Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE public holidays are officially confirmed, and the dates are lining up for one of the best long weekends the country has seen this year. Starting Tuesday 26 May, residents across the Emirates are in for a six-day break — with a very easy path to nine days if you plan your leave right.
Here is everything you need to know before you start booking.
What Are the Official Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE Holiday Dates?
Arafah Day falls on Tuesday 26 May 2026, followed by Eid Al Adha across three more days of public holiday — Wednesday 27 May through Friday 29 May — as officially approved by the UAE Cabinet.
Combined with the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, residents can expect a six-day break in total.
As with all Islamic holidays, final dates remain subject to the official UAE moon sighting. Astronomical forecasts have been consistent with 26 May for Arafah Day, but confirmation will come closer to the date.
The full holiday breakdown:
- Tuesday, 26 May — Arafah Day (public holiday) - Wednesday, 27 May — Eid Al Adha Day 1 (public holiday) - Thursday, 28 May — Eid Al Adha Day 2 (public holiday) - Friday, 29 May — Eid Al Adha Day 3 (public holiday) - Saturday–Sunday, 30–31 May — Weekend
All dates remain subject to official UAE moon sighting confirmation.
How to Extend the Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE Holiday to Nine Days
By taking Monday 25 May as a single annual leave day, residents can secure nine consecutive days off — combining the preceding weekend of 23–24 May, the one leave day, and the full run of public holidays through Sunday 31 May.
That is nine days off with only one annual leave day spent. If you have not already filed that request, now is the time. Popular travel dates for this period are already filling up fast.
Planning ahead is essential during peak periods like Eid. Apply early, follow your company's HR procedures, and stay flexible if your requested dates clash with operational needs.
Who Gets the Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE Days Off?
Both sectors are covered.
The UAE government grants four days of paid leave for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. Both public sector and private sector employees receive the same public holidays each year under a unified calendar approved by the UAE Cabinet.
What Is Arafah Day and Why Does It Matter?
Arafah Day is not just the start of the long weekend — it is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar.
Observed on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijja — the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar — Arafah Day precedes Eid Al Adha, which begins on the tenth day. Hajj is among the greatest deeds in Islam, teaching patience and good ethics, and its rituals are said to bring a person closer to their creator.
Eid Al Adha commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. It coincides with the end of the Hajj season, when millions of worshippers travel to Makkah to observe the Islamic pilgrimage.
What to Do During the Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE Long Weekend
Whether you are staying in the UAE or heading abroad, the options are wide open. Staycation deals typically launch in the weeks leading up to Eid, with hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah rolling out competitive packages. International flight prices during this window tend to spike, so booking well in advance is the smarter move.
If you are staying local, Dubai's malls, beaches, and dining scene all see major activity during Eid Al Adha.
For full details on UAE public holiday rules and how leave carries over, visit the UAE Government's official portal.
Start Planning Now
Flights, staycations, and hotel deals for the Eid Al Adha 2026 period are already getting picked up. Whether you are heading out of the country or keeping it local, the earlier you sort your plans, the better your options are going to look.
With a six-day window confirmed and nine days within reach, this is shaping up to be the standout public holiday of 2026 in the UAE.
