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Food & Drink
There is a wide variety of restaurants serving a good choice of international and Arab cuisine, prices are reasonable. Classic middle eastern food includes hummus, falafel and foul. Everything is eaten with aish (which is Arabic flat bread).
Alcohol is completely prohibited in Kuwait.
Nightlife
There are several cinemas in Kuwait City which show recent films. There are also 2 theatres which often put on very good amateur productions.
Shopping
Various large shopping complexes have recently been built. The Souk Sharp Complex is an extensive centre near the waterfront in Kuwait City, and contains some Western chain stores as well as Kuwaiti shops.
Alternative centres include the Al-Fanar Shopping Centre and the Leila Gallery. Boutiques and small general stores in Kuwait City sell all the basic and most luxury goods.
The shopping hours are from Saturday to Thursday from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm, Fridays from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the traditional form of greeting. It is quite likely that a visitor will be invited to a Kuwaiti’s home, however entertaining is also conducted in hotels and restaurants. A small gift promoting the company, or representing your own country, is always appreciated. Visitor will notice that most Kuwaitis wear the national dress of long white dishdashes and white headcloths, and that many women wear yashmaks.
It is important for women to dress modestly due to Islamic law. Men do not usually wear shorts in public and should not go shirtless. It is polite to respect all other Islamic rules and customs.
Restrictions
Convicted users of narcotics can expect to receive a sentence of up to 5 years’ imprisonment, plus a heavy fine. ‘No Smoking’ signs are posted in many shops and should be obeyed. It is significantly appreciated if visitors learn at least a few words of Arabic.
Tipping
A service charge of 15 % is usually added to bills in hotels, restaurants and clubs. Otherwise 10 % is acceptable. |
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