UAE residents are set to enjoy another public holiday this month after authorities confirmed that Monday, June 15, 2026, will be an official holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year. The announcement applies to employees in both the public and private sectors, with many workers given a three-day weekend and the next big break following the Eid al Adha holidays.The UAE’s Federal Human Resources Authority (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) jointly announced the holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16.
UAE confirms Islamic New Year holiday
The official holiday includes employees of federal government entities and private sector establishments in all seven emirates. Since the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who typically enjoy Saturday and Sunday weekends will benefit from three days off.For some residents, the break will be even longer. Government employees and students in Sharjah, where a four-day working week is in place and Friday is already a non-working day, can enjoy a four-day weekend from Friday to Monday.This announcement provides certainty for businesses, airlines, hotels and residents planning short trips, stays or family gatherings following the recent Eid Al Adha holiday period.
Schools remained closed on Hijri New Year
Holidays don’t just apply to workplaces. Dubai’s education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has confirmed that schools, universities and public and private early childhood centers will also remain closed on Monday, June 15. Academic operations will resume on Tuesday, June 16.The decision means thousands of students and teachers across Dubai will receive an extended holiday, aligning school schedules with nationwide public holidays.
Hijri New Year 1448 Hijri
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, Muslims around the world will welcome 1448 Hijri, marking the beginning of the New Year with the first day of Muharram, one of the holiest months of Islam.The Hijri calendar traces its origins to Hijrat, the historic migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This journey proved to be a turning point in Islamic history, leading to the establishment of the first Muslim community and laying the foundation of Islamic civilization. It is from this event that the Islamic calendar gets its name and starting point.Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the Sun, the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle and is shorter by about 10 to 11 days each year. As a result, Islamic occasions vary over time and across different seasons.Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year, is considered one of the four holy months in Islam. For many Muslims, the arrival of the new Hijri year is a time of reflection, gratitude and spiritual renewal. While celebrations vary across countries and cultures, the occasion is usually celebrated through prayers, religious ceremonies, charitable activities, and spending time with family.In the United Arab Emirates and other Muslim-majority countries, the Islamic New Year is also recognized as an official public holiday, giving residents the opportunity to celebrate the occasion while enjoying time with loved ones. This holiday reminds of the values associated with Hijrat, faith, perseverance, unity and new beginnings.
looking ahead
The June 15 holiday becomes the UAE’s next nationwide public holiday after Eid Al Adha, providing residents another opportunity to travel, spend time with family or enjoy a short staycation before the peak summer season. Demand is expected to increase at many tourism operators, hotels and leisure attractions as residents take advantage of the long weekend.With the date now officially confirmed, residents can begin planning their events with certainty, while employers and educational institutions prepare for a short pause before normal activities resume on Tuesday, June 16.