The UAE has confirmed Monday, June 15, as an official holiday for federal government entities and private sector companies on the occasion of the Hijri New Year.
The holiday will give many employees a three-day weekend, with normal working hours set to resume on Tuesday, June 16.
The announcement was made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The authorities confirmed that the paid holiday will apply to federal government employees and private sector workers across the country. The date was confirmed in line with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of official holidays for 2026.
Three-day weekend for many residents
Since the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend will enjoy a three-day break from Saturday, June 13, to Monday, June 15. Work will resume as usual on Tuesday, June 16.
The announcement gives businesses, employers and employees clarity for planning operations, staffing and travel after the Eid Al Adha holiday period.
Four-day break for Sharjah
Some UAE residents will benefit from an even longer break.
Government employees and school students in Sharjah, where a four-day workweek is followed with Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays off, will get a four-day break with the addition of the Monday public holiday.
The Hijri New Year holiday comes shortly after the UAE’s longest public holiday of the year for Eid Al Adha.
During Eid Al Adha, government employees received a cumulative nine-day break, while private sector employees got a six-day holiday.
What is the Hijri New Year?
The Hijri New Year, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. It falls on the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Hijri calendar, and ushers in the year 1448 AH.
The date is linked to the lunar cycle and is determined by official moon-sighting observations.
The Islamic New Year is one of the UAE’s public holidays drawn from the Hijri calendar and applies equally to both the public and private sectors.
Unlike Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, religious observances are not typically held to mark the Islamic New Year. It is generally seen as a day of reflection rather than celebration.
Also referred to as Hijra or Al Hijri, the occasion is observed as a public holiday in Dubai and other emirates, where residents may also see fireworks displays, dining offers and other holiday activities.
Holiday transfer rule applies
Although the Islamic New Year is tied to moon sighting, the 2026 public holiday has landed at the start of the working week under the UAE’s holiday transfer rule.
The rule allows some midweek public holidays to shift to the beginning or end of the week, helping create longer breaks for residents.
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