For many decades Britons have come to live and work in Kuwait. By the 1960’s many British people were helping to develop Kuwait's oil industry, build the country's infrastructure and set up British companies here. The first English school was opened in Kuwait City in 1953 to educate children of the British community.

Since then many more have opened and offer the English curriculum to expatriates and Kuwaitis alike. Today around 6000 British nationals live and work in Kuwait. Some of them come here on short-term contracts; many choose to stay for longer while others have spent much of their lives here.

The most famous example was Colonel Harold Dickson who was British Political Agent in Kuwait from 1929-1936. After retiring as Political Agent Colonel Dickson and his wife Dame Violet popularly known as 'Umm Saud', chose to remain in Kuwait and make it their home. Colonel Dickson lived in what had been the British Political agency on Arabian Gulf Street until he died in 1959. Dame Violet remained in the house until the Iraqi invasion in 1991 when she was evacuated to Britain and later died before Kuwait's liberation. The house, an important part of Kuwait's history, has been superbly refurbished as the Dickson House Cultural Centre.

Generations of Kuwaitis have been educated and trained in Britain. Today many still choose to study at British schools, colleges and universities. Large numbers of Kuwaitis visit Britain each year to spend their holidays, do business or to receive medical treatment. Many own property in Britain.