June 15 has been declared a holiday in the UAE as millions get a 3-day weekend / Image: File
Residents across the UAE are set to enjoy another public holiday this month after authorities confirmed that Monday, June 15, 2026, will be a public holiday for the Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year.
The announcement applies to public and private sector employees, giving many workers a three-day weekend and providing the next major break after the Eid al-Adha holiday.The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in the UAE have announced the holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16.
The UAE confirms the Hijri New Year holiday
The official holiday includes employees in federal government agencies and private sector institutions in all seven emirates.
Since the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who normally enjoy weekends on Saturday and Sunday will benefit from a three-day break.For some residents, the break will be longer. Government employees and students in Sharjah, where the work week is four days and Fridays are actually days off, can enjoy a four-day weekend extending from Friday to Monday.The announcement also provides certainty to businesses, airlines, hotels and residents planning short trips, staycations or family gatherings after the recent Eid al-Adha holiday period.
Schools closed on the occasion of the Hijri New Year
The holiday does not apply only to workplaces. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai’s education regulator, confirmed that schools, universities, and public and private early childhood centers will also close their doors on Monday, June 15. Educational operations will resume on Tuesday, June 16.The decision means that thousands of students and teachers across Dubai will take an extended vacation, in line with school schedules and official holidays nationwide.
Hijri New Year 1448 AH
The Hijri 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 the year 1448 AH, with the beginning of the new year on the first day of Muharram, one of the holiest months in Islam.The origins of the Hijri calendar go back to the Hijra, the historical migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in the year 622 AD. The trip marked a turning point in Islamic history, leading to the establishment of the first Muslim society and laying the foundations of Islamic civilization.
It is from this event that the Islamic calendar takes its name and its starting point.Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the sun, the Hijri calendar is based on lunar cycles and is about 10 to 11 days shorter each year. As a result, Islamic occasions move through different seasons over time.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 Islamic New Year is a time of reflection, gratitude and spiritual renewal.
While celebrations vary across countries and cultures, the occasion is usually marked through prayers, religious gatherings, charitable activities, and spending time with family.Across the UAE and other Muslim-majority countries, the Islamic New Year is also recognized as a public holiday, giving residents the opportunity to celebrate the occasion while enjoying time with their loved ones. The holiday is a reminder of the values associated with migration, faith, perseverance, unity and new beginnings.
Looking forward
The June 15 holiday becomes the next official holiday nationwide after Eid Al Adha, providing residents with another opportunity to travel, spend time with family or enjoy a short staycation before the peak summer season. Many tourism operators, hotels and entertainment attractions are expected to see an increase in demand as residents take advantage of the long weekend.With the date now officially confirmed, residents can begin planning their schedules with certainty, while employers and educational institutions prepare for a brief pause before normal activities resume on Tuesday, June 16.
