Bordered by Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf, Kuwait has rapidly developed since the discovery of oil reserves in 1938. Cultural museums and monumental mosques cluster in the coastal capital, Kuwait City, while large swathes of desert landscapes dominate the interior.

Things to do

Oil-built cities, heritage villages and bird-filled nature reserves all await on a visit to fascinating Kuwait.

Explore Kuwait City. Serving as the nation’s capital, Kuwait City centres around the immense dome of the Grand Mosque and its Andalusian-inspired minaret. Discover the country’s cultural history at the Kuwait National Museum before shopping for Persian carpets, honey and spices at Souk Al-Mubarakiya.

Visit Failaka Island. Jump aboard a ferry to visit the island of Failaka, which is renowned for its Heritage Village filled with traditional houses. Learn about life in the early-20th century at the Museum Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al Salim Al Sabah and experience a camel ride around the Mesopotamian ruins before enjoying a range of water sports at Wanasa Beach.

See Mina Al Ahmadi. Founded in 1946 following the discovery of oil, Mina Al Ahmadi is home to many of Kuwait’s oil refineries and company headquarters. Delve into the story of oil in the region at the Oil Display Center before witnessing the immense supertankers moored at the port’s jetties.

Tour the Kazmah Desert Cliffs. A short drive around Kuwait Bay takes you to the Kazmah Desert Cliffs, with its elevated position offering sweeping views across the Persian Gulf. You can join the locals on their quad bikes or go wildlife spotting in Sabah Al Ahmad Natural Reserve, which is home to a variety of endemic bird species.

Getting around

Kuwait International Airport is the main gateway to the country and lies around 20 minutes’ drive from the heart of Kuwait City. Long-distance buses connect to Dammam in Saudi Arabia and scheduled ferries travel across the Persian Gulf to Iran. Buses travel throughout Kuwait’s urban areas while taxis and ride-share services are also available.