Kuwait Towers
Al ‘Āşimah
The Kuwait Towers are a distinctive group of three slender towers located on a promontory in Kuwait City, overlooking the Persian Gulf. Built between 1971 and 1976 and officially opened in 1979, they are a symbol of modern Kuwait and an architectural landmark. The main tower stands 187 meters tall and features two spheres; the lower sphere contains a large water tank and a restaurant with a café and reception hall, while the upper sphere houses a café that completes a full rotation every 30 minutes, offering panoramic views. The second tower serves solely as a water tower, and the third tower holds equipment for illumination. Designed by Danish architect Malene Bjørn and constructed by a Yugoslavian company, the towers are covered with approximately 41,000 enameled steel discs arranged in spiral patterns, inspired by traditional mosque domes. The towers suffered significant damage during the Iraqi occupation in 1990-1991 but were restored and reopened in 2016 with a grand fireworks display. They are managed by the state-owned Touristic Enterprises Company and have hosted notable events such as TEDxKuwaitCity. The Kuwait Towers are recognized for their innovative design and cultural symbolism, blending technology and heritage.
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Tip: Visit the Kuwait Towers preferably in the late afternoon to enjoy both daylight views and city lights at night. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues, especially during weekends and holidays. The towers occasionally offer discounts for children, students, and groups. Check the official website or contact the management for current opening hours and special events. Note that the upper sphere’s revolving café provides a unique dining experience with panoramic views, so reserving a spot there can enhance your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The Kuwait Towers are covered by approximately 41,000 enameled steel discs in eight shades of blue, green, and gray, arranged in spiral patterns inspired by mosque domes.
- •The upper sphere of the main tower completes a full 360-degree rotation every 30 minutes, offering panoramic views of Kuwait City and the Persian Gulf.
- •The Kuwait Towers were an inaugural recipient of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980, recognizing their innovative design.
- •The towers were heavily damaged during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait in the early 1990s but were fully restored and reopened in 2016 with a massive fireworks festival.
- •The main tower's lower sphere contains a water tank with a capacity of 4,500 cubic meters, serving as part of Kuwait's water supply system.
History
The Kuwait Towers were constructed between 1971 and 1976 as part of a water distribution system, designed by Danish architect Malene Bjørn.
They were inaugurated in March 1979 and quickly became a symbol of Kuwait's modernization.
The towers were heavily damaged during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990-1991 but were restored and reopened in 2016.
The design was chosen by the Emir of Kuwait from several proposals, emphasizing an aesthetic distinct from other water towers.
Since their reopening, they have served not only as functional water towers but also as cultural and tourist landmarks.
Place Guide
Main Tower Lower Sphere1979
Houses a large water tank and a restaurant with seating for 90 people, including a café, lounge, and reception hall, combining utility with leisure.
Main Tower Upper Sphere1979
Features a revolving café that completes a full rotation every 30 minutes, providing visitors with 360-degree views from 123 meters above sea level.
Second Tower1979
A 147-meter-high tower serving primarily as a water tower, integral to Kuwait’s water supply system.
Third Tower1979
Does not store water but contains equipment used to illuminate the other two towers, enhancing their nighttime appearance.
Contact
Phone: 2496 5500
