Kuwait, a small but wealthy nation situated at the tip of the Persian Gulf, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a booming economy fueled by vast oil reserves. This Middle Eastern gem is experiencing a significant upswing in its travel and tourism sector, with projections indicating substantial growth in the coming years.
By 2024, Kuwait’s travel and tourism industry is projected to generate $1,088 million in revenue. This growth trajectory is expected to continue at an annual rate of 4.02% from 2024 to 2028, ultimately reaching an estimated market volume of $1,274 million by the end of 2028. The nation’s tourism industry witnessed a slight increase in international tourist arrivals in 2022, reaching approximately three million. While this figure represents a significant rebound from the previous year, it falls short of the peak year of 2019, which saw a record 8.6 million international tourists.
Looking ahead, Kuwait’s tourism sector is poised for significant expansion. Tourism revenues are anticipated to reach $21.4 billion by 2028, representing a substantial increase from the estimated $18 billion in 2023, signifying an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. Projected tourist arrivals are also expected to rise considerably, reaching nearly 11.8 million by 2028, a notable increase from the estimated 9.8 million in 2023, indicating an average annual growth rate of 2.9%.
Contributing to this surge in tourism is Kuwait’s visa-friendly policy. Nationals from a wide range of countries are eligible for a visa on arrival or eVisa, simplifying the entry process into the country. This includes citizens from the European Union, the United States, Asia-Pacific nations, and various other countries.
Exploring Kuwait: A Guide to Must-Visit Destinations
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Kuwait City
: As the capital, Kuwait City is a vibrant metropolis teeming with attractions. From the iconic Kuwait Towers to the sprawling Grand Mosque, this city offers a diverse array of sights that encapsulate the essence of Kuwait.2.
Hawalli
: Historically home to a large Palestinian community, Hawalli is a cultural melting pot, with residents hailing from Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, Lebanon, and India. Located in the eastern part of Kuwait, Hawalli embodies the country’s rich cultural tapestry.3.
Kubbar Island
: Nestled 30 kilometers off the southern coast in the Persian Gulf, Kubbar Island is known as Kuwait’s party hotspot. This small island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and sandy shores, is the perfect destination for vibrant beach parties.4.
Salwa
: Situated between Rumaithiya and Messila, Salwa is renowned for its cultural diversity, with communities from Britain, Egypt, Asia, and Kuwait itself. This city is an integral part of the Hawalli governorate and a hub of multicultural interactions.5.
Salmiya
: A paradise for shopping enthusiasts, Salmiya offers an array of shopping experiences, from luxurious malls to traditional markets. Whether seeking Kuwaiti delicacies, handcrafted gifts, or ornamental teapots, Salmiya caters to every taste.Top Attractions in Kuwait
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Grand Mosque
: Recognized for its magnificent architecture, the Grand Mosque is a cultural landmark in Kuwait, attracting tourists from around the globe with its grand celebrations and religious gatherings.*
Liberation Tower
: A towering symbol of Kuwait’s rich heritage, the Liberation Tower is the country’s second tallest building and serves as a crucial telecommunications hub.*
Kuwait Towers
: This trio of towers on Arabian Gulf Street is an iconic landmark, featuring a revolving viewing sphere that offers panoramic views of Kuwait City.*
Green Island
: Kuwait’s first artificial island, Green Island is a popular escape featuring a waterfront park perfect for picnics and leisure activities, set against a backdrop of lush landscaping.*
Al Shaheed Park
: For those seeking tranquility amidst the city, Al Shaheed Park offers botanical gardens, serene lake views, and various dining and shopping options, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and leisure.Luxury Accommodation
* Waldorf Astoria Kuwait
* Grand Hyatt Kuwait
* The St. Regis Kuwait
* Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya
* Marina Hotel Kuwait
Kuwait’s Popular Beaches
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Messilah Beach
: One of Kuwait’s most treasured private beaches, Messilah Beach stretches from the iconic Kuwaiti Towers to the Al-Bedaa region.*
Al Khiran Beach
: Known as the country’s beach capital, Al Khiran Beach delights visitors with its artificial canals, lush palm trees, fine sand, swimming pools, barbecue areas, and a top-notch supermarket.*
Al Kout Beach
: Offering a vast expanse of white sand along the Persian Gulf, Al Kout Beach hosts vibrant family-oriented activities and waterside leisure, making it one of Kuwait’s premier beach destinations.*
Fintas Beach
: Located in an urban setting, Fintas Beach is a public beach in Kuwait featuring smooth water access, although the seabed has many stones. It offers green spaces, a children’s playground, and a small gym, making it perfect for both adults and children.*
Marina Beach
: A city beach in Kuwait, Marina Beach provides spectacular views of the city skyline and is unique for its abundance of palm trees compared to other local beaches.Kuwait Airways
Headquartered at Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait Airways serves as the national airline, connecting over 46 global destinations with a fleet of 17 modern aircraft. The airline recently ascended to the second position in on-time performance in the Middle East and Africa, rising from sixth place. Kuwait Airways has expanded its services through a codeshare agreement with THAI, linking Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur and including shared services to various destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Korea, the Far East, and Thailand. The airline has also initiated a thrice-weekly summer service to Salalah, Oman, primarily using its Boeing B777-300 for most European routes.
Kuwait International Airport
Situated in Farwiniyah, Kuwait International Airport serves as the primary gateway to Kuwait City and functions as the main hub for Kuwait Airways. The airport complex also houses an Air Base, the Kuwait Air Force headquarters, and the Kuwait Air Force Museum. In a recent update, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) noted that Kuwait International Airport managed 9,950 flights in March, marking an increase from the previous year, and handled over a million passengers. The most frequented destinations included Jeddah, Dubai, Cairo, Dhaka, and Doha.
