Here’s the next key date for your calendar and why it might bring an extended weekend.
Dubai: Eid Al Adha may not be over yet, but for many UAE residents, one question is already coming up — when is the next public holiday? If you’re already checking the calendar, here’s what to know.
Islamic New Year: The next UAE public holiday
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, is expected to fall on either Tuesday, June 16, or Wednesday, June 17, 2026, depending on the moon sighting. UAE authorities will officially confirm the date closer to the occasion.
If the holiday falls in the middle of the week, it could potentially create a long weekend under the UAE’s holiday transfer rule, which allows certain public holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of the working week following a Cabinet decision.
What is the Islamic New Year?
Also known as the Hijri New Year, the occasion marks the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — a historic event that marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar.
While it is observed more quietly than Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year holds deep religious and historical significance for Muslims around the world and is recognised as a public holiday in the UAE.
More holidays to look forward to
The rest of 2026 is expected to bring a few more public holidays for UAE residents to enjoy:
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday — expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (12th of Rabi Al Awwal, subject to moon sighting). As it is likely to land mid-week, the UAE’s holiday transfer rule could potentially turn it into a longer weekend.
- UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) — set for December 2 and 3, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday). Combined with the Friday–Saturday weekend, many employees could enjoy a four-day break.
How to make the most of UAE public holidays
Careful planning around public holidays can help maximise your time off throughout the year. Mid-week holidays are particularly valuable, especially when the UAE’s transfer rule comes into play, as they can create extended weekends while requiring minimal annual leave.
Understanding the UAE public holiday rules
Here are a few important rules to keep in mind:
- Under Article 2 of the Cabinet resolution, most official public holidays — excluding Eid holidays — may be moved to the beginning or end of the week by Cabinet decision.
- Under Article 3, if a public holiday falls on a weekend or overlaps with another holiday, no substitute day off is granted.
- Under Article 4, local governments may approve additional holidays for their respective departments on special occasions.
Note: All dates remain provisional and subject to moon sighting. Official announcements on the timing and duration of public holidays for both the public and private sectors will be issued by the relevant UAE authorities closer to each occasion.
