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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 44.958617
AAVE 0.036470
ADA 17.167721
AED 11.835345
AFN 204.895490
AGIX 41.306143
AKT 5.138215
ALGO 36.000671
ALL 264.169153
AMD 1,185.855531
AMP 7,225.107646
ANG 5.811618
AOA 2,959.704097
APE 22.989096
APT 5.152997
AR 1.614457
ARB 40.291397
ARS 4,810.078080
ATOM 2.038027
ATS 38.788211
AUD 4.652157
AVAX 0.466785
AWG 5.768623
AXS 3.191503
AZM 27,392.898223
AZN 5.478580
BAKE 4,288.940975
BAM 5.513190
BAT 36.592590
BBD 6.445389
BCH 0.013354
BDT 397.272797
BEF 113.712095
BGN 5.513190
BHD 1.211733
BIF 9,593.983087
BMD 3.222694
BNB 0.005514
BND 4.165356
BOB 22.324116
BRL 16.655156
BSD 3.222694
BSV 0.218278
BSW 9,628.754324
BTC 0.000051
BTCB 60.812484
BTG 11.168375
BTN 307.041693
BTT 12,151,433.666165
BUSD 3.219951
BWP 43.495839
BYN 9.358455
BYR 63,170.911102
BZD 6.490716
CAD 4.579383
CAKE 2.225439
CDF 7,435.538740
CELO 47.968255
CFX 72.032954
CHF 2.592465
CHZ 178.509219
CLP 2,968.745169
CNH 21.886526
CNY 21.877856
COMP 0.192290
COP 10,771.953828
CRC 1,468.539068
CRO 53.916284
CRV 15.074987
CSPR 1,659.366727
CUC 3.223005
CUP 85.409651
CVE 310.834501
CVX 2.679523
CYP 1.649799
CZK 68.177384
DAI 3.224218
DASH 0.091614
DCR 0.290321
DEM 5.513190
DFI 3,878.970137
DJF 573.938922
DKK 21.070659
DOGE 41.702480
DOP 190.997191
DOT 3.694312
DYDX 24.402613
DZD 428.598875
EEK 44.105519
EGLD 1.166007
EGP 158.305100
ENJ 111.355429
EOS 44.492699
ERN 48.340415
ESP 469.017042
ETB 515.487773
ETC 0.453753
ETH 0.001812
EUR 2.818849
EURC 2.820902
FEI 3.223839
FIL 4.081482
FIM 16.760116
FJD 7.236584
FKP 2.415330
FLOW 114.996593
FLR 463.635975
FRAX 3.257784
FRF 18.490439
FTT 13.529573
GALA 1,406.727468
GBP 2.415330
GEL 8.464554
GGP 2.415330
GHC 366,129.571883
GHS 36.612957
GIP 2.415330
GMD 237.655431
GMX 0.543818
GNF 28,255.097249
GNO 0.030655
GRD 960.522863
GRT 169.861041
GT 0.475365
GTQ 24.598978
GUSD 3.226950
GYD 674.559229
HBAR 42.679134
HKD 25.275720
HNL 86.278706
HNT 13.448141
HOT 8,930.547454
HRK 21.238619
HT 89.947045
HTG 421.833437
HUF 996.753732
ICP 1.461934
IDR 57,984.318393
IEP 2.220024
ILS 9.679891
IMP 2.415330
IMX 23.325237
INJ 0.659644
INR 307.041693
IQD 4,225.577114
IRR 4,434,694.648129
ISK 405.918635
ITL 5,458.053131
JEP 2.415330
JMD 510.547555
JOD 2.284890
JPY 521.592252
KAS 105.058097
KAVA 71.426799
KCS 0.446384
KDA 552.925321
KES 416.664840
KGS 281.870477
KHR 12,922.460875
KMF 1,386.782896
KNC 28.911134
KPW 2,900.706230
KRW 4,939.938701
KSM 0.914565
KYD 2.681027
KZT 1,523.506311
LAK 72,862.046197
LBP 289,408.950406
LDO 11.930069
LEO 0.344316
LINK 0.403592
LKR 1,079.264672
LRC 262.294098
LRD 585.318534
LSL 52.380995
LTC 0.071394
LTL 9.732923
LUF 113.712095
LUNA 65.623427
LUNC 52,491.009325
LVL 1.981087
LYD 20.671543
MAD 30.176164
MANA 46.314506
MBX 128.140997
MDL 56.723047
MGA 13,675.591223
MGF 68,377.956117
MINA 67.976815
MKD 173.646025
MKR 0.002250
MMK 6,765.488009
MNT 11,550.582981
MOP 26.033992
MRO 1,287.048479
MRU 128.704848
MTL 1.210132
MUR 151.488150
MVR 49.820881
MWK 5,590.202628
MXN 56.330503
MXV 6.387355
MYR 13.139759
MZM 205,822.222104
MZN 205.822222
NAD 52.380995
NEAR 1.617434
NEO 1.629263
NEXO 4.189130
NFT 12,160,180.737857
NGN 4,415.991138
NIO 118.630177
NLG 6.211926
NOK 31.699796
NPR 491.496990
NZD 5.664374
OKB 0.040404
OMR 1.240349
ONE 2,578.322915
OP 29.976500
ORDI 0.992774
PAB 3.222694
PAXG 0.000776
PEN 10.974186
PEPE 1,181,531.389897
PGK 14.177562
PHP 198.237284
PI 28.488271
PKR 896.584955
PLN 12.100365
POL 43.820969
PTE 565.128524
PYG 19,602.449056
QAR 11.730607
QNT 0.048133
QTUM 4.533615
ROL 147,313.329034
RON 14.731333
RPL 1.591704
RSD 330.628386
RUB 248.333319
RUNE 7.792536
RVN 845.605097
RWF 4,724.053923
SAND 64.591574
SAR 12.085104
SBD 26.078237
SCR 46.051641
SDD 193,440.686523
SDG 1,934.406865
SEK 31.108132
SGD 4.165356
SHIB 736,063.837060
SHP 2.415330
SIT 675.509021
SKK 84.920651
SLE 73.606179
SLL 73,606.178946
SNX 14.073727
SOL 0.039941
SOS 1,840.289750
SPL 0.537116
SRD 121.317097
SRG 121,317.096916
SSP 15,305.174692
STD 69,574.276866
STN 69.574277
STX 18.846630
SUI 4.313639
SVC 28.198576
SYP 356.245578
SZL 52.380995
THB 107.123252
THETA 22.972430
TJS 29.872067
TMM 56,545.239158
TMT 11.309048
TND 9.500304
TOP 7.761239
TRL 150,871,875.567336
TRX 9.813231
TRY 150.871876
TTD 21.836933
TUSD 3.229445
TVD 4.652157
TWD 103.417034
TWT 9.374547
TZS 8,467.980575
UAH 143.621278
UGX 11,777.386527
UNI 1.019697
USD 3.222694
USDC 3.223691
USDD 3.225969
USDP 3.232442
USDT 3.226172
UYU 129.710434
UZS 38,568.553058
VAL 5,458.053131
VEB 207,682,841,297.6232
VED 2,076.643513
VEF 207,664,351.344603
VES 2,076.643513
VET 683.141221
VND 84,757.540544
VUV 387.341848
WAVES 12.127728
WEMIX 12.447791
WOO 272.173457
WST 8.913368
XAF 1,849.043861
XAG 0.052194
XAU 0.000774
XAUT 0.000776
XBT 0.000051
XCD 8.723427
XCG 5.811618
XCH 2.044872
XDC 114.692843
XDR 2.377018
XEC 606,692.332055
XEM 7,528.044153
XLM 16.142645
XMR 0.009959
XOF 1,849.043861
XPD 0.002536
XPF 336.378186
XPT 0.001968
XRP 2.815145
XTZ 12.951623
YER 763.757414
ZAR 52.380995
ZEC 0.007076
ZIL 1,044.700984
ZMK 59,134.216065
ZMW 59.134216
ZWD 1,166.293086
ZWG 86.444194
ZWL 216,000.198665

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Cities in Kuwait 241
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- '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.