Kuwait has confirmed its official Islamic New Year holiday arrangements for 2026, with the day off falling on either Tuesday, 16 June or Wednesday, 17 June, marking the start of Hijri year 1448.
On 10 June 2026, Kuwait’s Cabinet approved the holiday schedule, with the exact date set by the official moon sighting. Here’s what was announced, who gets the day off, and how to plan a short break around it.
When the Holiday Falls in 2026
Kuwait’s Cabinet announced the official Islamic New Year holiday arrangements on 10 June 2026, covering the first day of Muharram 1448, the opening month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Because the date depends on whether Dhul-Hijjah 1447 runs 29 or 30 days, the Cabinet approved two scenarios:
- If Dhul-Hijjah completes 29 days: the holiday falls on Tuesday, 16 June, with government work resuming Wednesday, 17 June.
- If Dhul-Hijjah runs 30 days: the holiday moves to Wednesday, 17 June, with Thursday, 18 June treated as a bridging rest day, and government offices reopening Sunday, 21 June.
The arrangement applies to ministries, government agencies, and public bodies, while entities with special operational requirements set their own schedules.
As of 11 June 2026, other Gulf governments have set their dates too, with the UAE declaring Monday, 15 June as its Islamic New Year holiday.
Who Gets the Day Off
The Islamic New Year is a paid public holiday in Kuwait that applies across both the public and private sectors. Here is how the day typically affects services:
- Government offices: closed, including ministries and administrative services
- Banks: closed for the day
- Schools and universities: closed
- Private sector: a paid day off under Kuwait’s labour law
- Malls, restaurants, and most shops: open as usual
If the holiday lands on Tuesday, 16 June, it sits mid-week. If it falls on Wednesday, 17 June, the bridging day on Thursday extends the break for the government sector into the weekend.
Planning a Short Break
Whether the holiday lands on Tuesday or Wednesday, it pairs well with a day of leave for a quick regional getaway. Short hops from Kuwait City reach the wider Gulf in a couple of hours.
Popular close options include Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Muscat.
For a longer trip, Istanbul and Cairo are common summer picks. Compare fares early, as mid-June is peak travel season across the region.
If you are staying in Kuwait, expect lighter daytime traffic and quieter government districts. Hours stay normal at hotels, malls, and leisure spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is the Islamic New Year holiday in Kuwait in 2026?
Kuwait’s Cabinet announced on 10 June 2026 that the holiday will fall on Tuesday, 16 June if Dhul-Hijjah runs 29 days, or Wednesday, 17 June if it runs 30 days. The exact date is set by the official moon sighting.
Is it a public holiday for the private sector too?
Yes. The Islamic New Year is a paid public holiday for both government and private-sector employees in Kuwait under the country’s labour law.
How many days is the holiday?
It is a one-day holiday. If it falls on Wednesday, 17 June, the government adds a bridging rest day on Thursday, 18 June, extending the break ahead of the weekend.
Sources
- Arab Times — Hijri New Year Holiday in Kuwait: Cabinet announcement (10 June 2026)
- Office Holidays — Hijri New Year in Kuwait
- timeanddate — Holidays in Kuwait 2026
- Khaleej Times — Islamic New Year 2026 moon sighting and date
- Gulf News — UAE Islamic New Year holiday on 15 June 2026
- Public Authority for Manpower — Kuwait Labour Law
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