Location: Middle East
Local Time: GMT+3
Capital City: Kuwait city
Population: 2.73 million
Area: 20,000357,021 square km, 6,880 square miles.
Language(s): Arabic, English
Dialling Code: 965
Emergency: Police: 199. Fire: 100-105. Ambulance: 4722000/4721008
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required, temporary licence available from local authorities on presentation of UK licence
Electricity: 220/240V AC 50Hz
Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD 1 = 1,000 Fils)
Notes: KWD: 0.250, 0.500, 1, 5, 10, 20
Coins: Fils: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0800-1200 Sun-Thur
Office: 0700-1400 Sat-Wed 0700-1400 (winter), 0730-1400 Sat-Wed (summer), 0730-1330 (winter), 0700-1100 (summer) (Government offices)
Shops: 0830-1230 Sat-Thur, 1630-2100 Fri
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon (Lunar calendar) and dates listed are approximate. These may start or end a day after the dates listed. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region. Some holidays may start at sunset the day before. If a holiday falls on a Friday, a day is given in lieu.
Business/Social Hints: Women should dress conventionally, revealing clothes should not be worn. Many business executives speak English. It is an advantage if business cards have Arabic translation on reverse side. Islamic conventions apply. At meetings it is polite to drink coffee or tea, when offered. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands and passing or receiving anything. Some people may prefer not to shake hands with those of the opposite sex. Visits during Ramadan should be avoided. Smoking in public buildings is often restricted. Alcohol is forbidden by law. On social occasions, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. There are some restrictions on photography such as military installations
Tipping: A service charge is usually added to restaurant & hotel bills, if not tips are around 10%
