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10 Expat Tips For Life in Kuwait

Icon User By Jenna Jolie | Update on: Dec 24, 2025

10 Expat Tips You Might Not Know About Life in Kuwait

Kuwait is a fascinating country located on the Arabian Gulf, offering a unique experience for expats. Whether you are new to expat life in Kuwait or have been here for a while, there are some aspects of life in Kuwait that may surprise you. As someone who has spent most of their life at Kuwait, here are some insights into Kuwait expat life that you might not know:

Experience life in Kuwait: culture, work, lifestyle, and more

Experience life in Kuwait: culture, work, lifestyle, and more

1. Gas is cheaper than water.

One of the most surprising facts about life in Kuwait is that fuel costs almost nothing. Unlike other countries where people constantly complain about gas prices, here, it’s not even discussed. However, the price of water is a different story altogether.

2. The makeup scene.

Oh, the makeup! Women here go all out, even in broad daylight. Kuwait lifestyle includes dressing up for even the simplest errands. It’s common to see university students wearing stilettos and full glam makeup. Lifestyle in Kuwait revolves around making an impression, no matter the occasion.

3. Diverse nationalities.

Kuwaitis make up only about a third of the population. In Kuwait expat life, you’ll meet people of diverse backgrounds—half Kuwaiti, half American, Iranian, Palestinian, Polish, Filipino, Russian, British, and more. The mix of cultures makes living in Kuwait a truly international experience.

4. Weddings are extravagant.

Weddings here are usually gender-segregated, allowing women to dress up extravagantly. Once the groom enters, many women cover up instantly. What is Kuwait like in terms of celebrations? It’s all about luxury and tradition blended together.

5. Trend-obsessed society.

Kuwaitis are known across the Arab world for their obsession with trends. One of the more peculiar ones was the "Coneheaded Hijab," rumored to be supported by flowered clips or even toilet paper rolls. Kuwait life style is about staying ahead of the latest fads.

6. Fighting over the bill.

People fight over who picks up the bill, arguments that usually feature shouts of “Haram!” and “My seeeeer!” (Which basically means, “You can’t do that!”) Once I went to the grocery store with relatives, and they refused to leave unless I let them pay. (I can’t drive. I had no choice.). It’s all part of the generous and hospitable lifestyle in Kuwait.

7. Kim Kardashian is everywhere.

In Kuwait expat life, one surprising obsession is Kim Kardashian. From teenagers to older women, many people keep up with her show, even if they don’t understand English.

8. Driving is chaotic.

If you ask any expat about life in Kuwait, they’ll likely mention the traffic. The driving test is considered more of a formality than an actual test of skill. People get their licenses with little effort, leading to reckless driving and frequent near-misses.

9. It’s a small world.

I started college this year (there’s one public university, and attendance is not only free, but those who get accepted are paid), and I’ve met so many people I’m connected to in odd ways. I met a girl who was born the same year as me while our families were in the same apartment building. I met the friends of a friend of a friend of mine who is currently in Britain. Another girl and I managed to identify a basketball player we both knew based solely on naming players who are hot and wear sweat bands. Living in Kuwait means experiencing a tight-knit community, whether you like it or not.

10. Prices are interesting.

If you think you’re paying too much for a falafel sandwich in the U.S., you probably are. Here, the standard price is less than 50 cents. Life at Kuwait may be expensive in some ways, but when it comes to local food, it can be surprisingly affordable.

FAQs for Expat Tips You Might Not Know About Life in Kuwait

Why are food prices in Kuwait considered surprisingly affordable?

The prices of food in Kuwait can be said to be surprisingly affordable due to a combination of government aid, an effective importation regime, and an effective economy. Most of the basic food products are subsidized by the Kuwaiti government, including rice, bread, sugar, and cooking oil, particularly for citizens, hence maintaining low prices of everyday products and stability.

The other reason is the advanced Kuwait infrastructure in terms of logistics and imports. As a majority of food is imported, Kuwait has made an incredible investment in the modern ports, storage, and supply chains to enable the products to arrive fast and in large numbers. This is efficient in terms of lowering the transportation expenses and avoiding shortages that may push prices high.

Additionally, intense competition among supermarkets, co-op societies, and international food brands keeps prices reasonable. Buyers have a choice between local products, which are less expensive, and imported products, which are also less expensive. Consequently, both residents and visitors also tend to discover that the cost of eating in Kuwait is cheaper than expected for a high-income country.

How can understanding these cultural tips help expats adjust to life in Kuwait?

Cultural tips can be of great help to expats who are settling in Kuwait. Learning the local customs, traditions, and social norms eases the everyday communication process and makes it more comfortable. You can prevent unintentional misunderstandings and demonstrate respect for the Kuwaiti culture by such simple aspects as dressing appropriately, respecting religious rituals, and gaining some knowledge about local etiquette (Keenan 2007, p. 75).

Cultural awareness further enables the expats to have a greater relationship in both the workplace and social life. Hospitality, family, and respect are also highly valued in Kuwait, and therefore, being aware of such values can enable you to have an easy time approaching the colleagues, neighbors, and locals. It also simplifies travelling around during public holidays and religious occasions, as well as during work expectations.

Most importantly, understanding cultural tips helps reduce culture shock. Expatriates will be less confused and overwhelmed and will feel more prepared instead. This helps provide a more pleasant living experience, and the newcomers can experience the richness of Kuwait within a shorter period of time and feel at home.

What challenges do expats commonly face when driving in Kuwait?

Driving in Kuwait can be convenient, but many expats face a few common challenges, especially during their first months in the country. Local driving behavior is one of the greatest challenges. Traffic regulations are there, yet road rage, abrupt maneuvering, and minimal indicator use may overwhelm the newcomer.

The other difficulty is heavy traffic during peak hours, especially in Kuwait City and on major highways such as the Fourth Ring Road. Expats also experience confusion with road signs, as there are road signs that are written in Arabic and not distinctly marked.

Weather plays a role, too. Extreme summer heat, dust storms, and low visibility may cause driving to be quite stressful, especially among those who are not accustomed to driving in the desert. Parking in busy spaces can also be restricted and hectic.

Despite these challenges, most expats adapt quickly. Staying calm, driving defensively, and learning local traffic habits can make driving in Kuwait much easier and safer over time.

What are some surprising facts expats should know about life in Kuwait?

There are positive surprises that life in Kuwait may have for the expats. An interesting fact is the safety and family-oriented nature of the country. There is a low rate of violent crime, and most of the neighborhoods are family-friendly. The other shock is the high work-life balance in most industries; working hours are shorter than those in Western countries, and more so during Ramadan.

The tax-free income earned in Kuwait is often very astonishing to the expats, and they find it easy to save much more compared to other countries. Simultaneously, Kuwait is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, as, on the one hand, you may find luxury malls and international brands, and on the other hand, there may be traditional souqs and mosques.

Social life may also surprise newcomers. Although Kuwait is a culturally conservative country, locals are usually friendly and hospitable in general, and the expat communities of expats are dynamic and diverse. Lastly, the public transport is not a big deal, but ride-hailing apps are inexpensive and popular, and daily life is not as complicated as some may assume.

How do women in Kuwait typically dress for everyday activities?

Kuwaiti women normally wear something that is modern and at the same time modest to their culture, particularly in their daily routine. Most of the Kuwaiti women in their day-to-day lives wear trendy but modest clothes like long dresses, loose trousers, sleeved sleeves, or abayas over their casual wear. Abaya is very popular in the outside world, such as malls, offices, and government buildings; however, it is frequently developed in contemporary cuts, colors, and materials.

Western-type clothes can be put on by younger women and expatriates, i.e., jeans, skirts, or dresses, but not too revealing. Shoulders and knees should mostly be covered, particularly in public and official places. Most women wear headscarves (hijabs), though they are not compulsory.

Overall, everyday fashion in Kuwait reflects personal style while respecting local customs, making it both elegant and practical for daily activities.

Final Thoughts on Life in Kuwait

For those considering expat life in Kuwait, knowing these cultural quirks will help you adjust more quickly. Kuwait life style is a mix of luxury, tradition, and modernity, making it a unique place to live. Whether you're wondering what is Kuwait like or already experiencing Kuwait expat life, there’s always something new to discover about life in Kuwait.

Culture & Lifestyle in Kuwait

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