UAE residents can look forward to several generous long weekends and extended public breaks in 2026. While the official calendar of UAE public holidays 2026, published by the UAE Cabinet, confirms key dates, Islamic holidays remain subject to moon sighting and may shift by a day. Based on predicted schedules and historical trends, many of these holidays are set to coincide with weekends, making the breaks even longer.
Here is a breakdown of the key UAE holidays 2026 and the long weekends they could create.
New Year's Day 2026
The year opens with New Year's Day on Thursday, January 1. Combined with the Friday–Saturday UAE weekend, residents can enjoy a potential three-day start to the new year.
Eid Al Fitr 2026
Ramadan is expected to end with Eid Al Fitr falling between March 19 and 22 (Thursday to Sunday), creating another four-day holiday for UAE residents. Islamic holidays are tentative and subject to the official sighting of the moon.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha 2026
The biggest long weekend of the year centres on Eid Al Adha. Arafat Day (the eve of Eid Al Adha) is expected on Tuesday, May 26, with Eid Al Adha running from Wednesday, May 27, through Friday, May 29. Combined with the Saturday–Sunday weekend, private sector employees can enjoy a seamless six-day break from Tuesday, May 26, through Sunday, May 31. Government employees and schools may receive an even longer holiday of up to nine days.
Islamic New Year and Prophet's Birthday
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) is expected on Tuesday, June 16. The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday is anticipated around Tuesday, August 25, though transferable holiday rules may shift it to the start of the working week. Both observances are typically single-day holidays, though the UAE Cabinet may adjust dates under the transferable holiday framework.
Commemoration Day and UAE National Day 2026
The year ends with one of the most celebrated national holidays. Commemoration Day falls on Tuesday, December 1, followed by UAE National Day on Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3. Should Friday, December 4, also be included in the official holiday, residents could enjoy a potential six-day break running into the weekend.
Plan Ahead with the 2026 Holiday Calendar
These forecasts give UAE residents a valuable head start to pre-plan vacations and family time. The official UAE public holidays 2026 calendar, issued by the UAE Cabinet, should be consulted for confirmed dates — particularly for Islamic holidays, which depend on moon sighting and can shift by a day or two.
