ISLAMABAD: Kuwait has confirmed 6 public holidays for January 2026, giving residents two extended breaks at the start of the new year. The schedule includes a three-day New Year holiday and a three-day holiday for the Night of Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj), according to Kuwaiti media reports.
The first set of 6 public holidays begins with the New Year break. Officials announced that the holiday will run from Thursday, January 1, to Saturday, January 3. Government offices will reopen on Sunday, January 4, bringing the long weekend to an end.
The second break marks the Night of Ascension. The religious holiday falls on Friday, January 16. Because Friday is already a weekly holiday in Kuwait, the break will naturally extend through Saturday and Sunday. This means residents will enjoy three full days off — January 16, 17, and 18.
Authorities added that Sunday has been declared an additional compensatory day to complete the 6 public holidays scheduled for the month. Normal operations in all government departments will resume on Monday, January 19.
The decision to announce 6 public holidays in January is expected to boost local tourism and family travel, as extended weekends often encourage residents to explore domestic attractions or take short international trips. Businesses, especially in the retail and hospitality sectors, are preparing for increased activity during both holiday periods.
Kuwait’s holiday announcement sets a clear schedule for citizens and expatriates as they plan the early weeks of 2026. The New Year break will help mark the beginning of the calendar year, while the Night of Ascension holiday holds cultural and religious significance across the country.
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Officials said the advance notice will allow government departments, private companies, and educational institutions to adjust their schedules accordingly. With two extended breaks falling just weeks apart, January 2026 is expected to be one of the most relaxed months for residents and workers across Kuwait.
