Kuwait

WORK CULTURE IN KUWAIT WORK WEEK • Government: Sunday–Thursday, 7AM–2PM • Private sector: Sunday–Thursday, 8AM–5PM • Some retail/service sectors work until 10PM • Friday is the main holy day and is a holiday PRAYER & RELIGION Islam is the official religion. Five daily prayers are observed. Some offices close briefly during prayer times. Non-Muslim employees should be respectful and not eat/drink in front of fasting colleagues during Ramadan. KUWAITI NATIONALS About 30% of Kuwait's population are Kuwaiti nationals. They hold most government and senior private positions. Kuwaitis value politeness, hierarchy, and respect. Greet Kuwaiti colleagues warmly and with patience. RAMADAN • Working hours reduced to max 6 hours per day • Avoid eating/drinking in public during daytime • Pace of work slows significantly • Iftar time (sunset meal) is a social occasion — accept invitations warmly DRESS CODE • Office: Smart casual to formal • Public: Conservative — covered shoulders and knees for both genders • Kuwait is more conservative than UAE but less than Saudi WORK PERMITS (Iqama) Always carry your Civil ID. Regular checks are done in commercial areas. Being undocumented (illegal stay) leads to deportation and a ban. SOCIALIZING Diwaniyas (traditional male social gatherings at private homes) are central to Kuwaiti culture. If invited to one, it's a great honor. Alcohol is completely prohibited in Kuwait — this is strictly enforced.