UAE Public Holidays 2026 – Complete List of Official Holidays in the United Arab Emirates
Planning your leave in advance? Here is the complete and updated guide to UAE public holidays 2026, including Islamic holidays, national holidays, and long weekend opportunities across all Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.
This guide helps residents, employees, and businesses prepare their schedules in advance.
Official UAE Public Holidays 2026 (Expected Dates)
Below is the expected list of UAE public holidays for 2026. Islamic holiday dates may vary slightly depending on moon sightings.
| Holiday | Expected Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday |
| Eid Al Fitr* | 20 – 22 March 2026 | Friday – Sunday |
| 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 (PBUH) Birthday* | 25 August 2026 | Tuesday |
| UAE National Day | 2 – 3 December 2026 | Wednesday – Thursday |
Source: EmiratesCalculator.com — For informational purposes only.
Download UAE Public Holidays 2026 PDF
Planning your leave for 2026? You can download the complete UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar in PDF format for easy reference. This printable holiday list includes all official and expected Islamic holidays across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
The downloadable PDF is useful for:
Planning annual leave and long weekends
Sharing with your team or company
Keeping a printed holiday calendar at home or office
Tracking Eid holidays and National Day breaks
Simply click the Download as PDF button above to save the official UAE public holidays 2026 list to your device.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 in UAE
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the longest public holidays in the UAE. In 2026, Eid Al Fitr is expected around March 20–22. Many private and government sector employees may enjoy a long weekend depending on the official announcement.
Eid Al Adha 2026 in UAE
Eid Al Adha is expected to fall around May 27–29, 2026, following Arafat Day. This period usually results in a 3–4 day holiday across the country.
UAE National Day 2026
December 2 marks the annual celebration of the UAE National Day. In 2026, it will likely provide a mid-week break (Wednesday–Thursday), offering a potential long weekend opportunity.
Are UAE Public Holidays Same for All Emirates?
Yes. Public holidays announced by the UAE government apply to all seven Emirates including:
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Ajman
Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah
Umm Al Quwain
However, private sector implementation may vary slightly depending on company policies.
How Many Public Holidays in UAE 2026?
In total, UAE residents can expect approximately:
13–15 official public holiday days in 2026
Additional weekend adjustments depending on Islamic calendar alignment
Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026
Based on expected dates, 2026 may offer:
New Year long weekend
Eid Al Fitr extended break
Eid Al Adha long weekend
National Day mid-week break
Planning annual leave strategically can extend your holiday time.
Public Holidays and Employee Benefits
Public holidays in the UAE apply to both public and private sectors. Employees required to work on a public holiday are generally entitled to:
Compensatory leave
Or additional pay (as per UAE Labour Law)
If you are planning end-of-service calculations, you can also use our UAE Gratuity Calculator to estimate your benefits accurately.
Important Notes
Islamic holidays are based on moon sighting.
Official announcements are made by UAE authorities closer to each date.
Private companies may issue internal confirmations.
FAQ – UAE Public Holidays 2026
Are Islamic holiday dates fixed?
No. Islamic holidays depend on lunar calendar sightings and may vary by one day.
Is UAE National Day always December 2?
Yes. National Day is fixed on December 2 each year.
Do public holidays apply to private companies?
Yes, public holidays apply to both public and private sectors in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
The UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar helps residents plan vacations, business schedules, and family events effectively. Keep checking for official confirmations closer to each holiday date.
For more UAE-related tools and calculations, explore the Emirates calculator designed for residents and employees.