UAE Officially Declares Hijri New Year 1447 AH Holiday On June 27

The United Arab Emirates has officially announced the date for the Hijri New Year holiday, reflecting its deep commitment to Islamic values and cultural traditions. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) issued a circular declaring that the Hijri New Year 1447 AH holiday will be observed on Friday, June 27, 2025. This declaration allows federal ministries, government institutions, and public sector employees to mark the Islamic New Year with reflection, prayer, and family gatherings in accordance with UAE’s longstanding cultural heritage.

FAHR Issues Circular Confirming Hijri New Year Holiday

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources communicated the holiday schedule through an official circular addressed to all ministries and federal government departments. According to the circular, all federal entities will observe a public holiday on June 27, 2025, in honor of the Hijri New Year 1447 AH.

The circular also conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the UAE’s leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. In addition, FAHR extended greetings to UAE citizens, residents, and all Arab and Islamic nations, offering prayers for continued peace, prosperity, and well-being.

The Religious Importance of Hijri New Year in Islam

The Hijri New Year, which begins on the first day of the Islamic lunar month of Muharram, holds profound significance for Muslims across the world. The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calendar, is based on lunar cycles, making it approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

The calendar’s starting point commemorates the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This pivotal event symbolizes the formation of the first Islamic community, representing themes of perseverance, faith, and divine guidance. As Muslims welcome the new year, it becomes a time for spiritual renewal, reflection, and personal growth, where believers seek forgiveness and divine blessings for the year ahead.

How the UAE Observes the Hijri New Year

In the UAE, the Hijri New Year holiday is observed as a time for peaceful reflection rather than large public celebrations. Many Muslims spend the day attending mosque prayers, reading the Qur’an, and engaging in charitable acts that embody the principles of compassion and gratitude.

The UAE’s decision to designate the Hijri New Year as an official public holiday reinforces its dedication to preserving Islamic traditions. It also reflects the country’s broader cultural vision of promoting national unity, religious tolerance, and social harmony across its diverse population.

The Role of FAHR in Announcing UAE Public Holidays

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources serves a vital function in overseeing workforce regulations for federal ministries and institutions across the UAE. FAHR’s responsibilities include officially announcing public holidays, ensuring all government entities follow consistent schedules, and supporting work-life balance policies.

Through the timely issuance of circulars such as the Hijri New Year holiday announcement, FAHR upholds the UAE’s commitment to religious observances while fostering productivity, clarity, and transparency in public sector operations. These announcements also provide sufficient notice for employees to plan personal and family activities around significant religious events.

The UAE’s Dedication to Religious and Cultural Traditions

The UAE has long demonstrated its deep respect for religious and cultural observances. While embracing global diversity, the country remains firmly rooted in its Islamic heritage, recognizing key Islamic holidays that carry deep historical and spiritual meaning.

Officially observing holidays such as the Hijri New Year highlights the UAE’s enduring values of tolerance, coexistence, and national identity. It also reflects the nation’s understanding that cultural preservation plays a crucial role in promoting social cohesion and strengthening the country’s identity.

The Historical Origins of the Hijri Calendar

The Islamic Hijri calendar was established during the leadership of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab. The calendar begins with the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions from Mecca to Medina, which marked the beginning of the first Islamic state.

This migration symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity, steadfastness in one’s beliefs, and the importance of unity in establishing just and peaceful communities. For Muslims, the Hijri New Year serves as an opportunity to honor these values and apply their lessons in daily life.

UAE Public Holidays Promote Work-Life Balance

The UAE places strong emphasis on fostering a balanced approach to professional life and personal well-being. Public holidays such as the Hijri New Year provide much-needed opportunities for individuals and families to rest, reflect, and participate in meaningful religious and cultural practices.

The UAE government’s consistent approach to holiday announcements allows businesses and residents to plan ahead while ensuring that employees can fully observe significant religious occasions without compromising productivity or national development.

The Ethical and Spiritual Teachings of the Hijra

The Hijra holds profound ethical and spiritual lessons for Muslims worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of patience, trust in God’s wisdom, and resilience during life’s trials. The Hijri New Year encourages believers to reflect on their faith, strive for moral improvement, and renew their dedication to serving their communities.

By commemorating the Hijri New Year each year, Muslims are reminded of the transformative power of faith and perseverance, using the occasion to strengthen their spiritual connection and renew their commitment to living according to Islamic principles.

UAE Leadership’s Message of Peace and Solidarity

In its holiday announcement, FAHR conveyed warm greetings not only to the UAE’s leadership and citizens but also to the broader Arab and Islamic world. These expressions of solidarity highlight the UAE’s diplomatic philosophy of promoting peace, tolerance, and unity both within its borders and internationally.

The leadership’s consistent messaging during religious holidays strengthens national identity and fosters a spirit of cooperation, encouraging citizens and residents to embrace shared values that contribute to the UAE’s ongoing stability and prosperity.

Global Recognition of the Islamic New Year

While the Hijri New Year is primarily observed by Muslims, many governments and organizations worldwide recognize its significance. International greetings and public acknowledgments of the Islamic New Year contribute to a growing global culture of respect for religious diversity and mutual understanding.

In multicultural societies like the UAE, the recognition of Islamic holidays supports interfaith harmony, allowing individuals of different faiths to gain deeper appreciation for one another’s customs and traditions.

Preparations Across the UAE for the Holiday

As June 27, 2025, approaches, federal institutions, schools, and ministries across the UAE will prepare for the Hijri New Year holiday. Government offices will close, providing employees with time to observe the holiday in accordance with their religious and cultural traditions.

Local mosques may offer special prayer services, while community organizations may host educational events and charitable activities that reflect the spiritual meaning of the New Year. Many families will gather for prayer and contemplation, reflecting on the blessings of the past year and expressing hopes for continued well-being.

Strengthening National Unity Through Public Holiday Declarations

By announcing official public holidays, the UAE government reinforces a shared sense of national identity among its citizens and residents. These carefully coordinated declarations ensure that the entire population observes significant religious and cultural occasions together, fostering unity and inclusivity.

The UAE’s transparent approach to holiday scheduling reflects its broader governance strategy, emphasizing consistency, fairness, and proactive communication in serving the needs of its diverse population.

The UAE’s Role as a Global Model for Cultural Preservation

The UAE has successfully positioned itself as a global leader in balancing cultural preservation with modern development. Through the recognition of holidays like the Hijri New Year, the country exemplifies how Islamic traditions can coexist harmoniously with rapid growth and global engagement.

By upholding its religious and cultural values while fostering openness and diversity, the UAE continues to inspire other nations in their pursuit of peace, coexistence, and cultural integrity.