The Islamic calendar follows moon sightings to mark the start of the year.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced the UAE public holiday for the Islamic New Year. According to current astronomical forecasts, the Islamic New Year is expected to fall on Monday, 15 June 2026.
Announced as part of the official UAE public holidays for 2026, the occasion will grant both public and private sector employees a one-day break, making for a three-day long weekend.
The Islamic New Year, also called Hijri New Year, begins on the first day of the month of Muharram. It marks the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Makkah to Madina, which is called Hijri in Arabic and hence, gave its name to the Islamic Hijri Calendar. As the Islamic calendar is lunar, it differs from the Gregorian calendar.
Following the Islamic New Year, the next big UAE public holiday is Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi. The birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is also observed as a public holiday on 12 Rabi ul Awwal. Expected to fall on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, you can anticipate a day off to observe the occasion.
Commemoration Day, previously known as Martyrs’ Day, recognises the sacrifices of Emiratis who sacrificed their lives in civil, military and humanitarian services. The UAE Commemoration Day will fall on Wednesday, 2 December 2026, followed by Eid Al Etihad on Thursday, 3 December 2026, meaning two days off mid-week.
While the public holidays in relation to the Islamic calendar have been announced, it’s important to note that these dates are currently tentative. Exact dates will be announced closer to the holidays, based on the moon sighting. Until then, get planning.
GO: Visit www.mohre.gov.ae for more information.