Kuwait Travel Guide

Kuwait — Country and Tourist Information

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Country Facts

Location: Middle East.
Language: Arabic, but English is widely understood, especially in commerce and industry.
Area: 17,818 sq km (6,880 sq miles).
Time Zone: GMT + 3.
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz; single phase. UK-type flat three-pin plugs are used.
Population: 2.7 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density: 151.53 per sq km.
Capital City: Kuwait City. Population: 1.2 million (UN estimate 2003).
Government: Traditional Arab monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1961.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Muhammed al-Ahmed al-Sabah.
Head of State: Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah since 2006.
Religion: 95% Muslim (mostly of the Sunni sect), with Christian and Hindu minorities.

Recent History

Following the death of His Highness Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, his Highness Sheikh Sa’ad al-Abdullah al-Salim al-Sabah became Emir in January 2006. He ruled for just nine days before the parliament voted him out of office due to his ill health. Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah took over the role. Kuwait was the first Arab country in the Gulf to have an elected parliament. Moves to change the male-dominated political structure culminated in the granting of full political rights to women in 2005.

Communications

Telephone

Country Code: +965.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.

Internet

Internet cafes throughout Kuwait provide public access to e-mail and Internet services. Many hotels have business centers with Internet access.

Media

Although remaining loyal to the ruling family, the press enjoys a fair degree of freedom.

Post

Airmail to Western Europe takes about five days.Sat-Wed 0700-1400, Thurs 0700-1200.

Press

• The English language newspapers are the Arab Times and the Kuwait Times.

Radio

• Radio Kuwait is state run.
• Marina FM is a private music station.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period.
2010
7 Dec Islamic New Year

2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
15 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
25 Feb National Day
26 Feb Liberation Day
28 Jun Al-Esra Wa Al-Meraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
31 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
7 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
26 Dec Islamic New Year

2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
4 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
25 Feb National Day
26 Feb Liberation Day
17 Jun Al-Esra Wa Al-Meraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
19 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
25 Oct Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
15 Nov Islamic New Year
(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. (b) If a holiday falls on a Friday, a day is given in lieu.

Contact Information

Touristic Enterprises Company of Kuwait

PO Box 23310, Safat 13094, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Tel: 565 3771 or 2775.
Website: www.kuwaittourism.com

Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the UK

2 Albert Gate, London SW1X 7JU, UK
Tel: (020) 7590 3400 or 3415 (consular section).
Website: www.kuwaitinfo.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1230 and 1400-1600 (visa collection only). Open 1000-1400 during Ramadan.