Author
Denis PopovContent:
The emirate of Kuwait, a small state, lost between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, quite often becomes the object of close media attention. The downside of this attention has been a huge amount of myths, half-truths, and propaganda associated with this Middle Eastern country.
Some argue that foreigners, and especially foreigners in this Muslim country, are not very fond of it, while others that this state is heaven on earth and that moving to Kuwait will solve all financial problems at once.
At the moment, having a job in Kuwait actually solves almost all financial problems with a sought-after specialty and work experience. But, as elsewhere, there are nuances. If you want to know more about work-life balance in Kuwait and the hierarchy in the country, read on.
Kuwait is a modern, vibrant city, which is not alien to the trends of modern culture and has some cultural differences from India. Until quite recently, life in it proceeded according to completely different traditions and ways, and only a few important traditions managed to survive unchanged to this day. The most important aspect of the local Kuwaiti work culture is still good relationships between family members. The family is considered a single whole, and the situation when only one family member is invited to the celebration is simply unacceptable. For all important events, you should definitely go with your family, whether it's an ordinary trip to visit friends or an important holiday.
No need to think that you can make dirty jokes or use foul language and get away with it. The United Arab Emirates is an Arab country, but the local population understands English perfectly, and some residents understand other languages.
For an offensive expression or rude communication styles, a tourist faces a prison term of up to 7 years. The same punishment awaits those who use obscene gestures.
Punctuality is important, but it is not always responsive. A colleague from Kuwait can make you wait, but will not appreciate it if you are late. At the same time, civil servants are often 15–30 minutes.
All laws, customs, and traditions of Kuwait are subject to one historical idea - the service of Islam. Islam is the official religion of Kuwait; More than 80% of the country's population is Muslim. Religion plays a very important role in shaping local religious customs and etiquette. And although Kuwait, as a rule, has a tolerant society that is sympathetic to the habits and needs of tourists and travelers, local residents expect guests of their country to respect their traditions and customs. For example, according to the Qur'an, a Muslim must pray five times a day.
A business suit is an integral part of professional etiquette in Kuwait. Moreover, women are completely free to wear trousers business suits, or light dresses. The main dress code rule for businesswomen when choosing clothes is to avoid open arms up to the elbow, open legs above the knee, as well as deep necklines. Men must wear a long-sleeve shirt and tie for international business meetings and formal occasions. On ordinary days, for office work, men choose short-sleeve shirts, suits, or just trousers made of light fabric. In some companies, even light suits and sports-style jackets are allowed.
Kuwait is one of the youngest, but at the same time wealthy, countries in the world. Many people from India dream of working there. Employment in Kuwait is an opportunity to make good money and gain invaluable experience.
Networking and building relationships are very important. Let's say you're thinking about investing. Came for a business breakfast on this topic. We exchanged contacts with financiers, brokers, and investors. Now you have someone to write to ask questions, get advice or suggest some kind of project.
“My friend’s friend is my friend” communication in business is a necessity that can provide you with valuable information or a key contact. But do not take this system as a source of profit. For the networking system to work for you, you have to give a lot more. Positive networking is based on caring about how you can be useful to a person. Your sincere desire to help others with a boomerang will return with their good disposition and some interesting offer for you.
Business opportunities in Kuwait are a promising activity that provides an entrepreneur with ample opportunities for active development in various areas without an income tax. Indians are increasingly choosing Kuwait or other emirates to register or relocate companies. You will need to go through adapting to the business environment in this country. The growing popularity of the region among immigrants from the post-Soviet states are associated with the high profitability of enterprises, the absence of corruption, and the political and economic stability of the country.
The Emirates is subject to very strict laws, which is probably why the UAE is a safe country day and night. Compliance with the labor laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates is very important for the safety of the traveler since all offenses are liable to the laws of this country.
Career advancement in Kuwait exists. Management often focuses on staff development and regularly holds thematic seminars, training, and advanced training courses.
It would be dishonest to say that life is completely devoid of the challenges of working in Kuwait. Even tourists who come here for a week or two find it difficult to come to terms with some of the peculiarities of life in Kuwait, and what can we say about immigrants? And yet, the minuses of moving to Kuwait are much less than the pros. The main disadvantages, in our opinion, look like this.
In Kuwait, there is a very interesting picture: here people are judged not only by their knowledge, skills, or education but also by nationality. For example, a white-collar worker from Europe or the United States will be offered a salary much higher than, for example, from India or the Philippines, even if the qualifications of the Indian or Filipino are much higher. It is clear why the work of Kuwaiti citizens is valued above all else (the government generally does everything to improve the welfare and protect the rights of local residents), but where such great reverence for Europeans and Americans came from is not entirely clear.
What do we hear about life in Kuwait? Beauty, wealth, luxury, “a sea of money”, etc. Hundreds of different reports say that in just a few decades a utopian land was created in a place where there was nothing but sand before. Oil is the main pride of the Arabian Peninsula, and one gets the impression that everyone can go and draw it from the sea. But, the harsh reality is that not every visitor will be able to settle down on soft carpets with a glass of expensive wine. Some, in fact, are cheap labor, which the authorities are actively using. Obtaining a visa for a tourist trip is also not difficult.
Kuwait is a geographically small country, but rich, with a relatively open economy, oil reserves amount to about 102 billion barrels - 9% of world reserves. Oil revenues account for almost half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 95% of government revenues.
It is important to remember that this is a Muslim country, and the faith there is strong to this day. It is necessary for everyone to observe customs and traditions, regardless of religion. Regarding things familiar to India: alcohol, smoking, drugs, vulgar behavior, etc., Kuwait has the strictest legislation. Due to the number of tourists, the limits of decency expand a little, but violators who use drugs are sentenced to prison, and sellers of this filth are given the death penalty. They will look very negatively at those who use foul language in public places or litter. Where everything is done for the people, they are required to respect them accordingly. Inviolable is the holy month (holiday) of Muslims - Ramadan. At this time, it is strictly forbidden to eat, drink and smoke in public places in the light of the sun.
One of the hallmarks of a democratic society is a wide variety of associations of people. Joining such a group is a wonderful experience for a foreigner for expat communities - it is a good way to make new acquaintances, and at the same time, receive certain benefits. You need to save work and family balance to be full of energy.
Login or register to leave comments.
