Islamic New Year 2026 holiday announced for public and private sectors across UAE
Moon sighting determines exact start of Muharram across Islamic calendar
ABU DHABI – UAE residents are set for a mid-June break as authorities have confirmed the official holiday for Islamic New Year 2026.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Monday, June 15, 2026, will be a public holiday for both federal government entities and the private sector. The holiday marks the occasion of the Hijri New Year 1448.
The announcement comes as residents look ahead to planning travel, short getaways and family gatherings following the Eid Al Adha break.
تُعلن الهيئة الاتحادية للموارد البشرية الحكومية ووزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين أن يوم الاثنين الموافق 15 يونيو 2026 عطلة رسمية بمناسبة رأس السنة الهجرية 1448 للجهات الحكومية الاتحادية والقطاع الخاص pic.twitter.com/GsNhJfn7GN
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 3, 2026
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, signals the beginning of the lunar Islamic calendar and falls on the first day of Muharram. The exact date is determined by official moon sighting, which takes place on the 29th day of Dhul Hijjah.
If the crescent moon is sighted on June 15, Muharram will begin on June 16, Tuesday. If not, Dhul Hijjah will complete 30 days, and Muharram 1 will fall on June 17, Wednesday.
Holiday rules
Under current UAE Cabinet regulations, public holidays except Eid can be transferred to the beginning or end of the week. This flexibility means that if the Hijri New Year falls mid-week, it could be adjusted to create a longer break for residents. Depending on the final arrangement, the holiday could result in either a three-day or four-day weekend when combined with the Saturday-Sunday break. In some cases, such as for Sharjah government employees and schools, this could extend the break further depending on the transfer decision.
Next public holidays
Following the Islamic New Year break, UAE residents will still have two remaining public holidays in 2026. Prophet’s Birthday is expected on Rabi Al Awwal 12, with the likely date falling around August 25, subject to moon sighting and official confirmation.
UAE National Day will mark the final holiday of the year on December 2 and 3, celebrating the country’s 55th anniversary. Depending on transfer decisions, both holidays may also offer extended breaks, continuing the pattern of long weekends throughout the year.