Following the extended Eid Al Adha celebrations, residents across the United Arab Emirates are eagerly anticipating the next official public holiday. For many people, public holidays are more than just days off from work or school—they are opportunities to travel, spend time with family, enjoy staycations, and recharge from busy schedules.
Fortunately, the UAE government announces public holidays well in advance, allowing residents and businesses to make plans accordingly. The next major holiday on the UAE calendar is the Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year. This important religious occasion marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims around the world.
For 2026, the UAE government has already confirmed the holiday arrangements, ensuring residents can enjoy a well-deserved break regardless of the official moon sighting outcome. The announcement has generated excitement among employees in both the public and private sectors, particularly because the holiday has been strategically positioned to create a long weekend.
This article explains everything you need to know about Islamic New Year 2026 in the UAE, including the expected date, holiday rules, moon-sighting process, transferable holiday regulations, remaining public holidays of the year, employee rights, and the significance of the Hijri New Year.
What Is the Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year, also referred to as the Hijri New Year, marks the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic calendar.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the Earth’s movement around the sun, the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, making the exact start date dependent upon astronomical conditions and official moon observations.
The Islamic calendar consists of twelve lunar months:
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi Al Awwal
- Rabi Al Thani
- Jumada Al Awwal
- Jumada Al Thani
- Rajab
- Shaaban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhul Qa’dah
- Dhul Hijjah
Muharram holds special importance because it is one of Islam’s four sacred months and serves as the beginning of a new Islamic year.
For Muslims worldwide, the occasion is often marked by reflection, prayer, remembrance, and gratitude rather than grand celebrations.
Why Is It Called the Hijri New Year?
The term “Hijri” comes from the Arabic word “Hijrah,” meaning migration.
The Islamic calendar begins from the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
This event transformed the course of Islamic history by establishing the first Muslim community and laying the foundation for Islamic governance and civilization.
When Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab introduced the Islamic calendar, the migration was chosen as the starting point because it represented a turning point for the Muslim community.
As a result, every new Islamic year commemorates this significant event.
When Is Islamic New Year 2026 in the UAE?
The date of Islamic New Year changes annually because the Islamic calendar follows lunar months.
For 2026, moon sighting committees will observe the skies on:
Monday, June 15, 2026
This day corresponds to:
29 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH
Two possibilities exist:
If the Moon Is Sighted
If the crescent moon is visible on June 15, Muharram will begin on:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
If the Moon Is Not Sighted
If weather conditions or astronomical visibility prevent sighting, Dhul Hijjah will complete 30 days.
Muharram would then begin on:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Official confirmation comes after sunset observations by UAE moon sighting authorities.
UAE Announces Islamic New Year Holiday
To provide certainty and facilitate planning, UAE authorities announced that:
Monday, June 15, 2026, will be the official public holiday for both public and private sector employees.
This means residents do not have to wait for moon sighting results to know when they will receive their holiday.
The announcement follows the UAE’s holiday transfer regulations introduced under recent Cabinet resolutions.
The move ensures employees enjoy a long weekend while simplifying scheduling for businesses and government departments.
Understanding Transferable Public Holidays
One of the most significant changes to UAE public holiday regulations is the introduction of transferable holidays.
Beginning in 2025, the UAE government implemented rules allowing certain public holidays to be moved to either the beginning or end of a week.
The objective is straightforward:
- Create longer weekends
- Boost domestic tourism
- Support work-life balance
- Increase travel opportunities
- Improve employee wellbeing
However, not all holidays are transferable.
Major Islamic celebrations such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha remain fixed according to religious observance.
Other holidays, including Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, may be transferred through Cabinet approval.
Long Weekend Benefits for UAE Residents
The Islamic New Year holiday arrangement offers several benefits.
Residents can:
Plan Short Vacations
Many families use long weekends for regional travel to destinations such as:
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Georgia
- Turkey
- Maldives
Enjoy Staycations
Hotels across the UAE often launch special holiday promotions during public holidays.
Spend Quality Family Time
Extended weekends provide valuable opportunities to reconnect with family and friends.
Attend Religious Gatherings
Many Muslims use the occasion for prayer, reflection, and community events.
Sharjah Residents Receive Additional Benefits
Sharjah follows a four-day workweek system with a three-day weekend.
Government employees and many educational institutions in the emirate already enjoy:
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
With Monday declared as the Islamic New Year holiday, Sharjah residents benefit from a four-day consecutive break.
This policy continues to make Sharjah one of the most employee-friendly emirates in the region.
Religious Significance of Muharram
Muharram is among the most revered months in Islam.
Allah mentions four sacred months in the Holy Quran, and Muharram is one of them.
The month is associated with:
- Increased worship
- Reflection
- Charity
- Fasting
- Spiritual renewal
Many Muslims take the opportunity to strengthen their faith and set religious goals for the new year.
Ashura and Muharram Observances
One of the most important days in Muharram is Ashura, observed on the 10th day of the month.
Ashura is significant because:
- Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers were saved from Pharaoh.
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged fasting on this day.
- Imam Hussain (RA) was martyred in Karbala.
Millions of Muslims around the world observe fasting and remembrance during this period.
Remaining Public Holidays in UAE for 2026
After Islamic New Year, UAE residents still have additional holidays to look forward to.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
This holiday falls on:
12 Rabi Al Awwal
Expected date:
August 25, 2026
As with Islamic New Year, the holiday may be transferred depending on Cabinet decisions.
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
The final public holiday of the year celebrates the formation of the UAE.
Dates:
- December 2, 2026
- December 3, 2026
Residents throughout the country will enjoy a two-day national holiday featuring celebrations, fireworks, cultural programs, and patriotic events.
Has UAE Transferred Holidays Before?
The UAE has previously exercised its authority to transfer public holidays.
A notable example occurred during Eid Al Etihad celebrations when official holiday dates falling midweek were shifted to create a more convenient extended break.
The strategy was widely welcomed by residents and businesses alike.
Holiday transfers help maximize tourism revenue and encourage domestic spending.
Can Public Holidays Be Combined with Annual Leave?
Many employees seek to extend public holidays by attaching annual leave days.
Whether this is permitted depends on:
- Employer policies
- Employment contracts
- Internal HR regulations
- Operational requirements
In companies with more than 50 employees, internal employee handbooks typically specify leave procedures.
Employees should consult their HR departments before making travel arrangements.
Employee Rights During Public Holidays
UAE labor law protects employees who are required to work on public holidays.
If an employee works during a public holiday, employers must provide compensation.
Options include:
Compensatory Leave
The employee receives another day off at a later date.
Additional Pay
Employers may provide:
- Normal daily salary
- Plus 50% of basic salary
This ensures fair compensation for holiday work.
Economic Impact of Public Holidays
Public holidays generate significant economic activity across the UAE.
Industries benefiting include:
Hospitality
Hotels experience increased occupancy rates.
Aviation
Airlines see spikes in bookings.
Retail
Shopping malls attract large numbers of visitors.
Tourism
Popular destinations witness increased demand.
Entertainment
Theme parks, beaches, cinemas, and attractions experience higher footfall.
As a result, long weekends contribute positively to the national economy.
Why UAE Residents Look Forward to Public Holidays
Public holidays have become important milestones throughout the year.
They offer opportunities to:
- Travel internationally
- Visit family
- Relax and recharge
- Explore UAE attractions
- Participate in cultural events
The government’s proactive holiday planning enables residents to maximize these opportunities.
Read More: Islamic New Year – June 17, 2026
FAQs
When is Islamic New Year 2026 in the UAE?
The Islamic New Year is expected to begin on either June 16 or June 17, 2026, depending on moon sighting results.
Which day is the official UAE holiday for Islamic New Year 2026?
The UAE government has designated Monday, June 15, 2026, as the official public holiday for both public and private sector employees.
Is Islamic New Year a transferable holiday?
Yes. Under UAE Cabinet regulations, Islamic New Year is among the holidays that may be transferred to create long weekends.
Can employees combine annual leave with public holidays?
This depends on employer policies and operational requirements. Employees should consult their HR department before making plans.
What compensation is provided if an employee works on a public holiday?
Employers must either provide compensatory leave or pay the employee their regular salary plus an additional 50% of their basic salary.
Conclusion
The Islamic New Year 2026 marks both a significant religious occasion and an eagerly anticipated public holiday for UAE residents. By officially designating Monday, June 15, 2026, as a nationwide holiday, the UAE government has ensured certainty for employees, businesses, and travelers while creating a valuable long weekend opportunity. The decision reflects the country’s modern approach to public holiday planning, balancing religious traditions with practical benefits for society and the economy.Beyond the holiday itself, the arrival of Muharram and the beginning of the Hijri year serve as a reminder of the rich history of Islam and the enduring significance of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madinah. As residents enjoy their time off, many will also take the opportunity to reflect, reconnect with family, travel, and prepare for the months ahead. With additional holidays such as Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and UAE National Day still to come, 2026 continues to offer several occasions for celebration, reflection, and well-deserved rest across the Emirates.
