Khairan has become a popular getaway for Kuwait residents seeking a cooler coastal breeze to escape the summer heat. To understand how people in Kuwait navigate summer without leaving the country, Kuwait Times interviewed individuals across different age groups. Hasan, a middle-aged father of three, told Kuwait Times that he prefers escaping the city’s suffocating heat by frequenting chalets in Khairan with friends and family. He indulges in activities like swimming and kayaking.
"The heat and crowd of the city are suffocating. I prefer going for a few days to the chalet, where I enjoy the serenity and routine breaking there. Swimming and kayaking are my favorite things to do in Khairan. I recommend going there when you need a short and affordable break without the need to leave the country, especially since Khairan today is way better with all the activities and conveniences provided. For people who love shopping, Khairan Mall is a fantastic option,” Hasan said. He added he loves to barbeque on the shore during the evening after spending the day swimming in the sea or in the swimming pool.
However, Mona, also a mother of three, expressed concern over the steep prices of renting chalets in Kuwait, particularly during holidays and weekends, making short trips to Khairan expensive. Despite her love for the place, she suggested pricing should be regulated to make such escapes more accessible.
"Although it is fun to go on a quick trip to Khairan, it could cost you up to approximately KD 500 for only two days! When it gets down to this level, I would rather travel to some nearby country. I do love visiting Khairan and spending a few nights at a chalet, but the prices need to be controlled a little,” Mona said.
Hawraa said she avoids bustling malls and instead goes for weekend retreats at hotels or chalets with friends. They enjoy leisurely mornings, poolside relaxation and movie nights, which rejuvenate them for the workweek ahead.
"Malls are too noisy, and I just find myself walking with no specific purpose. Therefore, I tend to either rent a chalet or book a hotel on my weekend and enjoy my time there. I split a room with my friend, and we enjoy the leisure of waking up in a new, nice place, having some breakfast, jumping in the swimming pool and then enjoying a movie together during the evening. This helps me refresh my mood and get ready for the week to get back to work,” she said.
High school student Al-Kawther said despite the high temperatures, summer remains enjoyable since it’s a break from school. "It is the time when we get a chance to go somewhere far from the city and not worry about driving to school the next day. Going to Khairan is like traveling to me. I pack my stuff, get a book to read and get ready for an all-fun time. Waking up early in Khairan feels so much better with all the excitement of the day ahead. Eating breakfast with the view of the sea is priceless!” she told Kuwait Times.
"I do not like to swim, but reading occupies a big part of my day as I enjoy the free time to read, annotate and discuss the book I am reading with my sister, who also loves reading. I also love watching series, and this is another way of spending time in Khairan. One of my favorite TV shows is ‘Modern Family’. It is so light and funny; I never get bored of this show, and it has many episodes,” Al-Kawther said.
"Besides that, I enjoy going to shopping malls and discovering fancy coffeeshops. We have a lot of those in Kuwait! Each coffeeshop has its own unique vibe and aesthetic. One of my favorite summer activities in Kuwait is when we rent a chalet in Khairan and go to Khairan Mall,” she added.