Last updated: June 2026 | Islamic holiday dates confirmed by official UAE moon sighting announcements
2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for long weekends in the UAE. With a bumper six-day break in May for Eid Al Adha and a mid-week National Day break in December, there is plenty to plan around — whether you are an employee mapping out annual leave or a visitor timing a trip around the UAE’s biggest celebrations.
Here is the complete, up-to-date list of UAE public holidays for 2026, with confirmed dates where announced and expected dates for remaining Islamic holidays based on official astronomical calculations.
At a Glance: UAE Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Days Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day | 1 day |
| 19–22 March | Thursday–Sunday | Eid Al Fitr | 4 days |
| 26 May | Tuesday | Arafat Day | 1 day |
| 27–29 May | Wednesday–Friday | Eid Al Adha | 3 days |
| 15 June | Monday | Islamic New Year | 1 day |
| 24 August | Monday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) | 1 day |
| 30 November | Monday | Commemoration Day | 1 day |
| 2–3 December | Wednesday–Thursday | UAE National Day | 2 days |
Note: Islamic holiday dates are confirmed by official UAE moon sighting announcements. Dates marked as confirmed have been officially declared. Remaining dates are based on astronomical projections and may shift by one day.
January 1 — New Year’s Day
The year opens with a public holiday across all seven emirates. New Year’s Day fell on Thursday, January 1, making it a public holiday for both public and private sector employees. Fireworks displays light up Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Abu Dhabi Corniche. Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed.
March 19–22 — Eid Al Fitr
UAE residents enjoyed a four-day long weekend to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, with the public holiday starting on Thursday March 19. Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan — a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The four-day break is one of the most anticipated of the year.
What to expect: early morning Eid prayers at mosques, family gatherings, charity, festive shopping, and city-wide celebrations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
May 26 — Arafat Day
After an official moon sighting, it has been confirmed that Arafat Day falls on Tuesday May 26. Arafat Day is the second most sacred day in the Islamic calendar. It marks the day during Hajj when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat in prayer and reflection — the same location where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon in 632 CE.
As a standalone Tuesday holiday immediately before Eid Al Adha, this creates the longest break of the year.
May 27–29 — Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is celebrated from Wednesday May 27 until Friday May 28. Combined with Arafat Day on Tuesday and the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, most employees can expect a bumper six-day-long weekend.
Eid Al Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. Families who are able to do so sacrifice an animal, with a portion shared with those in need.
What to expect: special mosque prayers, long family lunches, charity drives, shopping mall promotions, and festive dining across the UAE.
June 15 — Islamic New Year
The UAE has declared Monday, June 15, a public holiday for both public and private sectors to mark the Islamic New Year, marking the start of the year 1448 AH. Federal government entities and private sector employees will all have the day off, with work resuming as normal on Tuesday June 16.
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, commemorates the Prophet
Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. Mosques hold special prayers, and it is typically observed as a dry day with hotels and public spaces observing relevant restrictions.
August 24 — Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) — Expected
The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday falls on Monday August 24, with the official day falling on Tuesday August 25 and the holiday moved to the start of the week.
Mawlid Al-Nabi is observed with special mosque sermons and spiritual reflection. It is a quieter holiday — a day of rest, community, and time with family rather than large public celebrations.
November 30 — Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day was declared in 2015 by the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It honours Emiratis who have sacrificed their lives in service to the UAE. A moment of silence is held at 11:30 AM across the country. Schools and workplaces pause to remember. Government initiatives on this day include housing programmes for martyrs’ families, education support for their children, and the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Crown Prince Court.
December 2–3 — UAE National Day
The last long holiday for the year will be for the UAE National Day, where residents will enjoy a two-day break from Wednesday December 2 to Thursday December 3.
UAE National Day commemorates the unification of the seven emirates on December 2, 1971. In 2026 it falls on a Wednesday and Thursday, creating a natural mid-week break that many residents combine with annual leave for an extended celebration.
What to expect: fireworks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah; the UAE flag illuminated on the Burj Khalifa; aerial displays by the UAE Air Force aerobatic team Al Fursan; free concerts and cultural shows; and the country draped in red, green, black, and white from cars to skyscrapers.
4 Tips to Make the Most of Your Time Off in 2026
- Plan around the May mega-break. The Arafat Day + Eid Al Adha combination gives most employees a six-day break using zero annual leave. Book travel early — this is the busiest travel weekend of the year.
- Stack leave around Islamic New Year. June 15 is a Monday. Taking Tuesday June 16 as annual leave extends the break to four days with the weekend.
- National Day mid-week break. December 2–3 falls Wednesday–Thursday. Adding Friday gives a five-day break with just one day of annual leave.
- Confirm Islamic dates before booking. Eid and Islamic New Year dates are finalised only after official moon sighting announcements. Book refundable rates for travel around these dates until confirmed.
Wrapping Up
2026 offers a well-distributed mix of long breaks, religious observances, and national celebrations. The May Eid Al Adha mega-break is the standout of the year, but smart leave planning around Islamic New Year and National Day can turn the second half of the year into a series of extended weekends.
HRSG is globally renowned for its HR services in Dubai. Whether you need support managing employee leave entitlements, public holiday compliance, or workforce planning around UAE holidays, our team is here to help. Contact us today.
