UAE Declares Public Holiday for Hijri New Year 1447 AH

Photo: Reuters

Abu Dhabi — The UAE Cabinet has officially declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday for the observance of the Hijri New Year (1 Muharram 1447 AH). This decision applies to federal government employees, who will benefit from a three-day weekend spanning Friday to Sunday, with normal operations resuming on Monday, June 30. The holiday timing follows the nation's moon-sighting protocol, aligning with lunar-based Islamic traditions .

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorates the Hijrah—the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. While reverence accompanies the occasion, the Hijri New Year is not as widely observed through public events as other Islamic holidays like Eid. Nevertheless, it remains an important spiritual marker across the UAE.

This year’s date corresponds to Thursday, June 26, based on astronomical predictions. However, the official declaration on the 27th reflects dependency on confirmed moon sighting by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee, ensuring respect for both religious practice and community readiness.

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Federal employees, including those in ministries and government entities, will observe the holiday. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) confirmed the public sector holiday. Private sector observance will depend on further guidance from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), which typically aligns paid holidays with the federal schedule.

This midweek holiday offers residents a welcome break during the summer schedule. It presents an opportunity for families to reflect or engage in leisure activities and fosters a moment of communal pause. The decision also aligns with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) norms—members such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and others traditionally observe Hijri New Year as a public holiday.

Beyond the pause in routine, the holiday marks a period of reflection—highlighting themes of migration, renewal, and community that anchor the Islamic calendar. It showcases the UAE’s blend of traditional faith observance with structured modern governance.

Other key factors around this holiday:

• The Abu Dhabi and Dubai stock markets, along with select public-sector services, will pause on Friday.

• Schools and educational institutions may adjust their calendars accordingly.

• Businesses like banks, post offices, and government-run services are expected to close or operate on reduced hours.

• Private businesses are not mandated to close but may offer paid leave in line with federal observance.

Looking ahead, the UAE’s 2026 Islamic holiday forecast is already released, indicating Ramadan and Eid dates for the upcoming lunar year. However, as with Hijri New Year, official confirmation will follow moon sightings each year.

In summary, the UAE’s decision to observe June 27, 2025, as a public holiday for the Hijri New Year underscores its commitment to religious tradition, administrative coherence, and public well-being—offering a balanced approach to spiritual reverence and modern life.