Cabinet declares Feb 25–26 National Holidays, approves key legal and budget reforms
The Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, during which it issued a series of decisions covering national holidays, legislative reforms, state visits, and administrative matters.
The Cabinet decided to suspend work in all ministries, government agencies, public bodies, and institutions on Wednesday and Thursday, February 25 and 26, marking National Day and Liberation Day. Official working hours will resume on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Entities with special operational requirements were instructed to determine their holiday schedules in coordination with the competent authorities, while ensuring the public interest and continuity of essential services.
The Council expressed appreciation for the national operetta “Deera Al-Khair,” which was held under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister.
The Cabinet thanked the Acting Minister of Information and Culture Omar Al-Omar, Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, Head of the Voluntary Work Center Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and all those who contributed to the production of the operetta.
The Prime Minister briefed the Cabinet on His Highness the Amir’s visit to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) headquarters, marking the 50th anniversary of the foundation’s establishment.
His Highness welcomed the new ministers, expressing gratitude for their acceptance of ministerial responsibilities at this important stage. He also thanked the former ministers of Information, Foreign Affairs, and Commerce for their efforts during their tenure.
The Cabinet was informed of the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Germany on Wednesday, where he will lead Kuwait’s delegation to the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
The Council approved a draft decree-law amending Law No. 16 of 2020 on protection from domestic violence and referred it to His Highness the Amir.
The amendment was described as a qualitative shift in combating domestic violence, reinforcing the state’s constitutional and social commitment to safeguarding the family and strengthening its stability.
State Budgets for 2026/2027
The Cabinet reviewed a presentation by Finance Minister Dr. Yaqoub Al-Rifai on draft decree-laws linking the budgets of ministries, government entities, affiliated bodies, and independent institutions for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. The drafts were approved in preparation for submission to His Highness the Amir.
Administrative and Legal Decisions
The Council approved:
- A draft decree-law on ministerial delegations and substitutions
- A decision to restructure ministerial committees
It also reviewed and approved agreements and memoranda of understanding between Kuwait and several brotherly and friendly countries, referring them to His Highness the Amir.
The Cabinet mourned First Lieutenant Khalid Ahmed Al-Sharaf of the General Directorate of Correctional Institutions at the Ministry of Interior, extending condolences to his family and honoring his service.
The Council approved the minutes of the Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Nationality Investigation, including cases involving the loss and withdrawal of nationality in accordance with Decree Law No. 15 of 1959 and its amendments.
The Cabinet also approved several additional agenda items and referred others to relevant ministerial committees for further study.
