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Kuwait Gateway of Arab world

         


Kuwait, although small (its land mass totals only 17,820 sq km), is rich in petroleum and natural gas- its crude oil reserves account for about 10% of world of reserves. And  while the 1990/1991 Iraqi invasion and occupation, and the Gulf war, took place less than two decades ago, there is little sign of its destruction and devastation.

The country has a population of aproximately 3 million, of which about one million are Kuwaitis and remaining expatriates.
    One of  Kuwait's most famous landmarks- the Kuwait Towers- has been completely restored. You can travel by high-speed lift to the sphere on the tallest of the three towers ( its 187 metres high) and take in the city from its revolving observation area and restaurant. Another one  addition to the landscape is the 372-metere tall Liberation Tower (above pictured), which symbolizes-- you guessed it--Kuwait's liberation from Iraq.

 
At 147 meters above sea level this tower maintains water supply to Kuwait Towers with a capacity of one million gallons in its spherical reservoir.   
                                                                                                      
To get  a closer look  at Kuwait's culture  and history, head to Kuwait's many museums and historical sites. Learn about traditional Bedouin weaving at the sadu house, see rare and precious Islamic Antique, or experience traditional pearl diving at the annual pearl diving festival. There is also the Tareq Rajeb museum, The Science and Natural History museum, The National museum and the Saif Al Shahlan museum. Visit the old city Wall Gates, which were originally  built in 1922 to keep out wandering desert tribes. The Folklore Centre, which is actively preserving  and teaching Kuwaiti folklore, and Doha village is Kuwait's traditional dhow(type of boat) building area.                                                                                                             
             For less cerebral fun, Kuwait offers a variety of amusement parks and entertainment vennues . Considered one of the best ammusement park in the world ' Entertainment city' is located only 20km from Kuwait city. It has different themed sections such as Arab world, the World of Wonders and surprises, and Future World. Musical fountain offers  a water show set to music and coloured lights,  for those hot and summer days, there is the wet and wild Aqua water park .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 At a height of 412 meters, in the heart of Kuwait city, Al Hamra Tower breaks all records. At this  height, Al Hamra enjoys the recognition of being amongst the ten highest skyscrapers in the world, and its innovative design places Kuwait on the map as a centre for business and creativity. Your shopping experience in Kuwait can range from the air-conditioned comfort of a modern mall to the frenetic bargaining in a traditional souk.  There are large cooperative supermarkets, gold souks, fresh food markets, and several modern shopping complexes  are available all over the country.

Kuwait is geographically small but wealthy country with a relatively open economy and self reported crude oil reserves of nearly 105 billion barrels- approximately 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 95% of government income. Kuwaiti officials have committed  to increasing oil production to 4 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2020. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation(KPC) an integrated, state-owned  oil company, is the parent company of the government's operating companies in the petroleum sector. It includes Kuwait Oil Company, which produces Oil and Gas; Kuwait National Petroleume Company, which manages refining and domestic sales; Petrochemical Industries Company, which produces ammonia, urea, ethylene, propylene and styrene and participates in a number of successful joint ventures.
Kuwait is a member of the UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Bank(IBRD), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organaization (WTO), African Development Bank (AFDB), Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), Arab League, Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) International Federation of Red Crescent Societies and Organaization of Petroleume Exporting Countries (OPEC)etc.
HH.Sheikh Sabah Al Ahamad Al Jaber Al Sabah
Emir of Kuwait
Kuwait is constitutional, hereditary emirate ruled by Emir who have been drawn from the Al Sabah family since the middle of the 18th century. Kuwait's first National Assembly was elected in 1963. Kuwait is well developed economy in the world under the wise and able leadership of HH.Sheikh Sabah Al Ahamed Al Jaber Al Sabah. Kuwait's 93.3% literacy rate, one of the Arab World's highest, is the result of extensive government support for the education system. Public school education, including Kuwait University, is free, but access is restricted for foreign residents. The Government sponsors the foreign study of qualified students abroad for degrees not offered at Kuwait University. In 2009, approximately 3,318 Kuwaitis were enrolled in U.S. universities.
Kuwait Airways is the National carrier of Kuwait. with its head office in Al Farwania Governorate. it operates scheduled International services throughout the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent, Europe, South East Asia and North America, from its main base at Kuwait International Airport. Kuwait Airways member of the Arab Air Carriers Organaization.

Kuwait has good road system. All signs are in English and Arabic. The major north-south roads are effectively freeways numbered Expressway 30,40, etc. These are traversed by increasingly widely spaced ring roads named  First, Second etc, making navigation fairly easy. Kuwait's public transport is adequate with three companies (KPTC,City Bus, KGL) running dozens of routes in every major city. Waiting times for buses range from one minute for most frequent routes to fifteen minutes for less used routes. All buses are equipped with air-conditioners and usually one can find a seat without much trouble. It must also noted that although areas with expatriates majority are covered with many routes. A standard rate is applicable in most taxis.

Self-drive is avialable, if you produce an International Driving Permit, the rental company will, at the customer's expense, be able to arrange the statutory temporary insurance, which is drawn on the driver's visa. If you arrive at Kuwait International Airport, you will find car hiring companies located at your left after you exit from the baggage claiming area. If involved in a car accident, do not attempt to move your car until police arrive and have made report.
Alcohol is strictly illegal in Kuwait, it may not be imported, manufactured or served.


Public health entirely supported by the government at local clinics and hospitals, with a 5KD fee paid by foreigners visiting  Kuwait and 1KD for expats with a resident visa, or a visitor's visa. Private non-governmental clinics are available as well, but charge much more at 30KD and upwards. You will be entitled for free treatment in case of an accident or an emergency.
In case of emergency Call. 112



The Hala February Festival (National & Liberation Days 25th &26th February) is an annual event that takes place in Kuwait during the month of February, which is considered one of the distinct month in Kuwait as it coincides with Kuwait's National and Liberation Days. It is also a time when parched sands of the desert transform into a magical green carpet covered with blossoming, colourful flora. The arrival of migratory birds and seasonal animals during this time add further colour, elegance and beauty to the desert.

Hala festival is great opportunity for young and old alike to partcipate in this event featuring cultural festivals, shopping carnivals, visit tourist spots, and win prizes at the many raffles and contests held during the time period. It is an important and remarkable event among the nearby area's festival.


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