The Kuwaiti government has formally disclosed its comprehensive work schedule for public sector employees during the upcoming Ramadan period in 2026. This announcement builds upon External Decision No. (1) of 2024, which previously established the reduced four-and-a-half-hour workday mandate for the holy month.
Under the current flexible working system, as outlined in Civil Service Bureau Circular No. (12) of 2024, government entities will maintain considerable autonomy in determining their specific operational timelines. The framework permits starting times between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, allowing individual departments to adjust schedules according to their operational requirements while adhering to the overall reduced hours.
A notable provision includes a 15-minute grace period at the commencement of each workday. Additionally, female employees receive an extra 15-minute grace period at the conclusion of their workday. For evening operations during Ramadan, the regulations explicitly state that official working hours cannot begin before 6:45 PM, ensuring alignment with traditional prayer and fasting schedules.
The implementation reflects Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to accommodating religious observances while maintaining public service functionality. This approach mirrors similar Ramadan work hour adjustments seen across other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, though Kuwait’s specific provisions regarding grace periods and flexible scheduling represent distinctive elements of its labor policy.