Kuwait's Islands

There are nine islands off the mainland coast which fall under its jurisdiction namely: Auhha, Bubyan, Failaka, Kubbar, Miskan, Qaruh,Umm Al-Maradim, Umm Al-Naml, Warba.

Auhha : It lies to the south of Failaka island.

Bubyan : Located in the north-east of the Arabian Gulf, it is the largest island in area (863 square kilometres) and is linked to the mainland by a metal concrete bridge. Kuwait’s cabinet recently approved a project to build a seaport on the island of Bubyan, near the Iraqi border, as part of efforts to expand its economy. The port on the country’s largest island would “enhance the role of Kuwait’s ports in international transportation” and satisfy the needs of economic openness. Kuwait whose economy is dominated by oil revenues, hopes to become a commercial and financial centre in the region. Kuwait has four major ports on its gulf coast. Bubyan would be the first port on an island.

Kubbar, Qaruh, Umm Al Maradim : They lie at the southern side of the Gulf. Large flocks of sea birds used to live there, but regular visits to the island by people fond of shooting and swimming have caused a significant decrease in their number. Umm Al Maradim island would soon become a security zone where a major coast guard base would be established.

Miskan : It lies to the north of Failaka island.

Umm Al Naml : It is located in the mouth of Kuwait bay. Many Islamic antiquities were found there. Near to it was Akkaz island which has now been assimilated into Shuwaikh Port warehouses.

Warba : Located at the north extremity of the Gulf, it occupies an area of 37 square kilometres

Failaka : The island of Failaka which is pronounced 'Failacha' in the local dialect, is the most beautiful and most known of Kuwait's island. It combines the ancient history of Kuwait, dating back to the early Stone Age, and the modern history of Kuwait when the 'Utubs' settled in after their long journey, prior to their settlement on Kuwait's mainland in the late seventeenth century.

The island of Failaka lies 20km north east of Kuwait. It is 12 km long, 6 km wide and is flat, apart from a small hill thirty feet high in the extreme western part, which contained 'Al Khader' shrine.

The island is linked to Kuwait city by a submarine pipeline, 21 km long, that provides its 6000 inhabitants with more than 100 million gallons of sweet water every year. Parallel to the submarine water pipeline there are three submarine power cable from Kuwait city providing electrical energy to the island.

The island of Failaka is of special interest to Kuwaitis. Apart from its historical importance as a land of relics and ancient civilizations, it has become a modern tourist attraction, keeping abreast with all aspects of modern progress. Everyday visitors are carried from the mainland at Ras Al Ardh (Salmiya) to the island by ferry boats to relax and swim in its clear waters. Much of their leisure time is spent at its huge Touristic complex, located in the southern part of Failaka, which contains a good number of swimming pools, sports playgrounds and restaurants, as well as hundreds of conveniently furnished chalets with all amenities.

-------- Kuwait TopList