The Diwaniyah
The diwaniyah or parlour has existed in Kuwait since time immemorial. The diwaniyah has preserved its importance in the social, political and economic life of Kuwait. The term originally referred to the section of a Bedouin tent where the men folk and their visitors sat apart from the family. In the old city of Kuwait it was the reception area where a man resaved his business colleagues and male guests. Today the term refers both to a reception hall and the gathering held in it, and visiting or hosting a diwaniyah is an in dispensable feature of a Kuwaiti man’s social life. Their number increased to the extent that it is possible to find one or more in every street. Some of them open their doors to guests daily while others receive guests for only one or two days per week, and still others receive guests only on special occasions.     

The general atmosphere of the diwaniyah is like that of social clubs, cultural and literary forums and political salons. In other words, diwaniyah has become one of the institutions of the civilized society that plays a prominent role in democratic and parliamentary life. It can safely be said that the diwaniyah became a referential indicator and place where many decisions were made.

Some of these modern diwaniyahs are equipped with TV’s, radios, satellite dishes, computers and phones. Some other diwaniyahs have certain goals to achieve (sports, economic, political), schedules and dates while others declare a topic to be discussed days before the actual receiving of guests. Some others have become cultural and literary salons.

As a social event, a diwaniyah takes place in a special room or annex, which is usually, separate from the rest of man’s house. The host’s job is to be hospitable and entertain his guests. The diwaniyahs are a barometer of public opinion, a unique institution that has existed throughout the history of Kuwait.

There are also more formal diwaniyah, which specialize in particular interests, such as politics or science.