Attraction in Kuwait
Souq Al-Mubarakiya
Established in the late nineteenth century and named after Amir Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, this sprawling traditional market in central Kuwait City is one of the oldest in the country, predating the oil era and once serving as the main hub for trade with India, Persia, and the broader Middle East. Stalls and covered lanes sell Persian carpets, oud and musk perfumes, gold jewellery, spices, dates, and traditional Kuwaiti clothing alongside fresh produce and seafood. The souq was damaged during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and subsequently restored, retaining its original low-rise architecture and busy communal character.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Kuwait
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Kuwait page at Yoogo.
Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), consistently one of the world's highest-valued currencies, so carry small denominations for markets and taxis. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants, while cash remains preferred at traditional souqs and smaller establishments.
Kuwait is generally considered a safe destination with low rates of street crime and a stable political environment. Standard precautions apply, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, and it is advisable to monitor your government's travel advisory before departure.
Kuwait has no metro system yet, so the main options are taxis, app-based ride services such as Careem, and public buses operated by the Kuwait Public Transport Company. Renting a car is practical as the road network is modern and driving is on the right, though traffic in Kuwait City can be heavy during peak hours.
The most comfortable period for visiting is November through March, when temperatures sit between roughly 10°C and 25°C and outdoor sightseeing is pleasant. Summers (June to September) bring extreme heat that regularly exceeds 45°C, making outdoor activities difficult during midday hours.
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood across hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and tourist attractions, with most public signage presented in both languages. Taxi drivers may have limited English, so having your destination written in Arabic can be useful.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers entering Kuwait, though it is advisable to ensure routine immunisations are up to date and to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and hepatitis B depending on your itinerary and health history. Consult a travel health clinic or your GP at least four to six weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Many hotels and restaurants add a 10 to 15 per cent service charge to bills, in which case an additional tip is not expected, though rounding up or leaving a small amount for attentive service is welcomed.
Kuwait has strong mobile coverage through three main networks (Zain, Ooredoo, and STC), all of which offer 4G and 5G across urban areas. Travellers with compatible devices can purchase an eSIM before departure through providers such as Airalo, offering a convenient way to stay connected from the moment of arrival.