BIDDERS  Exporters to Kuwait should ensure that their local agent registers their products with as many public bodies as possible as a matter of course.

Check the official gazette regularly for announcements of invitations to prequalify, invitations to tender,pre-tender meetings,site visits and tender amendments.

Pre-tender meetings are good opportunities for weighing-up the opposition.

Tender documents are usually in Arabic (except in the oil sector) and a completely accurate translation of all conditions and specifications is vital.

As bids containing minor discrepancies, such as inadvertent marks on the documents, may legally be rejected, use photocopies of original documents as working papers when preparing bids.Ifcorrection are necessary, follow the statedprocedure exactly.

When pricing bids, avoid errors as these are usually resolved in favour of the client body. Take advantage of pricing preferences by sourcing materials locally.

When submitting bids, make sure you know the exact place and time, and bring someone who can read Arabic along to make sure the bid is lodged in the correct box. Do not submit a bid more than an hour in advance and stay until the box is sealed.

As an unsuccessful tenders is not officially informed of his rejection, make regular enquiries so that initial guarantees can be released as soon as possible.

Ensure that contracts with suppliers and subcontractors are 100% back to back.

PROHIBITED :-The prohibitions against alcohol and drugs are strictly enforced in Kuwait and the death penalty may be imposed on those who traffic in drugs.

Person caught smoking, drinking or eating in public during the daytime in Ramadan are usually fined and incarcerated until the end of that month.

LAPSE :- When an expatriate's residence permit lapses or is cancelled, his driving license also becomes invalid. The driving license becomes valid again when residence is renewed.                   VISITORS :-The actual visit visa consists of two sheets of paper. One is taken up on arrival. The other must be retained to be handed in when the visitor is leaving. Keep it carefully

DRIVERS :-Drive defensively, One-third of all deaths in Kuwait are driving-related and the country has one of the highest road accident rates in the world.

In the event of an accident, the insurance companies will require a police report before they will consider a claim. But if the car is moved before the police arrive, they will refuse to provide the report.

All accidents must be reported to the police and garages may not repair accident accident damage without written clearance from the police. 

FOR EMPLOYEE'S :- It is illegal for a foreigner to work in Kuwait except on a work visa and for their own sponsor. Part-time work requires special permission.

An employer cannot cancel an employee's residence unless all dues and indemnities have been paid in full.

An employer cannot give notice of termination during an employee's sickness or injury.

Ensure that an employment contract is in writing.

CAVEAT :- Even if an expatriate's contract of employment has expired, a letter of release' from the old sponsor is needed in order to transfer residence. If the current sponsor does not agree to the release, the expatriate must leave country and come back on new work permit obtained by the new sponsor. He must then repeat the original process he underwent to gain residence, including medical tests, in its entirety.

SUMMER :-Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during high summer months.

Those who perspire excessively may find salt tablets useful.

Use cotton clothing during summer.

When exposed to the sun, drink plenty of fluids.  

PURCHASING :- Always demand a receipt when buying gold or gold jewelry and make sure that the weight, price and style are clearly stated.

In the suqs, bargaining in expected and indeed, to get a good price, it is essential.

Consumer Complaint- 5720252-4820281

Check that the salary shown in the work permit reflects the salary shown in the employment contract as in the event of a dispute, the MS&L may rely on the work permit.

Check that total remuneration is shown in the employment contract.

Keep records of salary and other payments.

Note that the time limit for filing cases in the Labour Court is one-year from the date employment is terminated.

It is illegal for a foreigner to work in Kuwait except on a work visa and for their own sponsor. Part-time work requires special permission.

An employer cannot cancel an employee's residence unless all dues and indemnities have been paid in full.

An employer cannot give notice of termination during an employee's sickness or injury.

In case of dispute, always seek legal advice

Kuwait normally has two sales periods a year, usually in may and november.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS :-

new years day *** jan 1st (every year)

national day     *** 25th feb     "  "

liberation day  *** 26th feb      "  "

eid al-fitr         *** 3 days

eid al-adha      *** 3 days  (every year)

al hijra             *** 26th mar  "   "

mawlid al nabi *** 4th jun      "   "

lailat al-isra      *** 14th oct

The 'What's On column' in the Arab Times and the 'What's On in Kuwait' column in the Kuwait Times are good source of information for many events and activities.