Residents of Kuwait are in for a relaxed start to 2026, with the government officially announcing six public holidays in the month of January. The calendar features two separate long weekends, dedicated to celebrating the New Year and the significant Islamic occasion of Isra and Mi'raj.
New Year's Extended Break
The first holiday period of the year will welcome 2026. According to reports from the Arab Times Kuwait, the break for New Year will span three days. It begins on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and continues through Saturday, January 3.
Employees will return to work on Sunday, January 4. This extended weekend provides ample opportunity for Kuwaiti families and residents to host gatherings, embark on short trips, or simply unwind after the year-end festivities.
Three-Day Observance for Isra and Mi'raj
The second set of holidays is for Isra and Mi'raj, which is observed on Friday, January 16, 2026. Since Friday is already a non-working day in Kuwait, the authorities have extended the break to create another three-day weekend.
The holiday will officially cover Friday, January 16, through Sunday, January 18. Sunday, January 18, has been designated as the compensatory day off. Normal work routines will resume across the country on Monday, January 19.
Planning Ahead for a Balanced Start
With a total of six official holidays packed into the first month, 2026 promises a well-paced beginning for Kuwait's workforce and citizens. The two long weekends offer perfect windows for:
- Religious observance and community activities during Isra and Mi'raj.
- Family reunions and leisure travel.
- Essential rest and personal time before the year gains full momentum.
Early awareness of these dates allows families and event planners to organize trips and community functions efficiently. This schedule underscores a thoughtful balance between public life, religious commitments, and personal leisure for the people of Kuwait.
