Complete Guide to Avenues: Shopping, Dining & Transport
About This Area
The Avenues (commonly known as "The Avenues") is Kuwait's largest and the Middle East's second-largest shopping mall, a world-class retail and entertainment destination that opened in 2007. Spanning over 2.4 million square meters in the Al-Rai district, this mega-mall features 1,100+ stores, world-renowned restaurants, cinemas, entertainment venues, and hotels. The Avenues represents the pinnacle of modern shopping experiences in the Middle East and attracts millions of visitors annually from Kuwait and the region. Its architectural design draws inspiration from cities worldwide, offering themed districts and unparalleled shopping variety.
Getting Here by Bus
The Avenues is exceptionally well-served by public transportation with multiple CityBus and KPTC routes converging at this major destination. The bus station at The Avenues functions as a major transport hub. Buses operate continuously from 4:00 AM to midnight daily with very high frequency. Travel from downtown Kuwait City typically takes 20-30 minutes during normal traffic and 30-40 minutes during peak periods.
Practical Travel Tips
Operating Hours: The Avenues operates 10:00 AM-10:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM-11:00 PM on weekends. Plan visits accordingly.
Peak Times: Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings are extremely busy—visit on weekday mornings for easier navigation and less crowding.
Express Routes: CityBus offers express routes with limited stops, reducing travel time by 20-30%.
Nearby Landmarks & Attractions
The Avenues Shopping Zones:
- First Avenue: 200 stores with fashion, perfume, and popular brands
- Second Avenue: 200 stores with popular brands and hypermarket
- Grand Avenue: 640-meter promenade inspired by Paris's Champs-Élysées
- Prestige: Luxury brands and designer fashion houses
- SoKu: Modern shopping inspired by New York's SoHo
- The Souk: Traditional Kuwaiti marketplace with spices and local goods
Dining & Entertainment:
- 100+ restaurants serving diverse global cuisines
- VOX Cinemas (9 screens with IMAX)
- KidZania (children's entertainment city)
- Magic Planet (family entertainment)
- Multiple cafes and food courts
Hotels & Accommodations:
- Waldorf Astoria (opened 2022)
- Hilton Garden Inn
Additional Amenities:
- 10,000+ free parking spaces
- Prayer rooms and family facilities
- Wi-Fi throughout
- Kids' play areas
Latest News & Service Updates
The Avenues continued expansion in 2024-2025 with new international flagship stores opening, including luxury brand retailers. The mall introduced upgraded IMAX cinema technology and new dining concepts. It received a Diamond ranking for health-promoting features from Kuwait's Ministry of Health and maintains LEED Silver certification for sustainability. CityBus expanded express services with premium seating during peak shopping seasons, and the mall now employs approximately 30,000 people.
Important Regulations & Safety Information
Shopping Hours: Respect store hours strictly. Most retailers close by 10:00 PM on weekdays.
Conduct & Dress Code: While not formally enforced, modest attire is culturally appropriate, particularly in dining areas.
Parking-Free Convenience: Using public transport eliminates parking hassles—a major advantage.
Personal Safety: The mall is well-secured with comprehensive security systems and trained personnel throughout.
Useful Contact Information
- CityBus Services: https://citybuskw.com
- KPTC Information: https://www.kptc.com.kw/en
- The Avenues Official Website: https://www.the-avenues.com
- Store & Restaurant Directory: Available at mall information desk
- Google Maps: Real-time navigation and business information
- Emergency Services: 999