Kuwait has officially announced the Eid Al Fitr holidays for government employees, granting a five-day break. The decision was made based on the expected moon sighting, which will determine the exact start of Eid Al Fitr. The holiday schedule ensures that public sector employees will have an extended period of rest and celebration.
Official Holiday Dates
According to the announcement:
- If Eid begins on Sunday, March 30, 2025, the public holiday will start on that day and continue for five days.
- If Eid begins on Monday, March 31, 2025, the holiday will still commence on Sunday, March 30, lasting for five days.
The Al Ojairi Scientific Center in Kuwait has projected that Eid Al Fitr is likely to begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025, based on astronomical calculations. However, the final confirmation will depend on the official moon sighting, which marks the end of Ramadan 2025.
Comparison with Other GCC Countries
Kuwait’s Eid holiday duration aligns with regional trends, as other Gulf nations have also made similar announcements:
- Saudi Arabia has declared a four-day Eid Al Fitr holiday for the private sector, running from Sunday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
- The UAE is expected to announce its Eid holiday dates soon, with previous years seeing public and private sector holidays following similar timelines.
Impact on Businesses and Travel
With an extended Eid break, Kuwait is expected to see:
- Increased travel activity, as many residents will take advantage of the long holiday for vacations.
- Boost in consumer spending, especially in shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Reduced government operations, as public offices will be closed, affecting official transactions and services.
Final Confirmation Pending Moon Sighting
While the current announcement provides an expected timeline, Eid holiday dates remain subject to change based on the Islamic lunar calendar. The final confirmation will be made closer to the end of Ramadan 2025, based on the official moon sighting in Kuwait.
Kuwaiti authorities will continue to provide updates as Eid approaches, ensuring that residents and businesses can plan accordingly.
