Kuwait Social Profile

Food & Drink: There is a good choice of restaurants serving a wide choice of international and Arab cuisine, prices are reasonable. Typical middle-eastern food includes hummus, falafel and foul. Everything is eaten with aish (Arabic flat bread).
Alcohol is totally prohibited in Kuwait.

Nightlife: Several cinemas in Kuwait City show recent films. Two theatres often put on very good amateur productions.

Shopping: Numerous large shopping complexes have recently been built. The Souk Sharp Complex is an extensive centre near the waterfront in Kuwait City, and contains Western chain stores as well as Kuwaiti shops. Other centres include the Al-Fanar Shopping Centre and the Leila Gallery. Boutiques and small general stores in Kuwait City sell all the basic and most luxury goods. Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1630-2100, Fri 1530-2030.

Special Events: Major events celebrated are Muslim holidays, namely Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Rabi-ol-Avval (birthday of Mohammad), and Ghadir-é Khom (commemoration of the day the Prophet Mohammad appointed his successor).

Social Conventions: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. It is quite likely that a visitor will be invited to a Kuwaiti’s home, but entertaining is also conducted in hotels and restaurants. A small gift promoting the company, or representing your own country, is always welcome. The visitor will notice that most Kuwaitis wear the national dress of long white dishdashes and white headcloths, and that many women wear yashmaks. It is important for women to dress modestly according to Islamic law. Men do not usually wear shorts in public and should not go shirtless. All other Islamic rules and customs must be respected. Convicted users of narcotics can expect to receive a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment, plus a heavy fine. ‘No Smoking’ signs are posted in many shops. It is greatly appreciated if visitors learn at least a few words of Arabic. Tipping: A service charge of 15 per cent is usually added to bills in hotels, restaurants and clubs. Otherwise 10 per cent is acceptable.