Image: Getty Images
Countries in the Gulf region have declared public holidays to celebrate the Islamic New Year, allowing residents of the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman to enjoy extended weekends. This holiday marks the start of the Islamic lunar year 1447 AH.
Islamic New Year 2025: UAE announces June 27 as a holiday for the private sector
In Dubai, the Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has announced that Friday, June 27, 2025, will be recognized as an official public holiday for all governmental departments and institutions. As per the DGHR’s circular, this holiday does not extend to shift workers or those involved in essential public services or key infrastructure management, who may adjust their work schedules depending on operational needs, according to a report from WAM.
Across the nation, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has declared that employees in the private sector will also have June 27 off as a paid holiday. This follows a prior announcement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources that confirmed the same date for federal employees, thereby creating a long weekend for many citizens.
In Kuwait, the cabinet has designated Thursday, June 26, as a public holiday in celebration of the Islamic New Year. All ministries and state institutions will halt operations, resuming work on Sunday, June 29. This resolution was reached during the Cabinet’s regular meeting led by His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The cabinet extended its best wishes to the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the citizens of Kuwait, as reported by the Kuwait News Agency.
A report from the Times of Oman has confirmed that Sunday, June 29, 2025, will also be an official public holiday for both public and private sector workers. Authorities expressed their congratulations to the public and offered prayers for peace and prosperity in the new Hijri year.