The world learned about the lavish lifestyle of the eastern rulers not only from the tales of Scheherazade but also thanks to curious travelers and open borders of the eastern countries of the Persian Gulf. Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are replete with fabulous palaces and monumental mosques, striking the viewer with their size and luxurious interiors. But no matter how great the palaces of local sheiks are, there is nothing like the emir's wealth. And it would be a whopping mistake to miss a fascinating tour around the capital of Kuwait, Kuwait City, with a visit to the most prominent landmark, the magnificent residence of the emir, the Seif Palace.

The construction of the beautiful palace started at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1904. Since then, the delightful landmark of palatial architecture, a shining example of the traditional Arab style, adorns the central city square right opposite Kuwait’s main shrine, the Grand Mosque. Recurrent restorations of the palace made it possible for the palace walls to withstand numerous damages. And even a direct military missile attack during World War I in the Persian Gulf didn’t destroy it. It only damaged one of the rooms and the face of an ancient clock. The famous British Smith of Derby Group replaced it with a new one. At that time, it became the only non-American company, which signed a contract in Kuwait.

The emir’s fabulous oriental palace greatly impresses all visitors. It, in turn, has its own main gem, a former watchtower, covered with blue tiles. According to some sources, the old tower's dome is covered with pure gold, and it itself is decorated with the very clock of the famous British company.

Currently, the palace is considered a symbol of Kuwait’s independence. It is open to all visitors, but you should bear two things in mind: observe the local dress code—clothing should cover the body—and behave demurely not to violate the feelings of the locals.

Numerous Arab arches and traditional oriental arabesques of the interiors deserve your special attention in the emir’s Seif Palace. To one side of the palace, there is a house-museum of Lieutenant Colonel Harold Dixon, where you can learn the history of relations between Kuwait and Great Britain during the British protectorate. To the other side, there is the Museum of Modern Art and the Bedoon cultural fund, displaying traditional crafts of the indigenous people of Kuwait, and the Kuwait National Museum.