BusinessTravel Guide
Kuwait
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An authentic taste of the Arab world
K U W A I T
A cultural gem among a region of westernised grandeur, Kuwait is certainly no worse off for its indigenous focus, and has plenty to offer the wider world as a consequence Writer: Matthew Staff
Kuwait hile not the driving force behind the recent Middle Eastern economic rise, Kuwait has - in its own quiet and indigenous way - become a small oasis of culture and authenticity for those who visit its desert-dominated shores. It hasn’t got the glitz and glamour of Abu Dhabi or the tourist appeal of Dubai but what it does have in common with those two thriving cities is wealth. A vast unfathomable amount of wealth generated through oil - of course - has been the driver behind the country’s rise to prosperity over the years, helping it ride a wave of regional invasion and national turmoil, to come out the other side as a still lucrative option for international investors. As such, the extent of business
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travellers crossing its borders each year has encouraged a complete development of its cities - especially the capital, Kuwait City - and the subsequent rise of tourist hotspots and infrastructure within them. “Kuwait remains an oasis in a land of desert plains, and has excellent museums, a fine souq and a corniche of combed beaches and lively restaurants. It all adds up to what could be the Gulf’s most intriguing destination,” Lonely Planet indicts. Once again though, the appeal when walking around said cities doesn’t derive from a typical westernisation or commercialism, but from a natural indigenous feel unseen across the rest of the region; enjoyed - albeit in soaring Arabian Peninsula temperatures - by more and more visitors each year.
The extent of business travellers crossing its borders each year has encouraged a complete development of its cities
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Transport links Facts and figures
Kuwait
Comprising nine cities in total, any perceived difficulties in getting from place to place are quickly allayed when realising that it is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of land area, and the majority of that land is desert. In terms of urban hype, it is largely saturated to the East coast looking out to the Persian Gulf, with nearly all cities within an hour of each other. The time between each of them is aided by an extensive and modern highway network which compensates the rail void and acts as the foremost mode of transport when in the country. Buses are on hand for those who don’t have their own
Languages: Area:
Arabic 17,829 square kilometres Population (2015): 4.2 million GDP (2014): $283.976 billion Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar Time zone: UTC+3 Dialling code: +965 Internet TLD: .kw Highest recorded temperature: 54.4°C
cars (or drivers) which also cross borders to other Gulf States in some circumstances. In terms of getting to Kuwait in the first place, Kuwait International Airport is the principal hub, while from a trade perspective the country also boasts one of the largest shipping industries in the region; enforced and managed by the Kuwait Ports Public Authority across the numerous harbours along the coastline. For the business traveller, however, wheels - and air conditioning - are the call of the day, but there is never too much time to get completely comfortable before reaching your destination soon after.
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K U W A I T
The business end
The constitutional emirate may be one of the smallest nations on earth, but can evolve its lands with the backing of the sixth largest oil reserve in the world. Additionally, the Kuwaiti dinar is the highest valued unit of currency in the world, and as such, the country has the fourth highest per capita income of all. More recent political instability has hampered the rapid rise of the country slightly, but not so much that its economic standing can’t be placed among the most secure and enviable on the planet. Its export and trade links complement its petroleum-based industry drivers and are supported by a highly sophisticated banking system; the Kuwait Stock Exchange being the second largest of its kind in the Arab world.
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“In the years that led up to and have followed Iraq’s invasion in the early 1990s, the land has been a lucrative hub for any visitors and businesspeople who frequent it”
Such clout has leant itself to the country being somewhat of a pioneer in the region as a consequence, and in the years that led up to and have followed Iraq’s invasion in the early 1990s, the land has been a lucrative hub for any visitors and businesspeople who frequent it. That’s not to say that your stay there will be cheap, however. Typical hotel chains found throughout the country are able to capitalise on the clientele typical within the oil and petroleum domain, and western hospitality operators have swooped in to also cash in on the sizeable wallets entering Kuwait each year. For those not attracted to the typical hotel way of living, there is also a series of chalets and other short-term accommodations set up across the nine cities to add variation to what is the only real example of westernisation within its makeup.
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KUWAIT YACHT SHOW 2016 1st till 4th September at Marina Crescent Exhibition opens: 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm daily
We love to hear from you. Phone: +965 - 25720810, 25716177 www.kuwaityachtshow.com
K U W A I T
Outlook recommends: “Kuwait, in the cradle of one of the most ancient and contested corners of the world, has a certain cachet” – Lonely Planet RETAIL
RESTAURANTS Al Boom
Marina Hall
Le Notre
Avenues
Mais Alghanim
SPORT AND LEISURE
Al-Mabarakiya
Green Island Messilah Water Village Shaab Leisure Park
MUSEUMS
ENTERTAINMENT Kuwait Little Theatre
Kuwait Maritime Museum
Kuwait National Cinema Company Scientific Centre
Bait Al-Othman Museum
CAFÉS Casper & Gambini’s Beit Lothan Bredz
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Museum of Modern Art
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Security Guards Services & Safety Equipments
Profile
TOP CLASS SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE
2015/16
Amanko always keen on clients Satisfaction, we look forward to maintaining the trust of our clients and expand our services through departments of the company. We have adopted a flexible strategy to provide the best for local market while adhering to international quality standards.
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KUWAIT NATIONAL CINEMA COMPANY Let Go! & Enjoy the Show!
A LUSH HAVEN OF EXCLUSIVITY
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11 digital screens 2 VIP theaters
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Off 6th Ring Road, Near Hunting & Equestrian Club. Subhan Area, Kuwait
Total capacity level of 1,662 Located in Avenues Mall, Al Regai
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K U W A I T
Souq Marbarakia
As one of the oldest souqs marketplaces - in Kuwait, it was the previous centre of trade prior to the discovery of oil in the country, and remains a traditional must-see for visitors to this day. As a true example of the authenticity and indigenous nature still strived for within Kuwait, it offers people the perfect chance to not only explore one of Kuwait City’s leading retail hubs, but to do so while soaking in an entire culture in the process.
Kazmah desert cliffs
Mixing adventure with sightseeing opportunities, Kazmah desert cliffs offer the best views of Kuwait and the bay via one of very few elevations in the national terrain. Much more than that though, the majority of visitors to the cliffs do so via their jeeps or quad bikes to integrate a little extreme sport into their bird’s eye views of the country and, on a clear day, far beyond.
Kuwait Towers
“Aptly named as the top attraction in Kuwait, the Kuwait Towers are soaring landmarks that are definitely worth taking a few snapshots,” says middleeasttravelguide.com. “Besides their impressive height (187 meters), the towers also have a unique and majestic design, with spheres covered with fashionable polka dot patterns. “What’s more, the first tower boasts a rotating deck, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city of Kuwait.” Distinctive and grand, the Swedish-designed landmarks are the most recognisable icons of Kuwait.
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Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah
The cultural centre once again encourages visitors to take in the best of Kuwaiti architecture, history and tradition as it shows off its extensive galleries and documents which were previously stored in the National Museum prior to the Iraqi invasion. With information delivered in both English and Arabic, the complex serves exactly the same purpose as the former National Museum and gives international visitors the most poignant introduction possible to its more chequered recent history.
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THE MAIN EVENTS Hala Festival
“During the month of February, the city goes crazy with the annual shopping festival. There are lots of draws giving away valuable prizes in the shopping centres, and special promotions lure customers in. Many shops offer discounts of up to 70 percent. “The festival coincides with National Day on 25 February and Liberation Day on 26 February. During this time, there are often firework displays and the city is draped in lights. Arts, sports, a carnival and other activities make this an exciting time to be in town. Check the festival website and ‘What’s On’ listings in the English-language daily papers for details.” - Lonely Planet Date: February, 2017 Venue: Kuwait City Website: www.hala-feb.com
Ramadan & Eid Exhibition
“Ramadan & Eid Exhibition will include specialised markets such as carpets, and antiques, gold and watches, computers and mobile phones. Ramadan & Eid Exhibition is a dedicated consumer event aimed at helping companies capitalise on the market buoyancy during the festive season.” - 10times.com Date: 22 June - 2 July, 2016 Venue: Kuwait International Fairground
Gulf Expo Kuwait
“Gulf Expo-Kuwait City is a 1 day event being held on October 10th 2016 in Kuwait City, Kuwait. This event showcases area like the best students from the Middle East region who are looking to meet with representatives from American colleges and universities. Event attendees are among the most academically prepared students, either government sponsored or self-funded expatriate etc. in the Education & Training, HR Consultants industries.” - 10times.com Date:
10 October, 2016
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