Public Holidays in Yemen 2025
Yemen observes public holidays that combine **Islamic (lunar)** observances and **national / historic** commemorations. Many dates (especially Islamic ones) depend on moon sighting. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Overview of Public Holidays in Yemen
Yemen’s public holidays include multi-day Islamic celebrations like **Eid al-Fitr** and **Eid al-Adha**, plus fixed national holidays such as Unity Day, Liberation Day, and Independence Day. Because Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar, their Gregorian equivalents shift each year. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
List of Public Holidays in Yemen (2025)
| Holiday | Approx. Date(s) 2025 | Day(s) of Week | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Gregorian New Year’s Day. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | March 29 – April 4 | Saturday → Friday | Multi-day Islamic festival. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| Labour Day (May Day) | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| Unity Day (Yemeni Unification) | May 22 | Thursday | Commemorates unification of North & South Yemen in 1990. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | June 5 – June 13 | Thursday → Friday (and others) | Multi-day Islamic holiday. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
| Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) | June 26 | Thursday | First day of the Islamic lunar year. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid / Milad un-Nabi) | September 4 | Thursday | Commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s birth. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
| September Revolution Day | September 26 | Friday | Celebrates the 1962 revolution. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| Liberation Day | October 14 | Tuesday | Commemorates start of struggle against British influence in southern Yemen. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
| Independence Day | November 30 | Sunday | Marks British withdrawal / national independence. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
Religious & Cultural Significance
Islamic holidays such as **Eid al-Fitr** and **Eid al-Adha** are central to Yemen’s religious life, observed with prayer, feasting, charity, and family gatherings. National holidays—**Unity Day**, **Revolution Day**, **Liberation Day**, and **Independence Day**—honor key historical moments in Yemeni unity, struggle, and sovereignty. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Public Observances and Closures
On public holidays, many government services, schools, and businesses close. Because Islamic holiday dates depend on lunar sightings, the actual day may shift relative to the calendar above. Some days may be observed across multiple days for major festivals. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Important Notes & Caveats
Due to political instability and differing control over territories in Yemen, holiday observance may vary locally and official proclamations may adjust observance. Also, some government / sectoral holidays or half-days may apply that are not reflected here. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
