Culture

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

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.

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, 1-3 times a 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.

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.

Music and Dance

Traditional Kuwaiti music was mostly performed by women in private, with some all-female bands performing for public celebrations (most women never sang or danced in public). Simple percussion instruments, like the small mirwas drums, and clapping were usually the only instruments used. The Bedouin are known for an instrument called the rubabah, while the oud, tanbarah (string instrument) and habban (bagpipe) are also widespread

Wedding songs include the Al-Fann, performed by percussionists and singers, all female, who also dance the Al-Khamary (individually). Al-Sameri was another kind of wedding dance.

Al-Fareesa was a dance performed on certain national and religious holiday by women disguised as men. The dance acts out a battle between a horseman and two attackers. Other traditional dances include the men's sword dance ardah, accompanied by drums and tambourines, and the women's khamari, tanboura, fraisah, zifan and samiri dances.