Planning your UAE public holidays 2026 is the key to unlocking memorable vacations, cherished family time, and well-deserved breaks. For residents in the UAE, this planning often comes with a significant challenge: the uncertainty of Islamic holiday dates. Juggling fixed holidays with those dependent on the lunar calendar can make booking travel and scheduling events feel like a gamble.
This is not just another list of dates. This is your definitive strategic planner for 2026. We’ve designed this guide to help you navigate the predicted holiday calendar with confidence, transforming uncertainty into opportunity. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive look at the predicted public holidays, a deep dive into the most promising long weekends, actionable strategies to maximize your time off, and a clear explanation of the official confirmation process. By combining public holidays with the school calendar, this guide is your single source for mastering your 2026 schedule.
Disclaimer: Please note that the dates for Islamic holidays mentioned in this article are based on astronomical predictions and are subject to change based on official moon sightings. All such dates should be considered tentative until they are officially confirmed by the UAE government.
UAE Public Holidays 2026: Predicted Dates at a Glance
To get you started, here is a clear, scannable list of the predicted public holidays for 2026. We’ve marked which dates are fixed according to the Gregorian calendar and which are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and remain tentative. For the most current information, you can always refer to the Official UAE Government Holiday List.[1]
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1 (Fixed)
- Eid Al Fitr: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22 (Tentative, 3 days)
- Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26 (Tentative, 1 day)
- Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29 (Tentative, 3 days)
- Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year): Wednesday, June 17 (Tentative, 1 day)
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: Wednesday, August 26 (Tentative, 1 day)
- Commemoration Day: Tuesday, December 1 (Fixed, previously observed on Nov 30)
- Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day): Wednesday, December 2 – Thursday, December 3 (Fixed, 2 days)
Your Guide to the 2026 Long Weekends in the UAE
The real magic of holiday planning lies in identifying and maximizing the long weekends. In 2026, several public holidays are predicted to fall perfectly, creating incredible opportunities for extended breaks. Here’s a breakdown of what to look forward to.
Potential 3-Day Break: Eid Al Fitr 2026
Eid Al Fitr, the “festival of breaking the fast,” is a joyous celebration that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In 2026, it is predicted to begin on Friday, March 20, and last until Sunday, March 22. This alignment naturally creates a three-day weekend, offering a perfect opportunity for family gatherings, local celebrations, or a quick staycation.
The Big One: A Potential 6-Day Holiday for Eid Al Adha 2026
Mark your calendars for what could be the longest public holiday break of the year. Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant holidays in Islam, is preceded by Arafat Day. Astronomically, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29. When combined with the following weekend (Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31), this could result in a spectacular six-day break. This period is a prime opportunity for international travel or an extended local holiday.
Year-End Break: Eid Al Etihad (National Day) 2026
The year concludes with a celebration of the nation’s heritage and unity. Commemoration Day is observed on December 1, and Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) is celebrated on December 2 and 3. In 2026, these fixed holidays fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This creates a guaranteed three-day public holiday, which, when combined with the weekend, forms a five-day break from Tuesday to Sunday. This is an excellent chance to enjoy the festive national events or plan a final trip for the year.
Why Do UAE Holiday Dates Change? Understanding the Uncertainty
The main source of UAE holiday dates uncertainty for residents is the country’s use of two different calendars. This section demystifies the process so you can plan more effectively.
Holidays like New Year’s Day and Eid Al Etihad are based on the solar Gregorian calendar, so their dates are fixed and predictable every year. However, major religious holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are determined by the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is a lunar calendar.
A lunar year is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than a solar year. This is why Islamic holidays appear to move earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. The official start of a new lunar month, and therefore the date of a holiday, depends on the physical sighting of the new crescent moon.
The UAE has an official moon-sighting committee, which convenes after sunset on the 29th day of a given Islamic month. Their confirmation determines the official start of the next month and the final holiday dates. This decision is then formally announced to the public. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (AWQAF) is the guiding body for these matters. For more information on the Hijri calendar, you can visit the UAE Islamic Affairs Authority.[2] The best place to look for the official UAE holiday confirmation is the Emirates News Agency (WAM),[3] which is the government’s official media outlet.
Strategic Planning: How to Maximize Your 2026 Holidays
Knowing the predicted dates is one thing; using them strategically is another. This UAE holiday planning guide provides actionable tips to help you maximize time off in the UAE.
- Bridge the Gaps with Annual Leave: Look for holidays that fall near a weekend. For the Eid Al Etihad break in December 2026, the holidays are on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. By taking just one day of annual leave on Monday, November 30, you can transform a five-day break into a massive nine-day vacation (from the previous weekend to the next).
- Book with Flexibility: When planning a vacation with shifting holidays, especially for the Eid breaks, prioritize flexibility. Look for flights and hotels that offer free cancellation or rebooking options for a small fee. This mitigates the risk if the official dates shift by a day.
- Plan for Both Scenarios: For the Eid holidays, have a tentative plan for both possible date sets. For example, if a holiday is predicted for a Tuesday but could shift to Wednesday, have a rough idea of what your travel itinerary would look like in either case.
- Embrace the Staycation: If booking international travel feels too risky, use the long weekends to explore the UAE. The country offers a wealth of luxury resorts, desert adventures, and cultural experiences that don’t require advance flight bookings.
For Parents: UAE School Holidays Calendar 2026
Coordinating family vacations requires aligning public holidays with school breaks. Below is the anticipated UAE school holidays calendar 2026 based on Ministry of Education guidelines. Always confirm specific dates with your child’s school, as private school calendars may vary.
For Schools Following the Ministry of Education (MOE) Curriculum:
- Winter Break: Continues from December 2025 until approximately January 4, 2026.
- Spring Break & Eid Al Fitr: Approximately March 16 – March 29, 2026 (likely to coincide with Eid Al Fitr).
- Eid Al Adha Break: Expected to align with the public holiday in late May 2026.
- Summer Break: Begins around the end of June or early July 2026.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the Official UAE Academic Calendar[4] provided by the Ministry of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about UAE Public Holidays
How are UAE public holidays officially announced?
The UAE Cabinet officially declares public holidays for both the public and private sectors. These announcements are typically made a few weeks or days before the holiday and are broadcast through the country’s official media channel, the Emirates News Agency (WAM).[3]
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
According to official UAE government policy, if a public holiday falls on a weekend day (Saturday or Sunday), the day off is generally not carried forward or compensated with a substitute day off during the week.
Can a declared holiday be moved?
Yes. The UAE Cabinet has the authority to shift certain public holidays (excluding the Eid holidays) to the beginning or end of a week. This policy is designed to create longer, more unified weekends for residents. This is an important factor to consider when making preliminary plans.
Your 2026 Plan Starts Now
With this strategic guide, you are now equipped to plan your year with confidence. The key opportunities for 2026 lie within the long weekends of Eid Al Fitr, the potentially massive Eid Al Adha break, and the year-end Eid Al Etihad celebrations. By understanding the process behind date confirmations and planning with flexibility, you can conquer the uncertainty and make the most of every day off.
Bookmark this page! We will be updating it with official government announcements the moment they are released. Share this definitive planner with friends and colleagues to start organizing your 2026 adventures together.
Official Sources & References
- The Official Portal of the UAE Government. (n.d.). Public holidays. Retrieved from https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays
- General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (AWQAF). (n.d.). Home Page. Retrieved from https://www.awqaf.gov.ae/en
- Emirates News Agency (WAM). (n.d.). Home Page. Retrieved from https://wam.ae/en/
- UAE Ministry of Education. (n.d.). Academic Calendar. Retrieved from https://www.moe.gov.ae/en/media-hub/pages/academic-calendar.aspx
