Kuwait Public Holidays 2026

Kuwait 2026 public holidays — Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha dates & national days.

Weekend Days: Friday & Saturday

Date Day Holiday Type
2026-01-01 Thursday, January 1, 2026 New Year's Day National
2026-02-25 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 National Day National
2026-02-26 Thursday, February 26, 2026 Liberation Day National
2026-03-20 Friday, March 20, 2026 Eid al-Fitr (3 days) Religious
2026-05-26 Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Eid al-Adha (4 days) Religious
2026-08-25 Tuesday, August 25, 2026 Prophet's Birthday Religious

2026 Holiday Summary

Total public holidays: 6

National holidays: 3

Religious holidays: 3

Weekend days: Friday & Saturday

About Public Holidays in Kuwait

Kuwait's public holiday calendar is shaped by two defining national events celebrated on consecutive days. National Day on 25 February marks Kuwait's independence in 1961, immediately followed by Liberation Day on 26 February, commemorating the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991. These back-to-back national holidays form the centrepiece of Kuwait's annual celebrations and are observed with significant public festivities. Islamic religious holidays include Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and the Prophet's Birthday, all determined by official moon sighting. New Year's Day is also observed, reflecting Kuwait's openness as an international business hub. Oil and gas form the backbone of Kuwait's economy alongside finance and investment sectors, with the official work week running Sunday through Thursday and the weekend on Friday and Saturday. Islamic holiday dates shift each year according to the lunar Hijri calendar, with dates confirmed by official moon sighting committees.

Practical Information for Residents and Visitors

  • Government offices and official institutions close on all public holidays.
  • Kuwaiti Labour Law guarantees private sector employees paid leave on public holidays.
  • National Day and Liberation Day see large public celebrations; some roads may be closed.
  • Islamic holiday dates are officially announced by religious authorities following moon sighting.
Public Holiday Details 2026
New Year's Day National
January 1, 2026 • Thursday • 1 day
National Day National
February 25, 2026 • Wednesday • 1 day
Liberation Day National
February 26, 2026 • Thursday • 1 day
Eid al-Fitr Religious
March 20, 2026 • Friday • 3 days

See our Eid dates for all Arab countries for dates across the region.

Eid al-Adha Religious
May 26, 2026 • Tuesday • 4 days

See our Eid dates for all Arab countries for dates across the region.

Prophet's Birthday Religious
August 25, 2026 • Tuesday • 1 day

Gulf States

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