Kuwait is a small but influential country located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia. Despite its small size, Kuwait is a wealthy nation with a rich cultural history and a modern, developed economy. Kuwait has made significant progress in its development over the past few decades, thanks in part to its vast oil reserves. As a result, the country has become one of the wealthiest in the Middle East and has invested heavily in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Over the years there has been a huge interest and an increase in expats moving to Kuwait, most expats working in Kuwait report positive experiences, particularly in terms of the friendly people, the rich culture, and the opportunities for professional growth. The country has a population of over 4 million, with over 8,000 expats from the UK plus a further 10,000+ visiting each year, making Kuwait a popular destination.
The history of Kuwait dates back to the 18th century, when the Al-Sabah family settled in the region and established a monarchy. In the following centuries, Kuwait became an important centre of trade, particularly for pearls and spices. In the 20th century, Kuwait’s fortunes took a turn for the better with the discovery of oil, which transformed the country into one of the richest in the world. Kuwait’s petroleum industry accounts for the majority of the country’s export earnings. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure and diversification of the economy, with the aim of reducing dependence on oil. Also, home to a thriving banking and finance sector, with a number of international banks operating in the country.
The standard of education in Kuwait is generally considered to be high, with a literacy rate of around 96%. Kuwait has also made significant progress in improving gender equality in education, with a relatively equal gender balance in primary and secondary education. Kuwait has a well-developed system that provides free education for all Kuwaiti citizens, including both primary and secondary education. The country also has several universities, including Kuwait University, which is the largest and oldest public university in the country.
The culture is characterised by hospitality, family values, and a strong sense of community. Kuwaiti cuisine is a blend of traditional Arab, Persian, and Indian influences, with dishes such as machboos (a spicy rice dish with meat or fish), hummus, and falafel.
There are a number of attractions that showcase its rich history and culture. The Kuwait Towers, located in the heart of the city, are an iconic symbol of the country and offer stunning views of the surrounding area. The Skyline showcases the advancement of Kuwait’s business district, whilst the Tareq Rajab Museum, located in a traditional Kuwaiti house, displays a wide range of Islamic art and artifacts. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Al Shaheed Park is a popular destination, offering walking trails, gardens, and a lake. There are also beautiful beaches with white sand overlooking the Persian Gulf, amazing island resorts and a great nightlife for those looking for a fun night out.
Overall Kuwait has made significant strides in its development of infrastructure and has a relatively high standard of education, living, healthcare and safety as well as equal opportunity. There are many activities and attractions, a bustling nightlife, top restaurants, museums and stunning shopping malls. Anyone thinking of moving to the Middle East should highly consider Kuwait as a prospect.