Planning your 2026 UAE holiday schedule? This guide gives you an up‑to‑date overview of public holidays in the UAE 2026, including Eid holidays in the UAE, national holidays, and how you can stretch leave to get long weekends without burning too many annual leave days.
Overview of public holidays in UAE 2026
Based on official holiday calendars and recent 2026 forecasts, which also include lunar calendar holidays, here’s what to mark in your calendar.
| Date (Gregorian / Tentative) | Holiday / Occasion |
| January 1, 2026 (Thursday) | New Year’s Day |
| March 20–22, 2026 (Fri–Sun, tentative) | Eid Al Fitr Holiday |
| May 26, 2026 (Tuesday, tentative) | Arafat Day (preceding Eid Al Adha) |
| May 27–29, 2026 (Wed–Fri, tentative) | Eid Al Adha Holiday |
| June 16, 2026 (Tuesday, tentative) | Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) |
| August 25, 2026 (Tuesday, tentative) | Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday Holiday |
| December 2–3, 2026 (Wed–Thu) | UAE National Day (Eid Al Ittihad) |
Each of these holidays is a public holiday, meaning they apply to all residents of the UAE, regardless of nationality or employer.
However, the duration of the holiday may vary for employees in the private sector compared to the public sector, especially for religious holidays such as Eid and the Islamic New Year, which depend on moon sightings.
Always check with your employer for exact dates and leave policies surrounding these holidays.
UAE National Day & Other Major Public Holidays
Other fixed-date holidays in the UAE are:
- UAE National Day
- New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026). A globally celebrated holiday, always observed as a public holiday.
These holidays apply to all UAE residents and can be used for family gatherings, travel, or rest. It is important to note that the Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar, and thus, their exact dates may vary slightly each year.
How to maximise your UAE leave and weekend in 2026?
To make the most of your leave days, consider these strategies for creating long weekends:
- Eid Al Fitr (March 20–22, 2026): When you take March 19 (Thursday) off, you’ll get a 4-day weekend.
- Eid Al Adha (May 27–29, 2026): By taking May 25 (Monday) and May 30 (Saturday) off, you can enjoy a 6-day break.
These extended breaks can be ideal for a staycation or short trips. Use these long weekends for personal time, family holidays, or local travel within the UAE.
Conclusion
This guide provides all the necessary details to plan your 2026 UAE public holidays effectively.. Whether you’re looking to maximise your time off or plan a staycation, it’s all about using your annual leave wisely.
Make sure to stay updated on upcoming UAE public holidays and check for any shifting dates of Islamic holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Islamic New Year, which are based on the lunar calendar.
Remember, with some planning, you can enjoy extended weekends and even turn a few days off into a 7–10 day holiday.
FAQs
How many public holidays are there in the UAE in 2026?
There are at least 12 public holidays in the UAE for 2026, including both fixed holidays like UAE National Day and Islamic holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
What are the public holidays in the UAE this year?
For 2026, the major public holidays in the UAE include New Year’s Day (January 1), Eid Al Fitr (March 20–22), Eid Al Adha (May 27–29), Islamic New Year (June 16), and UAE National Day (December 2–3).
Can public holidays in the UAE shift if they fall on weekends?
Yes, some public holidays like Eid Al Fitr or Islamic New Year may be moved depending on government decisions. However, fixed holidays like the UAE National Day are generally not shifted, even if they fall on a weekend.
How can I maximise my leave with UAE public holidays?
To get the most out of your annual leave, you can plan by combining public holidays with weekends. For example, take March 19 (Thursday) off during Eid Al Fitr to enjoy a 4-day break, or take May 25 (Monday) off for Eid Al Adha to get a 6-day holiday.
What is the best time to travel during public holidays in the UAE?
The best time to travel depends on the holiday season and your destination. For example, Eid holidays are great for short-haul trips or staycations, while National Day might be better for local events or a quick getaway to nearby destinations. Booking early helps avoid price surges during peak times.
