Not Much To See in Kuwait

Country: KUWAIT

• Date: September 22-24, 2011
• Purpose: Vacation

Of the 12 countries I’ve visited so far, I would say that Kuwait may not be the ideal destination for Western-minded tourists. While some describe it as open and modern, pork and alcohol are strictly prohibited, and there are no bars. For many locals and expats, malling and shopping are the most common leisure activities. On weekends, it’s also common to see people fishing along the coast—even just behind some malls.

In terms of tourist attractions, there isn’t a wide range of sights compared to other destinations. The Kuwait Towers is the most iconic landmark and the main draw for visitors. Although Kuwait has several museums, I found it challenging to visit them—some taxi drivers were unfamiliar with their locations, and a few were closed on weekends. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to learn more about the country’s history and culture during my stay.

Still, every country offers a unique experience, and Kuwait gave me a glimpse into a different way of life in the Gulf region.

The main reason I decided to visit Kuwait was to see my relatives who work there. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any rest days during my stay, so I spent most of my time exploring on my own. I visited The Avenues, the largest mall in the country, where I was able to buy the latest model of the iPod Touch, which was on sale at the time. Since I couldn’t find many souvenir shops, I picked up a Starbucks mug with a Kuwait design as a keepsake.

Thankfully, I also had the chance to reconnect with a high school classmate who has been working there for five years. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with his family, and he later drove me around the city. As we talked about his life in Kuwait, I realized that the cost of living there is quite high—comparable to the United Arab Emirates. It made me understand why many of my OFW friends prefer to work in Dubai instead.

Overall, my trip gave me personal insights into life in Kuwait. While it may not offer many tourist attractions, the experience helped me better understand the realities of living and working there.