Perspective- Expatriate thoughts on Kuwait

I recently met an Arab-American who has never set foot in the region and moved to Kuwait for the experience.

Unfortunately, he was a victim of the recent lay-offs due to his high cost to the firm, he holds multiple designations that require proper compensation.

I found his comments on Kuwait's culture to be hard to swallow yet quite accurate in some cases. A few highlights:


"I had an unfortunate incident at the airport in Kuwait prior to my
departure because I refused to let someone with "wasta" pass in front
of me in the line to board the aircraft.

I guess you could say I never adjusted to the way things function in Kuwait.

I think my time in Kuwait was a wonderful experience if only because
it taught me how fortunate I was to live in a country where everyone
is equal before the law, and how truly priceless this is.

I did not come to Kuwait to make a quick buck and mingle exclusively
with expats like most foreigners do. I had truly come hoping to make
meaningful friendships with Kuwaitis.

Unfortunately, I have come to the realization that this is simply not possible, either with my female acquaintances because of the rigid social structure; nor with my male friends who despite being extremely friendly at work would not
welcome me in their diwaniyas or their beach houses - let alone their
actual houses."

Why is it that we as a culture prefer to stay in our little shells and never leave our comfort zone?


BQ