Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM / AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Tourism in Kuwait is flourishing as part of a national vision to diversify the economy while preserving cultural identity.
Under Kuwait Vision 2035, tourism is positioned as a key pillar of growth and sustainable development, with a focus on heritage, culture, business travel, and short-stay regional visitors. Rather than mass entertainment, the strategy leverages museums, historic districts, waterfront spaces and offshore islands to offer experiences rooted in history, heritage, and everyday urban life.
This approach reflects Kuwait’s wider effort to balance development with authenticity - a theme that runs through its capital city, traditional markets, coastal spaces and lesser-known islands. From curated cultural centres to quiet islands offshore, tourism in the country unfolds through places that are central to how Kuwaitis live, gather and interact.
With around two dozen daily flights linking the UAE and Kuwait, the country has become an easy destination for many Emiratis - much like the UAE has long been an accessible holiday choice for Kuwaitis.
For many Emirati families, Kuwait is more than a travel destination. It is a second home, where every visit is made memorable by warm hospitality, shared customs and family ties.
Traditional commerce is a key element of the visitor experience. No visit to Kuwait is complete without Souq Al-Mubarakiya, one of the Gulf’s oldest markets, where narrow alleys are lined with spice shops, perfumeries and food vendors. The surrounding redevelopment, including cafés, heritage-style buildings and boutique hotels, has helped draw younger Kuwaitis and regional visitors, particularly during the winter season. The souq has become a working model for balancing preservation with commercial viability.
UAE national Umm Abdullah Al Buraiki, who frequently visits married relatives in Kuwait, said family trips are never complete without time spent at traditional souks.
“The markets are always part of our visit,” she said, noting that the spices, fabrics, fragrances and handcrafted goods offer a vivid glimpse into Kuwaiti culture.
Dana Al Dhaheri agreed that Kuwait’s markets are must-visit stops for tourists. “These markets have a unique vibe,” she said.
Heritage in Spotlight
At the heart of the country’s tourism offering is Kuwait City, where heritage sites sit within walking distance of modern architecture.
The city’s most recognisable landmark, the Kuwait Towers, functions as both a viewing platform and a national symbol, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
Nearby is the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, one of the region’s largest museum districts. Opened in phases over recent years, the complex focuses on science, natural history and Arab-Islamic heritage, reflecting a state-backed push to anchor tourism in education and culture rather than entertainment alone.
Beyond the city, Kuwait’s landscape opens up to quieter destinations. About 20km off the coast lies Failaka Island, one of the country’s most distinctive but underdeveloped attractions. The island holds layers of history, including Bronze Age settlements and Greek ruins dating back to the Alexander the Great era. Failaka’s raw landscape and archaeological significance make it a focal point for discussions about sustainable and heritage tourism in Kuwait.
Kuwait’s relationship with the sea is central to its identity, and the Kuwait Waterfront, stretching from the Scientific Centre area to Green Island, has become a key leisure zone. Jogging tracks, family parks and cafés line the coast, particularly active during cooler months.
Social BondsFor Emiratis who frequently travel to Kuwait, however, it is the people who leave the strongest impression.
Al Buraiki said she is always warmly welcomed by local vendors in the markets. “You always feel at home. People are friendly and conversations are easy.”
Al Dhaheri echoed the sentiment, noting that Kuwaitis often go out of their way to help visitors, whether by offering directions or sharing stories about local customs.
Another frequent visitor, Fakhra Al Hosani, said the country’s hospitality and its friendly people make every trip memorable.
“There is a strong sense of respect and closeness,” she said. “It reflects the shared values and traditions that bind Gulf communities together.”
