Discover the complete list of UAE Public Holidays 2026. Check official dates for Eid, National Day, Islamic events & long weekends. Plan your travel and leaves smartly.
Introduction
If you are working or planning to travel to the UAE, knowing the UAE Public Holidays 2026 is very important.
Public holiday dates help you plan leaves, vacations, and family time better.
Here, you will find a complete list of official and expected UAE holidays for 2026 in one simple guide.
Why Public Holidays Are Important in the UAE
Public holidays in the UAE are a blend of Islamic events and national celebrations.
These holidays apply to both the public and private sectors, making them useful for workers, businesses, and students UAE Public Holidays 2026.
Indian expats form a large part of the UAE workforce, and having a clear idea of holidays helps in planning trips to India and other destinations UAE Public Holidays 2026.
Complete List of UAE Public Holidays 2026
Below is the official and expected list of UAE public holidays in 2026:
| Holiday | Day | Date (2026) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday | 1 January 2026 | Public & private sector holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr (Expected) | Monday–Thursday | 16–19 March 2026 | Marks end of Ramadan (dates may vary) |
| Arafat Day | Wednesday | 27 May 2026 | Islamic holy day before Eid al-Adha |
| Eid al-Adha (Expected) | Thursday–Saturday | 28–30 May 2026 | Feast of Sacrifice (dates may vary) |
| Islamic New Year | Sunday | 18 July 2026 | Hijri New Year |
| Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday | Thursday | 17 September 2026 | Mawlid Al-Nabi |
| Commemoration Day | Monday | 30 November 2026 | National remembrance day |
| UAE National Day | Tuesday–Wednesday | 1–2 December 2026 | 55th UAE National Day celebrations |
Detailed Explanation of Each Holiday
New Year’s Day – 1 January 2026
The first day of the year is celebrated across the UAE with family gatherings and fireworks.
Most offices and schools remain closed.
Eid al-Fitr – 16 to 19 March 2026 (Expected)
This is one of the biggest Islamic holidays marking the end of Ramadan.
Holiday dates depend on moon sighting, so minor changes may occur.
Arafat Day – 27 May 2026
Arafat Day is an important part of Hajj, observed one day before Eid al-Adha.
It is a public holiday across the UAE.
Eid al-Adha – 28 to 30 May 2026 (Expected)
Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” it is one of the longest holidays in the UAE.
People use this break for travel and family gatherings.
Islamic New Year – 18 July 2026
Marks the beginning of the Islamic Hijri calendar year.
This is a one-day holiday.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – 17 September 2026
A peaceful and spiritual holiday observed across the UAE with community prayers.
Commemoration Day – 30 November 2026
This day honors the sacrifices of UAE martyrs.
A national moment of silence is observed.
UAE National Day – 1–2 December 2026
The UAE celebrates its formation on these two days with events, fireworks, and parades.
It is one of the most vibrant holidays in the country.
Expected Long Weekends in UAE 2026
Here are some possible long weekend opportunities:
- Eid al-Fitr: 4-day long weekend (Monday–Thursday)
- Eid al-Adha: 3-day long weekend (Thursday–Saturday)
- National Day: 2-day holiday (Tuesday–Wednesday) — many people take Monday off for a 4-day break
These long weekends are perfect for travel to India, Oman, or short breaks within UAE.
Tips for Indian Expats Working in the UAE
- Book flight tickets early during Eid and National Day breaks.
- Use long weekends for government work or visa renewals as offices remain closed on holidays.
- Always check official announcements, as Islamic holiday dates may shift based on moon sighting.
- Balance your annual leave with holiday breaks to enjoy maximum travel time UAE Public Holidays 2026.
Conclusion
The UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar brings many opportunities for rest, celebration, and travel.
Whether you are an expat worker, student, or tourist, this complete list helps you plan your year better.
Stay updated with official announcements for final confirmed dates.
FAQs
1. Are all UAE public holidays confirmed for 2026?
Islamic holidays are based on moon sighting, so dates may change slightly.
2. Do private companies in UAE follow the same holidays?
Yes, both private and public sectors follow the same holiday announcements by the UAE government.
3. Which is the longest holiday in UAE 2026?
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are expected to offer the longest breaks.
4. Are schools closed during all public holidays?
Yes, schools follow the official holiday calendar.
5. Can holiday dates change?
Islamic event dates may shift by one day; national holidays remain fixed.
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