Social Customs:
The lack of provision for social life arises from a basic cultural difference in Arab life in that they are extended- family-orientated and have fewer social contacts outside the family circle, whereas the reverse is true for Westerners. The Arabs spend most of their time visiting family members’ homes and have less need for external provisions for social life of the kind we would take for granted. A further, direct consequence is that social contact between Arabs and Westerners is largely nonexistent, no matter how friendly they are in work. Another constraint on social life is that a bachelor is considered a dangerous man to an Arab and as such is a threat to his wife and daughters. He is therefore to be avoided socially. Such social gatherings that do exist are segregated into "families" and "bachelors", often by simply restricting bachelors to the most unpopular times of day or week. Some of the more enlightened clubs and hotels are free from this practice. Segregation of the sexes is a fact of life and Arabs will defend their opinions on the subject with all the fervour of someone who knows that not everyone agrees with it. Even in relatively liberal and cosmopolitan Kuwait, some are required to wear the veil and many wear the obayah. In court, the testimony of one man is as good as that of two women. The effect of this on Western women is less than in some other Middle Eastern countries since possibly the average Kuwaiti is more tolerant and in any case, he is outnumbered by more liberal expats. It is not so vital for women to cover up legs and arms, although some discretion is needed and one would not venture into the more traditional shopping areas like the souks or into a Co-op clad in shorts (then again neither should men). Conversely, in the hotels and more fashionable suburbs, the range of clothes worn is almost of Western standards. Western women never, however, feel entirely comfortable in the presence of a majority of Arab men as the latter’s upbringing probably gives them some strange notions about women, particularly non-Moslem ones. It is suspected that inside the Arab home, women play a much more dominant role than outside; this gives them a curious advantage in that they are treated to a Westerner’s eyes, with an exaggerated old-world courtesy.
Hospitality and generosity are usually deeply ingrained and genuine, and considered high virtues. A person who regularly practices these virtues gains the respect and reputation of not having been negligent in assuming his or her responsibility.
Perhaps because of their extensive contact with other cultures while trading and schooling abroad and because of the potentially potent mix of diverse ethnic and religious groups, Kuwaitis have a long tradition of tolerance. Kuwaiti culture and domestic politics are able to accommodate citizens and groups whose ethnic homelands may be rivals. The tolerance extended to these and others, however, must function within the bounds of Arab traditions, Muslim ideals, the security of the entire group, and respect for public honour and face.
A feature of the Hejira calendar is the holy month of Ramadan which according to the lunar cycle should run for 28 days. During this period Muslims are required to fast by day, however they make up for this by partying all night, and Ramadan can be thought of as a month of Christmases. The fasting is taken very seriously and in public places, which includes offices, even non-Muslims must abide by Islam which means no eating drinking or smoking (although due to a Sept. 1995 law all public smoking is now illegal) during daylight hours, although for the expat a room is normally set aside for meals, hidden from normal view.
Everyone in Kuwait is greeted with a handshake and entering a meeting, you will be expected to greet everyone in the room this way. When attending meetings, or any social gathering, it is considered discourteous to refuse tea (chai) when offered.
As Kuwait is an Islamic state, the importation, production and sale of alcohol is prohibited. (But it still happens) and it is considered discourteous to show the soles of one’s feet.
Time and Hours of Business:
Local time is 3 hours ahead of GMT. The Hejira calendar is in use, so the weekend is Thursday and Friday, however for some companies you can expect to work some of Thursday. Government departments work 7.00 till 2.00 Saturday to Wednesday except Ramadan which changes by 11 or 12 days each year depending on the cycle of the moon, in 1999 will be around December 20th for 28 days, and all are shut for public holidays, most of which also change except 1st January. Banks open 8.00 till 2.00 Sunday to Thursday, some also open one evening a week (usually around pay day) but this practice is variable and taken on chance. Shop hours are an unknown quantity but core hours are definitely 9.00 till 12.00 and 4.30 till 9.00 Saturday till Thursday, Friday is pot luck. The larger food stores stay open all day and the Sultan Centres are open 24 hours. (See Shopping)
Public Holidays:
Fixed dates include: New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Kuwaiti National Day (Feb 25), Liberation Day (Feb 26)
Variable holidays are based on sighting the moon and include: Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), Islamic New Year, Birth of the Prophet & Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
Health and Hygiene:
There are apparently no real health risks in Kuwait, however vaccination against TB is recommended, and cholera and yellow fever is required for those coming from infected areas. The major exception is a particularly nasty strain of flu which is prevalent at the end of Summer, when the temperature drops, this can cause great discomfort and sleepless nights, with the possibility of a couple of days off work to the less robust. Another problem is that of dehydration and as a consequence plenty water must be drunk, especially for those with jobs having an outdoor involvement. Note that all residents in Kuwait must undergo an AIDS test, with a positive result meaning immediate expulsion. (See also Medical Facilities)