Kuwait

Tucked between Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world thanks to its abundant oil supply. Its ever-growing capital, Kuwait City, is a cultural playground for holidaymakers and business travellers alike. From archaeological treasures to modern shopping malls, scuba diving to fine dining, Kuwait is an oasis of enjoyment.

Top things to see and do

• Enjoy spectacular views of the city and the sea from the top of the 187m-high Kuwait Towers. The Swedish-designed Towers have dominated the Kuwaiti skyline since 1979 and include a café and gift shop as well as an observation deck.
• See one of the finest collections of Islamic art in the world at the House of Islamic Antiquities (Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah). The museum was founded by Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah and his wife in 1983 and includes over 20,000 works of art from all over the Islamic world, from the 8th to the 18th century.
• Head south of the centre to Salmiya and you’ll find shopping malls packed with designer and high street stores on either side of Hamad al-Mubarak Street, known as the ‘Champs-Elysées’ of the Middle East
• Take a break from Kuwait city life in the Corniche, a 10km oasis of parks, white sandy beaches, restaurants and coffee houses along the waterfront just off Arabian Gulf Street.
• Dine on delicious seafood and steaks in the opulent surroundings of Al-Boom, an award-winning restaurant situated in the bow of a replica dhow, a traditional Arabic sailboat.

Tips for travelers

Take a boat trip to the islands of Umm al-Maradim, Qit’at and Qaruh for first-class snorkelling and scuba diving. There are plenty of dive schools to choose from in Kuwait and you can hire all the equipment you need.