Cabinet declares January 1 public holiday, reviews regional and development issues

The Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Wednesday at Bayan Palace, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

At the outset of the meeting, the Council of Ministers marked the second anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assuming power, offering prayers for his continued success, good health and long life, and for further progress and prosperity for the State of Kuwait under his leadership.

The Cabinet approved the suspension of work in all ministries, government agencies, public bodies and institutions on Thursday, January 1, 2026, on the occasion of the New Year holiday.

Official working hours will resume on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Establishments with a special nature of work will determine their holidays through the relevant authorities, in line with the public interest.

On regional occasions, the Cabinet extended its sincere congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain on the 54th anniversary of its National Day and the 26th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s accession to the throne.

The Council praised Bahrain’s notable developmental and civilizational achievements during his reign and wished the Bahraini leadership and people continued progress and prosperity.

The Cabinet also conveyed its congratulations to the State of Qatar on the anniversary of the accession of its founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, expressing best wishes to His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for continued health and for further advancement for Qatar and its people under his wise leadership.

In another briefing, Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah informed the Cabinet of the results of the official visit to Kuwait by Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the visit, Prince Turki conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to His Highness the Amir, along with their wishes for Kuwait’s continued progress and prosperity. His Highness reciprocated by conveying his greetings and best wishes to the Saudi leadership.

The Cabinet was also briefed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya on his meeting with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Poche, during her visit to Kuwait. The meeting reviewed cooperation between Kuwait and the Commonwealth Organization, particularly in joint development projects and frameworks for strengthening collaboration in various fields.

On economic affairs, the Cabinet reviewed the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Economic Affairs, including the semi-annual report (April–September 2025) of the Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority.

The Council also examined the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Public Services, notably a periodic report submitted by the Ministry of Public Works on measures taken to address environmental conditions in Kuwait Bay, along with a timetable for implementing proposed solutions.

The Cabinet approved several agenda items and referred others to the relevant ministerial committees for further study and the preparation of reports to complete the necessary procedures.