Public Holidays in Kuwait 2026 – Islamic & National Days

Public holidays in Kuwait in 2027 include national celebrations, Islamic religious festivals and official days of rest. New Year's Day, National Day and Liberation Day have fixed annual dates, while religious holidays follow the Hijri calendar and may require official confirmation. This guide explains Kuwait's 2027 holiday calendar, the difference between fixed and tentative dates, employee holiday rights and the arrangements that can affect government offices, banks and businesses.

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Public Holidays in Kuwait 2027

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Kuwait's public holiday calendar includes three fixed Gregorian observances alongside religious holidays connected to the Islamic calendar. The dates displayed above should distinguish established annual holidays from provisional religious dates awaiting confirmation.

Kuwait's official holiday framework is reflected in the Kuwait Government Online guide to customs and traditions and Article 68 of the country's private-sector Labour Law.

National Holidays in Kuwait

Kuwait's principal civic celebrations are National Day and Liberation Day, observed annually in February. These occasions commemorate different milestones in the country's history and are recognized as official public holidays.

Kuwait National Day

Kuwait celebrates National Day on February 25 each year. The occasion commemorates the country's independence and national identity, although Kuwait's actual declaration of independence took place on June 19, 1961.

The annual celebration was subsequently moved to February 25 to coincide with the accession anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. National Day is marked by patriotic celebrations, national flags and public events.

Kuwait Liberation Day

Liberation Day is observed on February 26 each year. It commemorates Kuwait's liberation in 1991 following the Iraqi invasion and occupation.

National Day and Liberation Day fall on consecutive calendar dates, making late February an important period for national celebrations. Government closure arrangements may depend on the weekdays involved and any additional decisions announced by the relevant authorities.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day falls on January 1 and is recognized as a public holiday in Kuwait. It follows the Gregorian calendar, so its date does not change from year to year.

The Civil Service Commission may issue a separate notice explaining government working arrangements and when normal services will resume.

Islamic Public Holidays in Kuwait 2027

Islamic holidays are an important part of Kuwait's official holiday calendar. Their dates are associated with the Hijri calendar, which follows lunar months rather than the Gregorian calendar.

Because the Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian year, Islamic holidays generally move earlier through the Gregorian calendar. Some dates may also change after lunar observations or official government decisions.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Kuwait's private-sector Labour Law provides three days of paid public holiday for Eid al-Fitr.

The holiday period allows families and communities to celebrate the completion of Ramadan. The confirmed starting date depends on the Islamic calendar and the relevant official announcements.

Any provisional Eid al-Fitr dates shown for 2027 should therefore be treated as planning estimates rather than finalized government holiday arrangements.

Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha

Arafat Day occurs on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, immediately before Eid al-Adha. It is associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage and is separately recognized as a public holiday under Kuwait's private-sector Labour Law.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, follows Arafat Day. Article 68 of Kuwait's Labour Law provides three days of paid holiday for Eid al-Adha, in addition to Arafat Day.

The final Gregorian dates and any additional government rest days depend on the relevant Hijri calendar and official holiday announcements.

Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar. It is recognized as a one-day public holiday in Kuwait.

Government announcements may clarify the precise holiday date and any related rest-day arrangements. In 2026, for example, Kuwait's Cabinet published alternative Islamic New Year holiday scenarios depending on the length of the preceding lunar month.

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, commonly known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is observed during Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.

Kuwait recognizes the occasion as a one-day public holiday. Its Gregorian date changes annually, and the applicable government holiday arrangements should be checked against official announcements.

Isra and Miraj

Isra and Miraj commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey and Ascension. The observance is associated with the twenty-seventh day of Rajab in the Islamic calendar.

Two occurrences of Isra and Miraj are provisionally shown within Gregorian year 2027 because the Hijri calendar advances through the Gregorian year. They correspond to Rajab 1448 AH and Rajab 1449 AH.

Both dates remain tentative. Their appearance in a published calendar does not constitute a separate official confirmation of the relevant government holidays.

How Are Religious Holiday Dates Confirmed in Kuwait?

Kuwait's religious holiday arrangements are determined through the applicable Islamic calendar and official government decisions. Public announcements may be issued by the Cabinet, Civil Service Commission or other competent authorities.

Published estimates can help residents and employers prepare, but a projected Hijri-to-Gregorian conversion does not automatically establish the final holiday date.

The government may also announce specific arrangements for ministries, public institutions and organizations whose essential services must continue operating.

For reliable planning, distinguish between the expected religious date, the officially declared public holiday and any additional rest day. These are not necessarily identical.

Public Holidays and Long Weekends in Kuwait 2027

Kuwait's standard government weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. The position of a public holiday within the working week can therefore affect the length of a break.

In 2027, National Day falls on Thursday, February 25, immediately before Liberation Day on Friday, February 26. For employees following a Sunday-to-Thursday schedule, the established calendar dates create a break adjoining the regular weekend.

New Year's Day falls on Friday, January 1, which is already part of the standard government weekend. Whether another day is granted depends on an applicable official decision and should not be assumed.

Religious holiday periods may create further opportunities for extended breaks. However, their provisional dates and any accompanying government rest days should be confirmed before travel arrangements are finalized.

Employees planning annual leave around public holidays should also check their employer's working calendar, since the rules and schedules may differ between organizations.

Are Public Holidays Paid in Kuwait?

Yes. Kuwait's private-sector Labour Law recognizes specified official holidays as paid leave entitlements for covered workers.

Article 68 of Law No. 6 of 2010 sets out the recognized public holidays, including the Islamic festivals, National Day, Liberation Day and New Year's Day.

The law also provides that when work circumstances require an employee to work during an official holiday, the employee is entitled to double wages together with an alternative compensation day.

The detailed application of these provisions depends on the employee's applicable legal and contractual arrangements. Public-sector personnel may be subject to separate government service regulations.

The relevant provisions can be reviewed in the Public Authority for Manpower's English translation of Kuwait's Labour Law.

Are Government Offices and Banks Closed on Public Holidays?

Government Offices

Kuwait's ministries, government agencies and public institutions generally follow official holiday arrangements announced by the Civil Service Commission and other relevant authorities.

Some organizations provide essential or continuous services. Their working arrangements may differ from the general government closure schedule.

Banks and Financial Institutions

Banking services may be affected by public holidays, but customers should not assume that every bank or financial service follows precisely the same schedule as government ministries.

The Central Bank of Kuwait and individual financial institutions may issue applicable service or closure announcements. Customers should confirm branch availability, payment processing arrangements and transaction deadlines directly with their financial provider.

Private Businesses

Private-sector holiday entitlements are governed by applicable employment law. However, opening hours and staffing arrangements may vary between retail businesses, restaurants, hotels and other services.

Businesses requiring employees to work on official holidays must observe the applicable employment protections and compensation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holiday dates are listed for Kuwait in 2027?

The provisional 2027 calendar contains 14 holiday dates, including three fixed Gregorian dates and 11 expected religious holiday dates. This count includes individual days within multi-day festivals and both projected Isra and Miraj occurrences. It does not include unannounced substitute or additional rest days.

When is Kuwait National Day in 2027?

Kuwait National Day falls on Thursday, February 25, 2027. The celebration has a fixed annual Gregorian date.

When is Liberation Day in Kuwait in 2027?

Liberation Day falls on Friday, February 26, 2027. It commemorates Kuwait's liberation in 1991.

When is Eid al-Fitr in Kuwait in 2027?

Eid al-Fitr is provisionally expected to begin in March 2027. The exact date and official holiday arrangements remain subject to confirmation through the applicable religious calendar and government announcements.

When is Eid al-Adha in Kuwait in 2027?

Eid al-Adha is provisionally expected in May 2027. Its final Gregorian dates, including the related Arafat Day holiday, must be confirmed through the relevant official announcements.

Why does Kuwait have two Isra and Miraj dates in 2027?

The Islamic lunar year is shorter than the Gregorian year. As a result, the observance associated with Rajab 1448 AH and the observance associated with Rajab 1449 AH are both projected to fall within Gregorian year 2027.

Are Islamic public holiday dates fixed in Kuwait?

No. Islamic holiday dates follow the Hijri calendar and move through the Gregorian calendar. Some dates and government closure arrangements remain provisional until officially announced.

What is Kuwait's official weekend?

Friday and Saturday form the standard government weekend in Kuwait. Some private businesses and essential services operate different schedules.

Do employees receive paid public holidays in Kuwait?

Yes. Employees covered by Kuwait's private-sector Labour Law are entitled to paid leave for the official holidays specified in Article 68. The law also establishes compensation requirements when employees must work on those holidays.

Where can I find official public holiday announcements for Kuwait?

Official information is published through Kuwait Government Online and announcements by the relevant authorities, including the Cabinet and Civil Service Commission. Employment-related public holiday provisions can also be reviewed through the Public Authority for Manpower.

Official Sources for Public Holidays in Kuwait

• Kuwait Government Online – Customs and Traditions: Provides information about Kuwait's national celebrations and recognized religious holidays.
• Public Authority for Manpower – Kuwait Labour Law: Article 68 identifies paid official holidays and compensation for work performed during those holidays.
• Kuwait Government Online – National Day and Liberation Day Holiday Announcement: Illustrates how the Civil Service Commission announces government holiday arrangements.
• Kuwait Government Online – Islamic New Year Holiday Arrangements: Explains how the government can determine holiday arrangements according to lunar-calendar outcomes.