UAE announces 3-day break for Islamic New Year

The UAE has confirmed Monday 15 June 2026 as a public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, giving residents a three-day weekend.

Employees in both the public and private sectors will receive the day off, with work resuming on Tuesday 16 June 2026, as confirmed by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation on 3 June. 

The holiday creates an opportunity for short breaks and regional travel, with residents able to extend the weekend further using annual leave. However, demand may be moderated by its proximity to the Eid Al Adha holiday two weeks earlier. 

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After June, only two public holiday periods remain on the UAE calendar in 2026, with booking opportunities in August and December. A three-day weekend is expected on Monday 24 August for the Prophet’s Birthday, whereas December will see a longer break observed for UAE National Day.  

The holiday comes as regional airlines roll out seasonal destinations for the summer. Saudia Airlines has introduced flights to eight cities across Europe and the Middle East from June, while Etihad Airways is tripling flights to Paris from July. 

Popular destinations throughout summer 2025 included Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Japan and France, according to data from Emirates Airline. 

For more information, visit fahr.gov.ae