July 8, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: Planning your 2026 already? Smart move! The UAE Public Holiday 2026 dates are finally here, and trust me, you’ll want to mark your calendar right away. The government just released the official schedule, and honestly, 2026 is looking pretty sweet for holidays. We’re talking about some perfect long weekends coming your way.
Here’s the deal – the UAE Public Holiday 2026 calendar is based on Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which basically means everyone gets the same deal, whether you work for the government or a private company. Pretty fair, if you ask me! And the best part? There are a few absolutely brilliant long weekend getaways that you simply have to grab.
What’s The Real Deal With the UAE Public Holiday 2026?
So here’s how it works. The UAE Public Holiday 2026 schedule has different types of holidays. Some fall on fixed dates that never change (such as New Year’s), and others are decided by the whim of the moon. I know it’s a bit odd, but don’t worry, I’ll take care of it all for you.
The government can actually move some holidays around to give us longer weekends. But here’s the catch – they can’t mess with Eid holidays. Those stay put no matter what. Makes sense, right?
Here’s what you need to know about the UAE Public Holiday 2026:
- Fixed holidays that happen every year on the same date
- Islamic holidays that change based on moon sightings
- A special bonus if Ramadan goes for 30 days (extra holiday!)
- Weekend extensions for some holidays (yes, please!)
- Same rules for everyone, no matter where you work
The Complete UAE Public Holiday 2026 Breakdown
Therefore, the glaringly evident thing is that New Year’s Day is on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Pretty cool for a mid-week holiday to start off the year, don’t you agree?
But check this out—things get super interesting! The UAE’s biggest public holiday in 2026 is going to be in March with Eid Al Fitr. We’re talking five whole days from Wednesday, March 18 to Sunday, March 22, 2026. That’s a super long weekend! It’s the perfect time to spend time with family or maybe finally take that break you’ve been dreaming of.
Oh, and if you’re curious regarding Ramadan, it’s looking like it’s gonna begin on February 18, 2026. So yeah, that means those observing will be fasting during the cooler months, which is a whole lot easier than in the summer. Thank goodness for that!
Your complete UAE Public Holiday 2026 cheat sheet:
- January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day
- March 18-22 (Wed-Sun) – Eid Al Fitr (5 days!)
- May 26 (Tuesday) – Arafat Day
- May 27-29 (Wed-Fri) – Eid Al Adha (3 days)
- June 17 (Wednesday) – Islamic New Year
- August 25 (Tuesday) – Prophet’s Birthday
- December 1 (Tuesday) – Commemoration Day
- December 2-3 (Wed-Thu) – National Day
The Best UAE Public Holiday 2026 Long Weekends (This Is Where It Gets Good!)
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. May is going to be absolutely fantastic for the UAE Public Holiday 2026 breaks. You’ve got Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, then Eid Al Adha from Wednesday to Friday. Add the weekend, and boom – you’re looking at six days off in a row! That’s like a mini-vacation right there.
Smart planning for the UAE Public Holiday 2026: I mean, come on – when was the last time you had six consecutive days off without using all your annual leave? This is the kind of stuff that makes living in the UAE pretty awesome.
What These UAE Public Holiday 2026 Dates Really Mean
The Islamic holidays in the UAE Public Holiday 2026 calendar aren’t just days off – they’re really significant for the Muslim community here. Having Ramadan in February is actually great news because fasting when it’s cooler is so much easier than in the blazing summer heat.
But here’s something you should know about the UAE Public Holiday 2026 Islamic dates – they’re predictions based on astronomical calculations. The final word comes from the official moon-sighting committee, usually just a day or two before each holiday. So don’t book that non-refundable flight until you get the green light, you know?
The Emirates Astronomy Society does its best to predict these dates, and they’re usually spot-on, but the moon has the final say here. It’s kind of romantic when you think about it, right?
UAE Public Holiday 2026 And National Pride
The end of the year brings some really important UAE Public Holiday 2026 celebrations that make you proud to live here. Commemoration Day on December 1 is when we remember the brave Emiratis who gave their lives for the country. It’s a touching day with a moment of silence at 11:30 AM and flags at half-mast everywhere.
​​This is when the UAE just comes to life with fireworks, parades, and celebrations everywhere. It’s amazing how the whole country came together to celebrate becoming one country all those many years ago in 1971. The vibe is just unbelievable!
Getting Your Business Ready For the UAE Public Holiday 2026
If you’re running a business, you’ll want to prepare for the impact of the UAE Public Holiday 2026. March and May are going to be quiet times with all those consecutive days off. But that’s not necessarily bad – it’s when people spend money on travel and entertainment, right?
The key thing about UAE Public Holiday 2026 planning is booking early. Hotels, flights, and restaurants get crazy busy during these long weekends. And remember, if a holiday falls on a weekend, you don’t get an extra day off – that’s just how it works. No freebies there!
Companies should start planning now. Think about staffing, project deadlines, and maybe even some team-building activities during these breaks. Your employees will appreciate the heads-up, trust me.
Making The Most Of the UAE Public Holiday 2026
Look, the UAE Public Holiday 2026 calendar is pretty generous. We’re talking about 13-14 official days off spread throughout the year. That’s not counting your regular annual leave! Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.
The smart move? Start planning now. Those March and May breaks are going to be popular, so if you’re thinking about travelling, get those bookings early. And if you’re staying local, there’ll be tons of events and activities happening during these UAE Public Holiday 2026 celebrations.
Here’s a pro tip: if you’re strategic about it, you can turn some of those single-day holidays into long weekends by taking just one day of annual leave. June 17 falls on a Wednesday – take Thursday off and you’ve got a four-day weekend. August 25 is a Tuesday – take Monday off, same thing. You get the idea!
The Bottom Line On UAE Public Holiday 2026
It’s wonderful living in the UAE because such holidays merge all sorts of cultures and traditions. You have religious aspects, national holidays, and simply some good old time off to unwind with family and friends. The UAE Public Holiday 2026 calendar fully describes just how much this nation adores its heritage and also wants everyone to have a good time.
For real, after a wild year, we could all use these breaks. If you’re away on holiday, spending time with family, or simply attempting to get some rest, those UAE Public Holiday 2026 dates will be an answer to your prayers.
There you have it, your complete guide to the UAE Public Holiday 2026. Mark those calendars, book those holidays, and get ready for some well-deserved time off this year. Seriously, 2026 is going to be a fantastic year of holidays in the UAE!
Just keep an eye out for the official announcements, particularly for the And be sure to book those hotels and flights early – everyone else will be doing the same.
READ MORE: UAE Holidays 2025: Mark Your Calendar for These Long Weekends
