Dubai announces public holiday for Islamic New Year, confirms long weekend for UAE workers

Dubai: Government employees in Dubai are set to receive a mid-year break as authorities confirm an official holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, marking the Islamic New Year (1448 AH). The announcement applies to all government entities, departments, and institutions across the emirate.

Offices will resume on Tuesday, June 16, following the one-day closure. However, authorities have clarified that organisations operating on shift-based systems, or those responsible for essential public services, will retain flexibility in scheduling. These departments will continue functioning based on operational needs to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services.

The Islamic New Year, also referred to as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the lunar Hijri calendar. It commemorates the Hijra — the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina — a defining moment in Islamic history that also established the foundation of the Islamic calendar system.

Unlike festive public celebrations, the occasion is generally observed in a more reflective manner across the Muslim world, with emphasis on spiritual contemplation and remembrance of its historical significance.

With this holiday, residents in Dubai and across the UAE will benefit from a three-day weekend, offering a brief mid-year pause for workers in both government and private sectors before regular schedules resume mid-week.