Planning ahead is half the fun when it comes to making the most of your annual leave, and if you are already looking towards 2026, the UAE public holiday calendar gives you plenty to work with.
Every year, the UAE government publishes an official list of public holidays that apply across Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates. These holidays shape work schedules, school terms, travel plans and, most importantly, those well-earned breaks everyone looks forward to.
For 2026, residents of the United Arab Emirates can expect at least 12 official public holiday days, with several opportunities to turn them into long weekends. One of the biggest highlights is a six-day break expected around Eid Al Adha in May, making it one of the most attractive holiday periods of the year.
Some holidays fall on fixed dates, while others move every year depending on the Islamic lunar calendar. Although a few dates are confirmed closer to the time, reliable astronomical calculations already give us a strong indication of how 2026 is shaping up.
Below is a clear, human-friendly guide to the UAE public holidays in 2026, why they change, and how you can plan smarter around them.
How UAE Public Holidays Are Decided
The UAE observes a combination of Gregorian calendar holidays and Islamic Hijri calendar holidays. Gregorian holidays, such as New Year’s Day and National Day, fall on the same date every year. Hijri holidays, including Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, are based on the lunar cycle, which is around 11 days shorter than the solar year.
Because of this difference, Islamic holidays move earlier each year when viewed on the Gregorian calendar. Their final confirmation depends on the sighting of the moon, which is why official announcements are often made shortly before the holiday begins.
That said, astronomers can predict lunar cycles with a high degree of accuracy. This allows residents and businesses to plan ahead with reasonable confidence, even if final confirmation comes later.
A law introduced in 2025 also allows UAE authorities to move public holidays that fall on weekends to adjacent weekdays when appropriate. This flexibility increases the chances of extended breaks, though each adjustment is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Predicted UAE Public Holidays in 2026
Based on current forecasts and official guidelines, these are the UAE public holidays expected in 2026.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This midweek holiday creates a natural opportunity for a long weekend if combined with annual leave, especially for those eager to start the year with a short getaway or a well-earned rest.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr is predicted to fall from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2026. This holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most widely celebrated occasions in the UAE.
With the holiday expected to run across a weekend, employees may still benefit from additional days off depending on how the public and private sectors implement the break. Eid Al Fitr is traditionally a time for family gatherings, travel and festive dining, making it a popular period for staycations and overseas trips alike.
Arafat Day
Arafat Day is expected on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. This day precedes Eid Al Adha and is observed as a public holiday across the UAE.
When paired with the days that follow, Arafat Day sets the stage for one of the longest continuous breaks of the year.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is predicted to run from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29, 2026. Combined with Arafat Day, this creates a four-day block of public holidays during the working week.
When you factor in the weekend before or after, many residents could enjoy up to six consecutive days off. This makes Eid Al Adha in 2026 ideal for long-haul travel, extended family visits or simply switching off at home.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year is expected to officially fall on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. However, under the current public holiday law, the holiday is anticipated to be observed on Monday, June 15, moving it to the start of the working week.
This adjustment offers a welcome long weekend and makes the holiday more practical for rest and travel.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)
The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is predicted to officially fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. As with the Islamic New Year, the public holiday is expected to be moved to Monday, August 24.
This shift creates another long weekend and offers a mid-year pause during the summer period.
UAE National Day
UAE National Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3, 2026. This two-day holiday marks the founding of the nation and is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
With celebrations, fireworks and cultural events across the country, National Day also provides a natural opportunity to extend time off by adding a day of annual leave before or after the official break.
Why Public Holiday Dates Can Still Change
Although these dates are based on strong predictions, it is important to remember that Hijri-based holidays depend on moon sightings. Official confirmation is usually announced by UAE authorities closer to the time.
In addition, while the law allows holidays to be moved when they fall on weekends, this is not automatic. Any changes are made by Cabinet decision and announced through official channels.
The good news for 2026 is that many major holidays are expected to fall on weekdays, reducing the risk of losing days off to weekends and increasing the overall value of the holiday calendar.
How to Make the Most of UAE Public Holidays in 2026
With at least 12 confirmed public holiday days and several falling next to weekends, 2026 offers excellent potential for strategic leave planning.
Booking travel early around Eid Al Adha and National Day can help secure better prices, as these periods are traditionally busy. For those staying closer to home, long weekends are ideal for short breaks within the UAE or quick regional trips.
Keeping a flexible mindset is also helpful. Since final confirmations can come late, having refundable bookings or alternative plans can save stress.
Overall, the UAE public holidays in 2026 are shaping up to be generous, well-spaced and full of opportunity. Whether your goal is travel, family time or simply rest, planning now can help you make the most of every day off.
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