emirates7 - The upcoming public holiday in the UAE is the Islamic New Year, giving employees in both the public and private sectors a longer break with a three-day weekend.
Islamic New Year: The next UAE public holiday
The UAE has declared Monday, June 15, a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors to mark the Islamic New Year, giving workers across the country a three-day weekend.
Since the holiday directly follows the regular weekend on Saturday and Sunday, employees in both sectors will enjoy a three-day break before resuming work on Tuesday, June 16.
Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.
What is the Islamic New Year?
Also called Hijri New Year, it marks the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, the founding moment of the Islamic lunar calendar. Though it is observed more quietly than Eid Al Fir and Eid Al Adha, it carries deep significance across the Muslim world and is recognised as a public holiday in the UAE.
More holidays to look forward to
The remainder of 2026 offers a few more breaks:
Prophet's Birthday - expected Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (12th of Rabi Al Awwal, subject to moon sighting). The mid-week timing means the transfer rule could extend this into a longer break.
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) - December 2–3, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday). With the Friday–Saturday weekend immediately following, employees could enjoy a four-day break.
How to make the most of UAE public holidays
Strategic use of annual leave around public holidays can dramatically increase your total days off across the year. The key is to watch for mid-week holidays where the transfer rule applies, these offer the best opportunity to bridge into a long weekend with minimal leave used.
Understanding the UAE public holiday rules
A few rules are worth keeping in mind:
Under Article 2 of the Cabinet resolution, most official holidays (excluding Eid holidays) may be shifted to the start or end of the week by Cabinet decision.
Under Article 3, if a holiday falls on a weekend or overlaps with another public holiday, it is not carried forward.
Under Article 4, local governments may approve additional holidays for their departments on special occasions.
Islamic New Year: The next UAE public holiday
The UAE has declared Monday, June 15, a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors to mark the Islamic New Year, giving workers across the country a three-day weekend.
Since the holiday directly follows the regular weekend on Saturday and Sunday, employees in both sectors will enjoy a three-day break before resuming work on Tuesday, June 16.
Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.
What is the Islamic New Year?
Also called Hijri New Year, it marks the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, the founding moment of the Islamic lunar calendar. Though it is observed more quietly than Eid Al Fir and Eid Al Adha, it carries deep significance across the Muslim world and is recognised as a public holiday in the UAE.
More holidays to look forward to
The remainder of 2026 offers a few more breaks:
Prophet's Birthday - expected Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (12th of Rabi Al Awwal, subject to moon sighting). The mid-week timing means the transfer rule could extend this into a longer break.
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) - December 2–3, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday). With the Friday–Saturday weekend immediately following, employees could enjoy a four-day break.
How to make the most of UAE public holidays
Strategic use of annual leave around public holidays can dramatically increase your total days off across the year. The key is to watch for mid-week holidays where the transfer rule applies, these offer the best opportunity to bridge into a long weekend with minimal leave used.
Understanding the UAE public holiday rules
A few rules are worth keeping in mind:
Under Article 2 of the Cabinet resolution, most official holidays (excluding Eid holidays) may be shifted to the start or end of the week by Cabinet decision.
Under Article 3, if a holiday falls on a weekend or overlaps with another public holiday, it is not carried forward.
Under Article 4, local governments may approve additional holidays for their departments on special occasions.
الرجاء الانتظار ...