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Kuwait

Kuwait. Kuwait – Country Overview. Location: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia Area: total:  17,820 sq km land:  17,820 sq km water:  0 sq km Climate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters. Kuwait – Country Overview.

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Kuwait

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  1. Kuwait

  2. Kuwait – Country Overview • Location:Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia • Area:total:  17,820 sq km land:  17,820 sq km water:  0 sq km • Climate:dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

  3. Kuwait – Country Overview • Population:2,041,961. • Religions:Muslim 85% (Sunni 45%, Shi'a 40%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%. • Languages:Arabic (official), English widely spoken. • The unit of currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KD): KD 1 = 1000 fils.

  4. Kuwait – Government Overview • Government type:nominal constitutional monarchy. • Capital:Kuwait. • National holiday:National Day, 25 February (1950). • Legal system:civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction. • Government Offices: Saturday-Wednesday, 7:30 am - 2:30 p.m. • Banking Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

  5. Social Behaviors and Customs • Learn the meaning of fundamental Arabic words. • “Salaam Walekum” - to greet a stranger. • “Zain”- good, • “Marhaba”- hello, how are you?, • “Ahlen”- fine, thank you, • In Kuwait it is customary for men to be addressed as “The Father of (Abu)…”, with the name of their first born son inserted in the blank. • If you do not know the name of your associate’s first born son, you must ask them and then address them accordingly.

  6. Social Behaviors and Customs • The making of coffee is a sign that a guest is welcome and honoured by their host. • It is important to generate a strong relationship with the public and with the upper-management of the company you are in business with. • When dealing with the higher-ups of a company, it is necessary to voice only what you feel they will agree with and will want to hear.

  7. Social Behaviors and Customs • Kuwaiti women may only wear a burka. Although foreign women are permitted to wear their regular clothing, they are not able to wear short skirts or shorts. • Kuwaiti women comprise approximately 35% of the workforce. • Kuwaiti women are known to wear a lot of make-up and perfume.

  8. Social Behaviors and Customs • Men greet each other first with a hug, and then by kissing each cheek twice (right, left, right, left). • A male may verbally greet a female, but it is unacceptable for him to initiate a physical gesture (i.e. a handshake). • It is considered rude and disrespectful to eat pork in their presence. • It is illegal for anyone to drink alcohol. • It is important to determine the fasting dates, as it is illegal and offensive for anyone within the country to eat openly during these periods.

  9. Business Behaviors and Customs • Select a local business partnerwhen establishing a business. • It is more profitable to partner with a high ranking or royal family. • It is mandatory to have a local partner with a 51% share, in order to establish a business. • Thursdays and Fridays are allocated for prayer. • Praying is conducted five times daily, and Mosque is attended only by males, on Friday.

  10. Business Behaviors and Customs • Business meetings are never held on Fridays. • Forget all standard business ethics and prepare for all types of dishonest transactions. • Decision-making in the Arab world is a painstakingly slow process. • Beauracratic structure: only one man has the authority to make the final decision.

  11. Business Behaviors and Customs • Business uncertainties are particularly present in Kuwait, since it is an oil producing country and the market is very volatile. • Strong competition from Eastern countries, such as China, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, etc. • The competition for labour intensive products will be very high and profits will be low. • Strategy used:develop and sell high-tech products and then price them low.

  12. Business Behaviors and Customs • At the time of presentations and other festivals, bring small gifts for your audience members, such as pens, diaries, stationary. • Deal with only higher management for major business transactions. • Lower management employees have no influence and are known to ask for bribed for their services. • It is not unusual for a Kuwaiti employee to receive promotion over an employee from abroad. • Ensure control over Kuwaiti companies.

  13. Risks Involved • A local business partner can exit a partnership at any time, they can also cancel your business license. • No legal protection is available to foreigners in the event that an offence has been committed or a complaint has been made. • Business deception must be expected and is very common, especially in verbal promises.

  14. Benefits Involved • Tax-free country, therefore, all profits belong to the company. • Large potential for growth and high profit margins.

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