The Kuwaiti government has officially announced a five-day public holiday from Thursday, June 5 to Monday, June 9, 2025, in observance of Eid ul-Adha, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, according to an official statement.
The Eid ul-Adha holiday will apply to all government offices and public sector institutions, which will suspend operations for five consecutive days. The break will allow employees to celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families and communities. Normal work will resume on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
While the general public holiday applies to most government bodies, the Cabinet also acknowledged the need for flexibility in organizations that provide essential or non-stop services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and certain private companies.
These institutions will be allowed to set their own schedules during the Eid period, ensuring that operations continue smoothly without disrupting necessary services.
Eid ul-Adha: A Time of Faith, Sacrifice, and Generosity
Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, will begin on the evening of Friday, June 6, and continue until Tuesday, June 10. The holiday commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was prepared to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) in obedience to God’s command. Before the act could take place, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
Muslims mark this event by offering prayers, sacrificing an animal, and sharing the meat with family, friends, and the poor. The practice of Qurbani—sacrificing a sheep, goat, or cow—symbolizes obedience, faith, and compassion. One-third of the meat is kept by the family, one-third is given to relatives and friends, and one-third is donated to those in need.
Charity is an important part of the festival, as Muslims make sure that even the less fortunate can enjoy the celebrations.
Eid al-Adha takes place during Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Saudi Arabia to complete the journey.
The festival is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and unity. Families come together, communities strengthen bonds, and Muslims around the world share the joy and blessings of the occasion.
The Council of Ministers also discussed the Islamic lunar calendar during the meeting. The crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic year, is expected to be visible on May 27, 2025.
Therefore, the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah will be Wednesday, May 28.
- The Day of Arafat, which falls on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, will be observed on Thursday, June 5. This is a day of fasting and reflection for many Muslims.
- Eid ul-Adha will begin the next day, on Friday, June 6, marking the start of celebrations worldwide.
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