Summer is just getting started in the UAE, and another public holiday is already on the horizon: Islamic New Year 2026 (or 1448 AH). While the exact date will depend on the official moon sighting, the occasion could give UAE residents a long weekend.
Hijri New Year marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, and is an official public holiday in the UAE.
The moon will be observed on June 15, which corresponds to 29 Dhul Hijjah. Two outcomes are possible:
- If the moon is sighted on this day: Islamic New Year will fall on Tuesday, June 16
- If the moon is not sighted: Dhul Hijjah will complete 30 days, and 1 Muharram 1448 will begin on Wednesday, June 17
So where does this long weekend come from in June 2026? The recently adopted UAE Public Holidays Law allows to move some holidays to the beginning or end of the week.
No matter the start date, 1 Muharram 1448 could be transferred to a Monday or Friday, creating a long break for residents. For now, we have to wait for the moon sighting, which will determine the official start of the new Islamic year.
Planning the rest of your year? Check out Islamic Calendar 2026 with all predicted Hijri dates and list of holidays.
