Next UAE Public Holiday 2026: Will the Islamic New Year Give Us Another Long Weekend?

UAE has just concluded the longest public holiday period this year after six days of Eid Al Adha holiday. Many of the residents are anticipating the next break on the official calendar as employees go back to work, and businesses go back to normal operations.

The rise of summer temperatures and overdue travel plans have rapidly made one of the hottest things people are searching for this summer, pretty much everybody in UAE, expats and employers included.

Next UAE Public Holiday in 2026

In the UAE the next public holiday is Islamic New Year (Al Hijra) which falls on the first of the islamic year of 1448 AH.

As of 16H50, according to the mechanical method of determining the dates of the moon’s track, Muharram 1 is due on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 on the basis of astronomical calculations. The ultimate date for each event of the Islamic calendar, however, will be determined by official moon-sighting announcements and decisions of the government.

The big question for many in the UAE is whether it is a Tuesday holiday or it will be transferred to make it a longer weekend.

Could the Islamic New Year Holiday Be Moved?

UAE holiday adjustment policy is one of the reasons for the popularity of this holiday day. The current rules of the UAE Cabinet give flexibility in shifting some public holidays which occur in the middle of the working week. 

Its goal is to enhance an employee’s work/life balance and minimize disruption to business operations.

If this policy is implemented, the Islamic New Year holiday might be postponed to Monday, June 15 instead of Tuesday, 16 so many employees all over the country will have a 3 day weekend.

So far, no official announcement has been made but some residents and tour operators already have their fingers on the pulse regarding possible extra time off.

Why Are Residents Watching Closely?

A three-day holiday in June would be at the right time for many of the locals who yearned for a short summer getaway.

These promotions are a time when business with travel agencies tends to grow in terms of staycations, regional travel and short haul Overseas Travel. In addition, hotels and resorts usually offer special discounts during public holidays in the UAE.

The potential holiday shift is also about indulging the employee’s annual leave plan to allow for more breaks with fewer vacation days for employees.

Remaining UAE Public Holidays Expected in 2026

In addition to the Islamic New Year, some more public holidays are anticipated throughout the year. Check the table given below.

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How to Plan Ahead?

While it’s never a given that someone will work over the holidays, residents should start making flexible plans for travel or vacation before they become official.

Anyone planning times of flight, hotel reservations or holiday to their family should keep a watch on government notices. Travelers that book in flexible options may also be better rewarded with better rates, while providing the benefit of the ability to adjust their travel plans in the event that the dates change.

An extra long weekend could also be a benefit for employers and HR groups who could plan on staffing attendance ahead of time.

FAQs

What is the next UAE public holiday?

The next public holiday in UAE is expected to be on Islamic New Year on June 16, 2026 (to be confirmed by the official authorities of the UAE).

Will there be a long weekend during the Islamic New Year Off?

It is possible. The UAE Department of State reserves the right to shift some public holidays during the mid-week which may lead to the holiday being celebrated on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Is there an official UAE Holiday Shift?

There are not any changes declared yet but any changes will be declared by the government before the holiday.