UAE Public Holidays 2026: Complete Calendar, Dates & Long Weekends

Planning a trip? Counting down to a long weekend? The UAE public holidays 2026 list is the single most-searched calendar in the country — and for good reason. With Islamic holidays shifting every year and the rules on public vs private sector occasionally differing, you need the real dates, not guesses.

This guide gives you the complete UAE public holidays 2026 list, explains which holidays have passed and which are still coming, covers public vs private sector rules, holiday pay, the moon-sighting caveat, long-weekend planning, and a 2027 preview. Current as of October 2026.

Quick answer: The next public holiday in the UAE is National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on 2–3 December 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday). Most 2026 holidays have already passed — only National Day remains. The UAE observes 7 official public holiday occasions per Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, applying equally to both public and private sectors.

Is Today a Holiday in UAE? How to Check Any Date

Wondering “is today a holiday in UAE” on any given morning? Here is the 10-second method:

• Check this page’s quick reference table — all 2026 dates in one place.
• Check u.ae — the official government portal lists current holidays.
• Check the news — WAM and major outlets announce Islamic holiday confirmations.
• Ask your HR — for company-specific observances beyond public holidays.

Common confusion: the day before Eid is not a holiday (unless officially declared). Commemoration Day (1 Dec) is observed but not a day off. Fridays are the weekend start, not holidays.

When in doubt, this page’s “Is Today a Holiday” section at the top is updated with each change.

Today is 15 October 2026 — not a public holiday. The next public holiday is National Day on 2–3 December 2026.

If you are reading this on a different date, the rule is simple: check the list below. UAE holiday tomorrow searches spike before every holiday — bookmark this page and you will always know.

UAE Public Holidays 2026: The Complete List

Here is every official public holiday occasion for 2026, per the UAE Cabinet’s official framework:

*Islamic holiday dates are subject to moon sighting — see the section below.

Which 2026 holidays are left? As of October 2026, only National Day (2–3 December) remains. Everything else has passed. If you are planning leave, December is your target.

What Each UAE Holiday Celebrates

New Year’s Day (1 January)

The Gregorian New Year — a single day off marking the start of the calendar year. Celebrated across the UAE with fireworks (Dubai‘s Burj Khalifa display is world-famous).

Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan)

Three days marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The most widely celebrated Eid holiday in 2026 — families gather, feasts are shared, and the country pauses. If Ramadan is 30 days (rather than 29), an extra day may be added.

Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha

Arafat Day (1 day) precedes Eid Al Adha (3 days) — together forming one of the longest breaks of the year. Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE holidays for the private sector followed the same dates as the public sector, per the unified holiday framework.

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

One day marking the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year (1 Muharram). A quieter, more reflective holiday — the Islamic New Year holiday in the UAE is a day off, not a festival.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid)

One day (12 Rabi’ al-Awwal) honouring the Prophet’s birth. Observed as a public holiday with religious observances.

National Day / Eid Al Etihad (2–3 December)

Two days celebrating the UAE’s founding (2 December 1971). The biggest patriotic celebration of the year — parades, fireworks, flag displays, and the “Eid Al Etihad” branding. In 2026, it falls on Wednesday–Thursday, creating a natural long weekend with Friday.

Note on Commemoration Day (1 December): observed to honour fallen servicemen, but it is not a public holiday day-off. Do not confuse it with National Day.

Upcoming Holidays in UAE: What Is Left in 2026

As of mid-October 2026, the upcoming holidays in the UAE are:

• National Day: 2–3 December 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday) — 2 days off, extends to a 4-day weekend including Friday–Saturday.

That is it for 2026. Plan accordingly — book travel early, as December holiday travel sells out.

Public vs Private Sector: Do You Get the Same Days?

Yes. Since the unified holiday framework, UAE holidays apply equally to public (government) and private sector employees. The Cabinet Resolution covers both.
Historical note: before unification, private sector holidays sometimes differed. That no longer applies — the list is the same for everyone.
Sharjah exception: Sharjah’s government follows a 4-day work week (Monday–Thursday), so holiday weekends land differently there. Private companies in Sharjah generally follow the standard framework.

Eid Holidays 2026: The Complete Guide

The Eid holidays in 2026 were the year’s biggest breaks. Here is the full picture:

Eid Al Fitr 2026

• When: ~20–22 March 2026 (3 days, Shawwal 1–3)
• What: marks the end of Ramadan — the holiest month in Islam
• How it is celebrated: morning Eid prayers, family feasts, new clothes, gifts (Eidiya) for children, charity (Zakat Al Fitr)
• Extra day rule: if Ramadan lasted 30 days (not 29), a fourth day was added

Eid Al Fitr is the most joyous of the holidays in UAE 2026 — the entire country decorates, malls extend hours, and fireworks light up the sky.

Eid Al Adha 2026

• When: ~27–29 May 2026 (3 days, Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12), preceded by Arafat Day (~26 May)
• What: the Festival of Sacrifice, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage
• How it is celebrated: Eid prayers, Qurbani (sacrifice), distribution of meat to family and the needy, family gatherings

The eid al adha 2026 uae holidays private sector dates matched the public sector exactly — 4 days total including Arafat Day. This was the longest consecutive break of 2026. Private companies followed the same Cabinet-announced dates, with no separate private-sector calendar.

Eid Travel Tips

• Book early: flights and hotels sell out weeks before Eid. Prices surge 50–100%.
• Staycation alternative: UAE hotels offer Eid packages — often cheaper than flying.
• Traffic: expect heavy congestion on Eid mornings (prayer times) and evenings (mall rushes).
• Malls: open with extended hours; restaurants fully operational.

Holidays in UAE 2026: Month-by-Month Calendar

A chronological walk through all UAE 2026 holidays:

January: New Year’s Day (1 Jan, Thursday) — 1 day. Fireworks, celebrations, a gentle start to the year.
February: No public holidays. The quiet month.
March: Eid Al Fitr (~20–22 Mar) — 3 days. The first major break.
April: No public holidays.
May: Arafat Day (~26 May) + Eid Al Adha (~27–29 May) — 4 days. The longest break of the year.
June: Islamic New Year (~15 Jun) — 1 day. Quiet, reflective.
July: No public holidays.
August: Prophet’s Birthday (~25 Aug) — 1 day.
September: No public holidays.
October: No public holidays. (You are here.)
November: No public holidays.
December: National Day (2–3 Dec, Wed–Thu) — 2 days. The grand finale.
Total: ~12–14 days off across 7 occasions, depending on moon sighting and the Ramadan length.

Next Public Holiday in UAE: Detailed Countdown

The next public holiday in the UAE is National Day (Eid Al Etihad):

• Dates: 2–3 December 2026
• Days: Wednesday and Thursday
• Weekend extension: Friday–Saturday (standard UAE weekend) = 4 consecutive days off
• With 2 leave days (Mon–Tue, 30 Nov–1 Dec): 6-day break
• What to expect: parades on the Corniche, fireworks at major landmarks, flag decorations everywhere, patriotic events in every emirate

Planning checklist:

• [ ] Book travel/hotels by early November (prices surge)
• [ ] Apply for leave by mid-November (December leave is competitive)
• [ ] Check event schedules (concerts, parades announced late November)
• [ ] Plan around school winter breaks (often overlap)

Islamic New Year Holiday UAE: What to Know

The Islamic New Year holiday in the UAE (Hijri New Year, 1 Muharram) is a single day off marking the start of the Islamic lunar calendar.

In 2026: expected ~15 June (subject to moon sighting).
How it is observed: unlike Eid, there are no major public celebrations. It is a quiet day — many spend it in reflection, prayer, or simply resting. Government offices and most businesses close; malls and restaurants operate normally.
Cultural note: the Islamic New Year commemorates the Hijrah (the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina). It is a time for spiritual renewal rather than festivity.
For 2027: expected ~6 June 2027 (shifting ~11 days earlier, as all Islamic holidays do).

The Moon-Sighting Caveat: Why Islamic Dates Move

Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, which is ~11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. This means:

• Islamic holiday dates shift ~11 days earlier each Gregorian year.
• Exact dates are confirmed by moon sighting — announced by UAE authorities, typically 1–2 days before.
• Published dates are expected dates; the official announcement is final.

Practical impact: do not book non-refundable travel around Eid until the dates are officially confirmed. The “expected” dates are usually right, but “usually” is not “always.”

Can the UAE Move a Public Holiday?

Yes. The government can shift a holiday to create a long weekend or for other reasons. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, the Cabinet may declare an alternative day off — though the current resolution removed automatic transfers in some cases.

What this means for you: treat published dates as 95% certain, and watch official announcements (u.ae, WAM news agency) in the final week.

Holiday Pay: What You Are Owed for Working

Under UAE Labour Law:

• If you work on a public holiday, you are entitled to compensatory leave or overtime pay (typically 150% of basic wage, per Article 28 provisions).
• Your employer cannot force you to work a public holiday without compensation.
• Check your employment contract — some specify the compensation method.

If your employer refuses: document the work (timesheets, messages), then raise it with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation).

Long Weekends 2026: Maximising Your Time Off

National Day 2026: Turn 2 Days into 5+

National Day (Wed–Thu, 2–3 December) + Friday + weekend = 4-day weekend automatically.

Take 1 day of leave (Sunday 29 Nov or Monday 30 Nov… wait, those are before): Actually, take Friday 4 December off? No — Friday is already the weekend start in most of the UAE.
The smart play: National Day Wed–Thu + Fri–Sat weekend = 4 days off with zero leave used. Take Monday–Tuesday (30 Nov–1 Dec) as annual leave → 6-day break (30 Nov–5 Dec) for just 2 leave days.
Maximum stretch: take the full week around it for a 9-day break with 3–4 leave days. Check with your employer early — December leave is competitive.

How Holidays Affect Visas, Ejari & Government Services

Government offices close on public holidays — plan visa renewals, Emirates ID services, and Ejari registrations around them.
Deadlines: if a deadline falls on a holiday, it typically rolls to the next working day — but do not assume. Submit early.
Banks close on public holidays. ATMs and online banking work normally.
What stays open: malls, restaurants, tourist attractions, hospitals (emergency), airports, and most private businesses. Dubai does not shut down — it celebrates.

UAE School Holidays 2026–2027

Separate from public holidays, school breaks follow the academic calendar:

• Winter break: typically 3–4 weeks around December–January
• Spring break: ~2 weeks (often aligned with Eid Al Fitr)
• Summer break: ~8 weeks (July–August)

Private schools set their own exact dates within KHDA/ADEK guidelines. Check your school’s calendar — these do not always align with public holidays.

UAE Public Holidays 2027: Expected Dates

Looking ahead to UAE 2027 holidays (expected, subject to moon sighting):

*Islamic dates are forecasts — confirmed by moon sighting closer to the time.

2027 highlight: National Day falls on Thursday–Friday — a potential 4-day weekend with zero leave.

What Closes and What Stays Open on UAE Public Holidays

Closed

• Federal and local government offices
• Banks (branches; ATMs and online banking work)
• Public schools
• Some private offices (at employer discretion — most close)

Open

• Malls and shopping centres (often extended hours)
• Restaurants and cafes
• Tourist attractions (Burj Khalifa, theme parks, museums)
• Hotels
• Airports and airlines
• Hospitals (emergency departments; elective procedures may pause)
• Pharmacies (major chains)
• Public transport (buses, Metro — sometimes with holiday schedules)
• Petrol stations

Dubai does not shut down on holidays — it celebrates. Malls are busier, not quieter. Plan shopping trips for mornings to avoid crowds.

Government Services During Holidays

Need something urgent? These workarounds help:

• Online portals (TAMM, DubaiNow, u.ae) function 24/7 for most services
• Smart apps process applications even when offices are closed
• Emergency services (police, ambulance, civil defence) operate normally — call 999/998/997
• Visa/immigration: Amer centres may have holiday hours; online applications continue processing

UAE Labour Law: Holiday Rights in Detail

Your Entitlements

Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021):

• Paid public holidays: all official public holidays are paid leave days.
• Working on a holiday: if required to work, you must receive either:

– A compensatory day off, OR

– Overtime pay at 150% of your basic wage

• No deduction: employers cannot deduct holiday pay or force unpaid holiday work.

If Your Rights Are Violated

• Document everything: keep timesheets, messages, and schedules proving you worked.
• Raise it internally: HR first, in writing.
• File with MOHRE: the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation handles complaints. File online or via the MOHRE app.
• Labour court: as a last resort, the labour court enforces these rights.

Part-Time and Temporary Workers

Holiday entitlements apply proportionally. If you worked on a public holiday as a part-timer, you are still owed compensation — the principle does not change with contract type.

Planning Around Holidays: Pro Strategies

For Employees

• Book December leave by October. National Day + winter break = the year’s most competitive leave period.
• Combine strategically. A single leave day adjacent to a holiday multiplies your break.
• Watch announcements. Islamic holiday confirmations come 1–2 days before — keep plans flexible.

For Employers

• Publish the holiday calendar in January. Staff plan better with early visibility.
• Clarify the compensation policy for holiday work in writing.
• Plan coverage for essential roles well before Eid periods.

For Tourists

• Eid periods: book 2–3 months ahead. Prices surge, availability drops.
• National Day: spectacular but crowded. Book early.
• Ramadan (not a holiday, but relevant): daytime dining is limited; evenings are festive.

For Businesses

• Supply chain: plan deliveries around Eid closures (suppliers may pause).
• Payroll: process before long breaks — banks close.
• Customer communication: announce holiday hours in advance.

UAE Holidays vs Other Gulf Countries

How does the UAE compare to its neighbours?

The UAE’s system is mid-range in total days but the most predictable — the unified framework and clear Cabinet resolution make planning easier than in countries with separate public/private calendars.

Ramadan 2026: What to Know (Not a Holiday, But Essential)

Ramadan is not a public holiday, but it shapes life in the UAE more than most holidays:

• Working hours reduce by 2 hours daily for all employees (public and private).
• School hours shorten.
• Dining: daytime restaurant restrictions apply; evenings come alive with Iftar tents.
• Eid Al Fitr (the holiday) marks Ramadan’s end — the dates are linked.

In 2026, Ramadan fell around February–March (preceding the ~20–22 March Eid Al Fitr). For 2027, expect it ~11 days earlier.

New Year’s Eve in Dubai: The World’s Biggest Fireworks

New Year’s Day (1 January) is a public holiday, but the real event is the night before:

• Burj Khalifa fireworks: globally televised, among the world’s largest displays
• Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Festival City, Global Village: simultaneous shows
• Road closures: major roads around Downtown Dubai close hours before midnight
• Planning: arrive by 8 PM or watch from a hotel/restaurant with a view

If you are in Dubai for New Year, the holiday on 1 January is your recovery day. You will need it.

National Day Weekend: What Actually Happens

Eid Al Etihad (2–3 December) transforms the UAE:

• Parades: military and cultural parades in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
• Fireworks: nightly displays at major landmarks
• Decorations: buildings, cars, and streets draped in UAE flag colours
• Concerts: major Arab and international artists perform
• Heritage villages: traditional crafts, food, and performances
• Air shows: the UAE Air Force aerobatics team performs

For residents: it is the most patriotic weekend of the year. Join in — decorate your car, attend a parade, watch the fireworks.
For tourists: an incredible time to visit, but book everything early. Hotels fill up, flights surge.

Quick Reference: UAE Public Holidays 2026

Total 2026: ~13 days across 7 occasions.
Next: National Day, 2–3 December 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday).
2027 preview: Eid Al Fitr ~9–11 Mar, Eid Al Adha ~16–18 May, National Day 2–3 Dec (Thu–Fri).

Screenshot this table. It is the entire year in 7 rows.

Why This Guide Is Different

Most UAE public holidays 2026 pages are thin tables with no context. We built this differently:

• Complete dates with moon-sighting caveats (not just a table)
• Public vs private sector rules explained (not assumed)
• Holiday pay rights under UAE Labour Law (most guides skip this)
• Long-weekend maths for maximising leave (the Gulf News angle, expanded)
• 2027 preview with weekend analysis 
• What closes/opens practical guide
• 20 FAQs covering every common question

If a date changes or a new announcement drops, this page updates. Bookmark it.

Frequently Asked Questions

The History of UAE Public Holidays

The UAE’s holiday framework has evolved:

• Before 2022: public and private sector holidays sometimes differed, causing confusion.
• 2022: the UAE shifted to a Monday–Friday work week (from Sunday–Thursday), aligning weekends with global markets.
• 2024: Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 unified the holiday framework — 7 official occasions applying equally to public and private sectors.
• 2025 onward: the unified system operates with Islamic dates confirmed annually by moon sighting.

This unification was a major quality-of-life improvement — no more “does my sector get this holiday?” confusion.

How to Stay Updated on Holiday Announcements

Official holiday confirmations come from:

• u.ae — the official UAE government portal
• WAM — the Emirates News Agency
• Cabinet announcements — via official social media channels
• This page — updated with each announcement

For Islamic holidays: the moon-sighting committee announces dates 1–2 days before. Do not rely on forecasts for critical planning.
Pro tip: follow the official UAE government accounts on social media and enable notifications during the expected Eid periods (March and May).

Upcoming Holidays in UAE: How to Check What’s Next

Wondering about the next public holiday in UAE? Here is how to always know:

Quick Methods

• This page — the quick-reference table above lists all upcoming holidays in UAE for 2026, updated against official announcements
• u.ae portal — official announcements as they are confirmed by the Cabinet
• Google — search “next public holiday UAE” for instant answers
• HR departments — most UAE companies circulate holiday memos well in advance

Planning Ahead

• Islamic holidays are confirmed only 1–2 days prior (moon sighting)
• Fixed holidays (National Day, New Year) are known years ahead
• 2027 preview: all Islamic holidays shift ~11 days earlier

Rule of thumb: for fixed dates, plan months ahead. For Eid holidays, keep plans flexible until the official announcement. And if you are specifically tracking the UAE public holidays 2026 list for leave planning, the table at the top of this page is maintained against official Cabinet announcements — it is the single source of truth for the year.

Is Today a Holiday in UAE? How to Verify

If you are asking “is today a holiday in UAE” or checking “UAE holiday tomorrow“:

Instant Checks

• Google search — “is today a public holiday in UAE” gives a direct answer box
• u.ae — the official portal lists currently observed holidays
• News sites — Gulf News and Khaleej Times confirm on the day itself
• Your employer — HR announcements are definitive for your specific workplace

Why the Confusion Happens

• Moon-sighting holidays shift yearly and are announced last-minute (Eid dates move ~11 days earlier each year)
• Private vs public sector occasionally differ by a day — always confirm with your HR
• Transferred holidays — when a holiday falls on a weekend, it may shift to the preceding or following weekday
• Emirate-specific observances are rare but do occur

Bookmark the UAE public holidays 2026 list above — it is the fastest reference for the full year. For anyone searching “UAE holiday tomorrow” at the last minute: if tomorrow is not in the table and no Cabinet announcement has been made, assume it is a working day — but check u.ae in the morning to be sure.

Conclusion

The UAE public holidays 2026 list is nearly complete — only National Day (2–3 December) remains. Book your December plans now, use the long-weekend maths above to stretch your leave, and remember the moon-sighting caveat for any future Islamic holiday planning. If you landed here searching for the UAE public holidays 2026 list in full, the quick-reference table near the top has every date in one place.

For 2027, the dates shift ~11 days earlier — Eid Al Fitr lands in March, and National Day falls on a Thursday–Friday. Start planning early: the next public holiday in UAE after National Day 2026 will be New Year’s Day 2027, and the Islamic calendar shift means Eid Al Fitr arrives sooner than you might expect.

The bottom line: the UAE gives you ~13 days of public holidays a year. Use them well — plan early, combine with weekends, know your rights if you work, and always check the moon-sighting announcements for Islamic holidays. Whether you are tracking upcoming holidays in UAE for a vacation or just need to know is today a holiday in UAE before heading to the office, this page has everything you need; bookmark it and check back before each holiday.
Last updated: October 15, 2026. Islamic holiday dates are subject to official moon-sighting announcements.