There is a good choice of restaurants serving a wide choice of international and Arab cuisine. Prices are reasonable.

Things to know: Alcohol is totally prohibited in Kuwait.

National specialities:
• Hummus.
• Falafel.
• Foul.
• Meat or fish marag (meat is first fried or boiled and then combined with other ingredients such as spices where they are steamed together in a large pot).
• Aish (Arabic flat bread).

Tipping: A service charge of 15% is usually added to bills in hotels, restaurants and clubs. Otherwise 10% is acceptable.

Several cinemas in Kuwait City show recent films. There are several theatres which often put on excellent productions.

Numerous large shopping complexes have recently been built. The Souk Sharp Complex is an extensive centre near the waterfront in Kuwait City, and contains Western chain stores as well as Kuwaiti shops. Other centres include the Al-Fanar Shopping Centre and the Leila Gallery. Boutiques and small general stores in Kuwait City sell all the basic and most luxury goods.

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0900-1300 and 1630-2100, Fri 1530-2030.