Kuwait Public Holidays 2026: When Are Banks Closed?

Kuwait 2026 public holidays and bank closure dates

Kuwait Public Holidays 2026: When Are Banks Closed?

When sending money to loved ones living in Kuwait or waiting for a payment from Kuwait, knowing the official public holiday calendar is essential. On public holidays, banks and government institutions are closed, which may cause international money transfers to be processed on the next business day.

To help you clearly answer the question “When will my money arrive?”, you can find the Kuwait 2026 public holidays and their impact on banking and money transfers below.


Kuwait Banking and Public Holiday Calendar 2026

The table below shows the official public holidays in Kuwait in 2026, when banks are closed, and how money transfers are affected:

 

Holiday NameDateBanksTransfer Status
New Year’s DayJanuary 1, 2026 (Thursday)ClosedNext business day
National DayFebruary 25, 2026 (Wednesday)ClosedProcessed Thursday
Liberation DayFebruary 26, 2026 (Thursday)ClosedProcessed Sunday
Eid al-Fitr*March 20–22, 2026ClosedAfter Eid
Arafat DayMay 26, 2026 (Tuesday)ClosedProcessed Thursday
Eid al-Adha*May 27–29, 2026ClosedAfter Eid
Islamic New Year*August 2026 (estimated)ClosedNext business day
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid)*September 2026 (estimated)ClosedNext business day

 

* Note: Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar and may vary by ±1 day depending on official announcements.


Impact of Kuwait Public Holidays on Money Transfers

During public holidays in Kuwait:

  • Banks and government offices are closed

  • Bank transfers and wire payments are not processed

  • Islamic holidays may last several consecutive days

  • Delays may be longer when holidays overlap with weekends

For this reason, public holidays should always be considered when sending money to Kuwait.


Effect of Religious and National Holidays on Banking

Public holidays in Kuwait include national celebrations and Islamic religious holidays.

Impact:

  • Transfer instructions submitted on public holidays are processed on the first business day after the holiday.

Recommendation:

  • Especially before National & Liberation Day (February 25–26) and Eid holidays, it is recommended to complete your transfer at least 1–2 business days in advance.


The Fastest Way to Send Money During Holidays

Even when banks are closed on public holidays, the need for international money transfers continues. In such cases, digital money transfer solutions provide a flexible alternative to traditional banking.

Why Use kuikpara During Public Holidays?

  • 24/7 transfer instruction availability

  • No restrictions on public holidays or weekends

  • Easy-to-use mobile application

  • Fast and secure infrastructure

With kuikpara, you can continue planning your money transfers to Kuwait even during public holidays.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can money be transferred during public holidays in Kuwait?
Transfer instructions can be submitted, but transactions are processed on the next business day.

Are banks open on public holidays in Kuwait?
No. Banks are closed on official public holidays.

Do Islamic holidays affect transfer times?
Yes. Transfers may be delayed during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
Transfers are processed on the first business day after the holiday.

Can I send money to Kuwait during public holidays?
Yes, you can submit a transfer request, but the transaction will be completed once banks reopen.