The government has officially declared Friday, June 27, a public holiday for public sector employees to commemorate the commencement of the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH. According to a statement released by the UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), this holiday will apply to all personnel within federal government departments, granting them a three-day weekend. Normal work operations are expected to resume on Monday, June 30.
This announcement aligns with the UAE Cabinet’s previously approved list of official holidays for the year 2025. In accordance with Islamic tradition, the precise date of the Hijri New Year is determined through moon-sighting protocols, with the first day of Muharram signifying the beginning of the new Islamic year. The Hijri calendar operates on lunar cycles, and Muharram is revered as one of the four sacred months in Islam. This New Year holiday follows closely after the extended break provided to residents for the Eid Al Adha celebrations earlier this month.
While the private sector’s holiday schedule is typically announced separately, it generally corresponds with the public sector’s calendar. However, as of now, there has been no official communication regarding any additional leave for private sector employees.
