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: 2026-08-21
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 36.484010
AAVE 0.032766
ADA 15.836104
AED 11.912715
AFN 214.070018
AGIX 51.934175
AKT 6.183718
ALGO 36.977850
ALL 257.084508
AMD 1,182.770159
AMP 8,141.580513
ANG 5.851847
AOA 2,977.565757
APE 24.596441
APT 5.633583
AR 1.573411
ARB 35.542851
ARS 4,856.646238
ATOM 2.143620
ATS 38.180286
AUD 4.550041
AVAX 0.447470
AWG 5.806333
AXS 3.338890
AZM 27,571.974435
AZN 5.514395
BAKE 4,335.584292
BAM 5.426782
BAT 48.706197
BBD 6.487523
BCH 0.014395
BDT 396.777448
BEF 111.929894
BGN 5.426782
BHD 1.219654
BIF 9,654.724747
BMD 3.243762
BNB 0.004898
BND 4.120947
BOB 37.457814
BRL 16.851515
BSD 3.243762
BSV 0.200796
BSW 8,686.499649
BTC 0.000043
BTG 6.901058
BTN 310.542554
BTT 11,448,382.174635
BUSD 3.243371
BWP 43.599155
BYN 9.877058
BYR 63,572.264697
BZD 6.533120
CAD 4.467662
CAKE 1.960640
CDF 7,436.315819
CELO 47.905496
CFX 72.061421
CHF 2.592670
CHZ 245.697959
CLP 2,993.174511
CNH 21.808448
CNY 21.806013
COMP 0.170960
COP 9,961.019478
CRC 1,474.312114
CRO 60.438571
CRV 11.362081
CSPR 1,230.972475
CUC 3.243483
CUP 85.952297
CVE 305.962816
CVX 1.890353
CYP 1.623942
CZK 66.942163
DAI 3.244096
DASH 0.097993
DCR 0.263511
DEM 5.426782
DFI 6,020.430470
DJF 577.772230
DKK 20.743005
DOGE 39.492733
DOP 189.780338
DOT 3.835502
DYDX 28.574109
DZD 430.976663
EEK 43.414256
EGLD 1.085721
EGP 165.036916
ENJ 123.529084
EOS 46.410669
ERN 48.656425
ESP 461.666175
ETB 528.656883
ETC 0.464952
ETH 0.001377
EUR 2.774670
EURC 2.784080
FEI 3.242955
FIL 4.348252
FIM 16.497436
FJD 7.126593
FKP 2.377075
FLOW 111.626546
FLR 466.317338
FRAX 3.268693
FRF 18.200639
FTT 14.914832
GALA 1,998.229180
GBP 2.377075
GEL 8.435466
GGP 2.377075
GHC 359,770.957613
GHS 35.977096
GIP 2.377075
GMD 240.571706
GMX 0.466880
GNF 28,517.297031
GNO 0.026383
GRD 945.468663
GRT 214.574036
GT 0.450445
GTQ 24.759260
GUSD 3.248532
GYD 679.153533
HBAR 43.745678
HKD 25.440548
HNL 87.023286
HNT 17.822857
HOT 9,174.672250
HRK 20.905748
HT 68.985809
HTG 424.881165
HUF 1,011.776108
ICP 1.360248
IDR 57,558.356153
IEP 2.185230
ILS 9.736850
IMP 2.377075
IMX 29.329651
INJ 0.684367
INR 310.542554
IQD 4,255.473609
IRR 4,458,410.496867
ISK 394.013341
ITL 5,372.509490
JEP 2.377075
JMD 513.782794
JOD 2.299827
JPY 515.616639
KAS 112.683044
KAVA 76.414759
KCS 0.431130
KDA 664.534800
KES 419.844327
KGS 283.985625
KHR 13,056.898149
KLAY 120.200179
KMF 1,365.047956
KNC 29.763305
KPW 2,919.135555
KRW 4,481.542193
KSM 1.015642
KYD 2.698196
KZT 1,482.514799
LAK 73,098.109287
LBP 291,168.771211
LDO 9.554529
LEO 0.348985
LINK 0.301102
LKR 1,071.520970
LRC 399.864293
LRD 588.970302
LSL 52.234755
LTC 0.067403
LTL 9.580379
LUF 111.929894
LUNA 70.070464
LUNC 60,815.801717
LVL 1.950038
LYD 20.567208
MAD 30.007542
MANA 46.002377
MBX 152.391982
MDL 55.755668
MGA 13,875.209726
MGF 69,376.048630
MINA 69.199252
MKD 171.089205
MKR 0.002156
MMK 6,810.980778
MNT 11,674.916795
MOP 26.203765
MRO 1,295.184187
MRU 129.518419
MTL 1.191166
MUR 151.313835
MVR 50.147179
MWK 5,630.432353
MXN 54.948161
MXV 6.247478
MYR 13.119304
MZM 207,024.953582
MZN 207.024954
NAD 52.234755
NEAR 1.836693
NEO 1.633676
NEXO 4.081891
NFT 11,664,429.172557
NGN 4,379.911316
NIO 119.438497
NLG 6.114567
NOK 30.272720
NPR 497.100993
NZD 5.437624
OKB 0.030208
OMR 1.248179
ONE 4,346.689182
OP 33.490397
ORDI 0.775028
PAB 3.243762
PAXG 0.000717
PEN 10.876233
PEPE 1,006,513.659454
PGK 14.547213
PHP 200.073824
PI 35.615025
PKR 901.095198
PLN 11.979566
POL 40.130781
PTE 556.271309
PYG 19,557.075056
QAR 11.807292
QNT 0.052446
QTUM 3.985521
ROL 145,704.560953
RON 14.570456
RPL 1.991722
RSD 325.558854
RUB 268.562687
RUNE 7.225759
RVN 1,070.908274
RWF 4,773.685853
SAND 73.611689
SAR 12.164106
SBD 25.996560
SCR 45.550859
SDD 194,670.147647
SDG 1,946.701476
SEK 30.719771
SGD 4.120947
SHIB 653,429.443026
SHP 2.377075
SIT 664.921821
SKK 83.589696
SLE 74.282247
SLL 74,282.246672
SNX 15.237552
SOL 0.036719
SOS 1,854.852298
SPL 0.540627
SRD 122.667385
SRG 122,667.384870
SSP 18,229.577892
STD 68,547.960915
STN 68.547961
STX 21.843926
SUI 4.381363
SVC 28.382914
SYP 42,171.764265
SZL 52.234755
THB 106.516117
THETA 19.952872
TJS 30.007081
TMM 56,708.558914
TMT 11.341712
TND 9.402489
TOP 7.811791
TRL 155,866,901.756364
TRX 9.592706
TRY 155.866902
TTD 22.003772
TUSD 3.248914
TVD 4.550041
TWD 103.306180
TWT 7.894543
TZS 8,581.823966
UAH 144.883452
UGX 12,064.273916
UNI 0.854339
USD 3.243762
USDC 3.243643
USDD 3.244355
USDP 3.248337
USDT 3.244595
UYU 130.155319
UZS 38,420.050526
VAL 5,372.509490
VEB 252,117,152,152.6066
VED 2,514.184069
VEF 251,418,406.892323
VES 2,514.184069
VET 623.902626
VND 84,465.508875
VUV 384.634754
WAVES 15.751809
WEMIX 16.306802
WOO 279.390534
WST 8.811800
XAF 1,820.063941
XAG 0.047400
XAU 0.000716
XAUT 0.000719
XBT 0.000044
XCD 8.782071
XCG 5.851847
XCH 2.241753
XDC 113.154969
XDR 2.368917
XEC 467,347.329523
XEM 7,070.509082
XLM 17.543058
XMR 0.007791
XOF 1,820.063941
XPD 0.002408
XPF 331.106156
XPT 0.001741
XRP 2.525098
XTZ 14.476477
YER 769.020299
ZAR 52.234755
ZEC 0.005660
ZIL 1,282.441352
ZMK 61,546.205187
ZMW 61.546205
ZWD 1,173.917343
ZWG 86.383042
ZWL 215,847.398745

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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.