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UAE residents could get a long weekend for Islamic New Year 2026

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UAE residents could be in line for another long weekend as the country prepares to mark the Islamic New Year, one of the key public holidays observed nationwide.

The occasion marks the beginning of the year 1448 in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Hijri year. Both public- and private-sector employees are entitled to a paid holiday to commemorate the event.

While the official date has not yet been confirmed, astronomical calculations suggest the Islamic New Year is likely to fall in mid-June 2026. The final determination will depend on lunar observations and the length of Dhu Al Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

If Dhu Al Hijjah concludes after 29 days, Muharram 1 is expected to fall on Tuesday, June 16. However, under the UAE’s public holiday framework, holidays that occur in the middle of the working week can be moved to either the beginning or end of the week to create a longer break for residents.

As a result, many observers expect the public holiday to be officially observed on Monday, June 15, creating a three-day weekend for employees across the country.

The Islamic New Year is one of the few holidays in the UAE that is linked directly to the Hijri calendar, which follows the lunar cycle rather than the Gregorian calendar. Because lunar months are either 29 or 30 days long, the exact date of the holiday can vary each year until officially confirmed by authorities.

Although the holiday is generally observed more quietly than Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, it remains an important occasion for Muslims worldwide, marking the historic migration, or Hijrah, of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, an event that serves as the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

An official announcement confirming the holiday date is expected closer to the occasion, following the customary moon-sighting process.

For UAE residents already planning their 2026 calendars, the Islamic New Year holiday could offer a welcome opportunity for a mid-year break and another long weekend to look forward to.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Visiting Wafi Mall? Your parking can now be paid through Salik

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Parking at Wafi Mall has gone fully digital.

Parkonic has introduced its ticketless parking system at the popular Dubai mall, allowing motorists to pay parking fees automatically through their Salik accounts or by scanning a QR code before leaving.

When drivers enter the car park, their vehicle’s number plate is automatically scanned, creating a digital parking ticket without the need for paper tickets or parking machines.

Parking charges

  • First 3 hours: Free
  • 3–4 hours: Dh15
  • Each additional hour (or part): Dh10

Parking charges apply Monday to Friday, while parking remains free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Drivers who leave and return after using their three free hours will be treated as a new entry. However, to receive another three hours of free parking on the same day, there must be a two-hour gap between visits.

There are no cash payment options or parking machines at the site. Visitors without a Salik account, or those with insufficient balance, must pay using an alternative payment method before exiting.

Loading bay vehicles are eligible for one extra hour of free parking once validated.

Parkonic warned that motorists who fail to pay the required parking fees could face fines, blacklisting or legal action.

The operator has been expanding its ticketless parking network across the UAE, with recent rollouts at West Yas Plaza, Yas Bay, Yas Marina, selected Choithrams stores, Discovery Gardens and Palm Jumeirah Crescent.

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Four-day deadline for Sharjah motorists to claim impounded vehicles

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If your vehicle has been impounded in Sharjah, now is the time to check.

Sharjah City Municipality has given owners of impounded vehicles, machinery, motorcycles and bicycles four days to complete the necessary release procedures or risk having their property sold at a public auction.

The warning applies to vehicles and equipment that have remained impounded for more than six months.

Owners are required to visit the Control and Inspection Department in Industrial Area 5 to resolve the reason for the impoundment and complete the legal procedures needed to recover their property.

After the deadline, any unclaimed vehicles or equipment will be put up for public auction.

To help owners, the municipality has published a list of all affected vehicles on its official website, allowing residents to check whether their vehicle is included before visiting the department.

The move is part of Sharjah Municipality’s ongoing efforts to regulate impounded assets and encourage owners to complete the required procedures within the specified timeframe.


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UAE motorists face Dh500 fine for carrying extra passengers

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Abu Dhabi Police are reminding motorists not to carry more passengers than their vehicle is designed for, warning that overcrowded cars significantly increase the risk of serious injuries and fatal crashes.

Officials said exceeding a vehicle’s approved passenger capacity can leave some occupants without seat belts, reduce the driver’s control of the vehicle and make accidents more likely.

Drivers have been urged to ensure every passenger is seated in a designated seat and wearing a seat belt before setting off.

Motorists caught carrying more passengers than permitted face a Dh500 fine, four black points on their driving licence and seven days of vehicle impoundment.

Abu Dhabi Police stressed that following passenger limits is a basic road safety requirement and reminded drivers that protecting everyone inside the vehicle is a shared responsibility.

The number of passengers per car: 

Most private cars and sedans allow up to 4 passengers plus the driver. Larger SUVs or vans can seat up to 6 to 7 passengers or more, depending on their registered design. 


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