Kuwait Public Holidays
Kuwait observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Kuwait observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Kuwait by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Kuwait.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 16 | Friday | Isra and Miraj |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Feb 25 | Wednesday | National Day |
| Feb 26 | Thursday | Liberation Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr holiday |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr holiday |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Waqfat Arafat Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha holiday |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha holiday |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Kuwait
Kuwait observes a mix of national, religious, and international holidays throughout the year. Some holidays, particularly those based on the Islamic lunar calendar, can shift dates annually. This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Kuwait and helps you plan your year.
For a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a public holiday, please refer to our definitions page. You can find a complete list of dated holidays for Kuwait in 2026.
Please note that some holidays, like the March Equinox, June Solstice, September Equinox, and December Solstice, are astronomical events and not typically observed as public holidays.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Kuwait will observe several significant public holidays. These include national celebrations and important religious observances.
Additional holidays and observances for 2026 can be found on the Kuwait holidays in 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- National Day — 25 February 2026. Celebrates Kuwait's independence.
- Liberation Day — 26 February 2026. Commemorates the liberation of Kuwait.
- Eid al-Fitr — 20 March 2026. Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
- Eid al-Adha — 27 May 2026. The Festival of Sacrifice, a major Islamic holiday.
- The Prophet's Birthday — 27 August 2026. Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Planning around holidays
When planning travel or activities in Kuwait, it's useful to be aware of the holiday schedule. Many businesses and government offices may close or have reduced hours during public holidays, especially around major religious festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Holidays based on the Islamic calendar will shift each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. It's advisable to check the specific dates for the year you are planning to visit.
National Day and Liberation Day often fall consecutively, providing a longer break.
The observance of holidays can sometimes extend beyond the official date, particularly for religious festivals, so checking local schedules is recommended.
Astronomical events like solstices and equinoxes are noted but do not typically affect business operations or public services.
- Religious Holidays: Dates for holidays such as Ramadan Start, Eid al-Fitr, Waqfat Arafat Day, Eid al-Adha, and The Prophet's Birthday are determined by the lunar calendar and will vary each year.
- National Observances: New Year's Day, National Day, and Liberation Day are fixed dates on the Gregorian calendar.
- Potential Closures: Expect potential disruptions to services and business hours around major public and religious holidays.
- Extended Celebrations: Some religious holidays may have associated days off or extended celebrations that are not always listed as separate public holidays.
Plan Your Year Around KW Holidays
View Kuwait holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.