Kuwait Towers — Attraction in Dasman

Kuwait Towers is a group of three slender towers that symbolizes Kuwait’s economic resurgence and also World cultural as well as touristic landmark. The structure is often referred to as Kuwait tower in singular although there are three towers. Standing on a promontory into the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait towers were officially inaugurated in 1979 and are rated as a tourist attraction and iconic building of modern Kuwait.

The Kuwait Towers delightfully suggest a combination of traditional Islamic design and modern architectural themes, with comparisons being made to blue-tiled mosques and slender minarets of Samarkand and Bukhara. The easy visibility and popularity of the towers with photographers is also due to the fact that there are no other high rise buildings in the general area of the Kuwait Towers. Ever since the official inauguration of the towers, they have come to signify the prosperity and opulence that has boosted this previously sleepy backwater country into the world’s tenth richest country per capita.
How to go?

Located in downtown Kuwait City, The Kuwait Towers (Burjan- Al- Kuwait) are on the seashore in Arabian Gulf Street of Sharq district.
History

The plan of constructing Kuwait Tower dates back to 1962, less than a year after Kuwait achieved its freedom from England. The design was done by Swedish architects Malene Björn and Sune Lindström of Vatten-Byggnadsbyzan (VBB) and this was officially approved in 1971. Belgrade-based contractor Union-Inzenjering was assigned with most of the structural work which was completed between1975 and 1976.

Seven months of Iraqi occupation which began on August 2nd, 1990, when Saddam Hussein of Iraq invaded Kuwait had left an ugly mark on Kuwait. Kuwait salvaged its sovereignty after a 100-hour ground campaign that began on February 25th. Saddam’s troops were guilty for sabotaging actions intended to wipe out all reminders of an independent Kuwait which also included the Kuwait Towers. Iraqi soldiers deliberately shattered the towers’ electrical utilities and wrecked interior facilities besides causing damage to the towers’ exteriors with gunfire and shrapnel.

The damage sustained to the Kuwait Towers (estimated to be 75 percent) was repaired throughout the balance of 1991 and well into 1992, and necessary technical as well as comfort facilities were restored to their original condition. The refurbishment cost was an estimated KD 2 million. On December 26th of 1992, it was an inspirational occasion for proud Kuwaiti citizens as the Kuwait Towers were officially reopened to the public by Nasser Al-Roudhan, Finance and Planning Minister at that time.
Design and Construction

Kuwait towers were built in March 1979 and comprises of an area of 38,000 m² with two major towers and a minor tower. The height of main tower is 187 meters (614 ft) and consists of the Ground Floor, Main Sphere and the Viewing Sphere. The main tower is also home to Kuwait Towers’ signature restaurants, cafés and reception halls; the lower sphere holds in its upper half a restaurant for 90 persons and in its bottom half a water tank of 4,500 cubic meters. Rising to 123 meters above the sea level, the viewing sphere completes a 360° turn every 30 minutes so that visitors can experience a panoramic view of Kuwait City, its fascinating vicinities and the tranquil blue waters of the Arabian Gulf within a glass enclosed pavilion. The Viewing Sphere's revolving platform provides an empowering view of Kuwait city, along with extra amenities like a quick snack cafeteria and a souvenir store.

The second tower serves as a water reservoir and is 147 meters high. The third tower houses equipment to illuminate the two larger towers and supply electricity for some areas in Kuwait City. The towers hold 10,000 cubic meters of water...

The Kuwait Towers are a group of three slender towers in Kuwait City, standing on a promontory into the Persian Gulf. They were the sixth, and last, group in the larger Kuwait Water Towers system of 34 towers (33 store water; one stores equipment), and were built in a style considerably different from the other five groups. The Kuwait Towers were officially inaugurated in March 19792] and are regarded as a landmark and symbol of modern Kuwait.[3] The towers were closed for maintenance from March 2012 to 8 March 2016, with a massive fireworksfestival commemorating the re-opening.[4]

The main tower is 187 metres (614 ft) high and carries two spheres. The lower sphere holds in its bottom half a water tank of 4,500 cubic metres (1,200,000 US gal; 990,000 imp gal) and in its upper half there is a restaurant that accommodates 90 people, a café, a lounge and a reception hall. The upper sphere, which rises to 123 metres (404 ft) above sea level and completes a full turn every 30 minutes, holds a café. The second tower is 147 metres (482 ft) high and serves as a water tower. The third tower does not store water, housing equipment to illuminate the two larger towers. The two water towers hold 9,000 cubic metres (2,400,000 US gal; 2,000,000 imp gal) of water altogether.[57 The Kuwait Towers were designed by Danish architect Malene Bjørn as part of a water distribution project run by the Swedish engineering company VBB (renamed Sweco in 1997). Chief architect of the company and husband of Malene Bjørn, Sune Lindström, erected five groups of his typical "mushroom" water towers, the Kuwait Water Towers, but the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed, wanted a more attractive design for the sixth site. Out of ten different designs, three were presented to the Amir, who chose the design built.8 VBB contracted construction of the three Kuwait Towers to RAD construction company of Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now part of Serbia).[10] The towers were built of reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete. Building took place from 1971 to 1976 and the main tower was opened to the public on 1 March 1979.[11] Approximately 41,000 enameled steel discs cover the three spheres in eight shades of blue, green and gray, recalling the tiled domes of historic mosques. The discs are arranged in spiral patterns around the spheres. According to the architect, the Kuwait Tower group refers to ideals of humanity and technology, symbolised by the globe and the...

Kuwait Towers: An Architectural Marvel on the Arabian Gulf

Nestled along the Arabian Gulf, the Kuwait Towers are a trio of iconic structures that have become synonymous with the country's modern skyline. Designed by Danish architect Malene Bjorn, these towers have stood tall as a symbol of Kuwait's architectural prowess since their completion in 1979.

Architecture and Design

The three towers form a striking ensemble, with their distinctive circular shapes and varying heights. The main tower, known as the Main Tower, stands at an impressive 187 meters tall. Its spherical structure houses two observation decks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding gulf.

The two smaller towers, known as the Auxiliary Towers, are 147 meters tall. These towers contain water reservoirs that supply the city with potable water. The spherical orbs at the top of these towers serve as restaurants, providing diners with a unique dining experience with stunning views.

Engineering Marvel

The Kuwait Towers are not only architectural masterpieces but also engineering marvels. The Main Tower features a unique suspension system that allows it to withstand high winds and seismic activity. The water reservoirs in the Auxiliary Towers are supported by a complex network of pillars and beams, ensuring the safe storage and distribution of water.

Tourist Attraction

The Kuwait Towers have become a major tourist attraction. Visitors can ascend the Main Tower to enjoy the panoramic views, dine in the revolving restaurants of the Auxiliary Towers, or simply admire the towers' striking architecture from afar. The surrounding area features a park, fountains, and other amenities, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Symbol of Kuwait

The Kuwait Towers have transcended their architectural significance to become a symbol of Kuwait's progress and development. They have been featured on stamps, banknotes, and countless souvenirs, and their image is instantly recognizable around the world.

Conclusion

The Kuwait Towers are a testament to the architectural ingenuity and engineering prowess of Kuwait. Their striking design, engineering marvel, and iconic status make them a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Kuwait. As a symbol of the country's modern identity, the Kuwait Towers will continue to inspire and awe visitors for...