Facing the sea in the old city, Seif Palace is a working palace of the State; its blue-tiled clock tower, capped with a roof plated in gold, is one of the most recognisable sights in Kuwait.
Seif — “shore” in Kuwaiti Arabic — stands where the old town met the sea. The palace was begun at the end of the 19th century and extended over the following decades, using local materials such as clay, stone, limestone, wood and metal.
Its best-known feature is the watch tower opposite the Grand Mosque: covered in blue tiles and crowned with a gold-plated roof, it has appeared on stamps and postcards for generations.
Seif Palace is used for official State functions and is not open to visitors. Admire the tower from the public streets and the seafront.
Good to know
- The palace grounds are closed to the public; view the tower from Arabian Gulf Street or near the Grand Mosque.
- Do not photograph security personnel or checkpoints around government buildings.
