While Eid Al Fitr flew by faster than your last iced latte, we’re already planning our next great escape! And June is showing up strong with not one, but two glorious long weekends for UAE residents. Yup, you read that right! One, of course, comes courtesy of Eid Al Adha (no points for guessing that), and the other? You can thank the Islamic New Year – with a little clever leave-planning on your part.
Caught yourself mentally packing a suitcase mid-Zoom last Thursday post-Eid? You’re not alone! We’re right there with you, sunglasses in hand. Set your eyes on June, folks! The Islamic New Year is sneaking up sooner than you’d expect, and according to the official UAE holiday calendar, it’s set to bring us all a sweet midweek day off in June!
So, When’s The Islamic New Year Holiday?
Here’s the scoop: the exact date of the Islamic New Year is still doing the lunar limbo. Well, the moon sure loves to keep us guessing. However, astronomers are eyeing Wednesday, June 25 as the likely date for Muharram 1, aka Day One of the Hijri Year 1447.
Also read: A ‘Pink Moon’ To Dazzle Dubai Skies Next Weekend – The Ultimate Guide To Watching & Capturing It
Now, here’s where it gets juicy. Officially, it’s a one-day holiday in the UAE. But if you’ve got some annual leave tucked away and a little bit of calendar sorcery, you could be sitting on a mini vacation. Meaning, the Islamic New Year break is going to slice your week right down the middle like a warm knife through smooth butter!
UAE Residents – Here’s Your Cheat Sheet to a June Escape:
- If the holiday falls on Wednesday, June 25: Take Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27 off, and voila – you’d gift yourself a 5-day weekend!
- If the holiday lands on Thursday, June 26, just take one day – Friday, June 27 off and there, you have a 4-day weekend loading!
Now, if your company doesn’t create a fuss about employees taking leaves on either side of the official holiday – then go ahead and take Monday, June 23 to Wednesday, June 25 and Friday, June 27. And guess what, you just scored yourself a 9-day break. Yes, nine!
All we gotta know now is if the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu Al Hijjah, can run for 29 or 30 days. Exactly the reason why the New Year date stays a mystery until closer to time. But the stars (and moon) are aligning for a very handy break.
Wait, What Exactly Is The Islamic New Year Again?
We’re glad you asked! Also known as Hijri or Hijra, the Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. It’s more about introspection and peaceful vibes. And a little less about party hats. In the UAE, it’s typically a low-key public holiday, perfect for catching up with family. And of course, indulging in a fancy meal (yes, restaurant deals are a thing). Also, an ideal time for just catching up on some me-time!
June’s Feeling Extra Generous
Before you even get to the New Year, Eid Al Adha is blessing us with a holiday lineup that’s practically begging for a suitcase. Let’s break it down as well:
Wednesday, June 4 – Arafat Day
Thursday, June 5 to Saturday, June 7 – Eid Al Adha festivities
Waving a magic wand over your calendar and unleashing some out-of-office creativity, you could turn this into a holiday marathon. Some are even eyeing a potential 2-week vacay in June if you play your cards right between Eid Al Adha and Islamic New Year.
Also read: When Is The Next UAE Public Holiday Now That Eid Al Fitr Is Over?
More Holidays On The Horizon? You Bet!
After June’s double delight, you’ll want to circle Thursday, September 4 – the expected date for the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.
Then, we wrap the year in style with UAE National Day, falling on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3 – a final hurrah before we roll into 2026.
So, fellow daydreamer, grab that calendar, highlight those dates, and get to planning. June’s looking like the VIP of months – and your future self will thank you for the plans!
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