The Holy Month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, is celebrated universally throughout the Muslim world. This is a month of fasting, during which it is believed the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the first Islamic century. During this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours, and are encouraged to devote more time to the study of the Qur'an, to meditation, and to solidifying and strengthening relationships with family and friends. The beginning of Ramadan depends on the actual sighting of the new moon and continues for approximately 29 days, again depending on the sighting of the next new crescent moon.

Ramadan is a period of spiritual purification and meditation and a key component of its observation includes abstinence from food, drink (including water) and physical pleasure (including smoking) during daylight hours.

Most Government of Kuwait offices usually work between 10:30am to 2:00pm during Ramadan. Kuwaitis are very busy during Ramadan, visiting family and friends and paying social calls to the Diwaniyas. Nights in Kuwait gain new life as people often stay awake socializing until dawn. One of the highlights of Ramadan is the annual address to the nation by HH the Amir, usually during the last 10 days of Ramadan.