November 21, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: The UAE is also implementing a new strategy which ensures that there are at least 12 official days leave in a year. This is the detailed guide to all the UAE public holidays 2026 and can assist you in planning your long leaves wisely.
What is Special About UAE Public Holidays 2026?
There is a new holiday-transfer system which gives some flexibility to the dates so as to have longer weekends. The residents can have uninterrupted breaks other than a mid-week vacation, which would be ideal with family vacations or stays. The calendar will mix Gregorian fixed dates with Islamic holidays that will be based on the moon and allow flexibility.
Your 6 -day break is looking forward to, the longest UAE public holidays 2026 best part is a six-day period of Eid Al Adha. The period between May 26 and May 29, together with the standard Saturday-Sunday weekend, is anticipated. This has it as the longest official vacation of the year- perfect to go to a foreign country or have a relaxing vacation.
Other important events are Eid Al Fitr in March providing a comfortable three day weekend. Islamic New Year and the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad also give an opportunity of extended weekends when the transfer system is implemented.
| Public holiday | Expected Dates |
| Ramadan 2026 | February 17/18 – March 18/19, 2026 |
| Eid al-Fitr 2026 | March 20 – March 22, 2026 |
| Arafat Day 2026 | May 6, 2026 |
| Eid al-Adha 2026 | May 27 – May 29, 2026 |
| UAE National Day | December 2-3, 2026 |
How To Make UAE Public Holidays 2026 Work?
To Work Better The new resolution by the Cabinet enables some holidays to change. In case a holiday occurs on Tuesday or Wednesday, it may shift to form a long weekend. This change is not the case in the primary Eid celebrations. The flexibility implies that most holidays are offering longer holidays than the dates.
The year begins with New Year’s Day on January 1 (Thursday), that may be a three-day weekend. The three-day vacation in March is ensured by Eid Al Fitr. During those periods, the calendar includes other Islamic celebrations and concludes with the 55th National Day in December. Each holiday is also scheduled to have maximum benefits to both residents and workers in all the emirates.
Pro Tips of scheduling your 2026 Getaways
- Book Early for May
The Eid Al Adha six days off will be highly appealing. Hotels and flights are very fast to get booked, hence make your bookings early enough.
- Notice of Announcements of Cabinet
The UAE Cabinet will affirm public holidays that are declared as transferable. Follow formal announcements in order to be aware of the exact dates and be able to complete your plans during UAE public holidays 2026.
- Plan Around Ramadan
When you are here around or immediately after Ramadan (Eid Al Fitr in March), you are likely to find more tourists and also a lot of celebrations. The special mood makes your stay in the UAE even more special.
- Consider Staycations
The new extended-weekend system during UAE public holidays 2026 has provided more than three and four day holidays annually, and this makes it perfect in visiting other emirates without having to travel long distances.
What Makes 2026 Special?
The UAE public holidays 2026 transfer system does not only leave you with days to rest but with well planned extended weekends that are planned. These transfers result in continuous long breaks that are less difficult to organize than mid-week breaks. The 2026 is made to rest and adventure whether you are spending time with the family, traveling or simply recharging.
Start planning now, check in those May dates on your biggest break and be ready to enjoy a year of memorable getaways throughout the UAE and further!
Read: 5-Day Paid UAE National Day Holiday Declared for Sharjah Employees
