Good news for anyone already counting down to their next day off – the Islamic New Year holiday is now official
A new UAE public holiday has officially been confirmed. On the occasion of Islamic New Year, Monday, June 15 will be a day off for employees across both the public and private sectors, with work resuming the following day. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who gets the day off?
The holiday applies to employees across both the public and private sectors in the UAE. Federal government entities, private companies and businesses will observe the holiday on Monday, June 15, with normal working hours resuming on Tuesday, June 16. For many residents, it means an extra day to relax, spend time with family or make plans before the working week begins again.
What is Islamic New Year?
Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic calendar. The occasion commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, known as the Hijrah, which marks the start of the Islamic calendar.
When is the holiday?
This year, the UAE has confirmed that the holiday will fall on Monday, June 15. As it is a one-day public holiday, employees will return to work on Tuesday, June 16.
More UAE public holidays to look forward to
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: August 24, 2026 (subject to moon sighting)
- Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day): December 2 to 3, 2026
Keep in mind: Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, so final dates are confirmed closer to the day.
Also read
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How UAE public holidays are determined
There are two types of holidays in the UAE:
Fixed Gregorian holidays
Same date every year (e.g., New Year’s Day, National Day)
Lunar-based Islamic holidays
Dates change each year based on the Hijri calendar and crescent moon sightings (e.g., Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha)
Rules you should know
- Some holidays can be shifted to the start or end of the week to create longer breaks, except for Eid holidays
- If a holiday lands on a weekend or overlaps another holiday, it doesn’t get carried forward
- Local governments may declare extra holidays for special occasions
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