The UAE has officially announced Monday, June 15, 2026, as a public holiday for both public and private sector employees to mark the Islamic New Year.
The holiday marks the beginning of the year 1448 AH on the Hijri calendar. Employees across the UAE will have the day off, with work resuming on Tuesday, June 16. For many residents, this creates a three-day weekend from Saturday, June 13, to Monday, June 15.
UAE Announces Public Holiday for Muharram 1448 AH
Residents across the UAE can now plan for a long weekend after authorities confirmed the Islamic New Year holiday.
The announcement applies equally to federal government entities and private sector companies. The decision aligns with the UAE’s unified public holiday system, ensuring employees in both sectors receive the same official holiday.
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, begins on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar.
According to official announcements carried by the UAE government and state news agency WAM, the holiday will be observed nationwide on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Why Has the Holiday Fallen on a Monday?
Unlike fixed Gregorian calendar dates, Islamic occasions are determined by the lunar calendar and depend on moon sightings.
In recent years, the UAE has implemented holiday transfer regulations that allow certain public holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of the working week. The aim is to provide longer breaks and improve work-life balance for residents.
As a result, this year’s Islamic New Year holiday has been scheduled on Monday, June 15, giving many residents a convenient long weekend.
For families, this means extra time for short staycations, family gatherings, shopping trips, and leisure activities across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the rest of the Emirates.
What Does the Islamic New Year Mean?
The Islamic New Year commemorates the beginning of a new year in the Hijri calendar, which started with the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah.
Unlike Eid celebrations, the occasion is generally observed more quietly and reflectively. Many Muslims use the day for prayer, reflection, and spending time with family.
Across the UAE, residents often see special events, cultural programmes, dining offers, and family-friendly activities taking place during the holiday period.
The occasion also marks the start of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam.
How Will This Holiday Affect UAE Residents?
For most employees, the biggest benefit is the extended weekend.
Many UAE residents are expected to take advantage of the break by planning short domestic trips, visiting attractions, booking staycations, or travelling to nearby destinations.
Hotels and tourism operators typically see increased demand during public holiday weekends. Popular destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah often witness a rise in visitor numbers during these periods.
Families may also use the holiday to explore local events, indoor attractions, and seasonal promotions across shopping malls and entertainment venues.
The announcement provides businesses and residents enough time to plan schedules and travel arrangements ahead of the holiday.
What Other UAE Public Holidays Are Still Coming in 2026?
After the Islamic New Year holiday, residents can look forward to a few more public holidays later this year.
The next major Islamic occasion is expected to be Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), which is currently projected to fall in late August 2026, subject to moon sighting confirmation.
The final official public holiday of the year will be Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day), celebrated on December 2 and December 3.
Residents will also welcome the Gregorian New Year holiday on January 1, 2027.
While some dates remain subject to official confirmation, the Islamic New Year holiday is now officially locked in for Monday, June 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the UAE Islamic New Year holiday in 2026?
A: The UAE has officially declared Monday, June 15, 2026, as a public holiday for the Islamic New Year.
Q: Does the holiday apply to private sector employees?
A: Yes. The holiday applies to both public and private sector workers across the UAE.
Q: How many days off will residents get?
A: Employees who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend will enjoy a three-day break from June 13 to June 15.
Q: What is the Islamic New Year?
A: The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new Hijri year and falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Q: When will work resume after the holiday?
A: Normal working hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
The UAE Islamic New Year Holiday 2026 has now been officially confirmed, giving both public and private sector employees a welcome long weekend. With Monday, June 15 designated as a public holiday, residents can look forward to three days of rest, family time, travel, or leisure activities before returning to work on June 16.
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