Kuwait Banks to close from March 19 for Eid Al-Fitr holidays
Duration of holidays will depend on the number of days in the holy month of Ramadan
The Kuwait Banking Association announced that local banks will suspend operations starting Thursday, March 19, in observance of the Eid al-Fitr holiday for the year 1447 AH, following coordination with the Central Bank of Kuwait.
Secretary-General Sheikha Al-Essa said in a press statement on Monday that the duration of the holiday will depend on the number of days in the holy month of Ramadan.
If Ramadan lasts 30 days, Thursday, March 19, will mark the final day of the month. In this case, banks will remain closed from Thursday through Monday, with operations resuming on Tuesday, March 24, reports Al-Rai daily.
However, if Ramadan ends after 29 days, Thursday, March 19, will be the first day of Eid. Given that scenario, the banking holiday will run from Thursday to Sunday, with banks reopening on Monday, March 23.
Al-Essa noted that the decision has been coordinated with the Central Bank to ensure clarity for customers and financial institutions regarding the holiday schedule.
Nonetheless, the Sharia Vision Authority announced it will convene on Wednesday evening, the 29th of Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to March 18, 2026, to sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of Eid al-Fitr.
The meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the headquarters of the Supreme Judicial Council in the Mubarak Al-Abdullah area.
The authority called on anyone who is able to see the crescent moon of Shawwal to come forward and submit their testimony to assist in confirming the start of the new lunar month.
On the occasion, the authority extended its sincere congratulations and blessings to the HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; the HH the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah; HH the Prime Minister, Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as well as to all citizens and residents.
The authority also prayed for the continued safety and prosperity of the State of Kuwait, asking God to protect the country, its leadership and people, to have mercy on the martyrs, and to grant a speedy recovery to the injured.
