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Introduction
Kuwait is an oil-rich country with an area of 17,818 sq km situated at the north-western tip of the Arabian Gulf. Its territorial waters include nine islands and a 290 km long coastline. The country is bordered on the north and west by Iraq, on the south by Saudi Arabia and on the east by the Arabian Gulf.
Located at 30.27°N and 48.46°E, Kuwait ranks third in the Middle East in proven oil reserves (after Saudi Arabia and Iraq) and was a founding member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Its name is derived from Kut, an Arabic word for fort. The capital city, Kuwait, is located on an inlet of the Arabian Gulf.
History
The present Al-Sabah dynasty was established in Kuwait in the mid-eighteenth century - about 1760. Kuwait was nominally a province of the Ottoman Empire, ruled from Constantinople. This was observed on paper but seldom in fact.
When the Turks threatened to take actual control of the country in 1899, the ruling Sheikh sought and eventually received British protection.
The "Kuwait Oil Company" discovered oil in Kuwait in 1938, but due to the eruption of World War II, it was not exported until 1946. The large-scale exploitation of oil reserves turned Kuwait into a large trading centre.
Kuwait remained a British protectorate until 1961 when it became independent under Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. However, when Iraq claimed the emirate in the early 1960s, it once again received British protection.
Iraqi allegations of Kuwait and the UAE deliberately overproducing oil were followed by Saddam Hussein moving his troops to the Kuwaiti-Iraqi borders. In the early hours of the 2nd of August 1990, the Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait and occupied the country until its liberation on the 26th of February 1991.
Kuwait has since embarked on a continuous process of redevelopment to overcome the destruction caused by the Iraqi invasion and occupation.
Government
Kuwait was granted independence in 1961; in the same year it became a member of the Arab League, the Kuwait flag was hoisted on all governmental departments and institutions. In 1962 the Kuwaiti elected the Constituent Assembly (50 members) convened to draft the Kuwaiti institution, in November, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah ratified the first constitution of Kuwait. In January 1963, the first parliamentary elections were held; in the same month, the newly-elected national assembly convened. In May, Kuwait became a member of the United Nations Organization.
The Emir appoints the cabinet and the state constitution provides for the election of a 50-man National Assembly (parliament). Elections to the new assembly took place in October 1992 to run for four years. At these elections the narrowly defined electorate (a mere 13% of Kuwaiti nationals and no women at all) elected the first opposition majority in Kuwait's history. Candidates advocating democratic reform won 31 of the 50 seats.
Economy
The economy of Kuwait is based almost exclusively on oil; crude oil reserves are estimated at about 94 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 90% of export revenues, and 75% of government income By law, 10% of all oil revenues is to be deposited into a special reserve fund to provide for the future when oil revenues are exhausted.
Due to the lack of water and arable land Kuwait couldn't develop agriculture as an economic activity. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported.
Local Newspapers
The main English Daily may be accessed on line by clicking on:
www.kuwaittimes.net/
Education
The following are the most highly regarded private schools in Kuwait. Note that the age ranges given are approximate and can change according to demand for places.
American School of Kuwait, Ages 4 –18
www.ask.edu.kw
The American International School of Kuwait, Ages 4 –18.
www.aiskuwait.org
The British School of Kuwait, Ages 3 –18
www.bsk.edu.kw/
Healthcare
The quality of health care in Kuwait is generally high and equal to that in western Europe and the USA, except for highly specialised treatment.
Owing to Kuwait’s small population and the numerous medical facilities in the private and public sectors, long waiting lists are almost unheard of. For specialised treatment, however, it’s sometimes necessary to seek medical assistance outside Kuwait.
American Mission Hospitals, which used to operate on a part-private (for those who could afford treatment), part-free (for those who couldn’t) basis, played an important part in the development of medical services and can still be found today, although they no longer offer free treatment. Kuwait now has a public health service providing free or very low cost health care for its nationals and it’s important to note that these services are also available to expatriates. For some time, however, Kuwait has encouraged employers to provide medical insurance for their employees.
Housing
The vast majority of expatriates live in secure walled compounds or apartment style accommodation.
One useful website is:
www.aaahousingq8.com
Security
Kuwait has maintained a high level of security since the Iraqi invasion under Saddam Hussein and the Gulf War which liberated the country. US Forces remain stationed in the country. Expatriates should avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate as there is an anti American sentiment amongst some groups.
Expatriates living in Kuwait continue to take precautions to protect their security.
Tourism & Recreation
Aqua Park is the first and biggest water park in the Arab Gulf region. It covers an area of 60,000 square metres and is situated on the Arab Gulf Street adjacent to the Kuwait towers. Enjoy endless water and fun games with big swimming pools, sleepy river, huge water slides, kamikazes pools and sandy beaches, a total entertainment for the whole family.
Dhow Harbour visitors can view the old dhows that were previously used for coastal trading, fishing and pearl diving. They can come on-board the 'Fateh el Kheir'. The Fateh el Kheir, which means Bringer of Good Fortune, is the last surviving wooden dhow from the pre-oil days. The Dhow Harbour is situated in the Al-Ardh area right behind the Scientific Complex.
Dickson House was originally owned by a Kuwaiti merchant and dates back to the nineteenth century. This house became the home of Colonel Dickson and his family. Now ‘The National Council For Arts & Letters' maintains it. It is located across from the dhow harbour, east of Sief Palace.
Doha Village is the site of one of Kuwait's major construction areas for dhows & booms. Some boats, including miniatures, are still there, but few are built today. These miniatures dhows and traditional drills are sold to tourists and collectors.
Entertainment City is located in Al-Doha, 20 km from Kuwait city; it is built for family fun, where kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy a nice day out while experiencing three different theme parks in Arab World, International World and Future World, all standing in beautiful green scenery. It is open every day except Saturday and Monday is dedicated for women. Entrance ticket is 3.500 K.D for each person. Opening Hours: Summer - 5 pm to 1 am ; Winter - 3 pm. to 11 pm. (Sun. to Wed.) & 10 am. to 10 pm. (Thu. & Fri.)
Failaka Island is considered to be the most important historical place in Kuwait and is full of landmarks representing different cultural and historical eras, from the end of the 3rd millennium B.C until modern times. KPTC runs ferry trips from Ras Salmiya to Failaka Island every day. There are more islands on the coast of Kuwait like Bubiyan, Miskan, Warba, Auhha, Umm Al-Maradim, Umm Al-Naml, Kubbar and Qaruh. Taking a boat trip to one of these islands can be a remarkable experience.
Green Island offers its visitors the latest in entertainment facilities: a 700-seat amphitheatre, an exotic restaurant, and an impressive swimming pool. Imported natural rocks surround this artificial island. The kids will especially enjoy the visit as they roam the kid's castle with its endless corridors, channels, rooms and numerous small waterfalls built in for the delight of children. The Green Island is located off the waterfront, which spans 21 kilometres of coastline from Al-Shuwaikh area to Ras Alard.
Kuwait Towers offer a panoramic view of the magnificent city. The beautiful towers have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980. In addition to its beautiful design, the Kuwait Towers have a revolving viewing level and store millions of gallons of water. It is located at the Arabian Gulf avenue, in the Sharq district.
Kuwait Zoo which was established 10 years ago, is an important national and cultural land mark. You can enjoy watching animals from all over the world here. It is worth a visit during your stay in Kuwait. Kuwait Zoo is located in Omariya on the Airport Road and is open every day except Saturdays from 8am to 8pm in winter, and from 8am to 12 noon and 4pm to 8pm during summer.
Musical Fountain is considered to be the fourth largest fountains in the world. What distinguishes this garden is that it contains 220 fountains, distributed among three levelled pools. Enjoy the unique and delightful sight and sound show of musical fountains every night, especially during summer. The Musical fountain is located at Al Murqab, Kuwait City and is open everyday except Saturday from 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. (midnight) in summer and 3 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. in winter.
National Museum is located in Kuwait City on the Arabian Gulf Street between the Seif Palace and the National Assembly (Parliament) and displays thousands of items including Islamic artifacts, ancient fossils, bones, flint tools, potteries and more. The National Museum provides a glimpse into the culture, history and heritage of the Kuwaiti society and Islamic world.
Sadu House is the centre of Bedouin art where visitors have the opportunity to view Bedouin women hand weaving carpets, rugs, camel bags and tent screens. This 'House of Weaving', located near the National Museum, is a fine example of a pre-oil era house. The Sadu House is open in the mornings and from 5 to 7 pm, Saturdays to Thursdays.
Scientific Centre is the largest aquarium in the Middle East. Experience the first ever seawater aquarium in the Middle East, offering an exciting display of marine creatures and fish. Its unique architecture, with big sails serving as a roof, reminds us of Kuwait's sea heritage. Two 70-metre long fishing piers, complete with seating, shade and beacons, allow direct access to the sea. The center has also imported 650 palm trees, and 400 other plant species to provide extra shade along the pier. The Scientific center is located on the water-front in the Ras Al-Ardh area, in Salmiya.
Sha'ab Leisure Park is one place with numerous games and rides to please the whole family. It has a special corner for bungee jumping, pony rides, ice skating rink, movie theatre, fast food restaurants and leisure education for children. The park maintains all its facilities as per the international standards.
Touristic Garden located in Jaleeb Al Shyoukh is rich in its colorful flowers and beautiful palm trees, in addition to a Roman-style theatre that can host up to 2000 viewers. Weekly parties are held, and there is a cafeteria serving delicious meals, and an open space filled with entertaining games for children. Entry is free all week except for official holidays, celebration days and days where parties are held. Touristic Garden is open everyday from 4 pm. - 12 am. in summer and 3 a.m. - 10:30 pm. in winter.
The Messila Beach is located at the Messila coast just off the Fahaheel Expressway. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful and biggest beaches in Kuwait. It extends to 350 metres in length and is characterised by its white coloured sand and its clear blue sea. The beach also contains three large swimming pools, multi-levelled so that it can suit all ages.
Al-Oqeila Beach is the perfect place for the entire family to meet. Located near Fintas, it is the beach that is characterised by its calm atmosphere, enjoy barbeques, long walks, or have fun with your children playing the games available at the beach which are suitable for everybody.
