Last weekend we decided to spend some time in and around Kuwait Towers and the nearby Miami Beach. Yes, Miami Beach in Kuwait! Standing majestically and elegantly on the water front in the Arabian Gulf Road, the Kuwait Towers are regarded as the symbol of Kuwait. As we approached the Towers we were struck by its elegance. Its grandeur and brilliant architecture would astonish anyone. The panoramic view of the sea and the city near the Towers are beyond words. One can spend hours in such spectacular atmosphere. The area remains bursting with activities. One can notice people swimming, catching fish, sailing around in the sea, leisurely moving around, taking pictures or having good time with family or friends. There is ample space for car parking so that visitors don’t face any problem. The date trees around and near the towers campus make the place more enticing.

Designed by Sune Lindstrom and Malene Bjorn from Sweden and built by Energoproject, a company from Belgrade, Serbia, it was opened to public in March 1979.The towers consist of two towers and a third pole feeding them with electricity. The tallest tower, 187 meters high, holds two spheres. The upper sphere at the height of 120 meters has a viewing point, a café and a gift shop. This sphere has a revolving observation area, with one full turn every half hour. The breathtaking view of the city from the viewing point is awesome. As I tried to find a place to capture the beauty of the city I realized that it is a laborious job to find the perfect place in that area in such a congregation. The photos of destruction of the tower by the Iraqi troops during the Iraqi invasion in 1990 are displayed on the walls. The intention of the Iraqi troops was to destroy the very symbol of Kuwait. The towers were badly destroyed as they attacked it with missiles. But it was rebuilt and today’s towers symbolize the affection, devotion, and tenacity of the Kuwaiti people for their country. At the height of 82 meters there are four food joints, which include Al-Ufuq restaurant, Le Café, Waha and Al Joon cafeteria. Then there is the Dasman Hall where special parties and business events are held and on the ground floor is the Horizon Restaurant. The middle tower is a water reservoir containing two million gallons of water in two tanks. The third tower, which is 11.60 meters high, is a lighthouse, which illuminates the architectural wonder with 96 concealed spotlights. The tops of these towers are finished in a needle shape and are made of flaring, plasticized aluminum plates, which shine day and night, adding to their magic. With an entry fee of 2KD (for kids less then 4years its free), the towers remains open to the public from 8am to 12pm.

Adjacent to the towers, to the left is the Aqua Park, the first and biggest water park of the Arab Gulf Region. To its right, at a walking distance of 12-15 minutes starts the Miami Beach. The long impressive beach, well maintained parks for kids, restaurants, BBQ area, long stretch of green grassy area just to sit and repose, makes it a perfect place to spend your weekend now when the weather is ideal for outdoor outing. You can unwind yourself from your hectic work schedule by just relaxing on the beach or by swimming. If you go in a group, you can play volleyball in the sandy beach.

The Kuwaiti’s love and passion for food is apparent from the many restaurants and café that can be found in any nook and corner of the country. Just bordering the Aqua Park is restaurant “Ruby Tuesday”. And at 10 minutes walking distance from the towers, to the left is the famous Arabic Restaurant “Mais Alghanim”. Furthermore at a difference of 5 minutes walking distance are three open restaurants and café’s near the sea namely Puerto Bonus, City Café and Café La Playa, where one can spot people including women smoking the traditional sheesha pipes.

And near the Miami Beach too you will find restaurants like Chili’s, Apple Pie, KFC and many more. The young generation plays beach volleyball in the government made game courts near the beach that is well illuminated. With a government doing so much for its people I wondered how much is needed to be done by our government back home as we drove back.