Working In Kuwait

A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Kuwait

The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying or construction job based in Kuwait.

Currency

The currency in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar.
The latest exchange rates and currency conversions can be obtained by clicking here.

Political/ Economic Climate

Kuwait is a small, oil-rich Gulf state, which gained its independence from British rule in 1961. Kuwait was the first state in the Gulf to have a parliament, the National Assembly, which was restored in 1992 having been dissolved six years previously after the Gulf war. Kuwait has yet to recover its position as a trading hub for the upper Gulf since the Iraqi invasion in 1991, and has had to spend large sums rebuilding its infrastructure. In the construction industry the traditional source of project activity is oil and gas, but activity is increasing in the power and water sector, and particularly in buildings and infrastructure development. The build-operate-transfer (BOT) approach is becoming a favoured model for government contracts.  Kuwait is water self-sufficient following years of heavy investment in desalination projects: it also taps groundwater resources. Today, many resources are being used to remove land mines and clean up environmental damage left over from the Iraqi retreat, subsidised by the UN to the tune of US$5.9 billion. Ten percent of oil revenues are, by law, put into a trust to prepare for the day that Kuwait's massive oil reserves dry up. Also on the political agenda are women's rights: in May 1999, the Emir decreed that women would for the first time be able to vote and run for office in the 2003 general elections, subject to approval by the parliament. It was not approved. That same year saw Kuwait hit the world's centre stage once again, when great numbers of mainly US and British troops gathered in the emirate in readiness for the invasion of Iraq. As a result, pro-Islamic groups gained ground in parliamentary elections later that same year.

Lifestyle

Thursday and Friday make up the weekend. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is strictly adhered to throughout the country. This means that eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset is frowned upon except for in premises run by expatriates. Arabic and Indian restaurants abound with a wide choice of delicacies although alcohol is strictly banned. The Persian Gulf provides ample opportunities for swimming, windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving almost all year round.

Maxim Recruitment can not offer any type of financial, taxation or immigration/visa advice to current or intending jobseekers, however we are aware of some organisations that are specialists in offering expatriates such advice.

Search Vacancy Database

Search through our extensive database of Middle East construction job vacancies:

Search Overseas Quantity Surveying & Construction Jobs

Newsletter

Get construction industry news relating to the UK, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and other worldwide locations.

Subscribe

Testimonial

“Maxim Recruitment is an excellent recruitment company that puts a lot of effort into supporting its candidates. I worked with Daria throughout a recruitment process. Daria was very patient, answered all my queries in a calm and friendly manner, and supported me during the process, including with interview preparations. When I secured the Associate Director role, Daria helped me negotiate personal terms, ensuring a net positive outcome for me. Overall, I am happy with the professional recruitment service that I received from Maxim Recruitment and Daria.”

N.M. Associate Director Procurement | October 2024

Send Us Your CV

Need help finding the ideal job? Want to save time when searching?

Let us find your next job.

Send Us Your CV

Register for Job Alerts

Maxim Insights

Infrastructure Projects to Watch in Canada, the UK and Dubai

Here we summarise some of the most interesting new and recently awarded civil engineering, aviation and rail infrastructure projects that are happening in 2025 in Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, in the UK and in Dubai. …

Read more »

What do Candidates and Employers Really Think of Maxim Recruitment?

The recurring themes in our testimonials are clear — personalised service, genuine care, and expert knowledge. Maxim Recruitment has built a reputation for being approachable, professional, and deeply committed to making the right match for both candidates and employers.…

Read more »

Increasing Representation of Female Construction Expert Witnesses

Last International Women’s Day, I wrote an article acknowledging the reality that I had recruited far fewer women in this industry than men. However, I am pleased to say that over the past year, I have successfully placed more women in construction disputes roles, particularly those entering the industry for the first time.…

Read more »

Helping You Find the Perfect Fit

Specialising in the construction, engineering, and property sectors in the UK, Canada, Middle East and Asia, we've carved out a niche of focusing on quality and building strong, lasting relationships with leading professionals and companies. Here’s how we can be of help to you.…

Read more »

A Healthy Body and Clear Mind All Year Round

Maintaining physical and mental wellbeing is essential not only for personal health but also for professional success. Below are practical tips to help keep your body and mind in top shape, no matter your role or industry.…

Read more »

Industry News

Bovis is back as Lendlease sale completes

Australia’s Lendlease Group has completed the sale of its UK construction business to US private equity firm Atlas Holdings.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 1 April, 08:08

Read more »

Pit collapse leads to fines

A construction company and its director have been fined after a man was injured during excavation work in West Sussex.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 1 April, 07:21

Read more »

Government promises ‘new era’ for UK infrastructure delivery

Today sees the creation of the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 1 April, 07:13

Read more »

Humphrey takes the helm at Waterman

Neil Humphrey has been appointed chief executive of consulting engineer Waterman, as of 1st April 2025.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 1 April, 06:23

Read more »

New boss for TPA

TPA, a leading supplier of temporary roadways and matting, has a new managing director.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 1 April, 06:17

Read more »