Islamic New Year celebrations in the UAE will officially begin with a public holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, handing millions of residents a three-day weekend. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) have confirmed June 15 as a paid day off for both public and private sector employees across the country.
Normal working hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16. For residents on a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule, the announcement means a long weekend running from Saturday, June 13, through Monday, June 15.
Islamic New Year Creates a Three-Day Weekend in the UAE
For many residents, the confirmation of the Islamic New Year holiday is one of the most anticipated announcements of the month. Because the holiday falls on a Monday, it automatically creates a three-day weekend for employees across the UAE.
Long weekends often drive higher demand for staycations, road trips, family gatherings, dining experiences, and local attractions. Many UAE residents use these breaks to recharge, spend time with loved ones, or explore destinations within the country. The timing is especially welcome as temperatures continue to rise and many residents begin planning their summer schedules.
What Is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new Hijri year in the Islamic calendar. In 2026, Muslims around the world will welcome Hijri Year 1448.
The occasion commemorates the Hijrah, the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. This event serves as the starting point of the Islamic calendar and remains one of the most significant moments in Islamic history.
Unlike the festive celebrations tied to some holidays, the Islamic New Year is often observed through reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Across the UAE and the wider Muslim world, the occasion carries deep religious and cultural significance.
Who Gets the June 15 Day Off?
The Islamic New Year public holiday applies to employees in both the government and private sectors. The holiday includes:
- Federal government employees - Local government entities - Private sector employees - Businesses operating under UAE labour regulations
The UAE continues to align public and private sector holiday schedules, ensuring workers across the country receive the same official holiday dates.
Why This UAE Public Holiday Matters
The Islamic New Year is one of the official public holidays observed annually in the UAE. Beyond its religious significance, the holiday also gives residents valuable time away from work and daily routines.
For some, the extra day off will mean booking a staycation or visiting family. Others may use the opportunity to explore attractions, spend time at the beach, enjoy shopping destinations, or simply relax at home. Public holidays also tend to boost activity across the hospitality, tourism, retail, and entertainment sectors, with many businesses launching special promotions around long weekends.
What Residents Can Expect During the Long Weekend
The three-day break is expected to generate strong demand for hotels, indoor attractions, restaurants, and family-friendly destinations across the UAE. Many hospitality brands are likely to launch holiday packages and special offers built around the extended weekend, while shopping centres, entertainment venues, and tourism operators may announce promotions as the date approaches.
For residents not planning to travel, the holiday offers a rare chance to enjoy an extra day of rest before returning to work. According to MOHRE, the holiday applies to private sector employees across the UAE, while the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed the same date for federal entities.
With the official confirmation now in place, one thing is certain: the Islamic New Year will deliver one of the most convenient long weekends of 2026.
