Car & Van Hire - Al Dajej

Al Dajej is a small suburb of Kuwait City, best known as the site of the airport. You can use it as a base to explore the entire country. As Kuwait is a very small country, visitors can easily travel around and see everything that this Gulf state has to offer. Use car hire in Al Dajej to get around and explore all of the country's attractions.

Kuwait City is a bustling metropolis, often referred to as the Hollywood of the Gulf, thanks to its massive TV and film industry. However, there's plenty to enjoy, even if you're not a fan of Arabic language soap operas! Start with a visit to the Souq Mubarakiya, the city's traditional market. You can buy all kinds of souvenirs, from spices to handmade clothes. Remember to haggle - sometimes visitors feel uncomfortable joining in with the negotiations, but it's totally expected here. If you don't flex your haggling muscle, you won't get any bargains!

There are 800 mosques around the city, but the largest and most spectacular is the Grand Mosque. Set over 45,000 square metres, it has an enormous dome and can hold over 10,000 worshippers. To enter, you will need to dress appropriately. That means a full-length dress and headscarf for women and long trousers and sleeves for men. Inside, you'll be able to gaze in awe at the interior of the dome, which is decorated with Arabic calligraphy listing the 99 names of God in Islam.

You can see more calligraphy at the Tareq Rajab Museum, which attracts visitors from across the Arabic world and beyond. The most treasured collections are the Islamic manuscripts, but there are also impressive examples of ceramics, metalwork, glass, jewellery, clothing, armour, weapons and more. The dazzling Gold Room contains examples of gold jewellery from pre-Islamic and Islamic periods.

If you're not scared of heights, head for the three Kuwait Towers. These towers, with their turquoise spheres, have become a major icon of the city and offer spellbinding views. One of the three has a restaurant with panoramic vistas for a meal you'll never forget.

With car or van hire in Al Dajej, you'll be able to get out of the city to see the splendour of Kuwaiti nature. Try a day trip to Multa Ridge, the highest point in the country, which offers incredible views in all directions. Kubbar Island is a great choice if you're looking to splash about in the sea, with white sandy beaches and clear water. History fans flock to see the ancient Mesopotamian ruins on Failaka Island, which has been settled since 2000 BC.

Driving in Kuwait City can be a test of nerves. Speeding and reckless driving are sadly common. Keep a clear head and remain calm. Expensive, flashy cars driving extremely quickly are a common sight on Kuwaiti roads. Most drivers recommend staying well away from these show-offs and diligently following the rules of the road. To avoid traffic, steer clear of Kuwait City during rush hour. Remember that the weekend in Kuwait runs from Friday to Saturday.

Most parking in Kuwait must be paid for. Nowadays, the most convenient payment method is the Mawqif app, which is available in English. This allows you to use your phone to pay for parking across the country.

Kuwait is a small country with a very well-maintained road network. Wherever you go, you are likely to find roads in excellent condition. There are no toll roads anywhere in the country. Petrol stations are usually open from 07:00 to 21:00. On the highways, they are open 24 hours a day. As you might expect, in this oil-rich nation, fuel prices are low. Most petrol stations accept card payments, but it's always a good idea to carry cash to be on the safe side.

You can take a car ferry from Kuwait City to Failaka Island. The trip takes about 90 minutes. It's a good idea to book your place in advance, particularly if you are travelling over a weekend or during the high tourist season.

Nowadays, Kuwait is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East. However, visitors should stay away from the Iraq border. Luckily, there is no chance of crossing the border by accident, as it is protected with an electrified fence, an iron barrier, a deep trench and a huge number of soldiers, day and night. Border crossings at designated points are permitted, but in the interests of safety, visitors are highly encouraged to avoid this area.

Police checkpoints are common in the Middle East. In Kuwait, you will find more checkpoints if you stray close to the border zone. The police will usually ask you for your documentation and then let you continue with your journey.