{"id":2624,"date":"2026-01-06T10:07:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T10:07:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/?p=2624"},"modified":"2026-01-19T10:44:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T10:44:51","slug":"uae-public-holidays-2026-full-guide-for-residents-visitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/uae-public-holidays-2026-full-guide-for-residents-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"UAE Public Holidays 2026: Full Guide for Residents &amp; Visitors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80fe26aeaf807d2aec8367ff3f038f6c\" style=\"color:#000000\">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.<br><br>The UAE has both a Gregorian calendar and Islamic Hijri calendar, therefore, some holidays shift annually and are subjected to moon sighting announcements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6b834f9470249dce48361d89c167be92\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:25px\">New Year&#8217;s Day falls on Thursday, 1 January 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1e7a33656c946d3a7ff15e230845e379\" style=\"color:#000000\">New Year&#8217;s Day brings in the year nationally and is set as a public holiday in all the seven emirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1741abe322b5673684b389dfb5908ef4\" style=\"color:#000000\">Celebrated on 1 January<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38eae2617e2f3a6b09eb5eaa3d8285fc\" style=\"color:#000000\">Applicable to both public and private sectors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41175d28b8c50c16fc7677bef6584e4a\" style=\"color:#000000\">Might provide a long weekend, depending on government announcement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ac54e382b1b85bf66ce414e36e00e82c\" style=\"color:#000000\">This holiday sets the mood for the year and is widely celebrated with small breaks or local celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8edba709967b77db5bb5a51f7fff5a10\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/eid-al-fitr-traditions-travel-global-celebrations\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-blue-color\">Eid Al Fitr<\/mark><\/a> will fall in March 2026 (tentative).<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-396f84d5bdbc19e12bc2937a65994573\" style=\"color:#000000\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000\" class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-471f457e69204feb8d9ca55dbda0752d\">\n<li>Usually, it is given three public holiday days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expected to be around the 20th to 22nd of March 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dates depend on official moon sighting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-df106a514927c04d56860df403e0e3b5\" style=\"color:#000000\">Usually provides a long weekend, which is a favorite for family reunions, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/celebrating-eid-in-dubai-a-festive-guide-for-indian-visitors\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-blue-color\">domestic travel<\/mark><\/a>, and going places around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4ab15f026011fe2e8a9ec70f79baaea6\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/arafat-day-meaning-traditions-travel-and-what-to-expect-in-2026\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-blue-color\">Arafat<\/mark><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/eid-al-adha-meaning-traditions-2025-celebrations-what-to-expect-in-2026\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-blue-color\">Eid Al Adha<\/mark><\/a> \u2013 Late May 2026 (Tentative):<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34856b601f3f34aa06a3acdc6b4fb7ea\" style=\"color:#000000\">Arafat and Eid Al Adha are expected to give the longest public holiday break in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000\" class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7c101e44f43a8c88a72d46a42d07efc6\">\n<li>Arafat Day, which is followed by three days of Eid Al Adha<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expected to be around the 26th to 29th of May, 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If these dates are combined with weekends, it is possible to create six consecutive days off<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eb90335ceb1b982474c17d944f9b7aab\" style=\"color:#000000\">Eid al Adha is recognized widely across the UAE and it is an important time for prayers and time with the extended family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bf45d9fc186fc4ba5c50eb4d5a174617\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:25px\">Islamic New Year- Expected June 2026.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0ccd341894c495e6c9c7935499d353c0\" style=\"color:#000000\">An Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) symbolizes the consummation of the new lunar year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000\" class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4804ec7311ee6709046a44228d0e37e8\">\n<li>Tentatively around the 16th of June 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Official date depends on the moon sighting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May also be changed in order to create a long weekend under UAE holiday regulations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7da80dd18aea1cf15c883e7aff8ffb97\" style=\"color:#000000\">This public holiday generally is quieter and more reflective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d3c622385e2afb4c0adfeb19425c50a9\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:25px\">Prophet Muhammad\u2019s Birthday \u2013 Expected August 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3e91c9127884a5bd67fbe9dd5a8976ee\" style=\"color:#000000\">Also known as Mawlid Al Nabi, it celebrates the day of birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000\" class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1b0a331afdfa16725a41d9937fca502d\">\n<li>Expected around the 25th of August, 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observed as one public holiday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject to official confirmation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13b0cb379a07f300a82b620b74ab6e9b\" style=\"color:#000000\">This holiday may be shifted by the UAE Cabinet resolutions to the start or end of the week for a longer break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a75039650e2ecf708d147d4578f800b4\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:25px\">UAE National Day 2- December, Wednesday- Thursday, 2-3 December 2026.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6d1005e6343e1b64dc0b46aba2c1d0dc\" style=\"color:#000000\">UAE National Day is marked as one of the most populist events in the country, representing the formation of the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000\" class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-756f91511356152a352d3cb8c8b6f7ca\">\n<li>These days are celebrated on Dec 2 and 3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As is usually celebrated, it usually means a four-day long weekend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is celebrated with fireworks, parades, cultural events, and public celebrations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bdc269d791940702ca7ff32859dc0fd5\" style=\"color:#000000\">It is a great time for tourism and domestic travel across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the other emirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0b00cef153cf621071d6d26b2721c5fc\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:25px\">Important Things to Know About UAE Public Holidays:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000\" class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0a49c195f1a280183b779023d7871758\">\n<li>Moon sighting pertains: Islamic holidays are confirmed by official authorities nearer the date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving holidays: There are several public holidays (not including Eid) that can be moved by the government to create long weekends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public: Public holidays apply countrywide unless otherwise specified.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Private and public sectors: It is therefore expected that most holidays apply to both.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46e9a756918f8be1c7c1ee3d22b5fded\" style=\"color:#000000;font-size:25px\">How to Plan Smarter Around UAE Public Holidays in 2026:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fa648173e82c20f7cf8ac5c7a86bcb7e\" style=\"color:#000000\">It is strategic planning for an entire holiday wherein one stands to gain maximum vacation time without relying excessively on leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000\" class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-accdf03057ed3245436953a45d35e29f\">\n<li>Combine leave days in taking time off coinciding with Eid and National Day holidays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep track of official announcements on the confirmed dates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Travel plans should be made early during the peak holiday periods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Synchronize school calendars with public holidays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d1ed39f68724421310915c0d12b88e83\" style=\"color:#000000\">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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2625,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,91],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2624","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tourism-travel","category-uae-public-holidays"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2624","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2624"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2624\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2674,"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2624\/revisions\/2674"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2625"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2624"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2624"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neardubai.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2624"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}