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I am half American and half Ecuadorian. I met the woman I love during my time at university in the UK, seven years ago. We've been together ever since. Our relationship has faced complications due to her father’s perspective, influenced by Kuwaiti culture and the father-daughter dynamic. At first, I didn't fully understand why she was hesitant to be upfront and just tell her father about me, but over time, I’ve come to understand her reasons.

She comes from a prominent Kuwaiti family with traditional values, yet I believe they also have an open-minded worldview. This assumption is based on the fact that my partner and her sisters all studied abroad in the UK, and they are allowed to travel around Europe independently (with permission, of course).

Now that our time in the UK has come to an end, it's no longer easy for us to see each other. After seven years together, I am ready to take the next step, which is to travel to Kuwait, propose, and start my life with her.

In preparation for this, I've been reading extensively about Kuwaiti culture to understand the best way to approach her father and her family. I’m unsure of how to proceed. Should I follow the traditional route where my father contacts her father to ask for my blessing, and then arrange a formal visit with representatives from my family?

One concern I have is how her father might react to the idea of his daughter marrying a non-Kuwaiti. From what my partner has shared, about half of her family has married within their extended tribe or family name, so this may be a sensitive issue.

Additionally, I am in the process of reading the Quran and am considering converting to Islam in the coming months. I have developed a deep admiration for the religion and the Middle East in general, and I believe this step will be meaningful for me, both spiritually and in terms of respecting the cultural and religious context of my relationship. My primary motivation is personal, but I also want to ensure I approach everything in the right way for my partner and her family.

A little about myself: I have been blessed throughout my life, and my family is very well-off. We are also part of a prominent and respected family in my country, holding traditional values, though we are of Christian faith. I am personally financially secure. I mention this because I believe it may be relevant when discussing the dowry, as I am uncertain to what extent it symbolizes to her family my ability to provide for her and ensure her well-being.

I was also considering contacting someone prominent and respected from Kuwait, perhaps an ambassador, through my family’s contacts, as they know people in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Both my uncles and grandfather have served as ambassadors to several European countries, and one of them even met personally with Queen Elizabeth. I’m not sure how helpful it would be for them to accompany me and my family to the formal meeting to introduce us.

Anyways, some of the doubts I have are below, Thank You All for taking your time to read/respond. I highly appreciate it and Allah Yubarik Feek.

What is the most respectful way to first make contact with her father about my intentions to marry his daughter? Should I approach him directly, or is it more appropriate for someone else (like my father or a family elder) to do so on my behalf?

Should I first express my intentions through a formal letter or a phone call, or is it better to request an in-person meeting to discuss my proposal?

Is it customary to arrange a formal meeting or gathering to ask for his blessing, or should I initially seek a private conversation with him?

How should I introduce myself and my background when first approaching her father, and what key points should I emphasize to show my respect for their family and culture?

If I reach out directly, should I arrange for a neutral setting (like a public place or a family home) to meet with him, or would it be better to wait for a more formal setting?

Is there a particular time or occasion when it would be considered more appropriate or respectful to make first contact with her father?

How should I express my seriousness and commitment during this initial conversation to ensure he understands the sincerity of my intentions?

What is the most respectful way to request a meeting with him to discuss my marriage proposal, and should I give him time to consider my request before proceeding?

Are there specific social expectations tied to her family’s tribe or clan that I should be mindful of, particularly when seeking her father’s blessing?

Is there any additional formality or protocol required when approaching her family, considering their standing in Kuwaiti society?