Strolling Along the Corniche



Oil will inevitably come to an end in the region. How will the small emirate in the corner of the Arabian Gulf look in, say 30 years? As compared to Bahrain and Qatar, not to mention Dubai, Kuwait has definitely fallen behind as regards to developing alternatives. Endeavors are, however, considerable. Never having really been a touristic hub, Kuwait now tries hard to catch up.

The Waterfront Project has considerably beautified the seaside to the East and South of the Kuwait Towers, Bneid Al Qar, Sha’ab, East Hawalli, and Salmiya, but also to the North and West, up to Shuwaikh. The Corniche now roughly stretches between the famous Kuwaiti Towers and the Scientific Center in Salmiya, some ten km. Ninety percent of all expats of Kuwait are living in booming Salmiya. Salam Al Mubarak St., Kuwait's buzzing, but still somewhat cozy, main shopping street, is (and it is not a joke) called by many The Sultan Center St., since the city's main grocery store is located here. Besides typical American housewifes, rich Kuwaiti families are seen here, together with their house maids, shopping with already incredible amounts of food and stuff in their shopping carts. Towers are raised here and in other parts of the State of Kuwait at a fast pace, and whenever you return after long summer holidays, the view has changed.

Salmiya has become a major attraction for the Kuwaiti youths and tourists as well. The seaside is famous for the mighty Marina Mall, plenty of fancy restaurants, playing and sporting grounds, artificial harbors, five-star hotels, an excellent conference center, and the Scientific Center.
It can be very pleasant to stroll along the Corniche on a sunny Friday at the end of November when the very high temperatures during almost endless summer have dropped to bearable levels, and people meet for sport activities, hiking, or just enjoying life in Kuwait.


























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