Kuwait City
Entertainment

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Whether it's business or leisure that brings you to the capital city of Kuwait, an assorted range of entertainment options are sure to keep you busy during your stay. While it is true that there are no nightclubs or bars, and that the sale or consumption of liquor is prohibited by law, don’t let these facts lead you to believe that it is a dull place. You may not be able to boogey the night away, but malls, theatres and restaurants abound here, and you will never be at a loss to do something fun. So learn to enjoy yourself Middle-Eastern style!

Photograph: Kuwait Information Office, New Delhi

Theatres:
There are several plush cinemas in the city, and they screen the latest international movies, but if you are looking for authentic Arabian entertainment, head to a theatre. The Kuwait Public Theatre in South Shuwaikh, for instance, hosts local cultural and folk-art performances. The oldest theatre in the city also hosts similar events—the highlight at the Kuwait Little Theatre happens to be the annual pantomime show! A third such charming venue can be found nestled at Al-Sha’ab Park, which hosts shows that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Films and quality dramas highlighting social issues, on the other hand, are hosted at the Kuwait Theatre.

Cinemas:
If you’re more for commercial entertainment, Kuwait City will not disappoint you. Multiplexes abound here, offering the latest releases and amenities such as reclining seats and Dolby sound. The Al-Fanar Shopping Centre houses a multi-screen cinema—Al Fanar Cinema shows everything from Hollywood flicks to Arabian movies. There are also several charming drive-ins in the city. Two such venues where you can watch a movie under the starry skies happen to be the Drive-In Cinema on 6th Ring Road, and Al-Ahmadi Drive-In in the Industrial Area. For more serious viewing of documentaries and such, step into the famous IMAX Cinema located on Gulf Road.

Shopping:
As far as shopping is concerned, Kuwait has everything to offer visitors, from traditional Arabic markets to the world’s most exclusive stores and brands. Get yourself acquainted with local products at the Fahaheel Friday Market and the Jahra Friday Market—they feature everything from clothes and books to spices and antiques. If you want a good buy, be patient, and don’t shy away from bargaining. The district of Salmiyyah is also a good place to go, as it is dotted with malls and quaint shops. The downtown Sharq Souk Mall is one of the largest ones in the city (a ‘souk’ is a traditional Arabian marketplace). This area is also flooded with several gold souks, where you will find authentic jewelry of Middle Eastern design. For those who have a fondness for designer labels and celebrated brands, Salhia Complex is the place—but you can expect prices to be sky-high.
If you want to squeeze in a little bit of shopping, some entertainment, and a meal or two, Al Mohalab Centre on Muthana Street is the ultimate multi-purpose venue—you can opt for anything from a movie to a massage, and this one stop will take care of it for you. Branches of Sultan Center scattered in the city are also zones where you will find almost anything you desire. Try the three-level Al Othman Center in Hawalli for that shop-till-you-drop experience.

Day Trips:
If you are looking for something outside of ordinary entertainment, opt for a day out on the cool Arabian waters—visit the Happy Diver Center, where you can learn scuba diving, underwater photography, fishing, and boating. You can try out bungee jumping at Al-Sha’ab Park, or go camel-riding at the park located on the Salmiyyah waterfront. Wafra Farms, situated on the outskirts of the city, is a good venue for a day trip too; kids can try horseback riding, learn about nature, and spend time with the animals in the small zoo. The Zoological Park in Omarrya and the artificially-constructed Green Island on Gulf Road are other family-oriented entertainment choices; the latter features a small castle, a beautiful bed of flowers, a viewing tower, and restaurants. If the warm climate gets to you and you need to cool off, visit Aqua Park near the Kuwait Towers. A few clubs like the Hunting & Equestrian Club and Ras Al-Ardh Club also host diverse activities that will keep you occupied—golf, shooting, horse-riding, tennis, and basketball are all offered, and you can take your pick.

Trade Fairs:
The city sees a number of annual trade-fairs and exhibitions, and many of these can be worth your while—a number of products are put up for sale at prices which make them a steal. The Kuwait Exhibition Centre is by far the most popular venue for these events. The yearly Gold & Jewelry Exhibition, Boat and Sports Exhibition, Green Garden’s Exhibition, and Specialized Watches Exhibition are some of the more popular affairs given the exclusive products that are offered at competitive prices.

Museums and Places of Historical Significance:
It would be a pity to visit an oil-rich country such as Kuwait without learning a little about the industry that has given it such great wealth, and also caused a large-scale disaster such as the Gulf War—visit the Oil Display Centre, situated 20 kilometres from the city to gain some knowledge of the oil business. At the Scientific Center, you can get an introduction to Kuwait’s desert creatures. Al-Qurain House on Road 208 pays tribute to the heroes of war, while the National Museum in Safat is home to Islamic artworks. The Science and Natural History Museum throws light on the technological background of Kuwait, and the private collection of the Rajab family is displayed at the Tareq Rajab Museum; the priceless items include jewelry, ceramics, and manuscripts. For those of you interested in maritime archeology, a visit to Saif Marzooq Al-Shamlan Museum is a must. These places give one a real feel of the city’s past, and may be of far more interest to some than shopping and regular entertainment.