UAE Holidays in 2026
The next public holiday update will reflect the 2027 calendar once officially announced by UAE authorities.
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Whether you’re searching for the UAE public holidays 2026, Eid holidays in UAE, UAE National Day holidays, or quick answers like “is today a holiday in UAE?” or “next public holiday in UAE”, this page provides a complete, up-to-date holiday list in one place.
All dates are aligned with official UAE government announcements, with Islamic holidays subject to moon sighting confirmations. Bookmark this page to stay informed about upcoming holidays in UAE 2026 and any last-minute updates.
List of UAE public and national holidays 2026
Below is the official list of UAE public and national holidays for 2026, applicable across all emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. These are government-declared holidays observed by both public and private sector employees.
The table includes:
- National observances such as UAE National Day
- Global holidays like New Year’s Day
- Major Islamic holidays including Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Islamic holiday dates are subject to confirmation based on official moon sighting announcements.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Official Holidays |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid Al Fitr* | Official Holidays |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid Al Fitr* | Official Holidays |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid Al Fitr* | Official Holidays |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Arafat Day* | Official Holidays |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid Al Adha* | Official Holidays |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid Al Adha* | Official Holidays |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid Al Adha* | Official Holidays |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Hijri New Year | Official Holidays |
| Aug 25 | Tuesday | Prophet’s Birthday | Official Holidays |
| Dec 2 | Wednesday | UAE National Day | Official Holidays |
| Dec 3 | Thursday | UAE National Day | Official Holidays |
History & background of UAE public holidays
UAE public holidays have evolved alongside the country’s modern history and federal governance. The UAE holiday calendar includes national holidays marking milestones such as the formation of the UAE in 1971, alongside Islamic observances like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha (Bakrid) and Muharram (Islamic New Year) holidays that follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar.
Over time, UAE public holidays have been standardised across emirates and sectors, helping employees and employers plan around a clear set of government-declared holidays each year.
New Year’s Day - Jan 1
Marking the first official public holiday of the year, New Year’s Day in UAE was observed Jan 1, which fell on a Thursday. Friday, Jan 2, 2026 was designated as a remote work day for federal government employees (where applicable) rather than being declared an additional public holiday. For the private sector, Jan 1 was announced as a paid public holiday.
Eid Holidays 2026 in UAE
Like the rest of the GCC, Eid holidays in the UAE are among the most widely observed public holidays, typically offering a longer break than most other dates on the UAE holidays 2026 calendar. These Eid holidays in UAE apply to both public and private sector employees across all emirates, which is why they’re a key period for leave planning, staffing, and travel decisions.
Eid Al Fitr Holidays
March 20–22, 2026 (Friday to Sunday)
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, followed by Shawwal as the 10th. Eid Al Fitr is observed on the first day of Shawwal, immediately after Ramadan ends. The UAE marks Eid Al Fitr with three days of public holiday (Shawwal 1-3). As a major UAE public holiday, Eid Al Fitr is observed by both public and private sector employees across all emirates.
Smart planning can help employees maximise this festival break. By requesting annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16–19, it is possible to enjoy nine days off, from Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 22, including weekends and the Eid holidays.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (Bakrid) Holidays in UAE
Arafat Day: May 26, 2026 (Tuesday)
Eid Al Adha (Bakrid): May 27–29, 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
Arafat Day is observed one day before Eid Al Adha — both fall in Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th Islamic month. Arafat Day is immediately followed by Eid Al Adha (Bakrid), one of the longest and most widely observed Eid holidays in UAE.
With Arafat Day on Tuesday and Eid holidays from Wednesday to Friday, employees get six consecutive days off when combined with the weekend (Tuesday, May 26 to Sunday, May 31). Add a Monday May 25 leave, and you will have 9 consecutive days off (May 23 – May 31).
Fun fact: Eid Al Adha typically falls around 2 months & 10 days after Eid Al Fitr.
Islamic New Year (Hijri / Muharram) - June 16
The Islamic New Year holiday in UAE (also called the Hijri New Year) is observed as a one-day public holiday. It marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Start the new lunar year with a mini-break; the Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, although the exact date will be confirmed after the moon sighting. Take Monday off, and you could enjoy a relaxing 4-day break including the weekend. Transferable leave may also apply, pending a UAE Cabinet ruling.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday - August 25
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (also known as Milad un Nabi) is observed as a one-day public holiday in the UAE. In 2026, it is listed on Tuesday, August 25. Depending on UAE Cabinet decisions for that year’s holiday calendar, some one-day holidays may be transferred to create a longer weekend.
For employees with a Saturday–Sunday weekend, taking annual leave on Monday can extend the break.
Commemoration Day - Nov 30 (Not a Holiday)
Commemoration Day honors Emirati heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. It is observed annually on November 30 through official ceremonies and remembrance. However, there is no public holiday on Commemoration Day — no separate day off is granted on Nov 30. Employees receive time off only for the UAE National Day holidays on December 2–3.
UAE National Day 2026 (Eid Al Etihad) - Dec 2–3
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) commemorates the formation of the UAE and is celebrated across all emirates. It is falling mid-week this year (Wed–Thu). National Day holidays are observed across all emirates, and most organisations in the UAE follow the same official dates for public and private sector employees. Since this period is a peak travel and leave-planning window, it’s a good idea to confirm internal office closures and any sector-specific working arrangements in advance.
UAE holidays for private sector employees
In the UAE, official public holidays apply to private sector employees as well. These dates are announced through UAE's official holiday calendar. For the private sector, holiday dates are typically confirmed through MoHRE updates.
Private sector employees commonly receive paid holidays for:
- Eid holidays (Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha)
- Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year / Muharram)
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
- New Year’s Day
Bank & financial sector holidays in UAE
Bank holidays in the UAE are announced separately by the UAE Central Bank. While these dates usually align with public holidays, branch operations and service hours may vary by bank, especially during extended Eid holidays.
How HR teams use this UAE holiday list?
FAQs on UAE Holidays in 2026
How many public holidays are there in UAE in 2026?
UAE has multiple public holidays each year, including Eid holidays and national observances. The exact number depends on lunar calendar confirmations.
Are UAE public holidays the same for private companies?
Yes. UAE public holidays apply to both government and private sector employees.
Are Eid holiday dates fixed in UAE?
No. Eid holidays depend on moon sightings and are confirmed by official announcements.
Does UAE National Day have two holidays?
Yes. UAE National Day is officially observed on December 2 and 3.
How do holidays affect payroll processing in UAE?
Payroll teams must adjust salary processing, bank submissions and cut-offs around UAE public and bank holidays to avoid delays.
Does greytHR support UAE holiday automation?
Yes. greytHR allows organizations to configure UAE-specific holiday calendars, automate leave policies and ensure accurate payroll processing.
Does Dubai follow the same public holidays as the rest of the UAE?
Yes. Dubai follows the official UAE public holiday calendar announced by the federal government. Public holidays generally apply across all emirates, including Dubai, unless specifically stated otherwise.
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in UAE?
Yes. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year / Muharram) is observed as a one-day public holiday in the UAE for both public and private sector employees.
Are Eid holidays the same for private sector employees in the UAE?
Yes. Eid holidays announced under the UAE public holiday calendar apply to both public and private sector employees, with dates confirmed through official government announcements.
Are banks closed during UAE public holidays?
UAE bank holidays are announced separately by the UAE Central Bank and usually align with public holidays. However, bank branch operations and service hours may vary, especially during extended Eid holidays.