Introduction
If you are planning your year in the United Arab Emirates, knowing the UAE public holidays for 2026 can help you organise vacations, family time, long weekends, and travel plans efficiently. In 2026, residents can expect a mix of fixed Gregorian holidays, Islamic observances based on moon sighting, and National Day celebrations. This up-to-date guide covers all major UAE public holidays, including retail and travel opportunities connected to extended breaks. Some dates are officially fixed, while others await confirmation based on astronomical moon sightings.
1. 🎆 New Year’s Day — Thursday, January 1, 2026
The first of the UAE public holidays in 2026 begins with New Year’s Day on January 1. This holiday marks the start of the Gregorian year and provides residents with an exciting opportunity to relax or travel right after the festive season. Because the UAE Cabinet’s public holiday law allows some holidays to be shifted for a long weekend, New Year’s could offer an extended break depending on the week it falls.
Key travel tip: Many people plan short international trips or desert camping getaways around this holiday. Start booking early for flights or resorts, as this period is popular.
2. 🌙 Eid Al Fitr — Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2026
One of the most joyful UAE public holidays is Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan — the Islamic month of fasting. In 2026, Eid Al Fitr is expected from March 20 to March 22, giving a three-day break for residents and families.
Because Eid holidays depend on the Hijri moon sighting, the exact dates may be confirmed only a few days before the break. However, this period is reliably a public holiday every year in the UAE.
Family advice: Eid Al Fitr weekend is perfect for local staycations, cultural tours, and festive gatherings. Booking hotels early ensures better prices and availability.
3. 🐑 Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha — Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29, 2026
Another major window of UAE public holidays is around Eid Al Adha. Often called the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid Al Adha typically begins with Arafat Day (the day before the festival), followed by three days of celebration. In 2026, this array of holidays is expected to run from May 26 to May 29.
What makes this holiday special is how it combines with the regular weekend in the UAE, giving many residents the potential for a multi-day break — possibly up to six consecutive days off when including the weekend before or after the Eid period.
Tips for travel: This period is ideal for international travel, visiting cooler destinations, or booking cultural tours in Europe and Asia. Because it is one of the longest breaks within the UAE public holidays, early arrangement is key.
4. 🌙 Islamic New Year — Tuesday, June 16, 2026
The Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram 1, is one of the UAE public holidays tied to the Hijri calendar. In 2026, the observance is likely to fall on Tuesday, June 16, though the UAE public holiday law allows the weekend or adjacent weekdays to be used for creating a long weekend, especially if it falls mid-week.
This holiday celebrates the beginning of the new Islamic year, and while it is a one-day break, creative use of annual leave around this date can generate longer time off.
Planner tip: Use this short holiday to take a quieter break during the typically hot summer months.
5. 📿 Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday — Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Another religious holiday on the UAE public holidays calendar, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday — also called Mawlid Al-Nabi — is expected on Tuesday, August 25, offering a mid-week break. Under the holiday transfer rules, this date could be shifted to the start or end of the week to maximise weekend planning. UAE Advise
This observance provides communities and families an opportunity for reflection and local cultural events across the Emirates.
Local advice: Public and private schools often align breaks around such holidays, making August a good time for short family road trips or indoor activities due to higher temperatures.
6. 🎇 UAE National Day — Wednesday & Thursday, December 2–3, 2026
One of the most anticipated UAE public holidays is National Day, commemorating the formation of the UAE federation in 1971. In 2026, the celebrations span two days on December 2 and December 3.
Because of laws supporting transferable holidays, authorities sometimes announce shifts to create longer weekends. This gives residents excellent opportunities for festive celebrations, fireworks, cultural events, and travel within the UAE at a time when climate conditions are cooler.
Holiday highlight: December in the UAE is a festive season with markets, concerts, and community events that enrich these UAE public holidays.
7. 🧭 Planning Private Sector Time Off Around Public Holidays
The UAE public holidays calendar provides a framework, but savvy planners can extend breaks by adding annual leave strategically. For example:
- New Year + weekend: Take Friday off after January 1 for a long start to the year.
- Islamic New Year and Prophet’s Birthday: Combine with adjacent weekends.
- National Day: Add year-end annual leave days for an extended break.
Travel tip: Popular holiday periods — particularly Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day — see higher airline prices and hotel demand. It’s wise to book well in advance once the UAE public holidays are officially confirmed.
8. 📅 Understanding Moon-Sighting Dependent Dates
Because many UAE public holidays in 2026 derive from the Islamic calendar, official dates for Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday will be confirmed based on moon sightings close to each event.
Government announcements prior to each holiday provide clarity, usually within a few days of the anticipated date.
Important note: Until the UAE government confirms the final moon sighting, dates remain forecasted and subject to change.
Conclusion
The UAE public holidays in 2026 offer a healthy spread of opportunities for residents and travellers alike — from religious festivals and cultural celebrations to long weekends and family vacations. Starting with New Year’s Day and progressing through Eid celebrations, Islamic festivals, and culminating in National Day festivities, this year’s calendar invites thoughtful planning. Whether you aim to explore local hidden gems or take international trips, understanding the UAE public holidays schedule helps you maximise your time off. Remember that certain dates depend on moon sightings, so official confirmation closer to each holiday remains essential.
Enjoy your planning and make 2026 a year of memorable breaks and joyful experiences!
Also Read: Power Packed Guide to the Biggest Sports Events in the UAE in 2026
Image Credits: The featured image has been taken from Platinumlist