Kuwait Towers

Kuwait Towers are a group of three slender towers in Kuwait City, standing on a promontory into the Persian Gulf. They are a prominent landmark and symbol of modern Kuwait.

History

The Kuwait Towers were officially inaugurated on March 1, 1979. The towers were designed by the Danish architect Malene Bjørn and were built by the Swedish engineering company VBB. The construction of the towers began in 1975 and was completed in 1976. The towers were part of a larger project to modernize Kuwait's infrastructure and to symbolize the country's economic resurgence.

Design and Structure

The Kuwait Towers consist of three towers of varying heights. The main tower is 187 meters tall and features two spheres. The lower sphere houses a water tank and a restaurant, while the upper sphere contains a viewing platform and a café. The second tower, which is 147 meters tall, serves as a water tower. The third tower, standing at 100 meters, is used for lighting purposes.

Main Tower

The main tower's lower sphere can hold up to 4,500 cubic meters of water. The upper sphere, which revolves every 30 minutes, offers panoramic views of Kuwait City and the Persian Gulf. The restaurant in the lower sphere can accommodate up to 90 people and serves a variety of international cuisines.

Second Tower

The second tower is primarily a water tower and does not have any public access. It is designed to store water for the city and helps in maintaining the water pressure in the distribution system.

Third Tower

The third tower is used for illuminating the other two towers. It is equipped with floodlights that highlight the architectural features of the towers at night.

Significance

The Kuwait Towers are not only a major tourist attraction but also a symbol of Kuwait's modernization and economic development. They are often featured in promotional materials and are a popular subject for photographers.

Restoration

The towers have undergone several restorations since their inauguration. The most significant restoration took place after the Gulf War, during which the towers were damaged. The restoration work was completed in 1992, and the towers were reopened to the public.

Visiting Information

The Kuwait Towers are open to visitors throughout the year. The viewing platform in the main tower offers a 360-degree view of the city and the Persian Gulf. The restaurant and café provide a unique dining experience with a view.

See Also

• List of tallest buildings in Kuwait
• Water supply and sanitation in Kuwait
• Tourism in Kuwait
• Architecture of Kuwait