Moving to Kuwait | The British School of Kuwait

LIFE IN KUWAIT

Kuwait is the largest city on the Arabian Gulf, with a population nearing five million that is comprised of both Kuwaitis and expats from all over the world. Those considering moving to Kuwait can expect to enjoy a high standard of living in a safe, friendly and stable country. Opportunities for work, study and leisure are abundant. Amenities including retail, leisure and healthcare are of a very high standard. The climate of Kuwait is that of a semi-desert with winter temperatures falling close to freezing but with summer temperature exceeding 50°C in the shade. Despite the high summer temperatures, living conditions remain comfortable with the extensive use of air-conditioning.

LANGUAGE IN KUWAIT

Whilst Arabic is the official language of Kuwait, English is very widely spoken as well. Almost all shops, road-signs, advertising and even the currency employ English script as well as Arabic. For those wishing to learn the Arabic language there are a variety of options and classes to choose from.

GETTING AROUND KUWAIT

Many people in Kuwait choose to get around by car, benefiting from the reasonable purchase and rental costs for vehicles as well as low fuel prices. Others prefer to use the services of taxi companies or online ride booking services such as Careem. There is also a much improved public bus service which an increasing number of people choose to utilise.

THINGS TO DO

Both the sea and the desert provide opportunities for leisure, sport and adventure. People who move to Kuwait can take advantage of the superb facilities offered by clubs at the many five-star hotels. Team sport activities for adults include football, rugby and cricket, available within BSK and outside. Individual sports include golf, with two excellent grass and two sand courses. There are opportunities to join organised cycling and jogging groups and horse riding. Scuba diving, jet-skiing and sailing are also available. Amateur dramatics and music groups are popular and provide opportunities to socialise with new people.

Eating out is a normal part of life in Kuwait. With such a diverse range of nationalities in the population it is no surprise that cuisine from every corner of the world is represented. The sheer number of restaurants of varying prices is astounding and the level of service is constantly excellent.

The combination of frequent long holidays, allied with Kuwait’s geographical location, makes foreign travel very popular. Some of our staff’s favourite destinations include India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines. More locally, Egypt, Oman, the UAE and Georgia remain popular choices.

SHOPPING

For those who enjoy shopping, Kuwait has some of the best malls in the world. New expats soon become familiar with ‘The Avenues’, ‘360° Mall’, ‘Marina Mall’ and ‘Al Hamra Mall’ at the bottom of Al Hamra Tower, which at 412.6 metres in height is the tallest sculpted building in the world. Whilst these malls offer familiar shops such as Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, IKEA, Carrefour and Next, they also offer many expensive designer boutiques. Away from the malls, the more traditional shops and ‘souks’ provide opportunities for bargain-hunting and purchasing eastern goods. Supermarkets are numerous and fully-stocked with western and local products.

The lifestyle in Kuwait is incredibly comfortable, and it is no surprise that, whilst stays of five years form the average, some of our staff have made Kuwait their home for over thirty years. Many have chosen to raise their families in this peaceful, wealthy and friendly country.

PLACE OF INTEREST

There are many places in Kuwait that are definitely with a visit and a selection are listed here:

Kuwait Towers
Souq Mubarakiya
Failaka Island
Tareq Rajab Museum
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre
Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre
Kuwait Scientific Centre
Kuwait National Museum
The Grand Mosque
Sadu House
Seif Palace
Liberation Tower
Al Othman Museum
Green Island

EDUCATION IN KUWAIT

The British School of Kuwait (BSK) has been offering the highest quality English curriculum schooling to the people of Kuwait since 1978, educating students from Reception to Year 13.

In addition to the government school system, there are a wide range of private education options in Kuwait for local and expatriate families to choose from. Common curricula on offer include British, American and Indian, as well as other options from a variety of other country specific systems.

That so many families continue to entrust the education of their children to BSK is a testament to its enduring reputation as Kuwait's Premier School.

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