Abdali: A Major Tourist Destination, So Take Care of It
Kuwaiti authorities recently announced, as part of a series of government decisions, a resolution to designate the country as a tourist destination. This move was certainly not arbitrary; rather, the state, after thorough study, determined that Kuwait possesses abundant resources and tourism facilities that qualify it for this status. Kuwait boasts numerous tourist sites, whether in the southern regions, the Kuwaiti islands such as Failaka Island, or other areas like Kazima and various other historical sites scattered across the country. As is well known, the state’s extensive coastline hosts recreational tourism zones equipped with hotels, spacious parks, children’s playgrounds, restaurants, cafes, and markets, such as the Khiran area, for example.
This introduction leads us to discuss tourism in northern Kuwait, particularly in the agricultural region of Al-Abdali. This area thrives and flourishes due to the excellent climate it enjoys in both summer and winter, and because of its vast agricultural lands shaded by trees. Thanks to state care and attention to this strategically important region—located at a key border point where the world’s longest land route passes, connecting the southern Arabian Peninsula to other Arab northern countries, then to Turkey and onward to Eastern European countries—this vital artery facilitates free trade among these nations.
In its interest in this vital region, the Kuwaiti government has provided all necessary official facilities: clinics, a police station to ensure public safety and security, fire stations, a cooperative society, and several mosques where God’s name is mentioned. The state has also paved roads, developed alleys, and decorated streets with electric lighting. All that remains is for the state to officially designate Al-Abdali as a tourist zone, treated like other tourist areas in the country, especially since many Kuwaitis visit Al-Abdali throughout the year, particularly during spring and winter. They find there a suitable tourist environment to spend their official holidays with their families and children under the shade of trees.
Given this tourist influx, some landowners in Al-Abdali have taken the initiative to contribute to realizing Kuwait’s tourism dream by establishing certain tourist facilities. They set up mobile trucks equipped with beverages and light snacks for tourists. Additionally, some young people have allocated partial side spaces in their farms, away from agricultural areas, to build small restaurants, restrooms, and resting places for elderly travelers and children. This individual effort reflects the commitment of Kuwaiti figures to support and promote tourism in the country.
Suddenly, however, an order was issued overnight to demolish everything that had been built, squandering all invested funds, and returning the Al-Abdali land to its previous state, devoid of tourism. It should be noted that Al-Abdali is a sensitive area, serving as the vigilant eye guarding the borders and the sole monitor overseeing the protection of the country’s northern frontiers. Moreover, tourism in Al-Abdali, as everyone knows, encourages farmers to increase agricultural production, as they have discovered that their produce enjoys significant demand from tourists. Thus, tourism in Al-Abdali serves as a major incentive for promoting the growth and prosperity of tourism revenues in this important region of the country. This area must not be neglected or receive less care and attention, as it is one of the country’s key sites. “And say, ‘Work, for Allah will see your work, and His Messenger and the believers.’” – Mohamed Salem Al-Balhan
