Asia · Western Asia

Kuwait

State of Kuwait

Flag of Kuwait
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+03:00
🏛️ Capital
Kuwait City
👥 Population
4,881,254
📐 Area
17,818 km²
💱 Currency
Kuwaiti dinar (د.ك)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic
📞 Calling Code
+965
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+03:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Western Asia

About Kuwait

Kuwait is a compact yet fascinatingly layered Gulf state where ancient Bedouin traditions coexist with extraordinary modern wealth, and where the desert meets one of the world's most dramatic urban skylines. Perched at the northern tip of the Arabian Gulf, this small emirate punches well above its weight in terms of cultural richness, culinary excellence, and the warmth of its people. Kuwait City's waterfront corniche, gleaming with futuristic towers and the iconic Kuwait Towers, offers a striking introduction to a country that has reinvented itself at breathtaking speed since oil transformed its fortunes in the 20th century.

You will find Kuwait a genuinely rewarding destination for those willing to look beyond its surface reputation. The old Al-Mubarakiya market is a sensory delight — a labyrinth of spice stalls, gold jewellers, perfume shops, and fabric merchants that has served as the commercial heart of the city for generations. The National Museum and the Al-Sadu House offer moving insights into pre-oil pearl-diving and Bedouin weaving traditions that Kuwait is working hard to preserve and celebrate. Dhow cruises on the bay at dusk, when the city lights begin to shimmer across the water, are among the Gulf's most memorable experiences.

Kuwait's location at the confluence of Arabian, Persian, and Indian trade routes has created a food culture of extraordinary depth and variety. The country's malls are world-class, the hospitality is legendary, and the winter months bring pleasantly warm weather ideal for exploring outdoor souqs, heritage villages, and the dramatic desert landscapes of the interior. Kuwait rewards the curious traveller with an authenticity that its better-marketed Gulf neighbours sometimes lack.

History & Background

Kuwait's history as a settled trading community began in the early 18th century, when the Bani Utub confederation — including the Al-Sabah family who would become Kuwait's ruling dynasty — established a small fishing and trading port on the northern Gulf coast. The settlement grew rapidly as a hub for pearl diving, boat building, and Indian Ocean trade, developing a distinctive seafaring culture that shaped its identity for over two centuries. British protection was formalised in 1899, shielding Kuwait from Ottoman and later Saudi territorial ambitions.

The discovery of oil in 1938 and its large-scale exploitation following the Second World War fundamentally transformed Kuwait from a modest Gulf trading town into one of the world's wealthiest states within a generation. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, and the subsequent Gulf War that ended with liberation in February 1991, remains a defining national trauma, and its memory shapes Kuwait's foreign policy and national consciousness to this day. Since liberation, Kuwait has rebuilt comprehensively and continues to develop as a financial and cultural hub in the Gulf region.

Culture & People

Kuwaiti culture is rooted in Bedouin values of hospitality, generosity, and communal solidarity. Diwaniya — the tradition of hosting informal evening gatherings in a dedicated reception room — remains central to Kuwaiti social life, where men discuss business, politics, and community affairs over Arabic coffee and dates. These gatherings are a cornerstone of Kuwaiti identity and an important avenue through which decisions are made and relationships maintained. Family bonds are exceptionally strong, and extended family networks underpin most social and professional life.

Islam is the state religion and profoundly shapes daily rhythms — the call to prayer punctuates each day, businesses close during prayer times, and the holy month of Ramadan brings a beautiful transformation of the city into a nocturnal celebration of food, prayer, and community. Kuwait has a remarkably diverse expatriate population, which makes up the majority of residents and brings a cosmopolitan energy to the country's restaurants, arts scene, and neighbourhoods. Kuwaiti women have been increasingly prominent in business, arts, and public life, and the country's cultural scene is growing with galleries, theatre, and international events finding enthusiastic audiences.

Food & Cuisine

Kuwaiti cuisine reflects the country's history as a seafaring trading hub, drawing on Arabian, Persian, Indian, and East African culinary traditions. Machboos — fragrant spiced rice cooked with meat or fish, infused with dried lemon and a complex spice blend called baharat — is the national dish and a point of immense cultural pride. Jireesh (crushed wheat with lamb), harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge), and murabyan (shrimp rice) are equally beloved traditional dishes typically prepared for family gatherings and celebrations.

The Kuwaiti dining scene extends far beyond traditional food. As a cosmopolitan city with a large expatriate population, Kuwait City offers an outstanding diversity of cuisines — Lebanese mezze, Iranian kebabs, Indian biryanis, and international restaurant concepts sit alongside fast-food chains in a remarkably varied food landscape. Dates, fresh juices, and sweet chai with cardamom are consumed throughout the day. The Al-Mubarakiya market's traditional sweet shops produce spectacular local confections, including lugaimat (crispy honey-glazed dumplings) that are a perfect introduction to Kuwaiti dessert culture.

Top Attractions

  • Kuwait Towers — Iconic landmark on the Gulf corniche, offering panoramic city and sea views from the observation sphere.
  • Al-Mubarakiya Market — Historic covered souq with spice merchants, gold shops, perfume stalls, and traditional Kuwaiti sweet vendors.
  • Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre — World-class performing arts complex and one of the largest cultural centres in the Middle East.
  • National Museum of Kuwait — Comprehensive collection tracing Kuwait's pre-oil Bedouin, maritime, and natural history.
  • Al-Shaheed Park — Beautifully landscaped urban park with outdoor theatre, museums, and a peaceful green escape in the city centre.
  • Failaka Island — Archaeological island in Kuwait Bay with Greek and Bronze Age ruins, reachable by ferry from the capital.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Dress modestly in public areas, covering shoulders and knees; swimwear is acceptable only at hotel pools and private beaches.
  • Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Kuwait; do not attempt to import or consume it during your visit.
  • Friday and Saturday form the weekend; many government offices and some businesses are closed on these days.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Careem, Jeeny) are widely available and affordable in Kuwait City.
  • The Kuwaiti dinar is among the world's highest-valued currencies — budget accordingly and use ATMs for the best exchange rates.
  • Photography of government buildings, military installations, and people without permission is prohibited.
  • During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal for everyone, including tourists.

Visa Overview

Kuwait offers visa-on-arrival or e-visa options to citizens of many countries, including GCC nationals who enter freely. Travellers from countries such as the USA, UK, EU member states, Australia, and Canada can typically obtain a visa on arrival valid for 90 days. Some nationalities must apply in advance through a Kuwait embassy. Entry requirements are subject to change, and travellers with Israeli passport stamps may face complications. Always verify the current entry requirements through Kuwait's Ministry of Interior or your country's embassy before travelling.

Getting Around

Kuwait International Airport connects the country to major hubs across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways are the primary carriers. Within the country, driving is the main mode of transport as Kuwait has no public rail or metro system. Car hire is affordable and roads are excellent, though traffic in Kuwait City can be very heavy. Ride-hailing apps Careem and Jeeny are convenient and widely used. Taxis are available but always agree on fares in advance.

Safety Notes

Kuwait is one of the safer countries in the Middle East for tourists, with violent crime against visitors extremely rare. The main safety concerns are road accidents — traffic can be chaotic and speeds excessive — so exercise caution when driving and always wear a seatbelt. The extreme summer heat poses a serious health risk; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Be mindful of local laws regarding dress, alcohol, and public conduct, as violations carry real legal consequences.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Kuwait.

Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) د.ك
Updated: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 35.494059
AAVE 0.036480
ADA 12.920202
AED 11.929850
AFN 203.055121
AKT 4.029742
ALGO 30.251141
ALL 266.599971
AMD 1,195.527643
AMP 3,882.493634
ANG 5.852492
AOA 2,983.923600
APE 22.524971
APT 3.440729
AR 1.520548
ARB 27.793808
ARS 4,535.105395
ATOM 1.578907
ATS 38.397406
AUD 4.551489
AVAX 0.351969
AWG 5.814685
AXS 2.766438
AZM 27,611.741970
AZN 5.522348
BAKE 4,393.545174
BAM 5.457643
BAT 33.529241
BBD 6.496855
BCH 0.008550
BDT 399.179033
BEF 112.566407
BGN 5.457643
BHD 1.221409
BIF 9,677.305921
BMD 3.248428
BNB 0.005058
BND 4.158140
BOB 22.514353
BRL 16.273956
BSD 3.248428
BSV 0.215928
BSW 3,795.199937
BTC 0.000042
BTG 8.444415
BTN 313.113074
BTT 10,096,866.798334
BUSD 3.250074
BWP 44.162546
BYN 8.933142
BYR 89,331.422822
BZD 6.538225
CAD 4.465884
CAKE 2.297860
CDF 7,454.979456
CELO 40.369073
CFX 55.165569
CHF 2.552677
CHZ 66.068007
CLP 2,926.918468
CNH 22.102352
CNY 22.094737
COMP 0.147448
COP 12,341.229922
CRC 1,470.615906
CRO 46.484751
CRV 13.768155
CSPR 1,099.645195
CUC 3.248428
CUP 77.946168
CVE 307.702739
CVX 1.871628
CYP 1.633177
CZK 67.837726
DAI 3.250038
DASH 0.075733
DCR 0.192983
DEM 5.457643
DFI 3,308.070139
DJF 578.021506
DKK 20.852370
DOGE 31.145231
DOP 192.293438
DOT 2.601286
DYDX 22.458364
DZD 431.254839
EEK 43.661141
EGLD 0.828761
EGP 173.214163
ENJ 75.632996
EOS 40.156953
ERN 48.726414
ESP 464.291539
ETB 511.514705
ETC 0.364744
ETH 0.001524
EUR 2.790448
EURC 2.788274
FEI 3.260821
FIL 3.366217
FIM 16.591252
FJD 7.163064
FKP 2.421860
FLOW 90.022580
FLR 388.879372
FRAX 3.271285
FRF 18.304141
FTT 10.053983
GALA 966.128923
GBP 2.421860
GEL 8.678125
GGP 2.421860
GHC 371,617.447071
GHS 37.161745
GIP 2.421860
GMD 239.972334
GMX 0.490967
GNF 28,494.511053
GNO 0.027464
GRD 950.845274
GRT 129.157395
GT 0.457890
GTQ 24.763998
GUSD 3.255674
GYD 679.397661
HBAR 36.088264
HKD 25.439368
HNL 86.415469
HNT 3.944366
HOT 8,187.173986
HRK 21.024633
HT 22.401441
HTG 425.179038
HUF 1,006.219089
ICP 1.257774
IDR 57,578.767241
IEP 2.197657
ILS 9.428002
IMP 2.421860
IMX 19.082572
INJ 0.623250
INR 313.113074
IQD 4,256.286734
IRR 4,281,949.569163
ISK 400.147826
ITL 5,403.061422
JEP 2.421860
JMD 513.663602
JOD 2.303135
JPY 516.285425
KAS 93.999309
KAVA 56.404339
KCS 0.405518
KDA 390.526199
KES 420.081536
KGS 284.161979
KHR 13,028.452419
KLAY 62.451079
KMF 1,372.810595
KNC 22.624751
KPW 2,923.521205
KRW 4,889.454747
KSM 0.652366
KYD 2.701890
KZT 1,524.260665
LAK 71,252.636163
LBP 291,214.778962
LDO 9.120899
LEO 0.322015
LINK 0.335153
LKR 1,081.851063
LRC 200.439110
LRD 595.367872
LSL 54.084036
LTC 0.059821
LTL 9.634860
LUF 112.566407
LUNA 51.323802
LUNC 41,329.054337
LVL 1.961127
LYD 20.627131
MAD 29.895207
MANA 36.858883
MBX 82.957654
MDL 56.214331
MGA 13,592.541114
MGF 67,962.705571
MINA 56.864800
MKD 171.959164
MKR 0.001885
MMK 6,819.246662
MNT 11,626.056212
MOP 26.202549
MRO 1,298.799926
MRU 129.879993
MTL 1.197939
MUR 153.595519
MVR 50.170607
MWK 5,653.749442
MXN 56.213233
MXV 6.361103
MYR 12.910324
MZM 207,478.404287
MZN 207.478404
NAD 54.084036
NEAR 2.013207
NEO 1.123532
NEXO 3.652136
NFT 11,485,441.422898
NGN 4,453.799449
NIO 119.404439
NLG 6.149339
NOK 30.124678
NPR 501.215754
NZD 5.548419
OKB 0.039726
OMR 1.249567
ONE 1,584.766101
OP 25.301751
ORDI 0.780426
PAB 3.248428
PAXG 0.000716
PEN 11.116861
PEPE 882,096.411355
PGK 14.351947
PHP 200.464122
PI 21.400826
PKR 905.031540
PLN 11.838108
POL 35.736226
PTE 559.434666
PYG 19,771.369301
QAR 11.824277
QNT 0.043415
QTUM 3.597513
ROL 145,367.091781
RON 14.536709
RPL 1.871718
RSD 327.513563
RUB 235.429657
RUNE 7.258476
RVN 587.770646
RWF 4,749.571280
SAND 45.107528
SAR 12.181604
SBD 26.007446
SCR 47.688877
SDD 194,980.672369
SDG 1,949.806724
SEK 30.564673
SGD 4.158140
SHIB 563,573.202597
SHP 2.421860
SIT 668.703042
SKK 84.065047
SLE 74.404816
SLL 74,404.815532
SNX 10.486875
SOL 0.038219
SOS 1,856.268365
SPL 0.541405
SRD 120.922081
SRG 120,922.080990
SSP 15,315.130466
STD 69,102.981727
STN 69.102982
STX 13.598683
SUI 3.070150
SVC 28.423742
SYP 359.067082
SZL 54.084036
THB 105.964721
THETA 16.454029
TJS 30.237378
TMM 56,964.779024
TMT 11.392956
TND 9.433787
TON 1.614334
TOP 7.727758
TRL 148,074,633.859238
TRX 9.107407
TRY 148.074634
TTD 22.034231
TUSD 3.252386
TVD 4.551489
TWD 102.773010
TWT 6.798246
TZS 8,452.476075
UAH 143.390654
UGX 12,242.339298
UNI 0.920002
USD 3.248428
USDC 3.249521
USDD 3.251753
USDP 3.252830
USDT 3.251401
UYU 130.208771
UZS 39,085.168336
VAL 5,403.061422
VEB 168,049,648,715.1124
VED 1,680.421515
VEF 168,042,151.472581
VES 1,680.421515
VET 482.241437
VND 85,532.423259
VUV 385.698592
WAVES 8.546870
WEMIX 12.025198
WOO 192.350101
WST 8.754690
XAF 1,830.414127
XAG 0.042679
XAU 0.000715
XAUT 0.000716
XBT 0.000042
XCD 8.794628
XCG 5.852492
XCH 1.170375
XDC 104.498490
XDR 2.376426
XEC 442,843.176301
XEM 4,880.926169
XLM 22.126988
XMR 0.008404
XOF 1,830.414127
XPD 0.002318
XPF 332.989063
XPT 0.001649
XRP 2.350161
XTZ 9.500456
YER 775.139568
ZAR 54.084036
ZEC 0.005674
ZIL 826.242229
ZMK 61,395.274026
ZMW 61.395274
ZWD 1,175.605954
ZWG 84.167480
ZWL 210,311.318385

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Cities in Kuwait 241
Browse all cities and towns
- 'Abullah-as-Salam 'Umayriyah A'qaylah Abraq Khitan Abu Hulayfah ad-Da'iyah ad-Dasma ad-Dawhah al-'Udayliyah al-Ahmadi al-Andalus al-Farwaniyah al-Fayha al-Fintas al-Fuhayhil al-Funaytis al-Funaytis-al-Garbiyah al-Jabiriyah al-Jahra al-Karim al-Kuwayt al-Mahbulah al-Manqaf al-Qadisiyah al-Qusayr al-Wafrah Amgarah ar-Rabbiyah ar-Rawdah ar-Riqqah ar-Rumaythiyah Ardhiyah Ardiyah as-Sabahiyah as-Salimiyah as-Sulaybihat as-Sulaybiyah ash-Shuwaykh Industrial ash-Shuwaykh Reservoir az-Zawr Banayd-al-Qar Bayan Bnaider (Quarries) Camp Arifjan Dahar Desert Area Desert Area Fardaws Hadiyah Hawalli Health District Jabbar-al-'Ali Jalib ash-Shuyuh Janub-as-Surrah Kayfan Khalidiyah Khitan-al-Janubiyah Mansuriyah Massilah Mishref Mushrif Nasim Nuzha Qadesiya Qarnadah Qartaba Ray Riqay Sabhan Safat Salmi west Salmiya Salwa' Sarbah-an-Nasr Sha''ab Shalehat Al-Nuwaiseeb Shamiyah Shu'aybah Subbah-as-Salim Tayma' Uyawn Waha Warmawk أبو الحصاني أبو حليفة أبو فطيرة أم حجول أم قدير أمغرة الصناعية إشبيلية ابو خرجين و الصبيحية الأحمدي الأندلس الابيرق والنعايم واللياح البدع الجابرية الجهراء الجهراء الصناعية الحرفية الخالدية الدسمة الدعية الدعية - قطعة 5 الدوحة الرابية الرتقة والحريجة الرحاب الرحية وأم توينج الرقة الرقعي الرميثية الروضة الروضتين الري السالمية السرة السكراب السلام الشامية الشدادية الشعب الشعيبة الشعيبة الصناعية الشرقية الشعيبه الصناعيه الغربيه الشقايا - الدبدبة - المتياهه الشهداء الشويخ التعليمية الشويخ السكنية الشويخ الصناعية الصباحية الصبية الصدّيق الصليبخات الصليبية الشعبية الصليبية الصناعية الصليبية الصناعية 3 الصير وام المدفاع الضجيج الظهر العارضية العارضية الحرفية العبدلي و صخيبريات العبدلية العدان العديلية العقيلة العمرية العيون الفحيحيل الفردوس الفروانية الفنطاس الفنيطيس الفيحاء القادسية القبلة القرين القصر القصور القيروان المرقاب المسايل المطار الدولي المطلاع وجال الاطراف المنصورية المنطقة الوسطي المنقف المهبولة النزهة النسيم النعايم النهضة النويصيب الوفرة السكنية اليرموك ام العيش بنيد القار بيان تيماء جابر الأحمد جابر العلي جامعة الكويت - الشدادية جليب الشيوخ جنوب الاحمدي جنوب الصباحية جنوب المطلاع جنوب امغرة الصناعية جنوب امغره جنوب خيطان جنوب عبدالله المبارك جنوب مدينه سعد العبدالله جنوب مدينه صباح الاحمد جواخير الجهراء حطين حولي خيطان دسمان سعد العبد الله سلوى شاليهات الجليعة شاليهات الدوحة شاليهات الزور شاليهات الضباعية شاليهات بنيدر شاليهات ميناء عبدالله شرق شرق الاحمدي شمال غرب الجهراء شمال غرب الصليبخات صباح الأحمد صباح السالم صباح الناصر صبحان الصناعية صهيد العوازم - المطار ضاحية عبد الله السالم (الضاحية) علي صباح السالم غرب الجليب - الشدادية غرب عبدالله المبارك الصباح غرناطة فهد الأحمد قرادان والحفيرة و الفوار قرطبة قطعة 4 قلمة شايع والمناقيش كبد كبد الزراعية كبد والشق و الضبعة كيفان مبارك الكبير مدينة الكويت مدينة المطلاع السكنية مدينة صباح الأحمد البحرية - لؤلؤة الخيران سابقا مزارع الوفرة مشرف معسكرات الجهراء مناطق نائية - الجهراء منطقة الوزارات ميناء الدوحة ميناء الشويخ ميناء عبدالله هدية

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Kuwait needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Kuwait?
The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City.
What currency does Kuwait use?
Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti dinar (د.ك) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Kuwait?
The official language(s) of Kuwait include Arabic.
What is the population of Kuwait?
Kuwait has a population of approximately 4,881,254 people.
What region is Kuwait in?
Kuwait is located in Asia, specifically in the Western Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Kuwait?
The international dialing code for Kuwait is +965.
What time zones does Kuwait observe?
Kuwait observes the following time zone(s): UTC+03:00.
What is the current time in Kuwait?
The local time in Kuwait is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Kuwait?
Kuwait covers a total area of 17,818 km².
How many states or provinces does Kuwait have?
Kuwait is divided into 16 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Kuwait in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Kuwait in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Kuwait?
Visa requirements for citizens of Kuwait vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.