THE OIL-RICH KINGDOM ON THE PERSIAN GULF COAST: KUWAIT

With its name derived from the word "akwat", meaning "castle by the water” in Arabic, Kuwait is a small country with a population of 4.2 million and a surface area of 17,818 square kilometres.

The country also ranks 31st with the highest human development index, and it is among the high-income countries. The Arabian Desert covers most of its flatlands. It has nine islands under its rule and five regions declared as protected areas. The Mubarak Al-Kabeer region is under protection as the most important wetland basin in the country. Kuwait has more than 363 endemic bird species registered and breeding areas of 18 of them are located in Kuwait. 

In the country, which has the fifth-largest oil reserves in the world, oil accounts for 95% of exports and approximately 80% of the country's income. The seventh richest country in the world in terms of gross domestic product, Kuwait is one of the high-income countries in the World Bank's classification. 

Kuwait offers a great experience to its visitors with its modern buildings, luxurious shopping malls for shopping
lovers, settlements that show the local life and the traditions of the country, and its historical structures. With Iraq in the north and Saudi Arabia in the south as neighbours, and a population of around four million, the country is one of the countries that offers the best quality accommodation and food in the Middle East. Kuwait is also one of the world's attractive holiday destinations for visitors that want to see the positive energy of the sea. We have witnessed many times how tourism has accelerated its contribution to the country's economy and its success in the international arena. And we brought together the must-see places in Kuwait for our readers

1. TAREQ RAJAB MUSEUM
The Tareq Rajab Museum is an impressive gallery in which you can find the Quran manuscripts and calligraphy works. The museum has been hosting around 30,000 works of art since it was opened to
visitors in 1980. 

2. THE SCIENTIFIC CENTRE OF KUWAIT
Apart from being an education centre, the Scientific Centre of Kuwait, which has the largest aquarium in the Middle East, an IMAX movie theatre, and a stadium, is built on an area of 80 thousand
square metres.

3. KUWAIT TOWERS
With around 187 metres in height, Kuwait Towers is a great place for watching the gulf view. The towers are illuminated at night with the loveliest lights and have a restaurant on the top floor. 

4. MASJID AL KABIR
Masjid al Kabir is among the largest mosques in the world (Grand Mosque) and located over an area of 45,000 square metres. The mosque can host 10,000 people at the same time and is open
for prayer since 1986.

5. KUWAIT NATIONAL MUSEUM
Established in 1983, the Kuwait National Museum is famous for its building that reveals traditional Arabian architecture and works reflecting the history and cultural wealth of the Middle East.

6. DOHA VILLAGE
The biggest factor that brought Kuwait where it is today was its trade system that revived its economy. You will find your answers in Doha Village if you are interested in Kuwait's history of trade.
Known for fishing, the village continues to progress without compromising on its traditional roots.

7. CORNICHE
In Corniche, one of the popular tourist spots of Salmiya, you will have a lovely time strolling around its walking path along the coast while taking in its impressive view.

8. MARINA MALL
Known for its sea view and world-famous shopping stores, and luxury restaurants where you can have a romantic dinner, Marina Mall is another alternative place to spend time in the country.

9. LIBERATION TOWER
The symbol of Kuwait's liberation, the country's revival, the second-highest tower in Kuwait, and the world's fifth-largest telecommunication tower built by Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
on March 10, 1996. It is 40 metres longer than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

10. NATIONAL MUSEUM
One of the best places where you can learn about a country for the first time is its museums. Kuwait National Museum truly represents the country's heritage. The architecture was planned by Michel
Ecochard, started to be built in 1960, and opened to the public in 1986.

11. SEIF PALACE
Built in 1915, Seif Palace is one of the eye-catching sights of the city with its magnificent architecture and green garden. The walls of the building and its remarkable clock tower are decorated with yellow
tiles. The building adds to the touristic value of the country and attracts a great number of visitors.