By Ghadeer Ghloum

KUWAIT: Kuwait Times has listened to the opinions of residents in Kuwait, both citizens and expatriates, to learn their views on the cost of entertainment in Kuwait. Some expressed their positive opinion regarding the prices of entertainment in the country, highlighting their pride in Kuwait’s promising efforts to promote domestic tourism and recreational options for people. However, others believe that entertainment in Kuwait may be somewhat expensive, restricting it to certain groups and sometimes causing a strain on monthly budgets.

Bashayer Buhamad, a Kuwaiti citizen, told Kuwait Times: “The prices are suitable for the services provided, because recently, there has been a significant increase in tourist projects and the provision of recreational services. It is expected that citizens should pay for what the state provides.” She accepted the value of the prices due to the excellent services rendered and emphasized on the rationale behind paying these costs, given the evident rise in recreational activities in the state. Buhamad further expressed her enthusiasm for the forthcoming developments in domestic tourism in Kuwait. “I notice positive and suitable changes, and I hope for an increase in projects,” she said.

Tahira Bushehri, another Kuwaiti citizen, concurred: “Within the realm of recreational establishments, some are reasonably affordable while others are quite overpriced, particularly those that are located in shopping malls. It is well-known that children possess an appetite for play, while the burden of funding falls solely on their parents’ shoulders. Hence, there should be more inclusive and reasonable pricing structures that alleviate the financial strain on parents. This would enable children to enjoy their playtime without exhausting their parents’ budget.”

Bushehri sees that there is room for prices to be more affordable for parents. This is particularly crucial, since children, engrossed in their delight of playing, remain unaware of the burden borne by their parents.

An expat who did not wish to be named shared his opinion with Kuwait Times, expressing his belief that the development of the entertainment sector in Kuwait is a wonderful thing. “I really appreciate the availability of high quality, well serviced and promising leisure activities that provide visitors with a memorable experience. Due to this, we are no longer limited to indoor activities and visiting shopping malls. Now there are fantastic outdoor places to explore and enjoy. However, the high prices associated with these activities prevent many expats from fully enjoying them. These prices cater to the budget of Kuwaiti citizens and not the other categories residing in Kuwait,” he said.

Thus, despite his delight for Kuwait’s development in domestic tourism, the pricing presents a challenge to expat families, as they struggle to afford equal opportunities for their kids to partake in these games. Consequently, many expats feel excluded from certain entertainment activities.