Level of English spoken in Kuwait

I would think the upper-class Kuwaitis speak more English which leaves the other 99% with marginal English. You will find the Asian expats speak the most English. During the recent celebrations most of the events were only in Arabic which left out English readers like myself. I see Qatar using both English and Arabic on their museum Instagram account which is how it should be. Don't count on anyone speaking English in any of the Ministries or courts. I speak broken Arabic and I still get a headache trying to piece together their responses. You might want to reconsider learning a third language if you plan on staying here for a long time. Most of the Western expats don't have to deal with any situations as their employers usually take care of most things. I also visited Viva in Al Kout Mall asking about their plans and even though he spoke decent English he really didn't understand what I was asking him and annoyed me with his opinions about my phone choice. The country wants more expats but doesn't feel it's necessary for them to understand everything here.

I think it very much depends on the area you are in. So far my experience with locals has been mostly positive, so no complaints there. Signage is often a problem, for example yesterday I was trying to find a clinic and there isn't a sign in english anywhere on the building. What gave it out were the ambulance cars in front of it.

I speak and read Arabic perfectly so I can't really feel your problem. But what strikes me is that in some places I find people who speak neither Arabic nor English and can't help but wonder how on earth did they end up here.

Slang Arabic is freakin' easy, believe  me!

i think the least you can do when moving to a country is attempt to learn basic phrases in their local language to get yourself around. or continue to rely on google translate.

Basic Arabic phrases do not get you far here. I understand more Arabic than I speak and know the basic phrases. Having a conversation is something different?  What most people here understand are basic phrases in English but cannot converse in it.  Thus as @ Kuwait411 mentioned, understanding what someone wants (deeper needs) is different from a simple, "I want a phone," or "I want internet." Hence, as a customer, when I ask what is this, answering sweets, tells me very little.  How about going further by saying, "this is, jello and made of sugar, water and other things which I do not know."

Building on @ Kuwait411 point this encourages segregation. Thus hanging out with mainly English, Hindi, or Arabic speakers.  As expats, we want to find out what's going on but if information is limited or only in Arabic, it does not helps.

Back to a point highlight this early on, why not advise all coming to Kuwiat that Arabic is needed, you may get by in English but do not expect to.  This preparation helps.  Thankfully I do not plan to be here long.  Again look at UAE as the example.  Arabic but English is understood thus my visits to any Ministry did not require a company language escort.

I feel that you can get by just fine with the English that is spoken, you just need to persevere until someone comes along who can actually marginally understand you.

As far as signs are concerned, I truly wish that there were actually signs in English as well as Arabic, it would make life a lot easier. But again, Google Translate app on your phone helps a lot, as does Google Maps if you are lost...

The problem comes, when, as a restaurant employee, I have to deal with a person who feels that they don't need to even pretend to speak my language, speaking only Arabic, and then demanding an English menu because its easier (cooler?) to be seen with one??

Anyone interested in learning Kuwaiti Arabic can pick up a copy of "Speak Kuwaiti" which is a simple straight forward book with English translations. I really like the "complain and curse" section of the book.

me too, I had that experienced, if I ride in  a public bus I will ask the driver for the location or bus number and he cant understand me! so I ended up with a taxi

It all depends where and whom you deal with, at what level