I went to Kuwait last week for a few days. Kuwait is an interesting country:
- It is one of the smallest countries (area: 20,000 Sq KM, people 3 million), yet one of the richest in the world.
- It has approximately 5% of the world oil reserves
- Its 80% population is Kuwaiti and 20% are foreigners whereas labor force is 80% foreigners and 20% Kuwaiti.
- The land is dry desert that gets very hot in summer,
- Kuwait borders with Saudia, Iraq and Persian sea.
- “Kuwait city” is the only main city of Kuwait with about 50% of its population residing here.
- Kuwait is a part of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). GCC is also referred to as “Arab Gulf states” was formed in 1981.
- It comprises of 6 countries Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE.
- UAE further consists of seven states, called emirates, which are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.
Its culture is somewhat similar to Saudi Arabia, though women seem a bit more ‘liberated’ here in terms of dressing & driving. Imposed culture is very much American due to obvious ties with them. The city is nicely & newly built. Some of it was destroyed by Saddam during the Gulf War. A long road stretching along the beach is the most beautiful with sea on one side & beautiful buildings, trees, flower beds on the other. There are seven roads parallel to it referred to as ring roads though they are not truly rings.
Kuwait towers are the famous monument of the country. The word Kuwait roughly means a castle in the desert. There was an old castle here which is nearly demolished however few remains are still visible. Due to hot climate, shopping malls are the main hanging out place for its people.
City center is full of nice restaurants. Kuwait is a food heaven; you can find all types of cuisine here including Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Iranian, Egyptian, Jordanian, Italian and American are just few to mention. All big names like Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Krispy Kreme, famous coffee shops are present and it is all Halal. As you would have guessed, I made full use of it. I particularly love an Egyptian bread pudding called “Umm Ali”. It is so heavenly desert, can’t explain. I visited one of the restaurants which makes it the best according to a local. I wasn’t disappointed ate this sweet dish more than the main course.
Not to miss the mention of sheesha session I had with one Syrian colleague Abdul Jaber, sitting outside a restaurant near beach. I asked for apple flavor & Abdul Jaber ordered the waiter to double it – meaning double the tobacco.
Marina Mall, a big shopping center is the main hangout place for youth. You will see flocks of young boys here in the evening, mostly fashioned in western style, smoking and behaving rowdily. Many young girls were following the suit. I could see all big brand names here in the shopping mall.
Surprisingly all immigration officers were female at Kuwaiti airport. On the way back, as usual I checked in at home via internet and printed my own boarding pass. On showing it to the security officer, he enquired what is it? My boarding pass pointing to the word “Boarding Pass” written on it, I replied worriedly. Sorry, show me the proper boarding pass like that one, pointing to another passenger, we don’t accept ordinary paper ones, he answered. So I had to go back to airline counter and get another “the proper” one, narrowly missing the flight. During the process I had to pass through X-ray checking machine 5 times – security was tight.
Every air traveler is familiar with the familiar words “this is your captain speaking”. When I entered in the plane at Heathrow, I was a bit surprised to hear “this is you senior flight officer speaking”. He continued, apologies that captain can not speak to you right now as he is stuck in traffic and should be here soon. What? And then after 5 minutes, Mr Captain arrived running hastily with his luggage.