History of the Area:
Kuwait, located at the northwestern corner of the Arabian Gulf, has long served as a key trading hub due to its strategic coastal position. Historically, it was a center for boat building, fishing, and pearling. The discovery of oil in the 20th century transformed the small fishing village into one of the world’s richest countries per capita. Kuwait City, the capital, is home to about 3 million people and combines modern architecture with cultural heritage sites. Visit Visit Kuwait to find out more.
Weather:
Kuwait has a desert climate characterized by extremely hot summers and mild winters. From May to September, daytime temperatures can soar to over 50°C, with little to no rainfall. Winters (November to March) are mild and pleasant, with occasional rain and temperatures ranging between 8°C and 20°C. Sandstorms are also common, especially during the transitional seasons.
Time Zone:
Kuwait is 3 hours ahead of GMT (GMT +3), UTC +3 (Standard Time). Kuwait does not observe daylight saving time.
Currency:
The official currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), which is one of the highest-valued currencies globally. 1 Dinar is divided into 1,000 fils. International credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and currency exchange services are readily available across the country. Currency Converter
Business Hours:
The working week in Kuwait runs from Sunday to Thursday, with the weekend on Friday and Saturday. Government offices and most businesses operate from 8:00am to 2:00pm, though private companies may have extended or split-shift hours.
Electricity:
240 Volts, 50 Hz. The most common socket types are the British-style three-pin plug (Type G). Visitors from Europe or North America may need a plug adapter and/or voltage converter.
Dress:
Kuwait is a conservative country, and modest dress is advised, particularly in public and government areas. While Western-style clothing is acceptable, both men and women should avoid revealing attire. Lightweight clothing is suitable for most of the year, with a jacket or sweater needed during cooler winter evenings.
Language:
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in business, education, and healthcare.
