Looking for the official UAE public holidays for 2026? Here’s your easy planner. Below you’ll find the complete list of federal public holidays, predicted Gregorian dates for Islamic observances (subject to moon sighting), and tips to turn them into memorable long weekends—plus answers to the questions people ask most.

The significance of UAE public holidays

UAE public holidays reflect the nation’s Islamic heritage and civic pride. They mark sacred occasions such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, as well as national milestones including Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day). The government announces the annual holiday calendar in advance so residents can plan travel, family gatherings, and community celebrations with confidence.

Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, so exact Gregorian dates are confirmed by authorities closer to each observance based on the moon sighting. Keep this guide bookmarked for planning, and always check official announcements nearer the time.

Officially confirmed UAE public holidays 2026

The federal list for 2026 includes the following public holidays. Note that Islamic dates are provided by their Hijri month and will be confirmed in the Gregorian calendar closer to each holiday:

  • New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
  • Eid Al Fitr: 1–3 Shawwal
  • Arafat Day: 9 Dhul Hijjah
  • Eid Al Adha: 10–12 Dhul Hijjah
  • Islamic New Year (1 Muharram): Hijri calendar date to be confirmed in Gregorian calendar
  • Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday (12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal): Hijri calendar date to be confirmed in Gregorian calendar
  • Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day): Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December

Since 2024, a flexible holiday rule allows most holidays that land on a weekend to be moved to the adjacent Friday or Monday to create a long weekend. This rule does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha.

UAE public holidays 2026 predicted dates

Use these forecasted dates to plan ahead. Islamic holidays will be confirmed by official moon sighting:

  • New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
  • Eid Al Fitr: Friday, 20 March – Sunday, 22 March
  • Arafat Day: Tuesday, 26 May
  • Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, 27 May – Friday, 29 May
  • Islamic New Year (1 Muharram): Monday, 15 June
  • Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: Monday, 24 August
  • Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day): Wednesday, 2 December – Thursday, 3 December

Tip: If any non-Eid holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, expect the day off to shift to the adjacent Friday or Monday, creating a handy long weekend.

UAE public holidays 2026 details

New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January

Start 2026 on a celebratory note with a midweek break. With New Year’s Day falling on a Thursday, many residents will enjoy a restful start to the year. It’s a great moment for quick staycations, seaside brunches, or a relaxed day exploring local attractions.

Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan and is one of the most cherished holidays on the UAE calendar. Families gather for morning prayers, exchange gifts, prepare festive meals, and share charity with those in need. In 2026, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall from Friday, 20 March to Sunday, 22 March, subject to moon sighting.

When will Ramadan 2026 start?

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, 19 February. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, fasting would conclude on Thursday, 19 March, and Eid Al Fitr would likely be Friday, 20 March. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, Eid would shift to Saturday, 21 March, with public holidays spanning the weekend.


Planning tip: Book dining and family activities early; venues fill fast over Eid. If you’re staying local, consider evening outings to enjoy festive lighting and community events.

Arafat Day: Tuesday, 26 May

Arafat Day (9 Dhul Hijjah) precedes Eid Al Adha and is a profound spiritual day for Muslims worldwide. In 2026, it is expected on Tuesday, 26 May. While a single-day observance, it often connects into the longer Eid Al Adha break for many residents.

Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, 27 May – Friday, 29 May

Eid Al Adha (10–12 Dhul Hijjah) is forecast to fall from Wednesday, 27 May to Friday, 29 May, subject to moon sighting. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son. The occasion emphasizes generosity: many families share meat with neighbors and those in need, and communities come together for prayers, visits, and meals.

With the holiday spanning midweek to Friday, many residents can look forward to an extended break ideal for staycations or short regional trips.


Islamic New Year (1 Muharram): Monday, 15 June

The Hijri New Year ushers in a new Islamic year and is expected to fall on Monday, 15 June, pending confirmation. Under the flexible holiday rule, if the date were to land on a weekend in other years, the day off would shift to Friday or Monday. In 2026, a Monday observance aligns neatly with the workweek, providing a clean break to refresh and reset.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: Monday, 24 August

Expected on Monday, 24 August, this holiday honors the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is traditionally observed with prayers, reflection, and time spent with family. The Monday timing should give many residents a balanced long-weekend feel—especially if they choose to take a day of annual leave adjacent to it.

Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day): Wednesday, 2 December – Thursday, 3 December

UAE National Day, now recognized as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated on 2–3 December each year. Expect citywide decorations, cultural showcases, and spectacular fireworks. With 2026 placing both days in the middle of the workweek, it’s a prime window to create a five-day break by attaching a day of leave on either side.


Changes to public holiday regulations

Flexible scheduling (effective from 2024): When a public holiday (except Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha) falls on a weekend, the day off can be moved to the adjacent Friday or Monday. This creates more predictable long weekends for residents and businesses.

What this means for work and business

  • Unified observance: Public and private sectors typically follow the same federal holiday list.
  • Operational planning: Employers may adjust schedules around extended breaks. Employees should check company policies regarding holiday pay and time-off entitlements.
  • Travel demand: Flights, hotels, and attractions get busy over long weekends—plan early.

How to make the most of UAE public holidays in 2026

  • Book early: Secure flights and hotels as soon as predicted dates are announced to lock in better rates.
  • Staycation smart: Consider beach resorts, desert retreats, or mountain escapes for quick getaways.
  • Cultural experiences: Visit museums, heritage districts, and local festivals to connect with Emirati traditions.
  • Family-friendly planning: Reserve dining and attractions in advance over Eid when crowds peak.
  • Use annual leave tactically: Add a day before or after midweek holidays to build longer breaks.

FAQs

Are the 2026 UAE public holiday dates confirmed?

Fixed-date holidays like New Year’s Day and Eid Al Etihad are set. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so exact Gregorian dates will be confirmed by authorities closer to each observance.

Do the new flexible holiday rules apply to all holidays?

No. The shift-to-Friday-or-Monday rule applies to most holidays that land on weekends, but it does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha.

Will private-sector employees get the same days off as the public sector?

Yes. The UAE generally aligns public and private sector holidays under the federal calendar. Always confirm details with your employer.

When is Ramadan in 2026, and how does it affect Eid Al Fitr?

Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, Eid Al Fitr would likely begin on Friday, 20 March; if 30 days, then Saturday, 21 March. Final dates depend on moon sighting.

How can I build long weekends around these dates?

Watch for holidays that fall near weekends and consider adding a day of annual leave. Non-Eid holidays landing on a Saturday or Sunday may shift to Friday or Monday under the flexible rule, creating longer breaks.

What are typical traditions for Eid Al Adha in the UAE?

Families attend prayers, share meals, and give to charity. Many also participate in the ritual sacrifice, distributing meat to those in need, emphasizing community and generosity.

Where can I check official confirmations?

Monitor official UAE government announcements and reputable local news sources for final confirmed dates as each holiday approaches.

Ready to plan? Use this 2026 UAE public holiday calendar to map out long weekends, book early, and enjoy the best of the Emirates—whether you’re exploring new destinations or savoring a well-earned staycation.