Public Holidays in UAE 2026: the UAE's vibrant calendar explained
- Almosafer
- Dec 24, 2025
- 3 min read
UAE is a vibrant and diverse nation that offers a wealth of experiences for both residents and visitors. With its stunning landscapes, modern cities, rich cultural heritage, and exciting events, there's always something to discover in the Emirates.
With a plethora of planned public holidays in the UAE for 2026, let's dive into all the national holidays in the UAE and see what 2026 has to offer for all UAE residents.
UAE Public Holidays Calendar 2026
Below is the expected calendar for public holidays in 2026, applicable to both the public and private sectors:
Public Holiday | Date (Estimated) | Day |
New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday |
Eid Al Fitr | 20 - 23 March 2026 | Friday - Monday |
Arafat Day | 26 May 2026 | Tuesday |
Eid Al Adha | 27 - 29 May 2026 | Wednesday - Friday |
Islamic New Year | 16 June 2026 | Tuesday |
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) | 25 August 2026 | Tuesday |
UAE National Day (Union Day) | 2 - 3 December 2026 | Wednesday & Thursday |
Public Holidays in UAE 2026
Here is your go-to sheet for all the Emirates public holidays in 2026. This is the approved 2026 official holidays calendar for both public sector holidays and private sector holidays in the UAE.
New Year's Day 2026
The UAE celebrates New Year’s Day on 1st January, which falls on a Thursday in 2026. This creates a perfect long weekend (Thursday to Sunday) for families to gather and enjoy the world-class fireworks displays in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Many people choose to experience the magic of New Year's Eve 2026 in Dubai.
This is because Dubai is the primary host of numerous significant events in the United Arab Emirates.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Astronomically, it is expected to begin on Friday, 20th March 2026. During this time, the streets are beautifully decorated with traditional lanterns, and the country comes alive with major shopping festivals and entertainment events.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha 2026
Eid Al Adha is one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
Arafat Day: Expected on Tuesday, 26th May 2026.
Eid Al Adha: The holiday begins on Wednesday, 27th May, and typically lasts until the end of the week. Schools and most businesses will be closed, so ensure you complete any urgent tasks before this extended break.
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Prophet Mohammed's birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi)
Prophet Mohammed's birthday, also known as Mawlid Al-Nabi, is a significant religious holiday observed with deep reverence by Muslims.
UAE National Day 2026
The UAE National Day holiday is celebrated annually. It is celebrated to remember the history of the UAE and the heritage of this great country.
To learn more, read “UAE National Day 2026: The History Behind the Magic”
From the joyous celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to the solemn remembrance of the UAE National Day, each public holiday tells a unique story of the United Arab Emirates’s rich heritage
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FAQs about UAE Holidays in 2026
Q: How many public holidays are there in the UAE in 2026?
A: There are approximately 13 to 14 days of public holidays, covering both national and religious occasions. (Note: Islamic holiday dates are subject to moon sightings.)
Q: When are the long weekends in 2026?
New Year: 3 days (Thursday - Saturday).
Eid Al Fitr: Expected to be a 4 or 5-day break.
Eid Al Adha: A long break starting from Tuesday through to Friday.
National Day: A 4-day weekend (Wednesday - Saturday).
Q: Are public holiday dates different for the private sector? No. Since 2019, the UAE government has unified public holiday dates for both the public and private sectors to ensure a better work-life balance for everyone.
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