Plan Around Ramadan: Why Kuwait's Holiday Calendar Matters for Business

Kuwait's calendar revolves around two fixed national holidays and two moveable Islamic ones — and the honest answer is that most trips, especially business ones, go smoother if you plan around Ramadan and the Eids rather than during them. Government offices slow to a crawl, decision-makers travel, and daylight dining disappears for a month.

What are the main public holidays?

National Day (February 25) and Liberation Day (February 26) mark Kuwait's 1961 independence and its liberation from Iraqi occupation — these fall back-to-back each year. The two big Islamic holidays are Eid al-Fitr, celebrated for three days at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, celebrated for four days about 70 days later at the end of the Hajj season. Smaller one-day observances include Al-Mawled Al-Nabawy (Prophet's Birthday), Al-Israa Wa Al-Mearaj (Night of Muhammad's Ascension), and the New Hejri Year — stores and institutions typically close during these.

When do these fall in 2026?

Ramadan is expected to begin around February 8, 2026. Eid al-Fitr is tentatively expected around March 10–11, and Eid al-Adha around May 27–29. All Islamic dates depend on lunar sightings and are confirmed only closer to the time, so treat them as approximate when booking.

What actually closes, and when?

During Ramadan, restaurants and cafes close during daylight hours, though major hotels usually keep one restaurant discreetly open for non-Muslim guests, and malls and restaurants often stay open well past midnight instead. Public sector working hours shrink to 10:00–13:00. Business overall slows significantly, with decisions and appointments often pushed back until after Ramadan ends. During Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, many decision-makers leave the country for a week or more. Note that closures vary — private companies tend to keep more normal operations than government offices.

Should you plan a trip around or toward these dates?

For business travel, avoid Ramadan and the Eid periods if possible — appointments get delayed, offices run short hours, and key contacts are often abroad. If travel during these windows is unavoidable, schedule appointments before arrival and reconfirm a day or two ahead, since plans shift easily. Summer is a separate consideration: senior executives commonly travel outside Kuwait to escape heat that can hit 50°C (122°F) or higher, so that season also isn't ideal for business meetings, though this can vary year to year.

Whatever the season, Kuwait is a Muslim country, and visitors should respect local traditions, customs, and religious practices — this matters most during Ramadan and around religious sites.

FAQ

Are Eid dates fixed in advance? No — Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha depend on the Islamic lunar calendar and are confirmed only close to the date; 2026 estimates are tentative.

Can I still eat out during Ramadan? Daytime dining is closed at most restaurants and cafes, but major hotels typically keep one restaurant open discreetly for non-Muslim guests, and many venues reopen and stay busy late into the night.

Is banking affected around holidays? The Central Bank of Kuwait's local payment systems run modified hours on weekends and public holidays, a change in effect since April 1, 2025 — worth checking directly if timing a transaction around a holiday.

Sources

• Kuwait - Business Travel - International Trade Administration
• https://e.gov.kw/sites/kgoenglish/Pages/Visitors/AboutKuwait/CultureAndHeritageCustomsAndTraditions.aspx
• https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/kuwait/
• https://www.s-ge.com/en/downloads/11647/2024_E_x_x_Website_GatedContent_Text_CT9_EN-Kuwait-business-guide.pdf
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kuwait/safety-and-security
• https://www.cbk.gov.kw/en/cbk-news/announcements-and-press-releases/press-releases/2025/03/202503161300-operating-local-payment-systems-at-cbk-during-weekends-official-holidays