Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
To move to Kuwait is to enter a country that is both ultra-modern and deeply attached to its traditions. Behind the glass towers, air-conditioned shopping malls, and one of the world’s most powerful currencies, daily life remains structured by Islam, family, the expatriate sponsorship system, and a set of social codes that can be bewildering for a newcomer. Understanding these cultural differences is essential to avoid faux pas, integrate into a largely multicultural environment, and fully enjoy this Gulf destination.
A Small, Wealthy State, Heavily Expat… but Conservative
Kuwait is a small state on the Arabian Gulf, wedged between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Its population exceeds 4.5 million inhabitants, but nationals make up only about one-third of the total. Nearly 70% of residents are foreigners, from India, Egypt, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Lebanon, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. In other words, the majority of the population is expatriate, giving the country a very cosmopolitan face.
Oil accounts for roughly half of Kuwait’s GDP.
Nevertheless, society remains conservative and structured by the majority Sunni Islam. Laws, social norms, and even the rhythm of the week (Friday–Saturday weekend, Sunday marking the start of the work week) reflect this religious imprint. The coexistence of a very advanced economic modernity, a strong foreign presence, and a social and legal framework inspired by Sharia is probably the first major difference to grasp before moving.
An Environment Perceived as Safe… but Highly Regulated
Indicators point to a politically stable country with a low crime rate. Surveys show that a very large majority of expatriates (over 90%) report feeling safe there. This sense of security is explained in part by strict laws and severe penalties, which also apply to foreigners.
For a newcomer, it is essential to know the strict prohibitions: alcohol, drugs, pornography, extramarital sexual relations, homosexuality, and criticism of the Emir or the government. Acts like writing a check with insufficient funds are criminal offenses that can lead to detention with no possibility of bail.
This combination of a very repressive legal framework and strong social control is a key point of the local culture: individual freedom, as understood in Europe or North America, is clearly more restricted in public spaces.
Religion, Traditions, and Daily Life: What Really Changes
In Kuwait, religion is not just a private matter. It structures public space, expected behaviors, the organization of time, and the content of many laws.
The Weight of Islam in Public Space
Approximately 85% of the population is Muslim, mainly Sunni, with a strong Shia minority. The remaining residents are divided among Christians, Hindus, Parsis, and other faiths. The country is officially Islamic and Sharia inspires many provisions, especially in matters of personal status (marriage, divorce, inheritance) and public morality.
The five calls to prayer punctuate the day, broadcast from mosque loudspeakers. On Friday, the holy day, activity slows down significantly: many shops open later, offices run at a reduced pace. Shopping malls themselves incorporate prayer rooms, a very visible sign of the central role of religion.
During Ramadan, it is illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours, under penalty of fine or imprisonment. Work and administrative hours are reduced, and many restaurants only open after sunset. Evenings are very lively with iftar, prayers, and ghabgas. The periods of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are also major events to anticipate.
This religious intensity is accompanied by a strong emphasis on generosity and solidarity: donations, meal distribution, hosting in families. For a respectful expatriate, Ramadan is often one of the most culturally rich periods of life in Kuwait.
Family, Hierarchy, and Socializing
Family is at the heart of society. Ties between relatives, neighbors, and friends are very close, and it is not uncommon for several generations to live in close proximity, even if the trend is shifting towards more nuclear households. Decisions are often made collectively, and family support networks play a role that the welfare state assumes more in other countries.
Society is structured by a marked hierarchy where age, status, and professional position command great respect. It is important to address elders first, use appropriate titles (like Sheikh or Doctor), and avoid any direct contradiction in public. In the professional sphere, this dynamic often translates into vertical management, where important decisions are made at the highest level. Diplomacy and an indirect way of expressing disagreement are highly valued.
Socializing often revolves around hospitality. Being invited to someone’s home, receiving Arabic coffee (gahwa) or tea, being offered dates or pastries is common. Refusing consistently can be perceived poorly; it’s better to at least accept a coffee and thank warmly. Traditional gatherings, the diwaniyas, also play a central role.
The Diwaniya, a Social and Political Salon
The diwaniya is an institution in its own right: it is a reception space, often attached to the family home or set up in a separate building, where men (primarily) gather to discuss politics, economics, sports, or simply daily life. It is both a social club, a place for exchanging information, and, sometimes, a space for business negotiation.
Diwaniyas, traditional social assemblies, can be open, welcoming neighbors, acquaintances, and sometimes expatriates, or more closed, reserved for a family or professional circle. The ritual includes serving Arabic coffee in small handleless cups, often accompanied by dates. Strict customs require removing shoes at the entrance, greeting elders first, and participating in conversations with restraint. Although male assemblies are the most visible publicly, there are also diwaniyas organized by and for women.
For a foreigner invited to a diwaniya, it is an excellent opportunity to understand society from the inside, provided one respects caution on sensitive topics: domestic politics, criticism of the ruling family, or religious debates should be handled with great care.
Conduct Codes in Public Spaces
Among the most tangible cultural differences, the rules of behavior on the street, in shopping malls, or in leisure venues often surprise newcomers. They revolve around three main axes: modesty, gender separation, and respect for public order.
Modesty in Dress: Finding the Right Balance
The law does not require non-Muslim women to wear the veil, and in shopping malls you will see many expatriate women dressed in Western-style clothing. Nevertheless, the implicit expectation is one of “modest” attire, especially in more traditional neighborhoods, government offices, markets, or during Ramadan.
For women, covering at least shoulders and knees is recommended. Tops that are too short, transparent, or low-cut, tight-fitting or very short clothing attract stares and can lead to remarks, or even intervention by the authorities in extreme cases. Long dresses, loose trousers, tunics, and light scarves are perfectly suited to the climate and local expectations. The scarf is only mandatory for entering mosques or certain religious buildings.
For men, wearing short shorts and a tank top in public spaces outside of beaches or private pools is frowned upon. The normal attire consists of long trousers (or shorts extending below the knee) with a T-shirt or a shirt with sleeves. Being shirtless is prohibited outside of designated swimming areas.
The table below summarizes the main expectations according to context.
| Situation | Recommended Attire for Women | Recommended Attire for Men |
|---|---|---|
| Street, shopping malls | Shoulders and knees covered, non-revealing clothing | Trousers or long shorts, T-shirt or shirt |
| Offices, government offices | Conservative office attire, sleeves at least to the elbow | Long trousers, shirt with sleeves |
| Mosques, religious sites | Hair, arms, and legs covered, scarf mandatory | Long trousers, shoulders covered |
| Public beach or pool | Shorts + T-shirt over swimsuit | Discreet swimwear, avoid being shirtless out of the water |
| Hotels and private clubs | Western swimwear generally tolerated | Western swimwear, stay covered in non-pool areas |
Gender Separation and Modesty in Interactions
Another major difference lies in the separation of the sexes and caution in physical contact between unrelated persons. In public places, interactions between men and women who do not know each other remain limited and formal. Approaching an unknown woman, calling out to her, or attempting an insistent conversation is very poorly viewed and can lead to serious problems.
Public displays of affection – kissing, embracing, even gestures considered very harmless in other countries – are clearly discouraged. A married couple simply holding hands will sometimes be tolerated, but it’s better to exercise restraint. The authorities ensure that public space conforms to local standards of modesty.
Some establishments like beaches, restaurants, or cafes have separate sections: one for families and one for single men. This practice, although it may be surprising, aims to provide spaces perceived as safer and more comfortable for families and women.
Gestures, Greetings, and Daily Etiquette
The way of greeting and physical comportment also differs from Western standards. A light handshake is common between men. Between a man and a woman, it is generally expected that the woman decides: if she extends her hand, it can be shaken; otherwise, a slight nod with the right hand placed over the heart is a very respectful gesture.
Certain gestures should be avoided: using the left hand to give or receive an object is considered impolite, showing the soles of one’s feet, pointing at someone with a finger, or raising one’s voice can be perceived as aggressive. Conversely, inquiring about the person’s health and family after greetings, taking time for conversation, and avoiding an abrupt tone are appreciated.
Religious expressions punctuate everyday language: “As-salamu alaykum” to greet, “Insha’Allah” (if God wills it), “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to God), “Mashallah” (what God has willed). Understanding and using a few of them, even without being Muslim, often facilitates relationships.
Laws, Morality, and Private Life: Boundaries to Know Well
Expatriates quickly discover that what falls under private domain elsewhere falls here, in part, under criminal law. Intimate behavior, alcohol use, or political criticism are strictly regulated.
Alcohol, Sexuality, Cohabitation: Risky Areas
Alcohol is completely prohibited: no bars, no legal sale in stores, no exception for international hotels. Importing, consuming, or manufacturing alcohol is a criminal offense, with penalties that can include prison, fines, and deportation. Boozy parties in apartments exist, but participating in them exposes one to the same risks as organizing them.
Extramarital sexual relations, cohabitation between unmarried partners, and homosexual relations are illegal. Although some tolerance exists for discreet situations, a conflict, police intervention, or an accident can expose them, leading to potentially serious consequences.
Even the notion of a “shared night” in a hotel is not neutral: officially, a double room is reserved for married couples. Many international establishments turn a blind eye, but in the event of a check, it is the identity documents that will be decisive.
Freedom of Expression and Social Media
Freedom of speech, particularly online, is another sensitive area. Criticizing the Emir, the government, religious institutions, or certain public figures can fall under laws on cybercrime and harming state security. Foreigners have already been arrested and deported for messages posted on social media.
Political comments considered trivial elsewhere can be perceived as an insult to authority or religion. It is essential to exercise discretion and restraint, particularly on sensitive topics like domestic politics, relations with neighboring countries, and religion.
Police, Justice, and Perception of Time
Expatriates sometimes note a contrast between the severity of the laws and the practical functioning of the police for minor incidents. In minor disputes, law enforcement can be unresponsive, processing times can be long, and the language barrier complicates communication: many police officers do not speak English.
Criminal justice, however, can be swift, particularly for cases seen as harming public order or morality. Understanding this duality – slowness on small cases, firmness on “sensitive” ones – helps in assessing the real risk of certain attitudes.
Professional Life: Hierarchy, Sponsorship, and Multiculturalism
On the work front, Kuwait offers tax-free salaries, sometimes generous benefits, but also a sponsorship system (kafala) that very closely ties the expatriate to their employer and a cultural hierarchy to navigate.
The Kafala: A Framework Both Secure and Constraining
The stay of foreigners is based on a sponsorship system, the kafala. To work legally, one must obtain a work permit and residence permit (iqama) via a local sponsor: typically, the employer. Your right to stay is therefore directly attached to your job. Losing your job often means having to find a new sponsor very quickly or leave the country.
Changing employers as a foreign worker is a regulated administrative procedure. It absolutely requires the agreement of your initial sponsor and the approval of the authorities. Legislation has been strengthened to sanction visa trafficking and abuse of the system, but the principle remains: your current sponsor holds the key to your right of residence.
For an expatriate, this means negotiating your package well before coming (salary, housing, children’s schooling, medical insurance) and understanding that the room for maneuver for “quitting on the spot” is more limited than in a system where the residence permit is independent of the employer.
Corporate Culture: Formalism, Relationships, and Flexibility
Day-to-day, work culture is marked by a mix of local and international influences. The professional environment is very multicultural: one works alongside Kuwaiti, Indian, Egyptian, Filipino, Western colleagues, etc. Communication styles vary, but one constant remains: respect for hierarchy and formalism.
Meetings often start with an informal exchange on personal topics before addressing the agenda. Punctuality is appreciated, but it is common for participants to arrive late and for the meeting to be interrupted (by calls or breaks). Patience and flexibility are therefore essential.
Decisions are frequently made at the top and the agreement of a “big decision-maker” counts more than producing documents. For an expatriate, building a long-term relationship of trust, showing respect for local customs, and avoiding direct confrontation often help resolve issues more effectively than insistent emails.
Dress and Behavior in Business
Attire in the professional environment remains rather conservative. In corporate sectors (finance, oil, large companies), a sober suit or at least a long-sleeved shirt and formal trousers are the norm for men. Expatriate women opt for suits or office attire covering knees and shoulders, without transparency or overly fitted cuts.
Business cards are widely exchanged, often at the beginning of meetings. Presenting the card with the right hand, taking time to read it quickly before putting it away shows respect. Direct criticism, especially in meetings, is poorly received: it’s better to address sensitive remarks in private, with tact.
Gender Roles and Women’s Rights: Between Progress and Limits
The place of women in Kuwait blends notable advances and persistent discrimination. For an expatriate woman, this translates into contrasting realities depending on the circles she frequents.
High Workforce Participation, but a Glass Ceiling
Compared to other Gulf countries, Kuwait stands out for its high rate of women’s participation in the labor market, notably in the public sector. They are very present in the civil service, education, healthcare, universities, and hold senior positions in some companies, including in oil and finance.
Nevertheless, international indicators highlight very weak political representation and a persistent pay gap. Many women face traditional social expectations around domestic roles, and some legal provisions de facto give more power to men, especially in marriage, divorce, and child custody.
Social Norms: Between Tradition and Modernity
In public spaces, you see all styles: women in black abayas and full veils, women in colorful hijabs and jeans, women without veils in modest Western attire. This diversity reflects individual choices broader than is sometimes imagined, but the dominant norm remains one of modesty and restraint.
For an expatriate woman, the main cultural difference lies less in direct constraints than in implicit codes: being cautious in interactions with unrelated men, adapting attire to more traditional contexts, and accepting that some spaces – like male diwaniyas – remain largely reserved for men.
Language and Intercultural Communication
Arabic is the official language, and the local dialect, Kuwaiti Arabic, is omnipresent in the street and informal exchanges. English, however, is widely used in business, administration, and the daily life of expatriates.
The Symbolic Importance of Arabic
Even though many Kuwaitis, especially in urban and educated circles, speak English, making the effort to learn a few Arabic phrases has a significant symbolic value. An “As-salamu alaykum,” a “Shukran,” or a “Min fadlak/Min fadlik” (please) opens doors, triggers smiles, and demonstrates sincere respect for the local culture.
The country is a linguistic mosaic, with the presence of many languages like Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Bengali, or Farsi, reflecting the importance of expatriate communities. However, in interactions with nationals, language remains a strong identity marker. To avoid intercultural misunderstandings, it is useful to know certain local codes, like the frequent use of the expression “Insha’Allah” (God willing) in promises or commitments.
Often Indirect Communication
The way of saying things can bother an expatriate accustomed to brutal frankness. In Kuwait, refusing a request or announcing bad news in a direct way is poorly viewed. People instead use softened phrases, indirect approaches, silences, or that famous “Insha’Allah” which, in some cases, politely means the request is unrealistic.
Knowing how to read between the lines, not over-interpreting verbal commitments, and regularly validating agreements in writing are part of the useful intercultural skills for working and living in this context.
Laws, Visas, and Expatriate Status: A Very Specific Framework
Even if the article focuses on cultural aspects, it is difficult to completely separate daily culture from the legal framework that structures the presence of foreigners.
An Always Precarious Status
Obtaining an iqama requires an employer sponsor, medical exams, multiple certificates, and steps at several government offices. This process formalizes the fact that an expatriate remains, in legal terms, a temporary guest, even after many years in the country. Access to citizenship or permanent residency is extremely limited.
The status of expatriate influences social relations: many Kuwaitis consider expatriates as transient, which often limits the depth of relationships compared to classic immigration societies. However, on an individual level, bonds can be very warm, especially with the younger generations who are more open to the outside world.
Social Control and Sponsor Responsibilities
The sponsor (employer, sometimes head of family) has a legal responsibility for the person they sponsor: they must report departures, contract terminations, and may be required to pay repatriation costs or potential fines. For their part, the foreign worker must always have papers in order, respect residency obligations, and avoid any “little arrangement” with the law: an overstayed visa, working for another employer without authorization, or hosting someone in an irregular situation are offenses seriously punished.
For an expatriate, it is crucial to be legally cautious. This means verifying the legitimacy of your employer, keeping copies of your official documents, and reporting any loss of ID papers or residence permit without delay. One should also avoid easy solutions, like obtaining a “purchased” visa without a real work contract, which present major risks. These measures constitute an essential checklist for a safe stay abroad.
Social Life Without Alcohol: Cafes, Brunches, and Beach Clubs
The absence of legal alcohol also profoundly transforms social life. No bars, no clubs in the Western sense; socialization reinvents itself elsewhere.
Main places where expatriates and local families gather to socialize.
Convivial places for informal meetups and daily breaks.
Relaxation and discussion spaces very popular for evenings.
Popular Friday or Saturday brunches bring together local families and expatriates around copious buffets.
Meeting spots for shopping, dining, and family activities.
Destinations for relaxation, water sports, and social events by the sea.
Intimate settings for gatherings and parties among friends or acquaintances.
The culinary scene is rich: authentic Indian restaurants, Levantine cuisine, trendy international concepts… Malls like The Avenues or 360 Mall are veritable leisure spaces, with cinemas, cafes, and restaurants at all price levels.
Private beach clubs offer an alternative to nightlife venues: pools, gyms, sea access, sometimes social events. Without alcohol, but with real conviviality, often more family-oriented than in other major Gulf cities.
Climate, Leisure Time, and Lifestyle Adaptation
The extreme climate also strongly influences local culture. From May to September, the heat regularly exceeds 45°C, with peaks above 50°C and frequent sandstorms. Life therefore moves indoors: air-conditioned malls, cafes, and offices become the main spaces for socializing.
In Kuwait, the preferred period for outdoor activities runs from October to April. This local “winter,” with a climate similar to a pleasant Mediterranean spring, sees an explosion of trips to the desert, picnics, seaside walks, visits to archaeological sites, and excursions to urban parks like Al Shaheed Park. It’s the season when social life mainly takes place outdoors.
Expatriates and Kuwaitis: Between Distance and Curiosity
Finally, the relationship between the local population and expatriates is a cultural element in itself. With approximately 70% foreigners, Kuwait is a country where mixing is daily. Yet, circles often remain parallel: Kuwaitis gather among themselves in diwaniyas, family villas, private clubs, while expatriates organize into national or professional communities, via associations, Facebook groups, platforms like InterNations, sports clubs, or alumni networks.
Encounters do exist, especially at work, university, or in certain upscale venues. Young Kuwaitis, often educated abroad, are more inclined to have expatriate friends, to go out together to restaurants or cafes. But the absence of total mixing, constraints related to gender and religious norms, sometimes limit the depth of these relationships.
Observer of Kuwaiti society
For a foreigner, the key is to accept this reality while remaining open to opportunities for exchange: accepting an invitation to an iftar, a meeting in a diwaniya, an outing with a family to the beach or desert allows, little by little, to go beyond the invisible border between “expat bubble” and local society.
In Summary: Living in Kuwait While Respecting Differences
To move to Kuwait means entering a system where security, material prosperity, and conviviality coexist with a strict religious and legal framework, a central role of family, a marked separation of genders, and a status of foreigner always conditioned by a sponsor.
The main cultural adjustments to anticipate are clear: adopting more modest attire, limiting public displays of affection, respecting fasting during Ramadan in public spaces, being very cautious on political and religious topics, integrating social and professional hierarchy, and accepting that certain private freedoms are more restricted than in other countries.
Kuwait offers a unique experience blending Bedouin tradition and ultra-modernity. You will discover a society where hospitality is central, share daily life with international communities, and can observe religious practices, notably during Ramadan. The local culture is rich in social codes, where seemingly simple gestures, like how to hold a coffee cup or enter a diwaniya (traditional salon), carry deep meaning.
For those who come with curiosity, respect, and a desire to learn, these cultural differences are not obstacles, but the very substance of a dense expatriate experience, sometimes demanding, but profoundly formative.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
