Introduction

UAE Public Holidays 2026 are important for residents, employees, employers, and visitors planning their schedules throughout the year. The UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar includes New Year’s Day, Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, Commemoration Day, and UAE National Day. Understanding UAE Public Holidays 2026 helps individuals plan vacations, business activities, travel arrangements, and family celebrations more effectively.

Expected UAE Public Holidays in 2026

The UAE government announces official public holiday dates through federal authorities. Islamic holidays are based on moon sightings, so some dates may change by one day.

Holiday	Expected Date	Duration
New Year’s Day	1 January 2026	1 day
Eid Al Fitr	Expected around 20–22 March 2026	3 days
Arafat Day	Expected around 27 May 2026	1 day
Eid Al Adha	Expected around 28–30 May 2026	3 days
Islamic New Year	Expected around 17 June 2026	1 day
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday	Expected around 5 September 2026	1 day
UAE Commemoration Day	1 December 2026	1 day
UAE National Day	2–3 December 2026	2 days

Note: Islamic holiday dates are approximate until officially confirmed.

Understanding the UAE Holiday Calendar

The UAE uses both the Gregorian calendar and the Islamic Hijri calendar for official holidays.

Gregorian-Based Holidays

These holidays occur on fixed dates each year:

• New Year’s Day (1 January)
• Commemoration Day (1 December)
• National Day (2–3 December)

Hijri-Based Holidays

These holidays depend on the lunar Islamic calendar:

• Eid Al Fitr
• Arafat Day
• Eid Al Adha
• Islamic New Year
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

Because the lunar year is shorter than the Gregorian year, Islamic holidays move approximately 10–11 days earlier each year.

Holiday-by-Holiday Guide

New Year’s Day

Expected date: Thursday, 1 January 2026

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated across the UAE with fireworks, concerts, family gatherings, and special events in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Popular activities

1. Watch fireworks at major landmarks.
2. Attend New Year celebrations and concerts.
3. Take short domestic trips during the long weekend.

Eid Al Fitr

Expected date: Around 20–22 March 2026

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is one of the most important Islamic holidays in the UAE.

What happens during Eid Al Fitr?

1. Families gather for prayers and celebrations.
2. Shopping malls offer promotions and events.
3. Many residents travel locally or internationally.
4. Government and private-sector offices close for the holiday period.

Travel tip

Book flights and hotels early because demand increases significantly during Eid.

Arafat Day

Expected date: Around 27 May 2026

Arafat Day is observed during the Hajj pilgrimage period. It is a public holiday across the UAE and precedes Eid Al Adha.

Significance

For Muslims, it is considered one of the most spiritually significant days of the year.

Eid Al Adha

Expected date: Around 28–30 May 2026

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is another major Islamic holiday in the UAE.

Common activities

1. Family visits and gatherings.
2. Charitable donations.
3. Community celebrations.
4. Travel and leisure activities.

Business impact

Many businesses, government offices, and schools close during the holiday period.

Islamic New Year

Expected date: Around 17 June 2026

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar. It is generally a quieter holiday focused on reflection rather than large public celebrations.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

Expected date: Around 5 September 2026

This holiday commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Religious programs and community events are commonly organized.

Commemoration Day

Expected date: Tuesday, 1 December 2026

Commemoration Day honors Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.

UAE National Day

Expected date: Wednesday–Thursday, 2–3 December 2026

National Day celebrates the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

Celebrations include

1. Fireworks displays.
2. Parades and cultural performances.
3. Decorated streets and landmarks.
4. Special events across all emirates.

This is often one of the busiest and most festive periods of the year.

Employee Rights During UAE Public Holidays

Under UAE labor regulations, public holidays apply to both public-sector and private-sector employees unless specific exceptions are announced.

Key Points

1. Employees are generally entitled to paid public holidays.
2. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, compensation rules may apply according to labor laws and company policy.
3. Overtime or compensatory leave may be provided depending on the employment contract and applicable regulations.

Employees should check their contracts and official labor guidance for detailed rights and obligations.

Planning Travel Around UAE Public Holidays

Public holidays often create peak travel periods in the UAE.

Best times to book

• Eid holidays: Book flights and hotels several weeks in advance.
• National Day: Demand increases for domestic tourism and staycations.
• New Year’s Day: Prices for Dubai and Abu Dhabi accommodations can rise significantly.

Popular destinations during holidays

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah
• Oman (for cross-border travelers)
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Impact on Schools and Businesses

Schools

Most schools close during public holidays, although academic calendars may vary by institution.

Businesses

Retail malls, restaurants, and tourism attractions usually remain open and may extend operating hours during major holidays. Government services may have reduced schedules.

Tips for Residents and Visitors

Monitor official announcements

Islamic holiday dates can change based on moon sightings.

Book travel early

Flights and hotels can become expensive during Eid and National Day periods.

Expect heavier traffic

Popular destinations and shopping areas can become crowded.

Plan business activities

Government offices and some companies may close during extended holiday periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are public holidays the same for public and private sectors?

In most cases, yes. The UAE government generally aligns public holiday dates for both sectors.

Can holiday dates change?

Yes. Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings and may shift by one day.

Do businesses close completely during holidays?

Many government offices close, but retail, hospitality, and tourism businesses often remain open.

What is the longest public holiday in the UAE?

Eid holidays often create the longest official holiday periods, especially when combined with weekends.

Conclusion

The UAE public holidays in 2026 offer numerous opportunities for rest, celebration, travel, and family time. Major holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day are especially important cultural events across the country.

Because several holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, residents and visitors should watch for official announcements regarding final dates. Planning ahead for travel, business activities, and family events can help you make the most of the UAE’s public holiday calendar in 2026.

https://www.adro.gov.ae