UAE Announces⁤ Islamic New Year Holiday, Boosting Domestic Tourism

⁣ Updated June 18,⁢ 2025
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dubai, UAE — Worshippers‍ leaving Al Farooq Mosque on Friday‍ learned that the United Arab Emirates will observe a ⁣public holiday June 27, 2025, ⁣marking the start of the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH. The announcement provides ⁤residents with a ⁤long weekend during the ‍summer.

The early declaration, more than a week in advance, offers clarity for residents and businesses. The holiday, marking 1 Muharram on the⁢ Hijri calendar, is expected to coincide with ⁣the lunar⁢ sighting. It provides a moment for reflection in the fast-paced ‍nation.

The Federal Authority for Government Human‍ Resources ⁢(FAHR) confirmed that all ministries and federal departments will be closed June 27.Government employees will return to work June 30, following the three-day weekend. The Ministry of⁤ Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) also stated that the private sector will observe the holiday.

This synchronized approach aligns with⁣ the UAE’s policy of streamlining religious⁤ and national holidays to minimize disruption and enhance productivity. the Islamic New ⁣Year holiday⁢ plays a significant ⁣role in the‍ UAE’s cultural role.

The new year, Muharram, is one of ⁣Islam’s four sacred⁣ months. ⁤Unlike the⁢ Gregorian New Year, the Hijri New Year is a time for sermons, reflection, and prayer. Imams are scheduled to deliver sermons June 26, focusing on the Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to medina in 622 CE.

“Travel agencies and hospitality groups across the UAE told The National and Arabian Business that holiday-driven travel‍ surges are common—previous public holidays have spurred occupancy⁤ increases of 50–60% during peak periods.”
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While official figures for the June 27 weekend are pending,⁤ booking ⁤platforms show increased interest, with properties in Ras ⁤al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Hatta promoting getaway deals. Domestic getaways are increasingly ⁢popular during UAE holidays, especially⁤ those ⁣near weekends.

The UAE Astronomy Centre supported the holiday’s timing, predicting the Muharram crescent’s appearance june ‍26, confirming June ‍27 as the start of ‍1447 AH. The UAE’s coordinated holiday⁣ announcements are praised by the ⁣public and business sectors for facilitating planning.

What’s next

Following the Islamic new Year, ⁣Mawlid ⁢al-Nabi, the Prophet’s birthday, is expected around Sept. 4,2025. Commemoration Day ⁣and UAE National Day ⁢on Dec. 2 and 3 will likely create another long weekend.