The 15th of June 2026 may be a pleasant three-day holiday for numerous workers throughout the Gulf region. While the rulings of national holidays are the same across the board, you must see where you work to determine eligibility for a break or vacation, and your country’s labor laws come into play regarding the Islamic New Year.
The date corresponds to the beginning of Islamic New Year, 1st Muharram 1448 AH. Some of the GCC countries are declared holidays therefore it will be expected to be observed by the public holiday, but other countries have specific rules for the private sector. It is important to know whether or not you are eligible for the day off before making any travel arrangements or planning a short-term trip.
UAE Employees Can Expect a Confirmed Long Weekend
The United Arab Emirates is the one which is without any doubt the most obvious example of private sector workers. The government has declared Monday, the 15th of June, 2026 as a paid public holiday for public sector and private sector workers.
This makes it an extra good weekend for the employees of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. The policy on Holidays is uniform so that there is only one common public holiday policy for private business entities and Government departments.
Those who are working in essential activities like healthcare, hospitality, aviation and retail may need to continue working. In these cases, employers may be obligated to offer compensatory leave, or may be subject to the labor regulations for compensation meted out in respect of holidays.
Saudi Arabia Remains a Regular Working Day
No announcement regarding a holiday for employees in Saudi Arabia. Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, as well as Saudi National Day are the major statutory public holidays recognized by The Kingdom.
This is the reason why the Islamic New year is considered no different from any other business day in general. All Government Offices and business establishments are expected to remain open unless they choose to apply for it.
The 15th is probably going to be a regular day of work for most of the Saudi-based workers.
What about Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain?
In Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain the outlook is not as clear. Many of these countries await confirmation of the sighting of the moon before determining dates of their religious holidays.
Current estimates are that the Islamic New Year may be on June 16, or possibly 17, instead of 15. This has led to usual notices of governmental holidays just a few days prior to the actual holiday.
There may also be eligibility limits for the private sector. In certain instances government staff members enjoy the same holiday as a family holiday even if the employer chooses not to provide such leave.
How to Check Your Eligibility?
Official status is the best way to determine your status for a holiday. As time nears, staff should stay alert to reports of any announcements made by the labour ministries and the government.
Upkeep on your company’s human source portal, the holiday calendar, and interaction is additionally significant. A lot of multinationals start to make their regional holiday schedules available ahead of time which helps the workers to make plans.
People, working remotely or those with multi-national companies, please check with your labor laws before you believe you have the day off because one country’s laws may differ from your country.
FAQs
Do all countries in the GCC have June 15th as a public holiday?
No. It has officially been announced that the UAE will keep it on as holiday, but it is possible that some other GCC countries might decide when it is closer to the date.
Do UAE employees have the option of a paid day off?
Yes. The UAE calendar has been officially announced with June 15 a paid public holiday for public and private sector workers.
Is June 15th a holiday in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia does not officially recognize the Islamic New Year, except in certain specific instances.
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