Kuwait City - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Nothing that should surprise anyone. - May 2023
There is some prejudice towards other nationalities, but generally there are church services for various religions and both genders are treated fairly. - May 2023
Yes to all. Even among our local employees India vs Filipinos. North or South. Asians have it hard as most locals think he or she are domestic workers. In my opinion, women are viewed as less. - Apr 2022
It seems that local Kuwaitis, who are often wealthy, tend to expect that Asians are in the country as housekeepers or nannies so may look down upon them at first glance. I've heard that people with roots from Iraq may be treated harshly by local authorities. - Feb 2020
It's hard to describe the Middle East in one paragraph. There seems to be racism here regardless of culture. Arabs love children. I have not felt personally discriminated against, but I do see it daily - in the car, at the grocery store, everywhere. Again, it's subtle, but it's there. - Nov 2018
Everyone other than Kuwaitis are on a lower class level. Americans of European background are probably treated the best by the Kuwaitis with all others coming next. People of Asian and/or South Asian or African backgrounds can face discrimination from the Kuwaitis. Likewise, non-Gulf Arabs can face similar discrimination from Kuwaitis. - May 2017
People of ethnic roots similar to the domestic and labor force may face discrimination. For example, they may be asked to prove that they can pay for dinner at a restaurant. - Mar 2017
Women (local and white women, at least) tend to be treated with respect, those of Asian or African ethnicity, less so. I have not experienced prejudices personally. - Aug 2016
Not really. Though women need to be respectful of the culture and not dress provocatively. - Mar 2015
All kind of subtle tiered ethnic things. It's not really racial because Kuwaitis are very variable in skin color from light Meditteranean olive to medium-brown. But all kind of gradations from Islamic (preferred) to Christian (OK) to Hindu/Budhist/Eastern (only tolerated because they like the hard workers) to Jewish or Atheist (better not let anybody know or you will be thrown out). We even have a few churches for open worship of Christianity but other religions have to be in private unmarked houses. There is also a varying list of preferred/not-so-preferred ethnicities. Hierarchy is basically : Kuwaiti->Saudi->other Arab (Egypt,Jordan,Sudan,Syria)->other Muslim (Iran,Pakistan, Indian Muslim)->non-Indian Muslim->Phillipino and other East Asian->on the out's because of recent history (Palestinians for siding with Sadaam; Pakistani's for Taliban and sheltering Bin Laden). However, this list changes constantly and I may be out of date. Also some of the lower-ranked folks are personally elevated by being here for generations - sort of honorary Kuwaitis without the extra pay or social welfare benefits. Unlike the USA, being born here doesn't make you a citizen. You must have ancestry dating back to the 1930's or very high-level (like Emir's family) sponsor. - Dec 2013
Kuwaitis are generally very welcoming to U.S. citizens. However, those who are of Arab or "other" descent may experience some prejudice. Kuwaitis are not very accepting of South Asians, Asians, or other non-Gulf Arabs. - May 2013
There is a hierarchy of importance here based on religion, race, and nationality. Kuwaitis at the top, followed closely by other Gulf Arabs. You will see that while some Asians have work in skilled positions here, there are countless Indians, Bangladeshis, Egyptians, Sri Lankans, Nepalese, and others employed as domestic workers, sanitation workers, cleaners, and construction workers who are barely viewed as human beings. - Feb 2013
Nothing abnormal for the Middle East. - Jan 2013
Women have more freedom here than many Middle Eastern countries, but still face some discrimination. There has been an increasing (in the last 3 month) crackdown on churches here, and Kuwait seems to be becoming more fundamentalist in politics and religious leanings. - May 2012
Kuwait is quite conservative in regards to religion. A few religions are officially recognized here, but many many more meet together weekly in villas. We are advised to remain discreet. There are many, many expats from all over the world here. The only prejudice I've heard about is from my friends who look more middle eastern (dark hair, dark eyes), and who have been looked down upon by more traditional Kuwaiti women for not covering their hair and arms/neck (they assume that these Americans are actually Muslims). Even as a woman, I haven' felt any prejudices from men here. I find that everyone is very polite and willing to help me. - May 2012
Kuwaitis are tolerant of religions other than Muslim, often highlighting the similarities to Christianity. They are offended by atheism and Judaism (particularly Zionism). Men do not take to female authority figures, but understand the differences of culture between East and West, so many try to be tolerant of Western women. - Jan 2012
If you're brown, you pretty much blend in. Most people are respected. Sadly, however, third-world country nationals have a much harder time. Women are not well respected in general. Men rule here. - Jul 2010
Difficult as a female to deal with males, who feel females are lesser beings. - Jul 2008
Of course. It's an Arab country. Women are not valued, Christianity is allowed. - Jun 2008
