UAE Confirms Long Weekend for Private Sector: Islamic New Year Holiday Announced

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_{A long weekend is officially on the horizon for UAE's private sector workers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has declared Friday, June 27 as a paid holiday in celebration of the Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year. But there’s a celestial twist. The final confirmation depends on the moon sighting set for the evening of Wednesday, June 25.}

_{This announcement means a relaxing three-day weekend for employees, assuming the lunar calendar aligns as expected. While the Gregorian calendar runs on solar time, the Islamic lunar calendar depends on moon phases, which means the actual date of Muharram 1, 1447 AH (the first day of the Islamic year) is only confirmed once the crescent moon is spotted.}

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So, What’s the Hold-Up?

_{Although Friday, June 27 has been confirmed as the day off, astronomical forecasts currently suggest that Islamic New Year might fall on Thursday, June 26. If that prediction holds true, the holiday will still land on Friday, giving workers a well-timed long weekend. However, if the month of Dhu Al Hijjah stretches to 30 days, then both the Islamic New Year and the public holiday will align on Friday.}

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Government and Private Sector in Sync

_{This announcement from MOHRE comes right after the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed the same date for government employees. With both sectors observing the same day off, the entire country is set to enjoy an extended weekend.}

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More Long Weekends Ahead?

_{If you’re already dreaming of your next mini-break, there are still more UAE public holidays to look forward to in 2025. Several long weekends are in store, so it might be a good time to start planning your travel calendar.}

_{Stay tuned for the official moon sighting confirmation. Until then, start thinking about how to make the most of your upcoming three-day weekend.}

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