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A group of iconic water towers near Al-Adailiya Park. - Photos by Lea Al-Sabah
A group of iconic water towers near Al-Adailiya Park. - Photos by Lea Al-Sabah

Kuwait’s iconic water towers: A blend of history and modernity

By Marwan Hafez

Kuwait’s water towers are more than just functional structures — they are key landmarks in the city’s history. Designed under the leadership of late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, these towers symbolize Kuwait’s modernization and progress.

One group of towers is located next to Al-Adailiya Park, which attracts many locals due to the park’s family-friendly amenities, diverse services and presence of numerous animals. Some visitors even build small shelters and provide food for the animals. According to a park cleaner who has been working there for six years, the park is especially lively during winter. “The park is very busy in winter with people coming to play sports and let their kids have fun. It’s quieter in the summer.”

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A group of young boys were seen playing football in the park’s playground, although most of them weren’t familiar with the water towers. “I don’t know much about the towers, but I know they’re an important part of Kuwait’s history,” Abdullah Mustafa Ibrahim said. He praised the park’s size and strategic location, saying, “There’s no park like Al-Adailiya Park in Kuwait.”

Saud Al-Amar, a regular visitor who only knows that the water towers are an important landmark in Kuwait, said: “We enjoy coming to play football at Al-Adailiya Park. The park is nice, but the playgrounds need repair.” He added: “The park’s bathrooms sometimes have water issues and could use improvement.”

Mohamed Mohamed echoed his sentiments. “The park is great, but the garden needs some attention,” he said. “The towers are a key part of Kuwait’s history. The park is generally good, but the bathrooms and football field need updates,” Ahmed Khaled chimed in.

Kuwait’s 31 water towers are well known for their unique designs. Five of the groups are mushroom-shaped. The towers were part of a project to improve water distribution, connecting large desalination plants to the city. Sheikh Jaber wanted the towers to be more than just functional — they needed to look modern and impressive. Today, they stand as a blend of practical design and artistic expression, showcasing Kuwait’s progress and heritage.

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