Kuwait City - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I jumped into a taxi early in my tour here and apologized to the driver that I don't speak Arabic. He replied "that's ok, I don't either." That said, learning a few key phrases in Arabic can go a long way in building relationships with Kuwaitis, even though they mostly speak English as well. Bottom line: no language training required. - May 2023
I have not had a need to use local language. I tried learning some Arabic, but as everyone speaks English well here, I did not have a need to use it. - May 2023
Out of respect you should know some basic skills. I was planning on taking a class but of course that was shut down. It has started back up again though. Almost all Kuwaitis that I have encountered speak English. Many of the other expats do not. - Apr 2022
English works pretty well. However, people handling deliveries often only speak Arabic. Classes are available. - Feb 2020
None. All your service-oriented professions are third country nationals who all speak English. The embassy is predominantly English-speaking. The only times I wish I knew a little Arabic is sitting and working at a coffee shop and trying to eavesdrop on the conversation next to me. That said, my daily life is done in English with little to no problem. - Nov 2018
Most Kuwaitis speak English, but Arabic can be helpful. - May 2017
Arabic language classes are available. Visit the website for the Aware Center to see about pricing. Although, almost everyone speaks English. The accents vary, but it's English. - Mar 2017
You can easily get by in English. People appreciate an effort to try a little Arabic. It actually takes an effort to use Arabic and there are many dialects spoken by Arabic speakers from around the region. Classes are available from various institutions. - Aug 2016
Very little. A few pleasantries are nice though. English is spoken almost everywhere. - Jun 2015
A bit helps. But most people speak English. - Mar 2015
None, but you are treated better if you know a few social phrases in Arabic. English is a quasi co-official language, especially in the government and business world. - Dec 2013
None. Most public workers speak English. - May 2013
Arabic definitely helps, but many service workers are Philippine or Indian and speak English. - Feb 2013
None. - Jan 2013
None necessary, but PLEASE make an effort to at least learn please and thank you in Arabic. It shows a lot of respect and surprises Kuwaitis (pleasantly) if you know any Arabic. - May 2012
None. We have learned greetings and 'thank you' and that's it. Everything is in English (other than local restaurants in neighborhoods and some signs). - May 2012
It is a good idea to speak some Arabic; the main opportunity to use it is with taxi drivers, who are often Bedouin. Know how to say left, right, straight, yes, and no. Learn numbers so you can negotiate a good price. Indian, Bangladeshi and Filipino cab drivers usually speak enough English to understand directions and negotiate prices. - Jan 2012
Most everyone knows some English. It helps to learn a few basic words. - Jul 2010
Absolutely none. Almost everyone speaks English. - Jul 2010
You don't need to know any Arabic, most everyone speaks English fairly well. It is always nice to know greetings, thank you, etc. as a gesture of good will. - Jul 2008
None. - Jun 2008
