Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Kuwait means entering a society where religion structures both the law, the calendar, work schedules, meals, holidays, public space, and a large part of social life. For an expatriate, understanding these codes well is not just a matter of politeness: it also determines compliance with the law, the quality of professional relationships, and day-to-day integration.
This guide details the most common religious practices, such as Friday prayer, Ramadan fasting, and religious holidays, as well as dress codes. It provides precise legal and cultural benchmarks to help visitors avoid missteps.
A country where Islam structures public life
Kuwait is a conservative Muslim country where Islam, and more specifically Sunni Islam, holds an official and legal place. The Constitution stipulates that it is the state religion and makes Sharia a major source of legislation. At the same time, it guarantees freedom of belief and free exercise of worship, provided that public order and morals are not undermined.
Concretely, the vast majority of the population is Muslim, even though the country is demographically very open to other religions through the expatriate workforce.
Religious landscape: who practices what in Kuwait?
Data from several reports allow for a fairly precise picture of religious diversity, including citizens and foreign residents.
| Religious category | Estimated share of total population | Main remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Muslims (total) | ≈ 74.6% | Islam is state religion, overwhelming majority among citizens |
| Christians | ≈ 17.9% | Predominantly expatriates; a few hundred citizens |
| Other religions (Hindu, Buddhist, etc.) | ≈ 7.5% | Mainly expatriates from South Asia and East Asia |
| Bahá’ís, Ahmadis, Sikhs, etc. | Numerically modest minorities | Freedom of worship mainly in private context |
Among Kuwaiti citizens themselves, almost all are Muslim, with a Sunni majority and a significant Shia minority, whose exact proportion varies according to sources.
| Among Kuwaiti citizens | Estimated range | Notable details |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnis | 60 to 70% (or up to 80%) | Ruling family of Maliki Sunni rite |
| Shias | 30 to 40% | Ancient community, historical role in the country |
| Others (Christians, Bahá’ís…) | < 1% | A few hundred Christian citizens recorded |
For an expatriate, this means two very concrete things: on one hand, Islam permeates public life rules; on the other hand, daily society, especially in the capital, remains familiar with religious plurality, even though proselytizing is strictly forbidden and blasphemy is punished.
Friday, the backbone of the week
In Kuwait, as in most Muslim countries, Friday is not just a weekend day: it is the major weekly religious gathering. Everything revolves around the noon prayer, called Ṣalāt al-Jumuʿah.
Jumuʿah: the great weekly prayer
In Muslim practice, the Friday prayer is a collective service, halfway between a spiritual rite, a moment of community cohesion, and a vector of social information.
Key points to understand it:
| Element of the Friday prayer | Synthetic description |
|---|---|
| Arabic name | Ṣalāh al-Jumuʿah (or ṣalāt al-jumuʿa) |
| Religious status | Highly valued act considered obligatory for adult resident Muslim men |
| Replacement of daily prayer | Takes the place of the noon prayer (Dhuhr) on Friday |
| Structure | Two prayer units (rakʿat) preceded by a sermon (khutbah) |
| Average duration | Approximately 30 to 45 minutes for the sermon and prayer |
In Kuwait, as elsewhere, mosques fill up with worshippers, roads around certain locations become congested, and some government offices and businesses adjust their hours to facilitate participation in this prayer.
Who is required to attend?
In Islamic tradition, the Friday prayer is particularly obligatory for adult Muslim men residing in place, except in cases of major necessity such as illness, disability, or travel. Women and children may attend the prayer but are not subject to the same religious obligation.
In the Shia tradition, very present in certain neighborhoods and mosques in Kuwait, the Friday obligation is often described as “optional but preferred” compared to the classic noon prayer: the individual may perform either the Jumuʿah prayer or the Dhuhr prayer, with a marked preference for the former.
Shia tradition in Kuwait
For a non-Muslim expatriate, the key point is practical: Friday noon is a time of high attendance around mosques, and it is advisable to avoid unnecessary travel in these areas, or work meetings at these times.
A day with special status
Friday is considered the most noble day of the Islamic week. It is not a “Sabbath” in the Jewish or Christian sense, but a day of great spiritual value.
In religious culture, it is attributed, for example: the importance of rites and traditions, which play a central role in the spiritual and community life of believers.
– the creation of Adam;
– his entry into and exit from Paradise;
– his death;
– and, in the eschatological perspective, the occurrence of the Last Judgment.
Friday (Al-Jumuʿah) is often referred to as the “weekly Eid” in Islam, as it is considered a recurring day of celebration. Prayers on this day are said to be more readily answered. The importance of this day is also highlighted by the fact that an entire chapter of the Quran bears its name: Surah Al-Jumuʿah (The Congregation).
In practice, Friday in Kuwait is accompanied by customs considered recommended: washing thoroughly (ghusl), wearing clean or nice clothes, applying perfume (for men), going to the mosque on foot if possible, and increasing supplications and Quranic readings, especially Surah Al-Kahf.
How the prayer is organized in the mosque
Attending – even as an observer – a Friday prayer in a large Kuwaiti mosque, like the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Kabir), allows for a concrete understanding of the ritual.
The pattern is generally as follows:
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Before the service | Worshippers perform ablutions (wudû’ or, more rarely, a complete ritual bath – ghusl). |
| First call | The adhan resounds from the minaret or sound system to signal the approach of the service. |
| Settling in | Worshippers line up in rows, barefoot on the carpets, facing Mecca (qibla). |
| Sermon (khutbah) – 1st part | The imam (or khatîb) delivers a speech, generally in Arabic, mixing divine praise, Quranic verses, moral reminders, and commentary on community current affairs. |
| Brief sitting | The imam sits for a short moment, marking a pause between the two parts of the sermon. |
| Sermon – 2nd part | Resumption of the preaching, often focused on exhortation to piety and moral rectitude. |
| Second call (iqâmah) | Very short call indicating the prayer is beginning; worshippers line up in compact rows. |
| Prayer in two units | The imam leads the prayer aloud; in the Shia tradition, two specific supplications (qunût) are recommended. |
During the sermon, worshippers are expected to listen in silence, without chatting or using their phones. Traditions even report that angels “note” the order of arrival at the mosque, until the beginning of the sermon.
For an expatriate, a basic rule: do not attempt to cross the rows during prayer, do not place yourself in front of someone already praying, and maintain a very discreet attitude, especially if you are just a visitor.
Ramadan in Kuwait: a month that transforms daily life
If Friday structures the week, the month of Ramadan reconfigures all daily life in Kuwait. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, in commemoration of the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
The legal framework: what non-Muslims and expatriates absolutely must know
In Kuwait, outward respect for the fast is not just a matter of politeness, but of criminal law. A 1987 law, supplemented in 2006, prohibits any person – regardless of religion – from eating, drinking (even water), smoking, or chewing gum in public between sunrise and sunset.
The term “public place” is interpreted broadly:
– street, sidewalk, parking lot;
– car if the interior is visible;
– shopping malls, cinemas, open-plan offices;
– building lobbies, company common areas.
Maximum fine in Kuwaiti dinars for alcohol consumption in a public place in Kuwait.
Implicitly, other behaviors are perceived as disrespectful during Ramadan: playing very loud music, especially in the car, displaying public affection, or wearing clothing deemed too revealing.
Impact on work schedules and traffic
Ramadan also changes professional life. Government offices and many companies reduce their hours: the typical workday may be concentrated between 9:30 AM and 2 PM, and some companies allow partial remote work or a more flexible organization.
In traffic, peak times are observed early in the morning (7 AM-9 AM), in the early afternoon (1 PM-3 PM), and just before the time for breaking the fast (Maghreb) when roads become particularly tense, even dangerous, as many drivers hurry home for iftar.
For an expatriate, it is advisable to avoid taking the road in the hour before sunset. It is also recommended to schedule important meetings outside of these sensitive time slots.
Iftar and Suhoor: the rhythm of meals
The month is punctuated by two major meals:
– Suhoor: meal taken just before dawn, intended to support the day’s fast;
– Iftar: evening meal, at the call to Maghreb prayer, marking the end of the daily fast.
Iftar generally begins with dates and water, in accordance with prophetic tradition, then continues with heartier dishes. In Kuwait, one often finds on the table dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat), thareed (stew served on bread), harees (cracked wheat and meat), lentil soups, as well as sweets like gaimat or luqmat al-qaadi (fried dough balls in syrup), kunafa, or samosas.
Families and friends gather en masse for this meal; restaurants and hotels organize iftar buffets, very popular, for which it is advisable to book.
Discover how the city transforms after breaking the fast, with an atmosphere that lasts late into the night.
Streets come alive and fill with people until late at night, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Shopping malls become heavily frequented meeting places, well beyond midnight.
Spirituality, charity, and community life
Ramadan is not just an exercise in deprivation. It is also a time of intensive prayer, reflection, and charity. Many people try to read the entire Quran during the month, participate in night prayers (tarawih), and increase their supplications.
Generosity is at the heart of this month’s atmosphere: distribution of free iftar meals by associations, food boxes given to migrant workers, envelopes of money discreetly handed to strangers in need. These initiatives follow the logic of zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and voluntary donations.
For a non-Muslim expatriate, it is common and welcome to be invited to an iftar. Accepting the invitation, arriving on time, and bringing a small gift – quality dates, Arabic pastries – is appreciated. Politeness also involves avoiding monopolizing the conversation or humorously referring to the hunger or thirst of those fasting.
Religious holidays and the official calendar
In Kuwait, the calendar is marked by Islamic religious holidays, but also by some civil commemorations. For an expatriate, this translates into public holidays, government office closures, and changes in habits.
Major Islamic holidays
Among the most significant religious celebrations:
– Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan. For three days, families visit each other, exchange new clothes, gifts, and “eidiah,” these envelopes of money given to children. Shops and institutions close, and social life intensifies.
– Eid al-Adha, the “Greater Eid,” takes place on the 10th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, at the time of the pilgrimage to Mecca. It commemorates the trial of Abraham and is characterized by prayers, family visits, and, in some circles, the sacrifice of a sheep or goat whose meat is shared with relatives and the needy.
– Al-Mawled Al-Nabawy, the Prophet’s birthday, gives rise to vigils with Quran recitation, religious songs, and distribution of food or clothing to the poor.
– Other dates such as Isra’ wa-l-Miʿraj (the Night Journey and Ascension), the start of the Hijri new year, or celebrations specific to the Shia tradition (notably in Muharram and for Ashura) also mark the year.
National holidays and festivals
Kuwait also observes: the development of its economy and the diversification of its resources.
– January 1st (New Year’s Day);
– National Day, February 25th, commemorating independence in 1961;
– Liberation Day, February 26th, in memory of liberation after the Iraqi occupation of 1990.
In February, a long cultural festival called Hala February enlivens the country: commercial promotions, shows, family activities, concerts, and artistic events.
For an expatriate, these dates mean days off, specific traffic jams, increased attendance in shopping malls and leisure venues, but also a particularly marked festive atmosphere.
Visiting a mosque in Kuwait: codes, attire, and behavior
Even if one is not Muslim, visiting a large mosque, particularly the Grand Mosque in Kuwait City, is one of the best ways to understand the importance of religion in the country.
The Grand Mosque: place of worship and urban landmark
Located in the heart of the capital, at the corner of Gulf Road and Mubarak Al Kabeer Street, the Grand Mosque is the largest place of worship in the country. Its vast dome, monumental calligraphy, and chandeliers make it both a major religious site and a tourist attraction.
Free guided tours are organized outside of prayer times to present the architecture, basic principles of Islam, and the functioning of the place. It is essential to check current hours and wear attire conforming to mosque customs.
Required dress code
In Kuwaiti mosques, and more broadly in public spaces, the general rule is modesty. Concretely:
For women: cover arms and legs, avoid tight-fitting or transparent clothing, and wear a headscarf covering the hair. A loose-fitting long dress or loose pants with a long tunic is appropriate. Many mosques lend abayas and veils at the entrance. For men: avoid shorts, tank tops, and T-shirts with provocative slogans. Long pants with a shirt or polo with short or long sleeves is advised.
Shoes are removed before entering the prayer hall proper; it is practical to bring a small bag to keep them with you.
Behavior to adopt in a place of worship
Rules of conduct are based on respect and sobriety:
– speak quietly, phone on silent;
– avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum on the premises;
– do not stand in front of someone praying or pass right in front of them;
– avoid unnecessarily touching architectural or decorative elements.
For photography, it is better to always ask for permission and refrain from taking pictures of worshippers, especially women. Photography with professional equipment requires, unless otherwise indicated, specific authorization.
Dress code and modesty in daily life
Beyond mosques, the question of attire is central in the daily life of an expatriate in Kuwait. The law does not set a mandatory dress code for non-Muslims, but social norms are stricter than in some other Gulf countries.
General principles
Two simple principles allow one to avoid most misunderstandings:
1. Cover shoulders and knees in public, for both men and women. 2. Prefer loose-fitting and non-transparent clothing.
Clothing considered too short, too low-cut, or too tight, such as very short shorts, tank tops, backless tops, leggings worn alone, miniskirts, or very fitted T-shirts, is poorly viewed in public spaces like the street, shopping malls, or government offices.
It is advisable to always have a headscarf, shawl, cardigan, or light kimono on hand to be able to “adjust” one’s attire depending on the place (mosque, ministry, diwaniya, Kuwaiti family home).
Specific contexts
Depending on the location, the degree of requirement varies:
| Place / context | Dominant dress expectations |
|---|---|
| Mosques | Women: hair, arms, and legs covered, long and loose clothing. Men: long pants, no tank tops. |
| Malls, restaurants, streets | Shoulders and knees covered, non-transparent clothing, no marked cleavage. |
| Offices, banks, ministries | Modest “business” city attire: shirt and pants for men; dress or skirt below the knee with sleeves for women. |
| Public beaches | Swimming in swimsuits frowned upon; prefer covering shorts + T-shirt. |
| Hotel pools / beach clubs | Western swimwear tolerated within certain limits (rather one-piece or discreet bikinis); burkini also present. Topless forbidden. |
Expatriates who conform to these codes generally do not face any problems. In case of a remark, the best reaction is to apologize, cover up more if possible, and end the discussion without confrontation.
Ramadan, Muharram, Ashura: when religious sensitivity intensifies
Beyond mere dress code, certain months of the Islamic calendar – particularly Ramadan and Muharram – are marked by stronger spiritual and emotional intensity, to which expatriates must be particularly attentive.
Ramadan: reminder of key points for non-Muslims
For reference:
– do not eat, drink, or smoke in public from dawn to sunset;
– avoid loud music and boisterous parties during the day;
– adjust workload and meeting times with fasting colleagues;
– respect prayer times, especially in the evening (tarawih, night prayers).
In some companies, closed spaces are provided so that non-Muslims can have lunch discreetly during Ramadan. If this is not the case, it is recommended to broach the subject tactfully, without demanding, but seeking a solution respectful to all.
Muharram and Ashura: a month of mourning for the Shia community
The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, and particularly its tenth day, Ashura, hold special significance for Shia Muslims, present in large numbers in Kuwait. They commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet, killed in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century.
In practice, this translates into: taking concrete and effective measures to achieve the set goals.
Commemorations include gatherings in **hussainiyas** (Shia religious meeting halls) to listen to sermons, recite elegies, pray, and remember the events of Karbala. They are also characterized by mourning processions or gatherings, where participants often wear black clothing and express deep sadness through weeping and lamentation. Finally, these practices are accompanied by acts of charity, donations to the poor, and reflection on themes of justice and oppression.
Authorities regulate these manifestations for reasons of security and public order, for example by setting limits on the number of people in private homes, prohibiting external loudspeakers or unauthorized tents, and deploying security forces near hussainiyas.
For an expatriate, the essentials are: adapting to one’s new environment, establishing a routine, maintaining ties with one’s culture of origin, learning the local language, and integrating into the community.
– respect the atmosphere of contemplation, especially in Shia neighborhoods;
– avoid jokes or discussions on political or sectarian topics about these events, which are often very sensitive;
– keep in mind that for many Shias, Ashura is a day of deep mourning, incompatible with a light or festive tone.
Religious freedom, limits, and best practices for non-Muslim expatriates
The Kuwaiti legal framework offers a certain freedom of worship, but also red lines that every expatriate must know.
What the law allows and what it prohibits
The country allows non-Muslims to practice their religion under regulated conditions:
Major Christian denominations (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican) have recognized churches, allowing them to hold services, display religious signs, and conduct activities. Other Christian groups not officially recognized (such as certain Indian churches or evangelical communities) may gather in rented villas or premises, on the express condition of not causing neighborhood disturbances.
But the framework is strict on several essential points:
| Subject | Rule in force in Kuwait |
|---|---|
| Proselytizing | Forbidden for non-Muslims: no distribution of leaflets or public calls for conversion. |
| Blasphemy | Criminal offense: any insult to Islam, the prophets, or recognized religions may lead to prosecution. |
| Political criticism | Insulting the Emir, the ruling family, or the authorities is illegal. |
| Alcohol and pork | Import, sale, and consumption of alcohol prohibited; same for pork products. |
| Practices contrary to Sharia | For example, witchcraft, gambling, certain interest-bearing financial contracts in the Islamic system. |
A Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist expatriate can generally celebrate their holidays, go to their place of worship, and practice in private, but must ensure not to cross the lines regarding proselytizing or religious criticism.
Recommended attitudes in daily life
A few reflexes allow one to serenely approach the religious dimension in Kuwait:
To avoid any misunderstanding or offense, it is advisable to avoid sensitive theological or political debates, particularly in public or with unfamiliar people. Refrain from distributing religious literature or symbols that could be interpreted as an incitement to conversion. It is also crucial to adapt your language by avoiding any jokes concerning religion, the Prophet, mosques, or fasting practices. Finally, it is recommended to favor a discreet and non-ostentatious practice of one’s own faith in public space.
Kuwaiti society shows in practice a certain familiarity with Christian holidays (Christmas decorations and carols in malls, for example), but this climate of tolerance remains framed by a legal arsenal protective of Islam and religious sensitivities in general.
Beyond laws and prayer times, religion shapes many social interactions. For an expatriate, mastering a few key codes greatly facilitates daily life.
Male-female relationships
Relations between the sexes follow more conservative norms than in many Western countries:
In public, physical contact between unrelated persons of the opposite sex should be avoided. To greet a Muslim woman, it is customary to wait for her to extend her hand first; otherwise, placing the hand on the chest and bowing the head is a respectful gesture. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially for unmarried couples, and cohabitation between unmarried persons of the opposite sex is illegal.
These customs stem not only from law, but also from a conception of modesty (haya) deeply rooted in religious culture.
The diwaniya is a room or wing of the house traditionally reserved for receiving guests, often men, to discuss politics, economy, religion, sports. Some diwaniyas are very informal, others are veritable salons of influence.
Being invited is a sign of trust and integration. The setting is marked by a few benchmarks:
Meetings take place in correct and sober attire. Exchanges, often lively, remain framed by politeness. It is customary to be offered Arabic coffee (qahwa) or tea, accompanied by presentation and tasting rituals. Topics like domestic politics, regional tensions, or religion may be broached, but an expatriate would do well to adopt a cautious tone, especially at first.
Women’s diwaniyas also exist and play a believing role in social and sometimes political life.
Funerals and condolences
Funeral rites rigorously follow the Islamic framework: ritual washing of the body, white shroud, rapid burial (ideally before sunset), burial oriented towards Mecca. Condolences are received for three days, often in the family home.
For an expatriate, going to a house in mourning, moderately perfumed, dressed soberly (and avoiding very bright colors), offering verbal condolences, and remaining discreet is a very appreciated mark of respect.
Prayer and times: a structuring background noise
Five times a day, the call to prayer (adhan) punctuates the city’s soundscape: before dawn, at noon, in mid-afternoon, at sunset, and early at night. Shops, cafes, and offices do not systematically interrupt all activity, but pauses can be observed, especially for the great Friday prayer.
Knowing how to identify prayer times helps avoid scheduling an important meeting at an inopportune moment and understanding temporary closures of some businesses.
In particular:
– Friday noon: heart of the weekly religious day; disrupted traffic around large mosques;
– Maghreb (sunset) during Ramadan: the time of iftar, when the city almost physically pauses for a few minutes.
In summary: integrating without denying oneself
Living in Kuwait, for an expatriate, means learning to navigate a society where religion is everywhere, without necessarily being a practitioner oneself. The key lies in a triple balance:
It is essential to respect legal rules (public fasting, speech, alcohol, pork, security) and social codes (attire, language, important days) during a stay. Cultural openness, such as visiting places of worship and accepting invitations, allows for a respectful immersion.
By taking the time to grasp the internal logic of local religious practices – from the Friday sermon to Ramadan nights, from Ashura processions to family condolences – the expatriate does not merely avoid blunders: they also gain privileged access to the depth of a society where the religious, social, and political are intimately intertwined.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
