The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar is based on lunar months, with the New Year beginning on the first day of Muharram, the calendar’s first month.
Government employees in Dubai will receive paid leave on Monday, June 15, 2026, to mark the Islamic New Year (Hijri 1448 AH), authorities have announced.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) confirmed that all government entities, departments, and institutions will observe the holiday, with official working hours resuming on Tuesday, June 16. As the holiday falls on a Monday, employees who follow a Saturday–Sunday weekend will enjoy a three-day break.
However, facilities operating on a shift-based system or those providing essential public services may adjust their schedules to ensure uninterrupted operations during the holiday period.
DGHR extended its best wishes to the UAE leadership, government, and people, as well as to Arab and Islamic nations, expressing hopes for continued prosperity, stability, and progress.
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation have also announced a public holiday for the Hijri New Year, with Monday, June 15, 2026, declared an official day off.
Government employees and school students in Sharjah, who follow a four-day workweek with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays off, will benefit from a four-day break when the Monday holiday is added.
The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar is based on lunar months, with the New Year beginning on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the calendar.
