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Governments in the Gulf region have announced public holidays in celebration of the Islamic New Year, allowing residents in the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman to enjoy extended weekends. This holiday signifies the commencement of the Islamic lunar calendar year 1447 AH.
Islamic New Year 2025: UAE’s June 27 declared a private sector holiday
The Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) in Dubai has announced that Friday, June 27, 2025, will be designated as an official public holiday for all government bodies and institutions. As stated in a circular from the DGHR, this holiday will not extend to employees on shift schedules or those engaged in essential public services and infrastructure management. These organizations are permitted to set alternative work arrangements according to their operational needs, according to reports.
In the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has also confirmed that private sector workers will be given June 27 as a paid holiday. This aligns with an earlier announcement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, which designated the same date for federal employees, thereby establishing a long weekend for a significant portion of the population.
Kuwait’s cabinet has declared Thursday, June 26, a public holiday in observance of the Islamic New Year. All state ministries and institutions will cease operations, resuming work on Sunday, June 29. This decision was made during a regular cabinet meeting led by His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The cabinet extended its greetings to the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the citizens of Kuwait, as reported by local news outlets.
According to a report from the Times of Oman, Sunday, June 29, 2025, will also be an official public holiday for employees in both public and private sectors. Authorities have expressed their best wishes to the public and offered prayers for peace and blessings in the new Hijri year.