Can anyone offer general layover gouge for KWI? I've been flying Asia for the last 12 years and just got the KWI trip so I'm looking forward to something new.

I'm open to anything you have to offer, but specifically, how formal is it in town? I've gotten somewhat casual in Asian layovers (shorts and polo in NRT for example), but I'm wondering how to fit in, or more appropriately, how not to stand out in KWI.

I was scheduled for a 2 day layover in KWI a few years ago, but while we were there GW told Saddam he had 48hrs and so, after a 22+30 duty day, we were back in Milan! Passed through a couple other times. Wish I could help you!

I just checked the weather, and absent sand storms I'll be by the pool or in the AC. 105 degrees? YGBSM!

Oh, I see it has cooled off. Upper 40's C. is the norm around there.

It is Ramadan so do not wear the shorts out in public. You may have issues getting food and drink during the daylight hours. You should be able to get room service. Do not be seen eating or drinking out in public during daylight hours. Have not been to KWI for 3 or 4 months, currently doing PVG-BKK-RUH.

KWI has many sights, lots of shopping, some points of interest. Downtown is the Souk ('Market') where evening is the best time to shop, especially during Ramadan. Food is fantastic, very cheap. You can buy gold, silver, watches, persian rugs, toys and lots of other Gulf-related stuff. Don't forget the alarm clocks shaped like a Mosque, that light up 5 times a day to alert a Muslim to prayer. Instead of a buzz or music it is an actual voice: ""AAAAALLLLAAAHHHH AAAAAHHHHHHKKKKKBBBBBAAAAAARRRRR..........." A must have.

No alchohol served, you cannot buy it either. No porn allowed, so leave those DVDs at home. Very interesting if you've never been. Good duty free, also!

The Crowne Plaza (near the airport) is pretty friendly to Americans.

If you have the ability to affect catering I highly recommend the grilled or breaded prawns--they really are giant and good.

Ive been over at the SAS Raddison. It's on the water and has a great pool area, beach with private swim area as well as a superb gym facilities right on the property all free of charge to hotel guests. The executive lounge of course will give you free grub and the bfast in the morning is excellent. Right next to the hotel is the famous boat....i forget at the moment what they call it, but some rich guy built it and it is the largest wooden sailing ship in the world and it is on land......very neat to check out and climb on and tour etc etc etc.....if you have a choice in hotels or if yours is booked, really check this one out!

The longest 26 hours of my life,...great apple juice though. If you get bored, you can try to move the "arrow" on the wall in your room 180 degrees out
fbh

Yeah, the KDD juices rock. There are many flavors and all outshine what we're used to. Another local fave is the Abrajj water, notice that the bottle looks like all the blue and white water towers... they might not have those downtown. If you want an adventure, I would just get a car and drive around some... like the autobahn w/ worse driving. There are camel races, too. Wave hi to my blackhawk bros coming past KCI on SAAFR 2...