Ramadan 2027 in Kuwait is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, pending moon sighting. Plan your trip to Kuwait with this full traveller guide.
Ramadan 2027 Dates in Kuwait
Based on astronomical projections, Ramadan 1448 AH in Kuwait is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, with 29 days of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, pending the Shawwal crescent sighting.
| Event | Expected Date | Hijri |
|---|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 February 2027 | 1 Ramadan 1448 |
| Laylat al-Qadr (most observed) | Night of Friday, 5 March 2027 | 27 Ramadan 1448 |
| Last day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 March 2027 | 29 Ramadan 1448 |
| Eid al-Fitr | Tuesday, 9 March 2027 | 1 Shawwal 1448 |
Kuwait’s Moon Sighting Board meets at the Supreme Judicial Council in Mubarak Al-Abdullah on 29 Sha’ban to receive verified testimonies. The official decision is announced through KUNA, state TV and radio.
Sehri and Iftar Times in Kuwait City
Fasting hours in Kuwait City sit between 12 hours 22 minutes at the start of Ramadan and nearly 13 hours 7 minutes by the final day. Sehri ends at Fajr and iftar begins at Maghrib. Times below are weekly estimates for Kuwait City and may vary by a minute or two. Check the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for the official daily schedule.
| Week | Dates | Sehri (Fajr) | Iftar (Maghrib) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 8 – 14 Feb 2027 | ~5:06 – 5:10 AM | ~5:32 – 5:36 PM |
| Week 2 | 15 – 21 Feb 2027 | ~5:00 – 5:05 AM | ~5:37 – 5:42 PM |
| Week 3 | 22 – 28 Feb 2027 | ~4:54 – 5:00 AM | ~5:42 – 5:47 PM |
| Week 4 | 1 – 8 Mar 2027 | ~4:45 – 4:53 AM | ~5:47 – 5:52 PM |
Daylight lengthens by roughly 45 minutes across the month, so expect slightly longer fasts in the final ten nights.
Ramadan Traditions Unique to Kuwait
Kuwait’s Ramadan traditions are shaped by Gulf heritage, family-first customs and a deep culture of hospitality. Several of these traditions pre-date oil-era Kuwait by a century or more.
The Iftar Cannon at Naif Palace
Kuwait’s iftar cannon has fired at sunset for over a century. The practice began in 1907 under Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah and survives today at Naif Palace. Red-liveried cannoneers fire a single shot at Maghrib, broadcast live on Kuwait TV and radio.
Girgian: The Children’s Festival
Girgian lights up the 13th, 14th and 15th nights of Ramadan. Children wear embroidered thobes and silk dresses, walk door to door singing traditional songs, and collect nuts and sweets in decorated bags. Schools, malls and community centres stage parades and craft sessions.
Ghabqa and Majlis Gatherings
After Taraweeh prayers, families and friends gather for ghabqa, late-night meals that stretch toward suhoor. These happen in home majalis, hotel tents and private diwaniyas, with quiet conversation over luqaimat, balaleet and Arabic coffee.
Qiyam al-Layl at the Grand Mosque
In the last ten nights, extended Qiyam al-Layl prayers draw tens of thousands at the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Kabir). The Ministry of Awqaf deploys tents, water stations and medical posts around major mosques to handle peak-night crowds.
Charity and Community Service
Organisations such as Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Zakat House and Al-Najat Charity coordinate iftar meal boxes, food baskets and mosque hospitality. Distributions reach souqs, labour camps and mosques across the country.
What to Eat During Ramadan in Kuwait
Iftar in Kuwait follows a familiar opening ritual before moving into heartier Gulf staples. Most spreads include:
- Opening bites: Dates, laban and warm lentil soup (shorba).
- Main dishes: Machboos (spiced rice with lamb, chicken or fish), harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat), jareesh (cracked wheat porridge) and marag bamia (okra stew).
- Ghabqa favourites: Balaleet (sweet vermicelli with a thin omelette), samboosa and grilled meats.
- Sweets: Luqaimat (date-syrup fritters), kanafeh and Arabic sweets served with gahwa.
- Ramadan drinks: Vimto, qamar al-din (apricot nectar), jallab and fresh laban.
Hotels in Kuwait City run extensive iftar buffets and ghabqa tents. Souq Al-Mubarakiya and Qibla’s traditional restaurants are the most atmospheric spots for a street-style iftar.
Best Things to Do During Ramadan in Kuwait
Ramadan in Kuwait is an evening experience. Most venues shift their opening hours to the post-iftar window and run deep into the night.
Catch the Iftar Cannon
Head to Naif Palace just before Maghrib to watch the cannoneers fire the daily shot. It is one of the most authentic Ramadan moments in the Gulf.
Wander Souq Al-Mubarakiya After Dark
Kuwait’s oldest market glows after iftar. Browse spice stalls, traditional textiles and dates, then settle into a local restaurant for machboos or harees.
Visit the Grand Mosque for Taraweeh
The Grand Mosque hosts the country’s largest Taraweeh congregations. Dress modestly, arrive 30 to 40 minutes before Isha, and plan to stay for the recitation.
Evening at Al Shaheed Park
Al Shaheed Park runs extended hours during Ramadan, often until midnight. Stroll the gardens, visit the cultural centres and catch the evening breeze by the water features.
Cultural Nights at Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre shifts its operating hours to the evening during Ramadan, typically opening from around 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Check the venue’s schedule before you go.
Mall Evenings and Late-Night Shopping
Kuwait’s major malls split into morning and evening shifts during Ramadan. Most run from around 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, reopening at 7:30 or 8:30 PM until 1:30 AM. The Avenues, 360 Mall, Marina Mall and Al Kout are among the busiest evening destinations.
Where to Stay During Ramadan 2027
Kuwait’s Ramadan experience centres on Kuwait City, but several neighbouring districts offer a quieter base.
| Area | Best For | Ramadan Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait City (Sharq) | First-time visitors, business travellers | Iftar cannon, Souq Al-Mubarakiya, Grand Mosque |
| Salmiya | Families, shoppers | Marina Mall, corniche walks, ghabqa tents |
| Hawalli | Budget travellers, foodies | Local restaurants, neighbourhood mosques |
| Fahaheel | Quieter stays, seaside views | Al Kout mall, waterfront iftar spots |
Ramadan Etiquette for Visitors
Kuwait enforces Ramadan etiquette by law, so visitors should plan their days accordingly.
- No public eating, drinking or smoking during daylight hours. This applies to Muslims and non-Muslims. Under Law No. 44 of 1968, penalties reach up to KD 100 and/or up to one month imprisonment.
- Dress modestly in public spaces, especially near mosques, cultural venues and family areas. Shoulders, knees and midriff should be covered.
- Keep music low in public during the day. Live entertainment typically resumes after evening prayers.
- Greet locals with “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak”.
- Respect reduced working hours at government offices, banks and businesses.
- Plan around pre-iftar traffic. Roads get busy 30 to 45 minutes before Maghrib as families head home.
How Ramadan Shapes Daily Life in Kuwait
The whole country shifts to an evening-first rhythm. Mornings stay subdued, afternoons slow down, and cities come alive after iftar.
Reduced Working Hours
Government entities operate on flexible schedules during Ramadan, typically starting between 8:30 and 10:30 AM and closing around 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Banks generally open from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, following Central Bank guidance relayed by the Kuwait Banking Association.
Mall and Retail Hours
Malls run split shifts during Ramadan. Based on recent patterns, expect the following (always verify with the venue):
- The Avenues: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM
- 360 Mall: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM
- Marina Mall: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM
- Al Kout: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM
Mall restaurants usually open close to sunset.
Public Transport
Kuwait has no metro. Buses run by KPTC, CityBus and other operators extend their hours during Ramadan, often running 20+ hours a day. Expect heavier road traffic 30 to 45 minutes before Maghrib.
Eid al-Fitr 2027 in Kuwait
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, marking 1 Shawwal 1448 AH, subject to the Shawwal crescent sighting. Kuwait typically observes a three-day Eid public holiday for government and private sectors.
Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) is held shortly after sunrise at major mosques, including the Grand Mosque. Families spend the day visiting relatives, exchanging eidiya (gifts of money to children) and gathering over Eid meals featuring machboos, harees and trays of traditional sweets.
Booking Tips for Ramadan 2027
- Book flights early. Fares to Kuwait City (KWI) climb as Ramadan approaches, especially from India, Pakistan, Egypt and the Philippines. Compare flights to Kuwait on Wego.
- Avoid Eid week travel. Flights around 8 to 11 March 2027 will be crowded and more expensive. Lock in bookings at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
- Shortlist Ramadan-ready hotels. Check which properties run iftar buffets, ghabqa tents and suhoor boxes. Compare hotels in Kuwait City on Wego.
- Track your flight live. Use the Kuwait International Airport tracker to check arrivals and departures in real time.
- Fly with regional carriers. Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Saudia all operate strong networks into Kuwait.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Kuwait?
Ramadan 2027 in Kuwait is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, subject to confirmation by Kuwait’s Sharia Sighting Authority after the crescent moon sighting on 29 Sha’ban 1448.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2027 in Kuwait?
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, pending the Shawwal moon sighting. Kuwait typically observes a three-day public holiday for Eid.
Can non-Muslims eat in public during Ramadan in Kuwait?
No. Under Law No. 44 of 1968, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone, regardless of religion. Penalties can reach up to KD 100 and/or one month imprisonment. Eat inside hotels, screened restaurants or your own room.
What is Girgian and when is it celebrated in Kuwait?
Girgian is a beloved children’s festival marking the middle of Ramadan. Celebrated on the 13th, 14th and 15th nights of Ramadan (around 20 to 22 February 2027), children wear traditional dress, walk door to door singing and collect sweets and nuts in decorated bags.
How long are the fasting hours in Kuwait during Ramadan 2027?
Fasting hours in Kuwait City during Ramadan 2027 range from approximately 12 hours 22 minutes on day one to just over 13 hours by the final day, among the shorter Ramadans of the decade.
Sources
- Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Kuwait
- Ministry of Justice, Kuwait
- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
- Ramadan 1448 Prayer Times in Kuwait
- Umm al-Qura Calendar of Saudi Arabia
- Moonsighting.com — Ramadan 1448
- Holidays and Observances in Kuwait 2027
- Civil Service Commission, Kuwait
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