Kuwait Things to Do

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Al-Mesjid al-Kabiir (the Grand Mosque) is actually rather disappointing, when you consider the sort of massive, impressive mosques that the Saudi government has constructed in Bosnia and other Muslim countries. This structure is pretty much known for its dimensions, and nothing more. It was started in 1979 and only finished in 1986, so there is really little reason to get excited about the structure from an historical perspective. The design of the building is fairly simple as well, and its decoration is rather standard. Those looking for something more traditional and interesting (from an architectural point of view) are better served by heading to Mesjid al-Souq al-Kabiir (the Great Market Souq). This building is the largest mosque in all of Kuwait, but certainly not the prettiest.

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Kuwait is one of the few countries in the Middle East with a functioning, democratically elected Parliament. Yes, many people will rant on about Kuwait being an unelected monarchy, but unlike many of the other states in the region, the country does have a body in which elected representatives (both men and women) debate the most pressing issues facing the country and its government. Political parties are not permitted, but there are general groupings of Parliamentarians who bind together based on common ideals (Liberals, Shia Islamists, Sunni Islamists, Conservatives, etc.). The National Assembly (Majlis al-Ummah), which is effectively the Parliament, is a pretty impressive building that towers over the south-western part of Arab Gulf Road. Given the amount of construction occurring right next to it, I would imagine that a new Parliament, or at least new offices, will go up soon. The sweeping entrance makes the building look like a giant tidal wave that is rushing out to sea - I'm not sure if this is the intended significance. If it is, then the meaning is puzzling in and of itself. The building was designed by a Danish architect, Jorn Utzon.

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One of common complaints that you hear from people who visit Kuwait or live there is that there is little in the way of local culture. This is largely true: the Kuwaitis are fiercely proud of their country and culture, but they don't feel the need to display it or instruct the world in its finer details. Bayt as-Sadu is one of the few places in Kuwait City where foreigners can learn about the traditional culture of the Kuwaiti bedouins and one of their greatest products: woven clothes. This museum provides a short but information exposé of the means by which bedouins prepare and weave tapestries, tent coverings and clothing, including Kuwait's famous abayas, dishdashas and bishts. The museum also offers classes in weaving, a service that isn't wildly popular but that does attract some women, both locals and foreigners who live in Kuwait. The gift shop at the Bayt is a perfect place to purchase small objects made out of woven cloth. These are ideal gifts for anyone who will want something that isn't a Gucci handbag or a Zegna top.

Everyone is welcome to take a tour of Kuwait's Grand Mosque. It a great opportunity for people to see inside, don't forget your camera as well as gain some understanding of Islam & Muslims. The following is the information about the tour.....
Kuwait Grand Mosque Tours Info
If you would like to have a tour of the Grand Mosque please contact the number below. Tours should be booked in advance. Thank you.
Please note: Tours usually take between 1 ½ to 2 hours and should be finished before the prayer time. Please also inform us how many people will be attending.
* Ladies are required to wear long loose clothing and cover their hair, scarves and abayas (loose cloak) are provided, if you have your own you're welcome to use it.

Morning tours in English are at 9.30a.m. Sun - Thurs.
To book contact (965) 99044377
Email: q8grandmosque@yahoo.com

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very very small.. little mall that maybe you can visit aquarium since there will be not much to do in Kuwait and then watch Imax, seems they have more Muslim type Imax that nowhere else I saw.. like 'trip to Meka'. Little bit to spend time to do something while is nothing to do :) we spend 30min there and maybe more in souvenir shop :)

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there is absolutely nothing to do and I mean it N O T H I NG. Try to choose the hotel at least with some entertainment - pool at least or spa.. BUT pool will be crowded with outsiders over weekend.. :( and there are not many hotels with pool too :) Radisson was Ook, but not best. Mind you, was sooo hot that we went to the pool after 3pm and it was just right with cool water.
We tried to be 'busy' , so we asked driver to drive us around the city.. Forget the souq - is just Indian souq, nothing local, oh well at least in Kuwait city..
few more tips will write separate... :)

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These place seems to have quite a prominence in Kuwait - tourist maps and postcards and road directon signs notable have Souk Sharq as a destination.

I walked past and got some views and photos that Im rather happy with - I would like to have gone in for a roam around but time and daylight was limited so I chose the old souks in the city centre above this modern shopping centre.

Souk Sharq is right on the waterfront - with marina of posh boats moored in the sanctuary in front and the fishing port to the side. All this waterfront area is paved with good walk and pathways which makes good walking routes and wheelchair access.

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There are a number of large souks in the city - I particularly wanted to visit the 'Gold Souk' - Mubarak Souk as its one of the oldest ones rather than say Souk Sharq which is well signposted and advertised but its actually a huge new shopping centre with Debenhams and other places that can be found in London - Im sure it would be full of lovely Kuwaiti items - such as the lovely coffee set that the family I met and had dinner with my first night who had said it was probably from or could be found at Souk Sharq - but with limited time I made do with taking photos of the lovely waterside setting that Souk Sharq is in and then kept heading for Mubarak Souk in the city centre.

It takes up a number of streets and the most central or covered area of it which seemed to be the food - meat and produce and vegetables and so - was busy with lots of shoppers - and then the outer streets full of clothing and household items, jewellery (one large area that had a lot of jewellery and particularly gold looking jewelleyr - maybe why its called the Gold Souk! - perfume shops and even gun shops.

An excellent place for roaming around and getting in amongst the locals though obviously unless you do look like a local you are going to stand out as a nonlocal or foreigner! but even still a great place for getting a feel of local life and for people watching.
As for shopping it probably is about haggling a bit - I didnt really see anything I wanted - some attractive silver or wooden boxes butwith enormous prices! - and when I found a shop that sold apple or mollasses flavoured tobacco for shisha the price quoted was like I told the guy one in which I might as well buy the stuff in London. 2.50 dinar which is £5.