The UAE observes official public holidays annually, combining both Islamic religious occasions and national celebrations. These holidays are divided between fixed dates on the Gregorian calendar and moveable dates based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
For 2026, residents and employees should note that both government and private sector workers typically enjoy the same number of public holidays as per the UAE Cabinet’s unified holiday policy. Islamic holiday dates are confirmed through official moon sighting committees and are usually announced 1-2 days in advance.
Official UAE Public Holidays 2026
| Holiday Name | Gregorian Date (Expected) | Day(s) of Week | Duration | Islamic Date (Hijri) |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday | 1 day | 12 Rajab 1447 |
| Eid Al Fitr | 20 – 23 March 2026 | Fri – Mon | 4 days | 1-4 Shawwal 1447 |
| Arafah Day | 26 May 2026 | Tuesday | 1 day | 9 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| Eid Al Adha | 27 – 29 May 2026 | Wed – Fri | 3 days | 10-12 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| Islamic New Year | 16 June 2026 | Tuesday | 1 day | 1 Muharram 1448 |
| Prophet’s Birthday | 25 August 2026 | Tuesday | 1 day | 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 |
| Commemoration Day | 1 December 2026 | Tuesday | 1 day | – |
| National Day | 2 – 3 December 2026 | Wed – Thu | 2 days | – |
Note: Islamic holiday dates are subject to moon sighting and may vary by 1-2 days. Always verify dates through official government announcements (MOHRE or UAE Cabinet).
New Year’s Day (1 January)
New Year’s Day marks the start of 2026. In the UAE, it is a unified public holiday. Since it falls on a Thursday in 2026, many residents will enjoy a long weekend to kick off the year. Major fireworks are expected at the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Festival, and Al Marjan Island.
Eid Al Fitr (Expected 20 – 23 March 2026)
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18. This holiday usually provides a 4-day break. It is a time for family gatherings, “Eidi” (gifts), and massive shopping sales across the Emirates.
Arafah Day & Eid Al Adha (Expected 26 – 29 May 2026)
Arafah Day (9 Dhul Hijjah) is the holiest day in Islam, followed by the “Festival of Sacrifice.” In 2026, this creates a potential 4-day mid-week break (Tuesday to Friday). Combined with the weekend, many may get a 6-day vacation.
Islamic New Year (Expected 16 June 2026)
Marking the beginning of the Hijri year 1448. This is a day of reflection on the Hijra (migration of Prophet Muhammad PBUH). It is typically a quiet holiday without public festivities or fireworks.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Expected 25 August 2026)
Mawlid al-Nabi is observed on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal. In 2026, it falls on a Tuesday. It is a day to honor the life and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) with religious lectures and spiritual gatherings.
Commemoration Day & National Day (1 – 3 December 2026)
This is the most significant national period in the UAE.
- Commemoration Day (Dec 1): Honors the martyrs of the UAE.
- National Day (Dec 2-3): 2026 marks the 55th UAE National Day (Spirit of the Union).Falling on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, this will create a 5-day long weekend (including the Saturday-Sunday weekend), making it the perfect time for travel or staycations.
UAE Law Guidelines for Public Holidays
Legal Framework
The UAE Cabinet sets the holiday calendar for both public and private sectors to ensure balance. Under the UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), employees are entitled to full pay during official holidays.
Compensation Rules
If an employee is required to work during a public holiday, the employer must:
- Grant a compensatory day off, OR
- Pay the normal basic wage plus a supplement of at least 50% of that wage.
Weekend Adjustments
In recent years, the UAE has shown flexibility. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the government may announce a Friday or Monday as a substitute day, though this is not guaranteed and depends on the specific Cabinet decree for that year.
5 Tips to Maximize Your Time Off in 2026
- The “March Break” Strategy: With Eid Al Fitr expected from March 20 (Friday) to March 23 (Monday), taking just 4 days of leave (March 16-19) could give you a full 10-day holiday.
- The May Mega-Break: Since Eid Al Adha falls from Tuesday to Friday (May 26-29), taking Monday (May 25) as leave will grant you a continuous 9-day break starting from the previous Saturday.
- Book National Day Early: December 2026 will be the 55th anniversary. Expect hotels to be at 100% capacity. Book your staycations by September 2026 to avoid “holiday pricing.”
- Check the Moon: For Islamic holidays, never book non-refundable flights for the exact start date. Always allow a 24-48 hour buffer.
- Use the “Unified Portal”: Keep an eye on the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) app. They are the first to confirm when the private sector holiday starts.
