Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
though the land mines have been cleared, you should stick to the paths in case of explos-
ive remnants.
For a taste of the desert, take the road to
Bubiyan Island
that runs along the southeastern
flank of the ridge. Either side of the road, large numbers of camels roam along its edge,
grazing on the coarse grass that is common to the area. In spring, the slope down to the
coastal marshes is pale green with new shoots and full of wild flowers. It is also a popular
area for camping, both for Bedu (look for their black tents and goats) and city dwellers
(who use white tents and aerials) keen to touch base with nature for a while.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
By following signs to Subiyah from Mutla Ridge, you'll eventually reach the
Bridge to Nowhere
, some 50km
northeast of Al-Jahra. There's a checkpoint in front of it, preventing further excursion, but the bridge spans more
than just the narrow passage to Bubiyan Island: it also reinforces Kuwait's claim to the island in the face of
erstwhile claims by both Iraq and Iran. So keen was Kuwait to maintain its claim to the uninhabited, flat and bar-
ren island and its neighbouring water supply, when the Iraqis blew up the middle section of the bridge, the
Kuwaitis quickly rebuilt it even though it goes to nowhere.
A brand new, three-lane highway now goes to nowhere as well. Eventually, it will lead to the mega port
planned for completion over the next decade. In the meantime, if you fancy getting off the beaten track, this is
one way to do it without leaving the tarmac!
