Kuwait

Traditional Arab Communication Styles

Indirect
Imply/suggest what is meant.  You need to read between the lines. Emotional outbursts and raised voices may feeldirect, but finding the “real” message in the words may still be achallenge.

High Context    
Background information assumed depending on nature of relationship. Social class determines the type of language and approach used to communicate.

Formal
Sensitivity to hierarchy/face saving very important. First names are not used unless one invites the other to do so.

Expressive
Emotional displays are common and expected.

Circular
Message may weave and wander.

Guidelines for Communication with Arabs

• A good personal relationship is the most important single factor in doing business successfully with Kuwaitis. They will usually begin meetings inquiring about each other’s health and personal activi-ties.
• Accept that verbal modesty will be highly disconcerting to them. If you are quiet, they will simply think something is wrong. Not only do you have to speak more when you are with Kuwaitis, but you have to step up the volume as well. Loudness of voice, rising pitch and tone, even shouting, all denote sincerity in Kuwaiti discourse. In Kuwaiti society it is quite normal to use speech in a rhetor-ical, almost aggressive manner to make a point emphatically. It may take a long time to make a point that a direct communicator would do in far fewer words.
• Recognize that Kuwaitis place great value on hospitality. If you have drinks, food or snacks in the office, you should offer to share it with your Kuwaiti colleagues.
• Learn that an Kuwaiti is not likely to criticize your efforts openly. He is more likely to hint that changes are needed or respond with inaction. If phrased too bluntly, Kuwaiti employees will feel that criticism of their work is a personal insult. Always avoid criticizing an Kuwaiti colleague in front of others.
• Accept that Kuwaitis implicitly mistrust people who are attempting to hurry or pressure them into a particular deal. They will evaluate the source of a proposal as much as the content. If you press for a specific time by which you want a decision, you may actually harm your chances for success.
  Be aware that Kuwaitis are very relaxed about the timing of events. While appointments are neces-sary, you might arrive to find several other business people present and several meetings occurring simultaneously.
• Recognize that Kuwaitis love to use flattery and profession of friendship; therefore you should not hesitate to praise their country, their arts, their dress and food.
• Kuwaitis are used to dealing with foreigners and readily forgive them for not behaving like Kuwaitis. However, certain behaviors can cause offense including: the use of alcohol, improper dress, over-familiarity with women, and challenging the basic concepts of Islam.
• Kuwaitis bring Allah into their arguments in almost every conversation (In’Sha’Allah—God willing).
  Most Kuwaitis are reluctant to bring up bad news about their lives or in business. It may take longer to find out that problems exist.
• Recognize that Muslims pray five times a day: at dawn (4:30-5:00 a.m.), around noon, in the after-noon between 2:00 and 4:00, at sunset, and one hour after sunset (never later than 9:00 p.m.). At prayer time everything stops. Plan your schedule around prayer times.

Arab Business Patterns

• Business meetings last longer than time set
• Not all agenda topics covered
• Deviation from agenda
• Interruptions are common and acceptable

*Note: Maneuver your chair so that you are sitting right next to the man you wish to do business with.  You have to be no more than a foot away and nearer to him than anybody else.

Understand that Arabs openly discuss:

• Money
• Religion
• Politics
• Family