| |
 Kuwait |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Area: 17,800sq km
(7000sq
mi) |
|
| |
Population: 2.2
million |
|
| |
Work Force: 1.5
million
(68% of the population in the 15-64
age group is non-national (July 1998 est.) |
|
| |
Capital:
Kuwait City |
|
| |
Head of State:
The Emir,
Sheikh Jabir al-Sabah |
|
| |
Currency:
Kuwaiti Dinars (approx dinar 0.3075=US$1) |
|
| |
Local Time:
GMT + 3
hours |
|
| |
|
Religion:
Muslim 85%
(Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other
15% |
|
|
|
| |
Climate: In the summer (April to
September) Kuwait is very hot. The winter months
can be pleasant, with some of the region's coolest
weather. Sandstorms are common throughout the year
but are particularly common in spring.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Geography
Kuwait
sits at the north-western tip of the Persian Gulf,
bordered to the north and west by Iraq and to the south
by Saudi Arabia. To the southeast lies the Persian Gulf,
where Kuwait has sovereignty over nine small islands
(the largest is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka).
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Language
Arabic,
but English is widely understood, especially in commerce
and industry. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Business
Hours
Government: 7.30am-13.30pm
Private Sector: 8.30am-12.30pm (Sat-Thurs),
4.30pm-8pm (Sat-Wed)
Banking Hours: 8.00am-12noon
(Sat-Thurs) Some banks open in the afternoon or evenings
The normal
business working week in Kuwait is Saturday to Wednesday
and half day on Thursday. Hours will change during
Ramadan.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Visa
Requirements
Everyone except nationals of other Gulf States
needs a visa to enter Kuwait. Kuwait does not
issue tourist visas; all other nationals are
subject to strict rules of entry and registration
as foreigners under the sponsorship of Kuwaitis,
Kuwait companies or as dependents of foreigners
under who already enjoy residence under Kuwait
sponsorship. Large hotels however can sponsor
visas. If your passport contains an Israeli stamp,
you will be refused entry to Kuwait. It should
also be noted that international airline have been
instructed by the Kuwaiti authorities not to board
passengers for Kuwait unless they have valid visas
or entry permits
To
live permanently in Kuwait, expatriates other than
GCC citizens must have a residence permit. The
three main types are work visas, domestic and
dependent visas, all of which require a sponsor.
To obtain residence with a work visa, an offer of
employment must first be accepted and a work
permit issued. Work permits are applied for by the
Kuwaiti employer from the Ministry of Social
Affairs & Labour.
We
strongly recommend all visa regulations are
checked with the Kuwaiti consulate in your country
prior to travel to Kuwait. Visa regulations are
subject to change and the above only serve as a
guide.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Local Laws &
Customs
Kuwait is a Muslim state and Islamic
customs, in public, are strictly observed.
Most Kuwaitis wear the national
dress of long white dish dashes and white head cloths, and
many women wear yashmaks. It is important for women to
dress modestly according to Islamic law. Men should not
wear shorts in public and should not go shirtless. All
other Islamic rules and customs must be respected. Men
are expected to wear suits and ties for business and
formal social occasions.
Convicted
users of narcotics can expect to receive a sentence of
up to five years imprisonment, plus a heavy fine.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Driving Licenses
If you
hold a driving license and residence permit from another
Gulf country, you can drive in Kuwait without any
further paperwork. Otherwise you can drive on an
International Driving Permit or a local license from any
western country, but you'll also be required to purchase
insurance. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Useful links for further
information on Kuwait |
|
| |
|
www.lonelyplanet.com |
A short and concise overview
of Kuwait for the first time
visitor. |
|
www.cia.gov/cia/ |
The CIA World Fact book
provides in depth facts and figures on all aspects
of Kuwait. |
|
www.kuwaitiah.net |
An excellent Kuwait portal
covering all aspects of Kuwait. Particularly
helpful section on visa regulations.
|
|
www.ameinfo.com |
Middle East Business Portal.
Contains country profile of Oman but information
appears to be largely taken from the CIA Fact book
mentioned above. |
|
www.zawya.com |
Informative Middle East
Business Portal with links to country specific
news. |
|
www.alwatan.com.kw |
Arabic language daily newspaper in Kuwait. |
|
www.alqabas.gulfpark.com |
Arabic language daily
newspaper in Kuwait. |
|
www.kuwaittimes.net |
English language daily newspaper in Kuwait. |
|
www.news.bbc.co.uk |
The BBC provide good quality
profiles on a range of countries including Kuwait.
Good general background information on Kuwait with
emphasis on media within the country (television,
Radio, Newspapers, Internet use). |
|
|
| |
|
|
Bahrain