GCC Announces Islamic New Year Holiday Dates for Public and Private Sector

GCC governments have issued holiday notices for the Islamic New Year for both public and private sectors. 

The Islamic New Year, or 1st of Muharram, marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and is recognized as a public holiday in most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. While it is a day of religious reflection and significance for Muslims worldwide, in the GCC it also signals changes to business operations, official work schedules, and public services.

In 2025, GCC governments have issued country-specific announcements confirming the holiday dates for both public and private sector employees, with variations reflecting local practices and weekend structures.

This article outlines the official holiday calendar across the region and provides guidance for businesses navigating the impact on operations.

Islamic New Year Holiday dates in the GCC

United Arab Emirates  

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday for both government and private sector employees. The announcement was first made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, followed by a circular from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE), confirming a paid leave for private sector workers. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) also issued its own notification, stating that government entities will remain closed that day. 

Employees providing essential public services or operating critical infrastructure may be required to work, based on operational needs. Employers in such sectors have the discretion to determine alternative work arrangements. This synchronized announcement across federal and emirate-level bodies gives UAE residents a Friday holiday, extending the weekend and reducing business activity across the board. 

Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia has set Thursday, June 26, 2025, as the official public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year. The holiday will be observed by both the public and private sectors. 

Qatar 

Unlike other GCC nations, Qatar does not recognize the Islamic New Year as an official public holiday. According to the Qatar Calendar House (QCH), the 1st of Muharram 1447 AH falls on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, based on astronomical calculations. But Qatar’s official holiday calendar includes only Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Qatar National Day, and Sports Day. 

For international firms with regional hubs in Doha, regular business operations are expected to continue without disruption on this date. 

Oman 

In Oman, the Ministry of Labor confirmed Sunday, June 29, 2025, as the official Islamic New Year holiday for both the public and private sectors. This aligns with Oman’s weekend structure, typically observed on Friday and Saturday, providing employees with a three-day break.  

Employers may engage staff on the holiday due to operational needs, provided compensation is agreed upon in accordance with Oman’s Labor Law.  

Bahrain 

Similarly, Bahrain announced that ministries and public institutions will be closed on June 26, corresponding with the 1st of Muharram in the Hijri calendar. These announcements follow the typical pattern in the region of observing the holiday based on the Islamic lunar calendar and local moon-sighting committees. 

Kuwait 

The Kuwaiti Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, declared Thursday, June 26, as an official public holiday. All ministries and state institutions will suspend operations and resume work on Sunday, June 29, effectively creating a long weekend.  

In brief 

The Islamic New Year holiday serves as a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal in the Muslim world, and in the GCC, it also brings logistical adjustments for businesses. While observance varies slightly between countries, most GCC states have standardized their public and private sector calendars to reflect the occasion.  

With more public holidays like Mawlid Al-Nabawi and National Days coming up in the latter half of 2025, businesses are encouraged to stay updated with official announcements to avoid operational disruptions. 

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