Your Need-to-Know Guide for the UAE
As a new year begins, attention naturally turns to the most anticipated breaks on the calendar. In the UAE, the longest and most meaningful public holidays are closely linked to the Islamic festivals of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. These occasions shape travel plans, family gatherings, and business schedules across the country.
Both Eids are observed by Muslims worldwide, but in the UAE they carry added importance due to their length and nationwide observance. Alongside them sits Eid Al Etihad, the celebration of national unity unique to the country.
Under UAE public holiday law, there are at least 12 official public holidays each year. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha together account for the majority of these days off. Unlike some other public holidays, their dates cannot be shifted to create extended weekends, as they are directly tied to the Islamic Hijri calendar.
Because the Hijri calendar follows the lunar cycle, the exact start of Eid holidays depends on moon sighting. However, astronomical calculations allow reliable predictions well in advance. Here is a clear and practical guide to what residents and businesses in the UAE can expect in 2026.
Understanding How Eid Dates Are Set
Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is around 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Each new month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, meaning final confirmation often comes shortly before the holiday begins.
Despite this, astronomers can predict likely dates with a high level of accuracy. These predictions are widely used for planning travel, leave, and events, though official confirmation will always come from UAE authorities closer to the time.
What makes Eid holidays different from other public holidays is that the UAE public holiday law does not allow their days off to be moved. Whatever day Eid begins, that is when the holiday starts, even if it falls midweek.
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Expected Dates and Time Off
Eid Al Fitr is one of the two major Islamic festivals and marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The name Eid Al Fitr translates to “the festival of breaking the fast,” and it is a time of prayer, charity, and celebration with family and friends.
The festival begins on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Based on current astronomical predictions, Eid Al Fitr in 2026 is expected to begin on Friday, March 20. If the moon is sighted as anticipated, the first three days of Shawwal will fall on:
Friday, March 20
Saturday, March 21
Sunday, March 22
This would result in a three-day long weekend for both public and private sector employees across the UAE.
Eid Al Fitr is typically marked by special morning prayers, festive meals, visiting relatives, and charitable giving. For many residents, it is also a popular time for short international trips or staycations within the country.
Eid Al Adha 2026: The Longest Break of the Year
Eid Al Adha, often referred to 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 conclusion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Eid Al Adha holiday begins with Arafat Day, which falls on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This is followed by three days of Eid celebrations.
In 2026, predictions indicate the following schedule:
Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26
Eid Al Adha Day 1: Wednesday, May 27
Eid Al Adha Day 2: Thursday, May 28
Eid Al Adha Day 3: Friday, May 29
When these four official holidays are combined with the weekend, residents can expect a six-day break running from Tuesday through Sunday.
This makes Eid Al Adha the longest public holiday of the year and a prime period for extended travel, family visits, and major events across the UAE.
Eid Al Etihad 2026: National Day Expectations
Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day, marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike the Eid festivals, it follows the Gregorian calendar and is observed annually on December 2 and December 3.
In 2026, these dates fall on a Wednesday and Thursday.
While UAE public holiday law allows some flexibility in shifting holidays to create longer breaks, recent patterns suggest this is unlikely for Eid Al Etihad in 2026. A similar situation occurred with New Year’s Day, when an additional day off was not granted, and remote work was instead introduced for government employees.
If the same approach is taken, December 2 and December 3 will remain official days off. Friday, December 4, may be designated as a remote working day for the public sector, while the private sector is expected to resume normal operations.
Final confirmation will be announced closer to the end of the year.
What These Holidays Mean for Residents and Businesses
For residents of cities like Dubai, Eid holidays shape the rhythm of the year. Flights, hotels, and attractions often see a surge in demand, particularly during Eid Al Adha due to the length of the break.
Businesses typically plan around these dates well in advance, adjusting operating hours and staffing. Retail, hospitality, and tourism sectors usually experience increased activity, while offices and corporate environments slow down.
For families, Eid is about connection. From shared meals to visiting loved ones and giving to charity, these holidays remain deeply rooted in tradition, even as celebrations evolve with modern life.
Planning Ahead for 2026
Although moon sighting will determine the final dates, the predicted schedule provides a reliable framework for planning annual leave, school holidays, and travel. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with official announcements as Eid approaches, particularly if travel arrangements are involved.
Knowing the likely structure of Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and Eid Al Etihad in advance allows individuals and businesses alike to make the most of these important moments in the UAE calendar.
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