At the beginning of the year, the Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates confirmed that residents can look forward to at least 12 public holidays in 2026. As with previous years, the final number of days off will depend on official moon sightings, particularly for Islamic holidays tied to the Hijri calendar.
With New Year’s Day already behind us, many people across the country are asking the same question: when is the next chance to enjoy a well-earned break from work? Whether you are planning travel, organising family time, or simply counting down to your next long weekend, the good news is that the wait is not a long one.
A strong start to the year for time off
The year began on a positive note, with both public and private sector employees enjoying a day off on Thursday, January 1, 2026, to mark New Year’s Day. While that brief midweek break has come and gone, it set the tone for a year that promises several opportunities to pause, reset, and celebrate.
Public holidays in the UAE are more than just time away from the office. They are moments that bring communities together, highlight cultural traditions, and offer residents a chance to slow down in a country known for its fast-paced lifestyle. From religious celebrations to national milestones, each holiday carries its own significance.
When is the next UAE public holiday?
The next official public holiday on the UAE calendar in 2026 is expected to be Eid Al Fitr. This is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where celebrations extend well beyond the official days off.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims around the world. It is a time of gratitude, generosity, and togetherness, with families gathering, special meals being prepared, and communities coming alive with festive energy.
What Eid Al Fitr represents in the UAE
In the UAE, Eid Al Fitr holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. After a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, the holiday is a joyful conclusion to Ramadan. Mosques host special prayers, families visit relatives and friends, and acts of charity are encouraged as a way to ensure everyone can take part in the celebrations.
From a public holiday perspective, Eid Al Fitr is officially observed from Ramadan 30, if Ramadan lasts 30 days, until Shawwal 3 in the Islamic Hijri calendar. This structure often results in a multi-day break, which is why it is so eagerly awaited by residents across the country.
Predicted Eid Al Fitr dates for 2026
Based on current astronomical calculations, Eid Al Fitr in 2026 is predicted to begin on Friday, March 20. While the exact dates will be confirmed closer to the time following official moon sightings, these predictions give residents a reliable idea of what to expect.
If the predictions hold, the first three days of Shawwal will fall on Friday, March 20, Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22. This would create a three-day long weekend for most workers, offering a perfect opportunity for short trips, staycations, or simply spending quality time with loved ones at home.
As always, residents are advised to keep an eye on official announcements, as moon sightings can sometimes shift the holiday by a day.
Why Eid Al Fitr is a favourite for residents
Unlike some public holidays that may fall midweek, Eid Al Fitr often aligns with weekends, making it especially valuable for those hoping to maximise their time off without using annual leave. Hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues across the UAE typically roll out special offers during this period, adding to the festive atmosphere.
For families, it is a time to reconnect after the reflective month of Ramadan. For others, it is a chance to explore quieter streets, enjoy cultural events, or take advantage of the extended break to travel within the region.
A look back at UAE public holidays in 2025
To put the upcoming break into perspective, it is worth revisiting the public holidays that residents enjoyed in 2025. These dates shaped work schedules, travel plans, and celebrations throughout the year.
New Year’s Day was observed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, marking the start of the year with a midweek pause.
Eid Al Fitr followed later in the year, running from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1, 2025, giving residents a valuable three-day break to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
Arafat Day fell on Thursday, June 5, 2025, immediately followed by Eid Al Adha from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8, 2025. Together, these holidays created one of the longest continuous breaks of the year.
The Islamic New Year was observed on Friday, June 27, 2025, offering another long weekend.
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was marked on Friday, September 5, 2025, once again aligning neatly with the weekend.
The year concluded with National Day celebrations from Monday, December 1, to Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as the country came together to mark its unity and achievements.
Planning ahead makes all the difference
Knowing when public holidays fall allows residents to plan more effectively, whether that means booking flights early, scheduling family gatherings, or simply managing workloads around quieter periods. With Eid Al Fitr 2026 predicted for late March, many people are already looking ahead to how they might spend those precious days off.
Employers, too, benefit from this forward planning, as it helps ensure smooth operations while staff take time to celebrate and recharge.
Looking forward to the next break
While Eid Al Fitr is the next major public holiday on the calendar, it is only one of several breaks residents can expect throughout 2026. With at least 12 public holidays announced, the year ahead promises a healthy balance between work and well-deserved rest.
For now, all eyes are on March, when the spirit of Eid is expected to fill homes, streets, and workplaces across the UAE. Whether you celebrate the occasion or simply enjoy the long weekend, one thing is clear: the next public holiday is just around the corner, and it is coming at the perfect time.
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