Moving to a new home is always challenging and stressful, even when you are relocating locally. However, moving to a different country is a completely new experience. You may experience a culture shock and find it difficult to adapt to the country’s customs and laws. However, you will soon realize that Kuwait is a beautiful country with a high standard of living. No wonder Kuwait is very popular among expats, that comprise two-thirds of the population. But, the better you prepare for life abroad and the moving process, the easier it will be to adapt. That is why it is important to research the best cities in Kuwait for families, find reliable residential moving companies Kuwait, and start packing well in advance. We will help you get organized and have a great moving experience.
General information about Kuwait
The State of Kuwait lies in the northern part of Eastern Arabia. It is situated between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and has a population of 4.67 million people. The official state religion is Islam and the official language is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken and is used as an official language of business. Kuwait is not as conservative as its neighboring countries and a lot of expatriates and foreigners live here. Kuwait is an emirate ruled by a hereditary emir from the ruling Al-Sabah family. The country has a subtropical desert climate, with long and hot summers and very mild winters.
Advantages of moving to Kuwait
Moving to Kuwait has its advantages and disadvantages, like relocating to any other country. As we have already mentioned, Kuwait has been a popular destination among expats for a long time. One of the main reasons is the fact that it has a strong oil industry, career opportunities, and a stable political situation. High standards of living and economic prosperity result in high salaries and a booming job market. The financial, marketing, sales, and business sector are growing rapidly. However, the government in Kuwait has been making an effort to give an advantage to the local workforce which may pose some difficulties for foreigners in the future.
Additional advantages to moving here are a low level of crime, no personal tax in Kuwait, and the highest-valued currency in the world. Due to the high standard of living, the government invests a lot in the education system. There are many great public and private schools in Kuwait. Public education is free but most expats send their kids to private schools because teaching is done in Arabic. Receiving international education in Kuwait can be expensive but foreigners have a variety of choices.
How to find the best cities in Kuwait for families
Moving with kids can be stressful and overwhelming. Children can experience fear and anxiety during the moving process, as they say goodbye to their friends, family, classmates, and teachers. Moving to a new country means that they will have to adjust to a new city, culture, community, and school. Before you start preparing for relocation, talk to your kids. Explain what relocating to Kuwait will look like, where you will be moving, and when. Involve them in the moving process and try to make the transition as easier as possible. An important part of overcoming this challenging period is choosing the best cities in Kuwait for families. Your choice will, of course, mainly depend on your lifestyle, priorities, and preferences. We have some suggestions when it comes to family-friendly cities.
Kuwait City is the largest city of Kuwait and its capital. It is located on the south shore of Kuwait Bay with around 60,000 inhabitants. It is home to numerous international businesses and companies and the job market is booming. Also, the city has many family-friendly neighborhoods and is very safe. You can choose a trendy, modern area or find a more quiet, peaceful one.
- Hawally is a suitable neighborhood for families, with affordable prices, outdoor activities, beautiful parks, and local cultural events.
- Salmiya is another great neighborhood in Kuwait City that offers great options for houses and apartments. It has a diverse community with good international schools. Also, it is close to the beach so your kids will love it here. When it comes to our recommendation for a great neighborhood in the best cities in Kuwait for families, Salmiya is high on that list.
- Fahaheel is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf and offers a peaceful and relaxing environment. Make sure to visit the Fahaheel Fish Market, which is one of the biggest fish markets in the city. Also, if you are into shopping, go to Al Kout mall which is located in the area.
Al Jahra is one of the best cities in Kuwait for families
Al Jahra is a city located 20 miles west of Kuwait City. It has a population of around 24,000 and the place is an agricultural area. A lot of expats live here and the buildings are mainly in western style. If you decide to move to Al Jahra, make sure to find experienced logistics companies in Kuwait. Moving can be a complicated process, especially if you are moving to another county. Moving experts can give your valuable advice and help you with visa requirements, documents for your family, etc.
Al Ahmadi
Al Ahmadi is a town located in the south of Kuwait with a population of 394,000. The layout resembles that of western cities and many expats live here. There is a great residential area, recreational center Hubara Club, and even a Golf Club. Visit the local zoo with your children or Ahmadi Park and spend a great family day.
Fun family activities in Kuwait
There are many fun activities that you can enjoy with your family in Kuwait. If you are an outdoor person, you will enjoy swimming, scuba diving, fishing, jet skiing, and boating in the Arabian Gulf. The coastline of Kuwait has many beautiful beaches where you can spend quality family time, enjoying fine sand, palms, and amazing views. Some of the most popular beaches are Messiah beach located in Salimiyah Kuwait, Al Khiran beach, which is a resort with artificial canals, and Egaila. This beach offers playgrounds, an open theater, a swimming pool, and spots for picnics.
When it comes to famous attractions in Kuwait, probably the best-known buildings here are Kuwait Towers. This is a group of three slender towers in Kuwait City which are the symbol of Kuwait and economic growth. Also, the architectural style is very interesting, as it combines modern and traditional and resembles Muslim mosques. Another place you must visit is the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre. This is the Kuwait Opera House and the largest opera house in the Middle East. It is located in Kuwait City and consists of concert halls, theaters, libraries, cinemas, conference halls, and exhibition halls.
The Kuwait National Museum is home to many important collections of Islamic art, archeological findings, ancient coins, Qurans, etc. It consists of four parts – The Archaeological Museum, the Planetarium, the Heritage Museum, and Boom Al Mouhallab. After the museum, your kids will appreciate some entertainment. And, what better place to visit than the Entertainment City? This place has various fun activities for kids of all ages, such as carousels and roller coasters. They can explore different areas – African Safari, Future World, Arab World, and a Tour of Europe.
Plan your move to Kuwait
Good organization and detailed planning are crucial factors if you want to ensure a safe and successful move to Kuwait. Moving to another country involves a lot of documents, certificates, work permits, visas, etc. You have to be well informed about this subject before you start packing and hiring international shipping companies in Kuwait. If you plan to live and work in Kuwait, you will need a residency visa. Your employer in Kuwait applies for this visa on your behalf. After you get the visa, you can apply for a Kuwaiti Civil ID.
In addition, you have to plan your moving activities in advance. It would be best to create a list of all your tasks and a schedule or a timeline, including deadlines for each activity. This will prevent you from forgetting something. Also, you will know exactly what you should be doing every step of the way, before, during, and after the moving day. Include everything in the list, from finding good freight forwarders in Kuwait and calculating the moving budget to gathering packing materials and finding storage. Try to stay as organized as possible and stick to your moving plan.
Find reliable movers
One of the most important parts of the moving process is to hire reliable and well-trained movers. Make sure that the moving company you choose has a license and a lot of experience. Check companies’ online reputation, reviews, and ratings. Read previously submitted comments and complaints and compare various moving quotes before choosing your moving company.
How to transport your belongings to Kuwait
Easy Move Kuwait is a great company that offers different types of transport. It can forward your cargo by air, ocean, and road. Sea freight Kuwait is the cheapest means of transport. So, if you have a lot of things, especially those that are heavy, this is the best option. The service includes shipping your things from one seaport to another, storing your things in a warehouse, and transporting them to your home. Reliable freight forwarders in Kuwait provide safe and secure storage units so you can rest assured that your things will stay in good condition.
The second type of transport is by air, which is faster and more efficient but also more expensive. Finally, if you need a land transportation company Kuwait, find one that meets all your requirements. You should be able to track your cargo at all times and get all the information you need in a timely manner.
The packing process when moving to Kuwait with your family
The most time-consuming part of this entire process of moving is most certainly packing. Packing starts with decluttering. This means that you need to go through all your belongings and decide which things you want to keep and transport to your new home. As you probably know, it can be very costly to transport particularly heavy and bulky items, such as furniture pieces, especially when moving long-distance. It can be cheaper to buy a new item than to transport your old things. That is why it is crucial to get rid of stuff you don’t need, clothes you no longer wear, old electronics, books, and magazines.
Once you decide exactly which items you want to bring into your new home in Kuwait, make an inventory list. The list will help you pack, buy packing materials, and decide on storage unit sizes. Gather packing supplies in advance. You will need sturdy and durable packing boxes in Kuwait, packing paper, bubble wrap, plastic containers, tape, and markers. Make sure to properly pack all your belongings to avoid any possible damage. This is especially important when traveling abroad and long-distance. If you are an inexperienced mover or are not sure how to pack your things, hire professional packers and let them handle it.
Moving to Kuwait with your family is a big step. Organizing a long-distance relocation, and assimilating to living abroad, new culture, and customs can be overwhelming. However, this is also an exciting, new chapter in your life. If you want to avoid chaos, or at least minimize it, try to plan all your moving activities as be as organized as possible. Explore the best cities in Kuwait for families, research moving companies, gather moving boxes, and start packing well in time. This period can be particularly stressful and challenging for kids so try to support them. Talk about the moving process to your kids, involve them in moving activities, and ask them to help you pack. Once you arrive in Kuwait, explore your new city and neighborhood. Visit your kids’ new school and get to know their new teachers. Finally, enjoy family-friendly activities and go sightseeing.