So you’re ready to fly to Kuwait? Don’t forget to make the arrangements for picking up a car rental in Kuwait airport. Also, don’t forget to brush up on these road, speed, and safety basics before you hit the road!
Road Basics
Kuwait has two big highways stretching from Al-Ahmadi in the south and Kuwait City in the north. These highways are called King Abdul Aziz, which locals also refer to as Highway 30, and King Fahad, which also goes by the name Highway 40. Intercrossing these two highways are ring roads-seven, to be precise. They make the entry and exit of vehicles quick and orderly.
Speed Limits
On Kuwait’s major highways-the Airport, King Fahad, and King Abdul Aziz highways respectively, the speed limit is 120 km per hour. Be careful to reduce your speed to 80 km per hour, though, once you’re near Kuwait City. Also, be on the lookout for road signs indicating the speed limits of certain areas. These can vary considerably. For instance, some roads can have a minimum speed limit of 50 km per hour while others may have as much as 70 per hour. In urban areas, the minimum speed limit is much lower, and is pegged at 45 km per hour.
Be on the lookout for flyovers, loop roads, and bridges. These usually have a different speed limit, which is typically set at 60 km per hour.
Safety
Here’s the good news: compared to other countries, Kuwait is very much safer than you believe it to be. Still and all, there are neighborhoods that you should avoid.
Safe areas to drive through or park in are the Hawalli, Salmiya, and Shuwaikh. These are mainly residential and business areas, and you shouldn’t have any trouble whatsoever finding a quiet and safe place to park. This is quite convenient for you because Kuwait’s main shopping area is found in Salmiya, on a street called Salem Al-Mubarak to be precise. If you’re after restaurants, recreation centers, or the fish market, go to Sooq Sharq or check out the Sultan Center or the City Center, Kuwait’s two major supermarkets.
Wherever you choose to shop and whatever you choose to buy, avoid driving, much less leaving your car, in Jahra or Fahahael if you can help it. These neighborhoods are where robberies and other crimes happen.
