It will be a day off for both public and private sectors
Good news for UAE residents: Monday, 15 June 2026 has been confirmed as a public holiday for the Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year).
This welcome long weekend will give many people a leisurely day off and the perfect excuse to start thinking about a short break or staycation.
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new Hijri year and the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
While it is a significant date in the Islamic world, it is also one of the UAE’s official public holidays, offering residents a chance to relax, spend time with loved ones, or make the most of a long weekend.
One reason the date changes every year is because the Islamic calendar works differently from the Gregorian calendar that most of the world uses.
The Gregorian calendar is based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun and lasts around 365 days. The Islamic calendar, meanwhile, follows the phases of the moon and is around 354 days long.
You might also like: Your complete guide to all UAE public holidays in 2026
Because the lunar year is shorter, Islamic dates move earlier each year when compared with the Gregorian calendar.
This is why major occasions such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and the Islamic New Year gradually shift through different seasons over time.
For most people, however, the key detail is simple: Monday, 15 June is officially a holiday in the UAE.
With an extra day off on the calendar, now could be the ideal time to start planning a quick getaway or even a relaxing staycation closer to home before the summer heat reaches its peak.
Follow Yalla for all the latest news in Abu Dhabi
