Dubai Declares June 27 as Public Holiday for Hijri New Year

The Government of Dubai has officially announced that Friday (June 27, 2025) will be a day off in observance of the Hijri New Year providing a long weekend to all the government employees in the emirate.

Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) publicly communicated it in a circular addressed to all the government entities, departments, and institutions. The holiday extends to the staff in the public sector with the exception of workers in hotels that offer vital facilities or key services that work in shifts. These organisations will enjoy the freedom to schedule working hours according to the operation need to have continuous services.

It is a national holiday which coincides with the arrival of the Islamic New Year or Hijri new year which is celebrated once the month of Muharram which happens to be the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar commences.

DGHR unreservedly congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and all Supreme Council Members, the Rulers of the Emirates and all citizens and residents of the UAE on this auspicious occasion.

The announcement makes sure that government workers will have a three-day weekend which includes Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29 with normal working being on Monday June 30.

The announcement of the holiday coincides with the UAE working to promote its Islamic heritage and at the same time have work-life balance among its employees. Further changes to the holiday in the private sector will be discussed in the mind of UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) within the next several days.

It is encouraged that residents should prepare themselves well during the long weekend, and indeed there may be lot of people who intend to make local trips, recreation, or spiritual outings.