Kuwaiti People And Society

Kuwait is an amalgam of traditions and cultures. In its constitution it is defined as Arab and Muslim and its foremost concerns are pan Arabic and pan Muslim allegiances. Many Kuwaiti families are extensions of larger tribes or families of neighbouring Gulf countries. For a person who has not lived long in the country, Kuwaitis may be difficult to know because they are reserved. Once they are convinced of a person’s genuine interest and respect for the Kuwaiti way of life they will be friendly. Learning a little Kuwaiti Arabic and Kuwaiti culture goes a long way.

Kuwait is much more tolerant about matters of public conduct than other Gulf Countries. Always ask for advice if you do not how to handle a certain situation. Kuwaiti colleagues and long term residents will always be willing to help. Women can wear what they like except that they must not be immodest by Muslim standards. Wearing shorts above knees or sleeveless clothes are taboo. The women in Kuwait need not wear an "abayya" (a long black cloak), veil or a headscarf. Non-Muslims can enter mosques during prayer as long as they dress properly.

Religion

Kuwait is an Islamic country but not as rigid as Saudi Arabia nor as liberal as Bahrain. Most Kuwaitis are Sunni Muslims but there is also a large percentage of Shiites.

The Middle Eastern hallmark of hospitality, generosity, close family ties, concern for personal and family honour and a publicly male dominated society is Kuwaiti culture in a gist. Kuwaitis are family centric and value their honour above everything else. It is a male dominated society but Kuwaiti women have excelled in many spheres because they are allowed university level education and more freedom compared to other Middle Eastern countries. At Sadu House, the cultural centre of Kuwait, you can see Bedouin art traditions especially weaving.