Kuwait’s Cabinet has officially declared June 26 (Thursday) as a public holiday in celebration of the Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year). All ministries and state bodies will suspend work on that day and will resume operations on June 29 (Sunday).
This decision was made during the Cabinet’s customary weekly meeting, presided over by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as reported by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
The Cabinet extended its congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the Kuwaiti people, wishing them goodness and blessings on the occasion of the Islamic New Year.
Read more: UAE: Hijri New Year holiday announced for public sector
Hijri New Year holiday announced in UAE for private and public sector
In a similar vein, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Friday, June 27, 2025, will be designated as the Hijri New Year 1447 AH holiday. This day will be an official paid holiday for all employees working in private sector companies and institutions throughout the UAE.
Additionally, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has confirmed a one-day holiday for Hijri New Year, taking place on Friday, June 27. These announcements align with the country’s official calendar of public holidays and religious observances. According to legislation enacted by the UAE Cabinet, both public and private sectors recognize Hijri New Year on Muharram 1, confirming that the holiday extends for one day.
Unlike the widely recognized Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, marking the start of each Islamic year based on the sighting of the new moon. Consequently, all significant holidays in the Islamic calendar tend to shift forward by approximately 11 days each year. For instance, the sighting of the moon determines the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan and the commencement of Eid.
With the recent observance of Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha, the upcoming holiday in the UAE will be for Hijri New Year. This holiday signifies the beginning of each year in the Hijri calendar and falls on the first day of Muharram. The occasion is celebrated similarly to other public holidays in the UAE.
Following the Hijri New Year, the UAE will have two remaining public holidays in 2025: Prophet’s Birthday, which occurs on Rabi’ Al Awal 12, and National Day, celebrated on December 2 and 3 each year.
