Employees planning their leave next year are likely to see several extended breaks on the horizon, with current projections pointing to at least a dozen official days off across United Arab Emirates, including a notably long stretch in late May.
The country’s public holiday framework blends fixed dates under the Gregorian calendar with religious observances determined by the Islamic Hijri system. Because the Hijri calendar follows lunar cycles, the precise start of key holidays such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha is only confirmed shortly before they begin, following moon sightings. Even so, astronomical calculations allow for early forecasts that many residents and employers rely on for forward planning in places such as Dubai and the other emirates.
Under the public holiday law approved in April 2024 and implemented in January 2025, early estimates for 2026 suggest that Eid Al Fitr will likely result in a three-day break. A longer pause is anticipated around Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, which, when combined with a weekend, could create a six-day holiday period.
Other observances are expected to punctuate the work calendar rather than cluster around weekends. Forecasts show both the Islamic New Year and the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) falling on a Tuesday. Based on current practice, these days off are likely to be shifted to the start of the week, creating additional long weekends.
While most predicted holidays are not expected to land on Saturdays or Sundays, final arrangements remain subject to official moon-sighting announcements, which can still alter dates.
Based on present projections, the 2026 public holidays are expected to fall on the following dates:
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
Eid Al Fitr: Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22
Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26
Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29
Islamic New Year: Monday, June 15 (with the actual date expected Tuesday, June 16, and the holiday moved forward)
The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH): Monday, August 24 (with the actual date expected Tuesday, August 25, and the holiday moved forward)
National Day: Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3
The law also gives local authorities the option to declare additional public holidays beyond those listed, should they choose to do so.
