By its very nature, Kuwait, with its barren desert landscape and extremely hot summer temperatures, is limited in its range of outdoor activities.   Kuwaiti’s and expatriates alike spend a large percentage of their leisure time pursuing indoor activities and indulging in ‘cooler’ pastimes.  Shopping Malls, Cinema’s and restaurants are increasing in number and style and continue to be the most popular venues for leisure seekers.  Particularly to the younger generations who in the absence of bars and clubs have taken to the ‘café-culture’ in a big way.

However, when the weather allows, there is no bigger attraction to the people of Kuwait than the desert.  Most modern Kuwaiti’s are descendants of the Bedou tribes who have inhabited the landscape for Centuries and they seem to have an in-built love of the desert.  For most of the winter and spring months before the temperatures reach unbearable levels, many parts of the desert become a sea of tents as Kuwaiti’s set up permanent or semi-permanent camps.   A great deal of leisure time is spent here with family and friends.   While the older generations are content to relax and chat in traditional Arabic surroundings, the younger generation pursue more lively activities and quad-biking, football and volleyball are popular in the wide open spaces.  

For those not wishing to venture into the desert another natural feature is never far away wherever you are in Kuwait; the tranquil, blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.  Relaxing by the sea is popular all year round and it can provide a welcome respite from the high summer temperatures.   Not surprisingly water sports are popular in Kuwait and the long gentle coastline is ideal for a wide range of activities.   Sailing enthusiasts enjoy the prevailing mild winds of the Gulf for most of the year while power-boating, jet skiing, raft racing, wind surfing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing are also very popular

Another prominent leisure pursuit in Kuwait is a trip to one of the many ‘Amusement Parks’ that can be found all round the outskirts of the City.  The largest of these is at Doha, 20k north of Kuwait City, opened since 1984 it advertises itself as a “mini-disneyland distinguished by its traditional Arabic qualities”.   It is a fun-park in the truest sense of the word boasting a wide selection of white-knuckle rides.   In addition to this there are numerous other purpose-built locations to choose from including the Gulf’s first fresh-water playground at the “Aqua Park” near Kuwait Towers, and “Green Island” a 40-acre nature sanctuary on a man-made island in the Gulf near Salmiya.

Away from the City, but still making use of the superb coastline Kuwait's first tourist village, the Khiran Resort, is one of several purpose-built resorts offering a place to escape from the hectic pace of everyday life.   Fully equipped chalets and excellent facilities provide the most discerning of guests the perfect opportunity to relax in style.

Sports lovers can make the most of a wide range of facilities and join competitive leagues that bring together participants in Cricket, Tennis, Basketball, and Football and Rugby.  Most of the large hotels provide top class sporting facilities and the Gyms and Health Clubs they provide are always busy.    However, nothing is more challenging than a round of ‘desert-golf’ and the Golf Clubs at Texaco or Ahmadi provide a real test to golfers of every level.

Almost as an after-thought we mention the 2 Ice Skating Rinks, the Scientific Centre and Aquarium, the numerous Go-Karting Tracks, the frequent motor-rallies and car racing and the unique “Health & Leisure Spa” near Kuwait City.   But this just highlights the diverse range of sports & leisure facilities that exist within Kuwait.