Kuwait Public Holidays 2026: When Are Banks Closed?

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 Name | Date | Banks | Transfer Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 (Thursday) | Closed | Next business day |
| National Day | February 25, 2026 (Wednesday) | Closed | Processed Thursday |
| Liberation Day | February 26, 2026 (Thursday) | Closed | Processed Sunday |
| Eid al-Fitr* | March 20–22, 2026 | Closed | After Eid |
| Arafat Day | May 26, 2026 (Tuesday) | Closed | Processed Thursday |
| Eid al-Adha* | May 27–29, 2026 | Closed | After Eid |
| Islamic New Year* | August 2026 (estimated) | Closed | Next business day |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid)* | September 2026 (estimated) | Closed | Next 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.