Kuwait is a mixed country of peace and modern age
The central business district of Kuwait, often referred to as **Kuwait City**, is the hub for commerce, finance, and trade. Here are some key areas and features:
1. **Kuwait Financial District**: This area is home to major banks, financial institutions, and corporate offices. The architecture is modern and impressive, reflecting the country’s economic growth.
2. **Mubarak Al-Kabeer Street**: A major thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, and offices, this street is bustling with activity and serves as a central artery for business.
3. **The Avenues Mall**: While primarily a shopping destination, it also features numerous corporate offices and is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.
4. **Boursa Kuwait**: The country’s stock exchange, located in the heart of the business district, plays a crucial role in the financial landscape of Kuwait.
5. **Kuwait Investment Authority**: This is the country's sovereign wealth fund, managing a significant portion of Kuwait's assets.
6. **Al Hamra Tower**: One of the tallest buildings in Kuwait, it houses offices and offers a great view of the city from its observation deck.
7. **Restaurants and Cafés**: The central business district is filled with dining options, from local cuisine to international chains, catering to the diverse workforce and visitors.
Visiting these areas will give you a sense of Kuwait’s vibrant business environment and its role in the region's economy.
The long road to a sustainable economy
Kuwait plays a significant role in the economy of Asia and the Middle East due to its strategic position as a major oil producer and exporter. Here are key aspects of Kuwait's economic influence in these regions
OPEC Member
As a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Kuwait plays a vital role in setting global oil prices and policies, impacting both regional and global markets
Oil Production and Exports
Energy Security for Asia
Major importers of Kuwaiti oil include countries in Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, China, and India. These long-term energy trade relationships enhance Kuwait’s influence in Asia’s energy security
Energy Hub
Kuwait is one of the world's leading oil producers, holding about 6% of the world's proven oil reserves. The oil industry is the backbone of its economy, accounting for roughly 90% of export revenues and 40% of GDP.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Sovereign Wealth Fund
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Sovereign Wealth Fund
Investments in Infrastructure
Kuwait is investing in infrastructure projects across the Middle East and Asia, from real estate to energy ventures. This strengthens its economic ties with neighboring countries and beyond
Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)
Kuwait has one of the largest and oldest sovereign wealth funds in the world. The KIA manages assets estimated at over $700 billion. Its investments are diversified across international markets, particularly in Asia and other parts of the Middle East, focusing on long-term growth and economic stability.
Financial Hub
Banking Sector
Kuwait's financial institutions play a pivotal role in the Middle East, offering investment banking and financing services that facilitate trade and development across the region.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Role
Kuwait, as a member of the GCC, collaborates closely with neighboring Gulf countries to promote economic integration, which influences trade, investment, and labor flows throughout the Middle East
Trade Partnerships
Besides oil, Kuwait exports various goods, including petrochemicals, fertilizers, and refined oil products, primarily to Asia, strengthening economic ties with countries like China and India.
Regional Trade
Logistics and Trade Gateway
Kuwait's location at the northern tip of the Arabian Gulf makes it a strategic hub for trade routes between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Its modernized ports and expanding logistics sector help facilitate trade between these regions.
Humanitarian Aid and Development Assistance
Foreign Aid and Assistance
Kuwait has a long-standing tradition of providing foreign aid and development assistance to countries across Asia and the Middle East. Through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the country supports infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects in developing nations
Diversification Efforts
Economic Vision 2035
Kuwait is focusing on diversifying its economy beyond oil, aiming to become a regional financial and trade hub. It plans to increase investments in sectors like finance, tourism, and infrastructure, which will boost its regional influence in the non-oil economy of the Middle East and Asia
A combination of delicious Arabic flavors and seasonings
Kuwaiti cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors and influences. Here are some of the best foods to try:
1. **Machboos**: A spiced rice dish typically made with chicken, lamb, or fish, often flavored with saffron and served with a side of salad or yogurt.
2. **Margoog**: A traditional stew made with meat, vegetables, and thin, flat bread cooked directly in the broth.
3. **Khubz**: Traditional flatbread that accompanies most meals, often used to scoop up dishes.
4. **Biryani**: A fragrant rice dish layered with marinated meat and spices, popular in various forms.
5. **Samosa**: Savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
6. **Qouzi**: A lavish dish of slow-cooked lamb or chicken served over rice, often garnished with nuts and raisins.
7. **Halwa**: A sweet treat made with semolina, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, often enjoyed with coffee.
8. **Dates**: Fresh dates are a staple in Kuwaiti culture, often served with Arabic coffee.
Trying these dishes will give you a great taste of Kuwait's rich culinary heritage!
2 cups of basmati rice
1 kg of chicken, lamb or fish
3 tablespoons of ghee
2 large onions, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon Bzar spice mix
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
4 dried black limes (loomi)
A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
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1 ¾ cup warm water
1 tsp active dry yeast
2 Tbsp oil (plus extra for greasing bowl) safflower, organic canola, sunflower, or any other mild tasting oil
4 cups bread flour
¼ cup whole wheat flour can be substituted with all purpose, if needed
3 tsp kosher salt
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3 tbsp Ghee
1 Medium Onions, finely chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp Ginger, finely chopped
500g Skinned chicken breast
2 cubes MAGGI® Chicken Bouillon
2 Mediums Tomatoes, diced
0.5 cup Low fat yoghurt
1 tsp Lemon juice
20g Tomato Paste
1.5 tbsp Ground Garam Masala
0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
2 tbsp Coriander leaves, chopped
2.5 tbsp Fresh mint
1 pinch Saffron
0.25 cup Water
2.5 cups Basmati rice
3.5 cups Water
2 Mediums Cucumbers, diced
2 Mediums Tomato, diced
0.35 Head Lettuce, finely chopped
1 Medium Lemon juice
0.25 Head Cabbage, shredded
10 sprigs Fresh parsley, chopped
1 Small Onions, finely chopped
1 kg lamb (cubes)
1 cup oil
2 small onions (chopped)
1 tomato (chopped)
1 egg plant ( cubes)
2 carrot (chopped)
1 zucchini (thin long pieces)
1 potato (cubes)
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. red chili
1/4 tbsp. turmeric
5 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 kg pasta (boiled)
2 star anise
1 tsp. black pepper
1 cup yogurt
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1 cup - rawa
1 cup - sugar
2 1/2 cups - water 5 - almonds, slivered
10 - cashews, broken
10 to 12 - raisins
1/4 tsp - cardamom powder
1/4 tsp - nutmeg powder
2 pinches - saffron, soaked in 1 tbsp - warm milk
few drops - yellow colour
3 tbsp - ghee
