Travel Guide Kuwait City

Transcription

1 Travel Guide Quick view Travel etiquette Health Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels istock LH.com/travelguide 01/11

2 02 Quick view a brief overview A small city state perched on the northern end of the Arabian Gulf, is blessed with a beautiful coastline, some seriously impressive architecture and a plethora of top-notch places to eat. Unfortunately, was, until recently, cursed with some very bad neighbours and as a result of the Iraqi invasion in 1990 and the orgy of looting that followed, still lacks some of the confident grandeur it boasted prior to Saddam Hussein s attack. Nevertheless, what remains is fascinating, with fabulous Islamic art collections, a model Viking ship and the largest dhow in the world among the most interesting sights. General Information Country overview consitutes a puzzling but intriguing mix of Western liberalism and strict Islam. The German Foreign Office, das Auswärtige Amt, publishes regularly updated general and country-specific travel information on its website (auswaertigesamt.de). Here, you will also find safety advice and information about particular risks and travel warnings, in other words, the department s urgent appeals not to travel to a country or a certain region of a country at all if it can be avoided. Geography shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. To the southeast lies the Persian Gulf, where has sovereignty over nine small islands (the largest is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka). The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt. General knowledge Key facts Population: Population Density (per sq km): 151 Capital:. Language Arabic, but English is widely understood, especially in commerce and industry. Currency Dinar (KWD) = 1,000 fils. Notes are in denominations of KWD20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500 and 250 fils. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 fils. Electricity 240 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin and British-style square three- LH.com/travelguide 02/11

3 03 pin plugs are both used. General business opening hours Sun-Thurs or Sat-Wed and Government office hours Sat-Wed (winter); (summer). Public holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January December 2019 period. Note Holidays falling on the weekend are observed during the preceding or following week. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-fitr itself. Eid al-fitr and Eid al-adha may last up to several days, depending on the region New Year s Day: 1 January 2018 Republic Day: 25 February 2018 Liberation Day: 26 February 2018 Mi radsch (Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad): 13 April 2018 Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan): June 2018 Waqfat Arafat (Arafat Day): 21 August 2018 Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice): August 2018 Hidschra (Islamic New Year): 12 September 2018 Mawlid an-nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 21 November New Year s Day: 1 January 2019 Republic Day: 25 February 2019 Liberation Day: 26 February 2019 Mi radsch (Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad): 3 April 2019 Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan): 5 7 June 2019 Waqfat Arafat (Arafat Day): 11 August 2019 Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice): August 2019 Hidschra (Islamic New Year): 1 September 2019 Mawlid an-nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 10 November 2019 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. It is quite likely that a visitor will be invited to a i's home, but entertaining is also conducted in hotels and restaurants. A small gift promoting the company, or representing your own country, is always welcome. The visitor will notice that most is wear the national dress of long white dishdashes and white headcloths, and that many women wear LH.com/travelguide 03/11

4 04 yashmaks. It is important for women to dress modestly according to Islamic law. Men do not usually wear shorts in public and should not go shirtless. All other Islamic rules and customs must be respected. Convicted users of narcotics can expect to receive a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment, plus a heavy fine. 'No Smoking' signs are posted in many shops. It is greatly appreciated if visitors learn at least a few words of Arabic. Homosexuality is illegal, as is any public affection between men and women. Cohabitation is also illegal. The import and use of drugs, alcohol, pork products and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. Health Health Food & Drink Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other Risks Diarrhoeal diseases are common. Hepatitis B is endemic in the region. Contractual physician of Lufthansa Dr. Aldoub, Mubarak A. Alrashed Hospital Salmiyah Tel ext: 240 Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet /Mobile Telephone Dialing code: +965 Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good. Internet Internet cafes throughout provide public access to and Internet services. Many hotels have business centres with Internet access. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Towers LH.com/travelguide 04/11

5 05 s most striking set of buildings tower 187m above sea level and boast a unique green and blue sequin decoration. The main tower is home to a viewing platform that gives you a bird s-eye view of the coastline below. Arabian Gulf Street Tel: Daily House of National Works: Memorial Museum A haunting interactive museum that recreates the horrors of the 1990 Iraqi invasion, which saw 100,000 troops backed by 700 tanks descend on the small city state. Block 7, 71 Street Tel: Sun-Thu and Sat National Museum Once home to one of the biggest collections of Islamic art in the Middle East, the National Museum was looted by the Iraqis but has managed to recover 2,000 pieces now all the more priceless for the effort it took to find them. Arabian Gulf Street Tel: Sun-Thu and Fri Sat The Schientific Centre and Aquarium One of the largest tropical aquariums in the Middle East, the sail-shaped building is also the place to find an interesting intertidal display as well as to see the daily frenzy when the sharks and stingrays are fed. Al Blajat St Sat-Wed Thu Fri Tareq Rajab Museum Musical instruments, elaborately embroidered prayer caps and shelves of gold and silver jewellery are all found in this tiny museum, built to house the private collection amassed by s first minister of antiquities. Jabria, Area 12, street 5 Tel: Sat-Thu and Fri LH.com/travelguide 05/11

6 06 House of Mirrors The work of Lidia al-qattan, the widow of artist Khalifa al-qattan, this house (in which she still lives) is indeed spangled with mirrored glass both inside and out. 17 Street 94 Tel: By appointment Al Hashemi Marine Museum A Viking ship is the unexpected centrepiece of this interesting museum set within a vast wooden boat and home to an array of rare crafts, among them an antique Arabian dhow. Al-Bidea Various Beit Dickson The former home of 1930s British Colonel Harold Dickson and his wife Violet. The exhibits within speak volumes about her love of all things i. Hamad Al-Mubarak St Mon-Thu and Fri-Sat and Arab Fund Building One of the loveliest buildings in, the Arab Fund Building also contains some of the city s most opulent rooms all of which you can see during a tour bookable by calling ahead. Airport Road Shuwaikh Area By appointment Maritime Museum Like the rest of the Gulf States, was built on trade, and this fascinating museum gives an interesting insight into how it all worked. Arabian Gulf Street Mon-Thu and Sat and Fri Shopping Shopping in in LH.com/travelguide 06/11

7 07 Key Areas A city that built its wealth on trade, s mercantile heritage goes a long way to explaining the locals love of all things shopping. Huge glittering malls such as the Marina Mall and Al Mohalab Mall contain every luxury conceivable, as well as international brands both designer and high street. But for a truly authentic experience, head to the Old Souq where little has changed in the centuries since it was built. Selling everything from frankincense to gold bangles, dates, beautifully embroidered scarves and even pickled shark, this is the place to come for souvenirs. Markets The Old Souq is the main market and sells just about everything imaginable but there s also the Gold Souq which focuses on jewellery. Shopping Centres The Avenues Mall (Al-Rai, Fifth Ring Road) is the largest while Al Kout Mall (Al- Fahaheel) is the nicest to visit but there really is no shortage of choice. Restaurants Restaurants in Whether you re after authentic Indian, Lebanese kebabs or just a hearty serving of local fare, has no shortage of places to eat them. The Spice Club A favourite with s style set, The Spice Club serves up authentic Indian cooking. 360 Mall Sixth Ring Road South Surra Al Zahra a Area Price: Expensive Al Boom Really good fresh seafood served up in a vast dhow built especially for the owners. Al Bida Road Al Ta'awn Street Salwa Price: Expensive Restaurant Assaha Housed within a replica 1940s villa, Assaha does local food in traditional style. Block 1 Bneid Al Qar Price: Moderate LH.com/travelguide 07/11

8 08 Burj Al-Hamam Perched in the middle of the Corniche, this is a good spot for a quick Middle Eastern lunch. Arabian Gulf St Price: Cheap Johnny Rockets Old-fashioned all-american cooking, with burgers and enormous salads among the highlights. Al-Salmiya Hawally Governorate Price: Cheap Nightlife Nightlife in is not a place for party animals: alcohol is banned and as a result, there are no bars or clubs.instead, there s a thriving arts scene and plenty of small coffee houses to enjoy. Little Theatre Established in 1948, this is a good place to see contemporary i plays and dance performances. Main Street English Tea Lounge Opulently decorated, the English Tea Lounge serves a huge range of teas and cakes to boot. Fahd Al-Salem Street Safat Esquires Coffee House A cosy coffee shop that brews up drinks in a huge variety of different flavours. AL-Jahra Awtad Mall LH.com/travelguide 08/11

9 09 Casper and Gambini's Housed inside an old i villa, Casper and Gambinis is famous for its iced coffee. Old Arabic Houses Al-Watiah Al Liwan An elegant lounge serving tea and coffee, as well as delicately decorated cakes. The Regency Al Bida'a, Al Tawoon Street, Salmiya Calendar of events Calendar of events Hala Festival Month-long cultural festival celebrating the spring and marked with shopping extravaganzas. February 2018 Venue: Various Venues National Day National Day marks the foundation of as a country in This countrywide celebration includes public meetings, a firework display and people getting together to eat, drink, sing and dance, and generally celebrate their national identity. Traditional dress is usually worn for the occasion. Fireworks displays on Green Island, off the Corniche, cultural programmes and the dressing of the city in coloured lights. 25 February 2018 Venue: Various Venues Liberation Day One of the most important dates for the people of, Liberation Day is celebrated every year on 26 February and commemorates the liberation of by the Allied forces from seven months of Iraqi occupation after the Gulf War. This day is characterised by people getting together to revel in the spirit of freedom. 26 February 2018 Venue: Various Venues LH.com/travelguide 09/11

10 10 Camel Racing Races start around 0700 or 0800 at Al-Atraf Camel Racing Club on a track 7km west of Al-Jahra. November April 2019 Venue: Various venues Hotels Hotels in Big Western chains such as Marriott and Le Meridien dominate s hotel scene, although the odd locally run property does crop up.be warned: most are expensive. Courtyard A Marriott-run hotel, the Courtyard is lavishly decorated and comfortable. Al Shuhada Street Category: Expensive The Regency A glamorous property with several pools and a perfect beachfront location. Al Bida'a, Al Tawoon Street, Salmiya Kauwait City Category: Expensive Hawthorn Hotel and Suites Beautifully decorated, central and comfortable, the Hawthorn is excellent value for money. Zarkaa Al Yamamah St Kauwait City Category: Moderate Holiday Inn Much slicker than the European variant, the Holiday Inn is centrally located and convenient. 140 Hamad al Mubarak Str., Gulf Road Kauwait City Category: Moderate ibis Sharq Compact, but smart and affordable rooms in a central location. LH.com/travelguide 10/11

11 11 Jaber Al Mubarak Street Category: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 11/11