The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared a public holiday for the Hijri New Year 2025, which is also popularly known as the Islamic New Year. It will mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year, i.e., 1447 AH.
With this announcement, employees are going to witness the longest weekend. Do you know how? If not, you should spend a few minutes with this article. Here, you will learn details about the official announcement of the holiday of the Hijri New Year 2025. In addition, we will highlight some of the important information related to this occasion.
Hijri New Year – Overview
This holiday is also called the Islamic New Year, marking the Prophet Mohammed’s move to Medina from Mecca in 622 CE. It is the same event that highlights the beginning of the Islamic New Year. However, the occasion isn’t celebrated on the same scale as Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr. Still, it remains one of the important dates in the Islamic world. The UAE also designates it a public holiday.
In contrast to the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar’s dates shift yearly as it tracks lunar months. Surprisingly, dates move around 10 to 12 days earlier than the previous year in the Gregorian calendar.
After the Hijri New Year 2025, the next public holiday will be on Mawlid, which is the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. It is expected to be on Thursday, 4th September 2025. However, the exact date, like all holidays, will depend on the official moon sighting and confirmed through relevant regional authorities.
Official UAE Announcement for the public announcement
Government workers will have next Friday, June 27th, 2025, off for the Hijri New Year, according to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. However, the exact date for the Islamic New Year won’t be confirmed until the moon sighting on 25 June.
As of now, the Hijri New Year holiday will be on 27th June 2025 because the 30th day of Dhu Al Hijjah will be on the same date. The announcement indicates that government employees would enjoy at least three-day long weekends, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. However, it only applies to those who are government workers. We also expect the private sector to announce a holiday soon.
Significance of the Date – 1st Muharram
It will be the Hijri New Year’s Day. In addition, this day signifies a time for the reflection and remembrance of Hijra, which means the Prophet Mohammed’s migration from Mecca to Medina. In addition, it is a time of reflection on the prophet’s life and the early struggle of the Muslim community. However, it is the Islamic New Year. Still, this period is not an occasion of celebration for all.
It is an important date for Shia and Sunni Muslims through observation from different points of view. On this date, Shia Muslims begin mourning for Imam Hussein (Prophet Mohammed’s Grandson), who was martyred on the 10th of Moharram (Ashura). On the other hand, Sunnis also observe Ashura but primarily for the fasting of the Prophet in Medina.
Public Holiday Law
The UAE has revised this law with the confirmation of paid holidays across the country. It lets the government transfer the majority of holidays. This means that if National Day, Islamic New Year, etc, fall on a weekend. In that case, the UAE cabinet could move it to the start or end of the week. This approach motivates a healthy work-life balance and showcases the UAE’s progressive labor policies.
By announcing the holiday for Hijri New Year, the government allows you to plan the long weekend accordingly.
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