Kuwait Activities

The government has succeeded in turning much of the harsh desert-land of Kuwait into lush green parks and amusement playgrounds. Many of the parks here have amusement arcades and children's play facilities. There are also several amusement and theme parks countrywide, along with a zoo and an impressive aquarium. Despite its reputation, Kuwait has an enormous range of children’s activities on offer.

Entertainment City
This park was badly damaged during the 1990 Iraqi occupation, when many of its facilities were looted, but in recent years, it has reopened and is now much bigger and better than before. It can be found 20kms from Kuwait City, near Doha on the north side of Kuwait Bay, and it provides a complete range of amusements based on themes from the Arab, international and future worlds. It is considered one of the best amusement parks on the planet, offering something for all ages.

Musical Fountain
This can be found on the 1st Ring road and has been completely refurbished in recent years. The Musical Fountain provides a unique and delightful sight and sound show every night during summer months from 18:00 until 22:00.

Science and Natural History Museum
This museum houses displays which relate to the oil industry, natural history, aviation, machinery, electronics, space and zoology. It also boasts a health hall and planetarium. Located on Abdullah Mubarak street, the Science and Natural History Museum is guaranteed to interest even the youngest child with its fascinating sights, sounds and interactive exhibits.

Sea Clubs
Many of Kuwait's sea clubs offer a wide variety of facilities and activities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beaches, tennis courts, bowling and Marshall Arts. There are a total of five sea clubs: Ras Al-Ardh, B'neid Al-Gar, Bida, Shaab and Fahaheel, which each have a designated day or time for women and children only.

Scientific Centre
This is the largest aquarium in the Middle East and it offers the chance to see many different sea species living in their natural habitats. As well as discovering the secrets of the deep blue sea, children can also watch a movie at the IMAX Theatre, visit Dhow Harbour and have some lunch at the Scientific Centre’s restaurant. Phone: +965 848 888; website: www.tsck.org.kw/aquarium-show.htm.

Zoological Park
This national zoo is located in Omarrya on the road to the airport. It covers 180,000 square metres of parkland, and through a dedicated reconstruction programme, the zoo now houses 65 species of animals, 129 species of birds and five species of reptiles. You will find lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes and zebras, all in natural enclosures. Phone: +965 473 3389; website: www.paaf.gov.kw/portal.

Kuwait offers a surprising amount of sport and leisure pursuits despite its desert-like terrain. You will find a wide selection of activities, ranging from basketball to horseback riding and ice skating. A few sports are banned for national security reasons, such as hang-gliding.

The National Archery Centre can be found inside the gates of the Hunting and Equestrian Club. It is possible for anyone to use the facility for a nominal fee.

Basketball is among the more popular sports in Kuwait. It is played at all major sports clubs and it is possible for visitors to watch all games as well as participate in training sessions.

The exclusive Hunting and Equestrian Club is located on the 6th Ring road, and although the club’s original horses were stolen by Iraqi invaders, they were replaced in 1992 with 40 Irish thoroughbreds. The club has race tracks and riding and gymkhana facilities as well as a swimming pool, tennis courts, a bowling alley, restaurant and an indoor sports area.

Keen fishermen will find an enormous selection of fish in the waters off Kuwait. The range includes six different types of shark, two types of barracuda, stinging and non-stinging rays, four varieties of mackerel and tuna, sole, bream, snapper, cat fish, flounder, puffer and needlefish. You can fish with sophisticated long casting rods or simple poles, lines and hooks or wire baskets. It is also possible to join a fishing boat trip for a day.

Kuwait's Ice Skating Rink is located just off the 1st Ring road at Shamiya Gate and boasts an Olympic size skating floor as well as a smaller rink for women and children only. Training is available for those who require it and there are rental shops located throughout. There is a small café on-site which offers hot and cold refreshments.

Car rallies are making a slow comeback in the country, with the Amateur Car and Motorbike Association holding drag races every Thursday. They can be found at the Science Club on the 6th Ring road. Motorbike races are held from May to October, while car contests are held year-round.

You will find an excellent choice of restaurants throughout the country which serve a wide choice of international and Arab cuisine. Kuwait offers a truely cosmopolitan experience, which is a fusion of East and West. There is a McDonalds on every main street, which sit side by side with ethnic Arabian restaurants. The country is home to many different nationalities, each of which have influenced the dining scene here.

You will have no problem locating Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Iranian, Italian or American cuisine. The choice of restaurants serving food from around the world is literally endless, with over 100 ethnic varieties available. Eateries range from food stalls to top-class five-star restaurants.

National specialties include: hummus, falafel, foul and marag. Marag is fried or boiled meat which is then combined with other ingredients and spices before being steamed together in a large pot. This dish is commonly served with aish, Arabic flat bread.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Kuwait, so you will not be able to enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, but there are many delicious drinks that the Kuwaitis serve up to compensate including Turkish coffee. Dining out usually begins at about 22:00 and carries on throughout the night.

Though many of Kuwait's traditional souks still exist, the country has seen an abundance of modern supermarkets and shopping malls open. Stocked with goods from all across the world, supermarkets have seen a rise in prices and many fresh food items can be bought cheaper at the local markets. Most of Kuwait's shopping malls have been rebuilt since the 1990 Iraqi occupation and range from designer outlets to high street and fashion stores. Many malls house small shops which specialise in certain items such as coffee and handicrafts.

Kuwait is famous for its gold souks. You can find these throughout the country, which buy and sell gold. Popular jewellery styles include Arabic, Indian and Italian.
Gold is considered of immense value by many in Kuwait, with most gold that is sold here being 22 carat. Gold must be hallmarked and inspected by the government for quality. An official receipt, clearly showing the purity and weight of the gold, should always be shown.

Despite the increase of modern supermarkets and shopping malls, many of the traditional souks are still thriving. The souk area in central Kuwait City retains many of its covered streets and passageways which are lined with stalls and shops. Many Friday markets (Souk Al-Juma'a) still operate from early morning until evening, selling everything from second-hand furniture to carpets, antiques and livestock. Bargaining is expected, so make sure you brush up on your bartering skills before you visit. The major souks can be found in Salmiya, Fahaheel and Hawally.

Modern shopping malls have become very popular. They have given locals the opportunity to buy imported clothing, household goods, cosmetics, perfumes and other items. The most popular malls include: the Salhiya Complex in the city; Al-Watiya behind the Sheraton Hotel; the Zahra Complex in Salmiya; the Muthana Complex across from Le Meridien and the Al-Othman complex in Hawally. These not only offer consumer items, but they also house opticians, travel agents and amusement centres for children.

Shopping hours: are generally 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:30 to 21:00, Saturday to Thursday; and 15:30 to 20:30 on Fridays.