Attractions in Kuwait

Popular beaches in Kuwait
If you plan to spend your time on the beaches in Kuwait City and have some summertime fun, you will never run short of options. The Kuwait coastline is full of beaches, some public and some private. You are sure to enjoy the different beaches, particularly those attached to a hotel, as lot of beaches in Kuwait are parts of 5-star hotels.

Both residents and tourists alike come to the beaches to unwind, go for peaceful walks, and spend some quality moments relaxing on the shores or taking a dip in the waters. The best time to visit these beaches is the warm season, before the summer gets at its peak. So, let’s just have a look into the list of popular beaches that you may like to go while holidaying in the city.

Messilah Beach
Located in Salmiyyah Kuwait, the Messilah beach is one of the most popular private beaches in Kuwait. The seafront stretches from Kuwaiti Towers to the region of Al-Bedaa. You will enjoy strolling down the well-paths and all the greenery will be a real feast to your eyes. The facilities include three large pools, kids pool, gardens and green space, and a restaurant serving snacks and ice cream. The beach marks Ladies’ Days on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and there are traditional performances and dancing for ladies only during these days.

Al Khiran Beach
Located in the south of Kuwait, Al Khiran is a resort with artificial canals. This is considered the beach capital and the pride of the country. It has everything from palms, fine sand, swimming pools to barbecue areas and an excellent supermarket. You can enjoy sea activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, and scuba diving along the beach front, apart from two snack shacks offering refreshments. There is also a boating trip offered to guests into the deep blue sea.

Egaila beach
Egaila is a private beach in Kuwait, that is popular for its seaside spot for picnics and BBQ. Its coastline is sandy with pebbles while the bottom is rocky, and so the entry to the water is bad. Opened in September 1980, the Egaila beach park features a long wooden bridge that goes a long way into the sea. Along the beach, you can find walkways with plants and trees. There are BBQ grills set up along the shore, and also chairs and tables for visitors to relax. An open theatre, playground for kids and lush green lawns are also found within the beach confines. The beach park also has a swimming pool with a separate entrance fee.

Al Kout Beach
The beach is an expanse of white sand overlooking the Persian Gulf. Al Kout Beach hosts a lively range of family-friendly activities, and plenty of waterside leisure Al Kout Beach is one of Kuwait’s best beaches. This serene stretch of sand is among the Kuwait’s biggest, beckoning azure waters and offering white sands. Al Kout Beach is particularly popular with families, and children and adults flock to its nearby swimming pools in the weekends. For vacationers travelling with friends, Al Kout Beach will be more engaging. Visitors can enjoy an al fresco meal during the sun sets over the Arabian Gulf as this beach also offers barbeque facilities. There is a dancing fountain which is so relaxing and calm. Visitors can enjoy having lunch or dinner or have cup of coffee with nice music beside the dancing fountain. A lot of People go there mainly for the seating next to the Fountain, as it makes them feel refreshed.

Hilton Beach Resort
Hilton is a good beachfront resort in Kuwait. It is different from other similar hotels in the Persian Gulf by the fact that all its amenities are located right on the coast, and not in the garden, which makes it the best beach in the country. The amenities in this beachfront resort include swimming pools, water sports, gymnasium, spa, running route, tennis courts, children’s activities, shops and food and beverage outlets.

Fintas Beach
Located in a typical urban area, Fintas is a public beach in Kuwait. The entry to the water is smooth, but there are lot of stones at the bottom. With several greeneries, children playground, and a small gymnasium, the beach is ideal for adults and children alike.

Mangaf Beach
Located in the southern suburbs of Kuwait, Mangaf is a city beach with fine sand and good entry into the water. However, given its location on a busy road, there is not much shade ashore. Due to its busy location, it may not seem the right place to relax by.

Marina Beach
The marina beach is a popular city beach in Kuwait, offering great views of the city’s skyline. There are plenty of palms growing on the sand, which is comparatively rare in comparison to other beaches in Kuwait. The kiosks serve ice cream and drinks. There is a huge bouncy kids’ playground, in addition to bike hire, a skate park, and good restaurants line up across the beach.

Kubbar Island
Among nature’s best spectacles is the well-known Kubbar Island, relatively Small Sandy Island in the Persian Gulf located in close proximity to Fahaleel. Kubbar is located approximately 29 kilometres off the coast of Failaka and 30 kilometers off the southern coast of Kuwait.

The Kubbar Island is a serene getaway that gives the nation of Kuwait its pride in picturesque locations. The island is nothing short of spectacular and is unspoiled in every way. The sparkling blue waters and grainy crystal sands make the beaches on the island so enticing for the tourists. Even though the island’s infrastructure remains yet to be developed, the Kubbar Island local tourist industry is beginning to flourish; it provides boating, sailing, swimming and water sports.

The best time to visit the island is before 3 pm in the evening as in the late afternoon the island is overcome by hordes of speeding boats and bikinis, with the tanning oils in the sea.

Geography and Climate
The Kubbar Island is almost circular, with a diameter of 375 to 380 meters, corresponding to an area of about 27 acres. It is sandy, with low coasts and sparsely vegetated. The island is surrounded by Coral reefs and is therefore popular with scuba divers. Springtime on Kubbar Island is regarded as particularly special by Kuwaitis. The island has quite a different Eco system to mainland Kuwait, and its budding flowers and changing temperatures are much loved by the visitors.

The water has wonderful visibility and snorkelling in the waters of Kubbar is the ticket to an amazing marine life show in the Middle East. The warm tropical climate of Kuwait is a fact well known, but Kubbar Island’s cool surrounding waters give visitors the ideal setting to cool down in. The Island is inhabited by various forms of wildlife with many species of rare plants, in addition to the corals.

In middle of the island, there are low hills which steadily slope towards sea level. The sand is soft and its shores are quiet. Flamingos, Seagulls, turtles, many forms of algae and Molluscs exist there in great numbers and it is also home to the migrating birds.

To protect the island from pollution which threatens its natural life and the desertion of rare birds as well as the disappearance of rare plants from the island, preliminary work such as limiting human activities on the island and its coast were implemented.

The Environment Public Authority (EPA) launched a national project to rehabilitate Kubbar Island. Once the project to turn it into a protected zone has been implemented, tourism will surely thrive on the island.

Away from the city, the island has been a silent attraction and an unconventional feel which brings out visitors’ wildest spirit to enjoy a carefree day out at Kubbar Island.

Diving
Scuba diving is one of the most popular water sports in Kuwait. There are several charter stores where the divers and tourists can rent a speed boat or a yacht. Kubbar is about a 40 minute boat ride from the shore. Usually the water runs from 4 to 14 meters deep, and most of the coral is about 9 meters down. The water always has fantastic visibility.

In early autumn months and the summer, divers will encounter hard and soft corals, sometimes with colorful brittle stars tangled up around them. Tiny creatures such as blennies, shrimps and crabs peek out of tiny holes and branch formations while nudibranchs, damselfish, lionfish and needlefish seem to find a blissful home in the shallows.

Other Activities
This little island is known for its clear waters and sandy beaches. Apart from scuba diving, you can consider enjoying other activities like for instance, snorkelling, swimming, boating, camp fires, beach parties, and not to miss, this place is a nesting ground for birds, so if you can enjoy bird-watching too, this is the right place to relax with friends and family.

Kuwait National Museum
Located along the Arabian Gulf Street between Seif Palace and National Assembly, the Kuwait National Museum is a true representation of the Kuwait Heritage.

Architecture & Design
Designed by the French architect Michel Ecochard, visitors can enjoy this historical museum, which represent the Kuwaiti life in the past, their everyday activities, the rich trading history of Kuwait and its traditions.

The museum consists of five buildings built around a central garden; this is similar to the architectural plan of the vernacular Arab mud house which has a central courtyard. The National Museum also exhibits the wonderful art collection by the Al-Sabah dynasty.

Indeed, there are two types of museums. The first displays artifacts found during an archaeological dig in Failika Island, terracotta and engraved tools, wooden doors of the past, group of cutters and blades from Neolithic age and flint stone, silver statues, 16 million old animal fossil, bronze coins from bronze period and Hellenistic period.

The other museum exhibits include statues depicting the old ways of Kuwaitis, old photos dating back to 1942, a typical Kuwaiti house prior to invasion of modern technology and in general, the museum displays artifacts of what Kuwait was like during the 40’s and 50’s. Though, the museum was stripped of several of these artifacts during the Gulf war, it has been restored and is open to public for display.

Therefore, for the visitors who are not very familiar with the full chronological and geographic spread of the Islamic world, a visit to Kuwait National Museum will be helpful.

Green Island – your ideal family picnic spot!
Located off the coast of Kuwait City’s promenade, the Green Island is an artificial island in Kuwait. Opened in February 1988, it is a popular tourist attraction, and a popular holiday retreat of Kuwait. It is in fact, a reclaimed land, transformed into an artificial island.

Stretching from Al Shuwaikh to Ras Alard, the island spans an area of 785,000sqm, and is surrounded by natural rocks brought from Al-Fujairah to Emirates. In fact, even the sands at the beaches of the Green Island is said to have been imported from other countries. The island, which is owned by T.E.C, includes 50,000 coloured shrubs and seedlings planted there, and with all colours and greeneries, it does not render the feel of being in a desert country.

Some highlights of Green Island
– Along the eastern side of the island, is a swimming pool, with a depth of 2.5m to 3m.
– The Island offers a range of entertainment options including an amphitheatre with a seating capacity for atleast 700 people.
– There is a 35m tall tourist tower in the island, with an overhead water tank. On standing atop the tower, visitors can catch a glimpse of the whole island.
– The tower also has a Kid’s Castle with several rooms, channels, corridors, spiral stairway and waterfalls.
– On either side of the island, there is a restaurant and a well-equipped service centre. There is plenty of space and options to play games with family, including Soap-Football, playground for kids, inflatable bouncing castles, options to train ride, a good walking path, bicycle rent, and above all an opportunity for an outdoor picnic meal.

Grand Mosque Kuwait
Located in the heart of the city, the Grand Mosque is the biggest and the official Mosque of Kuwait which means that official religious celebrations are held in this mosque only. Locals refer to this Mosque as ‘Al-Masjid Al-Kabir’.

With total area of 46,000 square meters (490,000 sq ft), the building itself covers 20,000 square meters (220,000 sq ft). The Grand mosque is internationally renowned for its Islamic architecture and it has become one of Kuwait’s most treasured landmarks. Indeed, the builders and designers have put a lot of effort in creating this mosque starting the project way back in 1979 and finally completing it seven years later in 1986 at a cost of about KD 14 million. Grand Mosque is popular for its prayer arrangement during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Thousands of Muslims gather during last 10 days of Ramadan.

Situated opposite the Stock Exchange and Al Seif Palace, this beige tinted mosque does not seem to be as magnificent from the outside as it does from the inside. Visitors and tourists can visit the mosque every week day morning at 9.00am and can have a guided tour free of charge. This is well worth doing as tourists will find out many facts and figures about the building as well as about the Islamic way of life apart from their opportunity to ask lots of questions. Tourists may also borrow head scarf and an ‘abaya’ if they do not have one. Long loose clothing is recommended. The colour scheme is blue and beige- taken from the colors of the surroundings, which is very pleasant and soothing to the eye (particularly for those night prayers).

The main prayer hall is in fact the largest hall with 4 columns and with its floor space it can house nearly 10,000 men. It is elegant with natural light creeping in and also magnificent chandeliers hanging from the roof (each weighing the same as a car). Construction was completed in 1986; the number of worshippers has been rising each year with nearly 2 lakh men and women praying together one night during Ramadan in 2011. The multi level car park was altered into prayer halls, to provide accommodation for this number, made spotlessly clean, carpeted and air conditioned for this reason.

Grand Mosque Kuwait Architecture & Facts
The Grand Mosque is an excellent example of the conventional Islamic architectural style and also borrowed heavily from Persian structural design especially things like a central large dome, pointed arches and arcades of pillars forming into windy open-air passageways. Upon entering the mosque, the visitors are struck by the magnificence of gold leaf and saturated blues. The gypsum which is Hand-carved adds textures to the mosque, inestimable geometric Andalusian style patterned tile work brighten the space and ornamental calligraphy lures the eye of visitors around the room.

The main prayer hall located at the heart of the mosque is 70 meters (236 ft) wide on all sides and has lighting provided by 144 windows with 21 teakwood doors. The chief prayer hall is exclusively used by male worshippers and can hold up to ten thousand men. The mosque is built with a separate praying area for women which is smaller than the main hall and can only accommodate one thousand female worshippers. The patio is also open for devout Muslims, particularly for those who want peaceful environment. The room is square shaped as worship always faces towards Mecca; the square design allows the building to be oriented as such.

The dome of the mosque is 43 meters (141 ft) high and 26 meters (85 ft) in diameter. Four majestic chandeliers are suspended from its dome which is surmounted with a crescent of copper. Careful attention is given to the detailing of the Kuwait Grand Mosque, as seen on its dome and it is decorated with the Asma al-hosna, the 99 names of God, as revealed in Quran. Visitors can see the words blending into geometric patterns as they circle around the dome at the Grand Mosque. These were written and designed by Hamid Haddad who is one of the most important calligraphers in Middle East.

This Mosque can house up to 10,000 men in the main prayer hall and up to 1000 women in the separate hall for women. The mosque also contains a library of 350 square meters (3,800 sq ft) with Islamic reference books and documents.

Underneath the eastern courtyard, there is a 5-level car parking which can hold up to 600 cars which can also used as prayer area to accommodate the sudden influx of more worshippers particularly during Ramadan. The mosque’s minaret which is sited at the northwest corner resembles Andalusian architecture. Visitors can observe that the decorative elements in the space don’t include images of animals, plants, people, Mohammed, or God. This is because it is believed that trying to characterize God’s creations in art can never really be as good as the actual thing and it is sac-religious to attempt and portray what God might look like. Star designs are preferred as they can be considerably drawn out into as many different patterns as the artist would like.

The mosque has ten gates made of rare wood. The Qiblah, the direction to which Muslims turn in prayer, is decked out with a verse from the Holy Qur’an printed in Kufi calligraphy. The colors and its outstanding calligraphy are designed in such a way to strengthen one’s faith of God. The Mosque’s geometric architectural style bears a resemblance to the local characteristics of the desert and the Gulf. The authorities have strained their nerves in selecting the artists, fonts (some fonts are kept back for royal or religious purposes) and words.

The Amir’s room which is the capstone of the Grand Mosque is certainly not to be missed. This room leads on from the main prayer hall and is used twice a year by the Amir and his guests. The room has been designed brilliantly with symmetrical lines on the ceiling and walls. The hand-carved gypsum ceilings are the most remarkable part of the Amir room.

Kuwait Towers
Kuwait Towers is a group of three slender towers that symbolizes Kuwait’s economic resurgence and also World cultural as well as touristic landmark. The structure is often referred to as Kuwait tower in singular although there are three towers. Standing on a promontory into the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait towers were officially inaugurated in 1979 and are rated as a tourist attraction and iconic building of modern Kuwait.

The Kuwait Towers delightfully suggest a combination of traditional Islamic design and modern architectural themes, with comparisons being made to blue-tiled mosques and slender minarets of Samarkand and Bukhara. The easy visibility and popularity of the towers with photographers is also due to the fact that there are no other high rise buildings in the general area of the Kuwait Towers. Ever since the official inauguration of the towers, they have come to signify the prosperity and opulence that has boosted this previously sleepy backwater country into the world’s tenth richest country per capita.

Kuwait Zoo
The Kuwait Zoo is a major attraction for both, the locals and tourists alike. The zoo is a very entertaining place and it is often visited by families. Kuwait Zoo is one of those places that will keep the visitors spell-bounded every time they see the animals and it’s a whole lot bigger and better experience.

Located in Omariya, this sprawling animal kingdom covers an area of around 1, 80,000 sq meters. In 1990, the premises of this park were extensively damaged and animals were killed during the Iraqi invasion. Animals were also used for target practice and reports of injured animals, hobbling and bleeding, being left to slowly die of their injuries or starvation made news around the world. After the invaders were repelled, Kuwait’s Zoo was rebuilt, restoration was done and many more new animals were brought in and the zoo was opened in February 1993.

The Kuwait zoo is divided into four main areas, including animal section, cultural center, services and maintenance sector, life sciences division and veterinary clinic. Overall the quality of sampling at zoo is exceptional and the maintenance of the zoo premises is splendid. As per official records, the park has almost 1800 species ranging from wild beasts, birds and reptiles. It contains 1606 rare animals and birds divided into five units, with every unit containing 12 species, adapted to the cage environment.

Most of the guests are packed around the popular areas like the lion and bear enclosures, and the chimpanzee, monkey and deer areas. Visitors will certainly be awestruck by the gargantuan vultures that occupy the huge aviary cages and also the reptile holdouts.

The zoo plays a huge role in raising awareness and educating children on how to preserve animals and plants, and contribute towards a greener environment.

Major Attractions in Aqua Park
The first water park of its kind in the Gulf, the Aqua Park, located on Arab Gulf Street adjacent to Kuwait Towers in Kuwait, is among the biggest parks in the region. With towering water slides and swimming pool areas for adults and kids, and a range of popular restaurants from Hardee’s to Krispy Kreme and Baskin Robbins, and other juice bars and eateries, this park is a major draw for families.

Spanning an area of 60,000 square metres, the park has several entertainment options including the kiddy pool area, swimming pool for toddlers, an Octopus slide, Floating toadstools and a Flow House is located within the park.

The Aqua Park is a complete destination for families as apart from several water and fun games for adults and kids, there is scuba diving, volleyball courts, the Alooha Lagoon, Go-Kart racing, soap football, beach football, paint ball, and other amenities including separate Mosques for men and women, separate changing rooms for men and women, food courts and more.

The park, which was unveiled in 1995, has recently undergone renovation and has several exciting new rides and clean ready-to-use facilities. The General Manager of Aquapark, Mohammed Koursheed, early in 2019 confirmed that a great deal of renovation has been done to ensure maximum satisfaction for customers.

For the big kids
The park has lots to offer for the bigger kids. While the adrenaline junkies would love the Alooha Lagoon with attractions like waterfalls, Jacuzzi and juice bars, those on adventurous mission cannot go away without trying a double backlash and boomerang, a 20m high slide and more. For those who are inclined to splash around, grab a tube and float around the lazy river, or manage the white horses in the wave pool.

For the tiny tots
The pirate themed play area, swimming pool for tiny tots with floating toadstools to play on and an octopus slide, is perfect for tots who are trying to gain confidence in the water. There’s a café offering a nice selection of ice creams so that guests can lure their kiddies out of the water with the promise of a frozen chocolate treat. There is the Kiddy Pool Area, and children below 8 years of age are allowed in this pool that is 0 to 50cm deep.

The Scientific Center
Located in Salmiya of Kuwait, The Scientific Center is the center for environmental education in the gulf region. Being inherited by late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Scientific Center in Kuwait (KSC), spans across more than 80,000 square meters of area.

Established along the waterfront, the centre is a cultural achievement and educational facility, enriched with knowledge, designed to reflect the Islamic arts and culture. The walls of the building contain ceramic depictions of stories that tell Kuwait’s history.

Design and Architecture
The KSC exterior features a rich array of textured and colored precast panels, wood windows, screens, fabric canopies and glass. It occupies an area of 80,000 sqm, some of this is reclaimed land. The built-up space is approximately 18,000sqm.

The exterior walls of the centre are mud coloured, inspired by traditional Kuwaiti dwellings of the past. The tent and sail like structures are seen above and around the centre, and they are reminiscent of Kuwait’s maritime history. The ceramic floors of the corridor within the centre contain Islamic art patterns, with the walls revealing traditional weaving designs. The top floors of the centre house the administrative offices, training, and conference halls.

The KSC has three main attractions – the Aquarium, Discovery Palace, and the IMAX Cinema. Apart from this, there is also the Dhow Harbour located directly on the waterfront. It also has coffee shops, gift shops, and food court, along with a walkway that shows more scenic views of the coastline in Kuwait.

The KSC Aquarium
KSC has one of the largest aquariums in the Middle East, with more than 100 different species of animals. A journey into the aquarium actually takes on to three different environments offering specimens of plant, animal and marine life of that particular environment.

The first is the desert section which includes animals found in desert like the hedgehog and caracal, while the next is the coastal edge exhibiting coastal fishes, penguins and the like. The third is the marine environment with reef sharks, and rays. The main tank also includes deep sea sharks, fishes, turtles and artificial corals.

There is the ‘Dive with the sharks’ program being offered for visitors above 14 years of age, who hold an open water scuba diving license. They get to dive side by side with sharks on the main tank for half an hour.

The Discovery Place
The Discovery Place is full of educational and entertaining exhibits pertaining to various forms of science, such as simplified ways to learn about magnetic, solar, and kinetic energies, and various ways to create it. Here new exhibits from renowned scientific centres across the world on a range of subjects will be displayed every six months. Here practical scientific theories are exhibited through entertaining exhibits. The exhibition houses more than 50 interactive exhibits suitable for all age groups.

The whole family can experience the pleasure of learning in a fun atmosphere here. With an aim to promote science, technology and environmental awareness, Discovery place organizes fun and fascinating programs and special events. Visit the website to know the events to be held each month.

The IMAX Theatre
The KSC IMAX with Laser Theatre has a 15 meters high and 20 meters wide giant screen, equipped with latest media amenities, and an 8000 watt sound system. It shows 3D educational and documentary films in Arabic and English, using the largest film format in the film industry. It is the first in the Middle East to support 2D and 3D systems.

The Dhow Harbour
The Dhow Harbour gives the visitor an insight into vital part of Kuwaiti heritage. Although it houses the only surviving Kuwait sailing ship from the pre-oil era, Fatel-el-Kahir, the Dhow Harbour also includes samples of several smaller dhows used during this period. Two other smaller boats on the exhibited together with Fateh-El-Khair, one is a ‘mashuwa’, and the other is ‘kait’, a type of boat used to transport the captain from one ship to another.

The Liberation Tower
The Liberation Tower is the second tallest tower in Kuwait, and the fifth tallest telecommunication tower in the world. It is the symbol of Kuwaiti Liberation, and represents the country’s resurgence. Officially unveiled by the late Kuwaiti Amir, Sheikh Jabel Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on 10th March 1996, the tower is 372m tall, which is 40m taller than the Eiffel Tower.

The Liberation Tower is so-named following the multinational coalition that led to liberation of the nation from seven months of Iraqi occupation during the Gulf war.

History
The construction of the tower began before the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on 2nd August 1990. But, when the invasion happend, the construction of the tower was half-way complete, and had to be put on hold. But as there was no damage to the structure, the construction resumed when the Iraqi forces were expelled on 27th February 1991. Upon its completion in 1993, the tower was renamed “Liberation Tower” representing Kuwait’ liberation from Iraq.

Design and Structure
The structure is made using ceramic tiles on the façade from base to first mezzanine level. Three natural light shades render a geometric design from the base. The tower, including the telecommunications complex, is divided into three working areas – a public communications center; revolving observatory level, and a restaurant at 150 meters; and the adjacent plant and equipment structure.

There are a total of 18 elevators that are amongst the fastest in the world.

House of Mirrors
Many people even those who reside in Kuwait are not completely aware of ‘The House of Mirrors’ or “Hall of Mirrors”. However this is really an incredible wealth of art, so accessible to the public at large and it is worth the visit. Also called, the Mirror House, it is the only house in the world that is entirely covered with Mirror Mosaic, done by a single artist!

This “House of Mirrors” belongs to the pioneer Kuwaiti Artists Khalifa and Lidia Al-Qattan and it is now considered as a Museum, as the wife of the renowned Kuwaiti artist has turned their house into a work of art using broken pieces of glass to decorate the outside and inside of the house.

Located in Qadsiya, the house is still a private property so appointments have to be made prior for weekday visits. Approximately 100 tonnes of white cement and 75 tonnes of mirror have been used in the making of the mirror mosaics that spangle the outside and inside of this residential house.

History
The House of Mirrors belongs to Italian born Lidia al-Qattan, sculptor, jeweler and a painter, who is married to Khalifa al-Qattan, a renowned Kuwaiti artist. Their little daughter, Jalila, had broken a mirror and the superstitious belief is that not to keep broken mirrors at home as it supposed to bring misfortune to the family.

But for Lidia these broken glasses inspired her to do something artistic and from the shreds, she made a glass art which was appreciated by Mr. Khalifa after returning from his business trip. Whenever he travels, Mr. Khalifa then started to bring artistic pieces. A heavy termites infestation caused heavy damage to the glass arts which almost made the duo to stop their art and thought of selling the house, but with their resolve and enthusiasm they found a way out for the termites and continued their artistic works.

Design of the House of Mirrors
Visitors to the House of Mirrors have to make a prior appointment to visit the house as it is still a private house. The owners are eager to show curious visitors their home even though this is a lived-in building. Lidia Al Qattan is an amazing person and such an incredible host, full of stories and the whole experience will be seriously pretty trippy.

From the outside, the House of Mirrors in fact stands out among the surrounding buildings. The facility is a white brick building with an amazing array of mirrors, depicting butterflies, stars, planets, palms and even calligraphy. The glittering inside of the building makes the brightly decorated outside pale in comparison and every space inside of the house is bedecked in mirrors.

Walls, Floorboards, all the rooms and even pieces of furniture’s are decorated with mirrors in all possible colors and shapes. The attached art galleries in the first floor which has collected pieces of both artists can also be visited. The tools of Mrs. Lidia Al Qattan are just four items, a filer, a table spoon and two different types of knifes to cut the glasses, which she later bought from Al Bassam Mirror factory in Shuwaikh. The mirrors are fixed onto the wall using White cement, White adhesive and water. The design and theme takes shape only after working on it. To avoid being hurt, each cut piece of mirror is filed.

Description of the Interiors
In the beginning, Mrs. Lidia decided to decorate the cabinet with some broken pieces of mirror and when her husband was impressed and astounded by her work; she expanded her work to all corners of the house. What started with a small cabinet in 1970’s began the makeover of all areas of the house and thus each room took its shape of what it stands as today. There is a specific theme for every room; the corridor has a dual theme, Shark Hall and corridor of nations. The passage of glittering light continues to captivate guests with sharks and other wonders of the world. The tour culminates with spectacular designs located in Universe Hall, Sea World Hall and Knowledge Hall, which also serve as a bedroom, restroom and library.

The Sea World Hall leads to the library to the left, bathroom space to the right and the bedroom in front. In the ‘Universe hall’ or bedroom, there are the glass works on the floor and paintings on the wall done on the room everything related to the universe. It also includes the creation of the Universe, a painting of Quran and glass works to the realization of community on how to spread peace and love.

The library or the Knowledge hall has a collection of various subjects and literature. It also has a very old book that termites had plagued into and a photo album of how Mrs. Lidia used to do her work, all documented well.

After this, there is the Stairs to Inspiration. The stairway features golden birds on the wing, leads to separate art galleries for both Lidia’s and her late husband Khalifa’s work in the first floor. The first main hall is the art gallery for Mr. Khalifa al-Qattan, followed by a small room, where Mrs. Lidia very thoughtfully had kept the things used by her husband while paintings, pictures of Khalifa done by other artist, pictures with celebrities, awards by associations and certificates from universities in this room. There are more paintings by her husband Khalifa placed in adjacent room. The other rooms have Lidia’s art, mirror work, sculptures, paintings on different canvases, jewelry, lamps and candleholders.

Finally, there is a dark room containing shimmering light, what Lidia calls art therapy. The room has a relaxing environment with soft music in the background. This room has paintings and few work of light which glow similar to the stars of the zodiac glowed in darkness in the downstairs. The tour of House of Mirrors ends with nucleus of the galaxy, where Lidia has created satellites, stars, and planets on the walls and ceiling.