Seif Palace, Kuwait City
Seif Palace stands as a captivating historic palace and one of the most renowned landmarks in Kuwait City. The palace's central and easily accessible location has been home to various structures since 1896. Construction of the current palace began in 1904 under the guidance of Sheikh Mubarak, and it has undergone three renovations throughout its history.
Situated opposite the Grand Mosque of Kuwait, Seif Palace served as the original seat of the Government of Kuwait since the late 19th century. The construction materials used in the palace reflect the local resources found in the country, including clay, rocks, limestone, wood, and metals. One of the palace's most recognizable features is the watchtower, adorned with blue tiles, while the roof is covered in pure gold, exemplifying the exquisite Islamic architectural style. The palace is adorned with original Islamic mosaic tile works, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the era.
Only three years after the initial completion of the palace, Sheikh Mubarak decided to expand it by adding another wing, adhering to the same architectural style. This expansion was completed in 1910, making it the first building in Kuwait to have electricity when it was officially connected to the power grid in 1913. With an expansive area of approximately 16,000 square meters (172,223 square feet), the palace compound includes ten surrounding buildings, an artificial lake, a helicopter landing field, a yacht dock, a museum, an art gallery, and, notably, office spaces.
Following the first Gulf War, the tower of Seif Palace suffered significant damage from an incoming missile, which also destroyed the dial room. The Smith of Derby Group, an esteemed company, was entrusted with replacing the iconic clock. Notably, they were the only non-US company awarded a contract during the reconstruction period of the country. Despite these challenges, Seif Palace remains a major tourist attraction, captivating visitors with its alluring Islamic architecture.
Situated opposite the Grand Mosque of Kuwait, Seif Palace served as the original seat of the Government of Kuwait since the late 19th century. The construction materials used in the palace reflect the local resources found in the country, including clay, rocks, limestone, wood, and metals. One of the palace's most recognizable features is the watchtower, adorned with blue tiles, while the roof is covered in pure gold, exemplifying the exquisite Islamic architectural style. The palace is adorned with original Islamic mosaic tile works, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the era.
Only three years after the initial completion of the palace, Sheikh Mubarak decided to expand it by adding another wing, adhering to the same architectural style. This expansion was completed in 1910, making it the first building in Kuwait to have electricity when it was officially connected to the power grid in 1913. With an expansive area of approximately 16,000 square meters (172,223 square feet), the palace compound includes ten surrounding buildings, an artificial lake, a helicopter landing field, a yacht dock, a museum, an art gallery, and, notably, office spaces.
Following the first Gulf War, the tower of Seif Palace suffered significant damage from an incoming missile, which also destroyed the dial room. The Smith of Derby Group, an esteemed company, was entrusted with replacing the iconic clock. Notably, they were the only non-US company awarded a contract during the reconstruction period of the country. Despite these challenges, Seif Palace remains a major tourist attraction, captivating visitors with its alluring Islamic architecture.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kuwait City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Seif Palace on Map
Sight Name: Seif Palace
Sight Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait (See walking tours in Kuwait City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait (See walking tours in Kuwait City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kuwait City, Kuwait
Create Your Own Walk in Kuwait City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kuwait City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salmiya Walking Tour
Some twelve kilometers southeast of the center of Kuwait City lies the vibrant and popular district of Salmiya. Replete with a kaleidoscope of cultural wonders and architectural marvels, this bustling and cosmopolitan area is an indulgent sanctuary for the senses. Whether you're interested in shopping, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing by the sea, it has something to offer for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Kuwait City Introduction Walking Tour
Gently washed by the azure waters of the Persian Bay in the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait, is an enchanting fusion of time-honored heritage and resplendent modernity.
The precursor of Kuwait City was established as a fishing village, in the early 17th century, by the Bani Utub tribe, led by Sheikh Sabah I. The settlement grew and became an important commercial hub, known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The precursor of Kuwait City was established as a fishing village, in the early 17th century, by the Bani Utub tribe, led by Sheikh Sabah I. The settlement grew and became an important commercial hub, known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles