While Kuwait remains a strong business travel destination, the country is ramping up its leisure facilities and targeting the intra-regional travel market, says Caroline Tapken.
Although Kuwait is predominantly a business travel destination, with Government plans to transform the kingdom into a regional trade and financial hub over the next few years, there is also a renewed focus on developing the tourism infrastructure in a controlled manner, targeting one million local and intra-regional tourist arrivals by 2010.
Leisure developments
In 2006, the Kuwait Tourism Master Plan Study was completed in co-operation with the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations for Development Projects (UNDP) and developments are already coming close to completion on some key projects.
Driven by the youthful nation - more than 50% of the population is under the age of 25 - developments in the leisure industry are geared towards the young.
There are mega malls offering retail, dining and entertainment facilities and amusement park projects that include a joint venture between Cartoon Network and Future Kid & Real Estate Company, slated to open in Kuwait City by the end of the year.
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In addition, there are plans to develop Failaka Island, home to Kuwait's most significant archaeological site, which will include hotels, shops, residential complexes and restaurants.
Developments in entertainment include the 99 Village, which will bring Islam-inspired characters to life - THE 99 are 99 heroes with powers reflecting the attributes of Allah.
Due to open this month (October) in Jahra, Kuwait, with rides, games and other amusements, the 99 Village will include a stage show telling the story of THE 99 with life-sized characters leading tours around the park.
Kuwait is not without existing family attractions and some of the best include the Kuwait Scientific Centre - home to (currently) the largest aquarium in the Middle East, walk-through exhibits highlighting the natural habitats of the sea, the coastal plans and the desert of the Arabian Peninsula as well as Discovery Place with hand's-on oil-related scientific experiments and games teaching children through play.
The IMAX theatre is housed under the same roof, with science-oriented 2- and 3-D movies - it is a must-see for any family visiting Kuwait.
The Kuwait Towers are arguably one of the kingdoms most famous landmarks. Comprising three structures, two with large spheres designed to resemble the ornate Arabian perfume bottles.
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