The UAE public holidays in 2026 blend Islamic observances, which follow the lunar calendar, with fixed national days each December. Under the unified holiday framework, the public and private sectors now share the same official dates, so the calendar below applies broadly across the Emirates. Islamic dates are marked as expected — they depend on moon sighting and are confirmed by the authorities closer to the time.
All UAE public holidays in 2026
- Thursday, 1 January — New Year’s Day
- Friday, 20 March — Eid Al Fitr (Day 1) — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Saturday, 21 March — Eid Al Fitr (Day 2) — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Sunday, 22 March — Eid Al Fitr (Day 3) — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Tuesday, 26 May — Arafat Day — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Wednesday, 27 May — Eid Al Adha (Day 1) — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Thursday, 28 May — Eid Al Adha (Day 2) — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Friday, 29 May — Eid Al Adha (Day 3) — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Monday, 15 June — Islamic New Year — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Tuesday, 25 August — Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday — expected, subject to moon sighting
- Tuesday, 1 December — Commemoration Day
- Wednesday, 2 December — UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
- Thursday, 3 December — UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
How the unified holiday system works
The UAE Cabinet’s unified calendar ended years of differing public- and private-sector schedules: when an Islamic holiday’s exact date is confirmed, it now applies to everyone at once. The working week runs Monday to Friday for government and most businesses, with Saturday–Sunday weekends. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the government may announce a day off in lieu — watch for official circulars around the December national days and New Year’s Day.
The two Eids: what to expect
Eid Al Fitr (expected 20–22 March) marks the end of Ramadan — the year’s biggest family holiday, with prayers, feasts and travel across the Emirates. Eid Al Adha (expected 26–29 May, beginning with Arafat Day) is the longer break: four consecutive days, Tuesday to Friday, the longest continuous holiday of 2026. Malls and restaurants stay open with extended festive hours during both Eids, while government offices and many businesses close. Traffic around Eid weekends is heavy; plan journeys early in the day and book inter-emirate travel ahead.
December: the national season
The year ends with a patriotic stretch: Commemoration Day on Tuesday 1 December honours Emirati martyrs, followed by UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on Wednesday–Thursday 2–3 December. Expect fireworks, parades, air shows and streets dressed in red, green, white and black across all seven emirates. For residents, the Thursday–Friday run into the weekend makes this a natural five-day break — add annual leave on the preceding Monday for an even longer escape, since December weather is the year’s finest.
Practical tips for 2026
Treat all Islamic dates as provisional until the official announcement — typically just days before. Hotel prices spike around both Eids and National Day, so book early. If you are new to the UAE, note that working hours shorten during Ramadan (the month before Eid Al Fitr), which affects business scheduling even though Ramadan itself is not a public holiday. And keep an eye on government circulars: occasional additional days are announced for special occasions, and this page reflects the confirmed calendar as it stands.