Abdullah Alsoudan is a social and people-loving entrepreneur who has carved out a unique space in Kuwait’s tourism industry. As the founder of Happidaze (which is pronounced like Happy Days) he has turned his passion for meeting new people into a thriving local tour operation.
Abdullah’s journey into tourism was serendipitous. He initially joined group tours as a participant, drawn to the dynamic interactions and the diversity of people. “Humans are very interesting, beautiful creatures,” he reflects. His love for engaging with others naturally led him to guide tours himself, starting with international trips. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to pivot his focus toward local tourism. Friends and former travel companions encouraged him to organize experiences within Kuwait, and thus, his journey as a local tour operator began.
With this shift, Abdullah had to embrace social media to promote his tours. “I didn’t even have a public account before,” he recalls, but the need to reach a wider audience pushed him to step into the public eye. His tours quickly gained popularity, thanks to his emphasis on experience over mere sightseeing. “I focus more on experiences, not necessarily on specific destinations,” he explains. From reviving traditional Kuwaiti celebrations like the pre-Ramadan Graish to curating immersive cultural experiences, Abdullah ensures his tours offer more than just a glimpse into Kuwait—they offer memories.
His company, Happidaze, is built on the philosophy that everyone deserves joy. While his tours are open to all, they are primarily designed for adults rather than children. “Everybody needs happiness,” he says, emphasizing that the atmosphere he creates is key to the success of his tours. Unlike standard itineraries that simply move from one attraction to another, Abdullah takes pride in fostering a sense of community among his participants. “I ensure everybody is happy, everybody knows each other,” he notes.
One of his most memorable tours was last year’s National Day Fiesta. Inspired by his family’s tradition of renting a bus and celebrating with music and flags, Abdullah brought the same spirit to his clients. “What made it special was the introduction of a traditional ladies’ band,” he says. Coordinating this was no easy feat, as the musicians were not accustomed to working outside of weddings or engaging in business agreements. However, the challenge was worth it. “The result was absolutely astonishing. Everybody was happy. The tour got the exposure it deserved.”
Despite his success, Abdullah faces challenges, particularly in raising awareness about local tourism. “People always ask, ‘Do we actually have tourism in Kuwait?’” he says. Changing this perception is part of his mission, and he has seen progress through the enthusiastic participation of locals and businesses. “Businesses are very supportive, wanting to be part of this tour, providing services, and contributing to the experience.”
Looking ahead, Abdullah dreams of developing a tour focused on Kuwait’s diverse plant species, adding another layer to his immersive experiences. He also hopes to explore South America, one of the few parts of the world he has yet to visit. Through it all, his approach remains rooted in authenticity. “My content stands out because it’s real. I stay close to people and how they think, rather than focusing on everything being perfect.”
For visitors to Kuwait, Abdullah has one key piece of advice: “Meet a local.” With a country still developing its tourism infrastructure, the experience of a knowledgeable local guide can make all the difference. And with Abdullah leading the way, discovering Kuwait becomes not just a journey, but an unforgettable adventure.
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE
What do you most value about your friends?
Being genuine and real
Which living person do you most admire?
Besides my family and close friends, I would choose Mama Anisa, the mother of all Kuwaiti children
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The feeling of gratitude and contentment
What is your most treasured possession?
Being a sea lover, I would have to choose my international seashell box as the answer. It’s my most treasured possession because it includes all sorts of seashells collected from all my travels.
What is your greatest fear?
Illness
What is your most marked characteristic?
Being respectful
Which talent would you most like to have?
More physical and mental calmness and alignment, especially during tours
What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?
Feeling grateful for everything that I have and own
What is the human trait you most dislike about others?
Unappreciation and inconsideration
What is it that you most dislike?
Lawlessness and randomness
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
طبعا و ما شاء الله و لا إله إلا الله
What are your favorite words to live by?
Peacefulness and acceptance
Where would you most like to live?
Kuwait
If you could have any job, what would it be?
A high-ranked tourism official
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Being one of the pioneers that introduced group tours in Kuwait
What do you hope for the future?
The future is the success of my new company, Happidaze
Book your tour today and get to see Kuwait through a new lens by visiting Happidazekw.com. Follow @soovoyage and @Happidazekw on Instagram so you’re always the first to know about all the fun things that you can do in Kuwait.
