worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
The qppstudio worldwide public holidays database is constantly updated to reflect changes to public holidays legislation, or ad hoc public holidays changes, throughout the world.
You can download our free apps for Android and iPhone, which are devoid of any ads, and whose data feed is updated nightly, to access an extended version of the recent worldwide public holidays news and updates, below, complemented by contextual and historical background information extracted from our database of tens of thousands of news items collated over the past 25 years.
Malaysia Extends Upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kuala Lumpur) Earlier today, Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, announced an additional public holiday in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan). As per the aforementioned announcement, if Aidilfitri is celebrated on Friday, March 20, then the extra public holiday will be on March 23, 2026, but if Aidilfitri falls on Saturday, March 21, then the additional public holiday will be observed on March 20, 2026.
Malaysia Extends Upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kuala Lumpur) Earlier today, Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, announced an additional public holiday in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan). As per the aforementioned announcement, if Aidilfitri is celebrated on Friday, March 20, then the extra public holiday will be on March 23, 2026, but if Aidilfitri falls on Saturday, March 21, then the additional public holiday will be observed on March 20, 2026.
Kurdistan Declares March 16 Halabja Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq has announced that Monday, March 16, 2026, would be an official public holiday across all government institutions in the Kurdistan Region. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The holiday is observed in accordance with Law No. 12 of 2024 on official holidays in Iraq and is dedicated to honouring the victims of the crimes committed by the Ba’ath regime, including the Halabja chemical attack, the Anfal campaign, and the tragedy of the mass graves.", adding that "Regular working hours across the region will resume on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.".
Kurdistan Declares March 16 Halabja Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq has announced that Monday, March 16, 2026, would be an official public holiday across all government institutions in the Kurdistan Region. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The holiday is observed in accordance with Law No. 12 of 2024 on official holidays in Iraq and is dedicated to honouring the victims of the crimes committed by the Ba’ath regime, including the Halabja chemical attack, the Anfal campaign, and the tragedy of the mass graves.", adding that "Regular working hours across the region will resume on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.".
Pakistan Extends Eidul Fitr Public Holidays Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Federal government of Pakistan has announced that it had decided to extend the upcoming public holidays on account of the Eidul Fitr (End of Ramadan) to run from Friday to Monday, March 20 to 23, 2026.
Pakistan Extends Eidul Fitr Public Holidays Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Federal government of Pakistan has announced that it had decided to extend the upcoming public holidays on account of the Eidul Fitr (End of Ramadan) to run from Friday to Monday, March 20 to 23, 2026.
Balears 2027 Public Holidays Announced Dirección General de Trabajo Y Salud Laboral (Govern de les Illes Balears) The Govern Council of Spain's autonomous region of the Balears (ámbito autonómico de las Islas Baleares) has announced that the Tripartite Social Board, a body made up of the Government, employers and unions, had approved the calendar of 2027 regional and national public holidays. As announced at today's press conference by the First Vice President and Minister of the Presidency, Coordination of Government Action and Local Cooperation, Antònia Estarellas, in 2027, the region-specific public holidays will be Balearic Islands Day (March 1), Holy Thursday (March 25) and Easter Monday (March 29).
Balears 2027 Public Holidays Announced Dirección General de Trabajo Y Salud Laboral (Govern de les Illes Balears) The Govern Council of Spain's autonomous region of the Balears (ámbito autonómico de las Islas Baleares) has announced that the Tripartite Social Board, a body made up of the Government, employers and unions, had approved the calendar of 2027 regional and national public holidays. As announced at today's press conference by the First Vice President and Minister of the Presidency, Coordination of Government Action and Local Cooperation, Antònia Estarellas, in 2027, the region-specific public holidays will be Balearic Islands Day (March 1), Holy Thursday (March 25) and Easter Monday (March 29).
Ghana Declares March 20 and 23 End of Ramadan Public Holidays Ghana News Agency (Accra) Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued a the press release Declaration of Friday, 20th March and Monday, 23rd March, 2026 as Public Holidays announcing that Friday and Monday, March 20 and 23, 2025, had been declared public holidays. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 20th March and Saturday, 21st March 2026, mark Eid-Ul-Fitr and Shaqq Days, which are Statutory Public Holidays. However, in view of the fact that 21st March 2026 falls on a Saturday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Monday, 23rd March 2026, as a Public Holiday".
Ghana Declares March 20 and 23 End of Ramadan Public Holidays Ghana News Agency (Accra) Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued a the press release Declaration of Friday, 20th March and Monday, 23rd March, 2026 as Public Holidays announcing that Friday and Monday, March 20 and 23, 2025, had been declared public holidays. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 20th March and Saturday, 21st March 2026, mark Eid-Ul-Fitr and Shaqq Days, which are Statutory Public Holidays. However, in view of the fact that 21st March 2026 falls on a Saturday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Monday, 23rd March 2026, as a Public Holiday".
Guinea Conakry Declares March 16 Public Holiday Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de la République de Guinée (Conakry) Guinea Conakry's Minister of Administrative Modernization and the Civil Service, François Faya Bourouno, has issued a communique declaring Monday, March 16, 2026, a public holiday in Guinea Conakry on account of the upcoming Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr). As per the aforementioned official statement broadcast on national television earlier tonight, "Monday, March 16th is declared a public holiday, a day off work and a paid holiday throughout the entire territory of Guinea".
Guinea Conakry Declares March 16 Public Holiday Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de la République de Guinée (Conakry) Guinea Conakry's Minister of Administrative Modernization and the Civil Service, François Faya Bourouno, has issued a communique declaring Monday, March 16, 2026, a public holiday in Guinea Conakry on account of the upcoming Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr). As per the aforementioned official statement broadcast on national television earlier tonight, "Monday, March 16th is declared a public holiday, a day off work and a paid holiday throughout the entire territory of Guinea".
Liberia Declares J.J. Roberts Public Holiday Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Sunday, March 15, 2026, as the 217th Memorial Birth Anniversary of President Joseph Jenkins Roberts, to be observed on Monday, March 16, 2026, as a Public Holiday throughout the Republic.
Liberia Declares J.J. Roberts Public Holiday Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Sunday, March 15, 2026, as the 217th Memorial Birth Anniversary of President Joseph Jenkins Roberts, to be observed on Monday, March 16, 2026, as a Public Holiday throughout the Republic.
Madagascar 2026 Eid Al Fitr Public Holiday March 20 Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Fonction publique has announced that the government of Madagascar had decided to declare the date of the upcoming Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) public holiday as Friday, March 20, 2026.
Madagascar 2026 Eid Al Fitr Public Holiday March 20 Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Fonction publique has announced that the government of Madagascar had decided to declare the date of the upcoming Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) public holiday as Friday, March 20, 2026.
Mali Declares March 16 Laylat al-Qadr Public Holiday Primature Portail Officiel du Gouvernement du Mali (Bamako) Mali's Minister of Labor, Public Service and Social Dialogue, Fassoun Coulibaly, has announced that Monday, March 16, 2026, had been declared a paid public holiday throughout Mali, in commemoration of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, which is observed on the 27th day of the month of Ramadan. In the statement signed for the minister by the department's secretary general, Mamadou Konta, the ministry specifies that this measure concerns all workers, both in the public administration and in the private sector, in accordance with the legal provisions in force.
Mali Declares March 16 Laylat al-Qadr Public Holiday Primature Portail Officiel du Gouvernement du Mali (Bamako) Mali's Minister of Labor, Public Service and Social Dialogue, Fassoun Coulibaly, has announced that Monday, March 16, 2026, had been declared a paid public holiday throughout Mali, in commemoration of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, which is observed on the 27th day of the month of Ramadan. In the statement signed for the minister by the department's secretary general, Mamadou Konta, the ministry specifies that this measure concerns all workers, both in the public administration and in the private sector, in accordance with the legal provisions in force.
Monaco Gazettes April 6 Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) In today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8790, Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n° 2026‑2 du 3 mars 2026 relative au lundi 6 avril 2026 (Lundi de Pâques), jour férié légal, confirming that Monday, April 6, 2026, would be a public holiday in Monaco for all employees. As per the aforementioned Circulaire n°2025-15, "According to Law No. 798 and Law No. 800 of February 18, 1966, as amended, Monday, April 6, 2026 is a public holiday, a day off work and paid for all employees regardless of their method of remuneration".
Monaco Gazettes April 6 Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) In today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8790, Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n° 2026‑2 du 3 mars 2026 relative au lundi 6 avril 2026 (Lundi de Pâques), jour férié légal, confirming that Monday, April 6, 2026, would be a public holiday in Monaco for all employees. As per the aforementioned Circulaire n°2025-15, "According to Law No. 798 and Law No. 800 of February 18, 1966, as amended, Monday, April 6, 2026 is a public holiday, a day off work and paid for all employees regardless of their method of remuneration".
Morocco Extends Aïd Al-Fitr Public Holidays Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) The Moroccan government has decided to extend the upcoming Aïd Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) public sector holidays with the addition of Monday, March 23, 2026, as an additional public sector holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, it has been decided to suspend work in state administrations and local authorities, exceptionally, on Monday, March 23, 2026, in application of the provisions of article 3 of decree no. 2-05-916 of 13 Joumada II 1426 (July 20, 2005), as amended and supplemented".
Morocco Extends Aïd Al-Fitr Public Holidays Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) The Moroccan government has decided to extend the upcoming Aïd Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) public sector holidays with the addition of Monday, March 23, 2026, as an additional public sector holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, it has been decided to suspend work in state administrations and local authorities, exceptionally, on Monday, March 23, 2026, in application of the provisions of article 3 of decree no. 2-05-916 of 13 Joumada II 1426 (July 20, 2005), as amended and supplemented".
Nicaragua Extends Easter 2026 Public Sector Holidays Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab), has announced that Nicaragua's public sector would benefit from 10 consecutive days of public holidays, from March 28 until April 6, 2026, inclusively, on account of the upcoming Holy Week. As per the aforementioned announcement, "in accordance with the provisions of article 76, second paragraph of the Labor Code, the workers in the service of the State and its institutions, will enjoy rest in family unity with pay during the Holy Week period of the year 2026, starting on Friday, March 27, after the workday, returning to their normal work on Tuesday, April 7 of this year 2026".
Nicaragua Extends Easter 2026 Public Sector Holidays Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab), has announced that Nicaragua's public sector would benefit from 10 consecutive days of public holidays, from March 28 until April 6, 2026, inclusively, on account of the upcoming Holy Week. As per the aforementioned announcement, "in accordance with the provisions of article 76, second paragraph of the Labor Code, the workers in the service of the State and its institutions, will enjoy rest in family unity with pay during the Holy Week period of the year 2026, starting on Friday, March 27, after the workday, returning to their normal work on Tuesday, April 7 of this year 2026".
Samoa Announces Easter 2026 Public Holidays Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) The Samoan Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL), in a public notice signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Fepulea'i Roger Toleafoa, has released the Public Holiday for Easter 2026. As per the aforementioned public notice, "Pursuant to Section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008, the public, government agencies and the private sector are hereby advised that the following dates will be observed as Public Holidays in commemoration of Easter 2026: 1. Friday, 03 April 2026; 2. Saturday, 04 April 2026; and 3.Monday, 06 April 2026.". The notice goes on to state that "Businesses may open during a Public Holiday in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act 2008. Employers are also advised to comply with relevant provisions under the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 regarding payment of Public Holiday pay.".
Samoa Announces Easter 2026 Public Holidays Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) The Samoan Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL), in a public notice signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Fepulea'i Roger Toleafoa, has released the Public Holiday for Easter 2026. As per the aforementioned public notice, "Pursuant to Section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008, the public, government agencies and the private sector are hereby advised that the following dates will be observed as Public Holidays in commemoration of Easter 2026: 1. Friday, 03 April 2026; 2. Saturday, 04 April 2026; and 3.Monday, 06 April 2026.". The notice goes on to state that "Businesses may open during a Public Holiday in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act 2008. Employers are also advised to comply with relevant provisions under the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 regarding payment of Public Holiday pay.".
Andhra Pradesh Moves Shab-e-Qadar Public Holiday Government of Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati) The Chief Secretary to the Government of India's State of Andhra Pradesh, G Sai Prasad, has issued the vide notification G.O.Rt.No.553 moving the date of the upcoming Shab-e-Qadar Public Holiday from March 15 to March 17, 2026. As per the aforementioned order, "In partial modification of the orders issued in G.O.Rt.No.2276, G.A.(Poll.B) Department, dated: 04.12.2026, wherein notifying the General Holidays and Optional Holidays, the Government hereby declare 17.03.2026 (Tuesday) as Optional Holiday on the occasion of Shab-e-Qadar instead of 15.03.2026 (Sunday).".
Andhra Pradesh Moves Shab-e-Qadar Public Holiday Government of Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati) The Chief Secretary to the Government of India's State of Andhra Pradesh, G Sai Prasad, has issued the vide notification G.O.Rt.No.553 moving the date of the upcoming Shab-e-Qadar Public Holiday from March 15 to March 17, 2026. As per the aforementioned order, "In partial modification of the orders issued in G.O.Rt.No.2276, G.A.(Poll.B) Department, dated: 04.12.2026, wherein notifying the General Holidays and Optional Holidays, the Government hereby declare 17.03.2026 (Tuesday) as Optional Holiday on the occasion of Shab-e-Qadar instead of 15.03.2026 (Sunday).".
Ivory Coast Declares March 16 Night of Destiny Public Holiday Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (Abijan) The Ministry of Employment and Social Protection of the Ivory Coast, has issued the communique No.0494/MEPSFP/ CAB-00/DGT/ng, signed by its minister Adama Kamara, and declaring Monday, March 16, 2026, as a public holiday in the Ivory Coast on account of the day after the Night of Destiny, Laïlatou-Kadr. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Minister of Employment, Social Protection and Vocational Training informs the people living in Côte d’Ivoire that, in application of decree no.2011-371 of 04 November 2011, amending and supplementing article 2 of decree no.96-205 of 07 March 1996 determining the list and regime of public holidays, Monday 16 March 2026, the day after the night of destiny (Lallatou-Kadr), is declared a public holiday and a day off throughout the national territory.".
Ivory Coast Declares March 16 Night of Destiny Public Holiday Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (Abijan) The Ministry of Employment and Social Protection of the Ivory Coast, has issued the communique No.0494/MEPSFP/ CAB-00/DGT/ng, signed by its minister Adama Kamara, and declaring Monday, March 16, 2026, as a public holiday in the Ivory Coast on account of the day after the Night of Destiny, Laïlatou-Kadr. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Minister of Employment, Social Protection and Vocational Training informs the people living in Côte d’Ivoire that, in application of decree no.2011-371 of 04 November 2011, amending and supplementing article 2 of decree no.96-205 of 07 March 1996 determining the list and regime of public holidays, Monday 16 March 2026, the day after the night of destiny (Lallatou-Kadr), is declared a public holiday and a day off throughout the national territory.".
Jammu and Kashmir Changes Date Of Jumat-ul-Wida Public Holiday Government of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinigar) The Government of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has announced that the date of the public holiday for the upcoming Jumat-ul-Wida had been changed to Friday, March 13, 2026. The aforementioned change was made at the behest of the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir Ul Islam, who had announced that Eid ul-Fitr was likely to fall on March 20 (Friday) or March 21 (Saturday), and therefore "After consulting other scholars, it was decided to observe Juma’atul Vida on March 13".
Jammu and Kashmir Changes Date Of Jumat-ul-Wida Public Holiday Government of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinigar) The Government of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has announced that the date of the public holiday for the upcoming Jumat-ul-Wida had been changed to Friday, March 13, 2026. The aforementioned change was made at the behest of the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir Ul Islam, who had announced that Eid ul-Fitr was likely to fall on March 20 (Friday) or March 21 (Saturday), and therefore "After consulting other scholars, it was decided to observe Juma’atul Vida on March 13".
Niger Declares 2 Public Holidays For The End Of Ramadan Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail du Niger (Niamey) Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, has issued a communiqué, declaring a 2-day public holiday on account of the upcoming Aïd El Fit’r (End of Ramadan). As per the aforementioned press release, "The Minister of Public Service, Labor and Employment has the honor of reminding employers and employees in the public, semi-public, and private sectors that, in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 2026-12 of March 3, 2026, amending Law No. 97-20 of June 20, 1997, establishing public holidays, the day and the day after Eid al-Fitr, commonly known as the Ramadan festival, are declared public holidays, with no work performed and paid leave throughout the national territory.", adding that "A statement from the Islamic Council of Niger will be issued to specify the exact date of the festival.".
Niger Declares 2 Public Holidays For The End Of Ramadan Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail du Niger (Niamey) Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, has issued a communiqué, declaring a 2-day public holiday on account of the upcoming Aïd El Fit’r (End of Ramadan). As per the aforementioned press release, "The Minister of Public Service, Labor and Employment has the honor of reminding employers and employees in the public, semi-public, and private sectors that, in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 2026-12 of March 3, 2026, amending Law No. 97-20 of June 20, 1997, establishing public holidays, the day and the day after Eid al-Fitr, commonly known as the Ramadan festival, are declared public holidays, with no work performed and paid leave throughout the national territory.", adding that "A statement from the Islamic Council of Niger will be issued to specify the exact date of the festival.".
Ontario To Change Scope Of 2 Public Holidays The Government of the Province of Ontario (Toronto) At this morning's cabinet meeting the Government of Canada's Province of Ontario decided to allow province-wide shopping on the February public holiday for Family Day and the May public holiday for Victoria Day. Currently, the Retail Business Holiday Act forbids shopping on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Family Day wasn't a public holiday when the Retail Business Holiday Act was passed, but it is designated as a holiday in the Employment Standards Act, meaning that wage penalties currently make it extremely expensive for businesses to open on that public holiday.
Ontario To Change Scope Of 2 Public Holidays The Government of the Province of Ontario (Toronto) At this morning's cabinet meeting the Government of Canada's Province of Ontario decided to allow province-wide shopping on the February public holiday for Family Day and the May public holiday for Victoria Day. Currently, the Retail Business Holiday Act forbids shopping on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Family Day wasn't a public holiday when the Retail Business Holiday Act was passed, but it is designated as a holiday in the Employment Standards Act, meaning that wage penalties currently make it extremely expensive for businesses to open on that public holiday.
Philippines Declare March 20 End of Ramadan Public Holiday Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Malacañang's Presidential Communications Office has issued the Presidential Proclamation No.1189 announcing a national public holiday in the Philippines on account of the upcoming Islamic holiday of Eid'l Fitr (End of Ramadan). As per the aforementioned proclamation, "Whereas, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos has recommended the declaration of 20 March 2026, (Friday), or 21 March 2026 (Saturday) as a national holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan); ... now, therefore, I, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Friday, 20 March 2026, a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).".
Philippines Declare March 20 End of Ramadan Public Holiday Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Malacañang's Presidential Communications Office has issued the Presidential Proclamation No.1189 announcing a national public holiday in the Philippines on account of the upcoming Islamic holiday of Eid'l Fitr (End of Ramadan). As per the aforementioned proclamation, "Whereas, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos has recommended the declaration of 20 March 2026, (Friday), or 21 March 2026 (Saturday) as a national holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan); ... now, therefore, I, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Friday, 20 March 2026, a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).".
Syria Extends March Public Holidays Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) The General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Syrian Republic has announced that Thursday and Monday, March 19 and 23, 2026, had been declared as one-off public holidays on account of the rare conjunction of multiple annual public holidays in 2026, namely the Syrian Revolution (March 18), the Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), and the dual celebration of Mother’s Day and Nowruz (March 21).
Syria Extends March Public Holidays Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) The General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Syrian Republic has announced that Thursday and Monday, March 19 and 23, 2026, had been declared as one-off public holidays on account of the rare conjunction of multiple annual public holidays in 2026, namely the Syrian Revolution (March 18), the Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), and the dual celebration of Mother’s Day and Nowruz (March 21).
UAE Extends Eid Al Fitr Public Holidays Emirates News Agency (WAM) The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), for private sector employees, and the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources (for the public sector), have announced the identical dates for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) public holidays in both the private and public sectors. As per the aforementioned joint announcement, employees in both the federal government entities and the private sector will observe the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22, 2026, inclusively.
UAE Extends Eid Al Fitr Public Holidays Emirates News Agency (WAM) The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), for private sector employees, and the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources (for the public sector), have announced the identical dates for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) public holidays in both the private and public sectors. As per the aforementioned joint announcement, employees in both the federal government entities and the private sector will observe the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22, 2026, inclusively.
Bangladesh Declares March 18 Bank Holiday The Central Bank of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) Bangladesh's Central Bank has issued a notification that, following the Government's extension of the public sector holidays for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, it had declared Wednesday, March 18, 2026, as a bank holiday under the relevant provisions of the Bank Company Act, 1991.
Bangladesh Declares March 18 Bank Holiday The Central Bank of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) Bangladesh's Central Bank has issued a notification that, following the Government's extension of the public sector holidays for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, it had declared Wednesday, March 18, 2026, as a bank holiday under the relevant provisions of the Bank Company Act, 1991.
Egypt Announces End of Ramadan Public Sector Holidays Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has issued a decree granting paid public sector holidays from Thursday, March 19, until Monday, March 23, 2026, on account of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). As per the aforementioned decree, these public holidays apply to employees in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administration units, and public sector and public business sector companies. Similar announcements are expected from the Ministry of Labour for private-sector employees and from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) for banks and financial institutions.
Egypt Announces End of Ramadan Public Sector Holidays Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has issued a decree granting paid public sector holidays from Thursday, March 19, until Monday, March 23, 2026, on account of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). As per the aforementioned decree, these public holidays apply to employees in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administration units, and public sector and public business sector companies. Similar announcements are expected from the Ministry of Labour for private-sector employees and from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) for banks and financial institutions.
Guatemala Bill To Extend Easter And Year-End Public Holidays Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) A bill has been tabled in the Guatemalan legislature to extend the annual public holidays for Easter and the end of the year. As per the ley de Descanso en Familia, the number of annual public holidays in Guatemala would increase from 11 to 16, with the addition of the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week, as well as December 24 and 31. As per the bill's sponsor, Samuel Pérez, "Guatemala is one of the countries with the fewest days off in the region, with only 11 per year, while other nations provide up to 18".
Guatemala Bill To Extend Easter And Year-End Public Holidays Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) A bill has been tabled in the Guatemalan legislature to extend the annual public holidays for Easter and the end of the year. As per the ley de Descanso en Familia, the number of annual public holidays in Guatemala would increase from 11 to 16, with the addition of the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week, as well as December 24 and 31. As per the bill's sponsor, Samuel Pérez, "Guatemala is one of the countries with the fewest days off in the region, with only 11 per year, while other nations provide up to 18".
Kyrgyzstan Announces Orozo Ait Public Holiday Date Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan has announced that the date of the upcoming Orozo Ait (End of Ramadan) public holiday will be Friday, March 20, 2026.
Kyrgyzstan Announces Orozo Ait Public Holiday Date Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan has announced that the date of the upcoming Orozo Ait (End of Ramadan) public holiday will be Friday, March 20, 2026.
NSW Push For New September Public Holiday NSW Government (Sydney) The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) of Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW) is calling for a new annual public holiday to be observed in NSW. The proposed new public holiday would be called Family and Community Day and be observed at the start of the Australian spring, probably in September. As per the SDA NSW/ACT secretary, Bernie Smith, "NSW is one of the busiest states in the country, yet workers here get fewer public holidays than many other Australians".
NSW Push For New September Public Holiday NSW Government (Sydney) The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) of Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW) is calling for a new annual public holiday to be observed in NSW. The proposed new public holiday would be called Family and Community Day and be observed at the start of the Australian spring, probably in September. As per the SDA NSW/ACT secretary, Bernie Smith, "NSW is one of the busiest states in the country, yet workers here get fewer public holidays than many other Australians".
Niger Declares March 16 Public Holiday Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail du Niger (Niamey) Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, has issued a communiqué, declaring Monday, March 16, 2026, as a public holiday on account of the upcoming Laylatul Qadr (Night of Destiny). As per the aforementioned press release, "The Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Employment of Niger informs all employers and workers in the public, semi-public, and private sectors that Monday, March 16, 2026, is declared a public holiday, a day off with pay throughout the national territory.".
Niger Declares March 16 Public Holiday Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail du Niger (Niamey) Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, has issued a communiqué, declaring Monday, March 16, 2026, as a public holiday on account of the upcoming Laylatul Qadr (Night of Destiny). As per the aforementioned press release, "The Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Employment of Niger informs all employers and workers in the public, semi-public, and private sectors that Monday, March 16, 2026, is declared a public holiday, a day off with pay throughout the national territory.".
Oman Announces Date Of Eid Al Fitr Public Holiday Oman News Agency (Muscat) Omani authorities have announced that this year's Eid Al Fitr public holiday for the Hijri year 1447 for employees in both the public and private sectors will run from Thursday, March 19, until Monday, March 23, 2026, with official work scheduled to resume across the Sultanate on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Oman Announces Date Of Eid Al Fitr Public Holiday Oman News Agency (Muscat) Omani authorities have announced that this year's Eid Al Fitr public holiday for the Hijri year 1447 for employees in both the public and private sectors will run from Thursday, March 19, until Monday, March 23, 2026, with official work scheduled to resume across the Sultanate on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Sindh Declares Jumma-Tul-Wida Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Sindh has declared a provincial public holiday on account of Jumma-Tul-Wida, "closing offices to allow citizens to attend religious gatherings and rallies safely".
Sindh Declares Jumma-Tul-Wida Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Sindh has declared a provincial public holiday on account of Jumma-Tul-Wida, "closing offices to allow citizens to attend religious gatherings and rallies safely".
Telangana Call For Mahavir Jayanti Public Holiday Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) A group of Jain community representatives recently met the Minority Welfare Minister of the Government of India's State of Telangana, Mohammed Azharuddin, requesting that the government of Telangana declare Mahavir Jayanti as an official state public holiday.
Telangana Call For Mahavir Jayanti Public Holiday Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) A group of Jain community representatives recently met the Minority Welfare Minister of the Government of India's State of Telangana, Mohammed Azharuddin, requesting that the government of Telangana declare Mahavir Jayanti as an official state public holiday.
Kuwait Announces 2026 Eid al Fitr Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers has announced public sector holidays for all ministries, governmental bodies, and public institutions, on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. As per the aforementioned announcement, if Ramadan lasts 30 days, then the public holiday will run from Thursday, March 19, to Monday, March 23, 2026, with work resuming on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. However, if Ramadan only lasts 29 days, then the public holiday will run from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, 2026, with work resuming on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Kuwait Announces 2026 Eid al Fitr Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers has announced public sector holidays for all ministries, governmental bodies, and public institutions, on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. As per the aforementioned announcement, if Ramadan lasts 30 days, then the public holiday will run from Thursday, March 19, to Monday, March 23, 2026, with work resuming on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. However, if Ramadan only lasts 29 days, then the public holiday will run from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, 2026, with work resuming on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Uruguay Senate Votes May 24 Holiday Presidencia de la República (República Oriental del Uruguay) The Senate of Uruguay has voted in favor of the bill declaring May 24 an annual working holiday for residents or workers in Colonia Larrañaga, Soriano Department, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the land allocation agreement and its corresponding loans on May 24, 1926. The bill will be communicated to the Executive Branch.
Uruguay Senate Votes May 24 Holiday Presidencia de la República (República Oriental del Uruguay) The Senate of Uruguay has voted in favor of the bill declaring May 24 an annual working holiday for residents or workers in Colonia Larrañaga, Soriano Department, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the land allocation agreement and its corresponding loans on May 24, 1926. The bill will be communicated to the Executive Branch.
Honduras' Cohep Announces April 2026 Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (Cohep) announced that, according to article 339 of the Honduran Labor Code, the public holidays for the upcoming Holy Week will be Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Saturday 4 of April, 2026. Additionally, in accordance with Decree No. 50-2003, the holiday corresponding to April 14 will be moved to Monday, April 20, 2026.
Honduras' Cohep Announces April 2026 Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (Cohep) announced that, according to article 339 of the Honduran Labor Code, the public holidays for the upcoming Holy Week will be Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Saturday 4 of April, 2026. Additionally, in accordance with Decree No. 50-2003, the holiday corresponding to April 14 will be moved to Monday, April 20, 2026.
Kurdistan Declares March 11-12 Public Holidays Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Council of Ministers of the Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG), has declared a public holiday on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, across all government institutions in the Kurdistan Region to mark the anniversary of the 11 March 1970 Peace Agreement. Additionally, Thursday, March 12, 2026, has also been declared a holiday.
Kurdistan Declares March 11-12 Public Holidays Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Council of Ministers of the Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG), has declared a public holiday on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, across all government institutions in the Kurdistan Region to mark the anniversary of the 11 March 1970 Peace Agreement. Additionally, Thursday, March 12, 2026, has also been declared a holiday.
Tonga Formalizes Queen Salote College Public Holiday Tonga Ministry of Information and Communications (Nuku'alofa) Tonga's Prime Minister's Office has issued the communiqué Aho malolo faka-puleʻanga makehe ke fakamanatu ʻa e Senituli (100 taʻu) ʻo e Kolisi Kuini Salote which formalizes last week's announcement that Thursday, March 12, 2026, would be declared as a one off public holiday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Queen Salote College.
Tonga Formalizes Queen Salote College Public Holiday Tonga Ministry of Information and Communications (Nuku'alofa) Tonga's Prime Minister's Office has issued the communiqué Aho malolo faka-puleʻanga makehe ke fakamanatu ʻa e Senituli (100 taʻu) ʻo e Kolisi Kuini Salote which formalizes last week's announcement that Thursday, March 12, 2026, would be declared as a one off public holiday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Queen Salote College.
Saudi Arabia Amends Status Of Founding Day Public Holiday Saudi Press Agency (SPA) This morning, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) issued a communique on its website clarifying and formalizing the status and extent of the status of the annual Founding Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia public holiday.
Saudi Arabia Amends Status Of Founding Day Public Holiday Saudi Press Agency (SPA) This morning, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) issued a communique on its website clarifying and formalizing the status and extent of the status of the annual Founding Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia public holiday.
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