Dubai gets a solid number of public holidays every year, but planning around them requires understanding which dates are fixed and which depend on the moon. Here is a list of all official UAE public holidays in 2026, including confirmed and expected Islamic dates, with notes on private-sector vs public-sector entitlements. For your convenience, these UAE Public Holidays 2026 are organised by both date and category.
How UAE Public Holidays Work
The UAE has two categories of public holidays: As you plan for UAE Public Holidays 2026, note that both fixed and Islamic dates are included within these groups. Additionally, understanding the UAE Public Holidays in 2026 ensures you’re prepared for both types throughout the year.
- Fixed holidays: Set by the Gregorian calendar — same date every year.
- Islamic (Hijri) holidays: Tied to the lunar calendar, so the date shifts by roughly 10–11 days each year and is officially confirmed by moon sighting, sometimes only 1–2 days before the holiday begins.
Public and private sector employees are both entitled to public holidays, but the exact number of days can differ, particularly for Islamic holidays. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issues private sector circulars. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) handles public-sector announcements, affecting how UAE Public Holidays 2026 are communicated and observed.
UAE Public Holidays 2026 — Full List
| Holiday | Date(s) | Day(s) | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday | Fixed | All sectors |
| Eid Al Fitr | 19–22 March | Thursday–Sunday | Islamic | Subject to moon sighting |
| Arafat (Waqfat Arafat) Day | 26 May | Tuesday | Islamic | Subject to moon sighting |
| Eid Al Adha | 27–29 May | Wednesday–Friday | Islamic | Subject to moon sighting |
| Islamic New Year | 16 June | Tuesday | Islamic | Approximate; subject to moon sighting |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | 25 August | Tuesday | Islamic | Approximate; subject to moon sighting |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November | Monday | Fixed | Marks Emirati Martyrs’ Day |
| UAE National Day | 2–3 December | Wednesday–Thursday | Fixed | All sectors |
*Dates for all Islamic holidays are approximate. The UAE moon-sighting committee confirms them officially — sometimes just 24–48 hours in advance. This affects when the UAE Public Holidays 2026 are finally announced.*
Key Holiday Details
Eid Al Fitr — March 2026
The UAE confirmed Eid Al Fitr 2026 starts on 20 March, with the official public holiday running 19–22 March (Thursday to Sunday). For public sector employees, this was announced as a four-day break. Private sector workers receive a minimum of three days under MoHRE rules, though many employers follow the public sector calendar. If you are mapping out the UAE Public Holidays 2026, these dates are essential to block in advance, as the 2026 UAE public holidays create key opportunities for travel and celebration.
Eid Al Adha — May 2026
- Arafat Day: Tuesday, 26 May
- Eid Al Adha: Wednesday–Friday, 27–29 May
Public sector: Five working days off (25–29 May), making a potential nine-day break. Make sure you align your travel with the major UAE Public Holidays 2026 for a seamless experience. In particular, public holidays in the UAE for 2026 are prime periods for domestic and international journeys.
Private sector: Four days (26–29 May). Combined with the weekend, six consecutive days off for most employees.
UAE National Day — 2–3 December
Marks the founding of the UAE federation on 2 December 1971. Always a two-day holiday for both sectors, and it sits at the end of the UAE Public Holidays 2026, closing out the year’s national celebrations on the 2026 holiday calendar for the UAE public.
Private Sector vs Public Sector
| Situation | Public Sector | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Eid Al Fitr | Announced by FAHR (typically 4+ days) | Minimum 3 days per MoHRE |
| Eid Al Adha | Announced by FAHR (typically 4–5 days) | Minimum 4 days per MoHRE |
| Fixed holidays | Identical | Identical |
FAQ
Do private sector employees get the same holidays as government employees?
They get all the same fixed public holidays. For Islamic holidays, private sector workers receive a minimum entitlement from MoHRE, which can be fewer days than in the public sector. Many private employers voluntarily match the public sector calendar. This is especially relevant for businesses tracking all UAE Public Holidays in 2026 and their legal obligations.
When are UAE public holidays officially confirmed?
Fixed holidays are published at the start of the year. Islamic holidays are confirmed after the moon sighting, which can happen 1–2 days before the holiday. You can reference the official UAE Public Holidays 2026 list above for planning purposes, so your schedule is coordinated around the 2026 UAE public holidays with accuracy.
What if a public holiday falls on a Friday or Saturday?
The government announces a compensatory day off on the nearest working day. Watch for official MoHRE and FAHR announcements since these are important for scheduling around significant UAE 2026 public holidays and associated events.
Where do I get official holiday announcements?
The UAE Government portal at u.ae, MoHRE social channels, and FAHR for federal employees. UAE News Agency (WAM) publishes government circulars as issued. For the latest confirmation of UAE Public Holidays 2026 and news updates, these resources provide accurate information for everyone planning time off in the UAE.