UAE grants 3-day weekend to students, private sector and government employees for Islamic New Year
June 15 declared UAE holiday as millions get 3-day weekend / Image:File UAE confirmed Islamic New Year holiday Schools closed on Hijri New Year Hijri
June 15 declared UAE holiday as millions get 3-day weekend / Image:File UAE confirmed Islamic New Year holiday Schools closed on Hijri New Year Hijri New Year 1448 AH Looking ahead Residents across the UAE are set to enjoy another public holiday this month after authorities confirmed that Monday, June 15, 2026, will be an official holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year.The announcement applies to both public and private sector employees, giving many workers a three-day weekend and offering the next major break following the Eid Al Adha holidays.The UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) jointly announced the holiday. Normal working hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16.The official holiday covers employees in federal government entities and private sector establishments across all seven emirates. Because the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who typically enjoy Saturday and Sunday weekends will benefit from a three-day break.For some residents, the break will be even longer.
Government employees and students in Sharjah, where a four-day workweek is in place and Fridays are already non-working days, could enjoy a four-day weekend stretching from Friday through Monday.The announcement also provides certainty for businesses, airlines, hotels and residents planning short trips, staycations or family gatherings after the recent Eid Al Adha holiday period.The holiday applies not only to workplaces. Dubai's education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has confirmed that schools, universities and public and private early childhood centres will also close on Monday, June 15. Educational operations will resume on Tuesday, June 16.The decision means thousands of students and teachers across Dubai will receive an extended break, aligning school schedules with the nationwide public holiday.The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, Muslims around the world will welcome 1448 AH, with the new year beginning on the first day of Muharram, one of Islam's holiest months.The Hijri calendar traces its origins to the Hijrah, the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
The journey marked a turning point in Islamic history, leading to the establishment of the first Muslim community and laying the foundations of Islamic civilisation. It is from this event that the Islamic calendar takes its name and starting point.Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the sun, the Hijri calendar is based on lunar cycles and is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter each year. As a result, Islamic occasions move through different seasons over time.Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year, is regarded as one of the four sacred months in Islam. For many Muslims, the arrival of a new Hijri year is a time for reflection, gratitude and spiritual renewal. While celebrations vary across countries and cultures, the occasion is commonly marked through prayers, religious gatherings, charitable activities and spending time with family.Across the UAE and other Muslim-majority nations, the Islamic New Year is also recognised as an official public holiday, giving residents an opportunity to commemorate the occasion while enjoying time with loved ones.
The BriefWire