Shrimp season in Kuwait is one of the most anticipated times of the year on the coast. For weeks, shrimping boats line up at the harbors, markets fill with fresh catch, and kitchens across the country start cooking shrimp machboos. Whether you fish for a living or simply love seafood, here is what you need to know about the season.
Shrimp season in Kuwait generally follows the cooler months of the year. The official authorities announce the exact opening and closing dates each year, so always check the latest announcements before planning a trip. The season typically runs through the winter period, when the water is cooler and the shrimp are at their best.
Outside the season comes the rest period. During that time, shrimping is not allowed so the stocks can recover and the young shrimp can grow. Respecting this period is what keeps the fishery healthy year after year.
For local fishermen, shrimp season is a big part of the year's income. A good season means full nets, busy markets, and steady demand. Shrimping boats usually work at night, dragging their nets along the seabed and hauling them in before sunrise. The catch is sorted, kept on ice, and brought to the local market early in the morning, where fresh Kuwaiti shrimp sells fast.
Because the season is short, planning matters. Checking the sea conditions before heading out can save you a long night of rolling waves and empty nets.
Fresh Kuwaiti shrimp is a staple of the local kitchen. The most famous dish is shrimp machboos โ spiced rice cooked with shrimp, tomatoes, and traditional baharat. You will also find shrimp in saloona, grilled with garlic and lemon, or fried with eggs for breakfast.
If you are buying from the market, look for shrimp with a light, fresh smell, a bright color, and a firm body. A dull color or a broken head usually means the shrimp is not from the first day.
The rest period is not just a rule โ it is what keeps the shrimp coming back. When everyone respects the closed season, the young shrimp survive to spawn, and next year's catch is stronger. Kuwait's marine environment depends on this balance, and so does the local market.
Before you head out during shrimp season, check the sea conditions, tide times for Shuwaikh and Shuwaiba ports, and the weather forecast โ all inside the free B7R app. The app also includes a fish guide, a fishing log to track your catches, and an SOS button for emergencies.
B7R is free on Google Play and brings together seasons, navigation tools, and everything a Kuwaiti boater needs on the water.
Take the app with you on the water. B7R is free on Google Play and gives you everything you need before you head out.
Download B7R on Google Play