Islamic New Year 2025: GCC countries declare holidays
Image: Getty Images
Governments across the Gulf region have announced public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year, giving residents in the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman extended weekends. The holiday marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year 1447 AH.
Read-I
In Dubai, the Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has confirmed that Friday, June 27, 2025, will be an official public holiday for all government departments, entities, and institutions. According to a circular issued by DGHR, the holiday does not apply to employees working shifts or those involved in providing essential public services or managing vital infrastructure. These organisations may determine alternative work schedules based on operational requirements,
Nationwide, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation also announced that private sector employees will receive June 27 off as a paid holiday. This follows an earlier statement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirming the same date for federal employees, effectively creating a long weekend for much of the country.
In Kuwait, the cabinet declared Thursday, June 26, as a public holiday on the occasion of the Islamic New Year. All ministries and state institutions will suspend operations, resuming work on Sunday, June 29. The decision was made during the Cabinet's regular session, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The cabinet extended its congratulations to the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the people of Kuwait, as conveyed by
A
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
15 minutes ago
- Zawya
Thawani Pay and Ominvest unveil ‘Ominvest Plus' for enhanced employee lifestyle benefits
Muscat: In alignment with its strategic vision to invest in the well-being of its human capital and foster meaningful private-sector partnerships, Thawani Pay has signed a strategic agreement with Oman International Development & Investment Company (Ominvest) to launch the "Ominvest Plus" initiative - an exclusive discount and offers platform tailored for Ominvest employees and their families. The agreement was signed by Majid Al Amri, Founder and CEO of Thawani Pay, and Abdulaziz Al Balushi, Group CEO of Ominvest, marking a significant step forward in employee-focused benefits under Thawani's 'Sama' corporate offers platform. The 'Ominvest Plus' platform unlocks a curated selection of offers across diverse lifestyle categories, including restaurants, hotels, wellness services, and automotive care. Designed to provide exceptional convenience, the card enables users to redeem unlimited offers through the Thawani app, with the flexibility to complete transactions via the app or through other preferred payment methods. The platform will be available exclusively to Ominvest employees and their families, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience integrated into their everyday lives. In this context, Majid Al Amri, CEO of Thawani Pay said: 'At Thawani, our mission is to lead the fintech sector by delivering smart, simple, and secure payment services today's launch of the 'Ominvest Plus' exemplifies this commitment. By bringing exclusive lifestyle benefits directly to Ominvest employees and their families through our Sama platform, we're not only enhancing convenience but also redefining how fintech innovations can uplift human capital. This partnership underscores our belief that when technology, purpose, and care come together, we create ecosystems that drive real impact.' Commenting on the partnership, AbdulAziz Al Balushi, Group CEO of Ominvest said: 'At Ominvest, we continuously seek opportunities to create synergies across our diverse group companies and leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance value. 'Ominvest Plus' is a prime example of how we integrate innovation into our strategy to benefit our most valuable asset—our people. This collaboration with Thawani not only introduces tangible lifestyle benefits for our employees and their families but also reinforces our commitment to a tech-driven future and fostering a connected ecosystem within the Ominvest group. This collaboration with Thawani Pay aligns perfectly with our vision of building a future-ready enterprise.' Waleed Al Yarubi, Chief People, Corporate Communication and Sustainability Officer, added: 'This initiative is a testament to Ominvest's unwavering commitment to cultivating a thriving, people-first culture. This initiative is strategically aligned with our broader goals of sustainability and ESG, demonstrating our commitment to the well-being and growth of our human capital. By empowering our employees with smart, lifestyle-enhancing solutions, we are not only increasing engagement and retention but also building a more resilient and impactful organization from within.' This initiative underscores Thawani Pay's forward-looking approach to innovation and its role as a catalyst for transforming workplace experiences across the private sector. By aligning with institutions such as Ominvest, Thawani is helping shape dynamic and progressive work environments that prioritize employee well-being. Through thoughtful, tech-driven collaborations, the company continues to redefine how organizations can uplift their teams by offering smart benefits that are both practical and inspiring. As Thawani Pay continues to expand its corporate solutions and deepen its engagement with key stakeholders, it remains steadfast in its mission to build value-driven ecosystems where innovation and human impact go hand in hand. The launch of 'Ominvest Plus' stands as a testament to this vision by delivering meaningful benefits through collaboration, technology, and purpose.
Zawya
15 minutes ago
- Zawya
SICO Capital announces strategic voluntary transition in management of SICO Saudi REIT
SICO Capital, the fund manager of SICO Saudi REIT , announced today that unitholders of SICO Saudi REIT have approved its decision to voluntarily withdraw from managing the fund and voted to appoint Wasatah Capital as its successor, subject to final approval from the Saudi Capital Market Authority. The resolution was passed during a meeting of the REIT's unitholders which was held virtually on 26 June 2025 via Tadawulaty. This decision to transition out of the Fund's management came after a thorough internal strategic review process at SICO Capital, which also appointed its new CEO last month. Management views the move as a strategic step in the best interest of unitholders and the long-term sustainable growth of the fund. Wissam Haddad, CEO of SICO Capital, said, 'This transition represents a new chapter for the REIT and reflects SICO Capital's ongoing commitment to unitholders. We received significant interest from several fund managers, these requests were handled with full transparency and objectivity, underscoring our commitment to ensuring a smooth and well-governed transition that safeguards unitholder's interest and supports price stability. We are confident that this step will support the long-term sustainability of the fund's success, in compliance with the Capital Market Law, its implementing regulations, and other relevant laws and regulations.' -Ends- About SICO Capital SICO Capital is a full-service financial services firm that offers a comprehensive range of services and products to individual, institutional and corporate clients. SICO Capital has a paid-up capital of SAR 60.0 million and is incorporated as a closed joint stock company (CJSC) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) under Commercial Registration No. (1010259328). SICO Capital is licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) under Authorization No. (08096-37) and commenced operations on 20/06/2009G (previously under Muscat Capital). Our comprehensive licenses allow us to offer the full spectrum of capital market activities such as Arranging, Advising, Custody, Dealing, Managing Investments and Operating Fund. SICO Capital manages SAR 7 billion in AUMs (as of March 31, 2024G) across mutual funds and discretionary portfolios, we aim to service our clients to achieve their investment objectives through our research driven investment process, insightful financial advisory while operating in a client-centric, high-performance culture. SICO Capital is 100% owned by SICO BSC (c), Bahrain, SICO is a leading regional asset manager, broker, and investment bank with more than USD 7 bn in assets under management (AUM). Media Contact: Ms. Nadeen Oweis Head of Corporate Communications, SICO Email: noweis@
Zawya
15 minutes ago
- Zawya
Oman welcomes peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Foreign Ministry expresses the Sultanate of Oman's welcome of the peace agreement signed between the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Sultanate values the active role played by all parties in prioritising dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve disputes and conflicts. Oman also commends the constructive efforts undertaken by the sisterly State of Qatar and the United States of America to reach an agreement that leads to lasting peace between the two friendly countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Foreign Ministry of Oman.
