What To Know
- At this stage, it is unclear whether the government will extend the holiday to create a longer break — either by adding Friday December 4 or shifting days earlier in the week.
- Based on current predictions, Dhu Al Hijjah could begin on Monday, May 18, placing Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday May 27 to Friday May 29.
- While several public holiday dates are confirmed closer to the time — particularly those based on the Islamic Hijri calendar — current predictions suggest Dubai residents could enjoy four long weekends in 2026, including a potential six-day break.
If you’re already thinking about how to make the most of your annual leave, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for long weekends in the UAE.
Thanks to updates to the UAE public holiday law introduced in 2025, certain public holidays can now be moved to the beginning or end of the working week. The aim is to create longer breaks where possible, making it easier for residents to plan travel and short getaways.
While several public holiday dates are confirmed closer to the time — particularly those based on the Islamic Hijri calendar — current predictions suggest Dubai residents could enjoy four long weekends in 2026, including a potential six-day break.
Here’s what we know so far.
First Long Weekend: Eid Al Fitr (March 2026)
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. In the UAE, the public holiday lasts from Ramadan 30 until Shawwal 3, depending on moon sighting.
For 2026, Shawwal is currently predicted to begin on Friday, March 20. If confirmed, Eid Al Fitr would run from Friday March 20 to Sunday March 22, creating a three-day long weekend.
Eid Al Fitr is one of the two UAE public holidays that cannot be moved under the current law, meaning the dates will depend entirely on the lunar calendar.
Second Long Weekend: Eid Al Adha (May 2026)
Eid Al Adha, which coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, is expected to deliver the longest break of the year.
Based on current predictions, Dhu Al Hijjah could begin on Monday, May 18, placing Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday May 27 to Friday May 29.
When combined with the weekend before and after, this could result in a six-day long weekend, running from Tuesday May 26 to Sunday May 31 — subject to moon sighting confirmation.
Third Long Weekend: Islamic New Year (June 2026)
Islamic New Year falls on Muharram 1, the first day of the Hijri calendar year.
Current predictions place Islamic New Year on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. As this is one of the holidays that can be shifted, it is likely the public holiday would move to Monday, June 15.
If this happens, residents could enjoy a three-day long weekend from Saturday June 13 to Monday June 15.
Fourth Long Weekend: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (August 2026)
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) is another holiday eligible to be moved under UAE law.
It is currently predicted to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. If shifted to Monday, August 24, this would create a three-day long weekend from Saturday August 22 to Monday August 24.
As with other Hijri-based holidays, the final date will be confirmed closer to the time.
What About UAE National Day?
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) is officially celebrated on December 2 and December 3 each year.
In 2026, these dates fall on Wednesday and Thursday. At this stage, it is unclear whether the government will extend the holiday to create a longer break — either by adding Friday December 4 or shifting days earlier in the week.
With the anniversary fixed on December 2, any extension would be announced closer to the date.
Final Word
While several dates remain subject to moon sighting and official confirmation, current projections point to four long weekends in Dubai in 2026, including one extended six-day break around Eid Al Adha.
Residents are advised to keep an eye on official UAE announcements as holidays approach — but there’s no harm in starting to plan ahead.
