Oman and Kuwait announce Isra Wal Miraj holidays for 2025

Oman has announced a public holiday on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to mark Isra Wal Miraj. The holiday will apply to employees across both public and private sectors, according to a statement from the Ministry of Labour.

The ministry also clarified that employers may require employees to work on the holiday if necessary, provided compensation is offered in accordance with labour laws.

Isra Wal Miraj, also known as the Night Journey, is a significant event in Islamic tradition that commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) miraculous journey and ascension.

Kuwait declares extended holiday

In Kuwait, the Civil Service Commission has announced a three-day holiday for Isra Wal Miraj, running from Thursday, January 30, to Saturday, February 1. While the occasion officially falls on Monday, January 27, the Kuwaiti Cabinet rescheduled the observance to Thursday, creating an extended weekend.

Government offices and institutions in Kuwait will remain closed during this period and will resume operations on Sunday, February 2. Essential services, however, will adjust their schedules to ensure uninterrupted operations.

The decision aims to balance the observance of religious occasions with practical considerations, the government said.

No holiday in the UAE

Unlike their neighbours, UAE residents will not have a holiday for Isra Wal Miraj. The occasion was previously included in the UAE’s official list of holidays until 2018. However, in 2019, the government decided to exclude it from the list. That same year, the Cabinet unified public and private sector holidays.