The United Arab Emirates has officially declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a paid holiday for private sector employees to mark the beginning of the Hijri New Year (1447 AH). The announcement was made by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on Saturday.
The holiday, which commemorates the Islamic New Year and the first day of Muharram in the Hijri calendar, will be observed across the country in accordance with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of official holidays for 2025. The calendar aims to synchronize holidays for both the public and private sectors under the UAE’s unified holiday policy, promoting fairness and work-life balance.
For employees whose regular weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday, this announcement offers a welcome three-day weekend from June 27 to June 29, with normal working hours resuming on Monday, June 30.
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This extended weekend comes just weeks after the country celebrated Eid Al Adha, during which residents enjoyed another prolonged break. The consecutive holidays in June have offered residents a chance to rest, travel, or spend time with family.
The unified holiday system introduced by the UAE government ensures that both public and private sector employees enjoy the same number of holidays throughout the year, reducing disparities and boosting employee morale across sectors.
The MoHRE emphasized that the Hijri New Year holiday is applicable to all private sector establishments and urged employers to comply with the directive.
The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar, is a lunar-based calendar that began with the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. The first day of Muharram, its opening month, marks the Islamic New Year for Muslims worldwide.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based, the Islamic calendar relies on the sighting of the moon. As a result, Islamic holidays and months shift approximately 10–12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian system.
The announcement of the 1447 AH holiday reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to honoring Islamic traditions while fostering a balanced work culture.
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