Communication & Basics: Kuwait City

Local Connectivity

Highly recommended for easy navigation and ride-sharing.

Mobile Services

Major providers: Zain, Ooredoo, STC. Purchase prepaid SIMs at airport or stores with passport. Find eSIMs at Airalo.
Internet widely available: hotels, malls, restaurants, cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Portable Wi-Fi available at Solis Wi-Fi.
Kuwait Post for mail and packages.

Language & Phrases

Official language is Arabic, English widely spoken in tourism.

Translation Tools

Google Translate app (offline Arabic pack) is very useful.
Learning basic Arabic phrases enhances interactions. Try Rosetta Stone.
Hello: Marhaba; Thank you: Shukran; Please: Min fadlak/fadlik.

Business Hours

Understand typical operating hours to plan your activities efficiently.

General Timings

Government Offices: Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM.
Banks: Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (ATMs 24/7).
Shops (Malls): Generally 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (or later) daily.

Shopping & Dining Hours

Traditional markets and eateries have varied schedules.

Specific Timings

Souqs: Morning (approx. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) and evening (approx. 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM).
Restaurants: Lunch (12:00 PM onwards) and dinner (7:00 PM onwards).
Cafes and casual eateries often stay open very late.

Holidays & Seasonal Shifts

Public Holidays

Weekend: Friday and Saturday (Friday sees many closures).
Ramadan: Reduced business hours during the day; no public eating/drinking.
Eid Al-Fitr & Eid Al-Adha: Major Islamic holidays, widespread closures.
National Day (Feb 25) & Liberation Day (Feb 26): Public holidays with celebrations.

Seasonal & Special Notes

Less common to have seasonal closures, but some smaller businesses may reduce hours in peak summer.
Public consumption of food, drink, and cigarettes during Ramadan fasting hours is prohibited.
Always consider Ramadan's special timings for planning activities.
Public events and parades occur on national holidays.

Etiquette & Customs

Social Conduct

Greetings and appropriate attire reflect cultural respect.

Dining & Photography

Be mindful of dining customs and photography rules.

Sensitive Topics

Awareness of sensitive topics avoids misunderstandings and shows respect.

Interaction Guidelines

Respect local customs for positive social interactions.

General Conduct

Greeting: 'Salam alaikum'. Handshakes common between men. For women, wait for them to initiate.
Modest attire is essential in public places; shoulders and knees covered, even in malls.
Dining: Use your right hand for eating, especially if sharing from a communal dish.

Prohibitions

Awareness of prohibited items and behaviors is useful.

Important Notes

Alcohol and pork are strictly prohibited. Do not bring, consume, or offer these items.
Public displays of affection are inappropriate.
Avoid loud arguments, public displays of affection, or disrespectful behavior.

Further Cultural Details

Religious Sites

Mosques: Women must cover hair, arms, and legs. Abayas often provided.
Remove shoes before entering mosques.
Show respect for Islam; do not criticize or mock religious practices.

Political & Social Sensitivities

Avoid discussing local politics or the ruling family; these are sensitive subjects.
Photography: Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women.
Homosexuality is illegal; discretion for same-sex couples is essential.

Airport & Accessibility

Information on airport services and provisions for travelers with mobility challenges.

Accessibility for Mobility

Newer developments often have good accessibility features.

Infrastructure Notes

Large malls, luxury hotels, and modern cultural centers feature ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms.
Major modern attractions are generally more accessible than older sites.
Older souqs or historical sites may present challenges due to uneven surfaces or steps.

Transport & Support

Public transport accessibility can be limited.

Travel Options

Public buses have limited accessibility. Taxis or private car services are most practical.
Limited specialized services for visual or hearing impairments; travel with a companion.
Contact hotels or attractions directly for specific accessibility information before your visit.

Airport Services

Traveler Perks

Priority Pass access independent airport lounges worldwide.
Compensair helps receive compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Consider airport amenities like duty-free shopping and dining.

General Guidance

Information is not widely centralized for tourists.
Plan your itinerary to include sites known for modern infrastructure.
It is advisable to check directly with specific venues regarding their accessibility.

Further Considerations

Additional practical notes for a well-rounded visit.

Social Awareness

Be mindful of general social conduct.

Public Decorum

Maintain polite distance in conversations.
Consider local norms regarding interactions between genders.
Begging is rare and often tied to illegal activities; donate to registered charities.

Health & Safety Overview

General health guidelines for a comfortable visit.

Wellbeing Tips

Stay hydrated in the warm climate.
Protect yourself from sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
Food safety: Choose reputable dining establishments.

Premium Experiences

Explore exclusive services for enhanced comfort.

Luxury Options

Consider fine dining restaurants for an elevated culinary journey.
Indulge in spa treatments at luxury hotels for rejuvenation.
Arrange exclusive beach club access for private relaxation.

Safety & Discretion

Awareness of surroundings and discreet behavior are prudent.

Guidance

Be respectful of privacy and cultural sensitivities.
Avoid intrusive photography, especially of individuals without permission.
Public displays of affection are highly discouraged and may be seen as inappropriate.

Enjoy Your Visit

With these practical insights, your visit to Kuwait City will be smooth and enriching.

Communication & Basics