When I think of Kuwait, my first thought has always been: oil and gas. For most of my life, it wasn’t a place that called out to me. But when I made the decision last year to visit every country in the world, Kuwait naturally made the list, especially since it’s so close to Doha and I was already planning to pair it with a trip to Bahrain.
My time in Kuwait was short but packed. I flew in one night, explored the city the next day, and flew out right after check-out. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but by the end, I found myself genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The Not-So-Great Bits
Let’s start with the lows, shall we?
Visa Drama:
I attempted to get my e-visa online, but after two weeks of fighting rejected photo uploads thanks to a system glitch, I gave up and decided to go for visa on arrival. Turns out, I wasn’t alone. The arrivals area was packed with others facing the same issue. I picked up number 815 and nearly burst into tears. Three hours later, my number was called.
Then came the questions. The immigration officer stared at my Dutch passport and asked where I was born. My heart nearly stopped. He brought in a colleague, took pictures, examined my passport like it was a rare artifact, and eventually, mercifully, stamped me in.
Tour Cancellation:
The first email I saw upon landing was a cancellation notice for my full-day city tour. Ouch.
Cooler Social Vibes:
I didn’t find the people particularly friendly, which made the already stressful arrival feel even heavier.
But Then… Kuwait Grew on Me
Despite the bumpy start, Kuwait redeemed itself in so many ways.
The Food Was a Win:
Delicious, diverse, and not overpriced. Just don’t forget, Kuwaiti Dinar is powerful. Double-check the price before you “wash plate” as payment!
A Culture-Rich Experience:
I explored a few amazing places in the city:
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- The National Museum – I learned about Kuwait’s resilience, especially its occupation by Iraq.
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- The Maritime Museum – A tribute to Kuwait’s legacy of pearling and seafaring.
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- Sadu House – This was a gem. I was welcomed with tea and dates, and got to explore traditional Bedouin weaving and craftsmanship.
Iconic Sights:
No trip is complete without visiting the Kuwait Towers and strolling through the souq. I also really enjoyed the drive along the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Causeway, serene and scenic.
Religious Freedom in Plain Sight:
One thing that genuinely moved me was the visible religious tolerance. Churches nestled in the city center stood side by side with mosques. My visit to the Grand Mosque was peaceful and enlightening, and to my surprise, I was gifted an English Quran, which I’ve since started reading.
Final Thoughts
Kuwait wasn’t on my radar, and the start of my visit didn’t do much to change that. But by the end of my short stay, I found a deep respect for the country’s culture, history, and modern-day spirit. I enjoyed Kuwait more than I expected, and if a job offer ever came through, I wouldn’t mind calling it home for a while.
Have you been to Kuwait? Would you consider it? Let me know in the comments! And stay tuned as I continue my journey to every country in the world.
