Open universities and distance education have expanded dramatically across the world. The Arab Open University is a non-profit institution aiming to offer opportunities for independent study and lifelong learning for the Arab region and elsewhere. The AOU launched its teaching programs in October 2002 in Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. This study explores the potential of open and distance education in Kuwait through an in-depth case study of the Arab Open Universitys Kuwait branch. Considering the infancy of the AOU, this exploration focuses on the planning and implementation efforts behind AOU, its chosen curriculum and modes of delivery, and a thorough look at its student profiles. It also looks into the potential consequences and appropriateness of its collaboration with the British Open University on its curriculum and students. A deliberation of the culture, environment, and society of AOUs student population and Kuwaits greater student population is implicit in this assessment.