Kuwait City, Kuwait 🇰🇼
#1064
29.379653, 47.973417
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kuwait City is the capital of Kuwait, known for its modern architecture and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4.1 million (as of 2024), with a significant expatriate population. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50-70 Mbps, with fiber connectivity available in most areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KWD (Kuwaiti Dinar) ≈ 3.25 USD. Major banks include National Bank of Kuwait and Gulf Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz, with British-style Type G plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Zain, Ooredoo, and stc; prepaid SIM cards are easy to purchase. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most major international credit/debit cards are accepted; services like Revolut are also usable. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to apartments. Airbnb and local real estate platforms like Property Finder are popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, Kuwait is increasingly cashless, with cards accepted in stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies offer short-term rentals, starting around 25 KWD per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like the Waha Hotel offer affordable lodging, starting around 10 KWD per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub is a popular coworking space with amenities like high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brewed Awakening is a work-friendly café known for its comfortable ambiance and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup events are organized through platforms like Eventbrite or local Facebook groups focusing on expatriate communities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community groups on Facebook organize various social events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Kuwait City for easy ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No traditional bike rental services, but electric scooters are available in some urban areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Fahaheel Beach, around 30 minutes from the city center, is a popular spot. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kuwait Airways is the main carrier, providing regional access. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways are the primary international carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways like the King Fahd Road and 7th Ring Road provide excellent connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kuwait City does not have a train system; public buses are the primary transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes can be purchased, with single rides costing approximately 0.25 KWD. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Public buses connect Kuwait City to nearby areas like Fahaheel and Hawally. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The American Hospital is a top healthcare facility catering to expatriates. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Kuwait offers classes in various styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a popular gym chain with various locations in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many laundromats are available, such as Wash n Go, offering affordable services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage are popular apps for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dish called 'Margoog' is a traditional Kuwaiti bread dish that is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Earthly are dedicated to vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cupcake Factory offers a wide variety of desserts and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souk Al Mubarakiya is a bustling market with food stalls and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon and Amazon offer delivery services in Kuwait. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Fresh & Easy delivers groceries and food items throughout the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Marina Crescent area has many bars and lounges popular with expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is restricted; however, some stores offer non-alcoholic beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Symphony Style Hotel has a bar that offers a selection of upscale non-alcoholic beverages. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food carts are popular in areas like the Souk, selling local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Turtle Bay is a popular spot for Caribbean cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kuwait Towers and the Grand Mosque are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kuwait National Museum showcases the history and culture of Kuwait. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Al Kout Beach and Souk are historic with rich local heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Mosque is the largest mosque in Kuwait. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Kuwait International Book Fair is a significant annual event attracting large audiences. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Al Mubarakiya district offers a blend of old markets and traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre is the major performing arts venue. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk Sharq is a popular market for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene includes various genres; live music events are often held at hotels. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen in districts like Shuwaikh. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Kuwaiti Cooking Institute offers classes in traditional Kuwaiti cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Dar Al Funoon Gallery hosts contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Sief Palace is an iconic historic landmark in Kuwait. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The falcon is a symbol of Kuwaiti heritage, reflecting the traditional way of life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Jahra Pools offer a nature escape close to the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Boubyan Island is a natural reserve close to the city inhabited by diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Seafront promenades are popular walking spots, especially in the Arabian Gulf area. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Kuwait Towers provide excellent views of the city skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City offers birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas at the beaches permit bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide efficient parcel delivery services across Kuwait. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix and other local repair shops offer electronic device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Facilities for table tennis are offered at sports centers like the Kuwait Sports Club. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like Berlitz offer Arabic language classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Kuwait provides spaces for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kuwait Cultural Club hosts various cultural events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are found in various malls, like the Arena Gaming Center. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Kuwait; entertainment is mainly through non-gambling venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 700 KWD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 28,000 KWD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 500 KWD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 20,000 KWD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 650 KWD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 39,000 KWD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 450 KWD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 27,000 KWD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 600 KWD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 48,000 KWD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 400 KWD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 32,000 KWD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends |
| 🏦 Tax System | Kuwait has no income tax for individuals but has a corporate tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% Standard VAT on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules; attractive for foreign investment. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax but registration fees apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax on property transactions. |