Planning ahead is essential for residents and travellers in the United Arab Emirates. With a mix of fixed dates and lunar-dependent Islamic occasions, the UAE government holidays list for 2026 offers several opportunities for long weekends and well-deserved breaks.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the expected public holidays in the UAE for 2026, helping you plan your vacations, staycations, and family time effectively.
At a Glance: UAE Public Holidays Calendar 2026
Note: Islamic holidays are subject to moon sightings. The dates below are based on astronomical predictions.
| Holiday | Estimated Date(s) | Day(s) of the Week |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 20 – 22 | Friday – Sunday |
| Arafat Day | May 26 | Tuesday |
| Eid Al Adha | May 27 – 29 | Wednesday – Friday |
| Islamic New Year | June 16 | Tuesday |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | August 25 | Tuesday |
| Commemoration Day | November 30 | Monday |
| UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) | December 2 – 3 | Wednesday – Thursday |
Detailed Breakdown of UAE Holidays in 2026
1. New Year’s Day
- Date: January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
- Status: Confirmed
- Context: The year kicks off with a public holiday on a Thursday. When combined with the weekend (Friday-Sunday for those with a 4.5-day work week or Saturday-Sunday for standard weeks), many residents will enjoy a long weekend to ring in 2026.
2. Eid Al Fitr 2026
- Predicted Dates: March 20 – 22, 2026
- Context: Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is one of the most significant holidays. In 2026, astronomical calculations suggest Ramadan will likely begin around February 18, placing Eid Al Fitr in late March.
- Potential Break: Since the holiday is likely to start on a Friday, this may result in a standard 3-day weekend for most employees.
3. Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha 2026
- Predicted Dates: May 26 – 29, 2026
- Context: Arafat Day (9th Dhu Al Hijjah) falls one day before Eid Al Adha. It is the holiest day of the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Potential Break: This is poised to be the longest public holiday of 2026. If Arafat Day falls on Tuesday, May 26, and is followed by three days of Eid Al Adha (Wednesday-Friday), residents could enjoy a 6-day break when combined with the weekend.
4. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
- Predicted Date: June 16, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Context: This holiday marks the beginning of the new Islamic year (1448 H).
- Note: The UAE government sometimes shifts mid-week holidays to the beginning or end of the week to create a long weekend, though this is not guaranteed.
5. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabi)
- Predicted Date: August 25, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Context: Commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Like the Islamic New Year, this date depends on the lunar cycle.
6. Commemoration Day & UAE National Day
- Dates: December 1, 2, and 3, 2026
- Status: Confirmed Fixed Dates
- Context:
- Commemoration Day (Martyrs’ Day): Officially observed on November 30, but the public holiday is typically combined with the National Day celebrations.
- UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad): Celebrated on December 2nd and 3rd to mark the unification of the emirates.
- Potential Break: With December 2 and 3 falling on Wednesday and Thursday, this period guarantees a solid block of time off, likely creating a 5-day weekend (Tuesday-Saturday) for many sectors.
Strategic Planning: Long Weekends in 2026
If you are looking to maximize your annual leave, keep an eye on these potential “bridge” opportunities:
- May 2026 (The Big Break): The Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha combo in late May is the best opportunity for international travel.
- December 2026: The National Day holidays in early December provide perfect weather for staycations or camping trips within the UAE.
Important Note on Moon Sightings
While Gregorian dates (New Year’s Day and National Day) are fixed, Islamic holidays are determined by the sighting of the moon.
- The dates provided above for Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and other Islamic occasions are based on astronomical predictions.
- The official announcement is typically made by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee a few days before the holiday. Always wait for official government confirmation before booking non-refundable travel.
Bookmark this page for updates as official announcements are released by the UAE government.