Culture of Kuwait
Languages: Arabic
(official), English
Ethnicity/Race:
Kuwait 45%, Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%
Religions: Islam 85% (Sunni 70%,
Shiite 30%); Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%
The Kuwaiti culture is quite unique and well known
for its hospitality and generosity. The Kuwaiti culture, just like many other
Arab cultures, takes great pride in hospitality.
Greeting
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 women. But it is common for
women and men to kiss cheeks if they are related to one another. It is
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. 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 Kuwait 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.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle of Kuwait’s
society must be understood within a framework of Muslim religion, Arabic
tradition and local customs. The typical, large Kuwaiti family sitting together
for a meal is the preferred way to dine. It is a time to relax and enjoy the
food with the family, but if a guest joins in, he or she is warmly welcomed.
Gatherings and lunches with the extended family and friends are a regular
affair. The men of the family and neighborhood socialize in the diwaniyas just as their forefathers did. Food plays a large
part in the lifestyle and culture of Kuwait. The traditional food of Kuwait
known as “Machboos” consists mainly of mutton, chicked, or fish placed over or mixed in a large mass of
well-cooked and prepared rice, closely resembling the Indian/Pakistani 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.
Diwaniya
Diwaniyas are a meeting place for men, where topics such as
politics, business, the stock exchange etc. are discussed. It is also a way of
staying in touch with friends, exchanging ideas and keeping relationships alive
in today’s fast paced life. Diwaniya is normally a
large reception room within or outside the main house, with all facilities to
make family or friends comfortable including tea and
snacks. The diwaniyas are a barometre
of public opinion, a unique institution that has existed throughout the history
of Kuwait.
