Each year, the UAE public holiday law outlines the official days off for residents working in both the public and private sectors across the country, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates.
The calendar for UAE public holidays in 2026 includes a mix of dates tied to the Gregorian calendar as well as Islamic occasions that follow the lunar-based Hijri calendar.
Among the highlights of the year will be a four-day break for Eid Al Fitr in March and a six-day long weekend in May for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
How UAE public holidays are determined
Public holidays in the UAE are based on two different calendar systems.
Some holidays follow the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle and includes fixed dates such as New Year’s Day and UAE National Day.
Others follow the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. These include major Islamic occasions such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year and the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH).
Because the Hijri calendar depends on moon sightings, the exact dates for these holidays are usually confirmed only a few days before they begin.
However, astronomers are able to make reliable predictions well in advance.
Confirmed Eid Al Fitr holiday in 2026
One of the first major public holidays in the UAE calendar will be Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Authorities have confirmed that Eid Al Fitr 2026 will begin on Thursday March 19, creating a four-day long weekend that runs until Sunday March 22.
This holiday is one of the most widely celebrated occasions in the UAE, with families gathering for meals, celebrations and travel.
Six-day long weekend for Eid Al Adha
Another major holiday period in 2026 will come in May with Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
Current predictions suggest the break will begin on Tuesday May 26 for Arafat Day, followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday May 27 to Friday May 29.
When combined with the regular Saturday and Sunday weekend, residents could enjoy a six-day holiday period.
Predicted UAE public holiday dates for 2026
Based on current predictions, the likely UAE public holiday schedule for 2026 includes:
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New Year’s Day – Thursday January 1
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Eid Al Fitr – Thursday March 19 to Sunday March 22 (confirmed)
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Arafat Day – Tuesday May 26
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Eid Al Adha – Wednesday May 27 to Friday May 29
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Islamic New Year – Monday June 15 (official date June 16)
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Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) – Monday August 24 (official date August 25)
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UAE National Day – Wednesday December 2 and Thursday December 3
Some holidays that fall in the middle of the week may be moved to the beginning or end of the week to create long weekends, in line with UAE public holiday regulations.
Flexibility under UAE holiday law
Under the UAE public holiday law introduced in 2024, authorities are allowed to move certain holidays to the start or end of the week.
This policy is designed to provide residents with longer weekends and to support tourism and domestic travel across the country.
However, this flexibility does not apply to Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, as those holidays must follow their exact religious dates.
Local governments may also introduce additional holidays if required.
With a number of long weekends expected throughout the year, UAE public holidays in 2026 will offer plenty of opportunities for residents to relax, travel and celebrate major cultural and religious occasions across the Emirates.
