Kuwait Social Profile
Food & Drink: There is a good choice of restaurants serving a wide choice of international and Arab cuisine, prices are reasonable. Typical middle-eastern food includes hummus, falafel and foul. Everything is eaten with aish (Arabic flat bread).
Alcohol is totally prohibited in Kuwait.
Nightlife: Several cinemas in Kuwait City show recent films. Two theatres often put on very good amateur productions.
Shopping: Numerous large shopping complexes have recently been built. The Souk Sharp Complex is an extensive centre near the waterfront in Kuwait City, and contains Western chain stores as well as Kuwaiti shops. Other centres include the Al-Fanar Shopping Centre and the Leila Gallery. Boutiques and small general stores in Kuwait City sell all the basic and most luxury goods. Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1630-2100, Fri 1530-2030.
Special Events: Major events celebrated are Muslim holidays, namely Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Rabi-ol-Avval (birthday of Mohammad), and Ghadir-é Khom (commemoration of the day the Prophet Mohammad appointed his successor).
Social Conventions: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. It is quite likely that a visitor will be invited to a Kuwaiti’s home, but entertaining is also conducted in hotels and restaurants. A small gift promoting the company, or representing your own country, is always welcome. The visitor will notice that most Kuwaitis wear the national dress of long white dishdashes and white headcloths, and that many women wear yashmaks. It is important for women to dress modestly according to Islamic law. Men do not usually wear shorts in public and should not go shirtless. All other Islamic rules and customs must be respected. Convicted users of narcotics can expect to receive a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment, plus a heavy fine. ‘No Smoking’ signs are posted in many shops. It is greatly appreciated if visitors learn at least a few words of Arabic. Tipping: A service charge of 15 per cent is usually added to bills in hotels, restaurants and clubs. Otherwise 10 per cent is acceptable.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Kuwait Sports and Activities
Kuwait Sports and Activities
Swimming, sailing and scuba diving are available. Powerboating is a Kuwaiti passion. Horse riding clubs flourish in the winter. There are numerous tennis courts in the capital, usually owned by hotels. Football is popular.
Swimming, sailing and scuba diving are available. Powerboating is a Kuwaiti passion. Horse riding clubs flourish in the winter. There are numerous tennis courts in the capital, usually owned by hotels. Football is popular.
Kuwait Climate
Kuwait Climate
Climate: Kuwait shares European weather patterns but is hotter and drier. Summers (April to October) are hot and humid with very little rain. Winters (November to March) are cool with limited rain. Springs are cool and pleasant.
Climate: Kuwait shares European weather patterns but is hotter and drier. Summers (April to October) are hot and humid with very little rain. Winters (November to March) are cool with limited rain. Springs are cool and pleasant.
Kuwait Accommodation
Kuwait Accommodation
ACCOMMODATION: Hotels range from deluxe to first and second class. Many top hotels in Kuwait City feature sport complexes, restaurants and shopping malls. Serviced apartments, some with hotel-style room service, are also available. Prices are generally high. All rates are subject to a 15 per cent service charge. Visit www.oxfordtravels.com/middleeast/kuwait/index.html for complete list of Hotels in Kuwait.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotels range from deluxe to first and second class. Many top hotels in Kuwait City feature sport complexes, restaurants and shopping malls. Serviced apartments, some with hotel-style room service, are also available. Prices are generally high. All rates are subject to a 15 per cent service charge. Visit www.oxfordtravels.com/middleeast/kuwait/index.html for complete list of Hotels in Kuwait.
Kuwait Travel International
Kuwait Travel International
AIR: Kuwait’s national airline, Kuwait Airways (KU) (website: www.kuwait-airways.com), operates daily non-stop flights to Kuwait from London. Other airlines serving Kuwait include Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, KLM, Lufthansaand United Airlines.
Approximate flight times: From Kuwait to London is seven hours 30 minutes, to New York is 15 hours, to Los Angeles is 19 hours, to Singapore is eight hours 30 minutes and to Sydney is 27 hours.
International airports: Kuwait (KWI) (website: www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) lies 16km (10 miles) south of Kuwait City (travel time – 20 minutes). Reliable transport to and from the city is available, including a bus (travel time – 30 minutes) departing every 45 minutes (0600-2300), and taxi service costing KWD4. Airport facilities include restaurants, shops, cafe, bank/bureau de change, car hire (Al Mulla, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Sixt), conference room and post office.
Departure tax: KD2; transit passengers not leaving the airport transit area and children under 12 are exempt.
SEA: More than 30 shipping lines call regularly at Kuwait City, Kuwait’s major port. Most traffic is commercial.
ROAD: All road links with Iraq, and therefore through to the Syrian Arab Republic and Jordan, are advised against due to political instability within Iraq. It is also wise to check with the embassy before considering travelling to Lebanon.
There are bus services between Kuwait City and Cairo (Egypt), via Aqaba in Jordan and Nuweiba in Egypt. Buses also operate to Damman in Saudi Arabia. The main land route into Saudi Arabia is Beirut–Damascus–Amman– Kuwait, which follows the Trans-Arabian Pipeline (TAP line) through Saudi Arabia.
AIR: Kuwait’s national airline, Kuwait Airways (KU) (website: www.kuwait-airways.com), operates daily non-stop flights to Kuwait from London. Other airlines serving Kuwait include Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, KLM, Lufthansaand United Airlines.
Approximate flight times: From Kuwait to London is seven hours 30 minutes, to New York is 15 hours, to Los Angeles is 19 hours, to Singapore is eight hours 30 minutes and to Sydney is 27 hours.
International airports: Kuwait (KWI) (website: www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) lies 16km (10 miles) south of Kuwait City (travel time – 20 minutes). Reliable transport to and from the city is available, including a bus (travel time – 30 minutes) departing every 45 minutes (0600-2300), and taxi service costing KWD4. Airport facilities include restaurants, shops, cafe, bank/bureau de change, car hire (Al Mulla, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Sixt), conference room and post office.
Departure tax: KD2; transit passengers not leaving the airport transit area and children under 12 are exempt.
SEA: More than 30 shipping lines call regularly at Kuwait City, Kuwait’s major port. Most traffic is commercial.
ROAD: All road links with Iraq, and therefore through to the Syrian Arab Republic and Jordan, are advised against due to political instability within Iraq. It is also wise to check with the embassy before considering travelling to Lebanon.
There are bus services between Kuwait City and Cairo (Egypt), via Aqaba in Jordan and Nuweiba in Egypt. Buses also operate to Damman in Saudi Arabia. The main land route into Saudi Arabia is Beirut–Damascus–Amman– Kuwait, which follows the Trans-Arabian Pipeline (TAP line) through Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait Travel Internal
Kuwait Travel Internal
SEA: Dhows and other small craft may be chartered for trips to the offshore islands.
ROAD: There is a good road network between cities. Driving is on the right. Bus: Kuwait Transport Company operates a nationwide service which is both reliable and inexpensive. Taxi: These are recognisable by red licence plates and may be hired by the day, in which case fares should be agreed beforehand. Share-taxis are also available. Taxis can be phoned and this service is popular and reliable. A standard rate is applicable in most taxis, but those at hotel ranks are more expensive. Tipping is not expected. Car hire: Self-drive is available. If you produce an International Driving Permit, the rental company will, within five days, grant a temporary local licence valid for one month. Documentation: International Driving Permit required. A temporary driving licence is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid British or Northern Ireland driving licence. Insurance must be arranged with the Gulf Insurance Company or the Kuwait Insurance Company.
SEA: Dhows and other small craft may be chartered for trips to the offshore islands.
ROAD: There is a good road network between cities. Driving is on the right. Bus: Kuwait Transport Company operates a nationwide service which is both reliable and inexpensive. Taxi: These are recognisable by red licence plates and may be hired by the day, in which case fares should be agreed beforehand. Share-taxis are also available. Taxis can be phoned and this service is popular and reliable. A standard rate is applicable in most taxis, but those at hotel ranks are more expensive. Tipping is not expected. Car hire: Self-drive is available. If you produce an International Driving Permit, the rental company will, within five days, grant a temporary local licence valid for one month. Documentation: International Driving Permit required. A temporary driving licence is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid British or Northern Ireland driving licence. Insurance must be arranged with the Gulf Insurance Company or the Kuwait Insurance Company.
Kuwait History & Government
Kuwait History & Government
History: The area that became Kuwait was controlled by the main regional powers in the Gulf, principally various dynasties based in Mesopotamia and Persia. The most influential of these were the Safavids, a Persian dynasty which moved into the region around 1500 and established a commercial empire along the eastern seaboard of the Arabian peninsula. Later on in the 16th century, the northeastern corner of the Arabian peninsula became part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. It remained so until the latter part of the 19th century when the Al-Sabah family, which now rules Kuwait, took control of local administration and steered the country into a semi-autonomous position. However, fearing that the Turks would try to reassert their control, the Kuwaitis made an agreement with the British allowing for British control of Kuwaiti foreign affairs in exchange for military protection. This danger passed with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, although Kuwait remained a British protectorate until 1961, when the country was granted full independence.
Sheikh Abdullah assumed the position of head of state, adopting the title of Emir. The large revenues from oil production allowed independent Kuwait to build up its economic infrastructure and institute educational and social welfare programmes. Surrounded by three major Middle Eastern powers, the main threat to the country came from the renewal of Iraqi territorial claims over Kuwait which date back to Kuwaiti independence. Kuwait had been seriously threatened by Iraq in 1961, but Iraq was deterred by British military intervention. In 1990, no such assistance was available. Kuwait had given firm backing to the Iraqis during the Iran-Iraq war, lending some US$40-60 billion to Baghdad. Disputes over repayment and the exploitation of oilfields which straddle the (still disputed) border region between the two countries eventually led to the Iraqi invasion on 1 August, 1990.
The country which Sheikh Jaber and his entourage – who fled into exile in Saudi Arabia – left behind was rapidly incorporated into Iraq as its ‘19th province’ and then systematically looted. Nine months later the Kuwaitis recovered their country by virtue of a US-led, UN-backed multinational military force which drove the Iraqis out. After a period of euphoria, the Kuwaitis were confronted with the aftermath of the war and the need to address a number of difficult questions. Adequate funds were available to finance the enormous task of reconstruction. The future security of the country was dealt with by the signing of defence and security pacts with the USA, the UK and Kuwait’s Gulf allies. Since then, Iraq’s persistently belligerent attitude towards Kuwait, reflected both diplomatically and through occasional border incursions, has served only to reinforce Kuwaiti caution towards its northern neighbour. However, it was one of the first countries to join Operation Iraqi Freedom following the US-led war against Iraq, and provided aid and support during Iraq's (ongoing) process of reconstruction.
On the domestic front, the Al-Sabah family faced an awkward problem after the 1991 liberation: the future of the government and their role in it. While in exile, the Emir had made a commitment to restore the 1962 constitution, which provides for the elections of a National Assembly (Majlis) and greatly limits the power of the ruling family. The Assembly had been suspended in 1976 by the Emir on the grounds that it was ‘not acting in the best interests of the state’; it was recalled in 1981 and suspended again in 1986. When the Emir returned to Kuwait in March 1991, he immediately declared a three-month period of martial law. However, in the face of concerted domestic and international pressure, he announced that elections to the Assembly would be held in October 1992.
The three elections held since then have seen majorities secured by opponents of the Emir, then supporters and at the most recent poll in July 1999, by the opposition. The outcome has little effect on policy-making, as the Majlis is still confined to a strictly consultative role, but it has proved to be a lively forum and a vital channel for popular sentiment. In 1999, it was closed down by the Emir for a third time but reopened shortly afterwards. Since then, it has clashed several times with the Emir and the Cabinet (which is still dominated by the al-Sabah family) over misuse of state funds and poor management of the all-important oil industry. Underlying these disputes is the growing impression that the ageing and increasingly infirm al-Sabah clan is no longer capable of running the country. However, they continue to dominate Kuwaiti policies.
Government: The Emir, who is selected by and from members of the ruling Al-Sabah family, holds exclusive executive power. The Emir appoints a prime minister and a Cabinet of Ministers. A unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-Umma) with 50 elected members has a consultative role and prepares legislation (although the Emir has the power of veto). The Majlis serves a four-year term. The election in 2003 was extremely significant, since it was the first to permit adult women to vote and stand for official positions. Political parties are banned.
History: The area that became Kuwait was controlled by the main regional powers in the Gulf, principally various dynasties based in Mesopotamia and Persia. The most influential of these were the Safavids, a Persian dynasty which moved into the region around 1500 and established a commercial empire along the eastern seaboard of the Arabian peninsula. Later on in the 16th century, the northeastern corner of the Arabian peninsula became part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. It remained so until the latter part of the 19th century when the Al-Sabah family, which now rules Kuwait, took control of local administration and steered the country into a semi-autonomous position. However, fearing that the Turks would try to reassert their control, the Kuwaitis made an agreement with the British allowing for British control of Kuwaiti foreign affairs in exchange for military protection. This danger passed with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, although Kuwait remained a British protectorate until 1961, when the country was granted full independence.
Sheikh Abdullah assumed the position of head of state, adopting the title of Emir. The large revenues from oil production allowed independent Kuwait to build up its economic infrastructure and institute educational and social welfare programmes. Surrounded by three major Middle Eastern powers, the main threat to the country came from the renewal of Iraqi territorial claims over Kuwait which date back to Kuwaiti independence. Kuwait had been seriously threatened by Iraq in 1961, but Iraq was deterred by British military intervention. In 1990, no such assistance was available. Kuwait had given firm backing to the Iraqis during the Iran-Iraq war, lending some US$40-60 billion to Baghdad. Disputes over repayment and the exploitation of oilfields which straddle the (still disputed) border region between the two countries eventually led to the Iraqi invasion on 1 August, 1990.
The country which Sheikh Jaber and his entourage – who fled into exile in Saudi Arabia – left behind was rapidly incorporated into Iraq as its ‘19th province’ and then systematically looted. Nine months later the Kuwaitis recovered their country by virtue of a US-led, UN-backed multinational military force which drove the Iraqis out. After a period of euphoria, the Kuwaitis were confronted with the aftermath of the war and the need to address a number of difficult questions. Adequate funds were available to finance the enormous task of reconstruction. The future security of the country was dealt with by the signing of defence and security pacts with the USA, the UK and Kuwait’s Gulf allies. Since then, Iraq’s persistently belligerent attitude towards Kuwait, reflected both diplomatically and through occasional border incursions, has served only to reinforce Kuwaiti caution towards its northern neighbour. However, it was one of the first countries to join Operation Iraqi Freedom following the US-led war against Iraq, and provided aid and support during Iraq's (ongoing) process of reconstruction.
On the domestic front, the Al-Sabah family faced an awkward problem after the 1991 liberation: the future of the government and their role in it. While in exile, the Emir had made a commitment to restore the 1962 constitution, which provides for the elections of a National Assembly (Majlis) and greatly limits the power of the ruling family. The Assembly had been suspended in 1976 by the Emir on the grounds that it was ‘not acting in the best interests of the state’; it was recalled in 1981 and suspended again in 1986. When the Emir returned to Kuwait in March 1991, he immediately declared a three-month period of martial law. However, in the face of concerted domestic and international pressure, he announced that elections to the Assembly would be held in October 1992.
The three elections held since then have seen majorities secured by opponents of the Emir, then supporters and at the most recent poll in July 1999, by the opposition. The outcome has little effect on policy-making, as the Majlis is still confined to a strictly consultative role, but it has proved to be a lively forum and a vital channel for popular sentiment. In 1999, it was closed down by the Emir for a third time but reopened shortly afterwards. Since then, it has clashed several times with the Emir and the Cabinet (which is still dominated by the al-Sabah family) over misuse of state funds and poor management of the all-important oil industry. Underlying these disputes is the growing impression that the ageing and increasingly infirm al-Sabah clan is no longer capable of running the country. However, they continue to dominate Kuwaiti policies.
Government: The Emir, who is selected by and from members of the ruling Al-Sabah family, holds exclusive executive power. The Emir appoints a prime minister and a Cabinet of Ministers. A unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-Umma) with 50 elected members has a consultative role and prepares legislation (although the Emir has the power of veto). The Majlis serves a four-year term. The election in 2003 was extremely significant, since it was the first to permit adult women to vote and stand for official positions. Political parties are banned.
Kuwait Health
Kuwait Health
1: Vaccination against typhoid and poliomyelitis is sometimes advised.
Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other risks: Diarrhoeal diseases such as giardiasis, dysentery and typhoid fever are common. Hepatitis A occurs and hepatitis B is endemic in the region. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is reported. Tick-borne relapsing fever may occur.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: Medical insurance is essential. Both private and government health services are available.
1: Vaccination against typhoid and poliomyelitis is sometimes advised.
Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other risks: Diarrhoeal diseases such as giardiasis, dysentery and typhoid fever are common. Hepatitis A occurs and hepatitis B is endemic in the region. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is reported. Tick-borne relapsing fever may occur.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: Medical insurance is essential. Both private and government health services are available.
Public Holidays in Kuwait 2007
Public Holidays in Kuwait 2007
DATE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Janaury 01, 2007 New Year’s Day
January 20, 2007 El am Hejir New Year
Febuary 22, 2007 Mount Arafat Day
February 25, 2007 National Day
February 26, 2007 Liberation Day
May 31, 2007 Prophet's Anniversary - Eid - Milad Nnabi
August 11, 2007 Ascension of Mohammed
October 13, 2007 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
December 20, 2007 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
DATE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Janaury 01, 2007 New Year’s Day
January 20, 2007 El am Hejir New Year
Febuary 22, 2007 Mount Arafat Day
February 25, 2007 National Day
February 26, 2007 Liberation Day
May 31, 2007 Prophet's Anniversary - Eid - Milad Nnabi
August 11, 2007 Ascension of Mohammed
October 13, 2007 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
December 20, 2007 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Kuwait Duty Free
Kuwait Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Kuwait without incurring customs duty:
500 cigarettes or 2lb of tobacco.
Prohibited items: Alcohol, narcotics, unsealed milk products, unsealed salty fish, unsealed olives and pickles, food prepared abroad, fresh vegetables, shellfish and its products, fresh Pigs and mineral water. Penalties for attempting to smuggle restricted items are severe.
The following goods may be imported into Kuwait without incurring customs duty:
500 cigarettes or 2lb of tobacco.
Prohibited items: Alcohol, narcotics, unsealed milk products, unsealed salty fish, unsealed olives and pickles, food prepared abroad, fresh vegetables, shellfish and its products, fresh Pigs and mineral water. Penalties for attempting to smuggle restricted items are severe.
Kuwait Money
Kuwait Money
Currency: Kuwait Dinar (KD) = 1000 fils. Notes are in denominations of KD20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500 and 250 fils. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 fils.
Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions: The import and export of local and foreign currency is not restricted.
Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kuwait Dinar against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00 = 0.53 0.54 0.55 0.55
$1.00= 0.30 0.29 0.29 0.29
Banking hours: Sun-Thurs 0800-1200.
Currency: Kuwait Dinar (KD) = 1000 fils. Notes are in denominations of KD20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500 and 250 fils. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 fils.
Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions: The import and export of local and foreign currency is not restricted.
Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kuwait Dinar against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00 = 0.53 0.54 0.55 0.55
$1.00= 0.30 0.29 0.29 0.29
Banking hours: Sun-Thurs 0800-1200.
Kuwait Visa Information
VISA PROCESSING & ASSISTANCE:
Our company needs the following procedures to be followed and can be offered only to those passengers that have booked a hotel or transit package:
• Passport must have minimum 6 months validity at the time of applying for an Entry Permit.
• Clear passport copies are to be forwarded by fax/email (scanned) with the date of arrival / departure, hotel requested and flight details.
• Visa processing takes a minimum of 7 working days for processing.
• Visa application if rejected cannot be reapplied again but the client will have to contact the Kuwait Embassy in their country of origin.
• All visas are to be obtained prior to the entry of the Passenger into the Kuwait except in the case of GCC country visa holders
(certain designations only).
• Visas can be availed upon arrival to Kuwait for some nationalities listed below:
Australia Austria Andorra Belgium
Brunei China Canada Denmark
France Finland Greece Germany
Holland Hong Kong Italy Iceland
Japan Luxemburg Monaco Malaysia
Norway New Zealand Portugal Republic of Ireland
Switzerland Sweden Singapore South Korea
San Marino Spain United Kingdom United States of America
Vatican - - -
THE VISA WILL BE ISSUED FOR THREE MONTHS TEMPORARY RESIDENCE BASIS:
1. The profession of the arriving passenger is one of the following:
» Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Teacher, Judge, Consultant, Journalist, Press and Media staff, System Analyst, Pharmacist, Manager, Computer Programmer, Business Men, Diplomatic corps and Owners, Managers, Representatives of Commercial Companies/ Establishments and University Graduates.
2. Holding proper passport and not lass-passé or temporary travel documents and GCC residence permit valid more than
six months from the date of arrival to Kuwait.
3. Passenger should be holding return ticket and must not be black listed in Kuwait.
Our company needs the following procedures to be followed and can be offered only to those passengers that have booked a hotel or transit package:
• Passport must have minimum 6 months validity at the time of applying for an Entry Permit.
• Clear passport copies are to be forwarded by fax/email (scanned) with the date of arrival / departure, hotel requested and flight details.
• Visa processing takes a minimum of 7 working days for processing.
• Visa application if rejected cannot be reapplied again but the client will have to contact the Kuwait Embassy in their country of origin.
• All visas are to be obtained prior to the entry of the Passenger into the Kuwait except in the case of GCC country visa holders
(certain designations only).
• Visas can be availed upon arrival to Kuwait for some nationalities listed below:
Australia Austria Andorra Belgium
Brunei China Canada Denmark
France Finland Greece Germany
Holland Hong Kong Italy Iceland
Japan Luxemburg Monaco Malaysia
Norway New Zealand Portugal Republic of Ireland
Switzerland Sweden Singapore South Korea
San Marino Spain United Kingdom United States of America
Vatican - - -
THE VISA WILL BE ISSUED FOR THREE MONTHS TEMPORARY RESIDENCE BASIS:
1. The profession of the arriving passenger is one of the following:
» Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Teacher, Judge, Consultant, Journalist, Press and Media staff, System Analyst, Pharmacist, Manager, Computer Programmer, Business Men, Diplomatic corps and Owners, Managers, Representatives of Commercial Companies/ Establishments and University Graduates.
2. Holding proper passport and not lass-passé or temporary travel documents and GCC residence permit valid more than
six months from the date of arrival to Kuwait.
3. Passenger should be holding return ticket and must not be black listed in Kuwait.
Kuwait General Information
Kuwait General Information
Area: 17,818 sq km (6880 sq miles).
Population: 2,419,900 (official estimate 2002).
Population Density: 135.8 per sq km.
Capital: Kuwait City. Population: 28,747 (1995).
GEOGRAPHY: Kuwait shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. To the southeast lies the Persian Gulf, where Kuwait has sovereignty over nine small islands (the largest is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka). The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt.
Government: Traditional Arab monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1961. Head of State: Jabir Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 1978. Head of Government: Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 2003.
Language: Arabic, but English is widely understood, especially in commerce and industry.
Religion: 95 per cent Muslim (mostly of the Sunni sect), with Christian and Hindu minorities.
Time: GMT + 3.
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz; single phase. UK-type flat three-pin plugs are used.
Communications:
Telephone: Full IDD is available. Country code: 965. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Network operators include Mobile Telecom (website: www.mtc-vodafone.com) and National Mobile Telecom (website: www.wataniya.com).
Fax: Most hotels have facilities.
Internet: Internet cafes throughout Kuwait provide public access to e-mail and Internet services. ISPs include Gulfnet International (website: www.zajil.com) and QualityNet .
Telegram: Telegram services are available 24-hours at the Ministry of Post and Telegraph Offices, Abdullah Al Salem Square, Kuwait City, but must be handed to the post office.
Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes about five days. Post office hours: Sat-Wed 0700-1400, Thurs 0700-1200.
Press: The English-language newspapers are the Arab Times and the Kuwait Times. Although remaining loyal to the ruling family, the press enjoys a fair degree of freedom.
Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.
Area: 17,818 sq km (6880 sq miles).
Population: 2,419,900 (official estimate 2002).
Population Density: 135.8 per sq km.
Capital: Kuwait City. Population: 28,747 (1995).
GEOGRAPHY: Kuwait shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. To the southeast lies the Persian Gulf, where Kuwait has sovereignty over nine small islands (the largest is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka). The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt.
Government: Traditional Arab monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1961. Head of State: Jabir Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 1978. Head of Government: Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 2003.
Language: Arabic, but English is widely understood, especially in commerce and industry.
Religion: 95 per cent Muslim (mostly of the Sunni sect), with Christian and Hindu minorities.
Time: GMT + 3.
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz; single phase. UK-type flat three-pin plugs are used.
Communications:
Telephone: Full IDD is available. Country code: 965. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Network operators include Mobile Telecom (website: www.mtc-vodafone.com) and National Mobile Telecom (website: www.wataniya.com).
Fax: Most hotels have facilities.
Internet: Internet cafes throughout Kuwait provide public access to e-mail and Internet services. ISPs include Gulfnet International (website: www.zajil.com) and QualityNet .
Telegram: Telegram services are available 24-hours at the Ministry of Post and Telegraph Offices, Abdullah Al Salem Square, Kuwait City, but must be handed to the post office.
Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes about five days. Post office hours: Sat-Wed 0700-1400, Thurs 0700-1200.
Press: The English-language newspapers are the Arab Times and the Kuwait Times. Although remaining loyal to the ruling family, the press enjoys a fair degree of freedom.
Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.
Kuwait Overview
Overview
GEOGRAPHY: Kuwait shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. To the southeast lies the Persian Gulf, where Kuwait has sovereignty over nine small islands (the largest is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka). The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt.
Government: Traditional Arab monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1961. Head of State: Jabir Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 1978. Head of Government: Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 2003
GEOGRAPHY: Kuwait shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. To the southeast lies the Persian Gulf, where Kuwait has sovereignty over nine small islands (the largest is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka). The landscape is predominantly desert plateau with a lower, more fertile coastal belt.
Government: Traditional Arab monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1961. Head of State: Jabir Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 1978. Head of Government: Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 2003
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