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 Kuwait HistoryKuwait has a fine international reputation in the areas of art, trade, and for its strategic location which creates a natural link between the desert and the ocean. The name KUWAIT appeared around the middle of the XIth Century during the Hegira. It is an abbrevation which means "the invincible citadel" but it was also known under another name "al-Qurayn", which appears in shipping registers and was used by Portugese,Dutch and English travellers. Al-Qurayn is an abbrevation for "the hill" or "elevated land". KUWAIT gained its independence during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in 1961.Today it celebrates its INDEPENDENCE DAY during every 25th February. On the following day,Kuwait celebrates the "LIBERATION DAY" in commmeration of regaining its sovereignty after defeating the Iraqi army with the help of the Alliance forces and other friendly countries. In July 1961, the Emirate became a member of the Arab League;and of the United Nations in 1963.That year the first legislative elections in the history of this young State were held, and Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem,the Emir of Kuwait at that time, inaugurated the first National Assembly on February 29,1963. Kuwait played a major role in setting up the Gulf Coop- eration Council in 1981.The Council held a firm and dig- nified position during Iraq's invasion of the Country on August 2, 1990, and its seven-month occupation of the territory. As far as its foreign policy is concerned,Kuwait has con- stantly strived to improve and reinforce its realtionship with the Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and its friends from other States who wre supportive through the ordeal up to the liberation of its territory, and the recovery of its soveregintyon February 26,1991. CurrencyThe Kuwaiti Dinar is the official currency and is divided into coins of 100,50,20,10 and 5 fils and bills of.1,.5,10 and 20 Dinars.This currency is accepted worldwide and complies with the International Monetry Fund exchange regulations. Working HoursThe working week starts on Saturdays and ends on Wednesdays.Public services and schools are closed on Thursdays and Fridays but banks close on Saturdays instead. The work starts at 7.30Am and ends at 2.00pm.These hours vary in the private sector and from company to company.Shops open at 9.00 AM until 1.00 PM and then from 4.00 PM to 9.00PM.These hours change during Ramadan, official hoilidays and celebrations. Banks open form 8.00 AM until 1.00 PM. Some major branches re-open between 5.00 and 7.00PM. VisasMembers of the "Gulf Cooperation Council" dont need entry visas . Other nationalities can obtain a visa from any Kuwiat embassy or consulate.To obtain an entry visa the following documents must be presented: a letter of request, an official document signed by sponsor and a photocopy of the passport.Hotels are also allowed to issue visas for their business clients.The visa is valid for one month only and if the time time limit is not respected a fine will be imposed. Daily NewspaperThere are seven newspapers distributed in Kuwait.Five are in Arabic: Al-Qabas, Al-Watan,Al-Anbaa,Al-Siyasa, and Al-Rai Al-Am; two in English:the Arab Times and Kuwait Times.Their are other weekly and monthly publications. |
Geographical Location Kuwait is located on a 2,300 sqaure meter (16000 square km) strip of sandy plains and is located at 30.27 latitude north of the Equator and 48.46 longitude east of Greenwich, at the north-westen tip of the Arabian Gulf.Its territorial waters are about 2,200 square meter and includes nine islands. The largest ones are Failaka,Bubiyan,Warba and Kubbar which are near six smaller islands:UM al-Maradim, Maskan,Awhah,Um al-Namel and Qarouh. ClimateKuwait enjoys a variable continental climate with difference in temperature. Summer months are between May and October, and the winter with slight shower starts in November and lasts through the month of April.This is the time of the year when the desert vegetation begins to bloom and people take advantage of this period to go for long walks or to go camping. ReligionIslam is the official religion of Kuwiat and is practised in the many Mosques throughout the country. There are also churches for Christian residents,Protestants, Greek Orthodox,Maronite and an ecumenical church. Prayer Time... LanguageThe official language is Arabic altough English is also used especially in business,banking and big shopping centers. Store HoursShops open form 9.00 AM to 1.00 PM and from 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM. As for the co-ops some stay open 24 hrs while others close at midnight. ShoppingThe markets in Kuwait feature an abundance of merchandise which makes shopping a pleasent experience. Traditional souks are found in the center of town and offer numerous products such as crafts and traditional art.There are also modern shopping centers located in every region of the country. Driving LicenceVisitors can use an international driving license issued by their respective country within the time limits of the visa.Taxis and buses run 24 hours a day and rental cars are available too. Leisure ActivitiesWhether on holiday or just going for a walk,Kuwait has plenty of parks and public gardens to explore. In addition, the Touristic Enterprise Company runs many leisure centers such as Doha's Village,the Swimming Pools Complex,the Green Island and the WaterFront project. |
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