UAE Announces List of All Public Holidays for 2026

Planning your UAE holidays for 2026 just got easier. From New Year’s Day to the Eid celebrations and National Day, next year promises several long weekends and family getaways.

While some dates are fixed, others depend on the Islamic lunar calendar and may shift slightly based on moon sightings. Here’s a breakdown of all the predicted UAE public holidays for 2026, along with school break schedules, so you can plan.

Predicted UAE Public Holidays in 2026

Residents can expect at least 12 public holidays in 2026. While official dates will be confirmed by the UAE government closer to each occasion, the following predictions are based on astronomical data and previous Cabinet resolutions:

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January 1 – New Year’s Day
Shawwal 1–3 – Eid Al Fitr
Dhu Al Hijjah 9 – Arafat Day
Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12 – Eid Al Adha
Muharram 1 – Islamic New Year
Rabi Al Awwal 12 – Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
December 2–3 – Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)

Long Weekends to Look Forward to

Eid Al Fitr 2026

Expected dates: Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22
Marks the end of Ramadan and could mean a three-day weekend for residents.

Eid Al Adha 2026

Expected dates: Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day) to Sunday, May 31
This significant Islamic festival could give a six-day break, including the weekend.

Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)

Dates: December 2–3 (Wednesday and Thursday)
Likely long weekend extending into Friday.

Note: Islamic holiday dates depend on official moon sightings and will be confirmed closer to their occurrence.

How UAE Public Holidays Are Determined

UAE holidays are a mix of fixed Gregorian calendar dates and shifting Islamic (Hijri) dates:

Fixed dates: New Year’s Day, UAE National Day
Lunar-based dates: Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 allows shifting some holidays (except Eids) to create long weekends. However, holidays overlapping weekends are not carried forward. Individual emirates may also announce extra local holidays for special events.