UAE Public Holidays 2026: Complete List

The need to plan your year ahead has never been more significant, considering the fact that the UAE residents cherish utilizing the public holidays. Being a full-time worker, business owner, or having family trips, being aware of the UAE public holidays in 2026 can save you some days of leaves and have more time to spend on vacation.

The UAE residents should be able to enjoy 12 official public holidays in accordance with the religious and national holidays in 2026. Although there are official confirmations of the exact dates of Islamic holidays nearer to the date, present day estimations provide a good idea with which one can do some early planning.

It discusses what holidays to expect, chances of a long weekend, and the manner in which the UAE holidays are determined and what to do to get the maximum amount of days off in 2026.

How Public Holidays Work in the UAE

UAE uses a combination of two calendars in announcing public holidays.

There are holidays that have their basis on the Gregorian calendar and therefore have the same date every year. These are the New Year Day and UAE national day.

Other holidays are based on the Islamic Hijri calendar that relies on the observations of the moon. Due to this reason, the dates of such events as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha can change slightly and can only be verified a few days prior to the start of the holiday.

The law on UAE public holidays states that certain holidays (except Eid) may be shifted to the start or end of the week to form long weekends – a massive benefit to the residents who plan their travel or rest.

UAE Public Holidays 2026: Expected Dates

Based on current astronomical predictions, residents can expect the following public holidays in 2026:

• January 1 – New Year’s Day 
• Shawwal 1–3 – Eid Al Fitr 
• Dhu Al Hijjah 9 – Arafat Day 
• Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12 – Eid Al Adha 
• Muharram 1 – Islamic New Year 
• Rabi Al Awwal 12 – Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday 
• December 2–3 – Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) 

These dates are predictions and may change slightly depending on official moon sightings.

Long Weekends to Look Forward to in 2026

One of the most searched topics online is “UAE long weekends 2026” — and for good reason. With smart planning, 2026 offers some excellent extended breaks.

Eid Al Fitr – March 2026

Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, creating a natural three-day weekend.

This break comes after Ramadan and is perfect for short trips, family gatherings, or staycations. By adding just one or two leave days, many residents can easily extend this break.

Eid Al Adha – May 2026 (Longest Break)

Eid Al Adha is expected to be the longest holiday stretch of 2026.

• Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26 
• Eid Al Adha: Wednesday to Friday, May 27–29 

This is coupled with the weekend to give up to six days of leave without additional annual leave.

It is the most appropriate period to visit any country internationally in 2026, to plan Umrah, or to have some extended holidays.

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Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) – December 2026

On Wednesday and Thursday, December 26 -3, UAE National Day will be celebrated.

It is mid-week in nature and thus there is a big opportunity of a long weekend in case a holiday is added or only in case the authorities change the holiday. December is another month that attracts a lot of people because of the favorable weather and national holidays.

Turning Fewer Leave Days into More Time Off

With careful planning, UAE residents can turn a limited number of leave days into multiple long breaks.

Here’s how:

• Combine public holidays with weekends 
• Take leave before or after mid-week holidays 
• Plan annual leave around Eid Al Adha for maximum benefit 
• Book flights and hotels early to avoid peak-season prices 

Many residents can turn 9 leave days into more than 30 days off by aligning leave with public holidays wisely.

School Holidays to Keep in Mind (2026)

For families, school holidays play a major role in planning travel.

MOE Curriculum Schools

• Winter Break: December 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026 
• Spring Break & Eid Al Fitr: March 16–29, 2026 
• Mid-Term Break & Eid Al Adha: May 25–29, 2026 
• Islamic New Year Holiday: June 17, 2026 
• Summer Break: From July 18, 2026 

Dubai Private Schools (KHDA)

• Winter Break: December 15 – January 5 
• Spring Break: March 16 – March 30 
• End of Academic Year: March 3 or March 30 (depending on school calendar) 

Aligning school breaks with public holidays makes 2026 ideal for family trips.

Why Planning UAE Holidays Early Matters

Early planning helps you:

• Secure cheaper flights and hotel deals 
• Avoid last-minute leave rejections 
• Manage work deadlines smoothly 
• Enjoy stress-free holidays 

Because some Islamic holidays may shift, it’s always smart to keep track of official announcements while using predicted dates as a planning base.

Final Thoughts: Make 2026 Count

You are a good planner whether you want to spend your long weekends, travel abroad, or enjoy time with your family members; knowing UAE holidays in 2026 will put you in a good position.

Since Islamic holidays might change, it is always clever to follow official announcements basing planning on estimated dates.

FAQs – UAE Public Holidays 2026

Q1: Are UAE public holiday dates for 2026 confirmed?
No, Islamic holidays rely on moon observation and therefore the dates are verified with regard to the specific holiday.

Q2: How many public holidays will there be in the UAE in 2026?
In 2026, the UAE residents will be guaranteed at least 12 public holidays.

Q3: Which is the longest holiday in UAE 2026?
Eid Al Adha which will take place in May 2026 can provide up to six days off.

Q4: Can UAE holidays be moved to create long weekends?
Yes, with the exception of Eid holidays, there are some public holidays that can be changed to make longer weekends..

Q5: Do private companies follow UAE public holidays?
The majority of the private companies observe official UAE public holidays, depending on the employer.