In the middle of the vast wilderness of the Arabian Peninsula, on the shores of the scenic Persian Gulf, shines one of the gems of the beautiful “oriental necklace,” the country of Kuwait. It’s hard to imagine a more vantage place to discover the culture of the Arab East. Indeed, only in the capital, the vast metropolis of Kuwait City, there are many unique historical and cultural landmarks. Add to these the oriental hospitality of the locals, and you are to be tempted to turn a short vacation into a permanent stay.

Fashionable hotels and restaurants coexist in harmony with ancient mosques and palaces, giant shopping malls neighbor old gift shops, and the pristine sandy beaches have everything you need for outdoor activities and water sports. Here, everyone will find something to their liking, whether they are connoisseurs of antiquities, fans of modern art, or nature lovers.

The marvelous landscapes of the oases will amaze you with their beauty, incredibly colorful flora, and singing of exotic birds. The mix of wildlife, indigenous rock dwellings, and beautiful glassy skyscrapers blows away all guests of the country. Still, nothing captivates travelers more than old oriental bazaars. While the world’s largest pearl market offers the finest jewelry, the Old Kuwaiti Souq Market has everything from oriental sweets to Arabian horses and falcons. To see all the products of the market, a year won’t be enough. Tour guides even take tourist groups there, and locals are happy to familiarize foreigners with their history and culture.

The Old Kuwaiti Souq Market is located at the intersection of the central streets of the city, Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Ahmad Al-Jaber. Even two centuries ago, during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, narrow winding streets with stalls and cozy shops already existed there. Persian carpets and the most delicate silk embroidered with gold and silver threads, traditional Arabian clothes adorned with precious stones and pearls, luxurious jewelry and rich tangy aromas of oriental perfumes and incense, as well as household items and antique furniture – here you can find rare objects created by talented local artisans or brought from any corner of the world.

When going shopping, remember about the local dress code and opt for closed outfits. Women should not wear mini-dresses and open-work fabric, and men should prefer trousers and shirts to T-shirts and shorts.

You can recharge your batteries and refresh yourself in the colorful Al Mubarakiya Cafe & Restaurant located in the market, and “take a breath” from the heated trading and hide from the rays of the scorching sun in one of the chic rooms of the Radisson Blu Hotel.