The Emirate of Kuwait located deep within the Arabian Gulf has traditionally relied on its excellent harbour, its pearl industry and the enterprise of the merchants who sponsored long trading voyages to India and Africa. Since the 1950s, however, its economy has been dramatically transformed by the development of its oil industry whose revenues have been used to create a modern state with a comprehensive range of social, medical and educational services. Despite the rapid growth of Kuwait there is a strong sense of awareness of the past which may be traced in the survival of settlement patterns and social customs, the costume of men and women in both urban and Bedu environments, and the continued production of colourful Bedu weaving. This book which accompanied the 'Costumes and Textiles from Kuwait' exhibition at the Royal Museum, aims through parallel treatment of Kuwait's past and present, to analyse and discuss these continuing traditions.