The population of Kuwait has always been so small that the country has had to rely on foreign workers. Prior to the Iraqi invasion in 1990, nationals of virtually every country could be found working in Kuwait.
In retrospect, however, it is now felt by the government that in 1990 the foreign workforce was too large, outnumbering as it did the Kuwaiti nationals themselves. Present plans therefore seek to ensure that, for both cultural and economic reasons, Kuwaitis remain a majority in their own country.
Language
The official language is Arabic though English is widely used especially in business, banking and big shopping centres. Most street signs are written in both languages.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of Kuwait and is practised throughout the country. There are also churches of varying denominations for Christian residents. Islam forbids the consumption of pork or alcohol and these items are illegal in Kuwait.
Clothing
In Kuwait's urban centres, Western-style clothing is becoming popular, particularly with young people. However, many Kuwaitis still wear traditional Arab clothing. Most Kuwaiti men wear a dishdasha, a floor length robe with a centre front opening which is put on over the head. The headdress of the Kuwaiti male consists of three parts. The gutra is a square piece of cloth which is folded into a triangle and then placed centrally on the head so that the ends hang down equally over the shoulders. It is held in place by an ogal, a double circlet of twisted black cord, which is placed firmly over the head. Often a gahfiyah, a close-fitting skull cap, is worn under the gutra to stop it from slipping.
Many Kuwaiti women dress in western clothes. However their traditional clothing, such as the thobe (a straight-sided long overdress), is still used on festive occasions. Women are veiled according to Islamic law. When in public many local women cover their chic western clothing with an abha, a head-to-toe silky black cloak. Bedouin women may also wear a burqa, a short black veil which leaves the eyes and forehead exposed, or occasionally a bushiya, a semi-transparent veil which covers the entire face. The hijab, or Islamic headscarf, which conceals the hair while leaving the face unveiled, is worn by many Kuwaiti and expatriate Muslim women.
Both men and women love perfume and wear it most of the time.
Greetings
Kuwaitis traditionally greet each other by shaking hands and kissing cheeks. Traditionally men and women do not exchange more than a few words and possibly a handshake to greet each other in order to respect the privacy of the woman. However, it is common for women and men to kiss cheeks if they are related to one another. It is also customary for people greeting each other to ask a long series of questions such as asking about one's health, that of their relatives, their jobs, etc. in order to relax the other person and give a sense of intimacy.
Tea & Coffee
Hospitality in Kuwait is often portrayed through the serving of tea and coffee. It is very uncommon for a guest to enter a house, office, or even some stores without being offered tea or coffee. In Kuwaiti bedouin custom, a guest's refusal of tea, coffee, or such offerings is sometimes viewed as insulting by the host, as it is as if the guest is denying the host's efforts of being hospitable.
Food
Food plays a large part in Kuwaiti culture. The traditional food of Kuwait known as "Machboos" consists mainly of mutton, chicken, or fish placed over or mixed in a large mess of well-cooked and prepared rice, closely resembling the Indian biryani. Curries and sides also complement the dish which is traditionally eaten using bare hands even though many choose to use western utensils. Food is almost always prepared and served in large amounts and it is extremely common for households to invite guests over to share meals.
Diwaniah
Diwaniah is a unique institution in Kuwait's culture which is not seen in other countries in the Gulf region. Diwaniah's are a gathering place for males (usually takes place in the evenings, once or twice or even thrice per week, and sometimes even every night), where Kuwaiti men sit together in comfortable couches and discuss any possible matters, be it political, social, economical, local or international. Diwaniahs can be called a symbol and proof of Kuwait's democracy where people are free to discuss whatever they like without fear of persecution. Usually tea is served and sometimes snacks are provided by the host. Women also tend to host private diwaniahs at times, however they are not often as widespread and do not mix with male diwaniahs.
Some prominent merchants or MPs announce their diwaniah timings with the addresses in the newspapers, so that members of the public can come and visit them.
