Dubai has announced a public holiday for schools, universities, and early childhood centres on Monday, June 15, to mark the Hijri New Year 1448.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that all educational institutions in Dubai will remain closed on the day, with classes and academic operations resuming on Tuesday, June 16.
For students, teachers, and families, the announcement means an extended weekend and an opportunity to celebrate the start of the Islamic New Year.
As the UAE prepares to welcome the Hijri New Year 1448, Dubai’s education sector has officially confirmed a holiday for students and educators across the emirate.
The announcement came from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which stated that all private schools, universities, and public and private early childhood centres in Dubai will observe a holiday on Monday, June 15, in line with the Islamic New Year.
The decision aligns with the UAE government’s approved public holiday calendar for 2026 and follows earlier announcements for both public and private sector employees across the country.
Who Will Get the Holiday in Dubai?
The holiday applies to all educational institutions regulated by KHDA, including:
- Private schools
- International schools
- Universities and higher education institutions
- Public and private early childhood centres
- Nurseries operating under KHDA regulations
According to KHDA, educational operations will resume on Tuesday, June 16.
The announcement provides clarity for families who have been waiting for confirmation of school schedules around the Islamic New Year.
For many parents, the holiday also presents an opportunity to plan short family outings, staycations, or cultural activities across the UAE during the long weekend.
Why Is June 15 a Public Holiday?
The UAE government had already announced Monday, June 15, as an official paid holiday for federal government employees and private sector workers.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed the date as part of the UAE Cabinet-approved list of official holidays for 2026.
The education sector announcement ensures consistency across workplaces and schools, making it easier for families to enjoy the holiday together.
Since the holiday falls on a Monday, most residents who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend will enjoy a three-day break.
What Does the Hijri New Year Mean?
The Hijri New Year marks the beginning of a new Islamic lunar calendar year.
Also known as the Islamic New Year, the occasion falls on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar.
The Hijri calendar began with the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, an event known as the Hijrah. The calendar remains widely used throughout the Islamic world for religious observances and important dates.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, which means dates can shift slightly each year.
As a result, the exact start of Muharram is determined through official moon-sighting observations.
Will Some Residents Get a Longer Weekend?
Yes.
While most UAE residents will enjoy a three-day weekend, some people could benefit from an even longer break.
In Sharjah, government employees and students follow a four-day workweek, with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays already designated as weekend days.
With Monday, June 15, added as a public holiday, many students and government workers in Sharjah could enjoy a four-day break.
For Dubai residents, the holiday still provides a welcome opportunity to spend extra time with family before schools and workplaces return to their regular schedules.
What KHDA Said About the Holiday?
KHDA officially confirmed the holiday through its latest announcement, stating that schools, universities, and early childhood centres across Dubai would remain closed on Monday, June 15.
The authority added that normal educational operations will resume on Tuesday, June 16.
KHDA oversees Dubai’s private education sector and regularly issues guidance regarding academic calendars, holidays, and school operations.
The announcement ensures schools can communicate schedules clearly to students, parents, and staff before the holiday begins.
What This Means for Families in Dubai?
For many families, the timing of the holiday is ideal.
With schools and workplaces closed on the same day, parents and children can spend quality time together without academic commitments.
Some families may choose short domestic trips within the UAE, while others may use the long weekend to attend cultural events, visit attractions, or simply enjoy time at home.
The holiday also provides a moment for reflection as Muslims mark the beginning of a new Islamic year.
FAQ’s
Q: Are Dubai schools closed on June 15, 2026?
A: Yes. KHDA has confirmed that all schools, universities, and early childhood centres in Dubai will be closed on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Q: When will classes resume after the holiday?
A: Educational institutions across Dubai will resume normal operations on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Q: Is the Hijri New Year a public holiday in the UAE?
A: Yes. The UAE government has declared June 15, 2026, as an official paid holiday for both public and private sector employees.
Q: How many days off will students get?
A: Most students in Dubai will enjoy a three-day weekend, while some students in Sharjah could benefit from a four-day break due to the emirate’s existing four-day workweek.
Q: What is the significance of the Hijri New Year?
A: The Hijri New Year marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar and the beginning of the month of Muharram, one of the most important months in Islam.
Dubai’s confirmation of the Hijri New Year holiday gives students, parents, and educators a clear schedule ahead of the long weekend. With schools, universities, and nurseries set to close on June 15, families across the emirate can look forward to a short break while marking the beginning of a new Islamic year.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
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