My Kuwait contract has a Dubai arbitration clause—can I still start mediation in Kuwait first?

In general, you can start mediation in Kuwait, and doing so will not affect your right to proceed with arbiration later in Dubai.

Yes, in principle you may initiate amicable settlement or mediation in Kuwait even if the contract contains an arbitration clause designating Dubai as the seat of arbitration. Attempting mediation does not normally waive or affect your right to proceed with arbitration, unless the contract expressly prohibits parallel negotiations or imposes a mandatory dispute-resolution sequence. Under general principles of international commercial arbitration, mediation is considered a voluntary settlement mechanism that parties may pursue at any time before or during arbitration.