Kuwait

I was in Kuwait for a year. I got to spend a lot of time in Kuwait City, and I really liked it. The people are great, and there is plenty to keep you busy.

I was there in 2004 (overnight) and 2005 (5 days) Again, it was passing through because of the war. I really didn’t see that much. It was hot with a lot of sand. Kuwait City looks ultra modern, at least the airport did.

I’d like to go back.

maybe if i saw more, but the time iwas there wasnt for tourism.. i saw sand sand and more sand… oh did you know its hot and cold there?

My profile photo is from my last night in Kuwait. We ate at a restaurant and smoked the best hookah. The guys at the restaurant were very friendly and the food was excellent. Seems like a very interesting city.

It was very cold. The weather is around 16 celcius day time..at night is even colder. Off course I need some time to adapt as I’m coming from tropical country where it is only rain and shine..

...I went to Bicdonalds and the Sharqe mall!

i was born here! :) yes… it made my life!

lived in kuwait for 11 years… then moved to bangalore, india in ‘93.

yes… i stayed thru the gulf war. it was generally peaceful in my lil town – salmiyah.

A country so rich in non-renewable energy sources that they opt to import labor from dirt poor countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc. Often the workers are mistreated, ripped off, and afforded little recourse to defend themselves. This country has nothing going for it and must adjust its economy or else it will be in for some real rough times when oil becomes less in demand or runs out completely..

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 if they are related to one another. 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.
Food plays a large part in Kuwaiti culture. The traditional food of Kuwait known as “Machboos” consists mainly of mutton, chicken, or fish placed over or mixed in a large mess of well-cooked and prepared rice, closely resembling the Indian biryani. Curries and sides also complement the dish which is traditionally eaten using bare hands even though many choose to use western utensils. Food is almost always prepared and served in large amounts and it is extremely common for households to invite guests over to share meals.
       

Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy and has the oldest directly elected parliament of the Persian Gulf Arab countries. Chief of state is the Amira (Amira), a hereditary title. The Amira also known as Noura Al Shatti appoints the prime minister, who until recently was also the crown prince. A council of ministers aids the prime minister in her task as head of government which must contain at least one of elected members of the parliament. The number of ministers must not exceed ? of the elected members of the parliament.

The parliament has the power to dismiss the prime minister or anyone of his cabinet through a series of constitutional procedures. According to the constitution, nomination of a new crown prince or head of state (Emir) by the ruling family has to be confirmed by the National Assembly. If he does not win the votes of an absolute majority of the assembly, the Emir (or the royal family members) must submit the names of three candidates to the National Assembly, and the Assembly must select one of these to be the new crown prince. The parliament known as the Majlis Al-Umma (National Assembly), consists of elected fifty members, who are chosen in elections held every four years. Government ministers, according to the Constitution of the State, are given automatic membership in the parliament, and can number up to fifteen.