Public Holidays in the United Arab Emirates 2026
Federal public holidays for the UAE in 2026
The UAE's 2026 public-holiday calendar combines fixed Gregorian dates with Islamic holidays determined by the lunar calendar. New Year's Day and the two-day National Day holiday are fixed, while Eid al-Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year and the Prophet's Birthday depend on Hijri dates and official confirmation.
UAE Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Mar 19 | Thursday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday Moon |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr Moon |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday Moon |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday Moon |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Arafah Day Moon |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha Moon |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday Moon |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday Moon |
| Jun 15 | Monday | Islamic New Year Moon |
| Aug 28 | Friday | Prophet Mohammed's Birthday Moon |
| Dec 2 | Wednesday | UAE National Day |
| Dec 3 | Thursday | UAE National Day Holiday |
2027 note: 2027 dates that depend on lunar observation, religious confirmation or annual government proclamation should be treated as provisional until the relevant authority issues its final notice.
UAE public holidays apply to both public and private sectors under the federal framework. Islamic dates are determined according to moon sighting, so future dates can change when officially announced.
Eid Holidays in the UAE 2026
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha form the UAE’s longest public-holiday blocks. The official framework grants 1-3 Shawwal for Eid al-Fitr, with an extra day if Ramadan completes 30 days, and Arafah Day plus 10-12 Dhu al-Hijjah for Eid al-Adha. Exact Gregorian dates are confirmed through the lunar calendar.
How Public Holidays Work in the UAE
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, a public holiday is not transferred when it overlaps another public holiday or falls on a weekend. Islamic holidays remain tied to their Hijri dates, with moon sighting determining the final Gregorian timing.
United Arab Emirates Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- The federal public-holiday framework applies to both public and private sectors.
- Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sighting.
- Eid al-Fitr can include an additional day if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
- UAE National Day is observed on 2 and 3 December.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does the UAE have?
The number of non-working days varies because several holidays span multiple days and Islamic dates depend on the lunar calendar.
Are UAE public holidays the same for public and private sectors?
The federal holiday framework applies to both sectors, although implementation announcements can be issued separately.
Can Eid dates change in the UAE?
Yes. Islamic holiday dates are determined according to moon sighting.
When is UAE National Day?
The National Day holiday is observed on 2 and 3 December.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official 2026 national public-holiday list with lunar-date caveat.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory or institutional material is used as the primary reference where available. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent calendar cross-check. Later official declarations take precedence.