One of the oldest diwaniyas in Kuwait, Diwan Al Shamlan has been receiving guests since 1918. The historic diwaniya opens from 6am to 9am and is mostly visited by family and friends of Al Shamlan family. Located on the Gulf Road in Kuwait City, Al Shamlan diwaniya is one of the country's most beautiful examples of Kuwait's diwaniya culture.

The Diwan was owned by Shamlan Bin Ali Bin Saif Al-Shamlan one of the best-known traders in Kuwait, the Gulf, India, and the region. The architecture is the modest, simple structures representative of the climate and time period yet still stands today as an example of Kuwaiti hospitality. Diwaniyas are an important part of cultural, political and social life for Kuwaiti men. Younger and older generations meet and mingle, sharing news and stories of the day while sipping tea or Arabic coffee.

Diwan Al-Shamlan consists of an upper room that has the Shamlan office, a corridor leading to the women's room, while the lower rooms include one for coffee and tea and a main foyer or entrance.

This diwan has the distinct characteristic of history. The family tree is displayed as photos to show a record of the history of Kuwait. The Diwan has not closed its doors since its inception, where the people of the neighborhood meet there to chat at the morning times then go to work.

By Faten Omar