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. The election in 2003 was extremely significant, since it was the first to permit adult women to vote and stand for official positions.

Culture

The visitor will notice that most Kuwaitis wear the national dress of long white kandoras 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. Alcohol is totally prohibited in Kuwait.

Infrastructure

Kuwait International Airport is located south of the city and is easily accessed by expressway. It has a number of regular flights to destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia and can handle the world's largest aircraft. Kuwait's road system is well developed, with modern multi-lane expressways linking all areas of the country. There are no railways in the country.

Communications

Services are modern and easily available (telephone/mobile/fax). Internet cafes throughout Kuwait provide public access.

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.

Business Hours

Shop trading hours in Kuwait are generally 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and later in the day from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday to Thursday. Friday opening hours are from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Some malls are open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm throughout the week. Government office hours are from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm, Saturday to Wednesday during the winter, and from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm during the summer. Other office hours are from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Banking hours

Sunday to Thursday from 8.00 am to 12 noon.

Airport

Kuwait International Airport has undergone major expansion to cater for more than 100 flights a day. The airport now boasts a Commercial Centre adjacent to the Arrivals Hall together with large duty free shopping areas.

Tax Free Shopping

Located within Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait Duty Free stocks over 50,000 items. Prohibited items include Alcohol, narcotics, unsealed milk products, unsealed salty fish, unsealed olives and pickles, food prepared abroad, fresh vegetables, shellfish and its products, fresh figs and mineral water.

Transport

Kuwait's road system links Kuwait City to every population center within the country as well as to the Saudi Arabia and Iraq borders. Kuwait has no railroads and three commercial ports. Bus: Kuwait Transport Company operates a nationwide service which is both reliable and inexpensive. Taxis 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. 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.

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.

Amenities

Medical insurance is essential. Both private and government health services are available.