Historical,Vintage and Classic Cars Museum Kuwait(1)

And even though modern cars are built far better than their ancestors were, it's the antique and classic autos that hold our interest.

If classic cars predominate, it is probably because, like great art, it takes time for a design to escape the influence of fashion and be fairly judged on its own merits; it also explains why many modern cars take older models as their inspiration.

There is something special and unique from classic cars that are not found in a new or modern car. There is a sense of satisfaction behind the appearance of luxury, an exotic design, its historic value, makes the classic car a worthwhile investment in the future. 

I visited the Vintage Car Museum in Amman, during our visit to Jordan. Kuwait too has a beautiful and rich Historical and Vintage Car Museum.The idea of the museum is to show the world the history of Kuwait and to connect the past with the present and the future.It was established to show Kuwait’s automotive tradition and to preserve vintage vehicles of the region.

The following are the objectives of opening the museum:

1) Preserve that Kuwaiti historical automotive culture with vehicles that witnessed an important era and holds valuable historical value, to be part of nation's cultural and touristic activities.

2) Contain the youth to improve their knowledge and skills to make a better use of their free time.

3) Guarantee to keep the same identity and express it under official umbrella.

4) Participation at National Events and Celebrations.

5) Inform and educate the public about the international automotive manufacturers and their pioneers.

6) Maintenance, service and supply of spare parts for Historical cars.

7) Hold International Concourses and exhibitions of Historical, Vintage and Classic cars.

8)Providing all kind of Historical and current Automotive information to the public through the Museum's Information Center.

As well as the cars on show, facilities at the museum include a library of books and magazines. It also serve as a centre for car enthusiasts and host activities for owners and fans.

Many cars in the collection come from the Al-Sabah family of Kuwait, including a presidential Lincoln and an Imperial.Also saw cars donated by Princess Sarah from S.Arabia and President of New Zealand.

There are nearly 50 cars on display excluding 2 bikes at the entrance.

Address: Shuwaikh Industrial Area, Block 8, Street 49.

( A little tip: Have you seen the City Center at Shuwaikh?

The museum is just at opposite of CITY CENTER )

Phone No: 24824037, 24847143, 24819186

The museum opens from 9am to 12 noon and 5pm to 8pm 

Closed on Fridays

For more information visit www.kuwaitcarmuseum.com.kw.

FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kuwaits-Historical-Vintage-and-Classic-Cars-Museum/130469770363972

Our visit was an unforgettable and enduring experience. 

Taj Mahal In Kuwait

Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. Ironically, the very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance, also leaves visitors mesmerized and perpetually enthralled. 

Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous to love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make a visit to the Taj Mahal gain a place amongst the most sought-after tours in the world. 


Every kid in India knows about it, its beauty and history. And all Indians are proud of it.


Recently we discovered Taj Mahal in Kuwait......no its not build in memory of anyone but a prayer place....a mosque. While driving towards Suilaibiya, to your right, you will get to see it. I was astonished to see it( the design was so similar.....a xerox copy of our Taj Mahal.) I started taking pictures as we drove, but for Jeet it was nothing new, as he see it everyday as he drives to his office.  

Kuwait Camel Racing Club

Our trip to Kuwait Camel Racing Club was a delightful and refreshing experience.Kuwait has a rich history of camel racing. People from all genres of Kuwaiti society participate in the camel racing events. Although the camel racing has been marred in the past with ‘child jockeys issue’, this system has been abolished and now they use robotic jockeys during the event.

In olden days, Arabs famously used to refer to the camel as 'the ship of the desert.' Camels remain very popular in the Arab world generally and in Kuwait and the GCC countries in particular, with numerous camel-oriented activities and competitions, such as camel racing and camel beauty contests among others.

Weekly camel races currently take place at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club in Kabd. The racing season runs between mid-October and mid-April, with the weather thereafter being too hot for the animals to run. At present, however, there are weekly races every Saturday at the club.

The high point for the region's camel-racing fraternity is the annual International Camel Race which is held every year in a different GCC country. This year's event took place in Kuwait a couple days ago.The owners of the winning camels are presented with valuable prizes, with 65 new vehicles being won this year, apart from cash prize, and as well as golden swords and daggers.

There are currently more than 1000 camels registered with the Club, with registration being a prerequisite for entry into any race or other event.These camel members are then classified by the Club according to their age," explained the club's manager. "The camels usually start racing at one year old. Then there are different categories for the different ages. There are also different varieties of camel; Sudanese camels, for instance, are in a separate racing category. These camels are faster and fitter, so any race with other camels wouldn't be equal. The best camels are from the UAE, especially those of Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum(PM and Vice-President of UAE).He is the one whose camels win most of the races. He takes very good care of his camels," he added. The camels need special training and exercise.

There are no camels staying at the Club; their herders bring them for the racing only and then take them back home. The racing camels are breed at stables or farms, and they have special trainers to keep them in shape," the club manager concluded.

When are CAMEL RACES held in the club?

The races are held every Saturday at 2:30pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Racing season: The racing season runs between October and April

Location: The Kuwait Camel Racing Club is located in Kabd. Take 6th Ring Road towards Jahra. Take the Sulaibiya exit, turn right onto Sulaibiya Road. Continue on this road past the power station and the horse racing track. The entrance to the Camel Racing Club is on your left just a short distance past the radio broadcasting station (on the right). There will be signs and flags. Just follow the road to the track.

Or from 30, take 6th ring to Road 604. If you hit the 7th/6th Ring Interchange, you have gone too far. Take a left to go south on Road 604. You will drive approximately 11 miles. You will pass the power plant on your right. At the second circle that you encounter, take a left. You will see a mosque. Drive until the road ends and take a right. The club will be at the end of this road on your left.

As you drive, you will notice lot of flags of different countries and sign boards. Also, you will find large car carriers full with grass. Also you will see lot of camels (with or without) owners grazing about on the both side of the road, which is a desert( you will feel like stopping the car to take photos). We were filled with excitement that our destination was nearby.  

You can get a flavor of Bedouin life in Kuwait during your visit. There are usually a couple of camels “dressed up” in colorful saddles and head trappings.

Can check my other post 

http://mytravelsmyexperiences.blogspot.com/2012/02/on-way-to-kuwait-camel-racing-club.html

for more information on the road that leads to Kuwait Camel Racing Club

A visit to the Central Fruits n Vegetable Market of Kuwait: ALFORDA

Last weekend my husband asked me if I would like to visit the wholesale fruits and vegetable market of Kuwait. I jumped at the idea, as the weather was good and we had not explored Kuwait for sometime as one or the other personal work tied us down for the last few months. I knew that it’s near Jahra but was not sure of the road. But with Jeet at the driver’s seat there is nothing to worry about. Our visit to the House of Mirrors, Equestrian Clubs, Red Palace, Kuwait House Of National Memorial, Al Qurain Museum, Tareq Rajab Museum and many more, was our first visit to these places and to the respective areas. But without any difficulty he drove us to these places. Alforda is located at Sulaibiya, with just a quick drive along the 5th, 6th or 7th Ring Road, left from Jahra or right from Kuwait City onto Road 604.

What striked me was its magnitude….both of the complex area and the quantity and variety of fruits, vegetables and eggs. And what to say about its cleanliness(as seen in all the malls and shopping centers of Kuwait). But still I was expecting some dirt and mess as it was a wholesale market.

Alforda, in old Kuwait, was a vegetable market located near Al-Seif Palace. It was also the first Kuwaiti berth where vegetables and other commodities, brought by ships, auctioned daily. Now, Alforda Central Fruit and Vegetables Market occupies 300sqm of air-conditioned market space filled with the freshest local and international fruit and vegetables, sold wholesale to the public at the best prices. It is one of its kind in the Middle East, is Kuwait’s fruits and vegetables consumers pre­ferred spot that vend daily freshest produce from Kuwait and around the world.  A modern auction center is one of the many convenient aspects of this market and both individual buyers and brokers are accommodated. The market includes a unique cooling system for trucks, which plug straight into the market’s power system, to ensure ongoing coolness and produce which is being processed, can be stored in over 15 thousand sqm of chilled warehouses. Alforda is managed by Al-Wafir Marketing Services Company, one of IFA group of companies.

We saw both Kuwaiti and expat families who took advantage of this sparkling market. It’s a good drive out on a weekend to shop for the finest and freshest fruit and vegetables in the wonderful cool surroundings of Alforda. Spending time at Alforda is a pleasure in itself and driving home with such fresh produce is a wonderful way to end your day. But it’s advisable that 2-3 families go together, as you will get it in much less price then existing price if you buy in huge quantity.

Bayt Al-Bader,Q8

Are you interested to know about and see Kuwait’s old architectural creation? Do you want to visit a place which is a perfect combination of traditional and contemporary Kuwaiti architecture? Then the answer is “Bayt Al-Bader”. The house which was built during the years 1838-1848, has been kept as a heritage house, is on the Arabian Gulf Street. The house build from mud and stony rocks, complete with a raised ceiling of wooden baluster, thin rails and palm leaves has many rooms and big private courtyards. The very big drawing room and dining room with pictures of kings and family elders of Bader family and the diwaniya is very impressive. When you visit the house you will notice that the walls are covered with gypsum. The arched entryways and main doors are very impressive. But today the house appears to be deserted was previously the home of Al-Bader family. It is presently used as the exhibitions venue of local handicrafts by the National Museum. You can access Bayt Al-Bader easily through myriad ways, since it is strategically located on the Arabian Gulf Street near the National Museum and the Al-Sadu House.

Whenever we visit the National Museum, most of the time taking family members from India and friends, plan a visit to this heritage house. There is no entry fee. It remains open along with the National Museum as it’s a part of the museum now. But it will depend on your luck to find a guide or caretaker. First time we visited there was no one and we moved around ourselves. We even found some rooms closed though most of them were open. Next few times, we either found a caretaker or guide who took us around.

Next time you visit the National Museum; you can plan a visit to “Bayt Al Bader” and don’t forget your camera.