Kubbar Island

Kubbar is a small sandy island belonging to the State of Kuwait, located in the Persian Gulf. It forms part of the country’s offshore island group and is characterised by low-lying terrain, sparse vegetation, and surrounding coral reefs. Despite its limited size, Kubbar holds geographical, ecological, and historical significance, particularly in relation to marine biodiversity, bird conservation, and events associated with the Gulf War.
Situated well offshore from the mainland, the island is uninhabited and is primarily known for its natural environment rather than permanent human activity. Its relatively pristine condition has made it an important site for conservation and recreational diving, as well as a recognised location for seabird breeding.

Geographical location and physical features

Kubbar Island lies approximately 30 kilometres south of the Kuwaiti mainland coast and about 29 kilometres south of Failaka Island, one of Kuwait’s larger and more historically prominent islands. The island is positioned in open Gulf waters, making it exposed to marine conditions and seasonal weather patterns typical of the northern Persian Gulf.
The island is nearly circular in shape, with a diameter ranging between 370 and 380 metres. This corresponds to a total land area of roughly 11 hectares. Kubbar’s coastline is low and gently sloping, composed primarily of sand with no significant elevation or rocky cliffs. Due to its flat topography, the island is particularly vulnerable to tidal activity and erosion.
Vegetation on Kubbar is sparse and consists mainly of low-lying shrubs adapted to saline soils, limited freshwater availability, and high temperatures. There are no permanent freshwater sources on the island.

Historical context

Kubbar Island has no long-term record of settlement or sustained human occupation. However, it is historically associated with the Gulf War of 1991, during which Kuwait was invaded and occupied by Iraqi forces.
During the conflict, approximately six Iraqi soldiers were killed on or near the island. These individuals are buried on Kubbar, and their graves are marked discreetly in accordance with Islamic burial practices. The presence of these graves gives the island a somber historical dimension, linking it directly to one of the most significant military conflicts in modern Middle Eastern history.
Apart from this episode, Kubbar has remained largely untouched by military or industrial development, allowing its natural environment to remain comparatively undisturbed.

Environmental characteristics

Kubbar Island is defined by its sandy substrate, low coastal profile, and minimal vegetation cover. The surrounding marine environment, however, is considerably richer than the terrestrial landscape.
The island is encircled by coral reefs, which are among the most ecologically valuable marine habitats in Kuwaiti waters. These reefs support a diverse range of marine life, including fish species, invertebrates, and other organisms adapted to warm, shallow Gulf waters. The reefs also serve as natural barriers that reduce wave impact on the island’s shoreline.
Because of these coral formations and the clarity of surrounding waters, Kubbar is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, particularly among experienced divers. Recreational access is typically controlled to minimise environmental damage.

Marine conservation and diving activity

The coral reefs around Kubbar Island are included in the ongoing conservation and monitoring efforts of the Kuwait Dive Team (KDT). This organisation is internationally recognised for its work in marine environmental protection, underwater clean-up operations, and coral reef preservation.
The Kuwait Dive Team has received international recognition, including acknowledgement from the United Nations, for its voluntary environmental initiatives. Regular activities around Kubbar include reef monitoring, debris removal, and awareness programmes aimed at protecting fragile marine ecosystems from pollution and physical damage.
These efforts are particularly important in the Persian Gulf, where coral reefs face stress from rising sea temperatures, coastal development, and maritime traffic.

Importance for birdlife

Kubbar Island has been officially designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, an organisation that identifies sites critical for the conservation of global bird populations.
The island supports a breeding colony of white-cheeked terns, a seabird species that relies on isolated, predator-free islands for nesting. The sandy surface and relative isolation of Kubbar provide suitable conditions for ground nesting, while the surrounding waters offer ample feeding opportunities.
The recognition of Kubbar as an Important Bird Area highlights its ecological value beyond marine biodiversity and underscores the need for careful management to prevent disturbance during breeding seasons.

Legal and conservation status

As an offshore island of Kuwait, Kubbar falls under national jurisdiction and is subject to environmental regulations governing marine and coastal areas. While it is not developed for tourism or habitation, access may be restricted or regulated to protect its ecological and historical features.
The island’s IBA status and the presence of coral reefs place it within broader conservation priorities, particularly in relation to biodiversity protection and sustainable use of marine resources.

Contemporary significance

In contemporary Kuwait, Kubbar Island is best known for its natural environment, diving appeal, and wildlife importance rather than economic or strategic functions. It represents one of the relatively few locations in Kuwaiti territory where coral reef ecosystems and seabird colonies coexist in close proximity.
Kubbar also serves as a reminder of the environmental fragility of small Gulf islands and the lasting historical traces left by regional conflicts. Its preservation reflects Kuwait’s growing engagement with environmental stewardship and international conservation frameworks.