UAE Confirms Long Weekend for Islamic New Year 2025 With Friday Public Holiday

UAE Declares June 27 Public Holiday for Islamic New Year 2025

It’s now official — the United Arab Emirates has announced that Friday, June 27, 2025, will be a public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year. The announcement applies to both public and private sector workers, creating a welcome three-day weekend from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29.

Public and Private Sectors Aligned for Long Weekend

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) confirmed that private sector employees will observe the holiday on June 27. The same date was also approved for public sector workers by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.

This alignment of holidays ensures a rare long weekend, something that has been made possible by the new UAE holiday law introduced earlier in 2025. Under this law, the cabinet has the power to shift official holidays to create extended weekends — and this is the first time it's been implemented since the policy was announced.

Understanding the Significance of the Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and falls on the first day of the month of Muharram. This calendar is based on lunar cycles, and months begin with the sighting of the new crescent moon.

While official predictions currently suggest that the Islamic New Year will fall on Thursday, June 26, it may move to Friday, June 27 if the lunar month of Dhu Al Hijjah runs for a full 30 days. The final decision will be made based on moon sighting, expected on the evening of Wednesday, June 25.

Traditions and Commemoration During Muharram

Though not as widely festive as Eid, the Islamic New Year is marked with cultural and religious significance. Many Muslims reflect spiritually during the month of Muharram, and the 10th day, known as Ashura, holds particular importance.

Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the historic Battle of Karbala. Shia Muslim communities often hold mourning ceremonies and processions to honor his legacy.

How Lunar Calendars Affect Holiday Dates

The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, is determined by moon phases rather than the solar year used in the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Islamic holidays — including Ramadan, Eid, and the Islamic New Year — shift by about 10 to 11 days each year.

This lunar-based system can also lead to different holiday start dates across countries depending on when the moon is sighted locally. That’s why religious observances can vary slightly by region.

What to Expect in Dubai Over the Holiday Weekend

In Dubai and across the UAE, Islamic New Year is marked with cultural programs, limited fireworks, and family gatherings. Hotels and restaurants often offer themed promotions, and residents take the opportunity to enjoy a quiet break or a domestic getaway.

Thanks to the strategic shift of the public holiday to Friday, UAE residents can now look forward to a full three-day weekend to rest, reflect, or explore. Whether it’s a staycation or a spiritual retreat, the upcoming Islamic New Year weekend is set to be both meaningful and relaxing.