The UAE has announced Monday, June 15, 2026, as an official public holiday for the Hijri New Year 1448.
The holiday applies to both public and private sector employees across the country, creating a three-day weekend for most residents and an even longer break for some in Sharjah.
Here’s everything residents need to know about the upcoming UAE public holiday.
The UAE has officially confirmed the next public holiday on its calendar. Residents across the country will get a day off on Monday, June 15, 2026, to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year.
The announcement was made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) for federal government employees and by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for private sector workers. The holiday aligns with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of public holidays for 2026.
For many residents, the timing means a welcome long weekend in the middle of June, just days after the extended Eid Al Adha break.
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The public holiday applies to employees in both the public and private sectors across all seven emirates.
According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Monday, June 15, will be a paid holiday for eligible workers.
Normal working hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16.
Because the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who typically enjoy a Saturday-Sunday weekend will receive a three-day break. This allows residents to spend time with family, plan short staycations, or simply enjoy additional time off before the summer season reaches its peak.
Why is the Hijri New Year important?
The Hijri New Year marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic calendar.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar cycle, the Islamic calendar is based on lunar months. The first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic calendar, signals the start of the new Hijri year.
In 2026, Muslims around the world will welcome Hijri Year 1448.
The occasion commemorates the historic migration, known as the Hijrah, of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. This event serves as the foundation of the Islamic calendar and remains one of the most significant moments in Islamic history.
While the occasion is observed as a public holiday in the UAE, it is generally marked with reflection, prayer, and family gatherings rather than large public celebrations.
Sharjah residents could enjoy an even longer break
Some residents may benefit from an extended weekend beyond the standard three days.
Government employees and many school students in Sharjah currently follow a four-day workweek, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday designated as weekend days.
With Monday, June 15, now confirmed as a public holiday, many of these employees and students could enjoy a four-day break before returning to their regular schedules.
The arrangement highlights Sharjah’s unique workweek structure, which was introduced to support work-life balance while aligning with national economic and educational priorities.
The announcement follows the UAE’s longest holiday of 2026
The Hijri New Year holiday arrives shortly after residents enjoyed one of the longest public holiday periods of the year during Eid Al Adha.
Earlier this month, federal government employees benefited from a cumulative nine-day break, while many private sector employees received up to six days off, depending on company policies and work schedules.
The upcoming June 15 holiday gives residents another opportunity to plan local getaways, visit family members, or enjoy attractions across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and the other emirates.
Tourism operators, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues often see increased demand during public holidays as residents look for quick escapes without travelling far from home.
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For employees, the holiday offers additional rest and flexibility during a busy period of the year.
For businesses, especially those operating in hospitality, retail, and tourism, long weekends typically lead to higher customer activity. Hotels and staycation destinations across the UAE often launch special promotions ahead of public holidays to attract residents seeking short breaks.
The announcement also provides certainty for employers and employees planning meetings, travel, and operational schedules for mid-June.
As confirmed by the UAE Cabinet’s official 2026 holiday calendar, the date ensures consistency across both government and private sectors.
FAQ’s
Q: When is the UAE Hijri New Year holiday in 2026?
A: The UAE has confirmed Monday, June 15, 2026, as the official public holiday for Hijri New Year 1448.
Q: Does the holiday apply to private sector employees?
A: Yes. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that private sector employees will also receive the holiday.
Q: Will government employees get the day off?
A: Yes. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced the holiday for all federal government entities.
Q: How many days off will residents get?
A: Most employees who have weekends on Saturday and Sunday will enjoy a three-day break from Saturday to Monday.
Q: Why does the date of the Hijri New Year change every year?
A: The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, which are shorter than the Gregorian calendar year. As a result, Islamic dates shift annually.
The UAE has officially confirmed Monday, June 15, 2026, as a public holiday for the Hijri New Year. The announcement gives both public and private sector employees an additional break and creates a long weekend for many residents across the country.
With the holiday now confirmed, residents can start planning short trips, family gatherings, or simply enjoy some extra downtime before the busy summer months continue.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
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