What To Know
- Under UAE Cabinet regulations, certain public holidays that fall mid-week can be moved to the beginning or end of the working week to create a long weekend.
- Falling on Wednesday and Thursday, this creates an immediate four-day break when combined with the weekend — a perfect opportunity for a short getaway.
- Islamic holidays in the UAE are subject to official moon sighting announcements and may shift by a day.
Dubai: If you’re planning your annual leave early, the UAE public holidays 2026 calendar offers several chances to turn regular days off into extended breaks. From Eid celebrations to National Day, there are multiple long weekends worth marking in advance.
While Islamic holiday dates remain subject to moon sighting confirmation, the following guide outlines the expected public holidays and how you can make the most of them.
How the UAE Public Holiday Transfer Rule Works
Under UAE Cabinet regulations, certain public holidays that fall mid-week can be moved to the beginning or end of the working week to create a long weekend.
However, it’s important to note that this transfer rule does not apply to Eid holidays, which follow the Hijri calendar and are observed on their designated dates.
Expected UAE Public Holidays 2026
New Year’s Day
January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
A single-day holiday that already kicked off the year with a long weekend.
Eid Al Fitr – March 2026
Eid Al Fitr is expected in mid-to-late March 2026, depending on moon sighting.
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If Ramadan lasts 29 days: March 19–21
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If Ramadan lasts 30 days: March 19–22
Since it falls alongside the weekend, private and public sector employees can expect a four-day break, potentially longer depending on final confirmation.
Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha – Late May 2026
Expected dates (subject to moon sighting):
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Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26
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Eid Al Adha: May 27–29
Combined with the weekend, this could create a six-day break, making it one of the longest official holidays of 2026.
Islamic New Year – June 2026
Likely to fall on June 16 or 17, 2026.
If it lands mid-week, the transfer rule may apply, potentially creating a three-day weekend.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – August 2026
Expected around August 25, 2026.
If confirmed on a weekday, it may also benefit from the transfer rule to extend the weekend.
Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) – December 2–3, 2026
Falling on Wednesday and Thursday, this creates an immediate four-day break when combined with the weekend — a perfect opportunity for a short getaway.
Long Weekends to Watch
The most promising extended breaks in 2026 include:
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Eid Al Fitr (March) – 4 days or more
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Eid Al Adha (May) – Up to 6 days
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National Day (December) – 4 days
Strategically placing annual leave around these dates can significantly increase your total days off.
Important Note
Islamic holidays in the UAE are subject to official moon sighting announcements and may shift by a day. Always confirm final dates through official government channels closer to the time.
Planning early means better travel deals, smoother leave approvals and more time to relax — so mark those calendars now.
