Yes, English is widely spoken and understood in Kuwait, acting as a crucial second language alongside official Arabic, especially in business, education (often a medium of instruction in universities), and daily life, with many road and business signs in both languages. While Arabic is the official language, English proficiency is essential for career advancement and higher education, making it common among the educated population and expatriates.
Local customs
Kuwait is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs and religious beliefs. Cover your shoulders and knees, avoid wearing shorts or tight clothing and behave modestly in public, government buildings and places of worship. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is strictly observed in Kuwait.
The Constitution of Kuwait provides for religious freedom, including the freedom of belief and freedom of religious practice. According to the constitution, Islam is the state religion and Sharia is a source of legislation. In general, citizens were open and tolerant of other religious groups.
Dress code
Dress and behave modestly in public, particularly in downtown or conservative areas. Women should avoid wearing shorts or tight-fitting or revealing clothing.
Christians have the freedom to live and work in Kuwait, but worship must be within the Christian community (a limited physical location). Evangelism to Kuwaitis is forbidden. The Christian community in Kuwait includes 27 congregations that conduct church meetings in many languages.
"Yalla wallah" combines two common Arabic expressions: "Yalla" means "come on," "let's go," or "hurry up," while "Wallah" means "I swear" or "by God," used for emphasis or to swear something is true. Together, it's a casual, emphatic way to say something like, "Come on, I swear!" or "Let's go, for real!", urging action with a strong assertion of truth or sincerity.
Show respect for the elders by greeting them first. Accept any offer of food or drink. To turn down hospitality is to reject the person. If you are invited for a meal, there is often a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal, and the evening comes to an end quickly after the meal.
'Baba' is a term that resonates deeply within the fabric of Arabic culture, evoking warmth and familiarity. It translates to 'father' or 'dad,' but its significance extends far beyond mere familial ties. In many Arab households, calling someone 'baba' embodies respect, affection, and a sense of belonging.
5 - All types of cigarettes, tobacco and lighters for visitors are prohibited, sealed packs are allowed for employees. 6 - All types of sharp items (razors - knife - scissors - nail clippers - medical needles). 7 - All kinds of children toys and objects simulating to weapons. 8- All types of wires, ropes and chains.
Crime in Kuwait
However, you should exercise the same precautions you would at home or in any major city. Some women travelers have recently been subjected to both physical and verbal harassment. Women should avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night and travel with a companion if possible.
10 Pros and Cons of Living in Kuwait
Whilst covering shoulders and knees at a minimum is a must, you should also take the following guidelines into account so as not to draw unwanted attention: Skirts and shorts are acceptable, but avoid anything in a sheer material and keep it below the knees.
The new rule is part of the executive regulations of Kuwait's residency law and applies to all types of residency permits. According to the update, foreign residents who remain outside Kuwait for more than six consecutive months risk losing their residency status.
The average monthly salary in Kuwait is 1500 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), which translates to around USD 5000. However, several factors, such as location, experience, education, industry, and position, impact earnings. You must also determine how Kuwaiti salaries compare to earnings worldwide.
The public display of intimacy between men and women is strictly forbidden by the Arab social code, including holding hands or linking arms or any gesture of affection such as kissing or prolonged touching.
The Kuwaiti Constitution states that Islam is the main, official religion of Kuwait. Islam and the Islamic Sharia (Islamic law) are the main sources of the Kuwaiti Laws and Legislations.
The most common Arabic names for a lover are Habibi (حبيبي) for a male and Habibti (حبيبتي) for a female, meaning "my beloved" or "my darling". Other popular terms express deep affection, such as Qalbi (قلبي) (my heart), Roohi (روحي) (my soul), and Hayati (حياتي) (my life).
One of the most common polite curse words in Arabic is “Yalla,” which means “Let's go!” or “Hurry up!” It's a versatile word that can be used in many situations, from urging someone to hurry up to expressing frustration at a long wait.
There is no compulsory Islamic dress code in Kuwait, and generally Kuwaiti men are seen wearing thwab (an ankle-length white cotton shirt), while women are seen wearing abaya (the black over-garment covering most parts of the body). Kuwaiti women are also sometimes seen in western clothes.
There is no longer a functioning Jewish community in Kuwait, and to this day, Kuwait has not established diplomatic relations with Israel. The only tangible legacy of the Jewish community in Kuwait that remains is the Jewish section of the cemetery on Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Street in Kuwait City.
The law in Kuwait does not explicitly prohibit apostasy. Kuwait does not have a law that criminalizes apostasy. In practice, the family law for Muslims can prosecute Muslims for apostasy because the family court has the power to annul that person's marriage, property, and inheritance rights.