Working in Kuwait

[Captain Happy]

Hey,

Has anyone out here ever flown in/out of Kuwait. Other than Military that is. I have a job offer and I was wondering about the area. I understand its in the Middle East and yes I know they dont really like us Americans. All I want is some reallife experiences if you worked there as a pilot.

Thanks
Capt Happy

 

[Junkflyer]

We fly mail in there and layover 24-72 hours. I used to walk around, but don't do that anymore. Too many stories from other guys being followed and such. I may go next door to eat or something, but normally don't leave the hotel anymore. We stay at a nice place with huge concrete blocks surrounding the hotel. They kind of make you feel comfortable until you think about why they are there. No booze of any kind-huge downside.

 

[Redhot99]

is it the one from kuwait to iraq in a saab?

 

[embpic1]

Pretty much what junk said. If you walk around there you might have the misfortune of running into some extremists. I have been told by many to just stay in the hotel.

BTW. What is up with their driving over there! It's insane! I wouldn't last 10 minutes on their backstreets.
Oh and that reminds me. I have been told that if you are in an accident over there and you (an American) are driving, it is your fault no matter what.

 

[sat74]

A friend of mine at Omni was there last week and apparently 3 from his crew were returning from the mall in a taxi that was run off the road to a complete stop and blocked, but police were nearby and witnessed the incident and the suspect vehicle took off!

Makes you wonder!

 

[xtwapilot]

I've been flying in and out of there for over a year now, my company goes there routinely and have had no problems whatsoever. Kuwait is quiet safe compared to other parts of the middle east. Many expatriot brits and germans have been living there for decades and you never hear of any expat getting accousted. I make it a point to always read the local newspaper and especially look at the crime section, there is very little crime there, and I have yet to read about any expat assaulted. Can one run into trouble, sure it's possible, first I wouldn't go out into shady areas at night. But during the day and going to local markets and resturants is perfectly safe. The no booz does suck through, you feel like your at a Betty Ford clinic if you spend anymore than 3 days there. Good Luck.

Xtwapilot

 

[filejw]

Just spent 2 30 hr layovers last week and was not impressed.I don't think security is an issue if you are reasonably smart but there is absolutely nothing to do. The beach sucks, no bars and I could find zero of anything that had a redeeming quality.If it wasn't for oil they would all still be fishing.Oh ya and bring you wallet.The place is very expensive.

 

[Flybet3]

Hey,

Has anyone out here ever flown in/out of Kuwait. Other than Military that is. I have a job offer and I was wondering about the area. I understand its in the Middle East and yes I know they dont really like us Americans. All I want is some reallife experiences if you worked there as a pilot.

Thanks
Capt Happy

I'd say take the JOB...but join the armys special forces first to learn how to survive!! A friend of mine flew there years ago, I mean YEARS ago he loved it, but he says that he would not take a job back there now a days.

 

[coogebeachhotel]

This should cover it

Travel Safety: Middle East: Kuwait»Kuwait: State of Kuwait
AREAS OF INSTABILITY ^
Unexploded bombs, mines, booby traps, and other items from the 1991 Gulf War remain present in some areas in Kuwait. U.S. Embassy personnel are advised to use caution if traveling off paved surfaces outside Kuwait City.
SECURITY AND SAFETY ^
Americans in Kuwait should exercise a high level of security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of further terrorist actions against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, specifically in the Middle East, including the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula. In January 2003 a U.S. contractor was murdered in a terrorist attack. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel to the extent possible, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. U.S. citizens are also urged to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects and to report the presence of such objects to local authorities.
The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait urges all Americans to be wary of unexpected visitors and to pay particular attention to suspicious vehicles. Any suspicious activities or vehicles should be reported immediately to the Embassy's Regional Security Office.
American citizens are advised to avoid apartment complexes where Americans or other Westerners are generally known to live or visit in large numbers. Americans should also increase their security awareness at other public places where Americans or other Westerners are known to congregate or visit in large numbers, avoid them, or switch to other locations.
CRIME ^
The crime rate in Kuwait is low. Violent crimes against expatriates are rare, but do occur. The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to take the same security precautions in Kuwait that one would practice in the United States. Physical and verbal harassment of women are continuing problems.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES ^
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Kuwait's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, manufacture, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Kuwait are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18.
Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.
LOCAL LAW AND PROHIBITED PRACTICES ^
Alcohol, pork products, and pornography are illegal in Kuwait. Proselytizing is prohibited for all religions except Islam. Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis, including Americans, charged with criminal offenses, placed under investigation, or involved in unresolved financial disputes with local business partners, are subject to travel bans. These bans, which are rigidly enforced, prevent the individual from leaving Kuwait for any reason until the matter is resolved. In purely financial disputes, it may be possible to depart the country if a local sponsor pledges funds equal to the amount in dispute.
MEDICAL FACILITIES ^
The health care system continues to develop, with many government and private medical facilities available in Kuwait. Medical care at government-run clinics and hospitals is provided at low cost to residents of Kuwait. Private physicians and hospitals charge fees for services, and some do not accept local health insurance. Many hospital and clinic services do not compare to U.S. standards, and staffs often have no U.S. experience or training. Laws and procedures governing health care can be complex.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS^
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Kuwait is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair to Poor
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance: Poor
Driving in Kuwait can be hazardous. Although Kuwait has an extensive and modern system of well-lit roads, excessive speeding on both primary and secondary roads, coupled with lax enforcement of traffic regulations and a high density of vehicles (one vehicle for every 2.8 residents), leads to frequent and often fatal accidents. In 2003 there were 45,376 reported vehicular accidents and 372 traffic-accident-related deaths—an increase over the previous year. The a verage age of death was between 21 and 30 years old. Over 950,000 cars are registered in Kuwait.

Visitors can use international driving permits issued by their respective countries within the time limit of their visas; however, the visitor must have liability insurance. It is illegal to drive in Kuwait without a license and car registration documents. If you are stopped and cannot produce them, you may be taken to a police station and held until they are presented on your behalf.
If you are in an accident, Kuwaiti law mandates that you must remain at the scene until the police arrive. The use of seatbelts in the front seats is mandatory in Kuwait. Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are posted. Making a right turn on a red light is not permitted unless there is a special lane to do so with a yield sign. Parking is not allowed where the curb is painted black and yellow. Digital cameras for registering traffic violations, including speeding, are in use on Kuwaiti roads.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense, which may result in fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation. Repeat traffic violations or violations of a serious nature may also result in the deportation of an expatriate offender. When a driver flashes his/her high beams in Kuwait, it is meant as a request to move your car into a slower lane to allow the driver with the flashing beams to proceed ahead.
Kuwait has one of the highest rates of cellular telephone ownership per capita in the world. Using a cellular telephone while driving remains legal. Local emergency service organizations may be contacted by dialing 777. Ambulance crews do not respond as quickly as in the United States and are often not trained paramedics.

 

[Blowing Sand]

Probably a better choice would be to investigate the UAE for flying jobs. Several carriers and all are hiring. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very expat oriented, and Americans are slowly but surely coming over. No one seems
to be leaving after escaping the US aviation industry! Make personal contacts (including outside aviation,) as opposed to hearsay, to learn if an expat lifestyle is suited for you and your family.