Dubai has declared Monday, June 15, an official holiday for schools, universities and public and private early childhood centres to mark the Hijri New Year.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said educational institutions across the emirate will resume normal operations on Tuesday, June 16.
The announcement follows an earlier decision by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation declaring June 15 a public holiday for federal government entities and private sector employees.
The holiday date was approved under the UAE Cabinet’s official holidays calendar for 2026.
Employees who observe a Saturday-Sunday weekend will receive a three-day break, while government employees and school students in Sharjah will benefit from a four-day weekend due to the emirate’s four-day workweek.
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and falls on the first day of Muharram.
Authorities said the start of Muharram will be determined through the official moon-sighting process on 29 Dhul Hijjah.
If the crescent moon is sighted on June 15, Muharram will begin on Tuesday, June 16. If not, Dhul Hijjah will complete 30 days and Muharram 1 will fall on Wednesday, June 17.