A surprisingly large city laid out in a modern mixed American/English style. Shops are grouped in areas by type and dodgy software, shirts etc. are about the best buy. All the top labels are available as well in the posh shops. Kuwait is murderously hot in summer and actually smells of oil, although you do not notice it after the first few days. The Crowne Plaza hotel is very nice and does a good buffet meal virtually non-stop from 0630-2300. Sports facilities are excellent, including the pool, and are popular with the wives of European Ex-pats. The courts are quite draconian and death is an option open to them. Alcohol is forbidden, even in hotels, but dress rules are reasonably relaxed. Veils are not mandatory and bikinis are OK in the hotel. English is spoken by virtually everybody. I saw no evidence whatsoever of the occupation and the city is very modern with superb roads, but socially it is very much a case of make your own fun. Smokers find the hubble-bubble bars (Bong) an acceptable substitute for a night in the pub.
Mikes tip:- Take a play-station, trivial pursuit, cards and lots of books!