H. Tarish F. Al-Sabti and H. ShalabyKuwait Institute for Scientific ResearchP.O. Box 24885 Safat 13109 KuwaitThis paper presents the results of a two years project carried out on atmospheric corrosion of different stainless steels (SS) in Kuwait. Flat panels of 316 2205 2507 445M LDX 2404 and LDX 2101 SS with four different surface finishing conditions were exposed to the atmosphere at five sites in Kuwait. Also welded and U-bent panels of 316 SS were exposed to the atmosphere at the five sites. Time of wetness (TOW) and chloride deposition rates were measured and calculated. The atmospheric corrosivity of the five sites was specified according to ISO 9223 standard. Based on TOW measurements the atmosphere corrosivity is in the range of low to medium (2 to 3) while based on the chloride deposition rate the atmosphere corrosivity is in the range of medium to high (S1 to S2) depending upon the closeness of the site to the sea. The SS panels were examined visually as well as using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The degree of corrosion attack on the SS panels varied with the type of SS and the degree of surface roughness with the welded panels showing the highest degree of corrosion.Keywords: Time of wetness atmosphere corrosivity surface finishing chloride deposition