General Information » Culture & Lifestyle » Culture

Kuwait’s culture and traditions are deeply rooted in the religion of Islam. Religion provides structure to daily living, from prayers before sunrise to those at the end of the day. Family is extremely important; it is common for up to four generations of one family to live under the same roof. Networks based on the ‘clan’ are very strong and form the basis of social relationships.

Unlike Saudi Arabia, women are at liberty to drive and walk around freely, and a recent change in the law means women can now vote in elections and run for office.

The AWARE Centre, a non-profit NGO, is a cultural centre that was established to promote relations between Westerners and Arabs through dialogue, friendship and cultural exchange.

Diwaniyas

It is traditional for most Kuwaiti men to spend their evenings after work in their diwaniya; a room either in the house or purpose-built in the garden. Activities within the diwaniya include talking with friends and family, playing cards, drinking coffee and watching television.

During the winter months diwaniyas are often found outdoors (in tents or open areas of a garden). Many important contacts and business deals are made at diwaniyas and invitations are generally for men only. It is customary to remove ones shoes before entering.

Hospitality

Kuwaitis are very generous people and enjoy welcoming guests to their homes. Should a man be invited to a Kuwaiti’s home it is wise to check whether the invitation is for him alone, or also for his wife. Socialising with strangers is different to socialising with friends and the sexes often socialise separately.

When entering a home make sure to take off your shoes if you notice other people’s shoes outside the front door; this shows respect to your host. On entering the seating area it is customary for everyone in the room to rise and for you to give the polite greeting of ‘Assalam A’laikum (Peace be with you)’ Replies of ‘A’laikum Assalam (and Peace be with you)’ will be made. Always stand for greetings. It is at this time that you will know whether the women will sit apart from the men.

Out of respect, Kuwaitis say a number of greetings when meeting friends and business acquaintances. These greetings include asking after family, although it is considered impolite to specifically ask after women and children unless one knows the family very well.

It is customary for Kuwaitis of the same sex to kiss one another on the cheek when greeting; this can be a single kiss or up to four kisses depending on the relationship. A kiss on the forehead is usually given by a junior member of a family to a senior me...