General Information » Essential Info » What To Wear

Expatriate women in Kuwait are not required to wear the abaya (black gown) over their clothing. It is possible for men and women to dress as they are used to back home, but a certain amount of sensitivity and respect should always be considered if you would like to avoid unwanted attention.

Lightweight clothing is recommended for the summer months, although you may find that you need an extra layer when you are inside an air-conditioned building. Warmer clothing is required for the winter period when it is surprisingly cold.

It is common to see young Kuwaiti girls dressed in the latest designer gear from head to toe. However, this is usually confined to shopping centres and restaurants where they are with like-minded individuals. One aspect of their dress that is common to all is that they never expose their upper arms or ankles.

Although there are a number of public beaches where swimming is permitted, the sight of an expatriate woman in a swimming costume would draw a considerable amount of staring. It is best to keep revealing attire for beach clubs. Sunbathing topless is forbidden and the consequences of being caught don’t bear thinking about. Entry to your local supermarket is restricted if you are wearing shorts (men and women), short skirts and sleeveless tops. You should cover up when visiting markets, suburban shops and rural areas.

The general evening dress code for restaurants and hotels is smart casual.