Gulf and the Middle East, it is located on the sea front in the Al-Houk area right next to the Kuwait Towers.This fresh water playground has every type of entertainment from a rushing river, an artificial wave pool, water falls, and numerous water slides to restaurants, small shops, and shaded and landscaped park areas for picnics. Opens from April to October every year. Tel 2243 1960/1/3, 22431958 or http://aquaparkkuwa/ it.com. Timings 10am – 10pm Saturday to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-11pm. Women only Tuesday June to September after 2:30. Friday Families only. No cameras. 3 ½ KD for everyone ages 3 and up – Maids 1KD – 500 fils discount to get tickets on line – prepaid cards, group rates and periodic special promotions are also available.

A trip to Aqua Park is guaranteed to cool off children or adults of all ages during the hot summer days. The first of its kind in the

This is a marvel of innovative architecture, integrating modern technology with traditional artisan craftsmanship. It opened in 1994 and houses four major Arab organizations: the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation, and the Arab Maritime Petroleum Transport Company. The interior design incorporates culture from Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Egypt, and of course Kuwait. The atrium is most spectacular with its garden, light and glass wall. The Arab Fund Building is an ideal place to bring visitors. It is located on Highway 80 across from Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and it’s near the National Memorial Museum. For impressive pictures, go to: http://www.arabf/ und.org/AOH Q/KUWAIT.HTM Or contact Mr Aslam Minhas or Mr Emad El Attar at telephone 2484 4500 for tour details.

Bayt Al-Bader is symbols of Kuwait’s old architecture as it was build from mud and stony rocks, complete with a raised ceiling of wooden baluster, thin rails, and palm leaves which dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. Today, it remains as a vestige of desert-style mud-brick housing, with private courtyards and walled peripheries constructed to dispel street noise and dust. Particularly impressive are the arched entryways and main doors. The National Museum (on the Gulf Road) currently occupies a number of small rooms in Bayt Al-Bader as administrative offices. (Tel: 2242-9158) A visit to Bayt Al-Bader rounds out a day visit to the National Museum and Sadu House. Bring a camera.

The house of the first British political agent in Kuwait is still standing and has been kept in excellent condition. The Dickson House, located across from the dhow harbor east of Sief Palace on Gulf Road, was originally a Kuwaiti home built in 1870, but was given to Britain to use as residential headquarters. The compound was expanded several times over the years, but stands as an excellent example of early Kuwaiti architectural styles. An excellent book (available at any good Kuwaiti book shop) to read is one about the life of the British political agent’s widow – Dame (Umm Saud) Violet Dickson who stayed in Kuwait after her husband’s death. She lived in Kuwait for a total of 61 years as a British national. She was evacuated during the Iraqi invasion and died in England. A visit to the house will give you an insight into life in pre-oil Kuwait.

Kuwait’s answer to Disneyland, located in Doha, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city and run by TEC; this complex provides a complete range of amusements based on themes from the ‘Arab World,’ the ‘International World,’ and the ‘Future World.’ It offers more than 40 rides, games and shows. The entrance fee is 3 KD 500 fils a person, an all-in-one price which allows the ticket holder to enjoy various rides and amusements without paying anything extra. Timings (Summer) Sunday-Friday 5pm – 1am. (Winter) Sunday-Wednesday 3pm – 11pm, Thursday-Friday 10am- 10pm Saturday closed. Tel. 2487 9545 / 2487 9455.

The International Fairgrounds is located in Mishref (off of the 6th Ring Road – you can see the McDonald’s arches atop a gas well tower), was established in 1971 and is Kuwait’s largest exhibition center. It is host to many events such as meetings, conferences, shopping exhibitions, etc. See http://www.kif.net/ for a schedule of exhibitions. A McDonald’s restaurant, go cart track and fair grounds with pay-as-you-go rides are nearby.

(Guarded Watering Place –on Caravan Route – Site of Many Battles – May Date to Mesopotamian Times) 32km (20mi) west of Kuwait City, is where invading troops from Saudi Arabia were defeated in 1920. It is a low rectangular mud structure near the highway. Take the 5th Ring Road to the second Jahra (not Omariya) exit. You will go down and turn left and see it 500 meters on the right. No telephone or facilities.

Kuwait’s Parliament or National Assembly on the Gulf Road does allow visitors, but you might have to call ahead – tel 2241 8949 or 2243 6381. Sessions are in Arabic and might be a bit mundane (but most legislative sessions usually are). This was the first Parliament in the GCC countries; MPs can speak freely and criticize the government’s performance and sometime do that in a very sharp manner, as they are protected by the constitution of the country.

Situated in downtown Kuwait City somewhat between the Gold Souq and the Grand Mosque on Mubarak Al Kabeer Street, the Kuwait Stock Exchange is open Saturday to Thursday maybe 0800 to 1300. It is the largest stock exchange in the Gulf area. There are no formal tours per se, but people can enter and enjoy its architectural splendor while witnessing the often lively traders on the floor. There is a Starbucks Coffee Shop is inside. For pictures, go to these websites:
http://archn/ et.org/lib rary/images/thumbnails.tcl?location_id=1879 and http://www/. flickr.com/photos/miskan/18891666/ .

Made famous by Desert Storm battles, these sandstone hills, some more than 60 meters high, offer a break in the flat topography of Kuwait. Situated on the northern rim of the bay overlooking the Doha Power Station, they provide grazing land for domestic herds of sheep, goats, and camels. Wild flowers abound in the spring, and you will find many people picnicking

there, but as always, be careful and don’t pick up anything that looks like a mine or bomblet! There is a well-used but winding road to the top – drive carefully. Once you reach the top, the views are fantastic! Mutlaa Ridge has no telephone or facilities, so pack a lunch and plenty of water, a mobile telephone with a charged battery and tell people where you’re going (Just to be safe).

This building is a unique example of early 20th century architecture in Kuwait. It is located on the left side of the Gulf Street facing the bay near the British Embassy, the Diabetes Center and Dasman Model School. This was the first hospital run by Christian missionaries in Kuwait.

Kuwait has an active planetarium located on the 6th Ring Road between the Science Club and the Model Airplane Club (its dome is clearly visible). A most informative place with many enthusiastic amateur astronomers – open after 4pm. Daily (telephone 2539 6561). Also, Kuwait Space Club at www.spacekuwait.com

Beit Al-Sadu (www.sadu-house.com) was established in 1979 and is devoted to the ancient practice of weaving of textiles from sheep wool. Its purpose is to revive the tradition of weaving, knitting, and other handmade arts. It is located next to the National Museum on the Gulf Road. The exhibits include Bedouin camel bags, tent dividers, carpets and cushions. Some items are for sale, and it is possible to see the traditional weaving process. (Tel: 22432395) Open Saturday to Thursday mornings and between 5.00pm and 7.00pm. Founded to preserve the art of Sadu; the Kuwait Textile Association frequently holds lectures, seminars, and demonstrations of Sadu weaving at the Al-Sadu House.

Located on the Gulf Road across from the Parliament (National Assembly) Building, this market and miniature Kuwaiti village is a mix of old and new with plenty of hand operated rides (attendants operate them) for the kids and eclectic stalls selling bits and bobs. It has a fishing pier nearby and nice view of the Parliament Building and sea front. Best visited on a Wednesday or Thursday evening.

Established in the 1980’s and it’s the first Quarter Mile Race Track in the Middle East, and the best. It organizes races in many classes of cars and motorcycles, which compete between classes. Cars classes include: Super pro, Pro, Super Stock, Stock, Super Street and Street. Motorcycles classes include: Drag class and Stock class. Any nationality can join the club. Events start from November till end of June every year. Tel 66005261, Email: dasman13q8@hotmail.com, see: www.q8hp.com , Near the Kuwaiti Science Club on 6th Ring Road.

The Scientific Center was built by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences and is home to the largest aquarium in the Middle East.

It is located on the waterfront in the Salmiya area and offers five different attractions: the Dhow Harbor, the Aquarium, the IMAX Theatre, the Discovery Place, and the Gift Shop. The complex covers an area of 80,000 square meters and the attractions are both educational and entertaining. School children often visit the facility and participate in hands on experiments aimed at enhancing one’s awareness of the natural and cultural heritage of Kuwait. Scientific Center – telephone 24888888, This new centre is wonderful for the whole family – aquarium plus interactive exhibits.

http://www.tsck.org.kw/

The only private and specialized club in Kuwait offers you an ideal environment to practice Pistol and Rifle shooting in three indoor shooting ranges which include 30 shooting lanes. The handguns and their ammunitions from various calibers are provided, as well as ear and eye protection. Qualified instructors will help visitors. The complex is open for public, come and enjoy your time.
Sports Club for practicing pistol & Rifle shooting, the Club is Internationally Qualified.

Free entrance for Ladies, men & children (age 10 and up) accompanied by adults.
The shooting complex is opened 6 days a week.
Qualified instructor’s highly safety instructions.
Movable & Fixed targets.
Handguns & ammunition from various calibers are provided as well as safety instrument are available.
Foods, Beverages available.
Telephone: 24759999 –2 4752507, mail@nrckuwait.com, www.nrckuwait.com/, 6th Ring Road, follow signs.

Showbiz (tel 2571 4094/5/7) on the Gulf Road in Salmiya is a permanently sited carnival with caroussels, dodgems, donkey and cart, pony and camel rides, etc. Open daily from 4pm to midnight (from 1pm on weelends), entry is free but each amusement costs 500 fils a go, except for the large roller coster (1KD) and a few of the main attraction. Renovated .

Wafra is home to 200 privately-owned farms and an experimental farm funded by the government. They raise dairy cattle, poultry, a variety of grains, tomatoes, radishes, melons, cucumbers, greens, and other vegetables. You can visit any Thursday of Friday during the winter of spring. On Friday, an open market sells many locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Yes, Kuwait does grow many of its fruits and vegetables! There are picnic areas and privately owned entertainment places (namely Al Riham Farms) with children’s bouncy castles, buggy rides, camel/horse/pony/donkey rides and green houses to tour.

In southern Kuwait, take the Wafra exit past Ahmadi, and drive 30 kilometers south – about a 1-2 hour trip from Kuwait City. Turn left at the Wafra Farms exit and go ten more kilometers. A great day trip!
There is/was an ostrich farmer who sells eggs, meat, feathers or egg shells in Wafra. Tel 2243 9151 or 2243 9131.

An Experimental Farm (815355) is also located in Omariya with hydroponics, recycled irrigation system, solar-power, and computer-controlled glass-houses.