Rabat – Kuwait has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan 2026 will begin on the 18th, following the sighting of the crescent moon by the Sharia Vision Authority.
The confirmation marks the start of a month observed by Muslims across the country through fasting, prayer, and communal gatherings that reshape daily life from dawn to dusk.
From the first call to Fajr prayer, Muslims abstain from food and drink until sunset, when families gather to break their fast in a meal known locally as iftar. Traditionally, the fast is opened with dates and water, followed by a warm bowl of lentil soup in Kuwait.
The evening meal then unfolds with dishes deeply rooted in Kuwaiti heritage. Tashreeb, bread soaked in a rich meat and vegetable broth, remains a staple on many tables. Harees and jereesh, both made from wheat and slow-cooked with meat, continue to hold a special place during the holy month. Majboos, fragrant rice prepared with chicken, mutton, or sometimes fish, is often the centerpiece of the meal.
Alongside these traditional dishes, modern additions have become increasingly common. Savory pastries such as samboosa, fresh salads, and a range of sweets, including luqaimat and qatayef, are widely enjoyed.
Popular Ramadan drinks such as qamar al-deen, which is a thick, sweet, and tangy beverage made from dried apricot paste, fermented milk or laban, and Vimto, are frequently served to help replenish fluids after a long day of fasting.
Beyond the dining table, Ramadan in Kuwait carries a strong social and spiritual dimension. Mosques across the country host nightly Taraweeh prayers, drawing large numbers of worshippers, particularly during the last ten nights of the month.
Acts of charity and generosity also intensify, with families and organizations distributing meals and supporting those in need.
Traditional customs remain visible throughout the month. The firing of the iftar cannon at Naif Palace signals sunset each evening, attracting families and visitors.
Children look forward to Girgian, a cherished mid-Ramadan tradition in Kuwait, observed on the 13th, 14th, and 15th nights of the holy month. During these evenings, children dress in traditional clothing and go door to door in their neighborhoods singing folk songs and collecting sweets and nuts from residents.
The custom dates back generations and was historically timed with the full moon, which helped light the streets before electricity.
While the treats have evolved from simple nuts and homemade candies to decorative gift bags filled with chocolates, Girgian remains a celebration of community spirit, childhood joy, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
For foreign residents and visitors, Ramadan brings noticeable changes to daily schedules, business hours, and public life. While restaurants adjust operating times, many hotels and venues offer iftar gatherings open to all.
As Kuwait prepares to welcome Ramadan on Wednesday, the month once again promises a blend of devotion, heritage, and community that defines one of the most significant periods in the country’s calendar.
