Kuwait: Holidays, Events, and National Customs
There are a number of public holidays that do not have a fixed date, but are based on the time of Easter. Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the beginning of spring. Lent, which lasts 46 days, begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Pentecost is 50 days after Easter. The Corpus Christi festival is celebrated on the 2nd Thursday after Pentecost. All Saints’ Day is celebrated for Orthodox Christians on the 1st Sunday after Pentecost, but for Catholic Christians the date is fixed on November 1st. On October 31, Protestants celebrate Reformation Day. The Halloween festival also takes place on this day.
Public holidays
Date | Holiday |
31 January | Islamic New Year |
10. January | Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) |
February 25 | National holiday |
February 26 | Liberation Day |
11 April | Mouloud (Prophet’s Birthday) |
June 19 | Independence day |
August 22 | Al-Esra Wa Al-Meraj (Ascension of the Prophet) |
October | Eid al Fitr (end of Ramadan Lent) |
Source: Countryaah – Kuwait Holidays
Cultural events
- The national day of Kuwait is celebrated on February 25th with festivals and fireworks. In addition, all public buildings are illuminated. The Kuwaitis wear the national dress on this day to celebrate the country.
- The liberation of Kuwait, is celebrated a day after the national holiday, celebrated on February 26th. The memories of the occupied country and the fallen resistance fighters mean that the celebrations remain rather calm.
- The Hala February festival is celebrated annually in spring. For a whole month, visitors can watch cultural events, win prizes and shop cheaply at the shopping festivals.
National customs
- Prostitution, homosexuality, unmarried sexual intercourse, public gambling and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited in Kuwait.
- During the fasting month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public while the sun is shining is prohibited by law.
- It is forbidden to take photographs of military installations and installations of the petroleum or petrochemical industries.
Kuwait: travel times, weather, climate
Travel times
The ideas of what is meant by a particularly favorable travel climate depend on a number of factors. For example, cultural travelers see the climate very differently than people who want to spend a pure beach holiday, for example. The state of health or age can also play an important role. Therefore, our travel time recommendations are divided into the following two categories:
For sun seekers
The following times of the year for a stay in Kuwait are particularly recommended for people who like to enjoy a lot of sun and for whom higher temperatures do not cause any problems: spring, summer, autumn
For people who prefer temperate climates
People who prefer a moderate climate and lower temperatures should better use the following time to stay in Kuwait: Winter
Weather or climate table
The following table shows a number of weather and climate data for the country. It should be noted, however, that the climatic conditions in different regions of the country can differ considerably from one another and thus also from the values shown. In addition, such monthly temperature averages say little about the possible current minimum or maximum temperatures. It is not uncommon for average temperatures of around 30 °C to reach maximum values of 40 °C or even more on a number of days. The table therefore only provides a general overview of the climatic conditions in the country. Above all, the temperatures at higher altitudes differ considerably from those shown.
Month | Average number of rainy days | Mean maximum temperatures in (°C) | Mean minimum temperatures in (°C) |
January | 3 | 17 | 9 |
February | 2 | 18 | 10 |
March | 2 | 21 | 15 |
April | 2 | 28 | 20 |
May | 1 | 35 | 24 |
June | 0 | 36 | 28 |
July | 0 | 39 | 27 |
August | 0 | 39 | 27 |
September | 0 | 38 | 26 |
October | 0 | 34 | 22 |
November | 1 | 26 | 17 |
December | 4 | 19 | 14 |
Kuwait: plants
plants
Most of Kuwait’s landscape is covered by deserts and arid steppes, which means that the vegetation is sparse or barely available. The plants found here are all very strongly adapted to the prevailing climate.
Trees
Some of the few trees in Kuwait are the camel thorn trees in the desert, which are mainly found in southern Africa, as well as the date palms, which only occur in the rare oases. The camel thorn tree is a species of acacia and can reach a height of 16 m. The eponymous thorns occupy its branches and twigs and can be 5 cm long.
Other plants
In the rainy season in winter, the desert sometimes comes to life and grasses and some flowers begin to sprout. Fungus can also be found in some areas. Bush vegetation predominates along the coast.
Useful plants
The oases are mainly used for agriculture, where not only date palms but also vegetables are cultivated.
Medicinal plants
A powder can be made from the legumes of the camel thorn tree, which is used for ear infections.
Poisonous plants
Kuwait: animals
Like the flora, the fauna of Kuwait is also rather poor in species, with desert animals making up a clear majority.
Mammals
The fox and jackal populations have shown decreasing tendencies for years. Small mammals adapted to dry desert life, such as gerbils, gerbils and desert hares, predominate.
Reptiles
There are several types of lizards that are mainly found in deserts and steppe areas. But geckos and snakes are not uncommon residents here either.
Snakes (not poisonous)
One of the snakes found here is said to be the arrow snake. It is not poisonous, but is considered aggressive and its bites are quite painful.
Poisonous animals
Insects
In spring, butterflies are one of the most common insects to see.
Birds
Compared to the other animal groups, birds are the most strongly represented group. In Kuwait you can see swallows, wagtails, skylarks, wrens and terns, as well as eagles, cormorants, hoopoes and chiffchaffes. The latter are among the ten most common bird species and have a preference for pasture, although they can be found almost anywhere. The 11 cm tall bird owes its name to its song. It has an olive-brown upper side and a light, partly yellowish underside. In addition to insects, elderberries and other small fruits are also on the menu. Most of the birds found in Kuwait are migratory birds.
Underwater world
The formerly rich fish fauna and the crab beds in the coastal waters suffered greatly from the oil spill in the 1990s and are now severely threatened.
Kuwait: Sightseeing
- Abbreviationfinder.org: Presents the way that KW stands for the nation of Kuwait as a two-letter acronym.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Until 2010, there were no UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kuwait, although the country is making efforts.
Cities
Kuwait City
Kuwait City is the capital and largest city of the emirate. The city on the Persian Gulf has grown into a modern metropolis in the last few decades, in which about 94% of the Emiratis live. The port of Kuwait City is an important hub for cargo ships and oil tankers. The city’s landmarks are the three water towers and the Liberation Tower. For more information, see Kuwait City
Fahhaheel
South of Kuwait City is this place, which not only offers a nice fish market, but also a camel market on weekends. The latter can be found at the southern exit of the city.
Mosques
Al-Masjid Al-Kabeer in Kuwait City
Kuwait City has around 800 mosques. Each one of them impresses with its very own character in architecture and design. The largest (and most famous) Islamic place of worship in the city is the Al-Masjid Al-Kabeer. It is located in the city center and is definitely worth a longer visit. It is one of the largest mosques in the Middle East and impresses with its unique acoustics. A visit to the Islamic church is possible, but requires prior registration.
Interesting buildings and structures
Three Kuwait Towers
The three Kuwait Towers on the coastal road of Kuwait City were completed in 1979 and are the city’s landmark. The main tower is 187 m high and houses a restaurant in its dome. From there you have a very good view of the city. The middle tower is 147 m and the smallest tower is 113 m high.
Liberation Tower
This tallest structure in Kuwait City was begun before the Iraqi invasion of 1990 and was originally called “The Kuwait Telecommunications Tower”. During the war, however, work on the half-finished building had to be stopped. As if by a miracle, the entire tower remained undamaged throughout the conflict and was completed in 1993 after the Iraqi troops were driven out (1991). The name “Liberation Tower” alludes to the country’s liberation from the Iraqi army. In the 372-meter-high tower, there is an ultra-modern viewing platform at a height of 308 meters and a rotating restaurant. Radio and television stations are also housed here.
Seif Palace
The emir lived in the Seif Palace in Kuwait City before Iraq invaded Kuwait. The palace was badly damaged during this period, but has been under restoration since 1995. This palace is the oldest building in Kuwait City. The palace was built in 1896 and was the residence of HH Skeikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, before the Iraq War. Damaged during the Gulf War, it was rebuilt in 1995. Probably the best view of the Seif Palace is from the Kuwait Towers.
Souq
In the old souq of Kuwait City you can get almost anything your heart desires. In addition to traditional clothing, jewelry and carpets, perfumes, oils, spices and much more are offered there.
Musical Fountains
The Musical Fountains is a fountain in Kuwait City and the largest in the Middle East. The fountains of the fountain change in color and shape. In addition, different music is played that matches the movement and color of the water. Kuwait City has musical fountains, which are also often referred to as the “dancing water fountains”. They are located in the small park near Abdulla Al Mubarak and are characterized by the fact that computer-aided water spirals blow up colorfully and are fabulously accompanied by classical, but also Arabic or modern music. These water fountains are the highest in the Middle East. They like to reach a height of 30 meters. They can be admired in the summer evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Oil fields
The oil fields of the state oil industry are located approx. 135 m deep in the earth near Ahmadi. There, the oil, which bubbles up to the surface under pressure, is fed into pipelines and on to the port. In a demonstration room of the Kuwait Oil Company, you can find out about the entire process from oil production to transport.
Museums and scientific institutions
Tareq Rajab Museum
The Tareq Rajab Museum in Kuwait City was opened in 1980 by the Rajab couple. The museum houses over 30,000 objects from the traditional Arab world. In addition to jewelry, ceramic, stone and glass works, miniatures and musical instruments, historical clothing, calligraphy and manuscripts are also on display.
National Museum
The National Museum in Kuwait City gives an insight into the history and culture of the country. You can visit an old souq, a large dhow (traditional ship), a typical Kuwaiti house and much more. The interior of the National Museum was unfortunately looted during the Iraqi invasion of 1990 and the building itself was partially destroyed. But restoration work made it accessible to the public again. Incidentally, the museum was an important exhibition space for Islamic art.
Al-Sadu House
The historic Al-Sadu House is around 100 years old and once belonged to an Iranian merchant family. Today you can see the production of woven articles such as carpets, fabrics, etc. there and also purchase these products.
Science Center
The science center on the coast of Al-Salimiya opened in 2000. In an aquarium you can see the marine world of the region. There is also an area in which the natural sciences are brought closer and a cinema.
Al-Qurain House
The Al-Qurain House in Kuwait City is evidence of the Iraqi occupation in the 1990s. Resistance fighters had gathered in this house to defy the occupiers. Over half of Kuwaitis died in the battle. The house was left in its state as a memorial. In a neighboring house you can see a photo exhibition on this subject.
Ancient sites on Failaka Island
On Failaka Island, you can visit ancient sites from the time of Alexander the Great.
university
Natural beauties
Failaka
Probably the most beautiful of Kuwait’s islands is this island, 30 km from the capital. It is particularly impressive due to the archaeological excavation sites and the large resort complex in the southern part of the island. In addition to picturesque beaches and sports fields, there are also restaurants and hotels.
Persian Gulf
This bay is located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. The Gulf is connected to the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean via the Strait of Hormuz. The emirate of Kuwait and its capital border the Persian Gulf to the east. For more information on the golf at Goruma see geography.
Zoological Garden
Kuwait City is the small capital of a small country. The city’s huge zoological garden is therefore in a strange disproportion. It spreads along Airport Road and shows hundreds of animal species. The rearing of endangered native animal species, including the Arabian antelope, is also very important.
Dhow harbor
The old dhow harbor in Kuwait City offers a good glimpse into traditional Kuwait shipping. There you can visit the old dhows, which are still used for fishing today. The dhows are manufactured and repaired in the nearby village of Doha. These workshops are also very interesting to see. Trade from Kuwait City goes through the port of Mina al-Ahmadi, 50 kilometers south of the city on the Persian Gulf. The port in the city is mainly used by oil tankers, ferries and also cargo ships.
Industrial ports
Kuwait has the Ash Shiwaikh industrial port and the four oil ports:
Mina al-Ahmadi
Mina Abd Allah
Ash Shuaybah
Mina Suud