By Antonio Coelho
Kuwait offers a range of recreational activities. Shopping is a popular pastime, and the country has numerous modern malls and markets. Kuwaitis and expats also enjoy outdoor activities such as beach outings, picnics in parks and sports like football and camel racing. Traditional music, dance and cultural events are celebrated during many festivals.
The weekends are a time for relaxation and recreation, and everyone heads to the malls. Kuwait Times spoke to mallgoers at various malls around the country; some were busy shopping, while others were relaxing in cafes with their friends and families.
Most people agree The Avenues in Rai is the best mall in Kuwait, with huge ample and free parking. It is the largest shopping mall in Kuwait and home to over 1,100 stores featuring both popular international and local fashion brands, cafes and restaurants. At weekends, it is packed with shoppers and diners of all ages.
Rachael was chilling out with her school friends at The Avenues. They had entered the mall at around 10 in the morning, and planned to leave around 6 pm, with lunch at an Italian restaurant and then focusing on shopping. They were also looking forward to visiting their favorite entertainment zone to play arcade games.
Mariam said she comes to The Avenues when there are big sales on clothes. All her beauty products are purchased there too, as many shops offer exclusive discounts on their products. "I can trust these products as they are genuine,” she pointed out. 360 and Assima malls are also a destination for high-end shopping.
Jacob, who works in Ahmadi, goes every week with his wife and two children to Al Kout Mall in Fahaheel. They mostly do their shopping, while the children have fun go-karting and at the rides. Lunch is a leisurely affair at nearby Indian restaurants.
Many citizens and expatriates also visit malls for their morning walks, especially during the scorching summer, exercising in airconditioned comfort. Many stores also offer great discounts with bumper prizes like cars, household items and furnishings, attracting shoppers to get their money’s worth at these places.