At the start of the year, the UAE Cabinet confirmed there will be at least 12 public holidays in 2026, subject to official moon sightings. After residents enjoyed New Year's Day on Thursday January 1, many have been waiting to find out when the next long weekend will arrive.
Here's what you need to know about UAE public holidays 2026.
When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday in 2026?
The next UAE public holiday is Eid Al Fitr 2026.
The government confirmed that Eid Al Fitr will begin on Thursday March 19, 2026. That means employees in both the public and private sectors will enjoy a four-day long weekend:
- Thursday March 19 - Friday March 20 - Saturday March 21
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most significant public holidays in the Islamic calendar. In the UAE, the break runs from Ramadan 30 (if Ramadan is a 30-day month) until Shawwal 3. As always, final confirmation is subject to official moon sightings.
Why Eid Al Fitr Is One of the Biggest UAE Long Weekends
Eid Al Fitr signals the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. It is traditionally a time of celebration, family gatherings, travel, and festive events across Dubai and the wider UAE.
For many residents and expats, it is also one of the most anticipated long weekends of the year — and one of the busiest periods for travel bookings and staycations.
Full UAE Public Holidays 2026 Calendar
Here is the confirmed and predicted list of UAE public holidays for 2026:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday January 1 |
| Eid Al Fitr | Thursday March 19 – Saturday March 21 (Confirmed) |
| Arafat Day | Tuesday May 26 |
| Eid Al Adha | Wednesday May 27 – Friday May 29 |
| Islamic New Year | Monday June 15 |
| Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) | Monday August 24 |
| National Day | Wednesday December 2 – Thursday December 3 |
With Eid Al Fitr confirmed for March 19–21, the UAE's next long weekend is officially locked in. If you're planning travel or a staycation, now is the time to start organising.
