Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
POP 480,322
Al-Jahra, 32km west of Kuwait City, is the site where invading troops from Saudi Arabia
were defeated (with British help) in 1920. It was also the site of the Gulf War's infamous
'turkey shoot' - the Allied destruction of a stalled Iraqi convoy as it lumbered up Mutla
Ridge in an effort to retreat from Kuwait. The highway and surrounding desert are now
completely clear of evidence, picked over by scrap-metal dealers and dubious souvenir
hunters.
Sights & Activities
Red Fort
FORT
( 2477 2559; 8.30am-12.30pm & 4.30-7.30pm Sun-Thu, 8.30-11am & 4.30-7.30pm Fri & Sat)
The
town's only sight is the Red Fort, which played a key role in the 1920 battle where invad-
ing troops from Saudi Arabia were defeated (with British help). Also known as the Red
Palace, this low, rectangular, mud structure is near the highway: coming from Kuwait
City, take the second of the three Al-Jahra exits from Jahra Rd. The Red Fort is on the
right, about 200m south of Jahra Rd.
Al-Atraf Camel Racing Club
CAMEL RACING
( 2539 4014; Salmi Rd; from 7am)
Between November and April camel racing can
be seen early in the morning on Friday and Saturday (races start around 7am or 8am).
Phone ahead for details of races, or check the 'What's On' listings in the English-language
daily papers. The track is 7km west of Al-Jahra.
Getting There & Away
Al-Jahra can be reached conveniently by bus 103 from Kuwait City, which passes directly
in front of the Red Fort. By car, take the Sixth Ring Rd west out of Kuwait City. For the
racing club take the turn-off where there is a faded sign of a camel, after skirting Al-Jahra.
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Mutla Ridge
While not a particularly spectacular line of hills, Mutla Ridge is about as good as it gets in
Kuwait. The ridge at least offers a wonderful view of the full expanse of Kuwait Bay. Al-
