Kuwaitis are set to enjoy six official public holidays in January 2026, offering extended breaks to start the year. These holidays cover both the New Year celebrations and the important religious observance of Isra and Mi’raj, giving residents and workers multiple opportunities to rest, spend time with family, and participate in community activities.According to Arab Times Kuwait, the New Year holiday will run from Thursday, January 1, through Saturday, January 3. Work will resume on Sunday, January 4, allowing for a smooth transition back to the regular workweek. This three day break ensures that the New Year is welcomed with sufficient time for personal plans, family gatherings, or leisure activities.
The second set of holidays in January marks Isra and Mi’raj, which falls on Friday, January 16. Since Friday is already a weekly public holiday in Kuwait, the government has extended the break to include Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18. Sunday has been designated as the alternative day off, with normal work scheduled to resume on Monday, January 19. This arrangement provides a full three day holiday period for residents to observe the religious occasion without disrupting the weekly work schedule.Together, the New Year and Isra and Mi’raj holidays give Kuwaitis two separate long weekends in the first month of the year. Early planning around these breaks can help families organize trips, community events, or simply enjoy much needed rest. With six official holidays in January, the start of 2026 promises a well paced balance between work and leisure.
