Plan your year with these expected dates based on UAE law and Hijri calendar forecasts
1 What Are the Official UAE Public Holidays in 2026
The UAE public holiday law, introduced in early 2025, sets out 12 minimum official holidays for both public and private sector workers. These include religious holidays based on the Islamic Hijri calendar and fixed dates from the Gregorian calendar.
The UAE marks key national, Islamic, and historic events. Religious holidays like Eid are confirmed closer to the date depending on the moon sighting, but astronomers have predicted likely dates for 2026 to help residents plan ahead.
UAE Public Holidays 2026:
These dates are not officially confirmed yet, but they are based on the UAE’s established public holiday structure and Hijri-Gregorian date conversion for 1447–1448 AH.
2 Predicted Dates for Eid Al Fitr UAE 2026
Eid Al Fitr in 2026 is expected to bring a three-day long weekend, from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, based on Hijri calendar forecasts. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated from Shawwal 1 to 3, marking the end of Ramadan. These dates depend on the moon sighting, but astronomers expect the lunar month to end on Thursday, March 19.
This means most workers will enjoy Friday to Sunday off, a full weekend extension that doesn't overlap with a regular weekend, making it one of the cleaner breaks in the year.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Prediction
The Eid break is one of the UAE’s most anticipated holidays. Residents often use the opportunity to travel or spend time with family. Since it’s a religious holiday, the exact date will be announced by the Moon Sighting Committee closer to the end of Ramadan.
3 Expected Eid Al Adha UAE 2026 Holiday Duration
Eid Al Adha in 2026 is expected to bring a massive six-day break when combined with the regular weekend. Forecasts indicate that Arafat Day will fall on Tuesday, May 26, followed by three days of Eid from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29. Since Saturday and Sunday are regular off days, many workers will enjoy a full week-long break.
Eid Al Adha is considered the holiest of the Islamic holidays, observed from Dhu Al Hijjah 10 to 12. It follows Arafat Day (Dhu Al Hijjah 9), and is a key occasion in the UAE public holiday law.
Predicted UAE Eid Al Adha 2026 Break:
The Eid Al Adha UAE 2026 break will likely be one of the longest weekends of the year, perfect for staycations or travel. The final confirmation, like other Islamic holidays, will be based on lunar calendar observations.
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4 UAE Holiday Calendar 2026 for Fixed Gregorian Dates
Apart from Islamic holidays, the UAE observes a few fixed Gregorian calendar holidays that are confirmed ahead of time. These include New Year’s Day and UAE National Day, which remain consistent each year.
These are set public holidays that don’t change regardless of the Hijri calendar or moon sighting.
Fixed-Date UAE Holidays in 2026:
Thursday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, December 1 – UAE National Day (Day 1)
Wednesday, December 2 – UAE National Day (Day 2)
These holidays mark important milestones in the UAE’s civil and political history. National Day celebrations often include fireworks, parades, and concerts, while New Year’s Day offers a quiet start to the calendar year.
Since these dates fall mid-week in 2026, they are expected to break up the workweek, though no extended weekends are forecast from these holidays unless officially adjusted.
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5 Will UAE Holidays 2026 Be Moved If They Fall on a Weekend
The UAE public holiday law introduced in 2025 includes specific rules on how public holidays are handled when they fall on weekends. While Islamic holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are tied to the Hijri calendar and move each year, fixed Gregorian holidays like New Year’s Day or National Day can potentially align with weekends, prompting questions about leave adjustments.
UAE Holiday Movement Policy
According to the current law, if a public holiday falls on a weekend, the Cabinet may decide to move the holiday to the start or end of the workweek. However, this does not apply to Eid holidays, which are celebrated based on confirmed moon sighting dates, regardless of weekends.
That means only fixed holidays are eligible to be shifted by a government decree. In 2026, most major holidays—including Eid—are not expected to fall directly on weekends, meaning very few date shifts will likely occur.
Holidays That Could Be Shifted in Future Years
Even though 2026 looks clear, it’s important for residents and businesses to understand how holiday shifting works. This law mainly affects years when National Day or New Year’s Day land on Saturdays or Sundays.
Residents should always wait for the official government circular closer to each holiday for confirmed decisions about date changes.
6 How Many Long Weekends Are Predicted in UAE in 2026
For many people living in the UAE, long weekends are the most anticipated part of the public holiday calendar. Whether you're planning a staycation, a family getaway, or just extra rest, these extended breaks are worth preparing for well in advance.
Three-Day and Six-Day Breaks in 2026
The year 2026 is shaping up to be generous when it comes to long weekends. Based on current moon forecasts and fixed-date holidays, there are two major long weekends predicted:
A three-day break for Eid Al Fitr from March 20 to 22
A six-day extended weekend for Eid Al Adha from May 26 to 31
This six-day stretch is the standout highlight of the year, offering almost a full week off when regular weekends are combined with public holidays.
UAE Long Weekend Predictions 2026
While not technically "long weekends," other holidays like Islamic New Year (June 16), Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (August 25), and UAE National Day (December 1–2) fall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, potentially encouraging people to take one or two extra days of annual leave to extend them into longer breaks.
In total, 2026 offers:
2 long weekends
5 holidays that break up the workweek
1 confirmed day off at the beginning of the year (New Year’s Day)
This combination gives a nice spread of public holidays through the year for better personal planning.
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7 UAE Public Holiday Leave and Travel Plans
The UAE public holiday law plays a major role in how both individuals and businesses prepare for leave schedules, travel bookings, and national operations. Since the official dates of many holidays rely on moon sightings, it’s important to understand how this uncertainty impacts annual leave planning and business logistics.
Travel Planning with Predicted Dates
Many UAE residents use long holidays to travel regionally or internationally. The challenge with Islamic holidays is that their final confirmation often happens 24–48 hours before the break begins. For this reason, the predicted dates for UAE holidays 2026 are especially useful in pre-booking flights, hotels, or staycations.
While exact confirmation is pending, these predictions give a reliable window to plan. Airlines and hotels also respond to the predicted calendar with early bird deals, which means planning now can result in savings.
Annual Leave Planning and HR Policies
Companies often release annual leave calendars based on the predicted UAE holiday calendar, allowing employees to apply for strategic days around official breaks. It’s common for employees to:
Combine 1 or 2 leave days with mid-week holidays
Take the full Eid week off with minimal leave days
Use the start of the year or National Day holidays for mini-vacations
Employers also factor in these public holidays when managing work hours, staffing, and deliverables.
UAE Holiday Planning Tips for 2026
Use Eid Al Adha’s six-day break for major travel
Combine Tuesday holidays with one extra day off for 4-day breaks
Book early to avoid high costs during peak dates
Watch for official announcements around moon sighting for Eid holidays
The law allows no carry-forward of holidays that fall on the same day as another public holiday or weekend, so it’s important to plan leave with these rules in mind.
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Planning Holidays in UAE (2026)
UAE public holidays in 2026 offer residents and workers an excellent balance of rest, celebration, and extended breaks. While some dates—like New Year’s Day and National Day—are fixed, others, including Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, follow the lunar calendar and require moon sighting confirmation. Still, the predicted dates help with early planning.
With up to 12 official public holidays, including a six-day break in May and a three-day Eid Al Fitr weekend, 2026 will be a rewarding year for those who plan ahead. Be sure to keep track of official announcements and prepare your annual leave accordingly. Whether you're traveling, relaxing, or attending cultural events, these holidays give everyone in the UAE a chance to reset and reconnect.
FAQs on UAE Public Holidays 2026
How many public holidays will the UAE have in 2026?
The UAE is expected to have at least 12 public holidays in 2026, covering a mix of Islamic and Gregorian calendar events. These include major holidays like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, New Year’s Day, and National Day. Some holidays span multiple days, providing longer breaks throughout the year.
What are the confirmed fixed-date holidays in the UAE for 2026?
The fixed Gregorian calendar holidays are:
List of confirmed holidays:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
December 1 – UAE National Day (Day 1)
December 2 – UAE National Day (Day 2)
These are national events and are always observed on the same date each year. Unlike Islamic holidays, they do not depend on moon sightings.
Will Eid Al Fitr 2026 be a long weekend?
Yes. Eid Al Fitr 2026 is predicted to fall on Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, making it a full three-day long weekend. These dates are based on astronomical calculations and are subject to final confirmation by the Moon Sighting Committee just before the start of Shawwal.
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When is Eid Al Adha expected in 2026?
Eid Al Adha is expected from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29 in 2026. Combined with Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, and the weekend following, the break could stretch from Tuesday through Sunday, giving residents a six-day holiday. This is one of the longest breaks of the year.
Are all UAE public holidays the same for public and private sectors?
Yes. As per UAE Cabinet decisions in recent years, public and private sector holidays are now unified. This means everyone receives the same days off across all Emirates and industries, whether you're a government employee or working in the private sector.
Will UAE move holidays that fall on weekends?
Fixed holidays like National Day or New Year’s Day may be shifted if they fall on weekends, but this is subject to a UAE Cabinet decision. Islamic holidays like Eid are based on moon sightings and are not shifted even if they fall on a Friday or Saturday.
How is the date of Eid decided?
The Eid date is determined by sighting the crescent moon, which marks the start of the new Islamic month. Astronomers can predict when the moon should appear, but official confirmation comes from the UAE Moon Sighting Committee the night before Eid begins.
What holidays fall in the first half of 2026?
In the first half of 2026, UAE residents can expect:
First Half Holidays
These holidays offer both short breaks and extended weekends.
What are the midweek holidays in 2026?
Some public holidays will break up the workweek in 2026. These include:
List of midweek holidays:
Arafat Day – Tuesday, May 26
Islamic New Year – Tuesday, June 16
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – Tuesday, August 25
National Day – Tuesday and Wednesday, December 1–2
These dates provide good opportunities to take one day off for longer breaks.
Will National Day fall on a weekend in 2026?
No. UAE National Day in 2026 falls on Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 2. That means there will be two days off in the middle of the week, with no weekend overlap, giving residents a proper midweek celebration.
Are schools closed on UAE public holidays?
Yes. All schools in the UAE, both public and private, close on official public holidays. The closure applies to students and staff and follows the national calendar approved by the Ministry of Education.
Can private companies give more holidays than the official list?
Yes. Companies are allowed to give additional leave at their own discretion. However, they must provide the official holidays set by the government as a minimum. Many businesses offer extra days around Eid or New Year’s for team wellbeing.
Are UAE public holiday dates the same every year?
No. Islamic holiday dates change every year because they follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which is about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This means Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha shift earlier each year by a few days.
Is it safe to plan travel around predicted holidays?
Yes. While Eid dates need final moon sighting confirmation, predicted dates are usually accurate within one day. Most residents plan vacations based on these estimates. Travel agencies and airlines also base their deals on forecasted public holiday windows.
What are the best times for travel in 2026?
The two best travel opportunities are:
Best Travel Windows 2026
Booking early during these times helps avoid price hikes and sold-out tickets.
Will public transport run during UAE public holidays?
Yes. Public transport remains operational on holidays, though schedules may be adjusted. The RTA in Dubai and transport departments in other Emirates release special schedules closer to each holiday.
Can I go to government offices during holidays?
No. Most government offices are closed on public holidays, including immigration, municipality, and licensing departments. Online services may still be available, but in-person transactions resume the next working day.
Do supermarkets and malls close on public holidays?
No. Malls, restaurants, and supermarkets usually remain open throughout public holidays, often with extended hours. This is especially true during Eid when shopping activity spikes.
Are banks closed on UAE public holidays?
Yes. Banks close on official public holidays. However, ATMs and mobile banking services continue to function. Many banks resume operations the next working day after the holiday.
Are public holidays paid in the UAE?
Yes. All public holidays are fully paid days off for employees in both the private and public sectors, as mandated by UAE labor laws.
What if two public holidays fall on the same day?
In that case, only one holiday is observed, and the other is not carried forward. The UAE public holiday law does not allow for overlapping holidays to be rescheduled or added to another week.
When is the Islamic New Year in 2026?
The Islamic New Year is predicted to fall on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, marking the start of Muharram. It’s typically a one-day holiday and is confirmed by the Moon Sighting Committee.
Will 2026 have more holidays than 2025?
The number of official public holidays remains at 12, the same as in 2025. However, the placement of dates in 2026 results in longer breaks and better spread throughout the year.
Do public holidays apply to all Emirates?
Yes. UAE public holidays apply nationwide, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates. Any exceptions or local additions would be announced by the respective Emirate.
When are school holidays in 2026?
School holidays are separate from public holidays and are based on the academic calendar issued by the Ministry of Education. However, public holidays apply to both students and teachers in all school systems.
Will there be any surprise holidays in 2026?
The UAE Cabinet can declare additional holidays at its discretion. These are rare but can occur around major events or exceptional occasions. They are announced officially through WAM or government channels.
When should I expect the official 2026 holiday list?
The UAE government usually confirms the official public holiday list for the coming year around late Q4 of the previous year or early January. This list is released via official channels and applies to all sectors.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. The details mentioned are based on the best available information at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice by the respective authorities. Readers are encouraged to consult the relevant offices directly for the most accurate and updated information.