Information for US citizens during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan
KUWAIT: The United States embassy in Kuwait sent the following message to US citizens in Kuwait, which includes guidelines to be followed during the holy month of Ramadan:
The beginning and end of the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, are based on actual sightings of the new moon, likely from about May 27 to June 24. The official start and end of the month will be announced by newspaper, television and radio.
During Ramadan, the US Embassy in Kuwait will continue to offer routine services for US citizens and visa applicants. Services are by appointment through our website. Appointments for US citizen services are available between 11 am and 1 pm Sunday through Wednesday. Visa applicants should review our instructions and schedule interviews via our visa website. When visiting the embassy, please bring two forms of government-issued identification with photographs, as you will need to leave one with our security guards while inside our building.
Kuwaiti government ministries and institutions will follow a reduced schedule, officially opening for business at 09:30 and closing at 14:00. Some government offices and retail businesses may not provide full staffing.
Ramadan is a time of abstinence from food, drink (including water), and physical pleasure (including smoking) during daylight hours. Expectations of conservative public behavior and dress are heightened during Ramadan. The fast is generally held to be obligatory for Muslims, unless they are old, very young, infirm, traveling, or pregnant. The strictures are observed between dawn and sunset (roughly 04:30-18:50).
With meals taken only at night, sleep is limited. Be extra alert while driving, especially in the late afternoon when many people are returning home to break their fast.
Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, but it is against Kuwaiti law for anyone to eat, drink, or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset. Even children should be instructed not to eat or drink in public, which includes while in a vehicle on, or visible from, the street. Eating, drinking or smoking in public are grounds for arrest.
Restaurants, including cafes and fast food shops, will close during the day and reopen after sunset. Supermarkets and cooperative markets will remain open on Ramadan schedules unique to each but usually including shorter daytime hours. Retail non-food businesses will generally remain open for the entire period on reduced schedules.
Some hotels will keep one dining room open during the day (usually screened from public view) to provide meal and beverage service to non-Muslim guests. Other hotels may require non-Muslims to receive their meals in their hotel rooms during fasting hours. If you plan to travel via Kuwait International Airport, be aware that food and drink service will remain available during the day at the Dasman and Pearl Lounges, located after immigration control in the departure area. Access to these lounges is restricted and is granted for a fee.