Kuwait Guide

Oil-rich Kuwait marries traditional culture with gleaming high-rises, and back on its feet after the Gulf War dark years. Spices in Kuwait City's traditional souks, designer handbags in glass-covered malls and centuries-old archaeological sites of Failaka Island mingle to form a Middle Eastern gem.

Enjoy a bird's-eye view from the observation deck of 187m-high Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City. Head out to Al-Jahra's historic Red Fort, near a site of the Gulf War. Explore Al-Ahmadi, headquarters of the Kuwait oil industry.

Watch the boat-builders at Doha village and explore the sailing ship exhibition. Take a boat trip to Kubbar Island for swimming and a picnic. Wander round the archaeological site on Failaka Island. Go fishing for barracuda and needlefish and try the diving. Take local advice about any remaining landmines from the Gulf War.

For the best selection, head to Kuwait City. Check out traditional Bedouin weaving at Sadu House and hunt for carpets. Try the gold souk for hallmarked gold jewellery or visit the central souk and bargain for spices, especially baharat , a mix of flavours including cinnamon, cardamom and pepper.

Tasty Indian biriyani (rice with meat, chicken or vegetables) is popular. Try traditional Bedouin one-pot dishes like marag and tabeek (varieties of stew with meat and fish). Muslim Kuwait means no alcohol, so locals head to maqahas (open-air tea-houses) for black or mint tea with a sheesha pipe .

Check out the view from the Liberation Tower and sun yourself at Green Island on reclaimed land. Enjoy a round of golf at recently-opened Sahara Golf and Country Club, Kuwait's first grass course.