ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has officially declared Monday, June 15, 2026, a public holiday on the occasion of the Hijri New Year, granting a three-day weekend to many residents across the country.
The announcement was jointly issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Authorities confirmed that the paid holiday will apply to both federal government employees and private sector workers nationwide. Normal working hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16.
Three-day weekend for most residents
As the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who observe a Saturday–Sunday weekend will enjoy a three-day break from Saturday, June 13, to Monday, June 15.
The early confirmation provides clarity for businesses, employers and workers to plan staffing, travel and operations, particularly as it follows closely after the Eid Al Adha holiday period.
Four-day break in Sharjah
Some residents will benefit from an extended break.
Government employees and school students in Sharjah, where a four-day workweek is observed with Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays off, will receive a four-day holiday with the addition of Monday’s public holiday.
Also read: UAE Shifts Schools to Online Classes from May 5 to May 8, 2026
Part of official 2026 holiday calendar
The Hijri New Year holiday was announced in line with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of public holidays for 2026. It follows the country’s longest public holiday of the year for Eid Al Adha, during which government employees received a cumulative nine-day break and private sector workers enjoyed up to six days off.
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 1 Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar, ushering in the year 1448 AH.
The date is determined by official moon-sighting and is recognised as a public holiday across the UAE for both public and private sectors.
Unlike Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year is generally observed as a day of reflection rather than celebration. However, residents may still see holiday offers, dining promotions and limited entertainment activities across some emirates.
Holiday transfer rule applied
Although the Hijri New Year is tied to the lunar calendar, the 2026 holiday has been placed at the start of the workweek under the UAE’s public holiday transfer rule, which allows certain holidays to be shifted to create longer breaks for residents.
