Salmiya, located 12 kilometers south east of Kuwait City, is one of the largest towns in Kuwait with a population of 150,000. 90% of its population consists of expatriates.

Salim Al-Mubarak Street, which runs down the center of Salmiya is one of the largest shopping districts of Kuwait. Anything and everything, from chocolates to shoes can be found within its confines. The experience also varies from extremely westernized in the strip malls to a true Kuwaiti experience on some of the back streets. There are many gold and fabric shops in the "Old Souk" area. Bargaining is an expected and fun part of the jewellery buying experience in the more ethnic parts of this neighborhood. Many American fast-food franchises including Starbucks, McDonalds, Subway, Hardees, and Baskin Robbins 31 are centrally located.