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KUWAIT SHOPPING PARADISE : Go Shopping in Kuwait Guide

Shopping in Kuwait

Kuwait is a modern country with everything from glitzy shopping malls to old "souks" and Friday markets where culture and tradition abound. Everything from the latest Fendi purse to spices and sheep can be purchased depending on the size of your wallet and interests. Many stores have negotiable prices or discounts and bargaining is the name of the game. Be polite at all times, starting at about half of what you want to pay
As custom duties have very low prices in Kuwait they are rather competitive and you can buy International brands at very low price, even cheaper from the country of origin of such goods.

Shopping in Kuwait is great at the modern shopping centers which are air-conditioned, and whether you are looking for the latest in fashion, electronics, accessories, footwear or even gold and jewelry, textiles, carpets or perfumes, you will find what you want.

One should as well try shopping at the traditional markets. Shopping in these markets is great and the variety of goods is marvelous. The main shopping areas are Fahed Al Salem Street, Sharq market, Salem Al Mubarak Street, Salmiyah, Hawally, Farwaniyah, Fahaheel and other malls & boutiques.

Food shopping is diverse in Kuwait, ranging from "bakalas" (corner shops) to supermarkets, such as Co-ops and Sultan Centers, and through to wholesale markets. Bakalas tend to be used more for emergency rations, although some are quite well stocked.

Sultan center night Kuwait now has the largest shopping mall known as the “Marina Mall” located in the Salmiya Shopping Hub which stretches along the corniche of Kuwait (Arabian Gulf Street). Another famous shopping mall called "Al-Sharqia Waterfront Project” is based around a marina whereby the Sultan Center and other top international brands have their prime slots at either end.

For those looking for an investment, gold is a good buy in Kuwait, being sold primarily by weight only. The Gold Souk is located immediately behind the Old Souk. Jewelry can also be made to your own design, although this will cost a little more, though your name in Arabic for a pendant is reasonably priced and makes a nice gift.

Sharq Souk Mall located in downtown Kuwait City is one of the largest modern malls, similar to an American mall, but with styles of the Middle East. It also boasts a nice view of the gulf where you can enjoy a modest lunch. Shopping in Salmiya is another popular area where the streets are lined with malls, modern stores and an occasional old world shop, even a small gold souk can be found tucked away here and there. Exploring this area on foot is the best way to find what you're looking for, and rest assured the streets are relativley clean and very safe. For those of you with a burning desire to drop $3000 on the lastest leather briefcase, Salhiya Center, behind the Meridian Hotel offers a wealth of designer stores in Kuwait's most exclusive mall.

Best known for it's excellent prices in gold and persian or Afghanistan tribal rugs, a must see visit includes the old downtowon souks. Here you will find a maze of shops winding through Kuwait City to delight the senses and fulfill your search for that wonderful keepsake. This is Kuwait's largest gold souk where jewelrey is weighed and sold, while Hussain & Ali's carpet shop offers excellent deals on beautiful rugs.

Fahaheel, off HWY 30 near the fish market also offers many stores with an excellent assortment of beautiful silk persian rugs and traditional nick knacks. If you want to start a camel or elephant collection, this is the place. My favorite are the delicate glass perfume bottles, very affordable!

Finally, no visit to Kuwait would be complete without a trip to Friday Market. As the name implies, it is held once a week starting early Friday morning. Here you can find the best prices on anything native to the Middle East, including the afore mentioned sheep. It is the Arab equivalent to the American Flea Market. Located just off the Fourth Ring Road in Jahra and in Fahaheel.

Fresh Food

Most food shops in Kuwait sell a mixture of chilled or frozen products, and canned and preserved foods. However, plenty of fresh meat, fish, fruits and vegetables are readily available. The main large souks for fresh foods (meat, fruits and vegetables) are in Shuwaikh and in Fahaheel. Though these are essentially wholesale markets the vendors welcome all buyers. Prices are cheaper than at the large private supermarkets.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can be bought at several vegetable souks, such as the vegetable souk near the Hawalli Immigration roundabout in Salmiya. Most areas of Kuwait have a souk selling fresh vegetables. Bargaining is expected.

The main fish souks are on Arabian Gulf Street (just east of the Seif Palace), in Shuwaikh and in Fahaheel. The variety of fish and crustaceans, much of it from the Arabian Gulf, is superior to anything found in the world. Sold by the kilo or by the bucketful, prices are reasonable but seasonal. Fresh mutton is a traditional part of Kuwaiti cuisine. Fresh chicken shops are also found in most neighbourhoods.
Small bakeries are found in many areas of Kuwait. The bread, often Iranian style, is baked on the spot and presented in large rounds which can be easily carried away.

Malls in Kuwait

Al-Fanar Complex 5720289
Al-Jawhara Center 5756036
AL-Kawari Plaza 5755163
Al-Mansooriyah Market 2555134
Al-Mubarakiah Market 2403693
Al-Mubarak Center 2655577
Kuwait City Center 805222
Souk Al-Kuwait & Al-Khaleej Center 4746837
True Value 4833168
Souk Sharq 2408970
Al-Bustan Complex 5711660
Sultan Center 4841074 / 4819710 /3920291
Land Mark (Fahaheel) 3912485
Land Mark (Hawally) 2646081
City Center 805222

Source:1website.com, ktsc-q8.com, world66.com, kuwait-info.com