Places for birds in Kuwait

A large area of agricultural farms lying to the East of Road 80 to Basra (Iraq) close to the northern border of Kuwait. Access is by private car, driving on dirt-roads through private farmland and orchards.

An isolated small oasis farm in the western desert of Kuwait with access by private agreement with the owner. It is one of the most interesting areas for rare migrant birds in the country.

A sandy coastal sabkhah, some of which is flooded by exceptional tides, with salt-tolerant vegetation; and associated intertidal mudflats. Drainage water from a few nearby private chalets or an Entertainment Park flows across part of the site and supports 0.5 ha of Phragmites reedbed.

Kuwait owns an important part of the Mesopotamian Delta – an ecosystem of vast flat muddy islands and river-like tidal channels, in the northeast corner of the country sandwiched between Kuwait’s mainland, Iraq and Iran. Bubiyan is a remarkable deltaic island covering an area of 863 km2.

An area of harbours, mudflats and sabkhas to the west of Kuwait City reached by following the 7 Ring Road and then access to the peninsula is via the Doha Road next to Entertainment City
This area does include Doha Nature Reserve for which you require a permit to access.

A medium-sized island, 20km north-east of Kuwait City that is largely deserted. Failaka has quite a different ecosystem to mainland Kuwait, and its budding flowers and changing temperatures are much appreciated by locals.

The most Easterly sewage and drainage outfall from the Jahra Area near Judailyat with extensive reed beds, grassy marsh area on the coastline and degraded sabkhas further inland.

A fenced Nature Reserve, managed by the Environment Public Authority (EPA), consisting of a sewage outfall with pools surrounded by reed beds and sabkhas. Access is by permit only

A low protruding hill (jebel) near Khiran town. Access is from Road 290, south of Road 278. The hill is a rock-climbing and picnic site, but is a good view point for migratory birds.

A small sandy island off the south of Kuwait. Access is open to all, but visitors should respect and avoid disturbing the breeding Tern colonies in the summer months. Kubbar is historically famous for it’s colonies of breeding sea birds. One of a small group of coral islets and associated reefs.

A large fenced area split into North and South by Iron Horse Road, to the west of Highway 80. The desert habitat is slowly regenerating, but some indigenous plants and trees have also been planted to provide suitable habitat for the biodiversity in this protected area.

A fenced oil terminal at Mina Al Zour, on the Arabian Gulf headland of Ras Al Zour is south of Fahaheel. Exit on Road 270 off Highway 40 (Fahaheel Express Way). Habitat includes urban gardens, trees, shrubs and bushes as well as a sand golf course on the site.

An area of semi-desert near the Iraq border, just west of the Basra Road (Highway 80).

Just south of Zour, exit on Road 278 which is lined with Acacia’s for much of the route. This will take you to the newly developed, but still in progress Sea City project with its pristine lagoons and beaches.

A shallow, well-sheltered bay, part of the larger Kuwait Bay system, with extensive intertidal mudflats (c.2,250 ha). Reportedly the most biologically productive marine waters in Kuwait, and an economically valuable shrimp nursery.

This island is closest to Qaruh Island and is known to have deep waters surrounding it in which large ships can safely anchor. Another island, further south is Um Al-Maradim, near the latitude of the Saudi border.

A large area of traditional and private farms on the southern border with Saudi Arabia. Access to any of the farms is by private agreement with the owners. This large area of private, traditional farms is located near the border with Saudi Arabia, in southern Kuwait.