Kuwait History and Culture

Failaka Island, just off the coast, was settled in the Bronze Age as part of the Dilmun trading civilization, and later Hellenistic settlers built a temple and fort there after the era of Alexander the Great. Its ruins remain a fascinating day trip.

In the early 18th century, families of the Bani Utub settled on Kuwait Bay, and in 1752 they chose Sabah I as their leader, beginning the reign of the Al Sabah family. Kuwait grew into a busy port whose sailors carried dates, horses and spices, and whose divers harvested pearls on the Gulf banks. The city was protected by a mud-brick wall, and its old gates still stand.

Kuwait became independent in 1961 and adopted a constitution and an elected National Assembly soon after. Oil, discovered in 1938, funded schools, hospitals and some of the region's earliest cultural institutions. Today Kuwait Vision 2035 aims to diversify the economy. Read about the royal family of Kuwait, pearling in the Gulf and Kuwait Vision 2035.

Sadu, the geometric weaving of Bedouin women in red, black and white, is recognized by UNESCO, and Al Sadu House in Kuwait City keeps the craft alive with workshops. Dhow building was once the nation's great craft, and wooden boums and jalbouts can still be admired at the Maritime Museum and the shipyards.

Kuwait's architecture is a story of daring modern design: the Kuwait Towers, opened in 1979, became a national symbol, and the National Assembly building is the work of Jørn Utzon, the architect of the Sydney Opera House. The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, one of the largest in the region, stages opera, theater and concerts. Learn more on our page about Bedouin heritage.

Kuwait's dinar is the world's highest-valued currency unit. The Kuwait Towers store water as well as offering panoramic views. Kuwait's Arabi magazine, launched in 1958, was read across the Arab world. Plan a visit with our Kuwait travel guide and our page on Kuwait City's hotels.