Kuwait's Islands

There are nine islands off the coast of Kuwait: Failaka, Bubiyan, Miskan, Warba, Auhha, Umm Al-Maradim, Umm Al-Naml, Kubbar and Qaruh. Bubiyan; Located in the north-east of the Arabian Gulf, it is the largest island in area (863 km2) and is linked to the mainland by a metal concrete bridge. Bubiyan is the largest island (863 kilometers). It is connected to the mainland by an iron bridge and lies to the North-west of the Gulf. Warba: Located at the north extremity of the Gulf, it occupies an area of 37 km2. Miskan: It lies to the north of Failaka island. Auhha: It lies to the south of Failaka island. Umm Al-Nami: It is located in the south of Kuwait bay. Many Islamic antiquities were found there. Near to it was Akkaz island which has now been assimilated into Shuwaikh Port warehouses. Kubbar, Qaruh, Umm al-Maradim: They lie at the southern side of the Gulf. Large flocks of sea-birds used to live there, but regular visits to the island by people fond of shooting and swimming have caused a significant decrease in their number. Failaka Island, which is pronounced "Failacha" in the local dialect, is the most beautiful and most famous of Kuwait's islands. It combines the ancient history of Kuwait, dating back to the early Stone Age; and the modern history of Kuwait, when the early "Utubs" settled in after their long journey, prior to their settlement on Kuwait's mainland in the late seventeenth century. The island of Failaka lies 20 km north east of Kuwait City. It is 12 km long, 6 km wide and is flat, apart from a small hill thirty feet high in the extreme western part, which contained "Al-Khader" shrine. The island is linked to Kuwait City by a submarine pipeline, 21 km long that provides its 6000 inhabitants with more than 100 million gallons of sweet water every year. Parallel to the submarine water pipeline there are three submarine power cables from Kuwait City providing electrical energy to the island. The island of Failaka is of special interest to Kuwaitis. Apart from its historical importance as a land of relics and ancient civilizations, it has become a modern tourist attraction, keeping abreast with all aspects of modern progress. Everyday, before the Iraqi aggression, visitors were carried from the mainland at Ras Al Ardh (Salmiya) to the island by ferry boats belonging to Public Transport Company, to relax and swim in its lazuline waters. Much of their leisure time was spent at its 5 million square meter Tourist Complex, located in the southern part of Failaka, which contains a good number of swimming-pools, sports playgrounds and restaurants, as well as hundreds of conveniently furnished chalets with all amenities.