UAE Public Holidays 2026: Dates, Long Weekends & More

The UAE is set for a busy and generous holiday calendar in 2026, with 12 public holidays scheduled throughout the year. With the new transferable holiday system introduced in 2025, residents could enjoy even more long weekends as certain mid-week holidays may be moved to create extended breaks. From Eid celebrations to National Day, 2026 is filled with opportunities for staycations, travel, and family time.

• Understanding UAE Public Holidays 2026
• Complete List of UAE Public Holidays 2026
• Holiday-by-Holiday Breakdown
• Long Weekends & Extended Breaks
• School Holidays in 2026
• Planning Tips for 2026
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs

Understanding UAE Public Holidays 2026

The UAE’s 2026 public holiday calendar includes a mix of national celebrations, religious observances, and Islamic holidays based on moon sighting. Residents can look forward to seven key holiday periods, including two confirmed long weekends and an expected six-day break during Eid Al Adha. Understanding these dates makes it easier to plan trips, coordinate school schedules, and manage business operations.

Complete List of UAE Public Holidays 2026

Below are the confirmed and expected public holidays for 2026, including whether they are transferable based on UAE Cabinet decisions.

Note:
Israa & Miaraj Night is not an official public holiday and was removed from the UAE’s holiday list as of 2019.

Holiday-by-Holiday Breakdown

Each major holiday brings its own rhythm to the year, from single-day observances to multi-day celebrations that create long weekends.

January – New Year’s Day

January begins with New Year’s Day on Thursday, 1 January 2026. As a transferable holiday, it may be moved to Friday, creating a three-day weekend to start the year.

March – Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Fitr is expected to take place from March 20 to 22, giving residents a three-day weekend. The dates remain tentative until the official moon sighting, but they generally align with travel and school spring break plans.

May – Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha (Longest Break of the Year)

Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha fall from 26–29 May. These four days, combined with the weekend of 30–31 May, create a six-day break, the longest holiday period of the year, during which you can enjoy a wide range of fun activities. Dates depend on lunar observation and are not transferable.

June – Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. As a transferable holiday, it may be moved to Monday, 15 June, creating a long weekend depending on Cabinet decisions.

August – Prophet’s Birthday

Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is expected on Tuesday, 25 August. As a transferable holiday, it may be shifted to Monday, 24 August, which would give residents a three-day weekend.

November – Commemoration Day

Commemoration Day is officially observed on December 1 as the public holiday, even though November 30 remains the national day of remembrance. In 2026, the day off will fall on Tuesday, 1 December, offering a mid-week break that often aligns with National Day holidays.

December – UAE National Day

UAE National Day will be celebrated on 2–3 December (Wednesday and Thursday). These two fixed holidays could potentially be transferred to enhance the long weekend, especially given the proximity to Commemoration Day.

Long Weekends & Extended Breaks

Long weekends are one of the highlights of 2026, especially with several holidays falling near weekends or eligible for transfer.

Confirmed extended weekends

Residents can expect at least two naturally extended weekends: the Eid Al Adha six-day break and the three-day Eid Al Fitr weekend. Other weekends may extend further depending on Cabinet decisions.

Transferable Holiday Opportunities

The UAE’s transferable holiday system allows mid-week holidays to shift to the start or end of the week. In 2026, New Year’s Day, Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday, and National Day are eligible. These adjustments can turn mid-week breaks into longer weekends, depending on official announcements.

School Holidays in 2026

School breaks align with several public holidays, giving families additional time together. Spring break overlaps with Eid Al Fitr, while the May mid-term break coincides with Eid Al Adha.

Planning Tips for 2026

Planning ahead helps residents make the most of the year’s holiday schedule, especially when several breaks align with school terms and weekends.

Best times to take leave

The Eid Al Adha week (26 May – 1 June) is ideal for extended trips. Spring break from 16–29 March offers another great travel window. December’s National Day break can also be extended strategically.

Considerations for businesses

Many businesses operate on a Saturday–Sunday weekend, so mid-week holidays can disrupt planning if not anticipated early. The long Eid Al Adha break may require staffing adjustments.

Important reminders

Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings and may shift by a day. Transferable holidays require Cabinet approval. Operating hours for malls and attractions may vary during holidays.

Key Takeaways

The UAE will celebrate 12 public holidays in 2026, giving residents several long weekends and a major six-day break during Eid Al Adha. The transferable holiday system adds more flexibility, with New Year’s Day, Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday, and National Day eligible to shift to the start or end of the week. School breaks also align with the major Islamic holidays, offering families multiple opportunities for extended time off throughout the year.

FAQs

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