Kuwait

The seemingly endless Kuwaiti desert meets the Persian Gulf in the country's East, where the nation's capital and main visitor attractions are concentrated. Summers here are scorching hot, with temperatures reaching 50°C between June and August. Kuwait's coastal resorts and combed beaches provide a good means of escaping the heat, as do the country's sea clubs, pools, water parks and islands. Out of Kuwait's more than 4 million total residents, over half are expatriates and foreign workers. Native Kuwaitis make up a mere third of all inhabitants. Despite the staggering ethnic diversity, the country tightly holds on to its historic roots and traditions, with the average citizen bound to observing the local code of conduct: public displays of affection are not allowed, alcohol is strictly prohibited, and no food or drink can be consumed in public throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Kuwait's main travel destinations are the historic Kuwait City, along with the nearby Salmiya, where lots of hotels, restaurants and shops can be found. Further areas of interest include Rai (home to the legendary Avenues shopping centre), Shuwaikh (an industrial area with some attractions and shops), and Hawally.