UAE Public Holidays 2026: Complete List & Long Weekend Guide

2026 has officially begun and so does the anticipation for coming days off in the year. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is once again set to kick off the year through limitless opportunities and with a planned ambition.

Every facet of the country from travel and relaxation to celebrations and reflections, ensures a blend of fixed-date national observations as well as lunar calendar Islamic holidays.

Knowing holiday dates ahead of the time gives visitors and residents an edge to plan city experiences, family trips, and make the most of each holiday. Utilize this guide for a streamlined holiday preparation as it provides a complete breakdown of all expected UAE public holidays for 2026.

The Value of Planning Your Year around UAE Holidays

In a dynamic environment like the UAE, public holidays are not just considered a pause to the workweek but a structural force that keeps the rhythm of life in pace. The year 2026 is expected to hold 12 official days off as per the officials, promising a combination of multiple observances.

While some dates tied to the Gregorian calendar are confirmed, others are associated with the Islamic lunar calendar. This means that final confirmed dates will be released based on moon sighting announcements, closer to each holiday.

What is the UAE Public Holiday Legislation?

In line with the UAE’s updated holiday legislation introduced in April 2024 and effective from January 2025, some days off can be transferred to create long weekends. This offers both traveling enthusiasts and families with children enhanced flexibility for leisure and travel planning.

Just before we disclose 2026 UAE holiday dates, here’s a brief dive-in to the legal framework that determines official holidays in the country.

The UAE Public Holiday Law Provision

The UAE Cabinet released Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 in April 2024 associated with the public holidays nationwide. Under this legislation, it was stated that:

• The state will disclose official holidays for both private and public sector employees each year.
• Holidays concerning the Islamic calendar (like Eid celebrations) shall remain non-transferable.
• Other holidays (for instance; National Day or New Year’s Day) are transferable to the start or end of the work week, allowing the users to enjoy long weekend breaks.
• Local governments of each Emirates are allowed to declare additional public holidays for regional occasions.

This framework promises consistency in holiday observance across all the regions in the UAE and enables smarter holiday planning, specifically to those seeking extended weekend enjoyments.

UAE Public Holiday Dates (List 2026)

1. January

New Year’s Day

• Date – 1st January 2026 (Thursday)
• Type – Confirmed Gregorian holiday

Importance of the Day

• It marks the opening date of the Gregorian calendar
• New Year’s Day is a transferable holiday and can be moved to Friday to create a longer weekend. The holiday is widely observed across all private and federal sectors, setting the tone for a year of planning, leisure, and fresh goals.

2. March

Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramdan)

• Predicted Dates – 20 March to 22 March 2026 (Friday – Sunday)
• Type – An Islamic holiday and will be officially confirmed after moon sighting.

Importance of the Day

• One of the holiest Islamic festivals, marking a time for joy, community gatherings, charity, and prayers.
• These holidays are not transferable as they are entirely based on the lunar calendar and cannot be moved under the UAE legislation. In 2026, this Islamic occasion is predicted to form a natural three-day weekend due to its extension from Friday to Sunday, an eagerly awaited break for many.

3. May

May in 2026 is to welcome the longest holiday stretch of the year

Arafat Day

• Date – 26 May 2026 (Tuesday)
• Type – A confirmed, prominent day for Muslims during the Hajj pilgrimage

Importance of the Day

• Muslims and pilgrims observe this day worldwide before the Eid festivities begin and animals are sacrificed.
• It is a non-transferable public holiday.

Eid Al Adha

• Predicted Dates – 27 May to 29 May, 2026 (Wednesday-Friday)
• Type – A Significant religious milestone in the Islamic faith.

Importance of the Day

• It preserves the unparalleled willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, and is considered one of the two Eid celebrations in Islam.
• This public holiday is non-transferable. However, together with the weekend following Friday, it can easily create a six-day break. Without additional leave, it unfolds one of the biggest holiday opportunities in 2026.

4. June

Islamic (Hijri) New Year

• Predicted Date – 16 June, 2026 (Tuesday)
• Type – Islamic holiday

Importance of the Day

• Unfolds the first month of the lunar Hijri calendar.
• The holiday is transferable and is reportedly transferred to Monday (i.e., June 15, 2026) for a longer weekend. While it offers a cultural observance and reflects on Islamic heritage on one side, it is often considered a mid-year pause across all Muslim countries on the other side.

5. August

Birth Date of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

• Predicted Date – 25 August, 2026 (Tuesday)
• Type – A respectful Islamic holiday

Importance of the Day

• Muslims worldwide observe this day to pay regards to the birth of the last prophet in Islamic faith.
• The holiday is transferable from 25th August (Tuesday) to 24th August (Monday) as a weekend extension. Its movable status has made it ideal for long weekends, typically in a cooler tourism period.

6. November

Commemoration Day

• Date – 30 November, 2026 (Monday)
• Type – A confirmed national holiday

Importance of the Day

• It pays tribute to the Emirati martyrs who dedicated their lives for humanitarian services and defense of their homeland. (link)
• Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially instituted this day in 2015 to honor the valiant martyrs with remembrance and respect.

7. December

UAE National Day/ Eid Al Etihad

• Dates – 2 December to 3 December, 2026 (Wednesday & Thursday)
• Type – A confirmed National holiday

Importance of the Day

• It is celebrated as the birth of nation and Emirati unity.
• It is a movable holiday and can be transferred to enjoy extended breaks around this period. The National Day and its alignment with the UAE’s most high-traffic tourism period makes it one of the must-see festive times of the year. These holidays fill the nation with parades, fireworks, cultural shows, and patriotic celebrations across all the parts of the Emirates.

UAE School Holidays 2026: Academic Calendar Highlights

Private Schools Dubai Closure

• Spring Break – 16 March – 30 March, 2026

MOE Curriculum Schools Closure

• Spring Break – 16 March – 29 March, 2026
  (Inclusive of Eid Al Fitr)
• Mid-Term Break – 25 May – 29 May, 2026
  (Inclusive of Eid Al Adha)
• Summer Break – Expected from 18 July, 2026
• Winter Break – 15 December, 2026 – 5 January, 2027 (predicted)

Strategic Leave Planning in the UAE 2026

The UAE long weekends 2026 can be your time to make the most of this annual year, if planned smartly. Professionals and residents can dramatically maximize their time off with at least 12 days off by taking advantage of:

• 2026 Eid Al Fitr: A built-in three-day holiday from March 20 to 22 requires no additional leave days but a perfect long weekend to restore.
• Arafat & Eid Al Adha Mix: Extending from May 26 to 29 and followed by the weekend, it offers up to 6 consecutive days off to rejuvenate and explore the must-see sights across the country.
• Hijri Year & Prophet’s (PBUH) Birthday – Each of these prominent holidays could become extended weekend breaks in June and August, if both get officially moved to Mondays.

UAE residents can pair annual leaves with any of the above-mentioned official holidays or longer weekends. This will allow them relaxation periods and structured trips without the exhaustion of vacation days quickly.

Importance behind the UAE Public Holiday Dates

These holidays mark not just an ordinary day off, but reflect on the UAE holiday traditions and the UAE Eid celebrations.

1. Gregorian Holidays

It connects the country with global observances, while unfolding opportunities to unwind, enjoy, and rejuvenate.

2. Islamic Festivals

All the Islam-tied holidays focus on unity of Muslim community, teaches generosity and community living, and stresses on faith.

3. Emirati Days

While Martyrs Day offers a solemn tribute to fallen heroes, the National Day exhibits Emirati pride and unity since its foundation in 1971.

Official Government Confirmations

This guide entails the best available predictions and official confirmations regarding the 2026 UAE public holidays. However, the final dates, specifically for Islamic occasions, will be released by the authorities closer to each observance. Competent authorities involved are:

• The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR)
• UAE Moon Sighting Committee

Closing In!

Make 2026 your ideal year with strategic holiday planning. As we enter in 2026, the UAE brings a rich blend of practical breaks so that its ambitious professionals and enthusiastic residents can freely rest and travel.

From sacred Eid occasions to more relaxed National days, each day off in the country carries a purpose and opportunity. Additionally, residents can take advantage of the legal provisions that allow transferable holidays.

The movable holidays exclude the need for extra leaves and naturally creates long weekends for trips and exploration. It is also advised to keep an eye on official announcements as lunar dates will be confirmed as they approach nearer.