There has rarely been a better moment to get familiar with the UAE’s public holiday calendar for the year ahead. For residents, businesses, families, and travellers alike, knowing when time off is coming up makes planning everything from staycations to international trips far easier.
In the United Arab Emirates, the most significant and longest public holidays of the year are closely linked to the Islamic festivals of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. These occasions are observed by Muslims around the world, but in the UAE they also shape national holiday schedules, government operations, and travel demand.
Under the UAE public holiday law, there are at least 12 official public holiday days each year. The majority of these fall around Eid celebrations. While some public holidays can be shifted to create long weekends, special rules apply to Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, meaning their dates are observed as they fall rather than being moved.
Because both Eids are based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, which follows lunar cycles, their exact start dates depend on moon sightings. However, thanks to astronomical calculations, reliable predictions can be made well in advance, giving residents a strong indication of when time off is likely to occur.
What follows is a clear and practical guide to the expected Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and Eid Al Etihad holidays in the UAE for 2026, and what they mean for your calendar.
Why Eid holidays matter in the UAE
Eid holidays are more than just days off work. They are central moments in the cultural, social, and spiritual life of the country. Cities slow down, families gather, travel surges, and major events fill shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment venues.
For employers and employees alike, Eid holidays often determine annual leave planning. For airlines, hotels, and tourism operators, they are among the busiest periods of the year. Understanding when these breaks fall is essential for avoiding last-minute disruption and making the most of the time available.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 dates in the UAE
Eid Al Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic festivals and marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The name translates to “the feast of breaking the fast,” and it is a time of prayer, charity, family gatherings, and celebration.
Eid Al Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because the Hijri calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Eid Al Fitr shifts earlier each year.
Based on current astronomical predictions, Eid Al Fitr in 2026 is expected to begin on Friday, March 20.
If this prediction holds, the public holiday would include Friday, March 20, Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22. This would result in a three-day long weekend for most residents across the UAE.
As always, official confirmation will depend on the sighting of the moon, which typically takes place on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan. If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan would be extended by one day, and Eid would begin a day later. However, at this stage, the March 20 start date is considered the most likely scenario.
What Eid Al Fitr means for residents and businesses
Eid Al Fitr is traditionally a quieter period for offices, with many businesses either closing completely or operating with reduced staff. Retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, on the other hand, often experience a surge in activity as residents take advantage of sales, events, and short breaks.
Travel demand is typically high, both for outbound trips and domestic staycations. Planning early is strongly advised, especially when Eid Al Fitr falls close to a weekend, as it does in 2026.
Eid Al Adha 2026 dates in the UAE
Eid Al Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is the second major Islamic festival. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God and coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Eid Al Adha holidays in the UAE are longer than those for Eid Al Fitr and include Arafat Day, which precedes the main festival.
The Eid Al Adha holiday period begins on Dhu Al Hijjah 9, known as Arafat Day, followed by Eid celebrations on Dhu Al Hijjah 10, 11, and 12.
Based on current predictions, the 2026 Eid Al Adha holiday is expected to fall as follows: Tuesday, May 26 for Arafat Day, followed by Wednesday, May 27, Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29 as the three days of Eid Al Adha.
This creates a four-day official public holiday.
When combined with the weekend that follows, many residents can expect a six-day break, making Eid Al Adha one of the longest holiday periods of the year in the UAE.
Why Eid Al Adha is the longest break of 2026
Because Eid Al Adha in 2026 begins mid-week and runs into Friday, the natural alignment with Saturday and Sunday extends the break without the need for any shifted days.
This extended holiday window is particularly popular for international travel, family reunions, and longer domestic getaways. It is also a peak period for airlines and border crossings, so early planning is especially important.
Eid Al Etihad 2026 dates explained
Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day, marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, it is based on the Gregorian calendar rather than the Islamic lunar calendar.
The official public holiday dates for Eid Al Etihad are December 2 and December 3 each year.
In 2026, these dates fall on a Wednesday and Thursday.
While UAE public holiday law allows for some flexibility in shifting holidays to create long weekends, this does not always happen. In recent years, when a holiday has fallen close to a weekend, the government has sometimes opted for remote working arrangements rather than adding an extra day off.
Based on recent patterns, it is most likely that Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, will remain the official public holidays. Friday, December 4, may remain a working day for the private sector, with the public sector potentially working remotely. Official confirmation will be announced closer to the time.
Final thoughts on UAE Eid holidays in 2026
The 2026 calendar offers several valuable opportunities for extended breaks, particularly around Eid Al Adha. For residents who plan ahead, these holidays provide the chance to maximise rest, travel, and family time without using excessive annual leave.
As with all Islamic holidays, final confirmation will come from official moon-sighting announcements, but current predictions offer a reliable guide for early planning.
Keeping these dates in mind now can make a real difference later, whether you are booking flights, arranging leave, or simply looking forward to a well-earned break.
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