Dubai government employees will enjoy a public holiday on Monday, June 15, to mark the Islamic New Year (Hijri 1448 AH), authorities have confirmed.

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced that all government departments, entities and institutions will observe the holiday, with normal working hours resuming on Tuesday, June 16.

Three-Day weekend

As the holiday falls on a Monday, most Dubai government employees who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend will benefit from a three-day break.

However, departments operating essential services or shift-based systems may adjust work schedules to ensure uninterrupted public services during the holiday period.

UAE-wide public holiday

The announcement follows confirmation from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which declared June 15 an official holiday for both public and private sector employees across the country.

Sharjah residents get a 4-day break

For government employees and students in Sharjah, where the official weekend runs from Friday to Sunday, the holiday creates a four-day weekend.

DGHR extended its congratulations to the UAE leadership, citizens, residents and the wider Arab and Islamic world, wishing continued prosperity, progress and stability.

Parents and teachers in Dubai will soon have a direct role in shaping the future of education, following the launch of two new advisory councils by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Building on the success of the Dubai Students Council, KHDA has announced the creation of the Dubai Parents Council and Dubai Educators Council, both set to begin work at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

Giving parents and teachers a voice

Each council will consist of 15 members selected through a transparent process and will serve as a formal platform for dialogue between the education community and regulators.

The initiative attracted strong interest, with KHDA receiving 152 applications for the Parents Council and 160 applications for the Educators Council, including submissions from Emirati parents and teachers across Dubai.

Supporting Dubai’s education vision

The new councils are designed to strengthen community participation in education and support the goals of Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy.

Members will have the opportunity to share ideas, highlight challenges and contribute recommendations on key issues affecting schools and early childhood centres across the emirate.

Focus on student success

The councils are expected to discuss a range of topics, including student wellbeing, inclusion, teaching quality, parental engagement and school-community partnerships.

KHDA said the move reflects its commitment to collaborative decision-making and aims to strengthen trust between families, educators and education authorities.

By formally including parents and teachers in the conversation, Dubai is taking another step towards creating a more inclusive and responsive education system that reflects the needs of its diverse school community.

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has issued updated travel guidance for residents amid ongoing international monitoring of an Ebola outbreak, while reaffirming that no confirmed cases have been recorded in the country.

The ministry said the UAE’s public health situation remains stable and that authorities continue to maintain high levels of preparedness through enhanced surveillance, risk assessment and preventive measures.

What travellers need to know

MoHAP is urging residents travelling abroad to check the latest travel advisories before departure, follow health guidelines in their destination country and maintain good personal hygiene throughout their journey.

Travellers have also been advised to avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness and to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms after travel, while informing healthcare providers about their recent travel history.

The guidance comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised against non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

Ebola symptoms to watch for

According to the ministry, Ebola symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure and may initially include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain

In severe cases, the disease can lead to bleeding, organ failure and shock.

No vaccine for current strain

Health authorities noted that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola linked to the current outbreak.

The outbreak is primarily concentrated in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How Ebola spreads

MoHAP stressed that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated surfaces, infected animals or contaminated animal products.

The ministry also clarified that Ebola is not an airborne disease and does not spread like Covid-19 or influenza. Individuals are generally not contagious before symptoms develop.

UAE ready for emergencies

Reassuring residents, the ministry said the UAE continues to work closely with national and international health partners to monitor developments and implement precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health.

Officials reiterated that no Ebola cases have been detected in the UAE and encouraged residents to rely on official sources for health updates and travel advice.