UAE Public Holidays 2026: Full Calendar
Mark your 2026 calendar now. UAE public holidays include Eid breaks, National Day, and New Year, creating ideal windows for long weekends and travel.
Why knowing the 2026 UAE public holidays matters
Planning time off around official holidays helps you secure flights, hotels, and leave approvals early. Most private-sector employers follow the UAE Cabinet announcements, while government offices close on the listed days. Knowing the dates also lets you combine holidays with weekends for extended breaks without using extra annual leave.
Full 2026 UAE public holiday calendar
The dates below are based on the 2026 UAE Cabinet schedule. Islamic holidays shift slightly each year because they follow the Hijri lunar calendar.
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Fixed Gregorian date; many businesses close. |
| 19-21 March | Eid Al Fitr | End of Ramadan; three-day official break. |
| 27 May | Eid Al Adha | Starts the four-day Hajj holiday period. |
| 28-30 May | Eid Al Adha continued | Additional public holiday days. |
| 2 December | UAE National Day | National Day celebrations across all emirates. |
Planning long weekends in 2026
Combine the listed holidays with regular weekends to stretch time off. New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, giving many employees a four-day break if the Friday-Saturday weekend is included. Eid Al Fitr lands mid-week, so taking the surrounding days can create a six-day holiday window. Eid Al Adha starts on a Wednesday, allowing a five-day break with the weekend. National Day falls on a Wednesday, again offering a long weekend opportunity.
Leave and pay rules for expats
Private-sector employees receive full pay on public holidays listed by the UAE Cabinet. If a holiday falls on a rest day, MOHRE rules state no extra day off is granted unless your company policy provides it. Always confirm your organisation’s internal policy, because some firms add an extra day when holidays coincide with weekends.
Booking travel and services during holidays
Book flights and hotels at least eight weeks ahead for Eid periods; prices rise quickly. DEWA, Etisalat, and du maintain 24-hour support, yet most government services pause. If you need visa or Emirates ID renewal, complete applications before the holiday window. RTA issues traffic fines and Salik top-ups online throughout the breaks.
School calendar overlap
Most private schools align term breaks with Eid holidays. Parents should check individual school notices in January 2026 for exact closure dates, because spring and summer breaks may shift slightly around Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
Key reminders for 2026
- Islamic holidays are announced officially 3-4 weeks prior; keep flexibility in plans.
- Retail malls and tourist sites remain open with special hours on Eid days.
- Public transport runs on reduced schedules; check the RTA app the day before travel.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE?▾
Eid Al Fitr is expected 19-21 March 2026, subject to moon-sighting confirmation.
Do private companies give extra days off?▾
Most follow Cabinet dates; some add a day when holidays fall on weekends.
Is National Day a public holiday?▾
Yes, 2 December 2026 is a full public holiday across all emirates.
Can I book government services during Eid?▾
Most ICP and MOHRE centres close; complete applications before the holiday period.
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