Kuwait is expected to have about 13 public holiday days in 2027: New Year on 1 January, Isra and Mi'raj on 5 January, National Day and Liberation Day on 25–26 February, Eid al-Fitr from 9 March, Arafat Day on 15 May, Eid al-Adha from 16 May, Hijri New Year on 6 June and the Prophet's Birthday on 14 August.
Kuwait's private sector holidays are set by Article 68 of Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, with exact dates confirmed by government decree. Here are the expected 2027 dates and the rules employers need to follow.
Kuwait public holidays 2027: full list
| Holiday | Expected date | Day | Days off |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January | Friday | 1 |
| Isra and Mi'raj | 5 January | Tuesday | 1 |
| National Day | 25 February | Thursday | 1 |
| Liberation Day | 26 February | Friday | 1 |
| Eid al-Fitr | 9–11 March | Tuesday–Thursday | 3 |
| Arafat Day | 15 May | Saturday | 1 |
| Eid al-Adha | 16–18 May | Sunday–Tuesday | 3 |
| Hijri New Year | 6 June | Sunday | 1 |
| Prophet's Birthday | 14 August | Saturday | 1 |
Islamic holidays depend on the moon sighting and can move by a day. Dates on this page are expected, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar. We will update this page as soon as official dates are announced.
Download the Kuwait 2027 calendar (PDF) ↓
The government may move some holidays to create longer breaks, so check the official decree before each holiday.
What Kuwait employers must know
Article 68 of Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 lists the paid public holidays for the private sector. If an employee works on a public holiday, they must get double pay for that day plus an extra day off.
2027 planning checklist for HR and payroll
- Load the 2027 holiday calendar into your HR and payroll system now, and update it when official dates are announced.
- Set your policy for staff who must work on holidays, and agree in writing whether they get pay or a day off.
- Plan payroll cut-offs around Eid, since banks and teams may be closed.
- Ask employees to book leave around long weekends early, so cover is planned.
- Budget for double pay where teams must work through Eid or National Day.
Related: GCC public holidays 2027 · GCC leave law guide · Leave management software