Kuwait, October 2017: Nag’at Al Kout, part of AL KOUT – the largest waterfront retail and leisure destination in Kuwait – is currently hosting ‘A Day with a Fisherman’ for school students aged 8-12 years, to teach them the traditional values of the country’s fishing heritage in a fun and engaging educational manner.
To be held every Tuesday this month starting October 10th, ‘A Day with a Fisherman’ is part of AL KOUT’s continuous effort to provide unique education experiences and to give back to the local community. Nag’at Al Kout invites school children to learn more about fishing and sailing the traditional Kuwaiti dhow in a memorable way. The schools participating in this activity are the Indian International School, Fahaheel English School and American United School.
The program took the students through the entire fisherman’s experience from the wharf to the seas and the fish market providing an impressionable education of Kuwait’s rich fishing history. They were first welcomed in the Fishermen’s Diwaniya followed by a presentation on the history of fishing in Kuwait, it’s importance in Kuwaiti heritage, the type of Dhows and equipment used, as well as the traditional clothing the fishermen wore. This was followed by the event’s highlight, a tour of an actual Dhow, during which the students gained a deeper understanding of life at sea for the fishermen, their roles on the Dhow and the different methods of fishing used back then as well as today.
The students then had the opportunity to tour the fish market where they learned about the different types of fish, fishing methods and equipment used for each kind of fish. The students also had the chance to participate in a live auction, which was a loud boisterous affair filled with excitement and wonder at experiencing something so different and unique.
Nag’at Al Kout is one of the rare areas in Kuwait which has retained its authenticity and evokes a nostalgic sense of pride towards Kuwaiti heritage from the Dhows to the fishing methods and the diverse trading mechanism. Till this day fishermen go out to the sea and bring in their catch of the day which is sold in the daily auctions at 8:00am and 4:00pm. Al KOUT has over the years maintained this tradition and still plays a major role in the modern community by enlightening children and youth about their history by showcasing the country’s history and connecting the next generation with their roots.
AL KOUT boasts a rich tapestry of retail and leisure experiences along a 1.6km stretch of immaculate beachfront, including Al Kout Mall with an eclectic variety of international brands. The six diverse experiences include Souq Al Kout – the community hub of southern Kuwait with its performing fountains and stunning sea views; Marsa Al Kout – the luxurious, marina and yacht club that accommodates 150 boats and yachts; Nag’at Al Kout, the area’s traditional fishing wharf where local fishermen ply their trade; the 5-star Al Kout Rotana Hotel, and Sahel Al Kout, the perfect setting for exercises, walks and relaxation offering beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf.
