Kuwait National Day 2027
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About the event
Families gather for machboos, grills, sweets, coffee and picnics, while the national story is framed by monarchy, oil-era modernity and memory of liberation. 25 February marks Kuwait National Day, celebrating the accession of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the ruler who led Kuwait to independence in 1961.
The waterfront fills with flags, cars, crowds and fireworks.
Why this day
25 February marks Kuwait National Day, celebrating the accession of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the ruler who led Kuwait to independence in 1961. Independence itself came on 19 June, but the February date suits the cooler season and honours the state-builder.
The day became Kuwait's main national celebration alongside Liberation Day on 26 February, which remembers the end of Iraqi occupation in 1991. Together the two dates make late February a period of sovereignty, survival and public celebration.
Today National Day is marked with fireworks, lights, flags, concerts, decorated cars and family outings along Gulf Road and Kuwait City's waterfront. Visitors see red-white-green-black flags, water-spray play, malls, beaches and a strong festive Gulf atmosphere.
Across Kuwait, the day is bright and social. Families gather for machboos, grills, sweets, coffee and picnics, while the national story is framed by monarchy, oil-era modernity and memory of liberation.
Timeline
- 1899Kuwait signs protection agreement with Britain
- 1961Kuwait becomes independent from Britain
- 1991Liberation from Iraqi occupation follows Gulf War
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 24 Feb, check-out 26 Feb 2027 — 2 nights around 25 February 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in Kuwait CityGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalKuwait City
- Time zoneAST (UTC+3)
Host country
- Currency: Kuwaiti dinar
- Language: Arabic
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: Kuwait City
- Phone: +965
- Emergency: 112
- Electricity: 240 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/G
What to eat
Kuwait's national dish — fragrant saffron rice with slow-cooked Gulf fish, dried lime and a tomato-based sauce.
Whole spiced lamb on a bed of cardamom rice — Kuwait's celebration feast dish for national days and weddings.
Grilled Gulf shrimp with lemon and sumac — the seafood of the Gulf with Persian and Kuwaiti spice traditions.
Fried dough balls drenched in date molasses — Kuwait's most famous sweet, sold at markets and distributed at celebrations.
Slow-cooked Gulf rice with lamb and Gulf spices including dried lime and saffron — a Kuwaiti variation of the regional pilaf.
Fresh Medjool dates — Kuwait's most important traditional food, eaten with Arabic coffee at every social occasion.
What to drink
Green cardamom Arabic coffee served from a dallah pot — Kuwait's ceremonial welcome drink, poured from right to left in order of respect.
Karak chai — strong black tea with evaporated milk and cardamom — Kuwait's most widely drunk tea, adopted from the South Asian tea tradition.
Tamarind juice — sour, cooling and served chilled; a widely consumed Kuwaiti soft drink at outdoor celebrations.
Culture & traditions
The waterfront fills with flags, cars, crowds and fireworks.
Social reception rooms are central to political and family conversation.
Boats and songs recall the pre-oil economy of the Gulf.
The landmark towers are lit and photographed during national celebrations.
Coming years
Kuwait National Day 2028
- Friday 25 February 2028Next event date
Kuwait National Day 2029
- Sunday 25 February 2029Event date
Kuwait National Day 2030
- Monday 25 February 2030Event date