The Kuwait Towers are a group of three slender towers in Kuwait City, standing on a promontory into the Persian Gulf. They were the sixth, and last, group in the larger Kuwait Water Towers system of 34 towers (33 store water; one stores equipment), and were built in a style considerably different from the other five groups. The Kuwait Towers were officially inaugurated in March 1979 and are regarded as a landmark and symbol of modern Kuwait.The towers were closed for maintenance from March 2012 to 8 March 2016, with a massive fireworks festival commemorating the re-opening.
The plan of constructing Kuwait Tower dates back to 1962, less than a year after Kuwait achieved its freedom from England. The design was done by Swedish architects Malene Björn and Sune Lindström of Vatten-Byggnadsbyzan (VBB) and this was officially approved in 1971. Belgrade-based contractor Union-Inzenjering was assigned with most of the structural work which was completed between1975 and 1976. Seven months of Iraqi occupation which began on August 2nd, 1990, when Saddam Hussein of Iraq invaded Kuwait had left an ugly mark on Kuwait. Kuwait salvaged its sovereignty after a 100-hour ground campaign that began on February 25th. Saddam’s troops were guilty for sabotaging actions intended to wipe out all reminders of an independent Kuwait which also included the Kuwait Towers. Iraqi soldiers deliberately shattered the towers’ electrical utilities and wrecked interior facilities besides causing damage to the towers’ exteriors with gunfire and shrapnel.
The damage sustained to the Kuwait Towers (estimated to be 75 percent) was repaired throughout the balance of 1991 and well into 1992, and necessary technical as well as comfort facilities were restored to their original condition. The refurbishment cost was an estimated KD 2 million. On December 26th of 1992, it was an inspirational occasion for proud Kuwaiti citizens as the Kuwait Towers were officially reopened to the public by Nasser Al-Roudhan, Finance and Planning Minister at that time.
Kuwait towers were built in March 1979 and comprises of an area of 38,000 m² with two major towers and a minor tower. The height of main tower is 187 meters (614 ft) and consists of the Ground Floor, Main Sphere and the Viewing Sphere. The main tower is also home to Kuwait Towers’ signature restaurants, cafés and reception halls; the lower sphere holds in its upper half a restaurant for 90 persons and in its bottom half a water tank of 4,500 cubic meters. Rising to 123 meters above the sea level, the viewing sphere completes a 360° turn every 30 minutes so that visitors can experience a panoramic view of Kuwait City, its fascinating vicinities and the tranquil blue waters of the Arabian Gulf within a glass enclosed pavilion. The Viewing Sphere’s revolving platform provides an empowering view of Kuwait city, along with extra amenities like a quick snack cafeteria and a souvenir store. The second tower serves as a water reservoir and is 147 meters high. The third tower houses equipment to illuminate the two larger towers and supply electricity for some areas in Kuwait City. The towers hold 10,000 cubic meters of water on the whole.
As part of a water distribution project, Kuwait Towers were designed by the Danish architect malene Bjorn and maintained by the Swedish engineering company VBB (since 1997 called Sweco). Before the construction of Kuwait towers, Sune lindstorm, Chief architect of the company already erected five groups of his typical “mushroom” water towers, but the Amir of Kuwait wanted a more striking design for the sixth site. Lindstorm made ten different designs and three were presented to the Amir, who chose this one. VBB has commissioned the main building task to the Energoproject of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The towers were built in prestressed concrete and reinforced concrete. The three spheres is covered approximately by 41,000 enamelled steel discs in eight shades of green, blue and gray, recalling the tiled domes of historic Mosques. Around the spheres, the steel discs are prearranged in spiral patterns. The construction of Kuwait Towers were, together with the Kuwait Water Towers, was awarded the Aga khan award for architecture in 1980.
Restaurants in Kuwait Towers
There are two restaurants and a lounge in the restaurant sphere, which is divided into two floors. The first is called ‘Horizon’ and is located on the top floor of the sphere.
Horizon Restaurant (Ofok Hall)
Visitors can experience world class hospitality at 82m above sea level, featuring international open buffet served daily and during the following hours:
Family Breakfast on Weekends and Public Holidays
Breakfast 8am – 11:30am (Ladies Breakfast from Sundays – Thursdays Only)
Lunch 12:30pm – 4pm
Dinner 7:30pm – 11:30pm
For reservations, you can contact them on 22081999 or 1806806
Fusion Sushi
At Fusion Sushi, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese and Chinese foods frum Sushi to Teryaki, and noodles since they serve a delicious buffet. You can taste all the menu at a reasonable price, enjoying the beautiful wood decoration and sea view that will altogether make the experience memorable. It could be the best place to visit with friends and families.
Open: Closes 4pm, Reopens 7pm
Tel: +965 22418901
Al Waha
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf on a 79m above sea level, a pleasant lounging spot for visitors to enjoy a wide selection of pastries, fruits, savory snacks and beverages.
Few popular attractions nearby Kuwait Towers, that are worth a visit include:
- The Grand Mosque – the largest and official Mosque in Kuwait spanning an area of 45000 sqm.
- Kuwait Maritime Museum – The museum houses various exhibits concerning Kuwait’s relationship with the sea, from sailing to finishing to pearl diving, these exhibits are interesting and unusual.
- Souk Al-Mubarakiya – One of the oldest souqs in Kuwait City, which was the centre of trade prior to oil discovery.
- Souk Sharq – a major shopping centre in Kuwait City
Entrance Fee
If you are visiting the revolving / viewing sphere, the entrance fee is KD3 per person.
When visiting a restaurant there, no entrance fee is charged. If you eat at the restaurant, you can go to the viewing deck for free, if you keep your meal receipt. If you plan to visit a restaurant within the tower, you can also park your car within the Kuwait Towers parking lot. No entrance fee is charged for children below 4 years of age.
If you are a person who loves enjoying the high views, go see the observation deck and have a good view of the surrounding area. The Kuwait towers would give you an amazing view with so much of experience.
