UAE Public Holidays 2026, UAE — Your Complete Guide to Days Off and Long Weekends
Imagine planning your next year’s getaways with precision — long weekends locked in, festive seasons accounted for, and official breaks synced with your travel dreams. For residents, expatriates, and frequent travelers, the UAE public holidays 2026 are more than just dates — they shape the rhythm of work-life balance across the Emirates.
In 2026, UAE residents can expect 12 public holidays, providing ample opportunity to unwind, explore, or reconnect. This guide from TheDubaiWeb.com dives deep into the anticipated calendar, long weekend possibilities, legal nuances, and cultural context of each national break — built to help you plan smarter and live better.
Official UAE Public Holidays 2026 (Predicted Dates)
Here’s a projected calendar of UAE public holidays for 2026. Note that Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, so dates may shift based on moon sightings by religious authorities like the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thu | New Year’s Day |
| Mar 19 – Mar 22 | Wed–Sat | Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| May 26 | Tue | Arafat Day |
| May 27 – May 29 | Wed–Fri | Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) |
| Jun 17 | Wed | Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1448 AH) |
| Aug 27 | Thu | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) |
| Dec 1 | Tue | Commemoration Day |
| Dec 2 – Dec 3 | Wed–Thu | UAE National Day |
Note: These are projected dates and may shift slightly based on official announcements by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) or Cabinet resolutions.
Understanding Islamic Holidays in the UAE
Many public holidays in the UAE are linked to key Islamic events. Here’s what makes each one special:
- Eid Al Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection. In 2026, it’s expected to start around Wednesday, March 19, offering a four-day break.
- Arafat Day marks the second day of Hajj, followed by Eid Al Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion. Together, they bring another extended weekend.
- Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, signals the beginning of the new Islamic lunar calendar — a more solemn holiday that is observed with reflection.
- Mawlid Al Nabi, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, is a cultural holiday marked by public sermons, prayer gatherings, and community celebrations.
National Holidays in the UAE Calendar
Two major secular national holidays also bring the country together in patriotic spirit:
🎖️ Commemoration Day (Martyrs’ Day) – December 1
Dedicated to honoring Emirati soldiers who died in the line of duty, this solemn day often includes public ceremonies and moments of silence across the Emirates.
🎉 National Day – December 2 & 3
UAE National Day marks the formation of the nation in 1971. It’s typically a two-day holiday filled with fireworks, concerts, cultural shows, and flag-themed celebrations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and beyond.
If these holidays fall adjacent to the weekend, Cabinet Resolutions may extend the break — so watch for updates from MOHRE and TheDubaiWeb.com’s holiday news section.
What Does UAE Law Say About Public Holidays?
Under UAE Federal Labour Law (Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), both public and private sector employees are entitled to official public holidays with full pay.
Key guidelines include:
- Equal holidays for both sectors (announced by the Cabinet).
- If a holiday coincides with a weekend, the Cabinet may move it to a weekday (except for Eid holidays).
- No carry-forward if a holiday overlaps with another.
- Local authorities (like Dubai Government Human Resources Department) may announce additional leave specific to the Emirate.
Stay updated through TheDubaiWeb.com’s HR & Government news for real-time public sector announcements.
Planning Around UAE Public Holidays in 2026
UAE’s strategic placement of holidays makes it a prime travel hub for residents looking to maximize their time off. Here’s how you can optimize your leave in 2026:
- March: Combine Eid Al Fitr with one day of annual leave for a 5-day trip to Oman or Georgia.
- May: Plan a staycation or international escape during Eid Al Adha.
- December: Use Commemoration Day + National Day for a year-end recharge.
Pro tip: Pair your travel planning with our in-depth Dubai travel guides, covering everything from visa tips to hotel deals.
How Does the UAE Compare to Global Holidays?
While the UAE offers 12 official holidays, countries like India and Thailand offer more — with over 18 to 20 national and religious holidays. However, few countries match the UAE’s consistency in aligning public holidays across both private and public sectors, or its policy of adjusting days to maximize resident well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions: UAE Public Holidays 2026
How many public holidays are there in the UAE in 2026?
There are 12 expected public holidays in 2026, including Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, National Day, and others.
Will UAE holidays be moved if they fall on weekends?
Yes, per Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, holidays may be shifted to create long weekends — but this excludes Eid holidays, which remain fixed based on moon sighting.
Are private sector employees entitled to the same holidays as public sector?
Absolutely. UAE law ensures equal public holiday entitlements for both sectors since 2019.
What’s the best way to plan time off using the 2026 holidays?
Align your annual leave with Eid and National Day holidays for extended vacations without using too many leave days. Watch our curated long weekend planner for tips.
Which is the biggest public holiday in the UAE?
National Day (December 2) and Eid Al Adha are among the most celebrated, featuring large-scale events and nationwide festivities.
Final Word from TheDubaiWeb.com
UAE public holidays aren’t just days off — they’re deeply rooted cultural and religious observances, celebrated with community, faith, and pride. Whether you’re planning your next Dubai escape, evaluating business closure days, or simply aligning your work-life balance, our guide is here to help you stay ahead.
Bookmark this article and follow TheDubaiWeb.com for updates on official announcements, holiday tips, and Dubai life hacks tailored for savvy residents and visitors alike.
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