Kuwait

Kuwait is a small country at the head of the Persian Gulf, wrapped around Kuwait Bay. Kuwait City stretches along the water: the Gulf Road runs past beaches to the Kuwait Towers, whose blue-and-green spheres mark the waterfront, with modern towers behind. Covered souqs in the old centre sell spices, dates, fabrics and perfume; malls and restaurants are a big part of city life.

Heritage here is craft and the sea. Sadu House on the Gulf Road keeps Bedouin weaving alive — geometric patterns in reds and ochres, UNESCO-listed intangible heritage that still inspires designers — beside the Kuwait National Museum and nearby art spaces. Beaches and marinas line the shore from Salmiya to Fahaheel; for centuries Kuwait built wooden dhows and sent them out pearling. A boat from the city reaches Failaka Island, with the Hellenistic settlement of Ikaros, over two thousand years old, and Bronze Age sites some four thousand years old.

At the table: machboos — spiced rice with meat or fish — fresh Gulf fish such as zubaidi (pomfret), gers ogaily, a saffron-and-cardamom cake, and Arabic coffee with dates. Summers are very hot; roughly November to March is the most comfortable time. Kuwait suits a city break for couples and families, lovers of design, food and the sea, and travellers combining it with other Gulf countries.