AUTHENTIC KUWAIT

Kuwaitis are justifiably proud of their reputation as having the most advanced democracy in the Gulf region. The emirate is one of only two Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, the other being Bahrain, with an elected parliament, which in 2009 welcomed its first four female MPs, heralding milestone elections for the politically and socially conservative societies of the Gulf.

The event demonstrated the country’s openness and willingness to embrace progressive change, which many say are typical of the traits that set Kuwait apart from its neighbors. Kuwait has a close-knit society yet with an international outlook. Against a backdrop of ensuring global business standards and establishing a modern environment for 21st century enterprise and initiative to prosper, it strives to preserve its deeply rooted sense of family, culture and tradition.

Dewaniyas for example have existed for centuries and the term refers to both a reception hall and the social, political and business gatherings held in it by Kuwaiti men, and remain an essential part of Kuwaiti life. “We run our operations to international standards, but we do business the Kuwaiti way, based on trust and treating your people in the right way, making them part of the family,” comments Marzouk Al-Kharafi, Chairman of Kuwait’s Americana Group.

By embracing modernity yet being true to its heritage, Kuwait hopes to maintain its authenticity and uniqueness. So, what exactly makes Kuwait ‘authentic’? The common thread from political and business leaders’ responses is the Kuwaitis themselves. “We are pioneers in terms of freedom, politics, elections, parliaments and many things,” says Barrak Al-Sheetan, Chairman of the National Offset Company.

Majed Eisa Al-Ajeel, Chairman of Burgan Bank, believes the diversity of Kuwaitis’ backgrounds add to the emirate’s individuality. “In addition, the political system and the openness of the country and the deep-rooted democracy. Someone once said that we have been having Arab springs in Kuwait for the past 50 years, since we had the constitution. It is an open society with open debate. We have had the parliament and free elections for over half a century. Everybody can voice his or her own opinions. I think this is what differentiates Kuwait from other places.”

“Kuwait is definitely unique,” agrees Abdulaziz Fakrhoo, GM and CEO of telecom frontrunner Wataniya. “Authenticity is part of the uniqueness of Kuwait. For example, Kuwaiti people keep their traditions, but also open up their minds to what is happening outside. Read the Country Report here