Kuwait Public Holidays
Kuwait Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Kuwait? All public holidays in Kuwait are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Kuwait employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Kuwait and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Kuwait, located in the Gulf region of the Middle East, has a rich cultural heritage, deeply influenced by Islam, Arab traditions, and its historical significance. The country celebrates a number of public holidays that are a blend of religious observances and national milestones. These holidays are a time for reflection, family gatherings, national pride, and religious devotion. Below is a comprehensive list and description of the public holidays in Kuwait, categorized by their significance.
1. New Year’s Day (رأس السنة الميلادية, Ra’s al-Sanah al-Miladiyah) – January 1
Description
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Although Kuwait is an Islamic country that follows the Islamic lunar calendar, the New Year’s celebration is still observed, albeit with less emphasis than in many Western countries. It is a time for personal reflection, celebrations, and setting resolutions for the year ahead.
Observance
New Year’s Day is not a major public holiday in Kuwait, and many businesses remain open. However, some people, especially in expatriate communities, celebrate the occasion with parties and gatherings. Government offices and schools typically remain open. While the day is not a public holiday, some businesses may close early.
2. National Day (اليوم الوطني, Al-Youm al-Watani) – February 25
Description
National Day in Kuwait celebrates the country’s independence from the United Kingdom, which was granted on June 19, 1961. The holiday commemorates the establishment of Kuwait as a sovereign state. The day is marked by patriotic pride, with citizens reflecting on the country’s achievements and history.
Observance
National Day is a major public holiday in Kuwait, and it is celebrated with parades, fireworks, concerts, and national ceremonies. The entire country takes part in the festivities, which are characterized by displays of the Kuwaiti flag and national symbols. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed for the day, and public transport operates on a reduced schedule.
3. Liberation Day (عيد التحرير, Eid al-Tahrir) – February 26
Description
Liberation Day commemorates the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, which ended on February 26, 1991, after the Gulf War. The day is a solemn reminder of the hardships the country endured and the victory of Kuwait and its allies in reclaiming its sovereignty.
Observance
Liberation Day is a public holiday and is celebrated with military parades, exhibitions, and other events that reflect on Kuwait’s resilience and liberation. The celebrations are often joined by citizens and expatriates alike. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and the country hosts a range of public ceremonies and activities.
4. Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر, Eid al-Fitr) – Date Varies
Description
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important Islamic holidays, marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a time of celebration for Muslims, with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings. Eid al-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving for the strength to complete the fast and for the blessings received during the holy month.
Observance
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Kuwait and is celebrated with large-scale gatherings, prayers, and celebrations. Mosques are filled with worshipers for the Eid prayer, and families come together for festive meals. People also give charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, to help the needy. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed for several days, and public transport is reduced during the holiday.
5. Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى, Eid al-Adha) – Date Varies
Description
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic holidays, observed by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha involves prayers, feasts, and the sacrifice of animals, which are then distributed to the poor and the needy.
Observance
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Kuwait, marked by prayers, family gatherings, and community events. Muslims visit mosques for the special Eid prayer and participate in the ritual slaughter of animals, typically sheep, goats, or cows. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed during the holiday, and the celebrations can last for up to four days. It is a time for charitable giving, family visits, and community activities.
6. Islamic New Year (رأس السنة الهجرية, Ra’s al-Sanah al-Hijriyah) – Date Varies
Description
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year, also known as the Hijri year. The Islamic New Year is a time for reflection on the past year, and some Muslims use the occasion for prayer and setting new spiritual goals for the coming year.
Observance
The Islamic New Year is a public holiday in Kuwait, although it is not celebrated as extravagantly as other Islamic holidays. The day is typically observed with religious services and quiet reflection. Most businesses, schools, and government offices remain open, though some may close early or operate on reduced hours. The holiday is less widely celebrated compared to Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha.
7. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (المولد النبوي الشريف, Mawlid al-Nabi) – Date Varies
Description
Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The holiday is a time for Muslims to reflect on the Prophet’s life, teachings, and contributions to the Muslim faith. Many people take part in prayers, lectures, and other religious activities that highlight the Prophet’s legacy.
Observance
Mawlid al-Nabi is a public holiday in Kuwait, although the manner of celebration can vary. Some people observe the day with religious gatherings, readings from the Quran, and commemorations at mosques. While government offices and schools are closed, many businesses operate as usual. The holiday is generally observed with prayers and religious reflection, with less public celebration compared to other Islamic holidays.
8. Labour Day (عيد العمال, Eid al-‘Amal) – May 1
Description
Labour Day is celebrated to honor the contributions of workers and to advocate for the rights of the labor force. It is a day to recognize the importance of labor movements, workers’ rights, and the role of the workforce in economic development. Labour Day is a time for discussions on improving working conditions, wages, and social benefits.
Observance
Labour Day is a public holiday in Kuwait, marked by rallies, speeches, and labor-related activities. Unions and workers’ rights groups organize demonstrations and events to highlight social and economic issues. Many businesses and government offices are closed, and there are usually public events that promote workers’ rights and social justice.
9. National Liberation Day (عيد الاستقلال, Eid al-Istiqlal) – November 11
Description
National Liberation Day is a significant holiday in Kuwait that commemorates the country’s liberation from the British protectorate in 1961. It is a day of national pride, with events reflecting on the struggles for independence and sovereignty. This holiday is marked by national pride and is a time for Kuwaiti citizens to reflect on the achievements and growth of their nation since independence.
Observance
National Liberation Day is a public holiday observed across Kuwait. The celebrations are characterized by national ceremonies, military parades, and patriotic displays. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed, while public events and ceremonies take place throughout the country. It is a day of reflection and national pride for the people of Kuwait.
10. National Day of Prayer (يوم الصلاة, Yawm al-Salah) – Date Varies
Description
The National Day of Prayer is a religious observance in which Kuwaitis from various faiths come together to pray for the well-being of the nation. It is a time for citizens to seek divine guidance and blessings for their country, its leaders, and its people.
Observance
The National Day of Prayer is observed by people of various faiths, particularly those in Kuwait’s Christian and Muslim communities. The day is marked by prayer services and community gatherings. It is not a public holiday in the traditional sense, and businesses and government offices usually remain open. However, some people take the day off to attend religious events and prayers.
11. Christmas Day (عيد الميلاد, Eid al-Milad) – December 25
Description
Christmas Day is observed by Christians in Kuwait to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the majority of the population in Kuwait is Muslim, the Christian community celebrates the holiday with religious observances, family gatherings, and festive meals.
Observance
Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Kuwait for the general population, but it is recognized and celebrated by the Christian community. Christian residents attend church services, and many families gather for a festive meal. Most businesses, government offices, and schools remain open, but some may close early. Christmas in Kuwait is generally a private celebration, although some commercial outlets may decorate their stores for the occasion.
Table: Public Holidays in Kuwait and Observance
| Holiday | Date | Observed By | Public Sector | Private Sector | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| National Day | February 25 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Liberation Day | February 26 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Eid al-Fitr | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Eid al-Adha | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Islamic New Year | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| National Liberation Day | November 11 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| National Day of Prayer | Date Varies | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian Community | Open | Open | Closed |
12. Other Observances
1. National Heroes Day (يوم الأبطال, Yawm al-Abtal)
National Heroes Day is a time to honor the national figures who played key roles in Kuwait’s history, particularly during its struggle for independence. The day is marked with ceremonies and reflections on the country’s past.
2. Islamic Prayers Day (يوم الصلاة, Yawm al-Salah)
This day is reserved for Islamic prayers and devotion, where citizens gather in mosques and community spaces to engage in collective worship and prayers for peace.
3. Ramadan (شهر رمضان, Shahr Ramadan)
While not a public holiday itself, Ramadan significantly impacts the cultural calendar in Kuwait. The observance of fasting, prayer, and reflection defines this sacred month for Muslims across the country. The holiday includes special events during the Eid al-Fitr celebration marking its end.
