The UAE government has officially declared Friday, June 27, as a public holiday for federal employees in observance of the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH. The announcement was made by the UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), confirming that all federal government departments will be closed on this date.
The public holiday provides federal employees with a long weekend, as regular work will resume on Monday, June 30. The decision aligns with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of official holidays for the year 2025.
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The date is traditionally confirmed through the moon-sighting method, consistent with Islamic practice. Muharram is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam, and its arrival is a time of spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world.
This holiday follows closely after the extended Eid Al Adha break earlier in the month. While the UAE’s private sector typically follows a separate holiday schedule, it often mirrors that of the public sector. However, no official announcement has yet been made regarding time off for private sector employees for the Islamic New Year.
The declaration of the June 27 public holiday provides federal workers with an opportunity to observe the start of the Islamic calendar year, reflecting the country’s commitment to honoring Islamic traditions and cultural values.
