Kuwait is a prosperous Gulf country, making it a desirable destination for expatriates seeking new opportunities and living standards. This guide provides newcomers with some essential tips regarding Kuwait, ranging from visa and housing matters to culture and cost of living.
Live in Kuwait as an Expat
Living in Kuwait as an expatriate means a combination of modern conveniences with unique cultural traditions. Kuwait, being a place with no income tax, high standards of living, a very friendly expatriate community, has become quite desirable for professionals and families alike. However, it may not be easy for newcomers to adapt to its conservative culture together with the challenging climate.
Things You Need to Know Before going to Kuwait
There are many things about which one must be informed before one puts a foot into the State of Kuwait, in order to ensure that valid decisions are made, as well as any ground preparations. The following are the points one should know in advance before deciding to move to Kuwait.
Cost of Living
As for the cost of living, it is somewhat on the higher side compared to some other countries in the region in terms of accommodation rental rates, and that of some of the basic goods and products also, not including the already low fuel prices which are commonplace in an oil-rich country like Kuwait.
Available Employment Opportunities/Market Trends
In Kuwait, different job vacancies are available to include engineering, technology expertise, teaching, university professorship, etc., so many foreigners do come into Kuwait intending to work as domestic help or driving cars, etc. Apart from this, many other investment opportunities are there for the business people.
Healthcare system in Kuwait
The whole health system is well equipped with clinics, health centers, hospitals, and other facilities to provide health services at a good quality rate. Apart from the government sector, the private sector consists of a number of hospitals boarding through different specialties to provide the services to patients. There are other health insurance programs, too, offering satisfactory treatment rates for the patients.
Gasoline Price
In view of this, being one of the oil-producing countries, petroleum-derived prices in Kuwait remain relatively low, which means that one could get a car to drive from one city to another in Kuwait, passing through and near a neighborhood, without fear of the effective fuel prices. The prices may change from time to time, but they remain low, after all.
Accommodation
Numerous types of housing and land properties may be sought by the citizens, residents, and tourists in the State of Kuwait. Rental prices depend on the quality of available services and facilities as well as the location of each property. The housing options are numerous and comprise hotel apartments, residential apartments, independent houses, chalets, farms, villas, and others.
Means of Education
Government and private schools provide all the different curricula in the State of Kuwait, local Ministry of Education, religious branch of education, British education system, Indian education system, few private and government universities provide all the specializations one could ask for.
Language Considerations
Following this definition, Arabic is the general language of the State of Kuwait, given that it is the country's official language, which is also the case with the other neighboring Arabic countries. Kuwait has a good number of English-speaking people, in addition to other languages being spoken by a very large number of Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino communities. One would have to learn at least Arabic or English so as to avoid possible communication hazards in Kuwait.
Cultural and Recreational Activities
Contemporary Art Platform is an excellent platform to explore the local talents and international talents, while Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah is your passage to Islamic art and culture. Sports fans have the option of going to gyms, playing golf at the Sahara Club, or coastal water sports. With a bit of art, history, and adventure, you can easily be amused during such a time while in Kuwait.
Transportation System
In Kuwait, you can use numerous means of transportation, including buses and taxis; in addition, reaching the islands belonging to the State of Kuwait using ships and marine means is feasible. The greater part of the area frequented by people is disposed under the public transport system in Kuwait. The ones having a wish to visit Kuwait may form a purchase for a private car after obtaining a driver's license to move within its cities.
Weather and Climate
Kuwait is located along the Arabian Gulf coastline in the Arabian Peninsula. Its climatic regime is essentially coastal, whereas internally, Kuwaiti territory includes lands with an unimpeded deserts environment that experiences very hot summers and extremely lower temperatures in the winter period. In consequence, such places may bear temperature variation from unbearably high in summer to unbearably low in winter.
Emergency Numbers in Kuwait
Expats need to know the Emergency Number Kuwait to call when needed, the following list includes all emergency numbers in the country:
- Emergency Phone Number of Police, Ambulance and Fire Services: 112
- Electricity & Water Emergency: 152
- Complaints of Consumer Protection - Ministry of Commerce and Industry: 135
- Hotline of Kuwait Municipality: 139
- Hotline of Ministry of Health: 151
- Kuwait International Airport: 161
- Public Institution for Social Security: 114
- Zakat House: 175
- Civil Service Commission: 1828888 - 133
Location of Overall Management of the Affairs of Residence
The Overall Management of The Affairs of Residence is the primary authority responsible for managing residency-related matters, including visas, permits, and renewals. Its main office is located in Kuwait City, specifically in the Al-Shuwaikh area, near the Ministry of Interior.
For expats, this is where most residency-related paperwork, such as work permits, dependent visas, and residency renewals, is processed. It’s advisable to visit early in the day to avoid long queues and ensure all required documents are prepared in advance.
Advantages of Living in Kuwait
Here are the most prominent positives of living in the State of Kuwait:
- Tax-Free Income: If you are working in Kuwait, you will enjoy perhaps the greatest perk-the other aspect of the income is tax-free, hence you can save a massive chunk of your salary.
- The Standard of Living is High: Kuwait is endowed with modern infrastructure, healthcare, and amenities of a first-rate grade that ensure inhabitants live comfortably.
- Strategic Location: Kuwait is also strategically located, as it lies in the heart of the Middle East, posing as a gateway for visiting neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman.
- You will find Cultural Diversity: That is Kuwait, a melting pot of cultures due to expats constituting nearly 70% of the population, a welcoming and inclusive land.
- Safety and Security: Kuwait enjoys a low crime rate, allowing its families and citizens to live and work in safety.
Disadvantages of Living in Kuwait
The following are the most prominent negatives of living in the State of Kuwait:
- Hot Climate: More than 50 degrees Celsius is the average summer temperature, which makes staying outdoors through much of the year a heavy obstacle to its residents.
- Entertainment: The expats may find their lives dull here when compared with other Gulf countries, as they offer fewer amusements and leisure attractions.
- Traffic Congestion and Transport Woes: The infrastructure development on public transport compared to the traffic headache that's most enduring in peak hours.
Conclusion
Living in Kuwait provides unique opportunities and cultural experiences for expats. From visa processes to house-hunting to cultural adjustments, this guide covers everything you need. For a more detailed overview, explore what services are available on Kuwait How. If you prepare well, you will find your stay in Kuwait both rewarding and unforgettable.