Going To Kuwait? Then read this!

Kuwait is a Muslim country and while not as conservative as many of its Gulf neighbours, you should behave and dress in a respectful way.

You have to respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that you do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Don’t Do’s In Kuwait

The following are illegal in Kuwait:

• Homosexual acts
• Importation and use of alcohol
• Importation and use of pork products
• Pornography
• Drink driving

In terms of dress code, Kuwait is fairly relaxed, however, to avoid unnecessary attention women should not wear short skirts, sleeveless shirts or low necklines. Bikinis are fine at the hotel pool, but not on public beaches.

The Emir of Kuwait is venerated. Prison terms of up to seven years can be imposed for challenging the authority of the Emir or insulting him – whether by speech, writing, drawing or any other means of expression.

Taking photographs of or near government buildings or other infrastructure, including oil fields, can lead to detention. It is also forbidden to take photographs at some shopping centres.

Alcohol is totally prohibited in Kuwait. It may not be imported, manufactured or served. Some expat-geared restaurants offer “special” tea, but unlike neighbouring states; Bahrain, Qatar and UAE, alcohol cannot be even served at hotels or by permit holders.

So, apart from the ever present threat of terrorism and “abstract” drivers, Kuwait has to be one of the easiest and safest countries for travel in the Gulf region.

Climate of Kuwait

July in Kuwait was the hottest month ever recorded on the planet. The epicenter of the global heat wave was Kuwait, where the temperature in Mitribah hit 129.2 degrees, making it the hottest place on Earth. People in Kuwait will literally escape from their country in July and August, because the temperatures get extremely hot.

The Kuwaitian People

I was shocked when reading that Kuwaitian people are among the most unfriendly people in the World, because it’s very far from my own experiences in Kuwait. I was invited for coffee more than 10 times and the Kuwaitian people were very curious about what brought me to Kuwait. My best advice dealing with the Kuwaitian people is to respect them and their culture and they will respect you back.

I will forever remember my Kuwaitian friend Mohammed, who made my stay in Kuwait absolutely unforgettable with hospitality rarely seen anywhere else.

Rich, safe and just about crime free Kuwait is a great entry point to the Muslim world of souks, mosques and that all important warm Arabian hospitality.

I hope to re-visit Kuwait one day.

– Gustav

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