IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL A. Business Customs Visiting U.S. business executives will have no communication problems with their Kuwaiti counterparts as English is widely spoken and many Kuwaitis have been educated abroad. Private companies work six days a week (Saturday through Thursday). Some companies work from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m; others work from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Thursdays, companies work from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Government offices close on Thursdays and Fridays. Appointments with managers often take place after 9:00 p.m. During summer, Kuwaiti managers prefer to meet with foreign visitors after 6:00 p.m. Business during the very hot summer season, especially July and August, is very slow with most managers leaving the country for vacations with their families. Kuwait is a Moslem country; however, nationals of over 120 countries live and work in Kuwait. Kuwaitis are very hospitable and it is customary for them to invite their foreign guests to their diwaniyas in the evenings, or even to their chalets (beach/vacation cottages) on weekends. B. Travel Advisory and Visas Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Kuwait, and airport visas are not available. For more information concerning entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington D.C. at telephone number (202) 966-0702, or the Kuwaiti Consulate in New York City, telephone (212) 973-4318. Visitors to Kuwait should be aware of the dangers presented by unexploded land mines and other ordnance throughout the country. Stay on main roads and do not travel on unpaved roads; avoid open areas and deserts. U.S. citizens should not go near the border with Iraq, and should be very careful when traveling north and west of Kuwait City. The crime rate in Kuwait has risen from prewar levels and women have become the object of increased harassment. Women should take the same precautions they would take in any large city, remaining alert to the possibility of being followed, whether they are walking or driving. They should avoid traveling alone in unfamiliar or isolated parts of the city, especially at night. No alcohol, pork products, or pornographic materials may be imported into or used in Kuwait. If prohibited items are discovered in a traveler's effects, he or she may be arrested and prosecuted. C. Holidays Government offices close on a number of occasions, including but not restricted to, the following: New Year's Day; Kuwait National Day (February 25); Kuwait Liberation Day (Feb. 26); and a number of Islamic holidays. Government offices operate with very limited business hours during the holy month of Ramadan (the dates of which vary from one year to the next). Appointments should not be scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays. D. Business Infrastructure (e.g. Transportation, Language, Communications, Housing, Health, Food) Transportation The road system in Kuwait is modern, well-lit and easily navigated by car. U.S. visitors should be aware, however, that there may not be any street addresses in older sections of Kuwait City. It is always best to call ahead to confirm directions and the exact location of the company or ministry one intends to visit. Public transportation, however, is not air conditioned and not reliable. Air conditioned taxis are readily available at major hotels or taxi stands. Orange taxis should be avoided as they are used as commuter shuttles by day laborers. Car rental is also readily available to U.S. visitors with a valid U.S. driver's license (which permits one to drive in Kuwait for the duration of one's visitor's visa). Language Arabic is the official language in Kuwait. English is the second language for most of the expatriate community and the principal language of the business community. Communications Kuwait has a good communications network. You can make calls from Kuwait to any part of the world from one's apartment (for residents), from offices, and from any hotel. Faxes may be sent from the business centers of leading local hotels, such as the Kuwait Sheraton, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Kuwait, Safir International, Le Meridien Kuwait or SAS Kuwait Hotel. Housing Foreigners visiting Kuwait will have no problem finding modern, spacious and air conditioned housing. There are numerous luxurious residential complexes, villas, and apartments. Short-term visitors may stay in hotels, or in furnished apartments which are usually rented for minimum stays of one week. Health U.S. business visitors to Kuwait should generally encounter few health problems apart from coping with the extreme heat and large amounts of dust during the summer months. It is better to drink bottled water than tap water from the desalinated water supply, but the tap water does not contain harmful bacteria. Food in Kuwait is generally fresh and healthful; the seafood is excellent. There are seven regional hospitals and numerous suburban clinics, all run by the Ministry of Public Health. There are also private clinics and doctors available. Kuwait's health care system generally does not provide a level of care up to U.S. standards, but is improving steadily. Food In addition to Middle Eastern cuisine, local restaurants offer a wide variety of international cuisines, including French, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and American (fast food). Food is under the strict supervision of the health department of the Municipality. Imported food supplies cannot be cleared without a certificate from health authorities.