Al Khiran: lagoons, beaches and coral islands in the south

Why visit Al Khiran

Kuwait's coast near the capital is busy and built up. Head south past Fahaheel and the oil refineries, and the landscape opens out into desert and shore. The water at Al Khiran is shallower, clearer and turquoise on calm days, and the beaches are quieter. Many Kuwaiti families own or rent chalets here and come down for weekends and holidays, so the area has a relaxed holiday feel, especially from Thursday evening to Saturday.

Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City

The biggest development in the area is Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City, a huge project of canals and lagoons dug into the desert, with homes, marinas and waterways stretching for kilometres. It is a striking sight even from the road. The calm channels are lovely for kayaking, paddleboarding and watching wading birds, and boat owners cruise between the lagoons in the evening.

Beaches

The southern beaches are the best in Kuwait for swimming. The sand is fine and pale, and the water is shallow a long way out, which makes it good for children. Facilities are limited on public stretches, so bring shade, water and food. Private chalets and resort beach clubs have more comfort. Keep swimwear modest on public beaches and cover up when you leave the sand. Jellyfish appear at times in summer, so ask locally and take care.

Kubbar and Qaruh islands

Kubbar Island lies about thirty kilometres offshore and is a small sandy island ringed with coral reef. Boats from the southern marinas take day trippers out to swim, snorkel and dive among parrotfish, butterflyfish and sometimes turtles. The trip is one of the highlights of a Kuwait visit for anyone who loves the sea. Qaruh Island, further out, is smaller and more remote, with reefs and nesting seabirds. Both are reached only on private boat trips and dive operators' tours. Choose an established operator with proper safety equipment, and check sea conditions before you go, as the Gulf can turn choppy.

Shopping and food

The Khiran Outlet is a modern mall with brand outlets, a food court and family entertainment, useful for a meal or some air conditioning in the heat. Otherwise, dining in the area is mostly casual, and many families bring a barbecue. Stock up on supplies in Fahaheel or Mangaf on the way down.

The desert and the farms

Inland, Al Wafra is Kuwait's farming area, with greenhouses and date palms. In winter, the southern desert fills with family camps for kashta, the cool season tradition of camping, grilling and stargazing. If you are invited to a camp, accept: it is one of the best ways to experience Kuwaiti hospitality.

Getting there and staying

Al Khiran is around ninety minutes by road from Kuwait City, via the coastal highway. There is no useful public transport, so most visitors go by taxi, ride hailing or with friends. Accommodation is mostly in private chalets rented by the day or weekend, and a few resorts. Book early for public holidays and winter weekends, which fill fast.

Combine Al Khiran with Kuwait City and the seafront at Salmiya, and use our places to visit list for stops along the way.