Today, costumes of pearl-divers are the same as their forefathers'. They wear the wazar, which is a wrap-around skirt that also serves as a head wrap, along with diving trunks and T-shirts. Fishermen, also, wear the fotam (nose-clip), dieng (neck basket) and hajer (toe anchor). When diving, the diver is secured to the ship's railing with a rope tied around his waist. Each diver has a helper who remains on the surface holding the rope all the time. Once the diver is ready to surface, he tugs on the rope, then, his helper pulls him up. The end of the festival is celebrated in an atmosphere of folk singing and dancing.
Water Sports
Kuwait is distinguished by its various water sports and activities, like speed boating, windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing, yachting and scuba diving. In order to practice any of the water sports in Kuwait, tourists have to buy their own equipment from dealers. Usually, renting facilities in Kuwait are few, and boats and equipment have to be bought for long-term enjoyment. From these dealers, you can, also, get all the required have details about water sports clubs and training courses available in Kuwait. Water sports can be enjoyed off the beaches all along the coast.
Yachting
Kuwait is the paradise for sailors. The sea offshore is seldom really rough, and there is nearly always a moderate breeze. Boat types and sizes range from small sailing dinghies to large yachts. Kuwait has established the Yacht Club which has a marina with 300 fully serviced berths. In addition, there are many sea clubs that have marinas and organize many sailing activities. Kuwait Offshore Sailing Association (KOSA) organizes sea races, including the race that begins in Kuwait and ends in Bahrain.
Diving
Despite the pollution resulted from the retreating Iraqi troops and setting the oil wells afire, Kuwaiti people were able to purify the sea. Today, the seas around Kuwait are comparatively clear and marine life is thriving. Scuba diving is one of the most popular sports in Kuwait. This sport is practiced much over reefs offshore and around the islands. Moreover, training courses are provided by SSAC and PADI. Al-Boom Diver Center offers certifications through NAUI and CMAS and organizes many diving trips.
Island Trips
You can enjoy a pleasant one-day trip by taking a boat to one of Kuwait islands, such as Kubbar. On the island or the boat, you can enjoy your time picnicking and swimming. You can also go fishing using trawls. You can, also, rent a dhow for a hundred (100) Kuwaiti Dinars. This includes crew and all running costs. These kind of trips is ideal for outings of a small office, or three or four families.
Fishing
Other than zubaidi and hamout, Kuwait waters is rich of fish of all shapes and kinds. Kinds of fish range, including six different types of shark, two types of barracuda, stinging and non-stinging ray fish, four varieties of mackerel and tuna, and an array of soles, snappers, breams, rock and cat fish, cobias, flounders, needlefish and puffers. You can go fishing by standing on prominent rocks with sophisticated long casting rods, or at the ends of piers using simple poles, lines and hooks. You can , also, fish using wire baskets to catch fry from the water off the beaches using nets held by several persons. If you are fishing from boats, you can use trawls and multi-hooked lines. Despite the fact that many experts use home-made fishing equipment, you can buy simple and sophisticated fishing tackle from shops.
Aqua Park
Inaugurated in 1995, Aqua Park is not only the first water park in the Gulf, but also the biggest of its kind in region. The park spreads over an area of 60,000 square meters. It is located on the Arab Gulf Street next to Kuwait Towers. Aqua Park offers unlimited means of entertainment for the whole family. One can practice a variety of water and fun games, enjoy all kinds of swimming pool areas for kids and adults, learn scuba diving at the diving club, and play volleyball in the sandy beaches.
Phone: 22431960/1/3
Website: www.aquaparkkuwait.com
Cinemas in Kuwait
Cinemas in Kuwait represent unique modern features for art of architecture in the twenty first century. Many cinema screens display movies from allover the world. The cinema halls are designed to be comfortable, large and spacious. To ensure that audience enjoy their time, cinema screens are large and the sound is enhanced with 3D effect. During the afternoon, make sure you spend your time in one of cinemas in Kuwait, including: Al-Sharqia, Al-Fanar, Ajyal, Metro, Plaza, Laila Gallery, Al-Sha'ab and Fardous.
Website Kuwait National Cinema Company ( KNCC )
Dhow Harbor
Visitors of the Dhow Harbor can view the old sailing ships and dhows used for coastal trading, fishing and pearl diving in the past. Moreover, visitors can come on-board the ship named “Fateh El-Kheir". This ships is the largest and the last surviving wooden dhow from the pre-oil days. The Dhow Harbour is located behind the Scientific Complex in Al-Ard area.
Phone: 1848888
Dickson House
This is the house of the first British political agent in Kuwait. The house was built in 1870 for a Kuwaiti merchant before the Dicksons moved to it in 1929. However, after the invasion, the Kuwaiti National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature restored the house and opened it for visitors. Today, the building is one of the very few manifestations of the 19th century Kuwaiti architecture. It is located east of Sief Palace right across the Dhow Harbor.
Doha Village
In the past, the Doha Village was a place for major construction of dhows and fishing. Hence, when you visit Doha Village, it is like going back in time to view history of Kuwait. The best thing to view there is the dhows and boats manufacturing unit. Traditional miniatures of dhows are sold to tourists and collectors.
Entertainment City
The Entertainment City is the Disneyland of Kuwait. The City is located 20 Kilometers from Kuwait City. It provides a complete range of entertainment for every member in the family. Children and grownups alike can spend an extraordinary day visiting various parks: Arab World, International World and Future World. It is as if you live in a world different from your real world.
The Entertainment City is open everyday except Saturdays and Mondays which are allocated for women. Entrance ticket is 3.500 K.D per person. It is open from Sunday to Wednesday. In summer it opens from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, and in winter it opens from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. On Thursday and Friday, it opens from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Phone: 24879455 Failaka Heritage Village
Established in same way as the old Kuwaiti villages, Failaka Heritage Village preserved the essence of Kuwait in the past. As soon as you enter the Village, you will travel back in time and spend unforgettable time. Visitors of the Heritage Village can enjoy their time staying in spacious and comfortable houses, though they are prepared to resemble the old life style. You can spend your time riding Arabian horses and camels in Failaka Stables, and enjoying barbecues under the moonlight. Among the special establishments of the Heritage Village are Qa'at Al Khair that can seat up to 450 guests, and the Museum Palace of Sheikh Abdulla Al Salim Al Sabah. Established on an island, Failaka Heritage Village has a special beach, the Wanasa Beach. On the Wanasa Beach, you can play a variety of water sports or simply enjoy the clear water and golden sand.
Website: www.failakaheritagevillage.com
Failaka Island
Failaka Island is one of the most gorgeous and famous historical islands in Kuwait. It combines the ancient and the modern history of Kuwait. The island is rich of cultural and historical landmarks from different ages, specially from the end of the third millennium B.C. till the modern age. Hence, Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) runs ferry trips everyday from Ras Salmiya to Failaka Island. To enquire about the ferry trips, you can contact the KPTC on 25742664. You can also take a boat to visit several other remarkable islands like Umm Al-Maradim, Bubiyan, Qaruh, Auhha, Umm Al-Naml, Kubbar, Warba and Miskan.
Green Island
Once you are in the Green Island, you will never believe that you are living in a desert country. The island is covered with colours and greens. In all directions, shrubs and seedlings of all colours are planted everywhere you go. Not only that, but the Island also offers its visitors the latest entertainment facilities. It includes an amphitheatre that can place up to 700 persons. Concerts and theater shows are help there quite frequently. You can only enjoy the exotic restaurants, the impressive swimming pools as well as the magnificent greens. Children have their special delightful spots. They can roam the kid's castle with its endless corridors, and play games in channel' rooms and numerous small waterfalls. Green Island is located off the waterfront spanning 21 kilometers of coastline from Al-Shiwaikh to Ras Al-Ardh.
Phone: 22526153
Ice Skating Rink
Established in March 1980, the Ice Skating Rink is a major landmark and great sport facility. The Rink is the first of its kind in the Gulf region and the Middle East. It spreads on an area of 8398 square meters at the Green Fence area in Kuwait City. The Rink consists of two main rinks. The first is an Olympic rink that has 1800 square meters surface of ice. The arena included can accommodate up to 1600 viewers and provides shoe-changing room, skating equipment store and first aid facility. The arena, also, includes a cafeteria serving light snacks, pastries, and a wide variety of drinks. The other rink is smaller; it has 800 square meters surface of ice with an arena accommodating up to 600 viewers. It is provided with a cafeteria for fast drinks and snacks.
In 1981, Kuwait Falcons, the national ice-hockey team was established. Regularly, foreign teams are invited to perform in Kuwait. The rink organizes different musical artistic festivals, kids' shows and winning festivals. Every Sunday, the rink opens for special group rates from ministries, organizations, establishments, etc.
Phone: 22411151 – 22411152
Website: www.kuwaittourism.com/ice-skating.aspx
Al-Khiran Resort
Located in Al-Khiran District, Al-Khiran Resort is about 120 kilometers away from Kuwait City. It has a total number of 196 chalets. Also, luxurious restaurants are available inside the resort. The beach at the resort is clean and ready to receive swimmers any time. Two swimming pools are established, one filled with salty water, and the other with fresh water. If you want to play sports, tennis, football, volleyball and basketball courts are available. The resort also includes a yacht club. Through obtaining membership in this club, you receive membership of the special anchor. Moreover, a entertainment city for children with the most amusing games was established. There is a computer and video games hall. To held special and social events, a huge tent is pitched inside the park. Also, the "Duza" ballroom is also available.
Phone: 23951122
Website: www.khiranresort.com
Kuwait Towers
You will never forget the magnificent view for Kuwait City from Kuwait Towers. It has a special panoramic view for all the City. In 1980, Kuwait Towers won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, which is one of the most prestigious awards. The towers are distinguished by their panoramic view that revolves 360 degree. They, also, have huge tanks, which can store millions of gallons of water. Kuwait Towers are located at the Arabian Gulf Avenue, in Al-Sharq district. Phone: 22444021 - 22444038
Website:www.kuwaittowers.com/Index.aspx
Kuwait Zoo
Since its establishments 10 years ago, Kuwait zoo is one of the most entertaining places in Kuwait. Animals in the zoo are gathered from all over the world. Never miss your chance to visit Kuwait Zoo during your stay. The zoo is located in Omariya on the Airport Road. Kuwait Zoo is open everyday except Saturdays. During summer, it is open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During winter, it is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Phone: 24733389.
Al-Messilah Beach
Al-Messilah Beach is one of the biggest beaches of Kuwait. The beach extends at the Messila coast for 350 meters just off the Fahaheel Expressway. Visitors of Al-Messilah beach can enjoy the coast white colored sand and pure blue sea, which provides enjoyment and comfort to the soul. Visitors of all ages can also enjoy three large multi-leveled swimming pools designed to suit elders and youngsters.
Phone: 25650642
Musical Fountain
Musical Fountain is a garden containing 220 fountains distributed among three leveled pools. This fountain is considered the fourth largest fountain in the world. During summer, you will never resist enjoying its captivating sight and sound shows every night. Musical Fountain is located at Al-Murqab in Kuwait City. It is open everyday except Saturday. During summer, it is open from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am (Midnight). And during winter, Musical Fountain is open from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
Phone: 22428394
National Museum
When visiting the National Museum, you can view thousands of items in display, like: ancient fossils, bones, Islamic artifacts, flint and potteries tools. All these displays and more are a glimpse on the culture, heritage and history of the Kuwaiti society and Islamic world.
The Kuwait National Museum is located on the Arabian Gulf Street between Seif Palace and the National Assembly (Parliament).
Phone: 22451195 - 22456534
Ras Al-Ardh Club
Ras Al-Ardh Club is located in Ras Al-Salmiya in Kuwait over an area of about 19,025 square meters. Club members can practice all activities through a variety of games. Basketball, volley ball, tennis courts are available at the club. Also, there are tables for tennis tables as well as two swimming and diving pools, and a park for children. In addition, a theatre is found inside the main park where members can hold their parties.
Sadu House
Sadu is a traditional Bedouin art of weaving geometric designs spinned by hand with dyed and coloured wool to create magnificent carpets, rugs, and Bedouin tent screens. Inside the Sadu House, visitors have the opportunity to view Bedouin women while weaving. Sadu House is located near the National Museum where sea and desert combine. It is considered the center of Bedouin art aiming at presenting Kuwait's roots and protecting Bedouin crafts from obliteration. Sadu House opens from Saturday to Thursday in morning from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. In evening, it opens from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Phone: 22432395
The Scientific Center
It is a huge building established on the waterfront. The building is designed to reflect the Islamic arts and culture. The Scientific Center have three main fascinating attractions, which are: Aquarium, Discovery Place and IMAX Cinema. The Aquarium presents an ecosystem of desert, sea, and coastal edge. Visitors of the Aquarium explore the lives of beings and animals in their environments. When entering the Discovery Place, visitors gain scientific experience through educational games. Highly specialized trainers are assigned to guide visitors through hand-on playful training. On entering the IMAX Cinema, you can watch 3D movies played on the giant screen. Visitors can enjoy watching educational and documentary presentations and get engaged into a highly imaginative experience. Together, the three areas create a lifetime experience.
Phone: 1848888
Website: www.tsck.org.kw
Al-Sha'ab Leisure Park
Al-Sha'ab Leisure Park is located on the southern coast of Kuwait City. The park is fully equipped with a variety of means of amusements designed for all ages. All are in one place to entertain all family members visiting the park. When you enter the park, you spend your time playing many games. Specially prepared places are found for indoor games, as well as, the outdoor sports like bungee jumping, pony rides and ice-skating. Families, also, receive their share of enjoyment watching movies and eating delicious meals at the restaurants. At Al-Sha'ab Leisure Park, all these facilities and more are maintained according to the international standards.
Phone: 25613777 / 1885000
Website: www.shaabpark.com
Al-Sha'ab Sea Club
Ras Al-Ardh Club is located in Ras Al-Salmiya in Kuwait over an area of about 19,025 square meters. Club members can practice all activities through a variety of games. Basketball, volley ball, tennis courts are available at the club. Also, there are tables for tennis tables as well as two swimming and diving pools, and a park for children. In addition, a theatre is found inside the main park where members can hold their parties.
Swimming Pool Complex
In April 1988, the Swimming Pool Complex was opened on the Arabian Gulf Road over an area of 9472 square meters. The complex has five superior swimming pools with different measures, including:
• Olympic Pool that is well-equipped to hold out tournaments and championships. The measure of the pool are 25 meters × 12 meters, with depth ranging from 80 centimeters to 2.25 meters. It is designated for men only.
• Indoor diving square shaped pool whose depth is 4 meters and it consists of four 5-meter high ladders and two 1-meter high ladders. It is also designated for men and diving purposes.
• Swimming pool for beginners located in family section whose depth ranges from 30 centimeters to 1.5 meter.
• Two pools fully equipped with water and acrobatic games to assure spending unforgettable moments of joy and fun.
Prepared with all these facilities, the Swimming Pool Complex annually hold Young Swimmer Championship. Specialized trainers supervise the swimming school located within the complex. Swimming courses are delivered for children from age six and above. Finally, the Complex contains a snack bar serving quick light meals.
Phone: 25622600
Website: http://www.kuwaittourism.com/Clubs.html
Tareq Rajab Museum
In 1980, Tareq Rajab decided to present his collection to the public. Tareq Rajab's collection included Islamic arts treasures of ceramics, gold and silver jewelry, english manuscripts, metal and glass works, old english costumes, and musical instruments. The number of items in his personal collection is over thirty thousand items of the Islamic treasures. Tareq Rajab gathered them across years. Currently, the museum displays a collection of ten thousand items to the public. The museum is divided into two main areas: Area (A) and Area (B). Each area presents a collection of beautifully handmade objects dated back to about 250 years ago.
Tareq Rajab Museum is open everyday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, except on Friday, it opens from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Phone: 25317358
Website: www.trmkt.com
The Touristic Garden
The Touristic Garden is located in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area. It spreads over an area of 87,000 square meters, all covered with colourful flowers and palm trees. A Roman-style theatre that can host up to 2000 viewers is established. The theater is always made ready for holding weekly festivals and parties. Visitors can also enjoy delicious meals, and watch their children playing in open areas filled with entertaining wooden games specially designed for children. Entry is free all week except for official holidays, celebration and conferences days.
Touristic Garden is open everyday from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am in summer and from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm in winter.
Phone: 22428394
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