Last week, I visited Kuwait City and I was pleasantly surprised. (Yes, this is about global emails. Stay with me.)
Isn’t it amazing how much you learn just by stepping into a new culture? It’s not just about the place. It’s about how people think, communicate, and connect.
When you travel with curiosity, you stop assuming. You start understanding. You see things differently.
That’s exactly what happened during a recent visit to Kuwait City. There were so many takeaways, and I’ve picked the ones you’ll find helpful.
If you ever work with professionals in Kuwait, these tips can help you write emails that feel clear, respectful, and culturally aware.
Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind:
⚫ Many Kuwaiti professionals speak excellent English and have international experience.
🟢 They’re used to working across cultures.
⚪ Their communication style is often indirect.
🔴 Hierarchy matters. Titles and seniority are important.
🔹 A simple Arabic greeting can go a long way in showing respect.
🔹 Fridays and Saturdays are their weekend.
📩 So when emailing someone in Kuwait:
➛ Keep your tone formal and respectful
➛ Avoid slang, idioms, and complex sentences
➛ Skip religion, politics, and alcohol
➛ Use soft and polite language instead of being too direct
➛ Start with formal titles (Mr./Ms./Dr.) and surnames unless invited to use first names
➛ Add simple Arabic phrases like “As-salamu alaykum” (Peace be upon you), “Marhaba” (Hello), or “Shukran” (Thank you) when appropriate
➛ Include a polite question about their well-being before getting to business
And one more thing:
People are individuals.
Even within the same culture, communication styles can vary. Stay open and ready to adapt based on who you’re speaking to.
📌These tips might also apply to other Middle Eastern countries with similar values.
I’m curious, what surprised you the most? Is there something else you’d add from your own experience?
P.S. Not trying to look cool with the sunglasses, it was just way too bright to keep my eyes open! 😎
