Kuwait — just like most of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — is home to a great number of expats. In fact, as much as 70% of the Kuwaiti population was born elsewhere.
It’s easy to see how alcohol laws in Kuwait can be confusing for foreign nationals, especially when they are originally from outside the Gulf. All the more when they don’t hold a Kuwaiti passport and are planning to stay in the country short-time thanks to a temporary Kuwait visa.
It’s usually understood that alcohol in Kuwait is frowned upon and heavily restricted, but expats are not always sure to what extent.
This article will go on clearing some doubts that foreign visitors may have about Kuwait and alcohol, including:
- Is alcohol allowed in Kuwait?
- Can you buy alcohol in Kuwait? Can you consume it while inside the country?
Can You Drink Alcohol in Kuwait?
In many countries of the Gulf and the Middle East in general, the purchase of alcoholic beverages is limited but personal use is mostly considered a choice to be left to individuals. That’s why foreigners are surprised to hear that alcohol is banned entirely in Kuwait.
This doesn’t mean that drinking alcohol in private in Kuwait may result in incarceration once brought to the police’s attention. Private consumption of alcohol is not punished with jail time, but with a fine of up to KD100.
Drinking Alcohol in Public in Kuwait
Drinking alcohol publicly is an entirely different matter in Kuwait. Under the right circumstances, bringing and consuming alcohol in public may result in up to 6 months in jail and/ or a fine of up to KD50. Here are a few examples of people who may be prosecuted for this crime:
- Anyone bringing and drinking alcohol in a public place
- Anyone bringing and drinking alcohol in a place where they can be seen by others — this includes both public spaces and private clubs
- Anyone bringing intoxicating beverages to a public place for someone else to drink
- Anyone found drunk by the authorities
It’s easy to see why Kuwait alcohol laws are considered among the most restrictive in the world. It’s strongly advisable to avoid public drinking and alcohol possession under all circumstances, from clubbing to dining to road trips — yes, drinking alcohol in a car is illegal for passengers too.
Having a criminal record may affect one’s job prospects, not to mention the repercussions it may have on potential Kuwait visa applications going forward.
Can You Buy Alcohol in Kuwait?
As it may be clear by now, alcohol is simply not allowed in Kuwait. Some of the toughest Kuwaiti alcohol regulations concern importing and selling alcohol.
Bringing, importing, and manufacturing alcoholic and/or intoxicating beverages for trading purposes in Kuwait may be punished with a period of up to 10 years in jail. That’s why no law-abiding establishment will sell alcoholic drinks to their patrons — not even international hotels and cafes popular among the expat community.
Foreign citizens and anyone wondering where to buy alcohol in Kuwait should, therefore, consider that by purchasing intoxicating beverages, they will be supporting an illegal trade and related activities.
If penalties for buyers are lighter than those designed for sellers who deal with contraband merchandise, it’s still strongly advisable to avoid purchasing illegal goods such as alcohol and opt instead for non-alcoholic beverages such as virgin cocktails, fruit juices, alcohol-free wine, and beer.
