Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

 The UAE has officially declared June 15 a paid public holiday for both public and private sector employees to mark the Hijri New Year 1448. The announcement was made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), confirming that work will be suspended across federal government entities and private companies on the occasion of the Islamic New Year. The holiday will give many residents a three-day weekend, with Saturday and Sunday preceding the public holiday, which falls on a Monday. The Hijri New Year, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. The occasion commemorates the Hijrah, or migration, of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, an event that serves as the starting point of the Islamic calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the Earth's orbit around the sun, the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles. As a result, Islamic dates and holidays shift each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar.

More UAE public holidays in 2026

Residents can expect additional public holidays later this year. The observance of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is expected to fall on August 25, corresponding to the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, although the final date remains subject to official moon-sighting confirmation. The UAE's National Day celebrations, officially known as Eid Al Etihad, will take place on December 2 and 3. This year's observance falls on a Wednesday and Thursday, creating the possibility of a four-day break for many workers when combined with the Friday-Saturday weekend. Authorities typically issue final holiday confirmations closer to each occasion based on official lunar calendar calculations and moon-sighting results. ICA/Expat Media
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