Kuwait

Women play a greater role in Kuwaiti society then women do in many other Gulf countries, although they seldom socialize together in public.

Kuwaitis use food to convey the spirit of hospitality and generosity. Food is presented in abundance and variety. No single food expresses this spirit more than Arabic coffee. The ornate coffeepot is ever present. Coffee is offered in the Diwaniya, served in small, delicate cups. To show proper appreciation of a meal, one must eat mightily.

Kuwaitis often sprinkle their language with references to Allah. Common terms used include: Al-hamdu-lilah, All Praise is due to Allah, In Sha-Allah, Allah Willing and Subhan-Allah, Glory be to Allah. Although women play a greater role in Kuwaiti society then women do in many other Gulf countries, they seldom socialize together in public. Greetings are therefore between members of the same sex. In all cases they are given with a sense of enthusiasm and general pleasure at meeting or seeing the person again.

Kuwaitis take time during the greeting process to converse about their health, family, mutual friends and acquaintances, and other general matters of interest.

Titles are important. Use the honorific "Mister" and any academic or political title and the first name when addressing people. The title "Sheikh" denotes that someone is a member of the royal family. It is also used for old men.

Touching noses together three times is an old Bedouin greeting. Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest after shaking hands with another man can mean "no thank you" and shows respect. It is often used in refusing food, in which case the heart is patted several times. A slight bow of the head may be added.

Touching the fingertips of your right hand to your forehead while bowing the head slightly show deep respect. Placing the right hand or forefinger on the tip of the nose, right lower eyelid, top of the head, mustache or beard means "it's my responsibility", or "I'll do it for you".

Putting a right hand out, palm down, with fingers brought toward oneself repeatedly is the sign for "come here". Hitting the right fist into the open palm of the left hand indicates obscenity or contempt.

A quick snap of the head upwards, with an accompanying click of the tongue, is an expression of doubting the accuracy of what another has said or is a general sign of disapproval.

Stroking the mustache in connection with an oath or promise indicates sincerity. Making the "A-OK" sign as in the western culture means the “evil eye” and is used with curses. Pointing the index finger at someone, or beckoning with it shows contempt for the person being pointed at, as if they were an animal.

Kuwaitis spend much of their free time socializing with family members and friends. Diwaniya is a place separate from the main house that is usually used by men for socializing. Diwaniya is known throughout the Arabian Peninsula. It continues to be significant in the lives of most Kuwaitis. Diwaniya sessions occur regularly, usually weekly. The atmosphere in the Diwaniya is reminiscent of late night relaxing in a desert tent, and resembles a social club.

Visitors are offered refreshments. They engage in discussions of politics and life, or enjoy various forms of entertainment, such as watching television and videos, playing cards, discussing family and neighborhood affairs, or simply sitting in friendly silence.

Meals are generally served family-style. Guests are served first. Then the oldest, continuing in some rough approximation of age order until the youngest is served. Honored guests are often offered the most prized pieces or delicacies such as the sheep's head.

In urban areas Western style clothing is becoming popular with the young people. However many Kuwaitis still wear traditional Arab clothing. This includes the "dishdasha" (ankle length robe) and ghutra (head scarf). Women are veiled according to Islamic law.

In Kuwaiti homes, foods from other Arab countries are commonly prepared. Favorites are dolma, rolled vine leaves stuffed with flavored rice and meat, hummus, a ground chickpea mix, and tabbouleh, chopped parsley, tomato, onion and bulgur wheat. In addition, western style fast food is now easily available. It is especially popular among young Kuwaitis.

Kuwaitis usually eat a light breakfast. Their main meal of the day, lunch, consists of many different dishes presented at once to allow individual choice. Dessert is usually a variety of fruits or prepared sweets. Common drinks consumed with the meal are water, soft drinks and leban or diluted yogurt. Tea or coffee are served in a sitting room after the meal. Dinner is a small meal.

Traditionally, Bedouin Arabs sat on the floor, eating from a communal platter using the fingers of the right hand. Most Kuwaiti homes have both western-style dining tables as well as traditional dining facilities. Many Kuwaitis still prefer to eat sitting at a low table, but are more likely to use individual plates, cutlery and napkins.

Kuwaitis abstain from pork or alcohol as Muslims are forbidden to consume such foods. Religious Kuwaitis are particularly attentive to these prohibitions and will not consume any prepared foods that contain pork by-products such as lard or pepsin. In addition, some of the more religious Kuwaitis will only eat meat and chicken that is slaughtered according to Islamic ritual practices. Meat of this type is called Halal.

In Kuwaiti homes, foods from other Arab countries are commonly prepared. Favorites are dolma, rolled vine leaves stuffed with flavored rice and meat, hummus, a ground chickpea mix, and tabbouleh, chopped parsley, tomato, onion and bulgur wheat. In addition, western style fast food is now easily available. It is especially popular among young Kuwaitis.

Kuwaitis usually eat a light breakfast. Their main meal of the day, lunch, consists of many different dishes presented at once to allow individual choice. Dessert is usually a variety of fruits or prepared sweets. Common drinks consumed with the meal are water, soft drinks and leban or diluted yogurt. Tea or coffee are served in a sitting room after the meal. Dinner is a small meal.

Traditionally, Bedouin Arabs sat on the floor, eating from a communal platter using the fingers of the right hand. Most Kuwaiti homes have both western-style dining tables as well as traditional dining facilities. Many Kuwaitis still prefer to eat sitting at a low table, but are more likely to use individual plates, cutlery and napkins.

Kuwaitis abstain from pork or alcohol as Muslims are forbidden to consume such foods. Religious Kuwaitis are particularly attentive to these prohibitions and will not consume any prepared foods that contain pork by-products such as lard or pepsin. In addition, some of the more religious Kuwaitis will only eat meat and chicken that is slaughtered according to Islamic ritual practices. Meat of this type is called Halal.

Family Names: The first name is the personal name The second name is the father’s personal name. It is used with the connector “al- ”. The third and fourth names are the grandfather’s personal name and a name that denotes the family lineage. Both names generally start with the prefix “al-”.

Kuwaiti families average three to five children. The care of children is the primary responsibility of mothers supported by other women from the extended family. Many wealthy families also use nannies and other servants.

Families are broken into small family units, who live in separate homes. Related families tend to cluster near each other. Social relations and family obligations are conducted and expressed through the extended family. Parents usually reside with one or more of their children.

Modernization has led to greater flexibility in gender roles and family relations. Marriage outside the extended family is more common now, although parental consent remains vital. Women have the opportunity to work outside the home and segregation within the home and extended family is diminishing.

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport. People on the coast enjoy swimming in pools (jellyfish are a concern in the Persian Gulf) , wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving and yachting. In addition they enjoy horse racing and falconry.