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Kuwait
- Principal travel risks to Kuwait include strict legal and cultural norms and road safety hazards.
- High-risk behaviors are prevalent on roads, with specific concerns including aggressive driving practices like speeding and dangerous overtaking.
- Air quality can be significantly affected by dust storms and industrial pollution, with health implications for sensitive individuals. Monitoring air quality and minimizing exposure during adverse conditions is advisable.
Risk Factors
- The overall crime rate in Kuwait is low. The rates of crime are higher in areas such as Salmiya in Hawalli governorate, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Hasawi and Abbasiya.
- Physical and verbal harassment targeting women, including foreign travelers, is an issue. Travel in groups when possible. In the event of unwanted attention or harassment, move to a high visibility location and contact local security or the police.
- Protest activity is uncommon; however, the Bidoon community is known to hold regular protests in areas such as Jahra and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Such protests are rarely authorized, and the security forces can forcibly disperse protesters, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
- If self-driving, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid aggressive behaviors such as speeding, dangerous overtaking, and tailgating.
- It is advisable to refrain from driving in the far-left lane on highways as many drivers tailgate aggressively to urge slower drivers to move to the right, or even pass on the left shoulder. Road rage is a concern on Kuwaiti roads.
- To obtain safe taxis in Kuwait, use licensed taxis booked through hotels or located at official taxi stands or use reputable ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber for reliable and trackable rides.
- Caution is advised in desert areas outside Kuwait City due to unexploded ordnances from the Gulf War.
- Periodic dust storms are common, especially between March and August, and can significantly affect air quality, posing health risks, especially to vulnerable individuals.
- Monitoring air quality reports and minimizing exposure during high pollution days is recommended.
- Observe local customs by dressing conservatively, adhering to alcohol consumption rules, and avoiding the discussion of sensitive topics such as government or religion.
- Kuwait has relatively conservative social norms, which particularly affect the LGBTQ+ community.
- The law requires imprisonment for those who insult religion, and any Muslim individual or resident can press charges against someone they believe has disparaged Islam.