Residents across the UAE will once again enjoy a public holiday this month after authorities confirmed that Monday, June 15, 2026, will become an official holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram. The announcement, which applies to both public and private sector workers, gives many workers a three-day weekend and provides the next big break after the Eid al-Adha holiday.The UAE Federal Authority for Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) jointly announced the festival. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16th.
UAE confirms Islamic New Year holiday
The statutory holiday covers employees of federal government entities and private sector agencies in all seven emirates. Since the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who normally enjoy a weekend of Saturday and Sunday will benefit from three days off.For some residents, the break will be longer. Government employees and students in Sharjah work a four-day week, with Friday already being a non-working day, and can enjoy a four-day weekend from Friday to Monday.The announcement also provides certainty to businesses, airlines, hotels and residents planning short trips, staycations or family gatherings after the recent Eid al-Adha holiday.
School closures for Muharram New Year
This holiday isn’t just for the workplace. Dubai’s education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has confirmed that schools, universities, and public and private early childhood centers will also be closed on Monday, June 15. Education operations will resume on Tuesday, June 16.The decision means thousands of students and teachers in Dubai will get extended leave, bringing school timetables in line with national public holidays.
Hijri New Year 1448 in the Islamic calendar
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year on the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, Muslims around the world will usher in the year 1448 of the Islamic calendar, with the New Year starting on the first day of Muharram, one of Islam’s holiest months.The origins of Muharram can be traced back to the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This journey marked a turning point in Islamic history, leading to the founding of the first Muslim communities and laying the foundations of Islamic civilization. It is from this event that the Islamic calendar takes its name and starts from this event.Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the movement of the sun, the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter each year. Therefore, Islamic activity goes through different seasons over time.Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year, is considered one of the four holy months of Islam. For many Muslims, the arrival of the new Muharram year is a time of reflection, gratitude and spiritual renewal. Although celebrations vary across countries and cultures, celebrations are often commemorated through prayers, religious gatherings, charitable events, and time spent with family.The Islamic New Year is also considered an official public holiday in the UAE and other Muslim-majority countries, giving residents the opportunity to mark the occasion while spending quality time with loved ones. The holiday reminds people of values ​​associated with migration, faith, perseverance, unity and new beginnings.
Looking to the future
The June 15 holiday becomes the UAE’s next national public holiday after Eid al-Adha, providing residents with another opportunity to travel, spend time with family or enjoy a short staycation before the peak summer season. Demand is expected to increase from many tour operators, hotels and leisure attractions as residents take advantage of the long weekend.With the date now officially confirmed, residents can begin to plan their schedules with certainty, while employers and educational institutions prepare for a brief pause before resuming normal activities on Tuesday, June 16.
