Ahmadi: The Green Jewel of Kuwait

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [ana la akl allahum]
• Cheers!صحتك!
  [sahhtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [aitisal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [aitisal bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatalla]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'a alwahida]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashra waalnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd aldhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [saba'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala alkharita)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhafilat altaliat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkara (ila ...)]

Ahmadi was established in 1946 following the discovery of oil in the Burgan Field, one of the world's largest oil fields, located in southeastern Kuwait. The city was named after Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the ruler of Kuwait at the time. Its establishment marked the beginning of Kuwait’s transformation into a major oil producer.

The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) played a pivotal role in the development of Ahmadi. Founded in 1934, KOC began its operations in Ahmadi, setting up administrative offices, residential areas for its employees, and essential infrastructure. The city was planned with a grid layout and included greenery, which was unique for a desert town, reflecting a modern urban design influenced by British planning.

British influence is evident throughout Ahmadi due to the involvement of British engineers and planners in its development. British-style houses, schools, and recreational facilities were built to accommodate expatriates working for the Kuwait Oil Company. The British presence left a lasting impact on the city's architecture and culture, blending with Kuwaiti traditions.

The discovery of oil in Ahmadi had a profound impact on Kuwait's economy. The city became the center of the country's burgeoning oil industry, attracting workers from around the world. This influx of diverse cultures contributed to the cosmopolitan nature of Ahmadi, fostering an environment of multiculturalism and economic prosperity.

During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Ahmadi faced significant challenges. The city, being a key oil hub, was targeted and suffered considerable damage. The oil fires set by retreating Iraqi forces caused environmental and economic devastation. However, post-war reconstruction efforts led to the rebuilding and modernization of the city.

Today, Ahmadi stands as a testament to Kuwait’s resilience and progress. The city has evolved with modern amenities, educational institutions, and cultural centers, while still retaining its historical significance in the oil industry. Ahmadi's parks, museums, and community events celebrate its rich heritage and diverse population, making it a unique destination for visitors.

Ahmadi is located approximately 35 kilometers south of Kuwait City. The nearest airport is Kuwait International Airport (KWI), which is about a 40-minute drive from Ahmadi. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Ahmadi. There are also bus services that connect Kuwait City to Ahmadi, making it relatively easy to access by public transport.

Ahmadi has a well-developed road network, and taxis are a common mode of transportation. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are also available. Public buses operated by the Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) provide connectivity within Ahmadi and to nearby areas. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring at your own pace, and there are several car rental agencies in the area.

The official currency of Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. ATMs are readily available throughout Ahmadi, so withdrawing cash is convenient. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets that may not accept cards.

Ahmadi is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take usual precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 112, which is the general emergency number in Kuwait. There are several medical facilities and pharmacies in Ahmadi for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For any police-related issues, you can visit the local police station in Ahmadi.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Men should avoid wearing shorts in public, and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Religion: Do respect local customs. Avoid public displays of affection and always dress modestly when visiting mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight nod. Avoid overly enthusiastic physical contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Ahmadi like a local, visit the Ahmadi Park and enjoy a stroll or picnic. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Oil Display Center to learn about the history of Kuwait's oil industry. For a unique local experience, try dining at one of the traditional Kuwaiti restaurants and savoring local dishes such as Machboos and Mutabbaq Samak.