Back at your desk and already dreaming of your next break? You’re not alone. For many residents across the United Arab Emirates, public holidays are more than just days off—they are opportunities to travel, recharge, and spend quality time with family. With a little forward planning, UAE public holidays in 2026 can turn into extended breaks that feel like mini-vacations.
From major Islamic celebrations to fixed national holidays, here is a complete guide to all UAE public holidays in 2026, along with practical tips on how to maximise your annual leave and make every day off count.
Predicted UAE Public Holidays in 2026
Residents can expect at least 12 official public holidays during the year. While final confirmation comes closer to each holiday—especially for lunar-based Islamic dates—the following calendar offers a reliable planning framework.
Public holidays are divided into two categories: fixed Gregorian holidays that fall on the same date every year, and Islamic holidays that follow the Hijri calendar and depend on moon sightings.
Complete List of UAE Public Holidays in 2026
New Year’s Day
January 1
Eid Al Fitr
March 20 to March 22
Arafat Day
May 26
Eid Al Adha
May 27 to May 29
Islamic New Year
June 15
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
August 24
Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)
December 2 to December 3
These holidays apply to both the public and private sectors unless stated otherwise by official announcements.
Long Weekends Worth Planning Around
This is where strategic planning makes a real difference. Several UAE public holidays in 2026 naturally fall close to weekends, giving you the chance to extend your time off with minimal leave usage.
Eid Al Fitr 2026
Expected dates run from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22. Since the holiday starts on a Friday, many employees may enjoy a ready-made three-day weekend. By adding a few days of annual leave before or after, this can easily turn into a longer getaway—ideal for spring travel.
Eid Al Adha 2026
Arafat Day falls on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday to Friday, May 27 to May 29. When combined with the weekend, this creates a break lasting up to six days without taking additional leave. This is one of the longest potential holiday stretches of the year and a favourite for international trips.
Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) 2026
Celebrated on Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 and December 3, this midweek holiday can be transformed into a long weekend by taking Friday off. With cooler weather and festive events nationwide, it’s a perfect time for staycations or short regional travel.
How UAE Public Holidays Are Decided
Understanding how holidays are determined helps avoid confusion and last-minute surprises.
Fixed Gregorian Holidays
These holidays fall on the same date every year. Examples include New Year’s Day and UAE National Day. Their predictability makes them easy to plan around well in advance.
Islamic Lunar Holidays
Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar and the sighting of the crescent moon. Dates may shift by a day depending on official moon observations. Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday fall into this category.
Important Holiday Rules to Know
Not all holidays work the same way, and a few key rules affect how time off is granted.
Some public holidays may be moved to the beginning or end of the week to create longer breaks, except for Eid holidays.
If a public holiday falls on a weekend or overlaps with another holiday, it is not carried forward.
Local authorities may announce additional holidays for special occasions or significant national events.
School Holidays in 2026
For families, school calendars are just as important as public holidays. Aligning leave with school breaks can reduce the need for extra days off.
Winter break runs from December 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
Spring break and Eid Al Fitr holidays run from March 16 to March 29.
Mid-term break and Eid Al Adha holidays fall between May 25 and May 29.
Hijri New Year school holiday is expected on June 17.
Summer break for administrative staff begins from July 18.
How to Maximise Your Leave in 2026
Smart planning can stretch your annual leave further than you might expect.
Book early for peak holiday periods, especially around Eid Al Adha and National Day.
Use midweek holidays to create longer breaks with fewer leave days.
Combine school holidays with public holidays to minimise work absences.
Plan staycations during shorter breaks and save long leave blocks for major holidays.
Even using just one or two days of leave around public holidays can unlock extended rest periods throughout the year.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Flight prices, hotel rates, and leave approvals all become more competitive closer to public holidays. Mapping out your leave calendar early gives you more choice, better prices, and less stress. It also allows you to balance rest, travel, and family commitments without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts
UAE public holidays in 2026 offer excellent opportunities to rest, travel, and reset—especially if you plan ahead. From long Eid breaks to midweek national celebrations, the calendar is full of potential. With smart leave planning, even a few public holidays can feel like major escapes.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – Al Wathba Date Festival Brings Heritage and Flavour to Abu Dhabi
