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Islamic New Year 2025: GCC countries declare holidays
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Governments across the Gulf region have announced public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year, giving residents in the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman extended weekends. The holiday marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year 1447 AH.
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In Dubai, the Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has confirmed that Friday, June 27, 2025, will be an official public holiday for all government departments, entities, and institutions. According to a circular issued by DGHR, the holiday does not apply to employees working shifts or those involved in providing essential public services or managing vital infrastructure. These organisations may determine alternative work schedules based on operational requirements,
Nationwide, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation also announced that private sector employees will receive June 27 off as a paid holiday. This follows an earlier statement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirming the same date for federal employees, effectively creating a long weekend for much of the country.
In Kuwait, the cabinet declared Thursday, June 26, as a public holiday on the occasion of the Islamic New Year. All ministries and state institutions will suspend operations, resuming work on Sunday, June 29. The decision was made during the Cabinet's regular session, chaired by His Highness the 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 conveyed by
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