There is something refreshingly understated about Kuwait. While its Gulf neighbours have spent the past two decades constructing ever more extravagant skylines, island resorts and headline-grabbing attractions, Kuwait has followed a rather different path. Its appeal is more nuanced: a cosmopolitan capital with a strong sense of identity, a long-established culture of hospitality, a sophisticated dining scene, an impressive collection of luxury hotels and a coastline that remains one of the country’s quieter pleasures. At the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2026, held at One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai, that understated confidence was rewarded with an impressive haul of honours. Kuwait collected 11 national awards, providing a snapshot of a hospitality industry that combines established names with an increasingly polished contemporary offering.