The Kuwaiti Ministry of Education has officially approved and issued a new mandatory schedule for all schools effective from the 2026-27 academic session. The order, signed by Ministry official Dr. Khaled Al-Rashid, applies to all institutions until further notice, including private, religious, and special education schools. KUWAIT CITY (September 9, 2026) - The new schedule brings major changes for students, parents, and schools across the country.
- New mandatory school schedule approved for 2026-27 academic session
- Order signed by Ministry official Dr. Khaled Al-Rashid
- Applies to private, religious, and special education schools until further notice
Under the new mandate, the school timings are as follows:
Kindergarten will operate from 7:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.; primary schools from 7:15 a.m. to 1:25 p.m.; intermediate schools from 7:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m.; and secondary schools from 7:45 a.m. to 1:55 p.m. Specialized track or course-system secondary schools will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., marking the longest school day. Gifted schools are scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 1:55 p.m. Special education institutions may adjust their schedules slightly according to their specific operational plans, provided they do not start later than the standard time for their respective grade levels.
The Ministry aims to standardize school operations and streamline the academic session, instructing all school managements to enforce these timings and ensure strict attendance. This policy change is expected to significantly impact the large Indian and expatriate population residing in Kuwait, whose children attend government, vocational, or private Arabic schools. Parents will face adjustments to daily routines, including commuting schedules, as the new timings overlap with peak morning traffic hours in Kuwait. The Ministry has not yet provided a detailed justification for the shift, leaving it unclear if the decision is linked to weather conditions or efforts to ease logistical congestion. Expatriate parents are advised to contact their children's schools directly to clarify potential changes to bus transport services and operational logistics. With some secondary school students finishing as late as 2:15 p.m., the schedule may present challenges for working parents balancing their own employment hours.
