The UAE Hijri New Year holiday has been confirmed for Monday, June 15, 2026, for employees in both the public and private sectors, giving many residents a long weekend to mark the start of the Islamic New Year.
The announcement was made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The holiday is part of the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of official holidays for 2026.
Employees will return to work on Tuesday, June 16.
Long Weekend for Employees
Because the holiday falls on a Monday, workers who follow the standard Saturday-Sunday weekend will enjoy a three-day break.
The announcement follows the UAE’s longest public holiday period of the year during Eid Al Adha. Government employees recently received a cumulative nine-day break, while private sector workers enjoyed a six-day holiday.
The confirmed date allows residents and businesses to plan for the upcoming break.
What the Hijri New Year Marks
The Hijri New Year, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. It falls on the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Hijri calendar.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, which means dates change each year. The start of the new Hijri year is determined through official moon-sighting observations.
For Muslims, the occasion marks the beginning of a new calendar year and is often a time for reflection and spiritual renewal. In the UAE, it is recognised as an official public holiday, allowing residents to spend time with family, rest, or travel during the extended weekend.
With the UAE Hijri New Year holiday now officially confirmed, residents can begin making plans for the break and the start of Hijri year 1448.
