ℹ️
AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: July 2026.
🪪 Expat lifePractical✓ Verified Jul 2026

UAE Public Holidays 2026: Complete Calendar

UAE public holidays 2026 fall on fixed Gregorian dates for National Day and variable lunar dates for Eid and Islamic New Year. Plan leave and travel early.

·5 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
a view of a city with tall buildings
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Fixed National Days

The UAE marks its founding on 2 December every year. In 2026 this lands on a Wednesday, so most offices close 1-3 December. Government entities follow ICP and MOHRE circulars that confirm the exact three-day window.

Eid Al Fitr 2026

Eid Al Fitr follows the sighting of the Shawwal moon and usually lasts three days. For 2026 the dates are expected 19-21 March. Banks and schools close; private firms grant paid leave. Check the official moon-sighting announcement on the first evening of Shawwal.

Eid Al Adha 2026

Eid Al Adha runs for four days in 2026 from 26-29 May. The first day is a full public holiday. MOHRE requires employers to give staff the full period or compensate with time off later. Many expats combine this with annual leave for longer trips.

Islamic New Year 2026

The Hijri New Year falls on 18 July 2026. It is a single-day public holiday. Government offices, RTA service centres and most banks remain closed. Private companies decide whether to grant the day off or offer an alternative.

Other Observances

Comoros, Prophet's Birthday and Isra and Mi'raj are not nationwide public holidays in 2026. Some emirates may announce local closures. Always confirm with your HR department or the relevant authority before booking travel.

How to Plan Around Holidays

  • Submit leave requests at least six weeks ahead for Eid periods.
  • Book flights and hotels early; prices rise 30-50 percent during Eid weeks.
  • Check DEWA and RTA notices for any temporary service changes.
  • Keep digital copies of your Emirates ID and visa on your phone in case offices close.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →

Frequently asked questions

Are the 2026 Eid dates final?▾

No. They depend on moon sighting. Expect official confirmation two days before each Eid.

Do private companies give all public holidays?▾

MOHRE rules require paid leave for listed holidays, but some firms swap days instead.

What if a holiday falls on a weekend?▾

The next working day is usually declared a holiday for government and most private staff.

Still have questions about practical?

Ask Tovi — your free AI assistant for UAE life. Instant answers in 10+ languages, 24/7.

Ask Tovi about practical →