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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.

DateDayHoliday
Jan 1ThursdayNew Year's Day
Jan 16FridayIsra and Miraj
Feb 18WednesdayRamadan Start
Feb 25WednesdayNational Day
Feb 26ThursdayLiberation Day
Mar 20FridayEid al-Fitr
Mar 20FridayMarch Equinox
Mar 21SaturdayEid al-Fitr holiday
Mar 22SundayEid al-Fitr holiday
May 26TuesdayWaqfat Arafat Day
May 27WednesdayEid al-Adha
May 28ThursdayEid al-Adha holiday
May 29FridayEid al-Adha holiday
Jun 16TuesdayIslamic New Year
Jun 21SundayJune 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 Day1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
  • National Day25 February 2026. Celebrates Kuwait's independence.
  • Liberation Day26 February 2026. Commemorates the liberation of Kuwait.
  • Eid al-Fitr20 March 2026. Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
  • Eid al-Adha27 May 2026. The Festival of Sacrifice, a major Islamic holiday.
  • The Prophet's Birthday27 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

Calendar Tool

View Kuwait holidays in calendar mode

Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.

Frequently asked questions