Traveling to Kuwait for business exposes international visitors to a different culture. In order to negotiate and make deals successfully, it is useful to understand Kuwaiti business customs and the country’s society.
Doing business in Kuwait can be very lucrative. The tiny state, located in the Persian Gulf, is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, largely due to the oil industry.
It is important for international business people to understand and respect how Kuwaiti companies operate, the influence of religion and tradition on business proceedings, and how professionals are expected to present themselves and behave.
How to Do Business in Kuwait
Kuwait is an Arab country and the business culture reflects this in its traditional values. While not as conservative as some of its neighboring countries, Islam has a large influence over Kuwaiti society, including business.
It is a good idea for internationals doing business in Kuwait to familiarize themselves with Islamic practices and Arab culture.
Doing so will enable them to make a good impression and foster good business relationships with their Kuwaiti counterparts.
It is also useful to know that business negotiations and decision-making in Kuwait can take a long time.
It is considered rude to get straight to business and the start of meetings is usually dominated by small talk and getting to know each other. This helps to build trust.
The Role of Islam on Business in Kuwait
Religion has an influence on all aspects of life in Kuwait.
Foreign business people should be aware that Muslims pray 5 times a day and business meetings should be organized around these times.
Business hours are reduced during Ramadan and as such, this is not a good time for important meetings or negotiations.
Gender equality is greater than in some of the neighboring countries, with women having a greater degree of freedom. However, senior positions in business are still male-dominated.
Greetings are generally made between members of the same sex and men and women may dine separately.
What Language Do They Speak in Kuwait for Business?
The official language of Kuwait is Arabic and this also the primary language used for business among Kuwaiti companies.
English is also widely spoken in business circles, especially with representatives of international companies.
However, official documents and contracts will be written in Arabic and, while English translations may be provided, the copy in Arabic will be the official version.
For the most part, English speakers should have no trouble communicating with Kuwaiti associates. However, being able to speak some Arabic is beneficial and will help international business people to build good relationships with their counterparts in Kuwait.
How to Greet a Business Associate in Kuwait
Kuwaiti men typically greet each other in a business setting by shaking hands and foreign nationals conducting business in the country should do the same.
However, as a rule, Muslim women in Kuwait do not make physical contact with men they are unfamiliar with. Men greeting Muslim businesswomen should wait for them to extend their hands.
Titles are important and first names should not be used unless expressly invited to. In other cases, honorifics, such as “Mr” and “Mrs”, or academic or political titles should be used.
How to Dress for Business in Kuwait
Business people in Kuwait dress very conservatively. When doing business in Kuwait, it is advisable to dress as follows.
Men:
- Lightweight, good quality suit
- Tie
- Smart shoes
Women:
- Conservative, formal clothing
- Skirts that cover the knee
- Shirts or blouses that fasten at the neck and cover the elbow
Foreign women doing business in Kuwait are not expected to wear a hijab or abaya, but it is advisable to avoid tight-fitting or revealing clothing in order not to cause offense.
Learn more about the dress code in Kuwait for business and tourism.
Should You Give Gifts to Business Associates in Kuwait?
Business people in Kuwait do not necessarily expect gift-giving at meetings, but gifts are always very much appreciated. They are usually opened in private after the meeting.
Gifts should not contain alcohol or pork products due to the Islamic nature of the country.
Business Hours in Kuwait
The Kuwaiti work week runs Sunday to Thursday, rather than Monday to Friday as in Western countries. Friday is a day of rest and scheduling business meetings for this day is not advisable.
Standard business hours in Kuwait are from 8.30 am to 6 pm. There is usually a long lunch break within this time.
During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, business hours are shorter, so it is recommended that international business people avoid conducting important business in Kuwait at this time of year.
Guidelines to Business in Kuwait
When doing business in Kuwait, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Have business cards printed in English and Arabic and give them to all your business associates with the right hand
- Always show respect and patience
- Do not rush business meetings or use pressure tactics. Negotiations and decision-making in Kuwait are slow-paced affairs
- Get to know your associates—in Kuwait, business meetings are an event where socializing and small talk are key to building trust and a good business relationship
- Dress conservatively
- Do not lose patience with the pace of negotiations or interruptions to meetings
- Do not arrange business meetings on a Friday
- Do not give alcohol or pork products as a gift to Muslim associates
Arriving in Kuwait on Business
In order to enter the Gulf state, foreign nationals must apply for the relevant Kuwait visa.
International travelers who intend to conduct business in the country must obtain a Kuwait visit visa for business.
In order to obtain this, the applicant must have a Kuwaiti sponsor. This is usually a company based in Kuwait or a Kuwaiti business person who has provided an invitation.
