Green Island: An Oasis in Kuwait

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlak/ala alrahb wasiata]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urghab fi ru'ya alqaimah, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa', min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisal bialsurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [iatisal bitalib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana dayi']
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [urghab fi shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'rh?]
• 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'at alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah walnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالعصر
  [al'asr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasaa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniya]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• 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 alkhariata)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati alhafilat al'atiat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tazkirat (ila ....)]

Green Island, located off the coast of Kuwait City, is a man-made marvel that serves as one of the country's most popular recreational destinations. Constructed in 1988, it was created by reclaiming land from the Arabian Gulf and transforming it into a lush, green oasis. The island stands as a testament to Kuwait's innovative approach to urban development and leisure.

The construction of Green Island was a monumental project undertaken by the Touristic Enterprises Company. Spanning an area of 785,000 square meters, the island was built using natural materials, including rocks and sand from Kuwaiti shores. Its creation involved extensive landscaping to establish grassy areas, gardens, and a variety of plant species, making it a unique green space in the arid region.

Green Island was officially inaugurated on February 22, 1988. Its opening was a significant event marked by celebrations and public gatherings. The island quickly became a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering recreational activities such as swimming, boat rides, and picnicking. Its early years were defined by a focus on family-friendly amenities and natural beauty.

Green Island boasts a variety of cultural and recreational facilities that reflect Kuwait's commitment to providing diverse entertainment options. The island features an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 700, which hosts cultural events, concerts, and performances. Additionally, there is a children's castle, a swimming pool, and an artificial lake, all designed to enhance the visitor experience.

The creation of Green Island had a significant environmental impact, transforming a barren coastal area into a thriving green space. The island is home to a variety of plant species, both native and imported, which contribute to its lush landscape. This transformation serves as an example of successful environmental reclamation and highlights Kuwait's efforts in promoting green spaces within urban settings.

In recent years, Green Island has continued to evolve, incorporating modern amenities and attractions to cater to contemporary visitors. The island remains a popular destination for leisure and relaxation, offering updated facilities such as cafes, restaurants, and playgrounds. It also serves as a venue for various events and festivals, maintaining its status as a key cultural and recreational hub in Kuwait.

Green Island is situated off the coast of Kuwait City. The nearest airport is Kuwait International Airport (KWI), approximately 20 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Green Island. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) buses which operate routes from various parts of Kuwait City to the Marina Crescent area, from where Green Island is a short walk away.

Green Island is a pedestrian-friendly area, and most of its attractions can be explored on foot. For those looking to explore further, rental bicycles are available. Taxis are also a convenient option, and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem operate in Kuwait City. Public buses by KPTC are another economical means of transport, although they can be less frequent. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city for those who prefer to drive themselves.

The official currency in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments on Green Island and in Kuwait City. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and vendors. ATMs are available around the city and on Green Island for easy cash withdrawals.

Green Island is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Kuwait City has low crime rates compared to many other cities, but it is always best to remain vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. There are medical facilities available in Kuwait City, including the Amiri Hospital, which is the closest to Green Island. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies available within the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially in public areas and religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of prayer times and religious practices. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful to fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Avoid physical contact with the opposite gender unless they initiate it. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during the Holy month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset.

To experience Green Island like a local, visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. Engage with the local vendors and try traditional Kuwaiti snacks available at the food stalls. Take a leisurely walk around the island in the evening to enjoy the sunset and the cooler temperatures. Participate in local events and festivals if your visit coincides with any cultural celebrations. Don’t miss the musical fountain show, which is a popular attraction on the island.