Kuwait City: The Jewel of the Arabian Gulf

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kaif halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhair. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an ara alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل لحم
  [ana la aakul lah'm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [ureed an adfaa, min fadlik]

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

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [ureed an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarruj]
• How much is it?كم هذا الثمن؟
  [kam hatha althaman?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsi'ar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alssa'ah alwahida]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (10)
  [alnusf ba'd (10)]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd aldhuhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

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

Kuwait City was founded in the early 18th century by the Bani Utub tribe and quickly became a bustling trading hub due to its strategic location on the Persian Gulf. The city’s early economy was largely based on fishing, pearl diving, and trade, connecting the Arabian Peninsula with India and East Africa.

In the late 19th century, Kuwait City fell under the influence of the Ottoman Empire, although it maintained a considerable degree of autonomy. The city’s ruler, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, forged alliances with the British, which would later play a crucial role in the city’s future.

In 1899, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah signed a treaty with the British government, placing Kuwait under British protection. This agreement secured the city from Ottoman and regional threats and paved the way for modernization and the establishment of more structured governance.

The discovery of oil in 1938 dramatically transformed Kuwait City. The newfound wealth led to rapid development, including modern infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems. The oil industry attracted a large expatriate workforce, further diversifying the city’s population.

Kuwait gained full independence from the United Kingdom on June 19, 1961. Under the leadership of Emir Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, Kuwait City saw a comprehensive modernization program, including the construction of landmark buildings, roads, and public facilities.

On August 2, 1990, Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War. Kuwait City was heavily damaged during the conflict. The city was liberated on February 26, 1991, following a coalition-led military intervention. The post-war period saw extensive reconstruction efforts, restoring the city to its former glory.

In the 21st century, Kuwait City has experienced a cultural renaissance, characterized by the establishment of various museums, art galleries, and cultural festivals. The city’s landmarks, such as the Kuwait Towers and the Grand Mosque, have become symbols of national pride and heritage.

Kuwait City is served by Kuwait International Airport (KWI), located around 16 kilometers south of the city center. The airport is well-connected to major cities around the world, with numerous international airlines operating regular flights. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available at the airport to take you to your destination within the city. Alternatively, car rental services are also available at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself.

Getting around Kuwait City is relatively straightforward. Taxis are widely available and are the most convenient mode of transportation for tourists. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are also popular. Public buses operated by the Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) cover various routes within the city and to neighboring areas. If you prefer more flexibility, car rentals are available from numerous agencies. Note that driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

The official currency in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Kuwait City, and currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange offices. Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service.

Kuwait City is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always wise to exercise basic precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh are known for higher crime rates, so it is best to avoid visiting these neighborhoods, especially at night. Always stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which covers police, fire, and medical emergencies. Kuwait City has several hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs and traditions. Avoid public displays of affection. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to others. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept hospitality. Avoid eating or drinking in public during Ramadan daylight hours.

To experience Kuwait City like a local, visit the Souq Al-Mubarakiya, one of the oldest markets in the city, where you can buy traditional goods and fresh produce. Enjoy a stroll along the Arabian Gulf Road, especially in the evening when it is bustling with families and friends. Don't miss the chance to visit the Kuwait Towers for a panoramic view of the city. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and history.