The holiday calendar in the UAE for 2026 is important for employees, businesses, students, and travelers. It helps in planning vacations, setting annual leave, and work schedules by knowing the public holidays and when they fall so one can make informed decisions all year round.
The UAE has both a Gregorian calendar and Islamic Hijri calendar, therefore, some holidays shift annually and are subjected to moon sighting announcements.
New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, 1 January 2026
New Year’s Day brings in the year nationally and is set as a public holiday in all the seven emirates.
- Celebrated on 1 January
- Applicable to both public and private sectors
- Might provide a long weekend, depending on government announcement
This holiday sets the mood for the year and is widely celebrated with small breaks or local celebrations.
Eid Al Fitr will fall in March 2026 (tentative).
Eid Al Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is regarded as one of the major Islamic public holidays in the UAE.
- Usually, it is given three public holiday days
- Expected to be around the 20th to 22nd of March 2026
- Dates depend on official moon sighting
Usually provides a long weekend, which is a favorite for family reunions, domestic travel, and going places around the world.
Arafat and Eid Al Adha – Late May 2026 (Tentative):
Arafat and Eid Al Adha are expected to give the longest public holiday break in 2026.
- Arafat Day, which is followed by three days of Eid Al Adha
- Expected to be around the 26th to 29th of May, 2026
- If these dates are combined with weekends, it is possible to create six consecutive days off
Eid al Adha is recognized widely across the UAE and it is an important time for prayers and time with the extended family.
Islamic New Year- Expected June 2026.
An Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) symbolizes the consummation of the new lunar year.
- Tentatively around the 16th of June 2026
- Official date depends on the moon sighting
- May also be changed in order to create a long weekend under UAE holiday regulations
This public holiday generally is quieter and more reflective.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – Expected August 2026
Also known as Mawlid Al Nabi, it celebrates the day of birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Expected around the 25th of August, 2026
- Observed as one public holiday.
- Subject to official confirmation.
This holiday may be shifted by the UAE Cabinet resolutions to the start or end of the week for a longer break.
UAE National Day 2- December, Wednesday- Thursday, 2-3 December 2026.
UAE National Day is marked as one of the most populist events in the country, representing the formation of the United Arab Emirates.
- These days are celebrated on Dec 2 and 3
- As is usually celebrated, it usually means a four-day long weekend.
- It is celebrated with fireworks, parades, cultural events, and public celebrations.
It is a great time for tourism and domestic travel across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the other emirates.
Important Things to Know About UAE Public Holidays:
- Moon sighting pertains: Islamic holidays are confirmed by official authorities nearer the date.
- Moving holidays: There are several public holidays (not including Eid) that can be moved by the government to create long weekends.
- Public: Public holidays apply countrywide unless otherwise specified.
- Private and public sectors: It is therefore expected that most holidays apply to both.
How to Plan Smarter Around UAE Public Holidays in 2026:
It is strategic planning for an entire holiday wherein one stands to gain maximum vacation time without relying excessively on leave.
- Combine leave days in taking time off coinciding with Eid and National Day holidays.
- Keep track of official announcements on the confirmed dates.
- Travel plans should be made early during the peak holiday periods.
- Synchronize school calendars with public holidays.
Holidays for UAE in 2026 promise a greater part of enjoying oneself because there will be plenty of days for repose, cheerings, and travel in the course of the year. Such events include religious celebrations such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, culminating with national events like UAE National Day. How residents and visitors will enjoy better, is by staying in touch with the confirmed dates.