Kritika 
(C): Unsplash
For all workers in the Emirates, this is good news, as a long weekend has been announced. The UAE public holiday for Monday, June 15, 2026, has been declared for public and private sector employees and will be celebrated as a Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year), 1448.
So, here are all the details you need: Use this to find out who is eligible and what will happen if they request you to work.
Which Employees Does This Apply To?
Does this include you? The UAE public holiday has been announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and would apply to:
- Federal government organisations (public sector)
- Private sector establishments
If you’re employed in a Government department or private business, then June 15 is your day off — without cost!
Hello, Three-Day Weekend
For those who have a normal weekend work schedule (Saturday and Sunday), this UAE public holiday gives them a three-day break (Saturday, Sunday, Monday). It is expected that work will resume on Tuesday, June 16.
A good time to travel, spend family time, or simply get a good rest after Eid Al Adha.
What Is the Hijri New Year?
Hijri New Year is also known as the Islamic New Year. It is the first day of the Islamic lunar calendar year, and the beginning of the Holy month of Muharram. It has cultural and religious importance throughout the Muslim world and is recognised as a national holiday in the UAE by the UAE’s national holiday framework.
Your Rights as an Employee: UAE Holiday Pay Rules
According to UAE labour law, this is a paid holiday. That means:
- June 15 is a regular payday; no deductions.
- Employers are not allowed to pay you nothing for working.
- When you end up working on a UAE Public Holiday, breathe easy—you’ll get compensated either through an extra day off or extra pay. The UAE labor law covers this.
Not sure about your rights? Check the MoHRE website for more info.
For employers, here’s what you need to do:
First, use the notice period to handle staffing, especially for roles that deal with customers or are super crucial. Second, adjust any employee leave requests that clash. Lastly, ensure the Payroll team logs the holiday in their system.
When HR and business leaders keep on top of these things, everything flows smoothly. And since the UAE has FAHR and MoHRE working together, managing the workforce is more predictable, whether you’re a large or small company.
Quick Recap: June 15 UAE Public Holiday at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
| Date | Monday, June 15, 2026 |
| Occasion | Hijri New Year 1448 |
| Applicable To | Public & Private Sector Employees |
| Holiday Type | Paid Public Holiday |
| Work Resumes | Tuesday, June 16, 2026 |
| Weekend Created | 3-Day Weekend (Saturday–Monday) |
The UAE public holiday on June 15 is an obvious benefit to employee wellbeing and work-life balance and a reminder of the UAE’s desire to keep the holiday system in place for all sectors of the economy.
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