Residents anticipate potential long weekend in mid-June as astronomical charts point to upcoming Hijri New Year dates.
ABU DHABI — Following the recent extended Eid Al Adha break, residents and expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are already looking forward to the next official public holiday. According to preliminary astronomical calculations and regional holiday calendars, the Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) for the year 1448 is tentatively projected to fall on either Tuesday, June 16, or Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The occasion, which marks the first day of the holy month of Muharram, serves as an official paid holiday for employees across both the public and private sectors in the Emirates. However, federal authorities emphasize that these dates remain provisional. The exact day of the holiday is strictly subject to the official sighting of the crescent moon by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee closer to the middle of the month.
Potential for a Long Weekend
While astronomical charts lean toward Tuesday, June 16, as the first day of the new Islamic calendar year, the actual scheduling of the public holiday holds an extra layer of interest for the country’s massive expatriate workforce, including the prominent Gulf Malayali community.
Under the UAE’s standardized public holiday regulations, the federal government retains the discretion to bridge mid-week holidays. If the UAE Cabinet decides to apply the holiday transfer rule, there is a strong possibility that the day off could be shifted to Monday, June 15, thereby creating a consecutive three-day weekend stretching from Saturday through Monday. Alternatively, if retained on its original date, residents will observe a single mid-week break.
A Time for Quiet Reflection
Unlike the vibrant visual displays and nationwide festivities associated with Eid celebrations or the UAE National Day, the Hijri New Year is traditionally observed across the Emirates with quiet reverence.
The day marks the historic migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina, a pivotal milestone that led to the inception of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Government offices, educational institutions, and financial organizations will remain closed for the duration of the declared holiday, while major commercial establishments, hospitality venues, and public transport networks are expected to run under regular or slightly modified holiday schedules. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) alongside the UAE Cabinet will issue the definitive declaration once the moon-sighting protocols are completed at the end of the current Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.
