Public holiday announced for Isra Wal Miraj on January 18

With the Islamic world on the verge of celebrating one of the most important events of Isra Wal Miraj, special Gulf countries have already issued an official statement of a day off to celebrate the event. Although the religious celebration is on Friday, January 16, 2026, being the 27th of Rajab, governments in Kuwait and Oman have declared that on Sunday, January 18 all the positions under the government will have a paid holiday. This move will give the employees a long weekend and they can enjoy some spiritual moments and spending time with family. On the other hand, the UAE does not treat this day as a holiday, and the two industries do not have working schedules.

Significance of Isra Wal Miraj Holiday

The Isra Wal Miraj Holiday holds profound spiritual importance, marking the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his subsequent ascension to the heavens. It is a period that Muslims pray to God and repeat Quran. In such nations as Kuwait and Oman, the government pays a lot of attention to the importance of this event, giving their citizens a day off and allowing their citizens to see all the traditions related to this sacred night without the responsibility of work to distract them and their religious obligations.

Details of the January 18 Public Holiday

The declaration of the January 18 Public Holiday serves to extend the weekend for workers in the public sector. The break has been moved to Sunday since the real event takes place on a Friday (the usual weekend in these destinations). This modification will make the workforce enjoy the observance. The Civil Service Commission of Kuwait announced that the working day in the country will restart on Monday, January 19, and similar orders were made by the authorities of Oman to simplify the annual calendar of 2026.

Official Announcement and Public Sector Impact

The Official Announcement was made via government channels to ensure clarity for all state institutions. These guidelines make it clear that although the holiday is being strictly applied to ministries and governmental institutions, the private sector tends to fit the schedule or work at the freedom of employers. This coordination assists in the organization of business as well as family so that the religious importance of the day is not violated in any part of the country and that the necessary services are not obstructed.

Official Page Official Announcement by Kuwait Civil Service Commission