Culture of Kuwait

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The Kuwaiti culture is quite a unique one, well known for its hospitality and generosity.

Contents 1 Hospitality 1.1 Greeting 1.2 Tea and Coffee 1.3 Food 2 Diwaniah 3 See also

[edit] Hospitality

The Kuwaiti culture, just like many other Arab cultures, takes great pride in hospitality.

[edit] Greeting

Kuwaitis traditionally greet each other by shaking hands and kissing cheeks. Traditionally men and women do not exchange more than a few words and possibly a handshake to greet each other in order to respect the privacy of the woman. However, it is common for women and men to kiss cheeks if they are related to one another. It is also customary for people greeting each other to ask a long series of questions such as asking about one's health, that of their relatives, their jobs, etc. in order to relax the other person and give a sense of intimacy.

[edit] Tea and Coffee

Hospitality in Kuwait is often portrayed through the serving of tea and coffee. It is very uncommon for a guest to enter a house, office, or even some stores without being offered tea or coffee. In Kuwaiti bedouin custom, a guest's refusal of tea, coffee, or such offerings is sometimes viewed as insulting by the host, as it is as if the guest is denying the host's efforts of being hospitable.

[edit] Food

Food plays a large part in Kuwaiti culture. The traditional food of Kuwait known as "Machboos" consists mainly of mutton, chicken, or fish placed over or mixed in a large mess of well-cooked and prepared rice, closely resembling the Indian biryani. Curries and sides also complement the dish which is traditionally eaten using bare hands even though many choose to use western utensils. Food is almost always prepared and served in large amounts and it is extremely common for households to invite guests over to share meals.

[edit] Diwaniah

Diwaniah is a unique institution in Kuwait's culture which is seen in all countries in the Gulf region. Diwaniah's are a gathering place for males (usually takes place in the evenings, once or twice or even thrice per week, and sometimes even every night), where Kuwaiti men sit together in comfortable couches and discuss any possible matters, be it political, social, economical, local or international. Diwaniahs can be called a symbol and proof of Kuwait's democracy where people are free to discuss whatever they like without fear of persecution. Usually tea is served and sometimes snacks are provided by the host. Women also tend to host private diwaniahs at times, however they are not often as widespread and do not mix with male diwaniahs.

Some prominent merchants or MPs announce their diwaniah timings with the addresses in the newspapers, so that members of the public can come and visit them.

[edit] See also

• Music of Kuwait