The clock tower
Blue tiles and a gold roof.
xiquinhosilva — CC BY-SA 2.0 · xiquinhosilva — CC BY-SA 2.0 · xiquinhosilva — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Evan Hemingway — CC BY-SA 4.0 · xiquinhosilva — CC BY-SA 2.0
Seif Palace is a historic palace in the heart of Kuwait City, opposite the Grand Mosque, known for its clock tower covered in blue tiles and roofed in gold plate. It is an official seat and not open to visitors, so a visit means a look from outside while passing along Arabian Gulf Street, at a clock tower that has become a symbol of the capital. It was built with local materials including clay, stone, limestone, wood and metal, and its story is tied to the ruling Al-Sabah family. The complex is also known today as the Amiri Diwan. The clock tower was repaired after 1991, when the British firm Smith of Derby replaced its clock. From the road you see crenellated walls, arched gateways and the clock tower with its gold roof, framed by palm trees and Kuwaiti flags. The best light for photos is in early morning or just before sunset, but don't point a camera at guards or entrances, stay in public areas and follow any security instructions. The palace is 500 m from the Grand Mosque, 700 m from Souq Al-Mubarakiya and 3.2 km from Kuwait Towers in a straight line, so it is easy to pass on a walk around the centre. It is best seen from the pavement or the corniche opposite rather than by stopping a car at the gates.
Blue tiles and a gold roof.
Crenellations and arched gates.
Near the Grand Mosque and Mubarakiya.
Arabian Gulf Street, opposite the Grand Mosque, Kuwait City
No. It is an official seat closed to the public, so the outside view on a walk around central Kuwait City is what you get.
Photograph the tower from public areas only, avoid guards and entrances, and follow security instructions if asked to stop.
