Meeting the People of Kuwait
The handshake is the most popular form of greeting in Kuwait. On a first meeting, the giving of a small symbolic gift is appreciated. Kuwaitis, like many Arabic people, enjoy entertaining guests away from the home. They place great importance on the family unit and the traditional values of hospitality, courtesy and respect. Hospitality in Kuwait is often portrayed through the serving of tea and coffee. Although Kuwaitis are keen to see their nation keep pace with modern times, they are also equally keen to safeguard their heritage, and so recent government initiatives have been undertaken to preserve the country's historic sites and monuments.

Dress Codes
Kuwaitis place great importance on wearing their national dress of dishdashes, with the head covered by a white head cloth. Women traditionally wear yashmaks. Non-Muslim visitors to Kuwait dress modestly as a matter of respect. To a Muslim, exposed flesh is considered disrespectful; therefore the wearing of clothes that fully cover the body is always appreciated. Indeed, when the temperature rises, it pays to dress in cool layers.

Greeting
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 especially as relatives or close friends. It is also customary for people greeting each other to ask a long series of questions such as asking about one's health, that of their relatives, their jobs, etc. in order to relax the other person and give a sense of intimacy.

Arabic is the official language although English is very widely used. Kuwaitis do not expect westerners to know their language and there is generally little difficulty in making oneself understood in English. Although many Kuwaitis speak English, the learning and use of Arabic words or phrases is always appreciated, particularly those of courtesy and greeting.