Kuwait Towers are considered a landmark and symbol of modern Kuwait. The Towers were given the name "Kuwait Towers” or in Arabic "Abraj AI-Kuwait”. It is a must-visit destination for residents and tourists as the huge spheres hung on pointed towers have become a symbol for Kuwait City. Here are a few tips and information about the history and significance of this remarkable place in case you decide to pay it a visit.
History
Kuwait Towers were designed by the Danish architect Malene Bjorn and inaugurated on February 26, 1977. Officially unveiled on March 1, 1979, the towers were closed for maintenance from March 2012 till March 8, 2016 with a massive fireworks festival commemorating the re-opening.
Design and Construction
The project is composed of three towers — two towers are used as water containers and the third is a lighting pole. The tallest is 180 meters high and contains a 4,500-cubic-meters water reservoir, a restaurant, and a rotating observatory.
The second tower is 140 meters high and is used only as a water reservoir. The spheres are covered with enameled plates of steel painted in a color scheme of blues, greens, and greys in harmony with the traditional ornamental forms of the gulf architecture of the past, creating a brilliant impression in daylight and a light spectacle at night. Water is contained in a sculptural form that imitates the traditional Arabian perfume containers.
Restaurants at Kuwait Towers
There are two restaurants and a lounge in the restaurant sphere, which is divided into two floors. The first is called ‘Horizon’ — an open buffet and is located on the top floor of the sphere — and the second is Amimoto, a Japanese restaurant on the 82nd floor. There is a breakfast open buffet where children below four years of age can eat for free.
The Viewing Sphere
This sphere is located in the top-most part of the Kuwait Towers. It’s split into two floors with the top floor having a rotating platform and a small food stand. You can find two coin-operated binoculars for those who are interested in seeing things closely. At the viewing deck, there is a small food stand that has drinks, a few cold sandwiches, soft serve ice cream and popcorn.
Location and timing
The Kuwait Towers are located on the seashore on the Arabian Gulf Street in Sharq district. If you are visiting the revolving or viewing sphere, the entrance fee is KD 3 per person. No entrance fee is charged for children below four years of age. The viewing sphere is open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
It is a very exciting experience to visit Kuwait Towers, especially if you’ve never been there. You will feel that you are at the top of the world and you will enjoy the beautiful view of the sea and the modern skyscrapers.