The public and private sectors in the UAE follow a single holiday schedule, which controls their public holidays. The upcoming year of 2026 will provide residents with at least 12 official holidays throughout the year. Government announcements have established a complete schedule which combines Islamic Hijri calendar dates with moon sighting practices to identify the year’s main holiday periods.
Guide to Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day
1. Eid Al Fitr 2026: The “Bumper” Long Weekend
Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan. The holiday begins on the 29th or 30th of Ramadan and continues through the 3rd of Shawwal.
- Official Dates: The UAE moon-sighting committee confirmed that Ramadan 2026 lasted 30 days. Consequently, Eid Al Fitr officially begins on Friday, March 20.
- Public Sector Break: All federal ministries and public entities are on holiday from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22. Work officially resumes on Monday, March 23.
- Private Sector Break: Paid leave for the private sector is confirmed from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22 (extending through Sunday specifically because Ramadan completed 30 days).
2. Eid Al Adha 2026: The Six-Day Super Break
Eid Al Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” follows the Hajj pilgrimage and is preceded by Arafat Day.
- Arafat Day (Predicted): Tuesday, May 26.
- Eid Al Adha (Predicted): Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29.
- Total Break: When combined with the Saturday-Sunday weekend, residents are looking at a six-day holiday from Tuesday, May 26, to Sunday, May 31.
- Pro-Tip: Taking a single day of annual leave on Monday, May 25, would grant a nine-day consecutive break.
3. Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) 2026
Eid Al Etihad commemorates the unification of the seven emirates. Unlike the lunar holidays, this follows the Gregorian calendar.
- Official Dates: Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3.
- Holiday Structure: Under current UAE law, the government can shift one-day holidays to the start or end of a week, but the National Day dates are typically fixed.
- Expected Schedule: Residents will likely enjoy a mid-week break on Wednesday and Thursday. While a Friday “bonus” day is unlikely, the government has previously implemented “Remote Work Fridays” for the public sector during such periods to bridge the gap to the weekend.
Quick Reference: 2026 Public Holiday Calendar
| Holiday | Expected/Confirmed Date | Type of Break |
| Eid Al Fitr | Mar 19 – Mar 22 | 4-Day Weekend |
| Arafat Day | May 26 | Part of Eid break |
| Eid Al Adha | May 27 – May 31 | 6-Day Weekend |
| Islamic New Year | June 16 | Likely shifted to June 15 |
| Prophet’s Birthday | Aug 25 | Likely shifted to Aug 24 |
| Commemoration Day | Dec 1 | Not a public holiday |
| UAE National Day | Dec 2 – Dec 3 | 2-Day Mid-week break |
Read More: Eid Al Fitr 2026 Countdown: Predicted Dates and Official Holiday Schedule in the UAE
