Established in 1613, Kuwait City has grown to become the heart of the pearl trade in the Persian Gulf. Located on the southern shore of Kuwait Bay, Kuwait City is the capital and the largest city in the country. The city’s name in Arabic means “fortress city built by water,” as a nod to its location. Even with the ocean breeze that flows through the city, its desert climate makes it the hottest city on the planet during the summer, with temperatures reaching an average of 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45° Celsius). Additionally, sand storms are common during the summer, giving the city’s skyline an impressive reddish color when this phenomenon takes place.

After oil was found near Kuwait City in 1936, the city became a flourishing financial center, and today it showcases a large number of impressively built high-rise buildings, including the Liberation Tower, which is the fifth tallest telecommunication tower on the planet. With a whole range of activities, cultural events, and other interesting landmarks, Kuwait City is a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting the country.

Kuwait City Facts:

• Approximately 4.1 million people live in Kuwait City, which is about 70 percent of the country’s population.
• Kuwait City covers an area of 80 square miles.
• During the early 1900s, Kuwait City was known as “The Marseilles of the Gulf” because its economic strength attracted wealthy families of traders.

Kuwait City Attractions:

• Souq Al-Mubarakiya – This 200-year-old market is one of the oldest of its kind in Kuwait City. It was renovated in 1990 after the Gulf War.
• The Grand Mosque – Spanning over 480,000 square feet, it is the largest mosque in the country.
• The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center – This beautifully designed structure is the largest cultural center in the Middle East.