Kuwait
Population: 3,100,000
Area: 17,818 km²
Government: Constitutional hereditary emirate
Established: 19th June, 1961
Capital: Kuwait City
Why move to the Kuwait?
Kuwait is the third largest oil producer in the Middle East. Kuwait is a very weather country which gives it great strategic importance. Kuwait has made investments in development since the conflict in the 1990s.
Kuwait has a culture of family, hospitality and courtesy. Kuwait is the first Arab country to have elected parliament and granted political rights to women in 2005. The population of Kuwait has always been so small that the country has to rely on foreign workers.
Kuwait is regarded as a cosmopolitan and westernised country within the Middle East.
The selling and consumption of alcohol is illegal in Kuwait and strictly adhered to. Westerners are warned that the penalties for breaking this law are severe.
The month of Ramadan is a feature of life in the Middle East. During this month of fasting, eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in public, from sunrise to sunset. This is strictly adhered to!
Climate
The winter months (December to February) get fairly cold, with temperatures in the day ranging from 13º to 18ºC, and lower at night. In the hottest months (July and August) it is particularly hot with daytime temperatures reaching over 40ºC, however, the climate is not humid which means even at these temperatures the weather is bearable.
Money
The currency in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), which is divided into 1000 Fils
Passports and visas
Your visa will be organised by your employer once you have secured a job offer from them. For the duration of your stay in the Middle East they act as your sponsor, and all documents such as driving licence, bank account, health cards, etc are reliant on you being in possession of a Residence Visa, which will be organised by your employer
In the workplace
Conservative clothing is expected within the workplace. When greeting Arab women do not offer to shake their hand unless the woman extends hers first. Try to never to sit with your feet pointing directly at someone else, as this causes offence.
Friday is the main day of prayer, so meetings should not be scheduled for this day. Depending on the company you work for, the other day making up the weekend will either be Thursday or Saturday.
Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00 am to 5.30 or 6.00 pm. In the month of Ramadan, the working day is reduced to six hours for Muslims, who fast during daylight hours.