Dubai residents will get an additional break this month after authorities confirmed that Monday, June 15, 2026, will be an official holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year 1448 AH. The announcement means many employees and students across the UAE will enjoy a long weekend.
The holiday has been approved for government entities as well as private sector establishments across the country. Normal working hours are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, June 16, following the one-day public holiday.
Dubai Government Confirms June 15 Holiday
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department announced that all Dubai government authorities, departments, and institutions will observe the Islamic New Year holiday on Monday, June 15. Employees will return to work on Tuesday, June 16.
Authorities clarified that certain entities operating on a shift system or those responsible for public services and essential facilities may follow different schedules based on operational requirements. This ensures that key services continue without interruption during the holiday period.
Public and Private Sector Employees Get a Long Weekend
Earlier, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that June 15 would be an official paid holiday for both public and private sector employees across the country.
Since the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend schedule will benefit from a three-day break. The announcement provides workers with an opportunity to spend time with family, travel, or simply enjoy a short rest after the busy Eid Al Adha period.
For residents in Sharjah who follow the emirate’s four-day workweek, the holiday effectively creates a four-day weekend, offering an even longer break.
Schools and Universities Also Closed
Students and educators will also benefit from the public holiday. Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that schools, universities, and early childhood centres across the emirate will remain closed on June 15. Educational activities will resume on June 16.
The decision applies to both public and private educational institutions, ensuring that students, teachers, and families can observe the occasion together.
The holiday comes shortly after the UAE’s extended Eid Al Adha break, giving families another opportunity to enjoy quality time before the summer holiday season gains momentum.
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What Is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. It starts on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month of the Hijri calendar.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles. Important Islamic dates and holidays are therefore determined through moon sightings and religious calculations. The start of Muharram signals the beginning of Hijri Year 1448 AH.
For Muslims around the world, the occasion is a time for reflection, prayer, and remembrance of significant events in Islamic history. While celebrations vary across countries, the day remains one of the most important dates on the Islamic calendar.
What Residents Should Know
Residents planning travel, staycations, shopping trips, or family activities should expect increased demand across hotels, tourist attractions, and leisure destinations during the long weekend. Many businesses are likely to launch special offers to attract holidaymakers.
Government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on June 15, while essential services and shift-based operations will continue according to their respective schedules. Regular operations across government departments, schools, and private companies will resume on Tuesday, June 16.
The announcement gives UAE residents another chance to enjoy a short break as they mark the arrival of the Islamic New Year and the beginning of Muharram 1448 AH.