Governments across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region have declared public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year, offering residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Oman extended weekends. The holiday celebrates the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year 1447 AH.
In the UAE, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) confirmed that Friday, June 27, 2025, will be a public holiday for all government departments, entities, and institutions. However, the holiday does not apply to employees working shifts or those providing essential public services or managing critical infrastructure. These organisations may establish alternative work schedules according to operational needs, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Similarly, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that private sector employees will also observe June 27 as a paid holiday. This follows a prior statement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirming the same date for federal employees, effectively creating a long weekend across much of the country.
In Kuwait, the Cabinet declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, a public holiday in observance of the Islamic New Year. All ministries and state institutions will suspend operations on this day and resume work on Sunday, June 29. The announcement was made during the Cabinet’s regular session chaired by His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The Cabinet extended its congratulations to the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the people of Kuwait, as reported by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
Meanwhile, Oman’s Times of Oman reported that Sunday, June 29, 2025, will be a public holiday for both public and private sector employees. Authorities issued greetings to the public, praying for peace and blessings in the new Hijri year.
