This 2026 UAE public holidays calendar lists the expected national and religious holidays in the United Arab Emirates, with predicted dates and weekdays to help you plan leave and travel. Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (Islamic) calendar and depend on moon sightings, so official dates can shift by a day.
Explore our public holidays in UAE 2026 calendar below for quick planning, plus short notes on what each holiday means. This schedule may change with official announcements, so check official UAE government updates closer to each holiday.
UAE Holidays Calendar 2026
Before you plan: Public holiday dates are announced by UAE authorities for both the public and private sectors. For lunar dates (marked with *), use this table as a planning guide and confirm the final dates when the official announcement is published.
| Holiday | Predicted Date(s) | Day(s) of the week |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1st | Thursday |
| Eid Al Fitr* | March 20th – March 22nd | Friday – Sunday |
| Arafat Day* | May 26th | Tuesday |
| Eid Al Adha* | May 27th – May 29th | Wednesday – Friday |
| Islamic New Year* | June 16th | Tuesday |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday* | August 25th | Tuesday |
| Commemoration Day | November 30th | Monday |
| UAE National Day | December 2nd – 3rd | Wednesday – Thursday |
* Dates are subject to change based on moon sightings.
Notes on UAE public holidays (2026)
These short explanations match common search queries such as “UAE public holidays 2026”, “Dubai public holidays 2026”, and “United Arab Emirates holidays 2026”. Final days off can differ based on official announcements and employer policies.
- New Year’s Day (1 January): A fixed-date public holiday across the UAE.
- Eid Al Fitr (end of Ramadan): A multi-day break at the start of Shawwal in the Hijri calendar. Dates may move by 1 day based on the moon sighting.
- Arafat Day: Observed on the 9th of Dhu Al Hijjah (Hijri). It comes right before Eid Al Adha.
- Eid Al Adha: Usually observed over several days starting on the 10th of Dhu Al Hijjah (Hijri). Dates may move by 1 day based on the moon sighting.
- Islamic New Year: Marks the start of Muharram (Hijri). The day off is confirmed when officially announced.
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: Observed on 12 Rabi’ Al Awwal (Hijri). The official day off can shift with moon sighting and government circulars.
- Commemoration Day: Observes the sacrifices of Emirati heroes. The official observance day can be confirmed through government announcements.
- UAE National Day (2–3 December): Marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE National Day break commonly includes two days.
Planning tips for long weekends and leave
- Check updates near the date: Lunar holidays can change by 1 day, and some holidays may be moved or combined depending on the official announcement.
- Confirm your sector: Public and private sector announcements are often aligned, but your employer or free zone authority may issue its own internal memo.
- Consider travel demand: Flight and hotel prices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah often rise around Eid and National Day.
FAQs
Are the UAE public holiday dates for 2026 confirmed?
Some holidays are fixed on the Gregorian calendar (for example, New Year’s Day and UAE National Day). Islamic holidays are marked with an asterisk (*) because their exact dates depend on Hijri months and moon sightings.
Use this calendar for planning, then confirm the final dates once the official UAE announcement is published.
Why do Eid dates change in the UAE?
Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, and Eid Al Adha are based on the Hijri calendar. The Hijri month start depends on the sighting of the new moon, so the public holiday date can move by about one day compared to predictions.
Do Dubai and Abu Dhabi have different public holidays?
Public holidays are generally announced at the UAE federal level and apply across all emirates. In practice, employers may apply internal policies (especially around weekends, shift work, or operational needs), so it’s still worth checking your HR notice.
What does the asterisk (*) mean in the holiday table?
The asterisk shows holidays that are tied to the Islamic calendar. These dates are forecasts and can change based on moon sightings and official UAE announcements.
Is Commemoration Day always on the same date?
Commemoration Day is commonly observed on 30 November. If an official announcement sets a different observance day for your sector, follow the official circular and your employer’s guidance.
What are the main UAE public holidays to plan leave around in 2026?
For most people, the biggest breaks for planning leave are Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day. These periods often bring higher travel demand, so booking early can help if you’re travelling within the UAE or abroad.
