DUBAI, UAE — If you felt 2025 flew by too fast, you are not alone. But for residents looking to reclaim their work-life balance, the new year brings specific good news. The forecast for UAE public holidays in 2026 is looking exceptionally generous, with potential for multiple extended breaks that could see you packing your bags more often than usual.
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From a massive 6-day break predicted for Eid Al Adha to a strategic 4-day weekend for National Day, here is everything residents need to know to hack their annual leave using the official UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar.
At a Glance: Official UAE Public Holidays 2026
Below is the projected UAE Holiday Calendar 2026 based on astronomical calculations and the unified government decree for public and private sectors.
| Holiday | Official Date | Predicted Date | Days Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Jan 1 (Thursday) | 1 Day |
| Eid Al Fitr | From 01 to 03 Shawwal | Mar 20–22 (Fri–Sun) | 3 Days |
| Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha | 09 Thu Al-Hijjah & From 10 to 12 Thu Al-Hijjah | May 26–29 (Tue–Fri) | 4 Days |
| Islamic New Year | 1 Muharram | June 17 (Wednesday) | 1 Day |
| Prophet’s Birthday | 12 Rabi’ Al Awal | Aug 26 (Wednesday) | 1 Day |
| Commemoration Day | – | Dec 1 (Tuesday) | – |
| UAE National Day | From 2 to 3 December | Dec 2–3 (Wed–Thu) | 2 Days |
The “Long Weekend” Cheat Sheet: How to Maximize Annual Leave in 2026
The UAE holidays 2026 planner isn’t just about the official days off—it’s about how you combine them with weekends. Here is how to turn a few days of leave into a major vacation.
1. New Year’s Day (4-Day Weekend)
- The Date: January 1 (Thursday).
- The Hack: New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday. If you book annual leave on Friday, January 2, you instantly unlock a 4-day weekend in the UAE in 2026 (Thursday to Sunday) to start the year.
2. Eid Al Adha (The “Big One”)
- The Date: Expected May 26–29.
- The Hack: This is the golden ticket. With Arafat Day likely falling on a Tuesday and the Eid Al Adha 2026 holidays in the UAE following on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, you could be looking at a 6-day break (Tuesday to Sunday) without using a single day of annual leave.
3. National Day (5-Day Mega Break)
- The Date: Dec 2–3 (Wednesday–Thursday).
- The Hack: The 55th UAE National Day holiday falls mid-week. By taking Friday, Dec 4, as leave, you bridge the gap to the weekend, creating a seamless 5-day vacation.
For Parents: How School Terms Align with Holidays
Good news for families: the Ministry of Education calendar for 2026 shows a perfect alignment for travel.
- Spring Break: Runs from March 16 to March 29, 2026.
- The Bonus: Since Eid Al Fitr falls directly inside this break (approx. March 20), parents can book a 2-week vacation without worrying about taking kids out of school or requesting extra permissions.
- Winter Break: Schools resume on Jan 5, 2026, meaning the New Year’s long weekend is the last hurrah before term starts.
Detailed Breakdown: What to Expect
When is Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2026?
Astronomers predict the Ramadan 2026 start date in the UAE to be Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This means the Holy Month will likely conclude with Eid Al Fitr starting around Friday, March 20.
The Vibe: Since the first day of Eid likely falls on a Friday, most residents will enjoy a long weekend. For those asking, “When is Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE?”, mark the third week of March in your calendar.
Eid Al Adha 2026: A Potential 6-Day Break?
The most anticipated date on the calendar. Eid Al Adha 2026 holidays The UAE suggests the break will begin with Arafat Day on May 26 (Tuesday). Since the government typically grants a 4-day holiday for this occasion, the break could stretch all the way to Friday, May 29.
Other Key Dates & Lifestyle Tips
- Islamic New Year 2026 UAE date: Expected around June 17 (Wednesday).
- The Prophet’s Birthday holiday in the UAE in 2026: Likely to fall on August 26 (Wednesday).
- Residents should be aware that the eves of Islamic holidays (like the Prophet’s Birthday and Islamic New Year) are typically observed as “Dry Nights” in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Hotels and bars refrain from serving alcohol from sunset on the eve until the following evening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many public holidays are there in the UAE in 2026?
Residents can expect at least 13 days of public holidays in 2026, spread across fixed national events and variable Islamic occasions.
Do private sector employees get the same holidays as the public sector?
Yes. The UAE Cabinet has unified the holiday system. Whether you work for a government entity or a private firm, your Eid Al Fitr 2026 days off private sector allocation will be identical to the public sector.
Is the Prophet’s Birthday a public holiday in 2026?
Yes. The Prophet’s Birthday is a paid public holiday. In 2026, it is predicted to fall in late August.
When is the next public holiday in Dubai?
If you are reading this in January 2026, the next long weekend UAE 2026 residents can look forward to is Eid Al Fitr in March.
Conclusion
Whether you are planning a staycation in Ras Al Khaimah or a flight to the Maldives, the UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar offers ample opportunity to reset. Our advice? Book early. Flight prices skyrocket the moment the Moon Sighting Committee makes the official call.
