The Kuwaiti Cabinet announced on May 19, 2026, a public holiday for all ministries, government agencies, public bodies and institutions from May 26 to 31 for Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha, with operations set to resume on June 1. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and includes provisions for entities with special needs to coordinate alternative arrangements.
The Cabinet’s announcement detailed that the official holidays run from May 26 through May 29, followed by the regular weekend on May 30 and 31. This creates an extended break for government employees across the board. Authorities noted that government entities with special operational requirements will determine their working arrangements in coordination with relevant authorities.
On this occasion the Cabinet extended its greetings and congratulations to Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah along with all citizens and residents. It prayed for continued prosperity, peace and blessings for Kuwait and the Islamic world. The statement was released after the weekly meeting.
Eid Al-Adha is one of the two major Islamic festivals and lasts three days while being preceded by Arafat Day. Office Holidays data places the 2026 dates at May 27 to 29 for Eid Al-Adha following Arafat on May 26. The occasion is a public holiday in Kuwait during which schools and businesses typically close. It concludes the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
In 2022 Kuwait announced a nine-day Eid Al-Adha break for public institutions, Arab News reported at the time. The current six-day period for 2026 follows a similar pattern of integrating the religious holiday with the weekend. Kuwait Times has covered comparable announcements in recent years that extend the official time off.
The period around Eid Al-Adha usually sees a surge in economic activity. According to Economy Middle East, the festival stimulates cyclical demand across multiple sectors supporting growth in the GCC region. Similar patterns have been observed in Kuwait with increased activity in markets and tourism.
