The United Arab Emirates has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday for government employees, giving them a long weekend when combined with the usual Saturday and Sunday off.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) confirmed that this break applies to all public sector workers, aligning with the start of the Islamic New Year, which begins on the first day of Muharram in the Hijri calendar.
The government emphasized that this move not only reflects the spiritual and cultural significance of the occasion but also allows staff to enjoy time with their families and take part in New Year festivities.
Regular working hours in government departments will resume on Monday, June 30.
The UAE had earlier released the official holiday calendar for 2025, offering a minimum of 12 days off, including Eid festivals and National Day.
While most holidays are scheduled, the actual dates of Islamic events like Eid depend on moon sightings, with expected timings guided by astronomical forecasts.
The updated holiday policy has been in effect for both public and private sectors since January 1, 2025.