Residents of the UAE have much to look forward to in 2026, with several public holidays promising opportunities for long weekends and family time. From Eid celebrations to the National Day, a mix of fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic lunar holidays will shape the holiday calendar. Here is a detailed guide to all predicted public holidays, how they are determined, and tips to plan your time off.
Understanding UAE public holidays in 2026
UAE public holidays are a combination of fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic lunar calendar dates. Gregorian holidays, such as New Year’s Day and National Day, occur on the same date each year. Islamic holidays, including Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), shift each year based on moon sightings.The UAE Public Holiday Law, established in April 2024 and implemented from January 2025, allows certain holidays to be shifted to the start or end of the week to create long weekends, except for Eid holidays. Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 also permits local governments to declare additional holidays for special occasions.Holidays that fall on weekends or coincide with another public holiday are not carried forward, but 2026 predictions indicate no overlap between Islamic holidays and Gregorian holidays.
Key predicted public holidays
Residents in the UAE can expect at least 12 public holidays in 2026. While final dates depend on moon sightings and government announcements, current predictions give a clear picture of the likely schedule:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
- Eid Al Fitr: Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22 (Shawwal 1–3) a three day weekend marking the end of Ramadan
- Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26 (Dhu Al Hijjah 9)
- Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29 (Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12) – potentially a six-day break including the weekend
- Islamic New Year: Monday, June 15 (official date: Tuesday, June 16; holiday may be moved to start of week)
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH): Monday, August 24 (official date: Tuesday, August 25; holiday may be moved to start of week)
- National Day (Eid Al Etihad): Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3
Transferable holidays: Islamic holidays such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are not transferable. Other holidays, including the Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday, and National Day, may be moved to create long weekends based on Cabinet resolutions.
Long weekends to look out for
2026 promises several opportunities for extended breaks:
- Eid Al Fitr: Three-day weekend from March 20 to 22
- Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day: Likely a six day break from May 26 to 31 when combined with the weekend, making it the longest predicted holiday of the year
- Islamic New Year and Prophet’s Birthday: Both could be shifted to the start of the week, offering long weekends despite mid-week lunar dates.
- National Day: Fixed on December 2–3 (Wednesday–Thursday), potentially creating a four-day weekend if shifted
Residents are advised to plan ahead, as Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, which may adjust official dates.Public and private schools in the UAE align their breaks with national holidays, though exact dates differ by curriculum and school authority:MOE curriculum schools:
- Winter Break: December 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Spring Break & Eid Al Fitr: March 16–29, 2026
- Mid-Term Break & Eid Al Adha: May 25–29, 2026
- Hijri New Year: June 17, 2026
- Summer Break (for staff): Starts July 18, 2026
Dubai private schools (KHDA):
- Schools starting April 2025–2026: Winter Break: Dec 15–Jan 5, Spring Break: Mar 16–30, End of Academic Year: Mar 30, 2026
- Schools starting September 2025–2026: Winter Break: Dec 15–Jan 5, Spring Break: Mar 16–30, End of Academic Year: Mar 3, 2026
This schedule helps families coordinate holidays and make the most of predicted long weekends.
Planning your year around UAE holidays
Understanding the mix of fixed and lunar based holidays allows residents to strategically plan annual leave. For example, taking just a few days off around Eid or National Day can maximize time away from work. While the UAE government confirms official dates closer to each holiday, these predictions serve as a reliable guide for 2026.Residents should note:
- Local authorities may add extra holidays
- Public holidays are not carried forward if they fall on weekends or overlap with another holiday
- Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, so slight adjustments are possible
With this guide, UAE residents can look forward to a year of well timed breaks, long weekends, and ample family and leisure time.
