UAE Public Holidays 2026 – Full List, Dates & Long Weekends Announced
Planning your vacations, family trips, or getaways for next year? The UAE Public Holidays 2026 list has been revealed, giving residents and expatriates a chance to plan early for a year full of long weekends and cultural celebrations. The United Arab Emirates observes both Gregorian-based and Hijri (Islamic lunar) holidays, bringing together a diverse mix of national and religious occasions.
According to predictions based on the official UAE Cabinet resolution and astronomical data, 2026 will include 12 official public holidays for both the public and private sectors. While Islamic holidays may shift slightly depending on moon sightings, most dates can already be anticipated with reasonable accuracy.
Complete List of UAE Public Holidays 2026
Below is the predicted schedule of UAE public holidays in 2026, including both fixed and variable dates. Final confirmations will be issued by the government closer to each occasion.
| Holiday Name | Expected Date(s) | Day(s) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | Fixed Gregorian date |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 20–22, 2026 | Friday–Sunday | Marks end of Ramadan |
| Arafat Day | May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | Precedes Eid Al Adha |
| Eid Al Adha | May 27–29, 2026 | Wednesday–Friday | Festival of Sacrifice |
| Islamic New Year (Hijri 1448) | June 17, 2026 | Wednesday | Also known as Muharram 1 |
| Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday | August 28, 2026 | Friday | Rabi Al Awwal 12 |
| UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) | December 2–3, 2026 | Wednesday–Thursday | Marks UAE Federation |
Note: Dates may vary depending on official moon sightings announced by the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee.
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Long Weekends & Vacation Opportunities in 2026
The UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar offers several opportunities for long weekends — perfect for family vacations or quick regional getaways. Here’s a breakdown of where to expect extended breaks.
1. New Year’s Day – January 1 (Thursday)
Start 2026 with a refreshing long weekend by taking Friday, January 2, off. Residents can enjoy a four-day weekend if employers include Friday and Saturday in the off-days, marking an excellent chance for a short winter holiday.
2. Eid Al Fitr – March 20 to 22
Eid Al Fitr, celebrating the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall from Friday to Sunday, giving everyone a three-day long weekend. It’s one of the most anticipated public holidays in the UAE, with malls, beaches, and entertainment venues offering festive events and discounts.
3. Eid Al Adha – May 26 to 31
This is the longest holiday period of 2026, stretching from Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day) through Sunday, May 31. If official announcements align, residents could enjoy up to six consecutive days off — ideal for traveling abroad or exploring domestic destinations like Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites.
4. Islamic New Year – June 17
Falling mid-week on Wednesday, June 17, this holiday offers a one-day break. Many employees may opt to combine annual leave to enjoy a mid-June extended weekend.
5. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – August 28
A Friday holiday means another long weekend for residents. As summer temperatures begin to drop, it’s a good time to plan family picnics, short staycations, or outdoor excursions.
6. UAE National Day – December 2 & 3
Every year, December 2 marks the founding of the UAE, while December 3 is a secondary day of celebration. With these two holidays falling on Wednesday and Thursday, residents can look forward to a four-day weekend, combining the Friday–Saturday weekend that follows.
How UAE Public Holidays Are Determined
UAE holidays are divided into two categories:
- Fixed Gregorian-calendar holidays such as New Year’s Day and UAE National Day.
- Islamic lunar holidays including Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and Mawlid Al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday), which vary annually based on moon sightings.
The UAE Cabinet, through Resolution No. 27 of 2024, also allows limited adjustments to shift some holidays (excluding Eids) to create long weekends for residents. However, holidays that coincide with weekends are not generally carried forward.
Each year, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issue the final holiday list for both the public and private sectors.
UAE School Holidays 2026
Education authorities including the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have also released their tentative academic calendars. These holidays align partly with national holidays, helping parents plan family activities.
MOE-Curriculum Schools (All Emirates)
| Break | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Break | Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | 3 weeks |
| Spring Break & Eid Al Fitr | Mar 16 – 29, 2026 | 2 weeks |
| Mid-Term Break & Eid Al Adha | May 25 – 29, 2026 | 1 week |
| Hijri New Year | Jun 17, 2026 | 1 day |
| Summer Break (Staff) | Starts Jul 18, 2026 | Long vacation |
Dubai Private Schools (KHDA)
For schools starting in April (Academic Year 2025–2026):
- Winter Break: Dec 15 – Jan 5
- Spring Break: Mar 16 – 30
- End of Academic Year: Mar 30, 2026
For schools starting in September (Academic Year 2025–2026):
- Winter Break: Dec 15 – Jan 5
- Spring Break: Mar 16 – 30
- End of Academic Year: Jul 3, 2026
These schedules may vary slightly based on school management decisions and local announcements.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Understanding the UAE Public Holidays 2026 list can help residents optimize time off, save travel costs, and enjoy stress-free vacations. Airlines, hotels, and travel platforms often raise prices around Eid and National Day periods, so early bookings are highly recommended.
Moreover, planning around school breaks allows parents to maximize family time without disrupting academic schedules. For businesses, foreseeing national holidays helps in project scheduling, human-resource planning, and maintaining productivity during long weekends.
Travel Ideas for UAE Long Weekends 2026
Here are a few ideas to make the most of your extended holidays:
- Local adventures: Visit Hatta, Jebel Jais, or Liwa Oasis for road trips and desert adventures.
- Cultural tours: Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Museums, and Al Ain Oasis — UNESCO Heritage Sites.
- Beach escapes: Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Saadiyat Island offer serene resorts and scuba-diving options.
- Quick international getaways: Popular short-haul destinations include Oman, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UAE Holidays in 2026:
1. How many public holidays are there in the UAE in 2026?
Residents can expect around 12 official holidays, covering Islamic and national occasions.
2. Are UAE public holidays the same for private and government sectors?
Yes, since 2019, the UAE Cabinet unified the public and private sector holiday lists to ensure equality across all sectors.
3. Will holiday dates for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha 2026 change?
They might shift by one day depending on moon-sighting confirmations made by UAE authorities.
4. Which is the longest UAE holiday in 2026?
The Eid Al Adha break is expected to be the longest — up to six days from May 26 to 31.
5. Do weekends count as holidays in the UAE?
The UAE’s official weekend is Saturday and Sunday (since 2022), so holidays falling on these days are not typically moved to weekdays.
6. Can private companies offer extra leave days during holidays?
Yes, many organizations extend paid leave to create longer breaks, especially during Eid and National Day.
7. When is the UAE National Day in 2026?
It will be celebrated on December 2–3 (Wednesday and Thursday), marking the country’s 55th anniversary.
8. When does the school summer break begin in 2026?
For most schools, summer vacation starts mid-July 2026 and runs for about six to eight weeks.
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Conclusion – UAE Public Holidays 2026
The UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar offers an excellent balance between work and rest, featuring multiple long weekends and festive celebrations throughout the year. From Eid Al Fitr in March to National Day in December, residents can enjoy moments of cultural unity, travel, and family bonding.
Staying informed about the final government announcements ensures that travel and business plans align perfectly. Whether you live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of celebration, relaxation, and new opportunities for everyone in the UAE.
