Kuwait City, just by being there was really fun. The cosmopolitan heart of Kuwait offers a dazzling fusion of contemporary innovation and timeless Arabian heritage. Whether you are drawn to awe-inspiring architecture, rich cultural experiences, plenty of good food, or shopping (I got some unique perfumes), the city delivers.
The story on the piste: Kuwait City was the host for the 2025 Cadets and Junior Asian Fencing Championships. It was a great experience to be able to fence at that level with many different fencers from across Asia. The highlight of the competition was that I was able to learn a lot from the other fencers and team Malaysia was able to place ninth in the team event out of 16 different countries. We took out Kuwait, Iran, and Kazakhstan but the Japanese team made sushi out of us. This will not be the last time we fence them.
Now for the story off the piste… Getting to Kuwait City was not that difficult, I hopped on an Air Arabia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sharjah then transited from Sharjah to Kuwait. Upon arrival, it was cooler than I thought, I mean, the temperature was between 13 and 25 degrees, not what my brain tells me when I’m visiting a desert kingdom.
Anyway, no visit to Kuwait City is complete without a trip to the Kuwait Towers, one of the most iconic symbols of the nation’s modern identity. These strikingly beautiful towers stand proudly along the coastline, their futuristic design rising majestically against the skyline.
Completed in 1979, the towers consist of three distinct structures, with the tallest reaching a height of 187 metres. The centrepiece of the complex, the main tower, boasts a rotating observation deck that offers panoramic views of the Persian Gulf, the city, and the surrounding desert landscape. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sight from the deck is nothing short of breathtaking.
For those seeking a deeper connection to Kuwait’s spiritual and cultural heritage, the Grand Mosque is a must-visit. As the largest mosque in the country, it serves as both a place of worship and an architectural wonder. With its towering minarets, majestic dome, and intricate Islamic carvings, the Grand Mosque is a striking example of Islamic architecture.
The mosque’s peaceful ambience and elegant design create an inviting space for reflection and reverence. What I was not expecting was learning about the science of sound taught to me by one of the guides that can show you around.
For a taste of Kuwait City’s modern luxury, Avenues Mall is the ultimate destination – this place is huge! With over 1,000 stores, Avenues Mall offers everything from high-end international brands to local boutiques, making it a paradise for fashion enthusiasts. The mall’s sleek, contemporary architecture creates a spacious, airy environment that makes for a relaxed yet luxurious shopping experience. I found some unique perfumes here that are not that expensive.
Beyond shopping, Avenues Mall also caters to every taste with its eclectic range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual cafes. It is also home to entertainment options, including a state-of-the-art cinema and indoor theme parks, making it an ideal place to spend the entire day.
Whether you’re indulging in retail therapy or savouring a delicious meal, this is where I found some of my favourite dishes and foods in Kuwait. The variety of restaurants and small shops gave me a chance to explore different cultural foods with a mix of modern twists.
Kuwait City is a destination where modernity and tradition harmoniously coexist. From the Kuwait Towers’ bold design to the serenity of the Grand Mosque and the luxury of Avenues Mall, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences that will leave an indelible mark on any traveller. Whether you’re discovering the city’s vibrant cultural heritage or enjoying its cutting-edge amenities, Kuwait City is a place where innovation meets tradition, I can now confess it’s an essential stop on any travel itinerary in the Middle East.
It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to travel and fence. My next trip is a big one – Wuxi in China.
NHA’s “Confessions of a Travelling Fencer” is a personal story of what young Malaysian fencer, Saif Nordin, gets to experience off the piste, as he travels the world for the sport he loves. Saif believes it’s important to remember that “Not everything that glitters is Gold”. He said, “Even as a fencer we love the taste of victory and the gold around our necks.” 
