Wondering when the next holiday in UAE is? The next public holiday in UAE will be UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad), observed on Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December 2026. As the final official public holiday of 2026, many residents will be looking ahead to see whether the two-day break could turn into a longer weekend.
- When is the next public holiday in the UAE?
- UAE National Day 2026: official dates
- UAE National Day 2026: What to Know About the Holiday Dates
- How to turn National Day into a longer break
- How to Spend the UAE National Day Holiday
- Key takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next public holiday in the UAE?
The next public holiday in the UAE is UAE National Day, officially falling on 2 and 3 December 2026, a Wednesday and Thursday. This is the final entry on the UAE’s 2026 public holidays calendar and closes out a year that included seven official holiday occasions.
UAE National Day 2026: official dates
According to the UAE Government’s official public holidays list, National Day is set every year on 2 and 3 December, marking the anniversary of the country’s unification in 1971. Unlike Islamic holidays, National Day follows the Gregorian calendar, so the dates are fixed well in advance rather than depending on moon sighting.
In 2026, that places the holiday squarely in the middle of the working week:
| Day | Date |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 2 December 2026 |
| Thursday | 3 December 2026 |
This year’s celebrations mark the UAE’s 55th National Day, held under the theme “Spirit of the Union.”
UAE National Day 2026: What to Know About the Holiday Dates
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the UAE Cabinet may, by resolution, transfer certain public holidays, excluding Eid holidays, to the beginning or end of the week. This provision was applied to the National Day holiday in 2025.
For 2026, the UAE Government’s official public holiday information lists 2 and 3 December as the National Day public holidays. In 2026, these dates fall on Wednesday and Thursday. No change to these dates has been officially announced.
Any change to the National Day 2026 holiday dates would depend on an official government decision. Until such an announcement is made, residents should refer to 2 and 3 December 2026 as the currently published National Day public holidays and check official UAE government channels for any updates. This article will be updated if an official change is announced.
How to turn National Day into a longer break
Based on the currently published National Day holiday dates of Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December 2026, employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off could consider taking Friday, 4 December as annual leave. Subject to employer approval, this would create four consecutive days away from work, from Wednesday to Sunday.
Those looking for a longer break could also consider taking annual leave on Monday, 30 November and Tuesday, 1 December, potentially connecting the preceding weekend with the National Day holiday. Annual leave remains subject to individual employer policies and approval.
These plans are based on the currently published 2026 National Day holiday dates and may need to be adjusted if the UAE Government announces any changes.
How to Spend the UAE National Day Holiday
National Day is one of the most celebrated dates on the UAE calendar, with events, fireworks, and family activities held across all seven emirates.
Fireworks and public celebrations
Fireworks displays are a National Day tradition across the UAE, with individual emirates and municipalities announcing their own locations, timings, and programmes closer to the date. Alongside the fireworks, expect parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events at community centres, malls, and public parks, typically confirmed by local authorities in the lead-up to the day. It’s worth checking official tourism and municipality channels nearer to 2 December for the confirmed schedule in your emirate.
Enjoy the celebrations from home
For residents in apartments with a clear view of a city skyline, waterfront, or event hub, National Day is also a good excuse to celebrate without leaving the building. Communities near typical fireworks and event locations often turn into an informal gathering spot for neighbours once the local schedule is confirmed, balconies included.
Family and cultural activities
Beyond the main event, National Day is a popular weekend for visiting heritage sites, cultural centres, and family attractions across the emirates, many of which run special programming for the occasion. It’s also a common day for families to decorate homes and cars in the UAE flag colours as part of the celebrations.
Make a short trip of it
With the holiday landing mid-week, a short staycation is a popular way to make the most of the break, whether that means a stay in a different emirate or simply booking a local hotel for a change of scenery over the days off.
Go camping during the UAE National Day holiday
The cooler December weather makes the UAE National Day holiday a great time to enjoy camping in the UAE or plan a desert escape with family and friends. From an overnight desert camping trip to an organised desert experience, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors during the break. Before setting off, check the latest weather conditions, local regulations and whether camping is permitted at your chosen location.
Key takeaways
This page is part of our ongoing UAE holidays 2026 coverage, and will be updated as soon as anything changes.
- The next public holiday in the UAE is National Day, officially set for Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026.
- These dates are fixed by the government and do not depend on moon sighting.
- Whether the Cabinet extends the break into a longer weekend has not yet been announced.
- Celebrations include fireworks, parades, and community events across all seven emirates.
For our full UAE public holidays 2026 schedule and other upcoming holidays in UAE, including Eid dates and school breaks, see our complete guide to UAE public holidays in 2026.
FAQs
The next public holiday in the UAE is UAE National Day, falling on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026.
Eid holidays 2026 and the rest of the year’s Islamic calendar occasions have already taken place. The last public holiday before National Day was Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday in late August.
