UAE Public Holidays 2026: All the Long Weekends and Eid Breaks Revealed
Knowing when public holidays fall can help you plan vacations, manage business operations, and align your company’s schedule for smooth productivity.
The UAE public holidays for 2026 include a mix of fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic lunar calendar holidays, creating several opportunities for extended weekends and Eid celebrations throughout the year.
Predicted UAE Public Holidays in 2026
While the UAE government confirms official dates closer to each event, astronomical data and Cabinet resolutions provide strong predictions.
Residents can expect at least 12 public holidays next year, including the major Islamic festivals and national celebrations.
| Holiday | Expected Date | Duration / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 2026 | 1 day holiday |
| Eid Al Fitr (Shawwal 1–3) | Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22 | 3-day break marking end of Ramadan |
| Arafat Day (Dhu Al Hijjah 9) | Tuesday, May 26 2026 | Part of Eid Al Adha week |
| Eid Al Adha (Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12) | Wednesday – Friday, May 27 – 29 2026 | Could extend into a 6-day weekend with Sat–Sun |
| Islamic New Year (Muharram 1) | Wednesday, June 17 2026 | 1 day holiday |
| Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday (Rabi Al Awwal 12) | Monday, September 14 2026 (estimated) | 1 day |
| UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) | Wednesday & Thursday, December 2–3 2026 | Fixed 2-day public holiday |
⚠️ Islamic holidays depend on official moon sightings, so final dates may vary.
Long Weekends to Look Forward To in 2026
1. Eid Al Fitr (Friday – Sunday, March 20 – 22 2026)
Expected to create a three-day weekend that coincides with the end of Ramadan — perfect for travel or a family getaway.
2. Eid Al Adha (Arafat Day + Eid Al Adha + Weekend)
Predicted from Tuesday, May 26 to Sunday, May 31 2026, giving residents a potential six-day break — one of the longest of the year.
3. UAE National Day (December 2–3 2026)
Falling on Wednesday and Thursday, National Day celebrations could merge into another four-day weekend when combined with the weekend.
How UAE Public Holidays Are Determined
The UAE recognizes two calendars to determine holidays:
- Gregorian calendar → fixed dates (e.g., New Year’s Day, National Day).
- Islamic Hijri calendar → lunar-based, so dates shift each year (e.g., Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday).
Key Legal Framework
- Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the UAE may shift certain holidays to the start or end of a week to encourage longer breaks — except for Eid holidays, which depend on the moon.
- If a holiday falls on a weekend, it is not carried forward unless otherwise announced.
- Local authorities may add extra holidays for cultural or emirate-specific events.
Source: UAE Government Portal – Public Holidays & Official Leave Policy
Why Knowing Public Holidays Matters for Businesses
For corporations and SMEs, public-holiday planning is a key part of operational efficiency.
Business Impact
- Workforce scheduling: manage staff rotations during Eid breaks.
- Finance & compliance: plan VAT filings, FTA submissions, and payment deadlines around non-working days.
- Client communication: align with partners and customers who may follow different regional calendars.
- Corporate events: ideal windows for year-end retreats, marketing campaigns, or CSR initiatives.
At Affinitas DMCC, we help companies plan their business calendar to ensure tax compliance, corporate filings, and audit timelines stay on track — even during extended holidays.
School Holidays in the UAE (2026)
For MOE Curriculum Schools
| Break | Dates (2026) |
|---|---|
| Winter Break | Dec 15 2025 – Jan 4 2026 |
| Spring & Eid Al Fitr Break | Mar 16 – 29 2026 |
| Mid-Term & Eid Al Adha Break | May 25 – 29 2026 |
| Hijri New Year Holiday | Jun 17 2026 |
| Summer Break | Starts Jul 18 2026 |
For KHDA Dubai Private Schools
| Academic Start | Breaks |
|---|---|
| April Intake | Winter Break: Dec 15 – Jan 5 • Spring Break: Mar 16 – 30 • End of Year: Mar 30 2026 |
| September Intake | Winter Break: Dec 15 – Jan 5 • Spring Break: Mar 16 – 30 • End of Year: Jul 3 2026 |
Smart Holiday Planning Tips
- Book early: Airlines and hotels surge in demand around Eid and National Day.
- Align your annual leave: Combine weekends and holidays for extended travel.
- Manage workflows: Automate tasks or schedule submissions before long breaks.
- Stay informed: Monitor official announcements from the UAE Cabinet and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR).
How Affinitas DMCC Helps Businesses Stay Organized
Affinitas DMCC provides expert support to ensure your company’s operations, tax compliance, and accounting schedules stay efficient year-round — including during public holidays.
We provide:
- ✅ Mainland & Free Zone company formation
- ✅ Corporate tax & compliance advisory
- ✅ Accounting & audit services
- ✅ Bank account opening support
📞 Call: +971 (0) 4 576 2903
📩 Email: in*******@af***********.com
Conclusion
The UAE’s 2026 calendar is full of opportunities to balance work, travel, and family time — with several extended weekends expected around Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day.
Planning ahead ensures you can enjoy these breaks while keeping your business operations, tax deadlines, and compliance filings running smoothly.