Being a foreigner, I often get asked how I like it living here or if I prefer Kuwait to my homeland. Like, very often. Especially from people who are new to Kuwait and are just trying to figure things out. I get that it can be a huge culture shock. Matter of fact, when I first came here at 9 years old I remember getting freaked out by women in Abayas at the airport and thinking that it was silly that men wore "dresses". Even now that I'm older and have spent more than a decade here, I still learn new things, but you get used to everything and it doesn't seem like a big deal after a while.
HOW HOT IS IT?
First off, let me just address the weather. It is hot. Boiling 50 degrees C hot. But only for around 4 months and there's air conditioning everywhere. Seriously. Not. A. Big. Deal. Unless you are someone who is forced to be outside for long periods of time in that climate (bless those peoples' hearts), you'll be fine. Either way, almost every foreigner I know leaves the country during those months. Do it. Book your vacation for June/July and come back when things are still bad, but not too bad. And it does cool down. October, November and December are lovely. January and February can be pretty cold due to the desert winds, but that soon starts warming up gradually.
HOW CAN I HAVE FUN?
Finding things to do here can be a pain if you don't know the surroundings. Obviously. I'm sure if you've been here for more than a week you know that Kuwait has a load of malls- use them to your advantage. Shop. Eat. Catch a movie. People-watch at a cafe (but don't stare- that's rude. More on that in a bit.) Go bowling. Hit up an arcade. But there are plenty of things to do outside of a mall. Go to a spa, be it in a hotel or a smaller salon (just google Kuwait spas. A hundred things will pop up). Join a gym. Go for walks when the weather allows it (I love the Mishref pedestrian way). Go to the beach. Visit the art galleries and museums. Go to the Scientific Center. Go paintbowling. Go karting (Pro-Kart is good). Blow off some steam at the shooting range. Go on top of the Kuwait Towers and have a look at K-town from above. Go on a trip to either Failaka or Kubbar islands. Visit the Grand Mosque. Rent a jet ski and have a ball. Have a stroll and then lunch at Al Mubarakiya (lovely old market). Gather up a couple of friends and rent a Chalet for the weekend. Or if you feel like being a jet setter, head over to the neighboring Emirates, Bahrain or Oman if you have a couple days off.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Clothing in the Middle East differs from everywhere in the world. Locals have their own traditional garments that they wear, or don't, but foreigners are expected to dress modestly and not show too much skin (especially women, but I doubt men would choose to walk around the Avenues in a strapless top). These are the general rules. Be covered from your shoulders to your knees. Modesty is the key word. Nobody is expecting you to wear a Burka, just be smart in how you dress. Nowadays people stretch that general rule and don't care much about what they put on, or how much of it. I've seen it, everyone else has seen it. And it isn't only foreigners who do it, it's also Arabs and the locals. However, I think that if you're in a country you should expect its laws and traditions, plain and simple. If others don't give a damn, you should. Plus you wouldn't want to attract even more attention than I'm sure your pretty self already does.
WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING AT?
Remember that thing I said about staring? You'll experience it. A lot of it. Whether you're white, black, brown, purple or green, people here stare. Everyone is really nice and nobody bothers anyone, but people just like to look. Wandering eyes, I suppose. That's just how it is, and you just need to get used to it. Back in the day it used to irritate me (okay it still does), and I used to make it clear that I didn't appreciate it. Now I just brush it off because I have things of my own to stare at. Shoes. And sparkly earrings. And the bag section at Harvey Nichols.
HOW DO I GET PLACES?
Getting around in Kuwait is easy if you're new. There are a million cabs on the streets and the orange Jawal ones are fairly cheap. You can also negotiate the price with them and if you don't like it, go get another one. If you really like the guy you could ask if he'd be interested in giving you his number (not like that, silly) if you're ever in a situation where you can't find any. Get a few numbers and make them your regular means of transport. One more thing. People here drive very fast, so if that is something you're scared of, just be prepared to see cars zooming past you.
WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO?
Alcohol is a no-no. It is illegal to bring it into the country, make it, or consume it. Same goes with pork and drugs. PDA (public displays of affection) between members of the opposite sex is not tolerated, and if you take it too far, it can get you in trouble. Holding hands is as far as you should take it. Be careful when taking pictures. The locals generally would not appreciate it if you took their photograph so while snapping pictures make sure there aren't many people in the frame. Offensive language, improper gestures and starting fights in public all can get you in serious trouble, so you should avoid those at all costs. Kuwait is also very proud of its Islamic background, and any disrespectful comments against Islam is very frowned upon.
YOU NEED TO MAKE FRIENDS
Most people come into the country for jobs, and that is a great place to make friends. Kuwait is one of those places where everybody knows everybody, so pretty soon your friends will be introducing you to a ton of people. You need those connections, or else you'll go crazy alone. Befriend the locals, befriend the foreigners, but don't shut yourself out. One of the most important things to do when moving to another country is finding people you can have a good time with, and Kuwait is wonderful because of all the different people that live here. It's a melting pot like you've never seen before, and you will love meeting people from all walks of life here.
For 10 more tips, check out Jamie Etheridge's article in the Kuwait Times. Click here.
I hope you all enjoy your stay in Kuwait whether it's for a day or the next 10 years. If you have any other general questions about Kuwait, post them in the comments. Even if it's on where to go for dinner. I'd love to help out!
Oh, and welcome to Kuwait.
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