Iraq declares Tuesday official public holiday for Hijri New Year

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers has declared Tuesday an official public holiday across all ministries and government institutions. The decision was issued to mark 1 Muharram, the first day of the new Hijri year, which falls on June 16, 2026. The General Secretariat said the holiday was approved under Article 1(b) of Law No. 12 of 2024, which governs official public holidays in Iraq. The declaration applies to all ministries and state bodies, with administrative leave granted to public-sector employees for the day. The announcement did not specify whether a separate arrangement would be made for private-sector workers. No further details were immediately available on the scope of the holiday beyond the public sector.