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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 31.020963
AAVE 0.017931
ADA 12.137613
AED 11.888706
AFN 208.775942
AKT 4.086327
ALGO 24.720287
ALL 264.664584
AMD 1,172.705281
AMP 5,116.413505
ANG 5.828700
AOA 2,970.434414
APE 19.296486
APT 4.095572
AR 0.723450
ARB 16.102206
ARS 4,960.134810
ATOM 1.858792
ATS 39.831123
AUD 4.666259
AVAX 0.297207
AWG 5.794632
AXS 2.471401
AZM 27,516.869038
AZN 5.503374
BAKE 13,480.370141
BAM 5.661425
BAT 31.517835
BBD 6.474449
BCH 0.010168
BDT 398.083763
BEF 116.769513
BGN 5.661425
BHD 1.217196
BIF 9,756.664077
BMD 3.237224
BNB 0.004096
BND 4.149731
BOB 38.771890
BRL 16.901416
BSD 3.237224
BSV 0.161940
BSW 7,792.942320
BTC 0.000038
BTCB 45.677378
BTG 4.893303
BTN 312.209189
BTT 8,644,665.559296
BUSD 3.229669
BWP 44.710562
BYN 9.729663
BYR 63,359.191141
BZD 6.515525
CAD 4.624291
CAKE 1.296094
CDF 7,482.834808
CELO 30.783840
CFX 60.033809
CHF 2.687012
CHZ 193.690116
CLP 3,171.963446
CNH 21.724169
CNY 21.705997
COMP 0.129133
COP 10,619.375611
CRC 1,482.962914
CRO 47.414841
CRV 8.453268
CSPR 1,255.787702
CUC 3.232613
CUP 77.522189
CVE 319.192020
CVX 1.389829
CYP 1.694158
CZK 70.708588
DAI 3.233184
DASH 0.054358
DCR 0.175670
DEM 5.661425
DFI 4,893.207591
DJF 577.288877
DKK 21.634677
DOGE 33.974181
DOP 193.774864
DOT 2.667817
DYDX 22.363995
DZD 432.788988
EEK 45.291400
EGLD 0.724823
EGP 170.424187
ENJ 96.842238
EOS 33.572020
ERN 48.558364
ESP 481.627672
ETB 528.516788
ETC 0.361152
ETH 0.001196
EUR 2.894641
EURC 2.889292
FEI 3.232717
FIL 3.086142
FIM 17.210752
FJD 7.296305
FKP 2.450732
FLOW 102.372068
FLR 448.133172
FRAX 3.261537
FRF 18.987598
FTT 12.661281
GALA 1,305.379206
GBP 2.450732
GEL 8.401881
GGP 2.450732
GHC 379,540.365087
GHS 37.954037
GIP 2.450732
GMD 239.785609
GMX 0.386037
GNF 28,492.512946
GNO 0.026794
GRD 986.348787
GRT 108.157127
GT 0.291667
GTQ 24.737018
GUSD 3.238765
GYD 676.671182
HBAR 31.380364
HKD 25.401438
HNL 87.115921
HNT 5.634955
HOT 7,230.149487
HRK 21.809670
HT 89.644232
HTG 423.606193
HUF 1,067.319034
ICP 0.994613
IDR 58,080.353116
IEP 2.279715
ILS 9.879475
IMP 2.450732
IMX 17.816557
INJ 0.428067
INR 312.209189
IQD 4,238.301601
IRR 5,645,884.178606
ISK 397.106602
ITL 5,604.805771
JEP 2.450732
JMD 512.076024
JOD 2.295192
JPY 511.725485
KAS 75.805454
KAVA 46.998892
KCS 0.431982
KDA 348.375588
KES 416.926312
KGS 283.112105
KHR 13,124.761494
KLAY 85.847118
KMF 1,424.069827
KNC 23.001824
KPW 2,909.351641
KRW 4,359.175924
KSM 0.628065
KYD 2.686220
KZT 1,451.897185
LAK 72,962.870856
LBP 290,205.048932
LDO 6.942816
LEO 0.362382
LINK 0.229685
LKR 1,069.848385
LRC 307.649502
LRD 555.910438
LSL 54.173171
LTC 0.046226
LTL 9.994615
LUF 116.769513
LUNA 63.793962
LUNC 61,550.844776
LVL 2.034353
LYD 20.716862
MAD 31.915469
MANA 31.866705
MBX 108.777487
MDL 57.796828
MGA 14,426.110473
MGF 72,130.552364
MINA 20.220590
MKD 177.282344
MKR 0.001470
MMK 6,795.701357
MNT 11,651.432135
MOP 26.163481
MRO 1,300.082447
MRU 130.008245
MTL 1.242669
MUR 156.834662
MVR 50.045992
MWK 5,609.298660
MXN 59.009294
MXV 6.696499
MYR 13.233834
MZM 206,640.525735
MZN 206.640526
NAD 54.173171
NEAR 0.663819
NEO 1.271436
NEXO 3.764230
NFT 13,467,839.135696
NGN 4,296.186895
NIO 118.939205
NLG 6.378948
NOK 31.285040
NPR 499.768860
NZD 5.790566
OKB 0.025966
OMR 1.245623
ONE 22.143722
OP 24.716039
ORDI 0.717266
PAB 3.237224
PAXG 0.000781
PEN 11.202388
PEPE 737,239.719581
PGK 14.541232
PHP 203.109273
PI 37.267742
PKR 896.366318
PLN 12.701103
POL 29.816830
PTE 580.323338
PYG 18,900.588516
QAR 11.783496
QNT 0.012981
QTUM 3.296096
ROL 154,696.370055
RON 15.469637
RPL 1.696373
RSD 338.226950
RUB 271.474156
RUNE 4.142849
RVN 1,357.370841
RWF 4,781.904555
SAND 44.345058
SAR 12.139591
SBD 26.120273
SCR 46.156297
SDD 194,314.271225
SDG 1,943.142712
SEK 32.647931
SGD 4.149731
SHIB 548,487.343429
SHP 2.450732
SIT 693.671675
SKK 87.203943
SLE 74.602147
SLL 74,602.147184
SNX 12.873446
SOL 0.026830
SOS 1,844.824279
SPL 0.539537
SRD 122.418458
SRG 122,418.458309
SSP 18,492.940062
STD 71,526.838141
STN 71.526838
STX 8.203238
SUI 2.658199
SVC 28.325713
SYP 42,030.419353
SZL 54.173171
THB 109.056688
THETA 14.295596
TJS 29.807467
TMM 56,651.217473
TMT 11.330243
TND 9.680181
TOP 7.779349
TRL 159,140,662.028300
TRX 9.648676
TRY 159.140662
TTD 21.936613
TUSD 3.233901
TVD 4.666259
TWD 102.953927
TWT 5.698530
TZS 8,519.913813
UAH 145.585347
UGX 12,911.714179
UNI 0.359386
USD 3.237224
USDC 3.232849
USDD 3.234242
USDP 3.238872
USDT 3.233650
UYU 130.378221
UZS 38,125.020068
VAL 5,604.805771
VEB 280,699,100,997.1102
VED 2,806.991010
VEF 280,699,100.997110
VES 2,806.991010
VET 372.424648
VND 84,212.869867
VUV 389.886227
WAVES 10.759632
WEMIX 16.571005
WOO 240.025697
WST 8.980633
XAF 1,898.759770
XAG 0.053158
XAU 0.000783
XAUT 0.000782
XBT 0.000038
XCD 8.761217
XCG 5.828700
XCH 2.055538
XDC 98.396906
XDR 2.390814
XEC 398,482.093347
XEM 5,661.876014
XLM 14.529333
XMR 0.006010
XOF 1,898.759770
XPD 0.002768
XPF 345.422507
XPT 0.001894
XRP 2.149743
XTZ 9.855806
YER 765.255786
ZAR 54.173171
ZEC 0.002457
ZIL 903.379588
ZMK 63,576.888869
ZMW 63.576889
ZWD 1,171.551474
ZWG 86.648725
ZWL 216,511.266840

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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.