The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. ARCHIVE

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has officially announced that June 27 will be a public holiday for federal government employees in observance of the Islamic New Year. In a circular issued to all ministries and federal entities, FAHR said the holiday will fall on a Friday, giving public sector employees a three-day weekend, with the regular weekend continuing through Saturday and Sunday, and work resuming on Monday, June 30. On the occasion of the Islamic New Year, FAHR extended its “congratulations to the leadership, government, and people of the United Arab Emirates, as well as to the Arab and Islamic nations, praying to Almighty God to return it upon them with continued health and well-being.” Update: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation also announced the same holiday for private sector employees in line with the UAE’s unified public holiday calendar. This will be the first official holiday after Eid Al Adha, and many residents are already planning to make the most of the long weekend — whether through short getaways, staycations, or simply relaxing at home. The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the lunar Hijri calendar, which commemorates the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. ICA/Expat Media
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