Public Holidays in UAE: 2026–2028
The UAE announces its public holidays a year at a time, blending fixed days like National Day (December 2–3) with Islamic holidays whose dates follow the lunar calendar. The official weekend is Saturday–Sunday across the country.
This page lists every public and bank holiday in UAE for 2026, 2027 and 2028 in one place. Use the month and year picker to jump to any month, or browse the whole year at a glance. Each entry shows the exact date, the weekday, the type of holiday and what it means for banks, offices, schools and shops.
Public sector, schools and most private businesses close on public holidays. Malls and tourist attractions usually stay open, often with extended hours and celebrations. The calendar is updated with substitute and observed days where they apply, and lunar dates are clearly marked as expected until officially confirmed.
Dates marked expected follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed by official moon-sighting announcements — they may shift by a day.
Whole year
What closes on public holidays?
Guide to public holidays in UAE
How UAE holidays are announced
The UAE Cabinet approves the official holiday list, and the same days generally apply to both the public and private sectors. Fixed days include New Year's Day, Commemoration Day and National Day in early December.
Islamic holidays
Eid al-Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid al-Adha, the Islamic New Year and the Prophet's Birthday follow the Hijri calendar. Final dates are confirmed after moon sighting, so the exact days off are usually announced shortly before each holiday.
Working week
Since 2022 the federal government works Monday to Friday, with a shorter Friday, and many private companies follow a Saturday and Sunday weekend. Some holidays can be moved to the start or end of the week to create longer breaks.
Planning tips
Government offices and many businesses close, while malls and hospitality stay busy. Flights and hotels fill up quickly around Eid and National Day, so book early.