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Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can look forward to an official public holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, in celebration of the Islamic New Year, also known as the
The holiday will be observed across all seven emirates, benefiting employees in federal government entities and private sector establishments. Since the holiday falls on a Monday, those who typically have weekends on Saturday and Sunday will enjoy an extended break. In Sharjah, where a four-day workweek is implemented and Fridays are non-working days, government employees and students may experience a four-day weekend from Friday through Monday.
In addition to workplaces, the holiday will also affect educational institutions. The
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the year 1448 AH in the Islamic lunar calendar, commencing on the first day of Muharram, one of the holiest months in Islam. The Hijri calendar is rooted in the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which was pivotal in establishing the first Muslim community. Unlike the solar-based Gregorian calendar, the Hijri calendar is lunar and is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter each year, causing Islamic holidays to shift through the seasons.
The arrival of the Hijri New Year is a time for reflection and spiritual renewal for many Muslims, often marked by prayers, charitable activities, and family gatherings. As the UAE prepares for this public holiday, residents are encouraged to plan for travel, family time, or short staycations, with tourism operators and leisure attractions likely to see increased demand. With the date confirmed, both employers and educational institutions can prepare for a brief pause in activities before resuming on June 16.
