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| ==Diwaniah== | ==Diwaniah== | ||
| ''Diwaniah'' is a unique institution Some prominent merchants or MPs announce their ''diwaniah'' timings with the addresses in the newspapers, so that members of the public can come and visit them. | |||
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Revision as of 23:01, 11 November 2005
The Kuwaiti culture is quite a unique one, well known for its hospitality and generosity.
Hospitality
The Kuwaiti culture, just like many other arab cultures, takes great pride in hospitality.
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.
Tea and Coffee
Hospitality in Kuwait is often portrayed through the serving of tea and coffee. It is very uncommon for a guest to enter a house, office, or even some stores without being offered tea or coffee. In Kuwaiti bedouin custom, a guest's refusal of tea, coffee, or such offerings is sometimes viewed as insulting by the host, as it is as if the guest is denying the host's efforts of being hospitable.
Food
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 compliment 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.