Kuwait

Whether it’s the Persian Gulf beaches that draw you in—or the museums, souqs, eateries, and other cosmopolitan delights of Kuwait City—this oil-rich nation is a worthy destination for anyone visiting in the Middle East.

Like the rest of the Arabian Peninsula, Kuwait has plenty of history—not least because of its auspicious position at the head of the Persian Gulf, set along trade routes linking the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. As it evolved into a modern nation heavily supported by petroleum exports, Kuwait developed a reputation as one of the Arab world’s most liberal and Westernized corners.

Any visit to the country hinges on Kuwait City, the lively capital. From theater and music to dining and shopping, there’s an awful lot to see and do here, day and night. The triple Kuwait Towers loom grandly as icons of the nation; the tallest of which soars past 600 feet, and provides a rotating observation sphere with some amazing bird’s-eye panoramas. Meanwhile, the city’s souqs summon the ancient heritage of Islamic marketplaces while providing across-the-board culinary and craft delights amid mesmerizing people-watching.

As far as cultural institutions go: Centuries of Muslim history and a sobering record of the Iraqi invasion and the Gulf War can be found at the Tareq Rajab Museum and the Kuwait House of National Memorial Museum, respectively. Other travelers make tracks to Kuwait’s Persian Gulf beach resorts, which can be decadently lavish indeed. Whereas public seashores in Kuwait City, Salmiya, and elsewhere offer sun-and-sand idylls for residents and visitors alike.

Relatively stable and well-accustomed to foreign tourists, Kuwait provides an illuminating perch for surveying the history, cuisine, and customs of Arabia. Absolute must-see landmarks may be lacking, but its urban nightlife and seaside languor win over many a visitor.