With the new year approaching, attention is already turning to the UAE’s public holiday calendar for 2026 — particularly the longer breaks linked to Eid celebrations.
In Dubai and across the UAE, the most significant public holidays are tied to Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which are observed by Muslims worldwide. Another key holiday, Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day), is unique to the Emirates.
Under the UAE public holiday law, residents can expect at least 12 official days off during the year, with Eid holidays accounting for the majority. While authorities are permitted to shift some public holidays to create longer weekends, this flexibility does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha.
Both Eid holidays are determined by the Islamic Hijri calendar and depend on moon sightings, meaning final dates are confirmed closer to the time. However, astronomical calculations allow for reliable early predictions.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Known as the “festival of breaking the fast,” it falls on the first day of Shawwal.
Based on current astronomical forecasts, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Friday, March 20, 2026. If confirmed, the holiday would span Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22, creating a three-day long weekend.
Eid Al Adha commemorates the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar.
The holiday begins with Arafat Day on Dhu Al Hijjah 9, followed by Eid Al Adha on Dhu Al Hijjah 10, 11, and 12.
If predictions hold, Arafat Day will fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with Eid Al Adha running from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29. When combined with the weekend, residents could enjoy a six-day break.
Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day, celebrates the formation of the United Arab Emirates and is observed annually on December 2 and December 3 under the Gregorian calendar.
While the UAE public holiday law allows authorities to adjust dates to create longer breaks, this is not guaranteed. In 2026, December 2 and 3 fall on Wednesday and Thursday.
Although it is technically possible for Friday, December 4, to be added to create a long weekend, recent precedent suggests otherwise. When New Year’s Day 2026 fell on a Thursday, the government designated the following Friday as a remote work day rather than a full public holiday.
As a result, it is more likely that December 2 and 3 will remain the only official public holidays, with public sector employees working remotely on Friday, December 4, while the private sector returns to work as normal.
Final confirmation of all public holiday dates will be announced closer to the time.
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