Foto: The Kuwait Towers (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Kuwait - The water towers of Kuwait, better known as the Kuwait Towers, are among the country’s most recognizable landmarks and serve as an impressive example of functional architecture combined with aesthetic elegance. Located on the Arabian Gulf, in the eastern part of Kuwait City, the towers have attracted both tourists and locals since their opening in 1979. The Kuwait Towers consist of three separate towers, each with its own function. The tallest tower, which reaches a height of 187 meters, features two spheres. The lower sphere houses a water reservoir, while the upper sphere contains a revolving observation deck and a restaurant. This platform makes a full rotation every 30 minutes, offering panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the desert. The second tower is 147 meters high and serves purely as a water tower. The third and smallest tower contains technical equipment for lighting and monitoring. What makes the Kuwait Towers especially remarkable is their architecture. They were designed by Swedish architect Sune Lindström in collaboration with the firm VBB (now Sweco). The towers combine modern technology with influences from Islamic art and culture. The blue and green mosaic tiles that cover the spheres reflect sunlight and give the towers a shimmering, almost futuristic appearance. The slender, needle-like shape of the towers contrasts beautifully with the round forms of the spheres and the waves of the coastline. Besides their aesthetic value, the towers also serve a practical function: they are part of Kuwait’s water distribution system and can store over 4,500 cubic meters of water in total. This is particularly important in a country with limited natural water resources and a dry climate. During the Gulf War in 1990–1991, the towers suffered minor damage, but they were carefully restored after liberation and reopened to the public. Since then, they have been seen not only as a technical structure but also as a national symbol of reconstruction, resilience, and modernity. Today, the Kuwait Towers are a popular tourist attraction and a favorite spot for both day-trippers and evening visitors. Especially at sunset, when the city lights and the towers themselves illuminate, they provide a breathtaking scene.
The Grand Mosque of Kuwait City
Kuwait - The Grand Mosque of Kuwait City, also known as Al-Masjid Al-Kabir, is not only the largest mosque in Kuwait but also one of the country’s most impressive architectural landmarks. Located in the heart of Kuwait City, the mosque is a key spiritual and ...