Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kuwait City is the capital of Kuwait, known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 4.3 million in the metropolitan area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KWD ≈ 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 recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 240V, 50Hz, and uses Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | SIM cards are available from Zain, Ooredoo, and Viva, with data packages starting around 4 KWD. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banking services include KBC, HSBC, and Revolut services are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and rentals available via Airbnb, Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted with cards and mobile wallets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include al-Maha Hotel and Ibis Salmiya for approximately 25-50 KWD per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Salmiya area is highly recommended for its shopping and dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The areas around the Kuwait Tower and the Marina Mall are ideal for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub 17 in Sharq offers excellent amenities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Salmiya is a favorite among freelancers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by 'Kuwait Startup Hub' for networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Expats in Kuwait' Facebook group for events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate widely for local transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at some local shops; e-scooters are emerging but limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Marina Beach, about 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kuwait Airways is the primary regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways such as the 60 and 40 connect to various parts of the city. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kuwait City does not have a train; buses are the main public transport system. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses work on a pay-per-ride system; passes are not widely used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regional travel can be done by bus to nearby Gulf countries. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Amiri Hospital is the largest in Kuwait City for expat health needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Oasis in Salmiya is popular among expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness First offer great facilities across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia offers convenient wash and fold services in Salmiya. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mohammar rice and grilled meats, especially in restaurants like Al-Diwan. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Salad Bar and Koshary serve excellent vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | SugarMoo offers a variety of delightful desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souk Al-Mubarakiya is excellent for budget-friendly food markets. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Desertcart and Ubuy are popular for online purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Monoprix offers grocery delivery services across the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Gulf Road area has several lounges and bars for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is restricted; however, non-alcoholic craft beverages are emerging. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are limited but some restaurants serve wine with meals. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Souk Al-Mubarakiya offer popular local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Global cuisines are available in the city, especially in the Hawalli district. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kuwait Towers and the Grand Mosque are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Tareq Rajab Museum is highly recommended for cultural experiences. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kuwait National Museum offers insights into the country's heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque is the largest in Kuwait, open for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kuwait’s National Day celebrations are held on February 25th every year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Salmiya is a vibrant cultural hub with art galleries and cafes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theater hosts a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al-Mubarakiya is the main traditional market for crafts and spices. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be appreciated in various cultural events across the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out murals in the Al-Kout area for vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local schools offer traditional cooking classes that must be booked in advance. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary art can be explored at the Alia Mall Art Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Seif Palace is an iconic historic building worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kuwait's rich maritime heritage is reflected in many of its buildings and museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Al Jahra Pools Park offers a green escape about 30 km from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kuwait lacks national parks; however, some desert conservation areas exist. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Lulu Island offers nice walking paths for a peaceful experience. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The observation deck on Kuwait Towers provides stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Al Kout area has parks where various bird species can be seen. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are allowed at designated areas in local parks like Al-Shaheed Park. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide efficient parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair services are readily available, with stores in several malls like Avenues. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English language classes for non-native speakers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kuwait National Library is a great study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kuwait Cultural Centre offers various activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Hub in Salmiya is a popular destination for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Kuwait, so no casinos exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000 KWD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 40,000 KWD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 KWD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 32,000 KWD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 KWD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000 KWD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 900 KWD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 54,000 KWD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,100 KWD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 88,000 KWD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 850 KWD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 68,000 KWD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% corporate tax is applied in Kuwait. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | There is no withholding tax on dividends in Kuwait. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Kuwait has no personal income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | There is no personal income tax in Kuwait. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Kuwait does not have CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There is no property tax in Kuwait. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | There are no standard property transaction taxes. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Kuwait has no income tax, making it attractive for digital nomads. |