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Business etiquette, language & culture
Overview
The weekend is Friday and Saturday in Kuwait.
The official language of Kuwait is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. However, all official correspondence with government ministries and bodies must be in Arabic.
All contracts are written in Arabic. If there is both an English and Arabic version, the Arabic will be the one followed.
Initial contacts with a Kuwaiti firm may be conducted with an expatriate or a non-Kuwaiti Arab, or a trusted Indian or Pakistani office manager. In most Kuwaiti companies, you will have to work your way up before meeting a decision-maker. Displays of impatience will reach senior management.
Aggressive, hard sell methods do not appeal to Kuwaitis. Patience, small talk, low-key presentation with video, product samples and attractive company brochures are an essential part of business behaviour.
Kuwait is a Muslim country. You should respect and be aware of local traditions and sensitivities and always behave and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites.
Kuwait public holidays
2018
Date: |
Holiday details: |
Wednesday 16th May |
Ramadan begins |
Friday 15th June |
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
Sunday 17th June |
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
Tuesday 21st August |
Arafat Day |
Wednesday 22nd August |
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) begins |
Friday 24th August |
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) ends |
Wednesday 12th September |
Muharram/Islamic New Year |
Wednesday 21st November |
Milad un Nabi (The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) |
2019
Date: |
Holiday details: |
Tuesday 1st January |
New Year’s Day |
Monday 25th February |
National Day Kuwait |
Tuesday 26th February |
Liberation Day Kuwait |
Wednesday 3rd April |
The Prophet’s Ascension |
Sunday 5th May |
Ramadan begins |
Tuesday 4th June |
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
Thursday 6th June |
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
Saturday 10th August |
Arafat Day |
Sunday 11th August |
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) begins |
Saturday 31st August |
Muharram/Islamic New Year |
Saturday 9th November |
Milad un Nabi (The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) |
(NB some dates subject to change)
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