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To Live in Kuwait   This page contains a lot of information regarding everything from shopping, health, and apartments to things to do in Kuwait and religion. We suggest that you read it through to gain a better understanding of what it is like to live in Kuwait.   CONSIDER BRINGING FROM HOME Kitchen speciality items, such as favorite spices and recipes which you feel you need. Cosmetics - While a wide variety of hygienic products are available in Kuwait, you may wish to bring a supply of your favorite cosmetics, toiletries (tampons are sometimes difficult to find), perms, contact lens supplies, etc. Clothing - Hats, pantyhose and other underclothing, jeans, warm clothes for winter (It does get colder than you might think.), loose fitting cotton clothes for summer, comfortable shoes (especially if you wear larger sizes) Sewing Notions, Patterns, and Craft Supplies - Bring all material for any craft work you like to do as supplies are incomplete and expensive in Kuwait. Linens and Bedding - These items are more expensive than in the US. 110-volt sewing machines will work on transformers, which are available. 220/240 - volt machines are available for purchase, but selection may be limited. Fabric is abundant and reasonably priced. Tailors can sew clothes from pictures, so bring magazines and catalogs. Personal computer, with transformer, if necessary. Internet and e-mail services are available but expect to pay more than in the US. Costs are expected to decrease as more companies are permitted to offer these services. Sports Equipment - Your favorite sports equipment and clothing (track spikes, golf clubs, and baseball gloves are not likely to be available in Kuwait at the same prices as in the US). Profession Materials - Any instructional material that you prefer to use or copy for students – idea books, activity books, bulletin boards, video tapes, audio tapes, teaching files, letters, stickers, awards, pencils, etc. It is recommended that you discuss with a current school employee (or your sponsor) plans for bring large quantities of teaching materials to ensure that you do not include items available in Kuwait. Check with your principal or sponsor regarding grade or subject curricula and shipping of related instructional material. Bring holiday and seasonal decorations. Ellis machine has been ordered. Laminating is also done in the school. ANY MATERIAL DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE DUE TO RELIGIOUS OR PRONOGRAPHIC MATTTER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CONFISCATED IF DISCOVERED. PLEASE CONSIDER CAREFULLY WHAT ITEMS YOU CHOOSE TO SEND OR BRING WITH YOU. Odds and Ends - Favorite prescriptions and non-prescription medicines. Cold remedies, cough syrup, PMS medicine, favorite CD’s and tapes (see above note), paperback books (books and magazines are very expensive in Kuwait), pictures or decorative items, battery operated radio/tape player, camera, US stamps (people returning to the US for trips and vacations will often offer to hand carry mail for staff), favorite computer software (school has MAC and IBM). Long Distance Calling Cards - Obtain and bring with you a telephone calling card for making international calls - especially to the US. Be sure to investigate special deals either with your local phone company or the calling card company. Small appliance such as hair dryers must be 220 volts. Some manufacturers and products are boycotted in Kuwait.     COMMENTS FROM EXPERIENCED STAFF "Although most everything is available in Kuwait, it is seldom inexpensive. Sometimes items are available for a short time, only to disappear for several months at a time." "Some items may cost up to three time the price of an equivalent stateside item (books, most paper products, etc.). Other items may cost less than half the equivalent stateside cost (shrimp, fish, passport photos, gasoline, automotive insurance and repairs, etc.)." "If you need or want special brands of something, bring enough for the year."     GOODS AVAILABLE IN KUWAIT THAT MAY BE MORE EXPENSIVE Kitchen: Pots, pans, Rubbermaid, 220/240 appliances Linens: Blankets, comforters, sheets, area rugs Bathroom: Shower curtains, bath mats, rugs, towels and wash cloths. Cosmetics: Popular cosmetics are available. Cologne and perfumes are abundant and comparable to stateside prices. Clothing: All types of clothes, long loose fitting blouses for women, sandals for hot weather, closed shoes for winter, all types of sport shoes, European shoes, stylish clothes and semi-formal wear. Electronics: Transformers, TV and VCR (must be multi-system: PAL+SECAM+NTSC to receive local and European broadcasts and to play local and American video tapes), stereo, microwave, hair dryer, curling iron (these last must all be 220/240 volts) Tools: Hand and power tools are plentiful and reasonably prices. Yes, Ace, True Value, Sears, and JC Penney are all available in Kuwait. Sporting: Jogging suits and shorts (for men) Odds & Ends: Camping equipment of all kinds     SHOPPING IN KUWAIT There are numerous shopping malls with European/designer boutiques. However anything above a size 12 may be hard to find. There are a few such N.A. stores such as the Body Shop. The Friday Souk (market) features a variety of inexpensive daily household supplies and plastics. There are also numerous "bargain basement type stores" for household goods etc.     SCHOOL PROVIDED HOUSING The American Academy for Girls provides overseas-recruited employees with furnished, maintained apartments. School provided apartments are leased and assigned by the business office. Assignments are made according to availability , seniority, time of arrival, special needs, etc. In general, each single teacher is assigned to a one bedroom apartment. In school provided and maintained apartments, electricity and water will be provided by the school. The school will, maintain apartment furnishings to all overseas-recruited employees according to the inventory which follows. For the purpose of maintaining apartments and responding to emergencies, the school’s maintenance director will retain one key to each apartment leased by the school. Apartments will be furnished as indicated and ready for employee occupancy upon their arrival in Kuwait. In addition to the apartment furnishings listed below, the settling-in or relocation allowance of KD 120 per overseas-recruited teacher is provided to help meet the extra cost of establishing a new home in Kuwait.   APARTMENT INVENTORY For each apartment 1 couch (two or three cushion) 2 living room chairs 1 coffee table 2 end tables 1 TV/stereo stand 2 lamps 1 dining room table with 4 chair 1 refrigerator 1 stove 1 ironing board and iron 1 vacuum cleaner Dishes, pots and pans, glassware, silverware and utensils. 1 double bed with mattress 1 wardrobe or closet 1 dressing table with mirror 2 sets of draperies (bedroom, sitting room)   SURVIVAL KIT Newly arrived overseas-recruited faculty will receive household lines, including a set of sheets and a comforter, dishes, and so forth. Some of theses items will be considered disposable while others teachers will be held accountable for. These are provided to enable new staff to get by for a day or two until they are able to purchase upgrades of these items and other essentials for their new home.   MAINTENANCE Along with electrical and plumbing maintenance services for school-provided apartments, the school will maintain school-supplied furniture, fixtures, and equipment. However, teachers must make a reasonable effort to safeguard and preserve the condition of both the apartment and its furnishings.       UTILITIES Kuwait’s electrical system is 240 volt, 50 Hz. Transformers suitable for operating most 110v, 60 Hz appliances are available locally at prices ranging from US $10 to US $80, depending on size and quality. To avoid overloading, transformers should accommodate twice the wattage needed to operate the appliance being supplied. Most 110v appliances will run on a transformer. Some appliances will not due to differences in the hertz. You can check with an electrician in US or an electronics store such as Radio Shack before your departure. A wide selection of 240 v or dual voltage appliances and electronic equipment is available locally, although prices may be somewhat higher than in the US. We recommend that appliance such as hair dryers and electric clocks be purchased locally, as increasing the voltage changes the operating speed.   HEALTH Kuwait’s Ministry of Health provides cost-free health care for all residents, Kuwaitis and expatriates alike. There is, however, parliamentary debate over the establishment of a fee structure or a mandatory insurance plan for medical and dental care. Routine medical treatment is generally administered at government clinics which are equipped to handle emergencies as well as examinations. Most clinic doctors are general practitioners who either provide treatment on-site or refer patients to a specialist at one of Kuwait’s hospitals. Smaller clinics are closed on Fridays and public holidays. Polyclinics are open daily and offer nearly comprehensive services. The Ministry maintains a clinic in each major residential area and a dozen or more comprehensive and speciality hospitals. Theoretically, neighborhood clinics treat only registered, card-carrying residents of the area which they serve. In actual practice, however, government clinics are likely to treat or assist all patients requiring emergency care, regardless of their place of residence. Kuwait has more than a dozen government hospitals, both general and specialized. In order to benefit from their services, patients generally must be referred by a licensed doctor except in case of emergency when procedures for admission and the treatment itself often surpass services of US hospitals in terms of efficiency an professional care and competence. The dental hospital (there are also various dental clinics) is located adjacent to the Amiri Hospital (near the British Embassy). It offers free dental services by highly-qualified dentists. A doctor’s referral is usually required. Patients sometimes wait several weeks for appointments in government dental clinics. For those who prefer private doctors, several modern private hospitals provide comprehensive services for reasonable fees. The Mowasat, International Clinic, and Al-Salam hospitals are open day and night. On the first visit, patients receive ID cards, describe ailments and wit to see the appropriate specialist. Visit fees, medicine, and lab work are generally less than the same services in the US. When a patient cannot be taken to a clinic or a doctor, or if an ambulance is required, someone should call or physically go to the nearest polyclinic to report that there is an emergency requiring immediate attention. Going there will eliminate the difficulty of explaining addresses over the phone. In serious emergencies requiring special care or equipment, patients should be taken directly to hospital emergency rooms.   OPTICAL Optical services are readily available at reasonable prices in Kuwait, but it is recommended that employees and all dependents include eye examinations in their preparations before travelling to Kuwait. Those requiring corrective vision should arrange to bring spare glasses or contact lenses, prescriptions, and essential cleaning supplies and solutions, etc.   INSURANCE Health and medical insurance coverage is available for purchase to professional employees and qualified dependents through BUPA. A policy booklet is available for reference in the school’s central office, and questions may be directed to the school secretary, principals, or to Mr. David Bowman (BUPA’s representative).       KUWAIT CITY Kuwait is a city of great diversity and is large enough to merit continuous exploration. Visitors find it to be a modern, bustling city juxtaposed to a traditional Muslim fishing village. The city awakens before sunrise as hundreds of minarets call the faithful to prayer, and the pace hastens until mid-day, relaxes for the afternoon, and then accelerates in the early evening and continues until well into the night. There is no shortage of things to do and see. The city boasts many fine restaurants, parks, sporting clubs, cultural activities, trade fairs, etc. Life in Kuwait is more rewarding than difficult, with ample opportunity for adaptation ever present.     LOCAL CUTOMS AND TRADITIONS Kuwait justifiably takes price in its progress and modernization, but retains strong ties with cultural tradition. The religious heritage of Islam has provided the Arabs with a strict code of ethics which differ in many ways from those of the West, making the experience of living in Kuwait pleasant and interesting. Hospitality is a basic rule of life in the desert, and one is well advised to avoid admiring or praising to a great extent the belongings of one’s host. Guests should generally accept offers of food or drink and be free with compliments and thanks. Even shopkeepers will offer tea, coffee, soft drinks or water to browsing shoppers. The role of women in society is an evolving issue in the Muslim world, but the well-informed recognize the high esteem generally accorded women in Kuwait. In order to preserve that respect, visitors should take care to dress modestly whenever going outside their homes. Wearing of shorts, tank tops, form-revealing clothing etc. should be avoided in public. Alcohol and pork are prohibited in Kuwait. Non-prescription drugs and possession or use of illegal drugs is also prohibited. Persons convicted of drug or alcohol possession could face prison sentences and deportation. Residents of Kuwait must not expect American-style judicial due process in Kuwait’s handling of social misconduct. Rather, any behavior that might result in unfavorable criticism should be avoided. Teachers are held in high esteem in Islam, and Americans are well regarded in Kuwait. However, all representatives of the American community are closely observed. Expatriates are advised to be moderate in expressions of feelings about politics and religion. Especially in school, discussion of politics, religion and sex are potentially explosive and must be approached very discreetly or avoided altogether.     WHAT TO WEAR IN KUWAIT When arriving in August, expect humid days with daytime temperatures above 120° F. Temperatures may be higher in July (avoid arriving in Kuwait more than about a week early), and humidity will get much higher in September. Clothes made of cotton or other "cool" fabrics are recommended. You will likely wear light clothing through October and again in March. Virtually all buildings and most cars are air-conditioned, so, believe it or not, a light sweater for wearing in-doors is advisable. Kuwait may well be the most air-conditioned country in the world and some buildings may be considered "cold". Summer clothing for women should include light-weight dresses, slacks and loose-fitting tops. Shorts are not appropriate in public. Individuals adjust differently to Kuwait’s warm weather, but when temperatures drop in November, most find they have a lowered tolerance for cool temperatures as well. Freezing temperatures rarely occur in Kuwait, but the almost constant wind and the humidity intensify the cold. Warmer clothing is often necessary from November through March. Winter sweaters, skirts and dresses, long-sleeved blouses, medium to heavy-weight jackets or coats, a scarf, even a pair of gloves are recommended for winter weather. Semi-formal evening wear will occasionally be worn for special parties or functions but don’t forget blue jeans or other casual clothing for relaxed or recreational activities. In general, dress in Arab countries is quite conservative and more formal than the typical American dress. The most important thing to consider with respect to local customs is the code of conduct observed among Arab men and women. Departure from conservative behavior and dress by foreigners can be misinterpreted and even resented by host nationals. Common sense will dictate what to wear and what not to wear on any given occasion. Buying clothing in Kuwait can be expensive to the careless shopper, but careful shoppers soon learn where to find cost-saving bargains. Souks often carry inexpensive garments from India, Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand, and Morocco. Items from these countries are generally less expensive than those found in boutiques. During the two annual sales periods, one in November and one in May, quality clothing and other items can be both for lower prices, but it is still advisable to bring a year’s supply of special clothing items from home. The same goes for shoes, panty hose, and knee-highs. Although shoes are sold in Kuwait, it is advisable to bring several pairs from the US. Employees might consider bringing sandals in addition to regular closed shoes. Ladies’ undergarments are available but expensive. It is suggested that ladies bring cotton slips and a swimsuit. Hats for use at the beach and pool are another good idea for things to bring with you. Favorite home permanents and hair dyes should be brought from the US. There are many beauty salons in Kuwait, and prices and quality of services vary greatly. There is a wide selection of fabrics in Kuwait, and there are numerous tailor who will custom-design clothing for both men and women. The quality of workmanship varies, so plan to shop around to find a suitable tailor. Patterns, photos, or catalog clippings will help those who wish to have their own clothing made. The Salmiya souk and the central souk have countless material shops where fabric is sold by the meter. Inexpensive, hand-operated sewing machines are available in the main souk, and electric machines are also available for purchase. Bring your own patterns. If you have a sewing machine that you prefer not to live without, consider bringing it along.     RELIGIONS Kuwait’s constitution identifies Islam as the state religion and Islamic Law (Sharia) as the main source of legislation. Islam (meaning "submission to Allah") is regarded as a complete way to life set forth in the Koran and Hadith. The Qura’an is the compiled revelations of Allah to the Prophet Mohammed. The Hadith is the collected sayings of the Prophet and is considered to be a guide for men and women to follow. The Koran declares the "Five Pillars of Islam" to be: Profession of Faith ("There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his Prophet") Prayer (five times daily) Pilgrimage to Mecca (once during one’s lifetime) Fasting (especially during the month of Ramadan) Giving of Alms (zakat) to support the poor and needy. In the traditional Muslim community, secular and religious laws are one and the same and Sharia (meaning "the way of life") spells out the beliefs and the rituals, as well as the social and legal principles which govern human life. The Muslim place of worship is the mosque, of which there are more than 200 in Kuwait. Muslims are called to prayer five times each day, and the faithful, although preferring to worship in mosques, may choose to pray where they are: on the sidewalk, in shops, at home, or even at roadsides. Muslim worship includes ceremonial washing, removal of shoes, and kneeling prayer on a mat or rug while facing in the direction of Mecca. Friday is the weekly holy day on which men and some women go to the mosque to worship. Men and women worship separately, particularly in public places such as mosques. Most Muslims hold a great respect for Christianity. Westerners are expected to show respect for Islam, its customs and its religious holidays, just as Muslims do for Christianity. With the exception of a handful of naturalized Christian families, most of Iraqi or Palestinian origin, Kuwaitis are Muslim. The majority adhere to the Sunni (orthodox) branch of Islam, as does the ruling family. Other Kuwaitis, largely of Iranian and Iraqi origins, are of the Shia’ sect. The large majority of non-Kuwaiti Arabs are Muslim, although significant numbers of the Syrians, Lebanese, Palestinians, and other residents are Christian.     RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS The religious holidays in the Islamic world are not determined by the Gregorian calendar but by the Muslim calendar. This is based on the phases of the moon and is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar calendar. Ramadan is one of the most interesting and is definitely the holiday that has the greatest impact on residents of Kuwait. It is a lunar month of daylight fasting -- up to thirty days – during which Muslims allow nothing to pass their throats, including food, drink, or smoke, from sunrise to sunset. Even non-Muslims are required to observe fasting behavior in public. Cannons, as well as public calls to prayer from the mosques, announce the times for beginning and ending daily fasts. All government offices and most businesses adopt shorter daytime working hours during Ramadan, but shops stay open later in the evening. The school shortens the instructional day during Ramadan. A three-day holiday known as Eid Al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan. Eid Al- Adha is a holiday at the end of Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, generally lasts four days. It includes Waqfa, the "feast of sacrifice". On the first day of this holiday, pilgrims sacrifice sheep in remembrance of Abraham’s sacrifice. Waqfa, the day preceding the Eid Al-Adha, corresponds with the pilgrimage timing when Muslims stand at Mount Arafat. Islamic New Year is the beginning of the Hijra calendar. As with all other Muslim holidays, it shifts approximately 11 days forward in the Gregorian calendar each year. Ascension of the Prophet is the celebration of the Prophet Mohammed’s miraculous transition at night from the Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and his subsequent ascension into heaven on the horse, Al-Baraq.     CHURCHES A number of Christian churches with English-language services are organized in Kuwait: the National Evangelical Church, St. Paul’s Church, The Catholic Church, Church of Our Lady of Arabia, The Seventh Day Adventists, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. School employees will be able to help in locating religious organizations and church services.     DOMESTIC HELP Domestic help is available on a part or full-time basis. Those who choose to sponsor a full-time live-in maid can expect to pay a visa fee of KD 200, a salary of approximately KD 60 per month, a placement fee of KD 200, and a round-trip air fare every other year. Part-time help will cost approximately KD 10 - 15 per day.     PETS While climate, cost and government regulations neither encourage the bringing of pets nor contribute to the quality of life for pets in Kuwait, all services and good are available to support dogs, cats, etc. Many school employees do keep small pets, and a limited variety of animals are available for purchase locally. Teachers choosing to bring pets to Kuwait are advised to check with the airline about requirements and costs. The Kuwait Embassy in Washington, DC may be helpful in explaining Kuwait’s policies and regulations on importing live animals.     KUWAITI CURRENCY The official currency of Kuwait is Kuwaiti Dinar (KD), which is made up of 1000 fils. Currency is printed in quarter and half-dinar notes as well as one, five, ten, twenty dinar notes. Coins are available in denominations of five, ten, twenty, fifty, and one hundred fils. The dinar has maintained an average value over the past ten years of approximately US $3.40, with a high of nearly US $3.60 and a low of about US $3.20. In June of 1997, KD 1.00 was valued at approximately US $3.30. Currency exchange rages fluctuate on the international market, but the value of the Kuwaiti dinar is tied very strongly to the US dollar.     THE MAIL SYSTEM Air mail delivery of letters to and from the US requires ten days or more, and delays of a month or more are not uncommon. Express mail and courier service is available: Skypak, Federal Express, UPS, and DHL all offer services to and from Kuwait. Packages mailed to Kuwait by international air mail or air parcel post arrive quite reliably, but surface mail parcels are often delayed for months, if delivered at all. DO NOT SEND ANYTHING RELATED TO ALCOHOL, PORNOGRAPHY OR RELIGION. Anything judged to be illegal will be confiscated, and the addressee may be subject to prosecution. International air mail stamps for delivery to North America and Europe currently cost 150 fils (50 cents). Collectors’ stamps are available at most branch postal offices as well as at the mail post office in Safat. A modest supply of US postage stamps will be useful for hand-carried letters to the US. It is seldom difficult to find someone travelling to the US who will carry mail for you. Bring these with you as they are unavailable in Kuwait.     PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Kuwait’s bus system is neither excellent nor convenient and is not recommended. It, however, inexpensive and functional and does serve most areas of the country. The usual passengers are the third-world bachelor laborers residing in Kuwait. Like the bus system, Kuwait’s Orange Taxis are neither convenient nor excellent, but they are useful and reasonably priced for getting home from the airport. Althothey are not supposed to do so, the Orange Taxis do often stop on busy streets and expressways for passengers. They are not radio dispatched. They are usually driven by Kuwaiti owners. They have established routes and carry numerous passengers who are dropped off and picked up at any point along the route. Drivers often speak little or not English and are not accustomed to western passengers. Fares of these taxis are set, but passengers generally negotiate fares, except from the airport, the central bus station, and the main taxi stand in Kuwait City. Wanettes are small pick-up trucks which are especially useful for transporting cargo. This is their legal function, and they are not authorized to compete with taxis by picking up passengers without bundles. However, they are commonly used as taxis because they are so numerous and are generally inexpensive. We do not, however, recommend their use by our female employees. Without a doubt, call taxis or dispatched cars are the most reliable and efficient of the transportation choices available to non-drivers in Kuwait. There are numerous call taxi companies with small dispatching offices throughout the city. Dispatcher and most drivers speak some English and are accustomed to serving Western expatriates. Rates are government approved. Whether one or more persons travel point to point, the total fare collected is the same. Thus passengers travelling together over the same route can share expenses and economize. Regular daily pick-ups at home or work can be arranged either through the company or a driver. Because the dispatcher records driver movement, this service is safe and reliable. To arrange for a dispatched car and driver, phone the dispatcher and provide your name, phone number, location, and destination. The dispatcher will give you the fare and estimated pick-up time. If there is a delay or if the driver cannot find you, the company will call you back. If the car being sent is not visibly a member of the fleet, the dispatcher will give you a physical description, including color, make and license number, which is important – especially for women after dark. No tipping is required. Call taxis do not pick up passengers on the street.       KUWAIT’S MASS MEDIA The local English-language newspapers are the Arab Times and the Kuwait Times. These provide fairly good coverage of international and local news and sports. They also print TV, radio, and some local cinema schedules. Both publications carry useful ads of goods for sale. Major international newspapers, such as USA Today and the International Herald Tribune are also available. Major American and English periodicals are available. The selection is adequate for news, fashion, and society, but they are expensive. Some magazines can be received by subscription but remember the guidelines about what might be considered pornographic and the length of time for mail to be delivered. Books, magazines, cassettes and videos are subject to censorship when they are brought into the country, so be prudent about those included in shipments to Kuwait. Pornography, politics and religion are particularly sensitive issues. Radio Kuwait broadcasts daily in English on both AM and FM. Short wave radios will pick up BBC World Service. BBC World Service also can be received on MW after dark, Information on the Voice of America can also be obtained from the US Embassy. AFRTS radio is also received. There are three local television channels. Kuwait TV 2 broadcasts mainly in English, with announcements and occasional programs in Arabic or French. News coverage in English is broadcast at 8 PM daily. Depending on the weather, broadcasts from other Gulf stations may be received. American sports are occasionally aired on local television. Satellite television is available. You must purchase the satellite, decoder and a subscription which can be quite expensive. A large selection of videos is available locally, and a growing number of video clubs offer a variety of recent feature films, cartoon, and some music concerts. Pirated versions of current releases are sometimes available in Kuwait before they are released in the US. Remember, the electricity here is 240 volts and 50 cycle. Electronic equipment such as televisions and VCR’s are readily available for purchase. US televisions will not work in Kuwait.     THINGS TO DO IN KUWAIT Newcomers to Kuwait may observe that a Western-style entertainment is in short supply, but most expats stay as busy and involved as they please. Here is a short list of some thing to do and places to see: Zoo: Kuwait’s zoo is respectable, if small, and set in a peaceful park, which features playground equipment and rides for children and picnic benches and tables. Beaches: Although most of the beaches have been cleared by ordnance crews, a degree of danger persists on all Kuwait’s beaches. Boating, jet-skiing, and wind surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling, swimming, and fishing are among the most popular recreational activities. Camping: As with the beaches, the desert is potentially dangerous, but many families continue to explore, camp in, and enjoy the desert. Doha: A traditional fishing village located half an hour’s drive from Kuwait City. Not only do the fishermen craft their own nets and build fish traps there, but the traditional fishing vessel known as the dhow is still constructed by hand without the use of power tools. Entertainment City: A small, impressive amusement park complete with rides and arcades popular among the younger set in Kuwait. Although the park was dismantled and largely destroyed by the Iraqis, it has been restored and reopened to the public. Aqua Park: At the bas of the Kuwait Towers, this swimming park includes a wave pool and giant slides. Theater Groups: The Kuwait Players and some fledgling theater groups are very active and present a variety of musicals and dramatic offerings several times a year. The Kuwait Singers: This informal group of music lovers meet throughout the year to rehearse for a Christmas performance and occasional seasonal or special program. Women’s Groups: The American Women’s League is an active group that sponsors regular meetings, a Christmas bazaar, and many activities for expatriate women and children. There is also active International Women’s Group in Kuwait. Souks: The Old Souk in Kuwait is a fascinating area. You will find gold, spices, incense, oriental carpets, ordinary household goods, clothing and almost anything else one would care to purchase. There is also a Friday Souk where sheep, goats, birds, second-hand furniture, household items and a few antiques can be bought. Also available here are cleaning supplies, plastic and paper goods, etc. National Museum and Art Museum: Displayed here is one of the largest collections of Islamic art in the Middle East. Until recently, on section of the museum was preserved in the deplorable condition left behind by the Iraqis. Al-Qurain House: This house of martyrs was the site of a fierce and protracted battle between Iraqi troops with tanks and a group of ill-equipped Kuwaiti freedom fighters, many of whom died just hours before the Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait. Rajab Museum: This private collection of magnificent art pieces is widely regarded as the best in Kuwait. Sadu House: This traditional Kuwaiti home features Bedouin weaving demonstrations and classes, and handicrafts. The Science and Natural Science Museum: Just what the name suggests, this government museum is worth a visit or two. Kuwait Towers: An important landmark of the city, the Towers feature panoramic views of the city and the Gulf. A restaurant, revolving snack bar, and observation deck are included in this magnificent modern symbol of Kuwait. Cinemas: Numerous movie theaters are located in the city, but the Salmiya Cinema shows the films Westerners most want to see. Health Clubs: Many health and exercise clubs are available, and each of the major hotels features and exercise and facility. Ice Skating: Kuwait’s ice-skating rink features family recreation time as well as segregated skating on a regular basis. Golf: Kuwait is the home of three sand golf courses. Avid golfers may wish to bring golfing gear to Kuwait. Balls and tees are available for purchase, but clubs cannot be rented and are very expensive to buy, if available at all. The Hunting and Equestrian Club: This recreational facility hosts numerous activities in addition to opportunities for equestrian showmanship and show jumping. Fine Arts: Ballet and contemporary dance groups are available. Darts: Kuwait owes its strong tradition of dart competition to its British heritage. Die-hard dartists may inquire among the British community for opportunities to participate in established leagues. Shopping: Modern supermarkets stock goods from nearly everywhere in the world, including US brands of most products. Restaurants: There are various American restaurant chains represented in Kuwait, such as Kentucy Fried Chicken, Hardees, Wendys, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins, Chi Chi’s, TGI Fridays, Kenny Roger’s Roasters, Fuddruckers, Burger King, Chili’s and McDonald’s. In addition to many ethnic restaurants such as Indian, Lebanese and Chinese, one can find international cuisine at the quality hotels.    View this document in a printable format by clicking here.   Return to Table of Contents to View More     Last Updated: Feb.1.01 Site Design by: alyshia.com © Copyright 2001 AAG, All Rights Reserved Best Viewed with Internet Explorer 4+