UAE Public Holidays 2026: Dates, Long Weekends & School Breaks

Dec 05, 2025, 11:41 IST

People living in the UAE can look forward to a memorable year in 2026, with several public holidays that offer great chances for travel, leisure, and family gatherings. The national holiday calendar is shaped by both fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic lunar observances, creating a balanced mix of celebrations and extended breaks throughout the year.

How UAE Public Holidays Are Determined

Public holidays in the UAE include:

Fixed holidays such as New Year’s Day and UAE National Day

Moon-dependent Islamic holidays, including Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day, Islamic New Year, and the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Under the Public Holiday Law introduced in April 2024 and fully enforced from January 2025, the UAE government has the flexibility to adjust the dates of certain holidays (excluding Eid holidays) to the beginning or end of the week, thereby providing residents with long weekends. Local authorities can also declare extra holidays if required.

Holidays that fall on weekends will not be shifted to weekdays; however, forecasts indicate there will be no major overlaps with weekends in 2026.

Expected Public Holidays in 2026

UAE residents are likely to enjoy at least 12 public holidays next year. Final dates will be confirmed closer to the time, but current estimates suggest:

• New Year’s Day will be observed on Thursday, January 1
• Eid Al Fitr is expected around March 20 to 22, marking the end of Ramadan
• Arafat Day may fall on Tuesday, May 26
• Eid Al Adha is likely from May 27 to 29 and could combine with the weekend to provide the longest break of the year
• Islamic New Year is expected around Monday, June 15 and may be adjusted for a long weekend
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) is expected on Monday, August 24 and may also be shifted for convenience
• UAE National Day holidays on December 2 and 3 could offer a four-day weekend as they fall mid-week

(Some dates may shift slightly based on moon sightings and official cabinet decisions.)

Major Long Weekends to Plan For

Residents can begin planning ahead for extended breaks such as:

Eid Al Fitr — three festive days in March
Eid Al Adha with Arafat Day — potentially six days off with weekends included
Islamic New Year and Prophet’s Birthday — possible long weekends if dates are adjusted
UAE National Day — could provide multiple days off at the end of the year
Since Islamic dates may shift, it is wise to stay updated for final announcements.

UAE School Holidays in 2026

School holiday schedules vary depending on curriculum and emirate: