UAE Islamic New Year holiday dates are now clear for residents planning their next long weekend. Monday, June 15, 2026, has been confirmed as an official holiday for federal government entities and private sector companies to mark Hijri New Year 1448.
For many workers in Dubai and across the UAE, the date creates a three-day weekend when combined with the regular Saturday-Sunday break. Normal working hours are set to resume on Tuesday, June 16, making this a useful short break for families, travel plans, errands and quiet time after the busy Eid Al Adha period.
Who Gets The UAE Islamic New Year Holiday?
The holiday applies to federal government employees and private sector workers. That means most office-based employees who follow a standard UAE weekend will get Monday, June 15 off before returning to work the next day.
As always, some essential, operational and shift-based roles may follow different arrangements. Employees should check with their own HR teams if their work involves hospitality, healthcare, transport, security, retail, aviation or other continuous services.
Dubai Schools And Universities Also Get The Day Off
Dubai education authorities have also confirmed Monday, June 15 as a holiday for schools, universities and public and private early childhood centres. Official educational operations are due to resume on Tuesday, June 16.
That detail matters for parents. The holiday lands near the end of the academic year for many families, when exams, final assessments, reports and summer plans are already competing for attention. Parents should check school circulars for any campus-specific notes, especially if external exams, revision schedules or transport arrangements are involved.
Sharjah May See A Longer Break
Some residents could see a longer weekend depending on where they work or study. Sharjah government employees and school students who follow a Friday-to-Sunday weekend may benefit from four days off when Monday is added to the schedule.
This is one reason UAE public holiday announcements can affect families differently across emirates. A Dubai household may have one parent off for three days, another working a different rota, and children following a school-specific circular. The headline date is national, but the practical planning still needs a quick check at home.
What Hijri New Year Marks
Hijri New Year marks the start of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. The first month is Muharram, and the occasion is linked to the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah.
In the UAE, the day is usually observed more quietly than Eid. Many families use it for rest, reflection, family visits or a short break rather than large public celebrations. Because the Islamic calendar follows lunar months, dates can shift against the Gregorian calendar each year.
What Residents Should Plan Now
The most practical step is to confirm work, school and travel schedules early. If you are planning a staycation, airport trip or cross-emirate family visit, book sooner rather than later. Long-weekend demand can move quickly in the UAE, especially around hotel deals, family brunches, attractions and flights.
Drivers should also remember that public holiday timings for parking, tolls, transport and customer service centres can vary by emirate. Dubai Bliss will keep tracking UAE service updates in the UAE Pulse section as the date gets closer.
For a wider official overview of UAE holiday rules and religious occasions, residents can also review the UAE public holidays information portal.
FAQs
When is the UAE Islamic New Year holiday in 2026?
The UAE Islamic New Year holiday is confirmed for Monday, June 15, 2026. Normal work is expected to resume on Tuesday, June 16.
Does the holiday apply to private sector employees?
Yes. The holiday applies to both federal government entities and private sector companies. Shift workers and essential-service employees should still confirm arrangements with their employer.
Are Dubai schools closed for Hijri New Year?
Yes. Dubai schools, universities and public and private early childhood centres have Monday, June 15 off for Hijri New Year. Educational operations resume on Tuesday, June 16.
Will everyone get a three-day weekend?
Many employees who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend will get a three-day break. Some Sharjah government employees and students may get a longer break because of the emirate’s four-day workweek pattern.
What is the next UAE public holiday after this?
The next expected UAE public holiday after Hijri New Year is Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday, which is expected in August 2026 and remains subject to official confirmation.