Understanding Kuwait’s public holidays in 2026 is essential for effective planning, whether you’re managing business operations, coordinating international meetings, or arranging travel to this Gulf nation. Kuwait observes 13 official national public holidays throughout the year, combining religious Islamic observances with important national commemorations. This comprehensive guide provides verified dates for all confirmed nationwide holidays, helping you navigate the year with accuracy and confidence. Regional observances are not included in this list.
Official Kuwait Public Holidays 2026
Below is the complete list of confirmed national public holidays recognized throughout Kuwait in 2026. These dates apply nationwide, meaning government offices, banks, and most businesses will be closed. Note that Kuwait’s official weekend is Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 16 | Friday | Isra and Mi’raj (Tentative) |
| February 25 | Wednesday | National Day |
| February 26 | Thursday | Liberation Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Arafat Day (Tentative) |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| June 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (Tentative) |
| August 27 | Thursday | Prophet’s Birthday (Tentative) |
Strategic Planning for 2026 Holidays
Kuwait’s 2026 holiday calendar offers several opportunities for extended breaks, particularly around major Islamic celebrations. The year begins with New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, creating a natural long weekend when combined with the Friday-Saturday weekend. However, planners should note that many Islamic holidays carry tentative dates because they follow the lunar Hijri calendar and require moon sighting confirmation.
The most significant extended period occurs in late February with National Day on Wednesday, February 25, immediately followed by Liberation Day on Thursday, February 26. This two-day consecutive holiday creates a five-day break when combined with the weekend. Consequently, many Kuwaitis use this period for travel abroad or domestic celebrations. Similarly, the Eid al-Fitr period in late March spans three days (Friday through Sunday), creating another extended break perfect for family gatherings and festivities.
Moreover, Eid al-Adha in late May presents another substantial holiday period, spanning four consecutive days from Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day) through Friday, May 29. When planning international meetings or business deadlines around these dates, remember to check current local times around the world to coordinate effectively across different time zones and respect Kuwait’s unique Friday-Saturday weekend schedule.
Understanding Kuwait’s Weekend Structure
Kuwait follows a Friday-Saturday weekend, different from the Saturday-Sunday pattern common in Western countries. This distinctive schedule reflects Islamic traditions, with Friday being the holy day of congregational prayers. Therefore, the working week runs from Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as official rest days.
This weekend structure significantly affects how holidays align with time off. When a public holiday falls on Sunday through Thursday, it creates extended breaks. On the other hand, holidays falling on Friday or Saturday may not extend the time off since these are already non-working days. However, some holidays like Isra and Mi’raj falling on Friday still count as official public holidays recognized nationwide.
Furthermore, understanding this schedule becomes crucial when coordinating with international partners. While Western colleagues enjoy weekends on Saturday-Sunday, Kuwaiti businesses operate on Sundays. Using reliable timing tools helps manage these scheduling differences efficiently, ensuring smooth communication across different working week patterns.
Islamic Holidays and Lunar Calendar
Nine of Kuwait’s 13 public holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, making their exact dates tentative until officially confirmed through moon sighting. The Islamic calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, causing Islamic holidays to shift earlier each year. This creates a fascinating pattern where these celebrations gradually move through all seasons over a 33-year cycle.
Isra and Mi’raj, tentatively scheduled for January 16, commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven. Eid al-Fitr in March marks the end of Ramadan’s fasting month, celebrated with three days of festivities, family gatherings, and charitable giving. This joyous occasion brings communities together for special prayers, traditional meals, and gift exchanges.
Eid al-Adha in late May honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Families traditionally sacrifice livestock, distributing meat among relatives, friends, and those in need. The holiday spans four days, including Arafat Day preceding the main celebration. Meanwhile, the Islamic New Year on June 16 marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina.
National Commemorations
Kuwait’s secular holidays celebrate crucial moments in the nation’s modern history. New Year’s Day on January 1, though not indigenous to Kuwait, has been adopted as an official holiday, allowing citizens to participate in global New Year celebrations while maintaining their cultural identity.
National Day on February 25 commemorates Kuwait’s independence from British protectorate status in 1961 and the accession of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. The celebration features spectacular fireworks displays, cultural performances, traditional music, and patriotic displays throughout Kuwait City. Streets come alive with Kuwaiti flags, decorative lights, and festive gatherings as citizens express national pride.
Liberation Day on February 26 marks Kuwait’s liberation from Iraqi occupation in 1991 following Operation Desert Storm. This deeply significant day honors the sacrifices made during the Gulf War and celebrates the restoration of Kuwait’s sovereignty. Official ceremonies include military parades, memorial services at war monuments, and government-sponsored events recognizing veterans and fallen heroes. The consecutive nature of National Day and Liberation Day creates Kuwait’s most important patriotic period.
Religious Observance: Prophet’s Birthday
Mawlid al-Nabi, or the Prophet’s Birthday, tentatively falls on Thursday, August 27, 2026. This holiday commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and features religious gatherings, recitations of poetry praising the Prophet, charitable activities, and community meals. Mosques organize special programs highlighting the Prophet’s life, teachings, and example.
Celebrations vary in style across Kuwait’s diverse communities, with some emphasizing quiet reflection and study of the Prophet’s biography, while others engage in festive gatherings. Religious scholars deliver sermons about the Prophet’s character, compassion, and message. Many families prepare traditional sweets and distribute them among neighbors, embodying the spirit of generosity that characterized the Prophet’s life.
Business Operations and Banking
Public holidays significantly impact Kuwait’s business landscape. All government offices, including civil service departments, passport offices, and administrative services, close completely on national holidays. Banks and financial institutions also observe these holidays, suspending most services including teller operations, though ATMs generally remain functional for basic transactions.
Most private sector businesses close during public holidays, though practices vary by industry. Shopping malls and retail establishments may remain open with modified hours, especially during Eid celebrations when consumer activity peaks. Restaurants, particularly those serving traditional cuisine, often operate during holidays to accommodate families celebrating outside their homes. However, many smaller businesses choose to close, allowing employees to observe holidays with their families.
International companies operating in Kuwait should communicate holiday schedules clearly to global partners and clients. The unique Friday-Saturday weekend combined with Islamic holidays creates a distinctive calendar that differs substantially from Western business schedules. Building awareness of these patterns prevents scheduling conflicts, missed deadlines, and communication gaps. Essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, emergency services, and utilities maintain operations throughout holidays, though often with reduced staffing.
Travel and Tourism Considerations
Public holidays create distinct travel patterns throughout Kuwait. The February National Day and Liberation Day period sees peak domestic and international travel as Kuwaitis take advantage of the extended break. Hotels in neighboring Gulf countries, Egypt, and European destinations experience high demand from Kuwaiti travelers during this time. Similarly, the Eid holidays trigger massive travel surges, with airports experiencing their busiest periods.
For visitors to Kuwait, experiencing holidays firsthand offers unique cultural insights. The February celebrations showcase Kuwaiti patriotism through spectacular public displays, traditional performances, and community festivities. Eid celebrations reveal the warmth of Kuwaiti hospitality, though tourists should note that many attractions and restaurants may close or operate on reduced schedules.
Travelers should book flights, hotels, and services well in advance for holiday periods, as availability becomes limited and prices increase. Kuwait International Airport experiences significant congestion before and after major holidays. Moreover, traffic patterns change dramatically during holidays, with certain areas becoming busier while business districts empty out. Planning ahead ensures smooth travel experiences and prevents last-minute complications.
Ramadan Observance and Working Hours
While Ramadan itself isn’t a public holiday, this holy month significantly affects daily life in Kuwait. During Ramadan (tentatively beginning February 18, 2026), working hours are reduced for both public and private sectors. Government offices typically operate from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, while private sector hours vary by company but generally decrease by two hours.
Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset throughout Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. Consequently, the pace of business slows, meetings are scheduled around reduced working hours, and productivity patterns shift. Non-Muslim residents and visitors should respect the sanctity of fasting by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
However, evenings during Ramadan come alive with iftar gatherings (breaking the fast), special prayers called taraweeh, and vibrant social activities. Restaurants and cafes operate differently, many closing during the day and opening exclusively for evening and nighttime hours. This unique rhythm creates a distinctive atmosphere throughout the month, culminating in the joyous Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Preparing Your 2026 Calendar
Effective planning requires marking all holidays in your calendar system immediately, paying special attention to tentative Islamic holidays that require confirmation. Digital calendars allow setting reminders for when official announcements are expected, typically 1-2 days before each Islamic holiday. This proactive approach prevents scheduling conflicts and ensures adequate preparation time.
Businesses should share Kuwait’s holiday calendar with international partners early in the year, highlighting the unique Friday-Saturday weekend and tentative Islamic holiday dates. Establishing clear communication protocols for holiday periods, including emergency contact procedures and automated response systems, maintains professional relationships while respecting local customs and religious observances.
For personal planning, consider booking travel and accommodations months in advance for major holiday periods, particularly the February national celebrations and Eid holidays. Creating contingency plans for critical operations affected by extended holiday periods protects against disruptions. For comprehensive strategies on managing international schedules and navigating cultural differences in time management, explore our detailed time management and planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Kuwait?
All 13 holidays listed in the table above are official national public holidays recognized throughout Kuwait. These include New Year’s Day (January 1), Isra and Mi’raj (January 16), National Day (February 25), Liberation Day (February 26), the three-day Eid al-Fitr celebration (March 20-22), the four-day Eid al-Adha period (May 26-29), Islamic New Year (June 16), and the Prophet’s Birthday (August 27). Government offices, banks, and most businesses close nationwide on these dates. Note that Islamic holidays are tentative and subject to moon sighting confirmation.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays create excellent extended break opportunities in 2026. New Year’s Day on Thursday creates a four-day weekend with Friday-Saturday. The February national holidays (Wednesday-Thursday, February 25-26) create a five-day break. Eid al-Fitr spans Friday through Sunday (March 20-22), offering three consecutive days off. The Eid al-Adha period from Tuesday through Friday (May 26-29) provides four consecutive holidays. Islamic New Year on Tuesday, June 16, and the Prophet’s Birthday on Thursday, August 27, both create potential long weekends when combined with strategic time off.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Yes, most Islamic holidays are marked as tentative because they follow the lunar Hijri calendar and require official moon sighting confirmation. This includes Isra and Mi’raj (January 16), all Eid al-Fitr dates (March 20-22), all Eid al-Adha dates including Arafat Day (May 26-29), Islamic New Year (June 16), and the Prophet’s Birthday (August 27). Fixed holidays include New Year’s Day, National Day, and Liberation Day. Always verify Islamic holiday dates with official government sources or religious authorities as they approach.
What is Kuwait’s official weekend?
Kuwait’s official weekend is Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday. The working week runs from Sunday through Thursday. Friday is the Islamic holy day for congregational prayers, while Saturday completes the two-day weekend. This schedule affects how holidays align with time off and requires coordination when scheduling with international partners operating on different weekend patterns. Businesses and government offices are closed on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year.
How does Ramadan affect working hours in Kuwait?
During Ramadan (tentatively starting February 18, 2026), Kuwait reduces working hours significantly. Government offices typically operate from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, while private sector hours generally decrease by two hours compared to normal schedules. This accommodation allows Muslim employees to observe fasting comfortably. Business operations slow during Ramadan, and meetings should be scheduled around the reduced hours. The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a major three-day public holiday celebration.
Do all businesses close during public holidays?
Government offices and banks close completely on all national public holidays. Most private businesses also close, though practices vary by industry and location. Shopping malls and retail stores, particularly in commercial areas, may remain open during Eid celebrations with modified hours to serve the increased consumer activity. Restaurants often operate during holidays, especially during Eid when families celebrate outside their homes. Essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, emergency services, and utilities maintain continuous operations, though often with reduced staffing levels.
For more information about international time zones, Gulf region holiday calendars, and planning resources for Kuwait and neighboring countries, visit our main public holidays and time management homepage. Stay informed, plan strategically, and make the most of Kuwait’s public holidays in 2026.