Hijri New Year arrives this June with a gift for everyone in Dubai: 3 uninterrupted days to slow down, look up, and truly discover a city that never runs out of surprises.
What the Hijri New Year holiday means for your schedule
The Hijri New Year, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the new Islamic lunar calendar year and the start of the month of Muharram. It is a moment of quiet reflection for many people, but it is also a practical gift for anyone in Dubai. The holiday commemorates the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, a significant event in Islamic history.
The UAE has announced that Monday, June 15, 2026, will be an official paid holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors to mark the Hijri New Year 1448. This decision is good news for residents and visitors who want a proper break. Employees working a standard Saturday-Sunday weekend benefit from a 3-day break, with work resuming on Tuesday, June 16.
Smart travelers can stack leave around the Islamic New Year. June 15 is a Monday, and taking Tuesday June 16 as annual leave extends the break to 4 days with the weekend. That is 4 days to explore one of the most layered cities on the planet.
Day 1: Start where Dubai began
The first day of any good Dubai visit should start in the old city. Take the abra, the small wooden ferry, across Dubai Creek from Deira to Bur Dubai. The crossing takes less than 5 minutes and costs next to nothing. On the other side, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood waits with its wind towers, narrow lanes, and galleries inside converted merchant houses. This area shows you the Dubai that existed long before the skyscrapers.
From Al Fahidi, walk to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. The smells change from street to street: saffron, oud wood, dried lemon, and fresh coffee. Vendors are friendly and patient. First-time visitors often spend 2 hours here without noticing the time pass.
In the evening, take a dhow cruise along the creek. Dhow cruise operators offer 2 to 3 hours of cruising on the Arabian water with a buffet dinner and traditional Tanura dance performances and views of the illuminated city. It is one of the most relaxed and beautiful ways to see Dubai after dark.
Day 2: The modern city in full
Day 2 is for the Dubai that most people picture when they close their eyes: the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Downtown district. Arrive at Dubai Mall early, before the crowds build. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is inside the mall and is excellent for families or anyone who wants to see rays and sharks up close without getting wet.
Outside, the Dubai Fountain performs every 30 minutes from 6 pm onward. This is not a moment to rush. Find a seat at one of the waterfront restaurants, order a coffee, and watch the show from a comfortable chair. The combination of water, music, and the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop is something that stays with you.
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The Hijri New Year is celebrated in Dubai with fireworks displays, dining deals, and more. Many hotels around Downtown offer special Hijri New Year staycation packages with added value. Properties like Address Downtown and Palace Downtown invite guests to celebrate the long weekend with a thoughtfully curated staycation, combining exceptional hospitality, family-friendly experiences, and access to some of the city’s most exciting attractions.
Expert perspective on the Hijri New Year holiday in Dubai
Dubai during the Hijri New Year long weekend carries a different energy than other holidays. The city is quieter in the mornings and more reflective in tone, which makes it the ideal time for visitors to connect with neighborhoods and attractions that are often overlooked in the rush of peak season. The souks, the heritage sites, and the creek-side areas feel especially welcoming. Visitors who choose to explore Jumeirah and the Al Quoz arts district during this break consistently say it is one of the most personal and memorable Dubai experiences they have had. The combination of cultural meaning and extended free time creates a rare window to see the city at a more human pace. For residents who stay rather than travel, the holiday is a reminder that Dubai itself is a destination worth rediscovering every year.
Sara Al Hashimi, hospitality consultant and Dubai tourism advisor with over 12 years working with hotels and tour operators across the emirate
Day 3: Beach, brunch, and a slower pace
Day 3 is for rest and pleasure. Dubai’s public beaches are free and well maintained. Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, and La Mer all offer clean sand, calm water, and nearby food options. Dubai’s summer heat does not have to stop your beach plans. Head to one of the city’s public beaches, which offer free night swimming under floodlights. From sunset to sunrise, you can swim at Jumeirah 2 Beach, Jumeirah 3 Beach, and Umm Suqeim 1 Beach. Each spot has 800-metre light towers and lifeguard supervision for safety.
For brunch, the options in Dubai range from casual beachside spots in La Mer to formal hotel spreads in Madinat Jumeirah. Book in advance because the Hijri New Year weekend fills tables quickly. After brunch, the Al Quoz arts district offers galleries and creative spaces that feel far from the tourist trail.
End the day at one of the rooftop bars or observation decks. The Sky Views Observatory on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard gives you a 360-degree view of the city as the sun sets over the desert horizon.
Make the most of your staycation budget
Dubai during a public holiday does not have to be expensive. Many attractions offer seasonal deals around the Hijri New Year break. Metro and bus transport is affordable, air-conditioned, and connects almost every major district. Dubai’s iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class shopping, and rich cultural experiences are all accessible to visitors who plan ahead with the official tourism guide.
Take 1 day for heritage, 1 day for modern attractions, and 1 day for beach and leisure. That structure gives you variety without the feeling of rushing. Pack light clothing because June in Dubai is warm, and drink water constantly.
The Hijri New Year holiday is your invitation to explore Dubai
The Hijri New Year long weekend is not just a day off work. It is 3 days with one of the world’s great cities entirely at your service. Whether this is your first visit or your fiftieth, the combination of heritage, modern design, world-class food, and waterfront beauty makes Dubai the perfect destination for this holiday. June 15 falls on a Monday, which means your weekend runs straight into the holiday with no gaps to work around. Three days, no interruptions. Use every hour of it.
Discover more about Hijri New Year
- UAE official public holidays and visiting information
- Visit Dubai: official tourism guide to attractions, events and culture
- UAE declares June 15 public holiday for Hijri New Year 1448
