In Kuwait, the vibrant mix of public holidays in 2025 combines cultural traditions, religious observances, and national pride, creating a rich and diverse celebration calendar. From the joyous festivities of Eid al-Fitr to the solemn remembrance of Liberation Day, each occasion has unique importance for the Kuwaiti people. Whether celebrating the country’s hard-won independence or honoring the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, these holidays show Kuwait’s resilience, faith, and commitment to preserving its heritage.
As we explore the public holidays in Kuwait in 2025, we embark on a journey beyond just dates on a calendar. These occasions are living traditions, woven into the fabric of Kuwaiti society, offering a glimpse into the nation’s soul and the values that unite its people.
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Public Holidays in Kuwait In 2025
In Kuwait, the vibrant mix of public holidays in 2025 combines cultural traditions, religious observances, and national pride, creating a rich and diverse celebration calendar. Here are the list of public holidays in Kuwait in 2025:
New Year’s Day (January 1st)
New Year’s Day marks the start of a new year in the Gregorian calendar. In Kuwait, it is a public holiday celebrated by many, regardless of religion or culture. Although it is not a traditional Islamic holiday, it is a secular celebration of the passing of time and the beginning of a new annual cycle.
For many Kuwaitis, New Year’s Day is a time to reflect on the past year’s achievements and challenges and to set new goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. Families and friends often gather to exchange well-wishes and enjoy festive meals together. Some may attend parties or public events, while others prefer quieter celebrations at home.
Additionally, New Year’s Day is a popular time for businesses to offer special promotions and sales, attracting shoppers looking for deals on various goods and services.
Isra and Miraj (February 28th, 2025)
Isra and Miraj is an important Islamic holiday that commemorates the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad to heaven. It is observed on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab.
According to Islamic belief, Prophet Muhammad was miraculously transported from Mecca to Jerusalem (the Isra, or night journey) and then ascended to heaven (the Miraj, or ascension) in a single night. During this journey, he received revelations from Allah and was shown the signs of heaven and hell.
For Muslims, this event holds great spiritual significance as it represents the Prophet’s close relationship with Allah and his role as the final messenger of Islam. It is a reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and seeking knowledge and guidance from Allah.
Many Muslims in Kuwait observe Isra and Miraj by attending special prayers and lectures at mosques, reciting relevant verses from the Quran, and reflecting on the lessons and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
National Day (February 25th, 2025)
Kuwait’s National Day is a highly significant and widely celebrated public holiday that marks the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1961. It is a day of great pride and national unity for Kuwaitis, commemorating the end of foreign occupation and the establishment of Kuwait as a sovereign nation.
On this day, Kuwaitis proudly display their national flag, wear traditional clothing, and participate in various cultural and patriotic events and celebrations. Parades, musical performances, and fireworks displays are often organized by the government and local communities to honor the country’s history and heritage.
For Kuwaitis, National Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations in the struggle for independence and to celebrate the country’s progress and achievements since gaining sovereignty. It is also a time to reaffirm national unity and commitment to the values and principles that define Kuwait’s identity and culture.
Liberation Day (February 26th, 2025)
Liberation Day is a significant public holiday in Kuwait that commemorates the country’s liberation from Iraqi occupation in 1991 during the Gulf War. It is celebrated on February 26th, marking the day when Kuwaiti and coalition forces liberated the country after a seven-month occupation by Iraqi forces.
During the occupation, Kuwait endured immense suffering, with many civilians killed, tortured, or displaced, and significant damage to the country’s infrastructure and economy. The liberation of Kuwait was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, restoring its sovereignty and independence after a period of great hardship and oppression.
On Liberation Day, Kuwaitis honor the sacrifices made by their armed forces and the international coalition that came to their aid. Parades, speeches, and cultural events are held to celebrate the country’s resilience and triumph over adversity. Many families visit the graves of those who lost their lives during the occupation, paying their respects and remembering their courage.
Eid al-Fitr (April 21st, 2025)
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant and joyous Islamic celebrations, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time of great rejoicing, gratitude, and community among Muslims worldwide.
During Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. Eid al-Fitr marks the successful completion of this spiritual journey and the breaking of the fast.
On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims in Kuwait and around the world gather for special prayers, often held in mosques or open spaces. They dress in their finest clothes, exchange greetings and gifts, and spend quality time with family and friends. Charitable donations and acts of kindness are also an integral part of the celebration, as Muslims are encouraged to share their blessings with those in need.
The festivities usually last for several days, with families hosting lavish feasts, visiting relatives and friends, and engaging in various forms of entertainment and recreation. Children often receive gifts and money, adding to the joyous atmosphere.
Arafat Day (July 27th, 2025)
Arafat Day, also known as the Day of Arafah, is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is observed on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
According to Islamic belief, it was on this day that Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, known as the Farewell Sermon, on Mount Arafat near Mecca. This sermon is considered a culmination of the Prophet’s teachings and a reminder of the principles of equality, justice, and mercy that lie at the heart of Islam.
In Kuwait, Arafat Day is a public holiday, allowing Muslims to participate in religious observances and activities. Mosques and Islamic centers often hold lectures, discussions, and community events to educate the public about the significance of this day and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Eid al-Adha (August 31st, 2025)
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic holidays, celebrated annually by Muslims around the world. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah’s command, before Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
In Kuwait, Eid al-Adha is a major public holiday that begins with special prayers at mosques or designated outdoor locations. Following the prayers, Muslims who can afford to do so traditionally sacrifice an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow, as a symbolic reenactment of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for relatives and friends, and one part for those in need.
For Muslims, Eid al-Adha is a time to reflect on the values of obedience, sacrifice, and submission to Allah’s will. It is also an opportunity to strengthen family and community bonds, as well as to share blessings with those who are less fortunate.
Islamic New Year (August 19th, 2025)
The Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram, marks the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year. It is celebrated on the first day of the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the lunar Hijri calendar.
While not a major religious festival, the Islamic New Year holds significance for Muslims as it marks the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event was a pivotal moment in the history of Islam, as it marked the establishment of the first Muslim community and the foundation of the Islamic era.
In Kuwait, the Islamic New Year is typically observed with special prayers and sermons at mosques, where Muslims gather to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the values of unity, faith, and perseverance that guided the early Muslim community.
The Prophet’s Birthday (October 28th, 2025)
The Prophet’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid or Eid Milad-un-Nabi, is a significant Islamic celebration that commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the last messenger of Allah and the founder of Islam.
While not considered an obligatory religious festival, the Prophet’s Birthday is widely celebrated by Muslims around the world, including in Kuwait, as a way to honor and express love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad and his teachings.
On this day, Muslims in Kuwait gather at mosques, homes, and community centers to recite poetry and songs praising the Prophet, listen to lectures and sermons about his life and teachings, and participate in various cultural activities and celebrations.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Isra and Miraj | Jan 28, 2025 | Tuesday |
| National Day | Feb 25, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Liberation Day | Feb 26, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 30, 2025 | Sunday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Arafat Day | Jun 05, 2025 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 06, 2025 | Friday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Jun 08, 2025 | Sunday |
| Islamic New Year | Jun 26, 2025 | Thursday |
| The Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 05, 2025 | Friday |