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Islamic New Year: UAE announces long weekend for public sector  
17 Jun, 2025 / 09:27 AM / OMNES Media LLC

Source: http://www.reuters.com

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Mashable: The UAE government has officially declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday for the Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year. However, it only applies to those who work for federal government entities.

This holiday comes after the extended Eid Al Adha break, allowing many to once again plan a long vacation or spend time with family.

It is unclear whether the private sector will follow the public sector announcement and celebrate a three-day weekend. An official holiday announcement for the private sector can be expected soon.

What is the significance of the Islamic New Year? It marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

What's next after the Islamic New Year? Next is Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) birthday, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, on Friday, September 5, 2025. The holiday falls on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the Prophet's teachings and his life, serving as a reminder of the qualities he embodied, such as mercy and guidance.

The next public holiday is in December for the UAE National Day, which falls on 2 and 3, which are Tuesday and Wednesday (two-day holiday).