation, there were aspects of the sojourn I enjoyed, contrary to my friends’ comments and despite its hefty price tag. It’s unlikely I would return, though. However, if you find yourself in the region, spending a day or two in Kuwait wouldn’t be a bad way to pass time. There are a handful of things to pique curiosity and fill a day’s itinerary. It may never shoot to the top of your travel hit lists, but it could certainly be included in a Middle East itinerary, particularly if visiting neighbouring countries.