Residents across the UAE can look forward to several long weekends in 2026, with at least 12 official public holidays expected throughout the year — including a four-day Eid Al Fitr break and a six-day long weekend for Eid Al Adha.
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 2026 calendar includes a mix of fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic occasions tied to the lunar Hijri calendar.
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 UAE public holidays in 2026 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 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 comes in May with Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha 2026.
The break is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 26 for Arafat Day, followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29. For private sector employees, the Ministry of Human Resources has confirmed this as an official paid holiday. When combined with the regular Saturday and Sunday weekend, residents can enjoy a six-day holiday period.
Public sector employees will benefit from an even longer stretch, with federal ministries closing from Monday, May 25 through Friday, May 29.
Predicted UAE public holiday dates for 2026
Based on current predictions and official announcements, the full UAE public holiday schedule for 2026 is as follows:
- New Year's Day — Thursday, January 1 - Eid Al Fitr — Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22 (confirmed) - Arafat Day — Tuesday, May 26 - Eid Al Adha — Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29 - Islamic New Year — Monday, June 15 - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) — Monday, August 24 - UAE National Day — Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3
Some holidays that fall mid-week may be moved to the beginning or end of the week to create longer weekends, in line with UAE public holiday regulations.
Flexibility under UAE holiday law
Under the UAE public holiday law introduced in 2024 via Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, authorities are permitted to move certain holidays to the start or end of the working week.
This policy is designed to provide residents with longer weekends and to support tourism and domestic travel. 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 strong lineup of long weekends throughout the year, UAE public holidays in 2026 offer plenty of opportunities for residents to relax, travel and celebrate major cultural and religious occasions.
