Failaka Island is located in the Persian Gulf, about 20 kilometers northeast of Kuwait City. Failaka Island is developing a local tourist industry, with activities including fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, and other water sports.
Failaka Island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. It was a strategic location for controlling trade in the Persian Gulf, and was known for its natural resources like harbors, fresh water, and fertile soil.
Over the years, the homes and offices they left behind have crumbled, many still scarred with bullet holes from the war, following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990. Failaka was captured by Saddam Hussein’s troops and its 2000 residents, mainly fishermen and villagers, left their homes and escaped to the capital, Kuwait City.
Debris from the war – including rusty tanks, semi-automatic weapons and military equipment – can still be found across the island. Failaka’s beaches were sowed with landmines, and its monuments and buildings were used by the Iraqi army for target practice.
Rusted and battered tanks, armored vehicles, and other army equipment rest damaged and destroyed during the First Gulf War.
This old National Bank of Kuwait building must have been a particular favourite spot for target practice by military. The amount of damage inflicted on it is astounding.
The bank lie abandoned, riddled with bullet holes, covered by a layer of sand, graffiti and hidden traps.
Here is the video of the tour where you will see tank graveyard and the inside of National Bank.
Dromedary Camel Farm
Failaka Island has a camel farm where roughly 150 dromedaries are tended by Abou Ali, a Sudanese man. The farm is owned by the Kuwaiti Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. Abou has lived on Failaka Island since 1990 where he looks after the animals, each of which he has named. The dromedaries are let out every morning at 7.00 and being rounded up at 15.00.
Frog on the border 