Kuwait Towers.
We’ve been doing a lot of international speaking lately, including in the US, England and the Caribbean (I know, it’s tough to be us). In fact, when we speak in Prague in September, it will be country number 25 we’ve done work in.
Number 26 will be Kuwait, where we’re doing 3 workshops on October 3rd and 4th. However, we’ve never spoken in the Middle East, so we could really use your help. Do you know the region? What are some dos and don’ts for business speaking in Kuwait? What would be something, the audience would really appreciate?
Any other considerations or cultural norms/expectations we should be aware of?
Thanks :o)
I am a German kinesiologist living in Saudi-Arabia for 30 years now. I always lived anong and worked with Arabs, so I got to know the culture. I am happy to share some of my perceptions and you are welcome to email me for more details.
Hi Alexander,
Check this site out when you are traveling to a new country. You can obviously change the country to almost anywhere:
http://geert-hofstede.com/kuwait.html
Have a great trip,
Charlotte
Dear Alexander
I have been on Kuwait the past year as a GM for a local FMCG company. I would be more than glad to give you a few d&d’s.
Only here for a year means, I think, that I have all the “new commer” issues at top of mind.
Write me and we will take it from there.
Br.
Kim
Hi Alexander
Been in Kuwait…for the better half of my life and know the region well.
its a moderate Islamic society… hence do a little reading to understand the religion – culture. English is widely spoken. Items prohibited based on Islamic teachings include Alcohol, pork etc…
Do not speak against the ruler ‘Emir’ or the religion, which will invite imprisonment.
There is a health work culture, which again depends on the field and company. By and large one leads a straight forward life, without too many surprises and enables you to lead a balanced life.
definitely recommend that you pick up a few ‘Arabic’ greetings/ salutations if your audience is predominantly Arab. However, the population at large is a global melting pot from different corners of the world.
The weather in Kuwait during October should be pleasant. Kuwait has a beautiful coastline with calm gulf waters.
All the best.
Denzil