Kuwait Reduces Ramadan Work Hours Ahead Of National Holidays

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Kuwait is making significant adjustments to its public sector operations while gearing up for a pair of major national celebrations. On February 5, 2026, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in Kuwait officially announced changes to government working hours during Ramadan, aligning with longstanding traditions and the unique rhythms of this sacred period.

The decision, released in a detailed statement, specifies that all government departments will operate for just four hours each day throughout Ramadan. According to the ministry’s announcement, the new official working hours will be from 8 AM to 12 PM, with a morning break included. This move is part of a broader government directive to ease the daily routines of public employees during the fasting month, a gesture that underscores the Kuwaiti government’s commitment to creating a supportive work environment tailored to the spiritual and physical needs of its people during Ramadan.

The statement, published on February 5 and widely covered by local media, emphasized that the adjustment is not just a matter of tradition, but a deliberate policy aimed at recognizing the importance of Ramadan in Kuwaiti society. The government’s approach, as outlined in the official decree, seeks to balance the necessity of maintaining essential public services with the cultural and religious significance of the holy month.

Interestingly, the announcement also highlighted ongoing cooperation with private sector entities and voluntary organizations. While the primary focus was on public sector employees, the ministry made it clear that efforts are being made to encourage similar accommodations within private companies and among the country’s vibrant network of volunteer groups. This collaborative spirit reflects Kuwait’s broader social ethos, where public and private interests often work hand-in-hand, especially during periods of national significance.

For many in Kuwait, the reduction in working hours during Ramadan is a familiar and welcome tradition. But this year’s announcement comes at a particularly meaningful moment, as the country prepares to mark the 65th anniversary of its National Day and the 35th anniversary of its Liberation Day. These twin milestones, set to be celebrated on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, are expected to draw participation from a wide array of diplomatic and official figures, both Kuwaiti and international.

The National Day commemorates Kuwait’s independence from British protection in 1961, a turning point that laid the foundation for the modern Kuwaiti state. Liberation Day, meanwhile, marks the end of the Iraqi occupation in 1991—a moment of profound relief and unity for the Kuwaiti people, who endured months of hardship and uncertainty before their country was freed. Together, these holidays serve as annual reminders of the nation’s resilience, its hard-won sovereignty, and the enduring bonds that tie its citizens together.

The significance of these anniversaries is not lost on officials or the wider public. The Kuwaiti embassy in Cairo, in a statement quoted by multiple news outlets, described Liberation Day as “a lasting national occasion that reflects the unity and steadfastness of the Kuwaiti people.” The embassy further emphasized the depth of Kuwait’s fraternal relations with its neighboring and allied countries, noting that these bonds have only grown stronger in the decades since liberation.

This year’s celebrations are expected to be especially poignant, given the regional challenges and shifting dynamics that have defined the past year. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the spirit of unity and national pride has taken on renewed importance for many Kuwaitis.

Preparations for the festivities are already underway, with government agencies coordinating closely with diplomatic missions and other stakeholders to ensure that the events proceed smoothly. According to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the celebrations will include official ceremonies, cultural performances, and public displays that highlight Kuwait’s rich history and enduring values. Diplomats and dignitaries from a range of countries are expected to attend, underscoring Kuwait’s role as a bridge between the Arab world and the broader international community.

At the same time, the government’s decision to adjust working hours during Ramadan is being seen by many as a practical reflection of the same values celebrated during the national holidays. By prioritizing the well-being of its employees and recognizing the centrality of religious observance in daily life, Kuwait is reaffirming its commitment to both tradition and modernity.

For public sector workers, the new schedule means more time to spend with family and community, as well as greater flexibility to fulfill religious obligations such as fasting and prayer. The inclusion of a morning break within the shortened workday is a small but meaningful detail, designed to help employees manage their energy and maintain productivity even as they observe the fast.

Private sector companies and volunteer organizations have also been encouraged to adopt similar measures, though the specifics remain at the discretion of individual employers. This approach reflects Kuwait’s pragmatic attitude toward governance, blending top-down directives with a respect for autonomy and local initiative.

As the holy month draws near, anticipation is building—not just for the spiritual rewards of Ramadan, but for the chance to come together as a nation and celebrate Kuwait’s journey. The dual observances of National Day and Liberation Day offer a timely reminder of the country’s enduring strengths: its unity, its resilience, and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances while holding fast to its core values.

For many Kuwaitis, these qualities are embodied in the government’s recent announcements. Whether through the thoughtful adjustment of working hours or the careful planning of national celebrations, the message is clear: Kuwait remains committed to honoring its past, supporting its people, and looking forward to a future defined by shared purpose and collective achievement.

As the city streets begin to fill with festive lights and the scent of traditional Kuwaiti dishes drifts through the air, there’s a palpable sense of optimism. Ramadan and the national holidays serve not only as occasions for reflection and remembrance but as opportunities to strengthen the social fabric that has sustained Kuwait through good times and bad. In the words of the Kuwaiti embassy in Cairo, these are “occasions that embody the meanings of belonging and pride in the history of the State of Kuwait and its national journey.”

With the government’s proactive measures and the community’s enduring spirit, Kuwait is set to mark this Ramadan—and its historic anniversaries—in a way that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks confidently toward the future.