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.
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.
The Avenues shopping mall in Kuwait opens in early 2007. A first
phase has a total retail area of 1.4m sqft, will have an Ikea
store, and include a Carrefour, 10 cinemas, 35 restaurants and
cafes. The local Mabanee is the developer. Phase two
incorporating a further 600,000 sqft of retail and leisure space
is due to be completed in early 2008.
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.
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