Shuwaikh Island (also known as Qurain or Akkaz Island)

Area (Hectares): 
1.20ha
Altitude: 
0 - 5m
Conservation Status: 
None
Access: 
Public
General Site Description: 

This "island" is now joined to Shuwaikh Industrial Area (Free Trade Zone) due to industrial area infilling on the southern part of Kuwait Bay near the Kuwait City industrial area harbour. Before this time, the coast here was an archaeological site with pieces dating back to 2000 BC.

Ornithological interest: 

There are stretches of beach to the east of the Industrial Area that are staging areas for migratory waders and often huge flocks of Greater Flamingoes. A Sewage Outfall flows past the Movenpick Hotel on the land side and is also excellent for a variety of gulls, terns and migrating waders.

Other Biodiversity: 

Marine benthic invertabrates and mudskippers live in the nutrient-rich waters and intertidal flats.

Conservation issues: 

Consider quarterly surveys to assess avian richness and promote conservation measures.