Five Great Things to Do in Kuwait
by Neel Kamal on 04/07/11 at 3:08 pm
Set on the edge of the Kuwait Bay at the deepest section of the Gulf of Oman, Kuwait City is home to many cultural and sports activities. Here’s an idea of what you can do in and around Kuwait City.
While not an especially important tourist destination, Kuwait (and its capital, Kuwait City) is still an interesting place to visit with many choices for hotel accommodation.
1. Go ice-skating
We know, it’s rather ironic to suggest ice-skating in a desert country. However, the Kuwait City ice-skating rink is one of the finest in the Middle East. It even houses the only Arab team who’s a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation, the Falcons. We don’t know exactly how popular they are, but with a 1600-seat rink, we can guess the Kuwaitis like to watch a good hockey game. When the rink is not used for Falcons games, people can use the skating facilities and enjoy a bit of coolness in the desert heat.
2. Go diving and snorkeling
The warm and shallow waters of the Kuwait Bay make it perfect for beginning and expert divers and snorkelers alike. Some diving centers can take you diving to the islands of Kubar and Umm al-Maradim, home to many interesting ocean wildlife species, or to the Donkey Reef. If you’ve never taken a dive before, you can get a certification at one of the many diving schools in Kuwait City.
3. Take a boat trip
If you’d rather stay dry, you can always plan a boat trip around the beautiful Kuwait Bay. Chartered boats will take you around the bay to Failaka Islands and other locations; if you’d rather go cheap, there are many water taxis serving the coastal cities of the region. Whatever you choose, bring your camera: you won’t want to miss the amazing city views you’ll get from the water.
4. Go kayaking
If you’d rather do some exercise, the KIM center organizes kayaking tours for beginners and experienced kayakers. You’ll probably visit the same sites as the divers, but you’ll stay warm and dry over the water. There is a lot of birdlife to be observed in the region, and kayaking is the best way to reach those far-off islands in the bay without spooking them. don’t forget your sunscreen, as the sun reflected on water can be very nasty to your skin.
5. Learn traditional Bedouin arts and crafts
In the Sadu House at the National Museum Complex, Bedouin women teach traditional Bedouin weaving to locals and tourists alike. Learn the centuries-old techniques that produce some of the most interesting textiles in the world. At Beit Lothan, a traditional Kuwaiti house, you’ll learn all about traditional Kuwait crafts, poetry and visual arts. Workshops in drawing, painting and crafts are conducted regularly; you can also simply visit the house like you would a museum.
Even cheap Kuwait hotels will give you information about all the sights and activities in Kuwait city; don’t be afraid to ask locals about their favourite spots. And as with all Muslim destinations, make sure you follow the Islamic code of conduct and wear proper clothing, especially for women.
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